1998-05-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

208 PUBLIC Ms. Karen Kaster, 937 Belmont Avenue, said that the Family Health Da)' held at the Hinton Avenue Baptist Church was a success, with more than 50 organizations, including the police, fire and transit departments, working together to provide free health screenings, a blood drive, bike and school bus safety information. Ms. Kaster challenged Council to continue to seek ways for more regional planning and to support and fund more community building events. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Cox, referred to questions raised by Mr. Gaines, said that the Housing Authority made an informed decision when it voted not to renew the employment contract of Mr. Pullen, and noted that it is difficult to talk about issues of personnel to the public and doing so could impact an employee's future ability to seek employment. Mr. Cox said that a larger issue for the Housing Authority is one of restructuring of both the Authority to meet the future needs of public housing, and its membership composition. Ms. Slaughter asked staffto look into the possibility of adopting a dark skies ordinance similar to one recently adopted by Albemarle County. Ms. Slaughter urged staffto alert Council early when the next round oflSTEA funding is coming forward to give Council time to think about ideas and solicit input on a decision. The meeting was adjourned. COUNCIL CHAMBER - May 18, 1998 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms: Richards, Ms. Slaughter, Ivlr. Toscano. PUBLIC Ms. Betty Lovelace, 100 Ridge St., Apt. 213, said that users of JAUNT find it hard to understand their new rules, she feels the requirement to provide correct change is hard to do and the fares have increased. Ms. Lovelace said that CTS will not help her with her walker and the crosswalk by Midway Manor has been removed. Ms. Slaughter said staffwill get back to Ms. Lovelack about her concerns. Mr. O'Connell noted that new buses are expected in June which will be handicap accessible. Mr. Wyatt Johnson, 1005 Ridge Street, said that people are disappointed that Mr. Earl Pullen's contract as Housing Authority Director was not renewed, and said that other people who have left the City were paid. Mr. Johnson said that Mr. Pullen should be rehired and a reason should be given as to why he was fired. Ms. Kathy Icenhour, a resident of Crescent Hall, said that she and others favor the decision by the Housing Authority not to renew Mr. Pulleffs contract as she feels changes need to be made. Mr. Eisenhour stressed that the action was not a racial issue. Ms. Slaughter noted that Council does not have authority over the Housing Authority and that it is a separate legal body to which Council makes appointments.