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AGENDA

Newport News City Council

April 8, 2008

City Council Chambers

7:00 p.m.

Presentation:

A. Resolution in Recognition: John Quarstein

B. Proclamation: Fair Housing Month - April 2008

C. Proclamation: Newport News Telecommunicators Week - April 7-11, 2008

D. Proclamation: National Library Week - April 13- 19, 2008

E. Proclamation: National Volunteer Week - April 27 - May 3, 2008

7:30 p.m.

1.    Invocation - Reverend Dr. Robert D. Marston, Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church

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

Approved 3.    Public Hearing: Right-of-Way Acquisitions for Richneck Road Improvements Project, Phase II

4.    Consent Agenda

Approved A. Minutes of Work Session of March 25, 2008

Approved B. Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 25, 2008

Approved C. Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 25, 2008

Approved D. Extension of Conditional Use Permit CU-07-220, Hampton Roads YYP, LLC

Approved E. Renaming of Public Right-of-Way from Claire Lane to Freedom Way

Approved 5.    Commemorative Renaming of 24th Street - Ella Fitzgerald Way

6.     Appropriations

Approved A. Sliplining of Drainage Pipes Project

Approved B. Sweetbriar Drive Drainage Improvement Project

Approved C. Jones Road/Nelson Drive Drainage Improvements Project - Phase I

Approved D. Technology - Related Equipment and Services for Circuit Court Clerk

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

K. Patterson - Concerned that the proposed pension plan changes will negatively affect the City's employee recruitment efforts. Blamed the lack of recommended City contributions over the years for the current problem.

J. Santiage - Concerned that the City is not living up to its commitment to City employees regarding contributions to the pension program.

J. Procyson - Suggested a sliding scale pay raise system for City and School employees to enable a reduction in the real estate  tax rate. Suggested possible budget cuts to achieve a real estate tax rate of $0.93/$100.

C. Hogge - Suggested a "working" replacement pier for the Deep Creek Pier.

R. Hines - Suggested that the use of the Menchville Wharf by watermen is dangerous. Advocated a "working" replacement pier on the Deep Creek side of the harbor.

C. Powell - Spoke about the heritage of the Deep Creek Pier and advocated a "working" replacement.

J. Gergely - Wanted the City to obtain an estimate to replace the Deep Creek Pier as it previously existed. Spoke about the recent admission by HRTA officials about why the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel was not on the list of priority transportation improvements. Requested City Council to pass a resolution officially asking that the bridge tunnel be added to the priority list.

J. Stancil - On behalf of the Warwick Lawns Association, requested that Campbell Road be reconstructed, and that the Reston Drive improvements be done in one project only and not separated into two phases.

8.    New Business and Councilmember Comments

City Manager

City Attorney

City Clerk

McMillan - Urged citizens to volunteer for the City's "Adopt-a-Spot" program.

Scott - Clarified her understanding of the recent formation of the Warwick Lawns Association.

Whitaker - Requested a congratulatory/recognition marker at one of the City's gateways for the Heritage High School girls basketball team.

Allen

Bateman

Frank

Haskins