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MINUTES <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br />APPOINTMENTS: <br />JAUNT BOARD <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: <br />REQUEST FOR TAX <br />EXEMPTION FOR <br />UNITED WAY <br /> <br />I'49 <br /> <br /> On motion by Dr. Hall, seconded by Mrs. Gleason, the minutes of <br /> November 1st were approved as amended, Mr. Conover abstaining. <br /> <br /> Ashlin Smith of 620 Park Street, representing the Charlottesville High <br /> School Boosters' Club, asked Council if an opportunity would be provided <br /> for public comment on the issue of the Charlottesville High School capital <br /> projects. <br /> <br /> Mayor Buck st'ated that since that question had been raised previously, <br /> it would be advisable to put the item on the December 6th agenda for .a public <br /> hearing. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Smith also presented Council with the results of a survey completed <br /> by the students at Charlottesville High School. Mayor Buck asked for a copy <br /> of the survey for Council. ' <br /> <br /> On nomination by Mrs. Gleason, Thomas J. Vandever was appointed to <br /> <br /> serve a one year term on the JAUNT Board. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason stated that she would abstain from participation in the <br /> discussion of this item. <br /> <br /> Mayor Buck opened the public hearing. <br /> <br /> Bob Hodous, President Elect of United Way, addressed Council, requesting <br /> endorsement of tax exemption for the Thomas Jefferson Area United Way. <br /> Mr. Hodous stated that this exemption would mean no significant detriment <br /> for the City and that if the building's use changes from a charitable purpose, <br /> taxes Would be paid. <br /> <br /> There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Buck closed the <br /> public hearing. <br /> <br /> Mr. Conover stated that citizens should know where t'heir money goes and <br />evaluations should be done.'annually. Mr.. Conover asked if the figures could <br />be broken down by agenda~ what percentage would be operating costs and debt <br />service;, how will the new grouping differ from current use by the Daily <br />Progress regarding parking; does the United Way have intentions of acquiring <br />property which would fall under the exemption; what is the burden of the <br />City regarding servicing the downtown property (i.e., police and fire <br />services); and since the United Way serves the regional area and Charlottes- <br />ville is being asked to make a significant contribution, in what manner <br />Could this burden be shared by sister localities? <br /> <br /> Mr. Hodous replied, stating that $1,750,000.00 would be used for <br />renovations; $9S0,000 to be used for additional construction of the downtown <br />YMCA. He also stated that S0% of the tenants in that building would already <br />have a tax exempt status. Answers to the remainder of Mr. Conover's <br />questions were not available at this time and would be answered by the City <br />staff. <br /> <br /> Dr. Hall stated that he holds the same position as previously stated. <br /> <br />He stated that knowing the services of the United Way and ~he other agencies <br />housed in the building, he can see how they could benefit if the exemption <br />could be granted. He stated that he is in favor of adopting the proposed <br />resolution. <br /> <br /> Mayor Buck stated that he would rather allow information to be gathered <br />and presented at the next meeting since two weeks would really have no impact <br />on the situation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Conover suggested that Council not proceed with a decision on the <br /> <br /> <br />