2009-07-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL CHAMBER – July 20, 2009 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Norris announced that the City and County have been awarded a $500,000 LEAP energy efficiency grant. He said there will be a “Taste of Ghana” celebration on Thursday and a report on exchange possibilities will be given at that time. He said the African American Cultural Festival will be held on Saturday. He said the Housing Authority will be holding community visioning meetings next Monday and Tuesday. Ms. Edwards said the Dialogue on Race Committee will be meeting on Thursday. She said some events of the African American Cultural Festival will be held on Friday. PUBLIC Mr. Paul Long, 1410 Grady Avenue, said creation of a regional transportation authority would lead to a decrease in traffic and accidents and will bring people downtown. He said U. Va. should be called upon to make an annual contribution to the City in lieu of taxes, and he suggested $35 million. Ms. Jeanne Chase, 223 Old Lynchburg Road, speaking on behalf of the Fry’s Spring Neighborhood Association, read a letter unanimously approved, expressing continuing concern about the proposed parking expansion by the bridge. Dr. Joe Mooney, 201 Sunset Avenue, a member of the Fry’s Spring Neighborhood Association, said we have the opportunity to look at two real choices for the bridge. He said the proposed structure and design are great. He said we have a choice between asphalt and trees. He said there is a risk of bike riders being “doored” if parking is added along the bike lane. Mr. Mike Etchemendy, 1213 Agnese Street, representing the Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle, gave an update on what the group is doing, and read testimonials from students. He said free one on one lessons are offered to adults. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, referring to the allocation of housing funds, said taxpayers are becoming overwhelmed. Ms. Michelle Devine-Rosser, 2106 Tarleton Drive, said she just learned of the proposed bike trail behind her house and asked where she can find the plans. She said the neighbors were not informed and she asked how much the bike enhancement will cost. She asked if the City will be responsible for removing the trail residue from her yard. Mr. Bob Fenwick, 901 E. Jefferson Street, said that the rate of buildup of silt behind the dam has decreased significantly since Tropical Storm Ernesto, and that will be a factor in the water plan. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, asked Council to spend more funds on recreation. He said that Washington Park Pool closes at 5:00 p.m. and there is a wait for entrance into Onesty Pool in the evenings. He suggested that hours be increased at Washington Park. COUNCIL RESPONSES TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Huja said we should investigate why three more parking spaces are needed so close to the Jefferson Park Avenue bridge. Ms. Edwards agreed with Mr. Huja. She said it is refreshing to hear about Literacy Volunteers. She said the bike trail expansion may need the same process as the park master plan.