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131 <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, there has been introduced in the Congress the "Historic Homeownership <br />Assistance Act," which would provide homeownership incentives fbr the rehabilitation of <br />older buildings in bistori~ districts through a Federal Historic Rehabilitation tax credit for <br />homeowners; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the "Historic Homeowrnership Assistance Act" would stimulate the revival <br />of decaying neighborhoods and the preServation of historic buildings and districts in <br />Charlottesville through h°meownership; <br /> <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Charlottesville City Council <br />supports, endorses, and encourages the prompt enactment of the "Historic Homeownership <br />Assistance Act;" and <br /> <br /> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the City of <br />Charlottesville's CongresSional representatives. <br /> <br />APPROPRIATION: CHARLOTTESVILLE HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM <br />(CHIP)-"STEPPING STONE'' FUNDING <br /> <br /> Mr. Gary O'Connelll Deputy City Manager, explained that the recommendation to <br />1) appropriate $40,000 of~ existing Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) for CHIP's <br />Stepping Stone Program, and 2) allow the use of $25,000 of HOME funding for the Stepping <br />Stone Program and change the agreement between the Thomas Jefferson Planning District <br />Commission and CHIP to allow an increase in CDBG administrative funding for CHIP, came <br />out ofreorganizational discussions between City staff'and CHIP. <br /> <br /> Mr. Larry McElweep, President of CHIP, stated that CHIP has changed from a general <br />contractor to a housing development corporation working on a bid basis, and has reduced <br />staff from 16 to 3. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Daugherty, Mr. Greg Donovan, Project Manager <br />for CHIP, stated that no administration money would go to CHIP until completion of a job. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Mr. Donovan stated that between 8 to 12 <br />units are rehabilitated by CHIP using CDBG funds in a year. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Daugherty, Mr. McElween stated that use of <br />volunteers has been reducqd due to fewer staff available to oversee them, but the volunteer <br />effort will be reinvigorated in the future. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter about the Stepping Stone program, Ms. <br />Brook Rogers, Executive Director of CHIP, stated that the program is a continuation of a <br />managed rental system begun by the CharlotteSville Housing Foundation, which provides <br />housing in a rent assisted house, with money set aside for use as downpayment for future <br />home purchase. Ms. Rogers stated that CHIP rehabilitates houses for this program. <br /> <br /> On motion by Ms. Dgugherty, seconded by Mr. Vandever, the $40,000 appropriation of <br />HOME funds for the CharlOttesville Housing Improvement Program's Stepping Stone <br />Program was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. <br /> <br /> On motion by Ms. Slaughter, seconded by Rev. Edwards, the concept of using $25,000 <br />in HOME funding for CHIP's Stepping Stone program and contract change was unanimously <br />approved by Council. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE: AMENDING RETIREMENT ORDINANCE REMOVING PHYSICAL <br />FITNESS REQUIREMENT FOR EARLY RETIREMENT BY PUBLIC SAFETY <br />EMPLOYEES <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix explained that the Retirement Com,~ssion has recommended that Council <br />change the Code to remove!the condition of a mandgI9ry.physical fitness program in order <br />for ~public safety employees Ito retire at age 55 wi~h 25 .years of service due to problems, both <br />t~gal and financial, in implementing such mandatorkj,~programs. <br /> <br /> <br />