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93 <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano stated that while he is concerned about the signal such development may <br />send, the issues of concern, size and massing of the building are not within the Council's <br />purview and, therefore, he feels Council should defer to the BAR's decision-making process. <br /> <br /> The decision of the Board of Architectural Review regarding development on 222 <br />South Street was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Ms, Daugherty, Rev. Edwards, Mr. <br />Toscano, Mr. Vandever. Noes: Ms. Slaughter. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano expressed sympathy to the Gilliam family on the death of Mr. Gilliam, and <br />noted that the Crilliam family had requested that the matter not be deferred. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: THOMAS JEFFERSON PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION <br />LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM <br /> <br /> Ms. Bonnie Fronfelter, legislative liaison with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District <br />Commission, presented the Planning District's legislative program and asked Council for a <br />good-faith approval ofthe document. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she is hesitant to oppose changes in the Freedom of <br />Information Act without further information, and Mr. Gouldman stated that he will attempt <br />to find out more about what form the proposed legislation would take. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty recommended that there be a statement of support for state tax <br />incentives for manufacturers who use or recycle plastics, and it was the consensus of Council <br />to include such a statement. <br /> <br /> Ms: Daugherty suggested adding a provision supporting funding for shelters and <br />hotlines for abused women and victims of sexual assault, and it was the consensus of Council <br />to include such a statement. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter recommended that support for providing incentives to reuse tires be <br />included rather than the current proposal to burn them, and it was the consensus of Council <br />to include such a statement. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she continues to be concerned about the proposals to reduce <br />business and professional licenses, and Ms. Fronfeker noted that the Virginia Chamber of <br />Commerce has been very vocal against this tax. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked Ms. Fronfelter to alert appropriate City officials if the business and <br />professional license issue comes up. Mr. Toscano added that opposition to the proposed <br />change could be expressed through the Urban Partnership. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Slaughter, seconded by Rev. Edwards, the Thomas Jefferson <br />Planning District Commission's legislative program was unanimously approved, with the <br />addition agreed to above. <br /> <br />REPORT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Economic <br />Development Strategy with the following comments: 1) Art Community: The strategy <br />needs to acknowledge the importance of the art community to economic development, <br />especially tourism. 2) Executive Summary: The Executive Summary needs to outline the <br />process and future steps for this plan. 3) Counseling, Education and Training: <br />Charlottesville has had significant growth in jobs, most of those jobs were taken by people <br />who do not live in Charlottesville. The Plan needs to emphasize the importance of <br />counseling, education and training community residents so that they can take advantage of <br />job opportunities. The City should encourage non-traditional employment opportunities. <br />4) Events Coordinator: This position should not be on City staff. The City should explore <br />working on this issue with Charlottesville Downtown Foundation. 5) Specific Goals and <br />Objectives: The community, especially the Economic Development Committee, needs to <br /> <br /> <br />