1995-07-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2OO The decision of the BAR to allow hardi-plank at 222 South Street was upheld by Council, with Rev. Edwards absent for the vote. PRESENTATION: TREASURER - CUSTOlvlER SERVICE Ms. Jennifer Brown, City Treasurer, reviewed customer service initiatives in the Treasurers office, including: streamlining and use of volunteers in the automobile decal process; development of a newcomers guide in conjunction with Public Works; development Of a loan payment booklet; and changes in the permit parking process. Ms. Brown stated that staff will be looking at using the possibility of selling automobile decals at the library in the evening next year. Mr. Toscano presented Ms. Brown with a "Class Act" t-shirt for her department's initiatives. PRESENTATION: TONSLER PARK Mr. Leon Churchill, Assistant City Manager; reviewed plans for the renovations at Tonsler Park. Mr. Churchill stated that the renovations will move Tonsler from a liability to an asset, will make it inviting to the entire community, and will provide an example of how the community can become involved in positive change. Ms. Roxanne Brouse of Ritey and Associates, architect for the renovation, presented slides of the proposed renovation proiect. Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter about how the design of the community building wilt affect the sound level when occupied by children, Ivlr. Brouse stated that she will check with the architects for the answer. Ms. Marg Newton, a member of the playground committee of "Building Tonsler Together," reviewed plans to use volunteers for the playground, and acknowledged the assistance of committee members Alethia Bennett and Ervin Johnson. Mr. Reid Oeschlin, public relations committee chair, presented slides of a large play structure similar to one proposed to be built by the cormrturdty in Tonsler park. Mr. Oesckflin stated that work on the structure will be similar to a community barnraising and will be held on October 18. Ms. Slaughter suggested that the volunteer outreach effort be expanded to neighborhood associations that are not adiacent to Tonsier Park to help make the proiect a true community-wide effort. '~ ~T PRESENTATION: W. M3dVN 5TREIz BRIDGE - DESIGN, UNDERGROLENDFNG APPROP~TiON: AND LIGHTS Mr. O'Connell explained that two issues remain with the West Main Street bridge construction: undergrounding of utilities/lighting and landscaping, Undergrounding, including an additional block, will cost $331,000 and lights will cost $80,000. Landscaping, outside the original scope of the railroad proposals Mil cost $36,000. Mr. O'Connell recommended that the cost be paid out of the capital fund contingency and noted that a credit of $50,000 is anticipated from the 9th/10th Street realignment project. Mr. Toscano asked for information on the non-city costs of the project and the timetable, and Ms. Muelter stated that the Virginia Department of Transportation and Norfolk Southern are paying $5 million for the project and the new bridge is anticipated to be built, though not finished, by April of 1996. On motion by Mr. Vandever, seconded byMs. Daugherty, the $447,724 appropriation for undergrounding of utilities, lights and landscaping for the West Main Street bridge project was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration.