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27O It was the sense of the Council that Court Square is the priority of the two grant applications. REPORT: TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION Mr. Jack Marshall, Chair of the Strategic Planning Work Group of the Task Force on Teen Pregnancy Prevention, presented the "Community Strategic Plan for Preventing Teen Pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Diseases." Mr. Marshall said that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are rising among teenagers and while the pregnancy rate has decreased, it remains very high in the City and over one third of pregnancies end in abortion. Mr. Marshall said that the strategic goals include encouraging abstinence and providing education to youth. Mr. Marshall said that there are first rate clinical services available locally, but not enough of the right kinds of things are being done. Mr. Marshall said skills training is needed; teenagers need to be educated about where they can go for health care; volunteer programs are needed; and a continuum of services and good coordination and adequate funding are needed. Among the recommendations are: establishing a citizens advisory group; establishing a coordinator with private funds for three years, thereafter funded publicly if e~ective; increasing public funds for agencies such as MACAA and FOCUS; revisiting family life education in the schools; and conducting more research and evaluation. Ms, Richards asked for a breakdown of funding provided by the City and Albemarle County for programs, and Mr. Steve Stem, a member of the Work Group, said that the majority of programs are funded equally. Mr. Toscano said he feels the Plan includes great goals, but since there is only so much money to go around, asked how we prioritize and make choices. Mr. Toscano said that something is amiss with the pregnancy rates and he does not think it is only a matter of funding. Mr. Stem said there is no good information on new programs' effectiveness. Mr. Stem said money could be put into proven programs, but we should also experiment with new programs and measure their effectiveness and if they are not working, do not fund them, and if they are, expand them. REPORT: LEWIS AND CLARK EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE Ms. Kay Slaughter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Committee, explained that the Committee was established to explore the feasibility of locating a Lewis and Clark Museum in the area. A pro~%ssional marketing and planrdng consultant's report will be available later in the spring. The Committee envisions an interactive facility where children and adults would learn about Lewis and Clark's voyage of discovery that would complement Monticello, Ashlawn and Montpelier. iMr: Fran La~wrence, a member of the Committee, said that the consultants will provide very good technical advice. APPROPRIATION: $100,000 - LOAN/CHALLENGE GRANT TO MUNICIPAL BAND Mr. Ct'~s Cutlinan, Budget Director, explained that the Municipal Band has requested that the City assist in the completion of constructing their new building. The proposal is to loan the Band $100,000 at an interest rate of 5.3%, which is to be paid in full at the end of five years. The proposal also forgives $1 ofthe loan for each $1 raised by the Band. Mr. Caravati asked why the City has the second lien, and Mr. Cullinan said it is to encourage the Band to secure a bank loan. Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, !Mr. Cullinan confmned that a bank loan will not constitute matching funds.