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11 Council agreed to defer to the matter until the next meeting, and asked staff to arrange another meeting with owners and drivers before final consideration. 5/Ir. Clyde Gouldman, City Attorney, explained that a meeting had been held four weeks ago with taxicab drivers and owners, and a sununary of changes had been provided, including the point system. Mr. Goutdman noted that the requirement of the phone number has been in the ordinance for a number of years, but was moved to a different section. Mr. John Heyden, Westwood Road, said that for the most part he thinks the move of the public access center to CATEC is best because of the control Adelphia Cable has over the center. Mr. Heyden expressed concern about charging a fee for use of the center and that the move to CATEC may require equipment users to return equipment by 8:00 a.m. to accommodate CATEC classes. Mr. Heyden said the $30,000 due from Adelphia Cable should be used on equipment. Mr. Kirby Vernon of the Professional Snowboarding Association, said he believes there is crossover between snowboarding and skateboarding, and has been in touch with City staff about the possibility of developing a multi-use facility for in-line skating and skateboarding. Mr. Vernon said he will spend the next 30 days trying to raise funds, working with Steve Morris, and looking at possible sites. PUBLIC HEARING: INCREASING TRANSIENT LODGING TAX ORDINANCE Mr. O'Connell explained that two years ago a Tourism Council was created to explore ways to increase marketing of the area. The Tourism Council has proposed that the marketing be funded through an increase in transient lodging taxes in the City and County. The public heating was opened. Mr. Charles Friend, General Manager of the Best Western/Cavalier Inn, said that he hears complaints about the tax now, and while he agrees that the Visitors Bureau needs the money, he does not feel it should come from the hotel industry. Mr. Friend expressed concern that the transient lodging tax was used to fund the Omni Hotel. Ms. Jane Dittmar, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the Tourism Council had determined that the Charlottes~flle area is behind in its tourism marketing efforts, and encouraged Council to support the increase in transient lodging tax to provide funding. Ms. Dittmar noted that the marketing efforts will be evaluated after a year. Ms. Ann Taylor, Chair of the Regional Tourism Council, said there is a real need for funds for marketing, and urged Council to support the tax increase. Ms. Bobbye Cochran, Director of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Convention Visitors Bureau, said that it is exciting to think that funds will be available to do marketing, and commended the volunteers of the Tourism Council for their work. As there were no further speakers, the public heating was closed. Ms. Richards said that while she understands Mr. Friend's feelings about the Omni Hotel, she feels the Omni has provided a major anchor for downtown. Ms. Richards said that she does not think the community renders itself non-competitive if marketing efforts are not increased, but feels the amount of funds available now- for marketing are tow. Ms. Richards said she will support the tax increase because it is a dedicated tax that will benefit the people who collect it. Mr. Toscano noted that the City is no longer investing money in the Omni. Mr. Toscano said he feels it is important for the area to be able to compete for the tourism market. Mr. Toscano made a motion to approve the ordinance to increase the transient lodging tax to 5%.