2009-01-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

4 Mr. Mike Svetz, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained that the City and Albemarle County jointly own Ivy Creek and the tenant house. He said the long-time tenants wish to renew their lease. He said they are responsible for a variety of duties in exchange for a reduced rent of $150 per month. He said Albemarle County has already approved the lease. The public hearing was opened, but as there were no speakers, the public hearing was closed. On motion by Dr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Huja, the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE IVY CREEK NATURAL AREA TENANT HOUSE” was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. Mr. Norris thanked outgoing Mr. Svetz, who will be retiring at the end of the week, for his leadership in the Parks and Recreation Department. He announced that Brian Daly will be Acting Director. REPORT : GREEN CITY VISION Ms. Kristel Riddervold, Environmental Administrator, reviewed the background for the City’s environmental efforts and presented a proposed Green City Vision Strategy Matrix which she said should be viewed as a working document. She said the Climate Protection Program is a key element to the strategy. She said staff believes that a regional steering committee would also be critical to this process. She said staff is working with Albemarle County and the University of Virginia on a joint grant proposal. She said the current Sustainability Committee recognizes that it should dissolve its current form. She said the Sustainability Committee recommended the adoption of a safe chemical management policy comparable to that of Albemarle County; made a statement in opposition to the installation of artificial turf; and recommended solar energy collection from municipal property, and a solar feasibility study is one option. Mr. Taliaferro commended staff and the Committee for its work, and said he thinks a regional partnership will make a big impact on the community. Mr. Norris noted that the Committee recommended that it be folded into the regional climate planning effort. He said one aspect, urban ecology, does not easily fold into that effort. Mr. Norris asked how maintaining that effort or initiative might happen. Ms. Riddervold said direct communication from Neighborhood Development Services staff would be good. Mr. Norris suggested it might be possible to have an advisory board address that issue. Dr. Brown said it is important that we find a way to get interested and knowledgeable citizens to push us to remain on the cutting edge. It was the consensus of Council to task staff with pursuing the safe chemical recommendation based on action taken by Albemarle County. Mr. Huja suggested that the Schools be involved as well. Dr. Brown said he thinks the issue of artificial turf needs to be brought up with the School again. Mr. Norris asked about the amount of funds that would be available for a solar energy study, and Ms. Riddervold said $45,000. Mr. Norris noted that a study is estimated to cost between $25,000 and $50,000.