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189 <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE: CITY COUNCIL SALARIES (2nd reading) <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell explained that it has been six years since Council salary has <br />changed, and the proposed increase, from $8,000 to $12,000 annually for the <br />Mayor, and from $6,000 to $10,000 annually for City councilors, if approved, will <br />become effective on July 1, 2002. Mr. O'Connell said that this increase should <br />bring Council salaries more in line with similar localities and Albemarle County. <br /> <br /> Mr. Craig Brown, City Attomey, noted that Council salaries only increased <br />$1,000 in 1995, and there has been no other increase in salaries since 1982. <br /> <br />The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Rob Shilling, 1406 Holly Road, speaking on behalf of the <br />Charlottesville Republican Committee, supported the increase in Council salaries, <br />especially in light of the proposal to move Council elections to November which <br />would save money and increase voter turnout. Mr. Shilling encouraged Council to <br />seek a change in the State law which would allow the Council elections to be held <br />in odd number years to coincide with elections for other State offices. <br /> <br /> Mr. Eugene Williams, 620 Ridge Street, said that the present salary for <br />Council is degrading. Mr. Williams said he would like to see the salary increased <br />to $20,000 to $24,000. He said he would also like to see Councilors provided with <br />private offices and feels their terms should be limited. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said that she has had a difference of opinion regarding the <br />salary increase, and would rather see an annual increase built in to correspond with <br />what other City employees receive, but said that Mr. Williams' comments have won <br />her over. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he supports the increase, noting that Councilors have to eat <br />and pay bills. Mr. Lynch said he appreciates the sympathy of the community. <br /> Mr. Toscano noted that the salary increase will not take effect until July of <br />2002. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he supports the increase, and while it is an honor and privilege <br />to serve on Council, sometimes it is difficult to justify the time it takes. Mr. Cox <br />said he thinks the increase shows the value of Council's role. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said he sees the increase as a step forward for open <br />government in that it may encourage more candidates to run for office. <br /> <br /> The ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND <br />REORDAINING SECTION 2-40 OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE <br />CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY CODE, 1990, AS AMENDED, TO INCRASE THE <br />SALARIES OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL," which was offered at the <br />October 1~t meeting, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. <br />Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards. Noes: Mr. Toscnao. <br /> <br />REPORT: COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ANNUAL <br />REPORT <br /> <br /> Mr. Richard Merriwether, Chairman of the Commission on Children and <br />Families (CCF), explained that the presentation will review the focus and areas of <br />consideration identified by the Commission for the Council and Board of <br />Supervisors. <br /> <br /> Dr. Michael Dickens, reviewed the "Stepping Stone" workgroup, which <br />tracked the following: academic achievement, community characteristics, conduct <br />in community, discipline in school, early childhood education, family <br /> <br /> <br />