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AGENDA

Newport News City Council

March 25, 2008

City Council Chambers

7:00 p.m.

Presentation:

A. Resolution in Memoriam: George C. Austin

B. Resolution in Recognition: Neal B. Thompson

C. Proclamation: National Youth Violence Prevention Week - March 31 - April 4, 2008

D. Proclamation: Newport News Retired Police Search and Rescue Team

E. Battle of the Books

7:30 p.m.

1.    Invocation - Minister Clifford Manuel, Denbigh Christian Church

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

3.    Consent Hearing

Approved A. Minutes of Work Session of March 11, 2008

Approved B. Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 11, 2008

Approved C. Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 11, 2008

Approved D. Inclusion of Menchville Court in the Residential Parking Permit Program

Approved E. Verizon Subscriber List Agreement

Approved 4.    Agreement of Lease - Fire Station #11

Approved 5.    Proposed Project Development Agreement with James City Service Authority for Long-Term Water Supply

Approved 6.     King William Reservoir Interim Project Financing Agreement

7.     Appropriations

Approved A. Public Safety P25 Radio Subscriber Upgrade

Approved B. Staff Support for Peninsula Disability Services Board

Approved C. Hazard Elimination and Safety Improvements Project - Harpersville Road at Huber Road

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

J. Diego - Represented the firefighters union in expressing concerns and support for the proposed changes to the City's Retirement Program. Indicated that the members are making suggestions for alternatives to consider in helping the City with this problem.

G. Morgan - Expressed his gratitude to City officials and Sheriff's Office employees for the improvements made in jail operations in the last two years.

L. Irby - Concerned about lack of progress in making meaningful department cost reductions, and suggested ways to cut costs.

M. Allen - Expressed concern about forthcoming changes to the City's pension plan and asked for City Council participation in seeking employee input.

C. Powell - Concerned that waterfront property is becoming increasingly inaccessible to members of the public, and he wanted the Deep Creek Pier replaced.

C. Hogge - Concerned about the lack of adequate docking facilities in Deep Creek harbor and showed pictures of recent wind impact on boats moored at Menchville Wharf.

J. Procyson - Expressed concern about excessive City spending and cited examples. Also indicated that proposed FY09 spending is likewise excessive.

K. Winn - Encouraged justice for all and suggested that the police officer who shot Robert Harper has not been dealt with appropriately. Expressed gratitude to Councilwomen McMillan and Scott for their advocacy for citizens. Advocated against increasing the cost of living for seniors in favor of new development. Suggested that historical structures in the City are being demolished. Concerned about a drainage problem in Warwick Mobile Homes.

J. Stancil - Indicated that Warwick Lawns Association is not in favor of using the former Hills Store for a skating rink - suggested using vacant properties in Beechmont.

R. Williams - Requested a response from Councilwoman Scott about her affirmative vote for the Windy Knolls project. Inquired why the City can afford to spend $600,000 on a skating rink and not fund the Campbell Road improvements

9.    New Business and Councilmember Comments

City Manager

City Attorney

City Clerk

Haskins - Spoke of accomplishments by the City during his tenure on City Council. Expressed concern that some candidates for City Council are speaking out against the King William Reservoir project. Also suggested that the City needs to seek out further cost reductions.

McMillan - Announced the recent attainment of American citizenship by Sabine Hirschauer.

Scott - Commented on the lack of citizen input to her regarding the Windy Knolls project. Expressed condolences to two constituent families.

Allen - Thanked supporters for his recent award.

Bateman - Thanked Councilman Haskins for his comments.