2008-11-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Mr. Jock Yellott, 311 E. Market Street, said he understands that no decision will be made about the parking study tonight. He said he thinks a public hearing is needed on the study. He asked why residents and commuters were left out of the discussion and only business representatives were included. He questioned whether we want to change to zone parking. COUNCIL RESPONSES TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Huja said that Council is addressing many of the concerns about the water supply and will discuss it later in the meeting. Mr. Taliaferro said that Council is also concerned about the changing cost of the water supply plan and will seriously look at dredging before we go forward. Dr. Brown said he shares concerns about the rising cost of the water supply plan, and agrees that we need to look at the expanding costs. He said his concern with the resolution adopted by neighborhood associations is that it is not a choice of dredging or raising the dam as dredging alone is not enough. He said it was a thoughtful suggestion to use other sources. He said this is first time he has heard the plan referred to as a river restoration plan. He said the river benefits, but that is not the purpose of the plan. Regarding comments made by Mr. Mason, he said it is clear that he does not have a good rapport with the police, but he said he thinks we have a top notch department. He said when comments such as Mr. Mason’s are made we are only hearing one side of the story. Ms. Edwards said she has had discussions with Chief Longo about the police and the black community. She said she thinks there is a place for a useful and productive conversation so everyone can benefit. Ms. Edwards said Council will discuss the water plan more in depth later in the meeting. Regarding Ms. Hall’s concerns about the survey, she said it could not be put in the City’s utility bills because of the billing cycle, but an effort was made to reach as many people as possible. She said she made an effort to distribute the survey to public housing sites. Regarding the parking study, she said any study takes a long time. She said good things do happen with a deliberative process. She said a public hearing is a good idea. Mr. Norris acknowledged Dr. Brown’s comments about comments made publicly about City departments. He said there is a forum now in the Police Advisory Panel. He thanked Mr. Mason for reminding Council about safety issues at Westhaven. APPOINTMENTS On motion by Dr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Huja, Ms. Anne Broccoli and Ms. Stephanie Cangin were appointed to four-year terms on the Social Services Advisory Board by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. These terms will expire on June 30, 2012. CONSENT AGENDA On motion by Mr. Taliaferro, seconded by Dr. Brown, the following consent agenda items were approved by the following vote. Aye: Dr. Brown (except that he voted against the water conservation ordinance), Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: Dr. Brown only on the water conservation ordinance. Dr. Brown said he voted against the water conservation ordinance because while the ordinance tightens certain regulations, it loosens restrictions on planting. He said while that may be an economic benefit, it will allow more water to be used. a. Minutes of October 6, 9 and 17 APPROPRIATION b. : $18,000 – Highway Safety Grant (carried over) APPROPRIATION c. : $7,118 – Regional Jail Grant (carried over)