1992-05-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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141 Ms. Slaughter raised the issue of having a differential in the gas rate for City'versus County customers. Ms. Waters stated that she would be reluctant to have a differential rate since the City is not subsidizing the rates. Ms. Slaughter stated that one rationale for having a differential rate would be that it would help to lower City gas rates. Ms. Scott stated that costs for reconstruction of the City lines are higher than new construction costs in the County, and are offset by expansion in the County. Mr. Vandever stated that he felt the County was benefiting from the City subsidizing the rates by using working capital and by the City carrying the liability for the system. Rev. Edwards expressed concern about the cost of adding lines in the County. Mr. Vandever stated that he felt the bond financing option has potential and suggested that if a profit was built into the rates, the profit could be transferred to the general fund and possibly used to reduce the tax rate, with protection built in for low income persons. Ms. Slaughter stated that she did not favor the idea of using a profit as suggested by Mr. Vandever. Mr. Toscano suggested that any surplus funds might be used for energy conservation efforts. Ms. Slaughter stated that the League of Women Voters is conducting-an-energy conservation study and recommended that a City representative become involved in the study. It was agreed that an ordinance reflecting the bond financing option would be presented at the utility rate public hearing. WORK SESSION: WATER STREET PARKING GARAGE Mr. Gary O'Connell, Deputy City Manager, reviewed the financing proposal for the Water Street parking garage: the City would purchase 299 spaces at a cost of $2.815 million; Jefferson Properties would purchase 100 spaces for $940,000; Charlottesville Parking Center would purchase 135 spaces for $1.3 million and the City would provide a loan for 158 spaces to be repaid by the profit generated. Eighteen retail units are proposed, eight of which have been sold, and the City will stand behind the-remaining until they are sold. Mr. O'Connell stated that he felt the parking garage will meet the parking need downtown and will stimulate economic development in the future. OTHER BUSINESS ~ Mr. Hendrix read a statement from the Police Department concerning an alleged assault on the downtown mall. Mr. Hendrix stated that the Police are continuing to investigate the incident and will be following up to see what measures can be taken to prevent such situations in the future. On motion by Ms. Waters,~ seconded by Ms. Slaughter, Council unanimously voted to meet in executive session to discuss personnel matters as ~exempted by Section 2.1-344(a) (1) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, more specifically described as appointments to boards and commissions.