1994-09-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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43 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville that the one year trial period for determining the effects of closing the access from 1025 Park Street to the Route 250 Bypass begin on October 1, 1994. APPROPR~TION: $10,000 - PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN VIRGINIA Mr. Hendrix stated that urban localities throughout Virginia and the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to create the Partnership for Urban Virginia to address problems of cities and improve the economic viability of the State. Mr. Hendrix explained that the Partnership's funds, which will have a total budget of $250,000, will be used primarily to hire academic consultants to produce a plan to show how changes in legislation might solve some of the cities' problems and help the State compete economically. Ms. Daugherty stated that the Partnership for Urban Virginia is a groundbreaking organization and she is excited about the joint effort of the private and public sectors. On motion by 5,ir. Vandever, seconded by Ms. Daugherty, the appropriation of $10,000 for the City's share in the Partnership for Urban Virginia was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. PUBLIC Responding to a question from Mr. Kevin Lynch about whether a contract is being negotiated with McGuire, Woods for the High Street parking lot, Mr. Toscano stated that no contracts are being negotiated and Mr. Gouldman stated that no formal action has been taken by Council and no contract exists. Regarding the potential sale of the parking lot on the west end of the mall for the proposed skating rink, Mr. Lynch asked whether the Housing Authority will set a price for the property and take other offers. Mr. Gouldman reviewed the process for sale of any public property, noting that proposals are generally brought to Council in executive session and after a period of negotiation, formal action is taken in open session. Mr. Toscano explained that when a previous proposal had been brought to the City for the High Street parking lot, the Charlottesville Industrial Development Authority had been involved, bids had been taken, and a developer had been chosen, though following a period of negotiation with the developer, no action was taken. Mr. Toscano noted that other potential purchasers could approach the Housing Authority regarding purchasing the property. Mr. Toscano noted that both the Council and' the Housing Authority have the fiduciary responsibility to sell public property for fair market value. Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch about whether Council would consider a bidding process for the property at the west end of the mall, i~ir. Toscano noted that the decision is a Housing Authority decision, not Council,, but he would not recommend a bidding process, though he again noted that other potential buyers could approach the Housing Authority with a proposal. Mr. Toscano also noted that both the Council and Housing Authority must take into consideration issues related to appropriate use of property as well as the price: OTHER BUSINESS At the request of Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Kate Gaston, staff for the Charlottesville/ Albemarle Children and Youth Commission, announced the Partnership Alliance for Lifelong Success (PALS) Kickoff which will develop mentoring opportunities for at-risk youth. Responding to questions from Mr. Toscano, Mr. Hendrix stated that Council will receive the transportation report later in the week and will receive the report on the proposed downtown committee in the near future.