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COX 48
VERIZON 19

AGENDA

Newport News City Council

November 25, 2008

City Council Chambers

7:30 p.m.

1. Invocation - Reverend Isabel Steilberg, St. Paul Episcopal Church

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

3. Public Hearing

Approved    Change of Zoning Request - Emanuel Baptist Church, CZ-08-265

4. Consent Agenda

Approved    A. Minutes of the Work Session of October 28, 2008

Approved    B. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 28, 2008

Approved    C. Minutes of the Work Session of November 6, 2008

Approved    D. Minutes of the Special Meeting of November 6, 2008

Approved    E. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 6, 2008

Approved    F. Resolution - Smoke-Free Indoor Air Environment

Approved    G. Resolution - Virginia Department of Health Annual Services Agreement

Approved    H. Resolution of Recognition: Voter Registrar's Office

One Bid received  5. Bid Opening - Landfill Gas Transmission Easement

Approved 6. Resolution - Wet Detention Pond Agreement between York County and the City

Approved 7. Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority Trust Resolution

8. Residential Parking Permit Program

Approved    A. Ordinance Amending Chapter 26, Article IV, of the City Code

Approved    B. Resolution Approving Administrative Policy

Approved  9. Ordinance - EDA Sublease for The Lunch Bell

Approved  10. Resolution Adopting 2009 Legislative Program

Approved  11. Appropriation for Walker Dam Phase II Rehabilitation Project - $950,000

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

D. George - Retired firefighter concerned about City's spending priorities, ovetime budget, Hilton Station fire engine retired from service and City Center signage.

J. Procyson - Thanked Florence Kingston for bring RETRO more members because of signs in City Center.  Asked Council for minor road improvements and limiting powers of the EDA.

J. Worthington - SPoke to Council on behalf of people with diasabilities in wheelchairs. She feels disabled citizens have been left out (i.e., no homeless shelters, buildings or accomodations for them.)

L. T. Vaughan - Visited Mr. Frank LaBreque who manages school transportation division and is impressed with the fine job he is doing.  Asked Council how much does a fully equipped police car cost and are officers allowed to drive their vehicles home? Also, is the cost-benefit calculated? Mr. Vaughan asked Council for a response.

C. W. Powell - Wants the Deep Creek pier back

C. Hogge - Spoke on Deep Creek Pier

J. Stancil - Praised the ladies on Council for standing up to the "Millionaire Boys Claub" and asked that they do not give the EDA more authority.  Stated that the City Center's signage was the biggest embarrassment to the City.  He requested to know how many other leases the EDA is allowed to sublease and how much was saved during four years of assessment increase? He told Vice Mayor Whitaker to create a vision to improve the Southeast Community to include a co-op grocery store.

B. Smith - Thanked City employees for their support over the years. Spoke to Council on the CIP and the recreation center in Denbigh. Asked Council to stand behind a timely development opf the center.

J. Minarck - Expressed grave concerns about what is happening with the Debigh Community Center, Police and Fire Departments and also with retirement and health care costs.

M. Minarck - Expressed concerns about an analysis as he quoted to the City manager saying "Dont blame taxes for people leaving." He asked Council for a true analysis about assessments and asked that work sessions be televised so that citizens can hear dialogue on decision making.  He also expressed concerns about the health and welfare of citizens as far as police, fire and education. He feels EDA is a runaway organization.

13. New Business and Councilmember Comments

    City Manager

    City Attorney - Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

    City Clerk - Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

    McMillan - Thanked citizens for their participation.

    Scott - Thanked citizens who came to the North District Meeting.  She asked Mr. Hildebrandt to explain the Proposed Retirement Plan at a future meeting.  Also announced the North District Food Drive to be held December 20, 2008.

    Vick - Thanked South District citizens and others for attending her first Town Meeting. Mentioned that Joy Robinson and Development Department sponsored a job fair for Canon.  Thanked Captain Hartman and the Central District Meeting attendees for their enthusiasm. Lastly, thanked Andrew Shannon for the feast.

    Whitaker - Talked about the job fair held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and explained that most of the job applicants were well qualified. Asked that another job fair be planned.  He expressed appreciation to Andrew Shannon for having the feeding program that occurs every year at the Moton Theater.

    Woodbury - Appreciated Councilwoman McMillan thanking citizens and was particularly glad that James Stancil made his remarks about the assessment analysis. She also apologized to Arthur Keyes that someone else sat in his seat at the November 6, 2008 Council Meeting.

    Bateman - Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and thanked citizens for coming down to the Council meeting.  He remarked about the criticism of the signs at City Center. Advised citizens that EDA members are respected business people in the community appointed by City Council.  He defended City Center and expressed that the City needs to do what is necessary to make it successful.  The EDA also works to help the City manintain its credit rating.

    Frank - Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and reminded everyone that these are difficult times for families, but everyone can find something to be thankful for.  There are many things in the community that will allow us to help those that are less fortunate.