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COX 48
VERIZON 19

AGENDA

Newport News City Council

December 9, 2008

City Council Chambers

7:00 p.m.

Presentation:

Resolution of Recognition - K. M. "Butch" Blanks

7:30 p.m.

1. Invocation - Pastor Karen L. Wilson, Temple of Peace Church

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

3. Public Hearings:

A.    Change of Zoning, CZ-08-258 Peninsula Memorial Park Corporation  Item withdrawn by Applicant on 12-5-08

Approved    B.    Vacation of Right of Way - Canon Boulevard and Town Center Drive

Approved    C.    Jackson School Lease Renewal - Newport News Shipbuilding

Approved    D.    Vacation of Water Line Easements - Hampton's Peninsula Town Center

Approved    E.     Landfill Gas Transmission Utility Easement - 15194 Warwick Boulevard

4. Consent Agenda

Approved    A.     Minutes of the Work Session of November 25, 2008

Approved    B.     Minutes of Special Meeting of November 25, 2008

Approved    C.     Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 25, 2008
Approved    D.     Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commemoration

Approved    5.    Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Abatement Program

Approved    6.    Emergency Water Connection Agreement between James City Service Authority and the City

7.    Pump Station No. 24 VFD/Electrical Upgrade

Approved    A.    Appropriation - $27,000

Approved    B.    Award of Bid - Environmental Engineering & Technology, Inc.

8.    Appropriations

Approved    A.    Fire Department - HAZMAT Grant Funding - $30,000

Approved    B.    Police Department - JAG Grant Funding - $80,463

Approved    C.    Sheriff's Office - Work Release Funding - $31,000

Approved    D.    Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Donation - $6,405

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

J. Hamiel - Spoke on behalf of Mr. Andrew Shannon, the Doris Miller Center and the children. Asked City Council to consider Mr. Shannon for an employment opportunity as the Director of Doris Miller Community Center.

C. Hogge - Stated that she left out some important points when she spoke on the Deep Creek Pier at the November 25, 2008 meeting. Wanted to give City Council more information.  She advocated having the Deep Creek Pier rebuilt.

J. Gergely - Stated that Delegates Oder and Hamilton hosted a meeting concerning congestion at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.  He indicated to City Council that nothing will be done if the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) does not champion the project.  The bylaws of the MPO will be changed to have weighted voting in the future. Currently, all cities have one vote.  This will reduce the voting power of the Peninsula by 35%. He asked Council and the Mayor to consider the voting mechanism because the power will be given to the Southside.

C.W. Powell - Advocated for the Deep Creek Pier. Told City Council that a big wrong had been done.

A.C. Pulliam - Advised Council that the Citizen's Guide contains very good information.  Remarked about the women on Council voting against the EDA issues at the November 25th City Council meeting.  He also complimented Vice Mayor Whitaker on his marathon running and mentioned the signs at City Center, and many of the recent newspaper articles highlighting City spending.

J. Minarik - Expressed concerns about the City surviving the tough economic times.  Stated that the City needs to look at affordable housing, teachers, police and a retirement plan to keep long-time employees.  The City needed to keep libraries and community centers as well,  Thought Council needed to get the word out about what we have in the community and encourage citizens to get involved.  Challenged City Council to listen to the citizens.

M. Minarik - Spoke about the November 25, 2008 City Council meeting.  Mentioned that real estate assessments went up, even though the tax rate did not. Concerned about who City Council represented and who is in charge of the City.  Disturbed about lack of money for speed bumps when there is a need to keep investing in City Center.  The City needed to look at ways to cut losses.

T. Savage - Discussed the crime in the City and violence in the schools. Disturbed about revelations that came out of a recent school meeting he attended with his daughter.  He wanted to know why the rules were not enforced uniformly and why teachers and administrators were afraid to speak up.  Asked City Council to please put strings on the money given to the schools.  His daughter was involved in two incidents in one year, and kids were afraid to go to school.  There were gang colors being worn in classrooms.

W. Pelkey - Thanked City Council for their vote on EDA. Asked Council to make public all current contracts at the next City Council meeting on January 13, 2009.  He stated he was pleased to see the City Manager's Office had made some spending cuts with the Capital Improvement Plan.  He also advocated for projects that he felt the City should focus on.

J. Stancil - Stated he wanted to re-clarify his position on the EDA.  As a LLC, it should not be given authority to enter into trusts.  Wanted to know why the homeless shelter was closed just because the Executive Dircetor was embezzling money.  Clarified his position on a co-op grocery store in the Southeast community.  Mr. Stancil stated he supported a community center in the North District and the children's programs at the Doris Miller Community Center.

10.    New Business and Councilmember Comments

    City Manager - Wished City Council a Happy Holiday.

    City Attorney

    City Clerk

    Scott - Thanked Mr. and Mrs. Minarik for their kind words regarding the Town Hall meeting on November 24, 2008 in which the mission was to exchange information.  Announced the Decmber 20, 2008 North District Food Drive at the A.J. Wright building on Oriana Road.  On December 22, 2008, the food will be distributed, along with school supplies from the Police Department.  Offered condolences to the family of Bill Sears. Extended holiday wishes to colleagues, staff and citizens.

    Vick - Wished all citizens a safe and happy holiday season and a properous new year.

    Whitaker

    Woodbury - Thanked citizens who spoke.  Extended condolences to the Sears family.  Wished everyone a happy holiday.

    Bateman - Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season

    Frank - Wished everyone a happy holiday season. Encouraged everyone to remember those who need our support, particularly the military.  Expressed hope that the nation and communty can come back together and also expressed great appreciaion to the City staff.

    McMillan - Extended an invitation to the Endview Tree Planting Ceremony on December 27, 2008 in honor of John Curry. Wished a Merry Christmas to Neal Thompsn and Joe Street.