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53 <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty stated that one issue to be considered in the proposal is the loss of <br />parking, but noted that one possibility would be to use the excess revenue realized from the <br />exchange of property to buy another lot for parking. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Gouldman stated that no hard data <br />exist on parking needs for the courthouse. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano noted that there are currently 84-86 parking spaces on the High Street lot, <br />28 spaces behind the courthouse, which is used mostly for court employees, and 32 spaces on <br />the Jefferson National Bank-owned lot behind the courthouse which is used by Bank <br />employees. Mr. Toscano stated that the High Street lot is mostly used for all-day parking, <br />some of which may now be used by McGuire, Woods employees. Mr. Toscano added that <br />McGuire, Woods proposes to build adequate parking spaces to meet the needs of their <br />employees on site. Mr. Toscano suggested that McGuire, Woods survey their employees <br />and see where they now park. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards made a motion to approve the memorandum of intent and Mr. Vandever <br />seconded the motion. <br /> <br /> Referring to a comment made earlier in the meeting about Council not adhering to <br />long-term planning, Ms. Slaughter stated that, in fact, the City has done a lot of planning, <br />including the Comprehensive Plan, parking plan, and traffic plan, which Council continues to <br />look at and adjust. Ms. Slaughter suggested that Council be provided with these plans so <br />they can be reviewed in light of the proposal for the parking lot property. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano noted that the current revenue from the High Street lot is approximately <br />$12,500 and real estate tax revenue would be approximately $45,000 ifa building is <br />constructed on the site. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter emphasized the importance of the appearance of any building <br />constructed on the site and requested that staff emphasize this factor during negotiations. <br /> <br /> The memorandum of intent for the High Street parking lot was unanimously approved <br />by Council. <br /> <br />REPORT: DOG ISSUES <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman stated that reports on three dog issues have been presented to Council: <br />1) the recommendation of the Parks Advisory Committee that dogs be required to be on <br />leashes in all parks, cemeteries, and golf courses; 2) information on a "pooper scooper" <br />ordinance; and 3) the current ordinance dealing with "barking" dogs. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that in subsequent conversations the Parks Advisory Committee <br />discussed the possibility of exempting a few parks with regard to the leash requirement and <br />noted that one neighborhood association has recommended three parks for consideration. <br />Ms. Slaughter stated that she would support such an exemption but felt the issue needed <br />thinking through. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever asked what prompted consideration of the leash requirement and Ms. <br />Slaughter stated that individuals have been greeted by dogs on trails and children have been <br />frightened by dogs and it was thought that parks should be safe for people. Ms. Slaughter <br />noted that no dogs are allowed at all in Ivy Creek Natural area. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever expressed concern about which parks would allow unleashed dogs, <br />noting that people with dogs use all of the major parks. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that Azalea Park was suggested as one park that might be <br />exempted. <br /> <br /> <br />