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82 Mr. O'Connelt noted that gas use varies from month to month and the monthly fee guarantees that gas will be there whenever there is a need, noting there is an expense to doing that. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Kathy Icenhour, Crescent Halls, asked whether the bond issue of $3 million for utilities will cover everything that needed. Ms. Icenhour suggested that people collect rainwater in barrels to use to water their flowers and lawns, and encouraged people to be more conservative in their water use. The public hearing was closed. On motion by Ms. Richards, seconded by Mr. Caravati, the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REORDAIN SECTIONS 31-56, 31-57, 31-60, 31-61, 31-62, 31-153, AND 31-156, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, 1990, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO UTILITY RATES" was offered and carried over to the second meeting for consideration. Mr. Cox expressed concern about the absence of participation by the public, and it was suggested that another advertisement be placed in the paper and that a second public hearing be held on the utility rates. PRESENTATION: QUALITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL Ms. Rochelle Small-Tone'y, Assistant~Ci~ Manager, announced that there will be an upcoming community meeting on May 27 , sponsored by the Quality Community Council. The Council is an result of concerns expressed by citizens on Prospect Avenue, and is an initiative spearheaded by about 15 residents. The community meeting will debut the work ofth~ Council. Ms. Small-Toney said that public safety, academics, economic development and neighborhood revitalization, prevention and treatment, and housing issues will be discussed. Mr. Cox said he is excited by the potential as are community members. Mr. Cox asked about public relations for the meeting, and whether phone calls will be made to follow up on the invitations. Ms. SmalI-Toney said that certain neighborhoods are being targeted and people will be going door-to-door, and schools and churches are also being targeted. Ms. Richards recommended that people involved in the criminal justice system, such as probation officers, judges, and juvenile detention personnel be invited. Mr. Cox also recommended inviting the Weed and Seed Network Committee, and people involved in workforce development and summer youth employment. ORDINANCE: RETIREMENT PLAN ENHANCEMENTS Mr. Galloway Beck, Director of Human Resources, said that the changes being recommended to the retirement plan have been considered by the Retirement Commission over the past year as they reviewed the plan's comparability to the Virginia Retirement System. The changes include: 1) change the multiplier from 1.35% tO 1.6% and eliminate Social Security offset benefit formula; 2) unreduced benefas for general employees at age 50 and 30 years of service, reduced benefits at age 55 and 5 years of service; 3) unreduced benefits for public safety officers at age 50 and 25 years of service, reduced benefits at age 55 and 5 years of service; 4) unreduced supplement for public safety officers equal to I% of average compensation thnes years of service, payable from retirement to age 65; 5) add 50% surviving spouse's benefit for employee who dies prior to being eligible to retire. Benefits will commence at earliest date employees could have retired had they remained in service. 6) provide retiree life insurance equal to two times the salary at retirement. Life irtsurarr~e amount is reduced by 2% for each month after retirement until it reaches one time your salary. Mr. Beck said the City's actuary has