1996-01-02(II) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Toscano referred to the reversion statute issue in the City's Legislative Packet, and said that any legislation changing the statute has the potential to upset the negotiating process with Albemarle County. Mr. Toscano urged the legislators to oppose all bills regarding changes to the reversion statute. Ms. Slaughter said that she hopes the General Assembly will look at the reversion statute from a statewide basis and at the problems it was intended to resolve. Delegate Van Yahres said that he made a campaign commitment to draft a bill that would prevent a city from reverting, annexing and applying for a charter again for two years. Mr: Vandever said that such a bill would have no practical effect since the City has not indicated an intention to take such action. Mr. Vandever noted that the reversion law came out of a long process, and he feels it would be bad policy to change as a result of an emotional issue. Delegate Van Yahres said that one of the bills proposed by Albemarle County would prevent the City, should it revert to town status, from annexing land for a period of five years. Mr. Vandever questioned how annexing land would hurt the County since the annexed land would remain within County limits. Mr. Gouldman said thru such a bill perceives town annexation the same as city annexation though they are different. Mr. Gouldman noted that a five year restriction on annexing would really amount to approximately twelve years due to the long process involved in both reversion and annexation. Mr. Gouldman noted that the judges involved in a reversion process have the authority to assure that any annexation be orderly. Ms. Slaughter urged the legislators to recommend that the General Assembly study the current reversion bill rather than make any changes at this time. Mr. Toscano said that the Urban Partnership suggestion about establishment of regional cooperation incentive funds could be useful to Charlottesville and Albemarle County and said he would provide information on this proposal to the legislators. The meeting ~journed. President COUNCIL CHAMBER - January 2, 1996 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Ms. Daugherty, Rev. Edwards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano, Mr. Vandever (arrived during executive session). PUBLIC Mr. John Yellott, 311 E. Market Street, suggested that Council consider providing information on legal or political implications of reversion to town status, and asked that Council consider his proposal for resident permit parking downtown. Mr. Toscano said that if Charlottesville reverted'to town status it would maintain its zoning ordinances and planning capabilities. Mr. Gouldman explained that prior to operating as a town, there would be an election of a new town council and mayor.