2008-02-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Mr. Paul Long, 1410 Grady Avenue, said that he is amazed that non-violent drug users are sent to jail. He said treatment is not what it should be in Charlottesville and we need a detox center. Ms. Roberta Williamson, 731 Locust Avenue, representing the Charlottesville Police Department Foundation, said that the Foundation has raised $20,000 for the Police Department and recently presented awards to members of the Department. Ms. Elizabeth Kutchai, 126 Bollingwood Road, referring to a recent accident where a man in a wheelchair was hit by a vehicle while in a crosswalk, said that a blinking crosswalk sign is a warning signal. Mr. Chris Murray, an employee of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging, asked that Council provide $15,000 from the housing fund for a study of housing for low income seniors. Ms. Tsering Yangzom, 138 Mimosa Court, requested that Council fly the th National Tibetan flag on March 10 at City Hall. Mr. Rich Felker, 1 B Valley Circle, said he has been involved in the Tibetan cause since he has lived in Charlottesville, and supported flying the Tibetan flag as their struggle is dear to the Charlottesville community. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, asked that Council allow citizens to comment on smart and efficient government at every meeting. She said she was told by a friend that the line item budget is not available. She asked if that is an option that is no longer available to citizens. Mr. John Pfaltz, 1503 Rugby Road, applauded Mr. Norris and Mr. Taliaferro for holding the budget increase to 5%. He said the City should assess the performance of individual divisions every year. He asked why taxes should be earmarked for just one activity and not others as is proposed for affordable housing. Ms. Gloria Beard, 1116 Page Street, expressed concern about the narrow street at th the intersection of Page and 10 Street due to parking. She said there is no dead-end sign th at 13 Street and it is hard to turn around. Mr. Ridge Schuyler, Director of the Piedmont Nature Conservancy, said that he will be coming to Council meetings to update Council on the Nature Conservancy. He said it is a global conservation organization, membership based, and its mission is to protect life on earth. Ms. Naomi Roberts, 1140 St. Clair Avenue, said her assessment went up $11,000 and she plans to appeal it. She said the system does not take into account unkempt houses in the neighborhood. She said the Police Department does a good job governing itself and they do not need a citizen committee. COUNCIL RESPONSES TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Referring to comments made by Ms. Hall, Mr. Norris said that public comments are encouraged about the budget. He said that the budget information will not be available until February 15. Mr. Huja said he supports flying the Tibetan flag. He noted that the entire Council supported holding the budget to a 5% increase. He asked that staff look at traffic th issues at 10 and Page. Mr. Taliaferro applauded Mr. Pfaltz’s suggestions regarding divisions reporting and said we are moving in that direction. He said it is also important to do benchmarking against other cities. He said he thinks a detox center is a good idea. He said a committee will be looking at crosswalks for pedestrians. He said he thinks a timed system would be helpful.