2002-01-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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248 million could be found in the City budget should a decision be made to use it for Jefferson School. Mr. Toscano read a statement supporting the trash sticker fees, especially if recycling was enhanced. Mr. Toscano said that BFI has been asked for an estimate to add plastic and office paper, but it would be a large increase because there are not enough bins on the trucks. Mr. Caravati added that plastic and office paper can be recycled at the Mclntire Recycling Center. Mr. Francis Fife, 501 9th Street, S.W., said that the City could save money bynot advancing the Meadowcreek Parkway design and doing away with the project. Mr. Lynch read a statement about the large undercapacity at City Schools and suggesting that the City Schools work vdth County Schools to increase County student enrollment at City Schools. Mr. Lynch said that the City School Board has discussed this and is supportive, but noted that they have to be careful that the increase in County student enrollment does not cause a need to increase staff. Mr. Bern Ewert, 1609 St. Anne's Road, said the pre-school program should stay at Jefferson School, and if he is elected to Council he will not support having housing or retail space there. Mr. Ewert said the City does not budget enough for capital concerns and said 10% of the budget should be put toward capital projects, and if he is elected he will do that. Mr. Ewert said a five-year operating budget is needed. Mr. Ewert said that he would favor putting the City Market at the east end mall extension and transit center location and would support having space there for incubator businesses. Mr. Blair Hawkins, 210 Raymond Avenue, said that the City is facing cuts because of the recession, declining population, and said the County might stop the revenue sharing agreement. Mr. Hawkins said there are ways to balance the budget such as reduce spending, eliminate programs, and raise taxes and fees. Mr. Cox read a statement saying that raising taxes is a knee jerk reaction, and parking fines should be increased and restaurants should be charged fair market rents for their outdoor cafes. Mr. Cox said that Council increased parking frees in May of 2001, and targeted the fines to resolve parkSng problems. Mr. Cox said he feels it is a legitimate point about the caf~ rents. Mr. Emie Reed, 610 Farrish St., said that Council should prioritize what is important, and he feels Jefferson School is at the top. He said grants should be sought for its renovation and a centralized pre-school is important. Mr. Reed said the City should stop putting money into single occupancy vehicles, stop building roads, stop traffic calming, and move to a multi-faceted transportation systerr~ He said that auto stickers should be raised to cover infrastructure costs, and there should be a higher cost for stickers for SUVs and second and third cars. Mr. Reed said he is interested in the transit center. Ms. Cynthia Mendy, 804 5th Street, Extended, said that Jefferson School should be preserved as an educational institution. Ms. Mendy said that the displacement of the African-American community continues to be seen, Ms. Richards read a statement saying that the City should make internal budget cuts before increasing taxes and asking what cuts are projected to take place. Ms. Richards said that departmental budgets were not increased in the present fiscal year, and she assumes that they will not increase next year. Ms. Richards noted that the increases are due to landfill costs, the regional jail, juvenile detention center, and reduced state funds. Ms. Barbara Myer, 1318B Hampton Street, asked that Council f'md $1.4 million for Jefferson School, or $900,000 if they do not want to replace the roof. Ms. Myer said the building is irreplaceable to the City and the African-American community, and the