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153 <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter asked whether any recommendations are <br /> expected out of the state's poverty committee and Mr. Cox <br /> replied that it is unclear how the matter will play'out in <br /> the General Assembly but he will keep Council informed if the <br /> matter comes up. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter questioned whether it was appropriate to <br /> support funding for the Institute of Government in such a <br /> tight state budget and Mr. Gary O'Connell, Deputy City <br /> Manager, explained that the thought was to take existing <br /> dollars and build on the core of currently existing programs <br /> which would enable the Center for Public Service to become <br /> the Institute of Government and provide more help to local <br /> governments. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she thought the focus in the <br /> legislative program should be on education, funding for <br /> social services, the charter amendment allowing the <br /> establishment of conservation districts, opposition to <br /> reductions in business license taxes, and efforts to help <br /> with the cost of solid waste° Ms. Slaughter stated that she <br /> felt some mandates are justified and did not think there <br /> should be blanket rejection of all mandates and recommended <br /> that language similar to that in the Planning District <br /> Commission program to "consider the cost" be included in the <br /> City's program. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said that his only ambivalence in supporting <br /> the Institute of Government is the cost and recommended that <br /> the language be changed to "Council supports the concept." <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Ms. Daugherty, <br /> the draft legislative program was approved with the following <br /> changes: support the concept of the Institute of Government, <br /> insert "considering the cost" in the opposition to mandates, <br /> deleting gas line reimbursement from VDOT, and providing <br /> incentives for cost savings in the school system. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman stated that he would put the legislative <br /> program on the consent agenda for the December 6th meeting <br /> for final approval by Council. <br /> <br /> MSo Slaughter requested that a meeting be set up with <br /> Council and Senator Robb and Delegate Mitchell Van Yahres <br /> prior to the General AssemblY session. <br /> <br />APPROPRIATION: $105,700 - GRANT FOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES MADE <br />EQUAL (HOME) PROGRAMS <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix explained that the appropriation included a <br /> $84,000 grant from HUD, to be matched with $21,700 in local <br /> funds, for the following programs: Downpayment and Closing <br /> Cost Assistance Program~ Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program, <br /> and purchase of vacant lots for future development by a <br /> local housing organization. <br /> <br /> On motion by Ms. Daugherty, seconded by Mr. Toscano, the <br /> appropriation of $105,700 was offered and carried over to the <br /> next meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br />There were no matters by the public. <br /> <br />OTHER, BUSINESS <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty stated that the Economic Strategy Task <br />Force executive committee will be meeting with the company <br />that will be developing the economic strategy for the City <br />and requested that Council and staff let her know of any key <br />people who should be interviewed in the process. <br /> <br />Mr. Toscano asked where the free bags for leaves are <br /> <br /> <br />