2008-01-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. Huja said he agrees we need to look at new creative options, but we should not limit ourselves to one alternative. PUBLIC Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, President of the North Downtown Residents Association, said that in November she informed VDOT they their public hearing format on the Rt. 250/McIntire Road interchange stifled public comment. She said the NDRA Board voted to send a letter to VDOT requesting a new public hearing, but VDOT declined to schedule another public hearing. She said she was told by VDOT that Council could authorize another public hearing with a traditional format. Mr. Joe Szakos, Virginia Organizing Project, 703 Concord Avenue, said that in light of the recent racial disparity in mortgage lending in Charlottesville, Suntrust Bank, which holds City funds, was asked for a copy of their community reinvestment act plan. He said he was finally given a copy of a regional plan not specific to Charlottesville. He asked that this issue be investigated. Ms. Dede Smith, 2652 Jefferson Park Circle, said that Council asked that the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority provide the public with simple information on the water plan, but she has not been able to find it. She said she has created a website providing information on the plan. She recommended that Council ask RWSA questions about the rate increases we have already had. Mr. Bill Emory, 1604 E. Market Street, said the odor from the treatment plan is not just in the Woolen Mills, but is in the Carlton area as well. She said if others in the community shared the odor they would be willing to share the bill. He said he is not sure it is not a health issue. Ms. Joy Johnson, 823-D Hardy Drive, said that more money is needed for community policing to address drug problems and recent shootings in several areas in the community. She asked if there is a plan to install compact fluorescent lights in City Hall. Mr. John Martin, Free Union, said that citizens disagree sometimes, but he does not agree with some of what has been said tonight about the water supply plan. He said the plan is outstanding and lots of hours were spent on it and there was a lot of citizen involvement. Ms. Naomi Roberts said she remains against the EMS proposal and said Council should consider donating money to the Rescue Squad instead. She presented Council with a copy of a letter to the editor of the Daily Progress about the City budget. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Norris asked staff to do some due diligence with Suntrust and learn more about their community investment action plan locally. RESOLUTION : DECLARING END TO DROUGHT WARNING Mr. O’Connell said that a drought watch remains in effect, but citizens can now wash their cars and water their lawns. Dr. Brown said he would like to see a monthly report on the water situation, to include stream flows as well as the reservoirs. On motion by Dr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, Council voted to approve the resolution declaring an end to the drought warning by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. WHEREAS, on August 16, 2007 the City Council imposed mandatory restrictions on the use of water from the City public water supply pursuant to City Code sec. 31-125; and,