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68 <br /> <br />and dependent upon availability of other outside funding; and no additional funding <br />committed to by Council at this time for the schools. <br /> <br /> With regard to "reinventing" efforts by the schools, Mr. Toscano stated that he thought <br />it would be good for individual Councilors to talk to School Board members about this issue <br /> <br /> The possibility of changing the formula for the gainsharing, carry-over funds for the <br />schools (to match what will ultimately be approved by Council for City departments) was <br />discussed, with some Councilors feeling that it would be advantageous to have the same <br />formula apply for both City departments and the schools <br /> <br />Councilors discussed increasing entrepreneurial efforts within City government. <br /> <br />It was agreed that a request for proposals would be issued for a City credit (gold) card. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that the golf course revenues have not generated adequate funds to <br />cover all the debt service costs due in part because of the severe weather last year and <br />because of the number of rounds of golf played by annual dues paying members. Mr. <br />Hendrix stated that the golf course manager will be presenting Council with a proposal to <br />raise revenues slightly and to allow the manager to have more flexibility in hiring. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano recommended that the golf course manager be given two years to have the <br />golf course cover all expenses and, if not done after that time period, Council would explore <br />contracting out management of the golf course. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter expressed concern that efforts to be more entrepreneurial in running the <br />golf course would mean offering low wages and no benefits. <br /> <br />Mr. Toscano recommended that specific goals for the golf course be developed. <br /> <br /> Modifications were made to the budget strategy, rewording #5 ("give current services <br />and programs priority over any new service or program") to reflect the philosophies of <br />reinventing government, e.g. constant re-examination of programs and services; taking out #6 <br />("continue support of the anti-drug initiatives established by City Council in FY t 990-91); <br />and adding an incentive/reward program statement. <br /> <br /> The downtown parking plan was. discussed, and it was agreed that all parking meter <br />charges should be equalized at 25 cents per hour and the rest of the report tabled. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty stated that she thought Council should consider at a later date changing <br />two-hour parking in the downtown area to one hour. <br /> <br /> The issue of creating a taxing district downtown was discussed. Ms. Slaughter stated <br />that she would like to find a way for all who benefit to pay for improvements on the <br />downtown mall and recommended that discussions begin with the Charlottesville Downtown <br />Foundation and other downtown merchants on the issue. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that unless the merchants take the lead and advocate for creation of <br />a tax district, he has concerns about Council puslfing such a district on them. Mr. Toscano <br />stated that he would prefer for Council to offer help if the private sector takes charge and <br />also recommended that the mall committee be charged with discussing a taxing district. <br /> <br /> Responding to questions about a taxing district, Mr. Gouldman stated that as he reads <br />the statute, a plan would be developed, the cost of implementing such a plan would be <br />determined, and the tax rate would then be set based on the cost. <br /> <br /> Councilors agreed to further explore taxing districts and it was agreed that the Mayor <br />would write to downtown merchants conveying Council's willingness to work with them on <br />the issue. <br /> <br /> <br />