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148 <br /> <br />Abuse Prevention recommendation be divided into two separate <br />recommendations. Ms. Waters stated that while she had some <br />reservatiOns about the inclusion of the Technical Employment <br />and Training~as a priority, she favored maintaining it in <br />light of the comments expressed. Ms. Waters also noted <br />concern about the availabilitY of industrially zoned land in <br />the City and how the proposed Land Use Plan changes would. <br />affect it. ~ <br /> <br /> Mr..Towe questioned whether the proposed changed in <br />zoning classification woUld affect the City's tax revenue~and <br />Mr. Gouldman replied that the zoning change could have the <br />affect in the future of reducing the revenue. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman stated that State law required that the <br />Council state the reasons why the Plan was being amended and <br />by Council and Ms. Waters explained that the Plan was <br />recommended to be amended by the Council and returned to the <br />Planning Commission in order to bring it into line with <br />Council's priorities and to respond to the public input <br />received. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: PROCLAIMING "MISS ORA" DAY <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe announced that Friday, December 8th was being <br />declared "Miss Ora Day" in honor of Miss Ora Maupin, <br />Coma%issioner of Revenue, who was retiring after 45 years of <br />service. <br /> <br />STAFF REPORT: VIRGINIA DISCOVERY MUSEUM <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman explained that a real estate contract to <br />purchase 524 E. Main Street has been signed by staff, subject <br />to final approval by Council~to be leased to be the Virginia <br />Discovery Museum for $1 per year for three years, thereafter <br />renting to the Museum for $2,000 per month. The Memorandum <br />of Understanding also provided for $23,000 to be granted by <br />the City to renovate the property, with an additional loan to <br />be made to the Museum for renovations to be repaid within a <br />year. Mr. Gouldman recommended that the Council hold a <br />public hearing on the proposal on December 18th. <br /> <br /> Mro Paul Farris, President of the Virginia Discovery <br />Museum Board, stated that the Museum's goals included <br />expanding services and programs, serving a wider range of <br />ages, and increasing the quality of exhibits. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelle Bregandi, Educational Director for the <br />Museum, reviewed the programs offered by the Museum and <br />stated that the proposed new location will help with <br />community collaboration and expanded programming. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe stated that he has strong reservations about <br />purchasing the building because of the potential loss of <br />real estate taxes and other upcoming important budget <br />requests. Mr. Towe recommended that the Museum consider <br />exploring the possibility of using Jefferson School as a <br />temporary site. <br /> <br /> Mr. Farris stated that the Museum has received a major <br />foundation ~grant and has a board committed to raising funds <br />for the Museum. Mr. Farris stated that he felt the tourists <br />who visit the Museum will help the economic vitality of the <br />City. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck stated while difficult financial issues will be <br />facing the City, the need for operating versus capital costs <br />should be separated. Mr. Buck added that he felt that <br />investing in the building was the best way to contribute to <br />the cultural needs of the community at this time and the <br />building will increase in value. Mro Buck stated that the <br />proposal would carry out Council's intention to make a major <br />commitment to cultural groups which had been discussed at the <br /> <br /> <br />