7:30 p.m.

1.         Invocation -      Reverend Sonja Flye-Oliver, Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church

2.         Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America

3.         Public Hearings

Approved        A. Change of Zoning CZ-07-240, Michael Guida, John Guida, Frank Guida, Mathilda Guida, Laura Woodbridge

Approved        D. Acquisition of Property – North District Recreation Center

                                    1. Appropriation of Funds

                                                 2. Authorization to Acquire

Approved        C.        Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 26, 2007

Approved        D.        Incorporation of Recent State Code Changes into City Code

Approved        E.    Assignment of Lease for Parcel 8A in the Seafood Industrial Park to                                 Davis Boat Works, Inc.

Approved        F.         Memorandum of Understanding for the Acceptance of Fire Suppression Equipment from the State of Virginia

Approved        G.        Herbert H. Neisser Bequest – Hilton Public Library

Approved        H.        Minutes of (Second) Special Meeting of June 26, 2007

Approved  5.   CSX Transportation Agreement for Relocation of the Lee Hall Depot

6.                     Jefferson Avenue Widening Project – Buchanan Drive to Green Grove Lane

Approved        A.        Appropriation of Funds

Approved        B.         City/State Agreement

7.                     Jefferson Avenue/Thimble Shoals Intersection Improvement Project

Approved        B. City/State Agreement

Approved 8.   Warwick Boulevard Widening Project Lighting

                                       9.      Appropriations

Approved        A. Mobile Data Computers for the Records Management System

Approved        B. Fiscal Year 2008 Information Technology Investment Fund

Approved        C. Fiscal Year 2008 Debt Service and Cash Capital Reserve

10.                   Citizen Comments on Matters Germane to the Business of City Council

*11.                 New Business and Councilmember Comments

City Manager

City Attorney

City Clerk

*THE BUSINESS PORTION OF THE MEETING WILL BE CONCLUDED

 CITY COUNCIL UNDER “CITIZEN COMMENTS ON MATTERS

Item 10.          Citizen Comments on Matters Germane to the Business of City Council

W. Drew          Expressed concern about the lack of fairness and justice regarding the Robert Harper shooting. Claimed it to be an assassination.

S. Brown          Asked City Council to have the courage to order an independent investigation into the Robert Harper shooting incident.

M. Harris         Seeking justice in the shooting death of Robert Harper. Advised that the process will continue.

R. Langford      Suggested that the various reports regarding the Robert Harper shooting investigation are contradictory with each other.

Suggested improved conditions are needed in the Southeast Community.

R. Dixon           Provided background information on his efforts to restore his property at 1123 26th Street and his problems with meeting the demands of Codes Compliance. Advised of illegal entry by individuals into the property.

C. Nunnally      Spoke of her efforts to support the family of Robert Harper in their pursuit of justice. Suggested an independent investigation of the shooting.

K. Chavis         Requested members of the public with information on the Robert Harper shooting to contact the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

                        Provided personal remarks about the character of Robert Harper.        

J. Hill                Suggested racial motivation behind the police shooting of Robert Harper. Expressed a need for fairness and leadership in seeking justice in the case.

S. Bryant          Questioned police tactics used in the shooting of Robert Harper.

C. Barkley        Rejected the official reports on her son Robert Harper’s shooting. 

P. Lynch           Questioned the reports on the details of the shooting of Robert Harper. Suggested the police officer involved be charged.

G. Cherry         Requested the City’s help with the landscaping of Jefferson Avenue in the Southeast Community as espoused by the Downtown Newport News Merchants & Neighborhood Association.

                        -Offered his group’s assistance with rehabbing the former Messic Hardware building.

Item 11.          New Business and Councilmember Comments

Haskins            Moved to increase the City Clerk’s salary – seconded and approved.

                        Moved to increase the City Manager’s salary – seconded and approved.

Scott                Advised that the next Town Hall Meeting is Saturday, July 21 at the new Police Headquarters Building.