1996-02-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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20 Ms. Daugherty recommended that additional information on the CATEC budget be included in the budget document for the public's benefit. Mr. Toscano asked about plans for the long-term viability of the Performing Arts Center. Dr. Shannon said that since the City is no longer subsidizing rehearsal time at the Performing Arts Center the use of the facility by local groups has decreased. Dr. Shannon said the financing of the Center will need to be addressed in FY 98. Mr. Toscano stressed that Council does not want to be put in a crisis situation regarding the Performing Arts Center in a few years. Dr. Shannon said that the financing is part of the charge of the Performing Arts Center Advisory Committee, and will also need to be addressed by the School Board and Council. The meeting ~wafjoumed. President COUNCIL CHAMBER - February 20, 1996 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Ms Daugherty, Rev. Edwards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano, Mr. Vandever. Mr. Toscano asked that speakers in favor of the bike lanes on West Main Street and those opposed to elimination of the on-street parking organize themselves to make ten minute presentations. PUBLIC Ms. Lorraine Williams, 620 Ridge Street, stated that the Ridge Street Neighborhood Association met with consultants for the Ridge Street revitalization, and the residents are very concerned about the consultants for the following reasons: the consultants have only worked on commercial revitalization and have no residential experience; one of the consultants has never done any city planning project; neither consultants have ever worked on a project involving black population. Ms. Williams said that the consultants should be sensitive to the diverse needs of the neighborhood and knowledgeable about local people. Ms. Williams also said some thought should be given to putting Ridge Street Neighborhood residents on the payroll and involving them in the revitalization project and making neighborhoods feel part of the project. Ms. Williams recommended that Mr. William Harris, Sr. be hired for the project and that he select a committee to help with the project. Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Mr. Gary O'Connell said that he feels staff needs to go back and reassess the Ridge Street Neighborhood project since the support of the neighborhood is needed. Mr. O'Connell noted that some restrictions exist in the formal bidding project, but he will report back to Council no later than the next meeting. Rev. R. A. Johnson, Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, expressed concern about Council's last appointments to the School Board, questioned the criteria used, and stated that the School Board should reflect the constituency. Rev. Johnson questioned why children have been left out academically. Rev. Johnson asked Council to provide, in writing, "how much of the taxpayers' money has been spent to crucify Rheva Williams?" Mr. Toscano noted that Council will make additional appointments to the School Board by June 30th and said he hopes Council will receive a large number of applicants.