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26 Mr. Peter Agalesto, Nelson Co ~unty resident and volunteer of public access television, said the public access studio needs new cables and microphones. The public hearing was closed. Mr. Toscano said he has several questions as a result of comments made at the public hearing. Mr. Toscano said he would like to know about budget discussions concerning the Clark School playground, including did the CDBG Task Force ever look at that park and whether the issue has gone before the Parks Advisory Committee. Mr. Toscano said the satL~-y issue at the playground concerns him and asked if those can be addressed right away. Mr. Toscano noted that other parks that have been renovated in the past several years have all had some measure of community participation in funding which leveraged City funds. Regarding the requests by Region Ten Community Services Board and Legal Aid, Mr. Toscano said that the argumem has been that owning thek own facility will reduce lease costs, which should show up as reduced operating cost in the future. Mr. Toscano asked what would be the local share of the reduced operating cost. In response to comments made at the public hearing, Mr. Toscano said it is his understanding that CTS and JAUNT fares are proposed to remain the same. Ms. Richards said she believes there is $55,000 in the School's capital budget for design for Clark School playground, and if so, perhaps it could be used to leverage community support. Ms. Richards said she is concerned that the neighborhood may have been told that the renovations would happen soon. Ms. Richards said that with its new facilities, Region Ten will be contributing substantial real estate taxes. Responding to a qnestion from Mr. Caravati, Mr. O'Connell said that he thinks the School Board shifted their capital funding priorities and the renovation cost for Clark School playground is not included in funds for next year. Mr. O'Connell said he thinks some design work has been done for the playground. Mr. Cox said he would like to know how the Venable and Greenbrier School playground projects were implemented, their overall cost and if private funds were raised. Mr. Caravati said he would like to know if other members of the jurisdiction are contributing to Region Ten's capital projects. Mr. Cox asked if the City has the option of giving Region Ten $50,000 each year for the next five years as Albemarle County plans to do, and Mr. O'Connell said that funding for other similar capital projects have been phased in. Mr. COx expressed concern about Region Ten's scattershot approach rather than having their facilities concentrated on one site. Mr. Cox said it is not a very urban strategy and it appears to be a costly one. PRESENTATION: POLICE CHIEF - COMMUNITY POLICING Mr, J. W. Rittenhouse, Chief of Police, reported that crime has decreased over the past eight years and there was a 9% reduction in overall crime in the City in 1999 and a 27% reduction in major crimes. Reports of incidents have tLoclined and arrests have increased. ChiefRittenhouse said that the Police Department's philosophy involves partnership, problem solving and prevention~ The Police are partnering with subsidized housing complexes such as Blue Ridge Commons and Garrett Square; the Quality Commuvdty Council has begun and is collectively talking abOut issues and trying to solve problems; the Crime Prevention Officer has recently been replaced after a vacancy and a full-time Crime Analyst has been added; and additional resources have been added to the Community Policing unit which will work city-wide, but will concentrate their efforts in problem areas. Ms. Daugherty asked why there is a substantial increase in calls, and Chief Rittenhouse said that the Police have encouraged citizens to call when help is needed.