2010-02-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL CHAMBER – February 16, 2010 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris (arrived late); Ms. Szakos. Ms. Edwards said Mr. Norris will be arriving late. TH AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS : 40 ANNIVERSARY OF VIRGINIA SCENIC RIVER PROGRAM Ms. Edwards presented the Virginia Scenic River Proclamation. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Huja announced the City will provide free storm related debris pickup from March 1 through 5 on the days of routine trash pickup. Dr. Brown announced the deadlines for applications for the real estate and rent relief programs, said the 2010 census is getting ready to start, and said he would like to talk about the City’s street acceptance policy during other business. Ms. Szakos said the annual Charlottesville High School symphony and orchestra will perform tomorrow, said Venable students will appear in a documentary to be shown at the Paramount, and pre-school registration is due on March 2. PUBLIC Mr. Joe Szakos, Executive Director of the Virginia Organizing Project, expressed concern about the impact of state and federal budget cuts, especially on low income residents, those with special needs, and the unemployed. He encouraged Council to ask state legislators to use the many options they have to raise revenues, especially increasing taxes on the highest earners. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said she does not think it is wise to give the conservation easement to a private organization; said she looks forward to working on the goal of a neighborhood advocate, but would prefer that it not be under Neighborhood Development Services; and supported applying the proposed noise ordinance to all residential areas. Mr. Peter Castiglione, 1516 Chesapeake Street, owner of Maya Restaurant on West Main Street, asked why the downtown mall is exempt from the proposed decibel level changes. He opposed the restriction and said it would give them an unfair advantage. He asked Council to consider the inherent inequality. Mr. Adam Frazer, 707 Graves Street, owner of The Local, said Belmont is a diverse neighborhood and the battle appears to be between Bel Rio and four or five residents. He said the proposed noise ordinance will be a death knell to Bel Rio. He asked that Council make a decision on this important issue. Mr. Jim Baldi, 900 Elliott Avenue, owner of Bel Rio, supported the request that Council make a decision. He said it is not true to say that this change would have no budgetary impact as it would reduce sales taxes. He said it would be unworkable for outdoor patios. He said it would be useful to have the sample decibel levels. He said where the noise would be measured is unclear. Mr. Bennie Dodd said he has been a full-time musician since 1976, and if the proposed ordinance is adopted it will affect all of Charlottesville and will close down the music scene. Mr. Jamie Dyer said he is a musician and there is a unique music scene in Charlottesville.