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187 Mr. Jun Hog 105-A Longwood Drive, said that recently at 2:00 a.m. seven gunshots were fired on his street where a large crowd had gathered, and a neighbor was beaten when he tried to intervene. Mr. Hoff said that the police did an admirable job, but he asked Council to do something about the shootings that are going on in the City. Mr. HoffsaJd more police are needed on his side oftow~ Mr. Hoffsaid that he often sees youth under 18 violating the curfew ordinance. Mr. Caravati said he has received other calls about the shooting on Longwood Drive. Mr. Caravati said the police are only part of the solution and landlords need to be involved as well. Mr. Caravati said he hopes the City can work wilh the neighborhood to help. Ms. Jeannie Lee, 500 South First Street, Apt. 501, representing the Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR), supported the Simplicity project for the CSX property. Ms. Lee said it offers a community based design concept and is the only plan offering affordable housing. Rev. Kathy Baker, 1008 Cottonwood Drive, Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church, provided Council with information on the hate crimes legislation which has been languishing in a Senate committee. Ms. Richards said that last year Council asked the General Assembly to expand the state hate crimes law to include sexual orientation, and she would like to introduce a motion to write to Senator Warner encouraging him to support the federal legislation. Mr. Caravati asked Ms. Richards to draft a letter and circulate it to Council. Ms. Richards made a motion for Council to authorize a letter to be sent to Senator Warner asldng that the hate crimes amendment be moved out of the conference committee and indicate Council's support for federal hate crimes legislation and include Council's previous resolution. Cox seconded the motion. Mr. Lynch asked why Senator Warner is holding up the bill, and Rev. Baker said she understands that he has had concerns about the need for such legislation, but the recent killing ora gay man in Roanoke appears to have changed his mind. Council approved sending the letter to Senator Warner by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Richards. Noes: None. Absent: Mr. Toseano. Mr. Cox, responding to comments made by Ms. Lee, explained that a Committee reviewed and ranked proposals made for the CSX property, and Council was briefed on those proposals. Mr. Huja will be following up on alt the proposals, and a public hearing will be held in the near future on the issue. REPORT: LIVING WAGE (REQUIREMENT FOR CONTRACTORS) Ms. Lisa Kelley, Assistant City Attorney, explained that the City of Alexandria has passed an ordinance setting rates and methods of enforcement for certain contract employees, and an ordinance could be modeled after their ordinance if Council decides to go forward. Ms. Kelley said Alexandria's ordinance does not apply to construction services or professional services and sets up a method for calculating a living wage with a base amount of $8.20 per hour plus an amount equal to the average cost per hour for health insurance, which brings the total close to $10 an hour. Quarterly repons are required to be made to Alexandria, and if an employer does not pay their living wage, the contract is terminated. Mr. caravati asked about the legal status of Alexandria's ordinance, and Ms. Kelley said that no lawsuit has been filed yet, but they anticipate a challenge will be made as the Chamber of Commerce opposes the ordinance;