1996-01-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Tuesday, January 2, 1996 AT 4:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Meeting with State Legislators to discuss upcoming General Assembly session BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox (signed) BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - January 2, 1996 Council met in special session on this date with Senator-Elect Emily Couric and Delegate Mitchell Van Yahres, with the following members present: Ms. Daugherty, Rev. Edwards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano, Mr. Vandever. Copies of the City's Legislative Packet were provided to Senator-Elect Couric and Delegate Van Yahres. Mr. Toscano said that the City is extremely concerned about the possible elimination of the Business and Professional License Tax (BPOL), which could result in a $2.9 million loss for the City. Mr. Toscano explained that the City is committed to passing a uniform BPOL ordinance. Delegate Van Yahres said that legislation is being considered that would set a floor of $100,000 for BPOL, to which Mr. O'Connell replied that would have a $500,000 impact on the City. Mr. Clyde Gouldman, City Attorney, said that Council has endorsed the Virginia Municipal League ordinance with no exemptions. Ms. Daugherty noted that in her almost four years on Council, she has had no businesses lobby her against BPOL. Delegate Van Yahres said he felt the BPOL should be considered a license to do business rather than a tax. Mr. Toscano said he had questions about the education technology initiatives as proposed by the Governor. Delegate Van Yahres said that projected increases in lottery money are proposed to go to education. Mr. Toscano said that the State has had a goal of funding 80% of administration expenses for mandated program in the Department of Social Services, but over the years the State funding has fallen short, with funding now only in the mid to high 60%. Mr. Toscano noted that the Governor's budget includes further cuts in administration funding. Ms. Daugherty expressed concern about adequate funding for welfare reforming when the program begins in Charlottesville in the fall of 1997. Responding to concern expressed by Ms. Daugherty about increased retirement funding for the schools to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), Delegate Van Yahres said that the Governor's budget phases the increase in at the lowest possible level. Ms. Slaughter expressed concern about reports that the VRS is becoming more speculative in their investments, and Delegate Van Yahres replied that the VRS Board is very conservative in their investment approach, though others have suggested a more speculative approach.