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Mr. Toscano stated that he felt it was important to send a clear message to the State to maintain Virginia Housing Partnership funds at their present level at the very least. Mr. Toscano stated that he would draft a statement with the Director of the Housing Authority for the Council to send to the Commission. APPOINTMENTS: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Ms. Slaughter, Ms. Susan Lewis was unanimously reappointed to a four-year term on the Planning Commission. This term will expire on August 31, 1994. On motion by Ms. Waters, seconded by Mr. Toscano, Ms. Linda Bowen was unanimously reappointed to a four-year term on the Planning Commission. This term will expire on August 31, 1994. On motion by Ms. Slaughter, seconded by Ms. Waters, Ms. Betty Siegner was unanimously appointed to a four-year term on the Planning Commission. This term will expire on August 31, 1994. STAFF REPORT: DRUG INITIATIVES Mr. Gerald Strand, Charlottesville Drug Coordinator, presented an update on drug initiatives taken as a result of recommendations of the drug task force, including the following: submission of a Drug Control Strategy containing both long-term and short-term components; extensive new summer recreation programs; additional treatment and rehabilitation programs provided by Region Ten Community Services Board; commitment by the Schools to enhancing drug education and prevention efforts; removal of urban blight by the City; .and community education. Mr. Strand listed the following as indicative of progress in the community's fight as drugs: dramatic reduction in drug seizures~ significant decrease in burglaries; increase in the cost of illicit drugs on the streets; open-air dealing no longer a major source of drug trafficking; no crack babies born, to date, in 1990; more citizens willing to take a public anti-drug stand; increased willingness of citizens to share drug information with the police and drug coordinator; increase in treatment opportunities for low-income citizens; no drug-related gang activities or drive-by shooting; and enhancement of drug education efforts in the schools, community and the worksite. Mro Strand recommended that Council approve the following: $25,000 of unused drug funds to fund a "Community Intervention Workshop~ increase the Teen Coordinator position in Parks and Recreation to full time,next year; allocate in the next fiscal year $50,000 to Region Ten to hire two staff members to support a new emphasis in intensive outpatient treatment; continue Council's active role in visiting City neighborhoods; seek innovative ways to foster more treatment options for low-income persons; convene a forum oflcity landlords to discuss tenant issues related to drug dealing and drug use; develop a health education resource center within the school system; provide support in identifying sufficient resources to build and operate a comprehensive youth center; seek creative and just solutions to help police control both general loitering and late night activities by youth; and authorize the use of.drug seizure assets for a drug education resource center in the schools. Mr. J. dekoven Bowen, Chief of Police, stated that the Charlottesville, Albemarle County and University of Virginia Police Department's have created a joint drug unit to investigate "street dealing," which has been joined by a special agent from the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Alcohol Beverage and Control Board. In addition, the area police departments have joined with the U. S. Drug