2008-01-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Huja said the audits could be done by inspectors or public works employees. Dr. Brown said that the goal of giving away 5,000 light bulbs sounds great, but said it would probably cost $15,000, and suggested that there be an aim of giving away 5,000. Mr. Huja accepted the amendments regarding the energy audits and light bulb giveaway. Mr. Norris suggested that Ms. Edwards’ comments regarding safety information be added as well. The motion, as amended, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. REPORT : WATER AND WASTEWATER UPDATE Mr. O’Connell said that this report will start the discussion and the issues will come back to Council through the budget process. Ms. Lauren Hildebrand, Director of Utilities, reviewed national and state requirements. She said the City has 180 miles of water lines, and improvements needed are estimated to cost $18.8 million. She said there are 163 miles of sewer lines, and improvements for them are estimated to cost $26.7 million. She reviewed Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority’s proposed wastewater improvements, including the wastewater plant, odor control plan for Woolen Mills, and the Meadow Creek interceptor project. She said water and sewer rates will be considered by Council in May. She noted that these improvements are funded through utility funds, not the general fund. Mr. Taliaferro said it is critical to increase the size of the water lines for fire safety. Ms. Edwards asked if the odor in the Woolen Mills is a health issue, and Ms. Hildebrand said no. Mr. Norris asked that staff provide a one page presentation of all infrastructure needs in the City so that Council can look at the must haves versus the nice to haves. He said we need to be up front about the scope of the problem. REPORT : REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY Mr. Harrison Rue, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, presented information in advance of a joint work session with the Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board, Council and the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors on a proposed regional transit authority, including a review of a regional vision for transit and project activities to date; identifying transit supportive corridors and areas; potential service strategies; and regional transit management and governance. He asked Council for feedback on whether the Policy Board guidance is on track. Dr. Brown said he thinks it is important to meet with Albemarle County as a commitment is needed from them to boost their funding for transit. He said he thinks we need to go with the most ambitious proposal. Dr. Brown suggested that Council have a discussion at an upcoming agenda or work session about where we are with City services. Mr. Huja concurred with Dr. Brown that we need to be bold. Mr. Norris said it is important not to assume that transit routes have to function they way they do now. He said he has been convinced that it would be good to go to a trunk and feeder system in the future.