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3 Mr. Downing Smith, 810 Locust Avenue, said he is concerned about the water supply plan too. He said some have said there is corruption going on, and while he does not think that is true, he expressed concern about the relationship between RWSA and the consultant. He said to his knowledge there was no competitive bidding. th Mr. John Gaines, 214 9 Street, N.W., said that Hope House and Dr. Bare should be commended for sheltering the homeless, but feels that residents of the area should receive answers about the shelter. He asked why the City has allowed the shelter to operate in violation of the Code and did not contact the neighborhood. He asked about the affect on children and property values. He asked why Dr. Bare did not put the shelter at his church on Rio Road. He asked if criminal background checks are done on residents of the shelter. He asked if the City plans to provide financial help to the shelter. Ms. Mandy Burbage, representing the Charlottesville Community Design Center, thanked the City for being proactive with environmental issues. She introduced the new initiative, SPARK, which has a goal of being a resource for helping residents to understand energy use. She offered CCDC as a resource to the City. COUNCIL RESPONSES TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Huja said that the City is proceeding with providing year-round and free bus service to CHS students. He said he has not made up his mind about the water supply plan and hopes to learn more about it. Ms. Edwards said she is glad we are having a work session on the water supply plan, and feels it is important for people to hear the dialogue. She said she appreciates Mr. Mason being an advocate for his health. She said the community has not talked about the homeless issue comprehensively, and she is glad we are talking about it. Dr. Brown said he is glad to see Mr. Gaines and Mr. Varney come forward with their concerns. He said for too long African American neighborhoods have borne the brunt, and he said all concerns need to be addressed. He said he is glad a work session is scheduled on the water supply plan. He said the comments made about the plan are not quite accurate. He said the pipeline is old and needs to be replaced no matter what else we do. He said if we completely dredge the reservoir it still does not meet the needs. He said more information on the sustainability of dredging needs to be presented, noting that it is something that will have to continue to be done. He said he also wonders about the energy costs of dredging. Mr. Taliaferro said he has not made up his mind on the water plan, and is open to listening. He said some of the points made are valid. He said someone will meet with Mr. Mason. He said he agrees somewhat with Mr. Gaines’ comments, and questioned how the shelter is operating if there is no certificate of occupancy. Mr. O’Connell noted that the homeless shelter has been sited as being in violation of the code. Mr. Norris thanked Mr. Freckman for encouraging the pilot test of free bus rides for CHS students year round. He encouraged the public to attend the work session on the water plan. Mr. Norris noted that at the last meeting Mr. John Pfaltz claimed that his neighbor sold his house for $300,000 less than the assessment. He said in reality it sold for $100,000 less than the assessment, not the larger figure as alleged. APPOINTMENTS: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS On motion by Dr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Huja, Ms. Margaret DeMallie, Mr. Charles E. Lewis, IV, Mr. Keith O. Woodard, and Mr. Peter Weems were reappointed, and Mr. James Halfaday was appointed to five-year terms on the Building Code Board of Appeals by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. These terms will expire on April 13, 2013.