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194 Mr. Caravati asked for a listing of cities in Virginia who have gone to a biennial budget. Mr. Caravati said he would also like to have Mr. Toscano's input. He said he thinks it is generally a good idea. Mr. O'Connell suggested that Council think about the idea as they go through the budget process. Mr. Lynch said he would be concerned with the new Council not doing the budget for two years, and also with the fact that the Comprehensive Plan is done every five years and that would be off-cycle with the budget. Mr. Lynch questioned the impact on federal funds. Mr. O'Connell noted that there is tremendous staff energy that goes into the budget each year. Ms. Richards said she is concerned that we not lose flexibility or how spending is prioritized. REPORT: CARRYING COSTS PROGRAM Mr. Satyendra Huja, Director of Strategic Planning, said the Carrying Costs Program is an initiative proposed to help with homeownership. The program would provide up to $4,000 for carrying costs for up to one year to help buy, rehabilitate and sell houses. It would be run by a non-profit group, such as AHIP, Piedmont Housing Alliance, Charlottesville Housing Foundation or the Housing Authority. Houses must be brought up to City code. Mr. Huja said the necessary fimds are allocated in the housing initiatives. Mr. Cox asked if any ofthese funds have been used, and Mr. Huja said they have been used to help purchase the houses on 10th and Page. Mr. Cox said he supports the concept and feels the menu approach to homeownership is best. Mr..Cox said the ability to act quickly is also important. Mr. Caravati said he would like to see due diligence performed by the non-profits, and added the non-profits will bring their own resources to the program as well. Mr. Caravati said he feels this reinforces the partnership element. Ms. Richards asked if the program could be extended to neighborhood groups that form to purchase a house such as one that was done in the Venable neighborhood to prevent conversion to rental property. In this situation, Ms. Richards said that restrictive covenants were added to the property. Mr. Caravati said he would like to exercise some caution regarding restrictive covenants. Ms. Richards suggested that the program be advertised to neighborhoods and the Federation of Neighborhood Association so they can advise on houses that may be coming on the market. Mr. Lynch said that the Federation of Neighborhood Associations explored obtaining a 501C status, but it is expensive to do and they may want to approach the City to help with the fimding. Ms. Richards made a motion to adopt the program as described by Mr. Huja, Mr. Lynch seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards. Noes: None. Absent: Mr. Toscano. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. O'Connell noted that Council has been given the landfill lawsuit agreement resolution.