2001-02-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Mr. Robert Winstead, 1613 Oakleaf Lane, asked all in the audience in support of the First Amendment Monument to stand, and a large number stood. Ms. Barbara Meriwether, 106 Locust Lane Ct. said she is opposed to the design of the First Amendment Monument. APPROVAL: APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF OF POLICE Mr. Caravati said that a national search for a new Police Chief has been going on for three months and many in the community are excited about the appointment. Mr. O'Connell said that a number of qualified applicants applied for the Police Chief position. Mr. O'Connell said that Mr. Timothy Longo comes to the City with 20 years of law enforcement experience and a great deal of enthusiasm. Mr. O'Connell thanked the community panel members for their participation. Mr. O'Connell recommended that Council approve his appointment of Mr. Longo as Police Chief. On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Ms. Richards, Council approved the appointment of Mr. Timothy Longo as Police Chief by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: None. Mr. Longo expressed his appreciation for having been named Police Chief and said he is excited to move his family to Charlottesville. PUBLIC ItEARING/ORDINANCE: FIRST AMENDMENT MONUMENT Mr. O'Connell said that the First Amendment Monument has been proposed by the Thomas Jefferson Center for Free Expression. Mr. Josh Wheeler, Assistant Director of the Center for Free Expression, said that the proposal was designed by local architects and includes a podium and chalkboard. Mr. Wheeler said the Center has encouraged people to participate at the public hearing and printed a brochure with frequently asked questions and answers. Mr. Wheeler said one main question is will the monument do more harm than good, and said he thinks the good will outweigh the bad. Mr. Wheeler said he would like to see the community invite rather than merely tolerate free expression. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Barbara Ronan, Albemarle County resident and employee on the downtown mall for 19 years, said that while the design of the proposed monument is beautiful, she is opposed to it because it will become a graffiti board regardless of the intention and will be seen by tourists and young children. Ms. Ronan asked how long it will take to remove spray paint from the surface ofthe monument, and said the average person will not erase offensive comments, but will merely walk away, and then what will they think of our community. Ms. Ronan suggested that if the Council approves the monument that a large chalk board be put up for a few months to see what happens. Ms. Ronan asked how such a monument will contribute to a family friendly environment. Mr. John Whitehead, President of the Rutherford Institute, said he supports the proposed monument which will give average citizens the opportunity to speak or write. Mr. Whitehead said that free speech applies also to what we despise. Mr. Colin Rolph, Chair of the Downtown Property Owners Council, spoke in favor of the proposed monument and feels it will be a great additiOn to the east end of the mall. Ms. Lisa Murphy~ representing the Downtown Property Owners Council, said that she was at first concerned about the monument because of what children might be subjected to, but feels that sheltering ourselves or children is not necessarily the way to teach them.