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156 <br /> <br />stated that he felt those who are able should pay for help <br />with tax preparation rather than receive the service free in <br />the Commission of Revenue's office, a mileage charge should <br />be levied on delivery trucks to pay for repairs of streets, <br />fees should be collected for use of tennis courts, and a <br />lower tax should be charged to home owners who receive lower <br />levels of services or who live on unpaved streets or do not <br />have sidewalks. <br /> <br /> Mr. Herman Key, of Jefferson Park Avenue, thanked <br />Council for their support of handicapped persons, but oppOsed <br />the increase in JAUNT fares because of the negative impact it <br />would have on handicapped and elderly persons. Mr. Key <br />stressed that transportation is a necessity, not a luxury. <br /> <br /> Mr. David Mitchell stated that he felt the proposed <br />JAUNT fare increase violates civil rights, basic justice and <br />the provision of equal treatment since the City has failed to <br />make its bus system handicapped accessible. <br /> <br /> Mr. Francis Fife of 1605 Concord Drive, requested that <br />the City widely publicize the availability of real estate tax <br />relief for the elderly and handicapped, asked Council not to <br />cut services, particularly those that help low income <br />persons, and cautioned Council against cutting jobs because <br />of the impact on the community. <br /> <br /> Mr. Carroll Chisholm of 626 Elizabeth Avenue, asked that <br />Council not close the McIntire Park golf course because it <br />provides young children with an opportunity play golf and <br />recommended that the fees be increased to help support it. <br /> <br /> Ms. Laura Emerson, a senior at Charlottesville High <br />School, stated that the increased fares proposed for JAUNT <br />would put restrictions on the ability of handicapped persons <br />to make a living and would take away their independence, <br />especially those persons on fixed incomes. <br /> <br /> Ms. Sally Thomas, representing the League of Women <br />Voters, commended Council for providing increased <br />opportunities for public input on the budget, encouraged <br />Council to study impacts of any proposed cuts, and requested <br />information about the number of institutional tax exclusions <br />in the City. Ms. Thomas. added that the League was pleased <br />that the Schools had not received large cuts in City funding. <br /> <br /> Mr. Warren Crispens of King Mountain Road, noted that a <br />discrepancy existed in the budget with regard to the increase <br />expected in property taxes. Ms. Crispens stated that he felt <br />the proposal to require bags for solid waste disposal will <br />not work and will encourage dumping. <br /> <br /> Ms. Myra Soden of 105 Perry Drive, expressed concern <br />that no recycling plan had been developed for apartments or <br />commercial businesses, questioned the rationale for hiring a <br />drug coordinator and requested that Council fund Family <br />Services and other such direct service programs rather than <br />funding bureaucratic positions. · <br /> <br /> Ms. Antoinette Rhodes opposed the closing of the <br />McIntire Park golf course, noting that it is a very popular <br />sport, especially with retirees who are increasingly moving <br />into the area. Ms. Rhodes stated that it is cheaper to <br />maintain what exists rather than to eliminate something and <br />replace it later. <br /> <br /> Mr. John Gallant of 433 Fairway Avenue, stated that he <br />uses JAUNT services four to five days a week and pays <br />approximately $7.50 per day at the present rate. Mr. <br />Gallant stated that JAUNT services allow handicapped people <br />to feel useful and increasing the fares would be an undue <br />hardship. <br /> <br /> <br />