2009-11-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

5 serve as the single point of contact for neighbors. She said there is concern about loss of trees, and asked that trees be identified for possible saving. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, Executive Board member of the Alliance of Neighbors, said the Alliance considers this an important project. She noted that the project will also affect other neighborhoods. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, recommended that the City specifically state the nature of the transfer of land as it is not clear if it is to be sold, loaned or given. Mr. John Pfaltz, 1503 Rugby Road, said he thinks the restoration of Meadow Creek is great, but the pipe enlargement will serve Albemarle Place in Albemarle County which will generate more traffic. He asked if Council really wants to enlarge the pipe. Ms. Betty Mooney, 201 Sunset Avenue, said that the usage of the pipe is currently 60% City, 40% County, and she would like to see what the future usage is expected to be. She said if the pipe is only repaired, not replaced, it could be kept at its current size. She said the City should not pay for County growth. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Norris said the cost allocation is a point of ongoing discussion. He said the City has made it clear it will not pay for County expansion. He said there will be a public vote on the cost allocation. He asked the City Attorney to comment on the nature of the transfer as requested by Mr. Kleeman. Mr. Brown said that the underlying legal issue is that a sale triggers a supermajority vote. He said he does not agree that granting these easements requires that and he does not think a court would see it as required. He said no money is changing hands and it is a donation of an easement. Mr. Norris agreed that ensuring clear communication with residents is important, and he liked the idea of residents identifying trees that we can try to save. Dr. Brown said he thinks the restoration of the creek is a remarkable project. Ms. Edwards asked what opportunities are there for using local workforce in the projects, could that be part of the RFP, and could local nurseries be used. Mr. Maurice Jones, Assistant City Manager, said discussions have taken place about using a model similar to the downtown restoration, but a more thorough plan is needed. On motion by Mr. Taliaferro, seconded by Mr. Huja, the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE GRANTING PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EASEMENTS TO THE RIVANNA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY FOR THE RELOCATION AND ENLARGEMENT OF THE MEADOW CREEK SEWER INTERCEPTOR” was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. On motion by Mr. Huja, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, the Resolution Endorsing the Concept of Conservation Easements to the Nature Conservancy for the Stream Restoration Project was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. WHEREAS , the City of Charlottesville is committed to protecting stream health and water quality, as evidenced by its adoption of stream buffer protections in the City Code, its adoption of the Comprehensive Plan which contains the goal to promote, protect, and restore riparian and stream ecosystems, and the goals established in the City Council’s Vision Statement; and