2009-03-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Dr. Brown said as an experienced biker he feels safe bicycling, but the bigger issue is for those who are inexperienced. He said he would like to have a conversation about this next year, and agreed that $25,000 would be a great way to get started. Dr. Brown asked if we should put money aside for big tickets items in the future, and is that logical for bondable projects. Mr. O’Connell said we could do both. He said we try to keep annual debt service flat or balanced over a four to five year period. Dr. Brown asked what we are not doing by reducing the CIP by $500,000. Ms. Mueller said that for the Schools, central office and Buford renovations were taken out, and paving the Charlottesville High School parking lot was deferred. For City projects, she said upgrades to HVAC system has been delayed, as well as roof repairs and major equipment. She said no major projects were cut out. She said there will not be as much money available if something breaks. Dr. Brown said he understands the answer, but does not think it gives a good sense of the implications. Ms. Mueller said she will provide more information. Dr. Brown said that a committee oversees the capital budget for the Schools, but there is not an equivalent for City projects. Ms. Mueller said that professional assessments have been done of City owned buildings. Responding to a question from Mr. Huja, Mr. O’Connell said there is a long range master plan for the development of City Yard, but it will be a very expensive project. Dr. Brown expressed concern about not providing funding for the Library. He said he does not want to send the wrong message to the Library that we do not want them to remain downtown. He said if we defer funding for major renovations, we should not completely defer maintenance funding. Mr. Norris suggested having a presentation from the Library about their timeframe for renovations which would provide an opportunity for Council to show its support. Mr. O’Connell said it would be good to invite the Board of Supervisors to such a presentation. Ms. Beauregard confirmed support for adding $50,000 for trees, $100,000 for parkland/greenspace acquisition, and $25,000 for bike infrastructure. Ms. Beauregard reviewed new funding initiatives. Mr. O’Connell said funds were set aside to give Council flexibility for new initiatives for its priorities. He said $250,000 is available, and if funds remain they can be used elsewhere. No concern was expressed about the allocation of $112,100 as proposed. Support was expressed for $85,373 for the summer youth internship program and $63,000 for transit free fare for VIEW clients. Mr. Huja said he has concerns about the $50,000 for the Dialogue on Race.