Laserfiche WebLink
275 <br /> <br />REPORT: FIRST AtMENDMENT MONUN~NT <br /> <br /> Mr. Robert O'Neil, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Protection <br />of Free Expression, said that the site adjacent to the fountain on the southeast corner of City <br />Hall has been recomrnended by staff as the location for the First Amendment Monument, and <br />this site is agreeable to him. Mr. O2qeil asked that Council endorse the location and the <br />creation of a committee to raise money and create a design for the monument. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox recommended that the Urban Design Committee be included in the design <br />effort. <br /> <br /> On motion by Ms. Daugherty, seconded by Mr. Cox, the location and committee for <br />the First Amendment as unanimously approved by Council, with Ms. Richards absent for the <br />vote. <br /> <br />RESOLUTION: REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS PROGRAM <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell explained that in 1994 the City was active in the Urban Partnership <br />which looked at urban problems. At that time, strong regional ties were identified as <br />important to successful cities. <br /> <br /> Ms. Nancy O'Brien, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District <br />Commission, said that the Regional Competitiveness Program provides incentives for <br />localities to work together. The group will include key community leaders, civic <br />organizations, and representatives from business and industry. A strategic plan will be <br />developed, and strengths and weaknesses identified. A total of $180,000 in funding is <br />possible. Ms. O'Brien recommended that Council approve the resolution and the distribution <br />of funds at a later time. Ms. O'Brien said that Louisa and Fluvanna Counties have approved <br />the resolution and Albemarle County is considering the program. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Ms. Daugherty, Council unanimously <br />approved the resolution authorizing the City's participation in the Regional Competitive <br />Program, with Ms. Richards absent for the vote. <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, the Regional Competitiveness Act, passed by the Virginia General <br />Assembly in 1996, establishes an incentive fund to encourage activities that address regional <br />economic competitiveness needs; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, this incentive fund is guided by the Regional Competitiveness Program <br />administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, planning and acting regionally supports not only the health and well being <br />of the region but of each locality within the region; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, a policy of managed growth consistent with an overall vision for the <br />future of the regional will enhance the quality of life for citizens throughout the region; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, there exists in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District regional <br />organizations, such as the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development and the <br />Thomas Jefferson Sustainability Council, dedicated to the overall health of the region <br />consistent with the Regional Competitiveness Act; and <br /> <br /> WHEREAS, a regional vision that identifies key local and regional issues and <br />prioritizes potential activities will enhance the quality of life and the economic vitality of the <br />region and each locality within the region; <br /> <br /> THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Charlottesville does support <br />participation in the Regional Competitiveness Program, including development of a strategic <br />plan for the region, and authorizes the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Con-tmission to act <br /> <br /> <br />