Minutes 11/24/1970 - Laserfiche WebLink

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70-488 - The following ordinance, approved on first reading at last meeting, was taken up and read: "AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE $60,000.00 FROM q~E GENERAL CAPITAL I~ROVEM~NT FUND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE MIDDLE STREET MALL." On motion of Mr. Smith (R), the ordinance was adopted and by the following vote: Ayes: Holley, Johnson, King, Smith (I), Smith {R), Turner, Barnes Nays: None - N~ BUSINESS - 70-521 - The following letter from Walter S. Griggs, Jr., River Shmre Civic League, was read: "The River Shore Civic League app~ciates your interest in the rezoning to heavy industry of that portion of Nansemond County adjacent to the western boundary of our city. A news item in the Virginian-Pilot (November 11, 1970) indicated that you may discuss this matter with the Nansemond County Board of Supervisors. We would like to make you aware of our concern since many questions regarding the proposed oil refinery have not been answered. At a rec~nt public hearing held on this matter the Tri County-Suffolk health officer pointed out that an oil refinery couldbe a health hazard. Other competent spokesmen stated that the refinery could have an ad varse effect on the economy and ecology of the area. Inquik~&m~regarding water supply, waste disposal, possible oil spillage and esthetic elements are all pertinent. The western extremity of Portsmouth is residential and if it is to retain its present quality, protection from some types of industrialization is essential~ For example, it appears the proposed oil refinerywill be situated only about $,000 feet from River Shore Road, 6,000 feet from Edgefield and 8,000 feet from our new three million dollar junior high school. Property values of the 4600 and 4700 blocks of River Shore Road alone probably approach two million dollars. Adjacent areas with far more residents (Edgefield, Greenfield Farms, Merrifields, etc.) are of much greater value. In the same area, undeveloped land amounting to hundreds of acres should prove of even greater value to our city and should be protected. Industrialization is desirable if it is of a type which will not cause a decline of property values in our city. Your consideration and help are earnestly solicited." Motion of Mr. Smith (I) that the letter be received as information and that a letter of appreciation be sent to Mr. Griggs for his information and interest, was adopted, without dissenting vote. ~. Barnes stated that since the County of Nansemond had held its hearing and had rezoned the-property, it should not be discussed now.) 70-522 - The following letter from George M. Johnson, 211 Ashburn Road, was read: "Can't something be done about the rough handling and ultimate destrUction of garbage cans ~n the City by the sanitation department. I tried metal cans and they were bent to the point where the lids would not fit within a month's time. I then switched to a heavy plastic can (5.25) and it is now cracked and handle broken from banging it on the trucks. I called the trash and garbage number listed in the phone book and was told someone would be by to see me. To-date no one came. One has only to look about the City on garbage day to see the condition of everyone's cans to see what I mean." On motion of Mr. Holley, referred to the City Manager. 70-523 - ~b~ f~wim~ ~f~e~ ~fo~he City Clerk was read: "The terms of office of the following meg~ers of the Portsmouth NighwaySafety Committee expired November 1st, 197~: John Flora Dr. C. M. G. Buttery Carroll O. Ferrell On motion of Mr. Holley referred to a conference. 70-524 - The following letter from the City Clerk was read: "The term of office of R. T. Etheridge, a member of the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission, will expire on December Slst, 1970.' Attached is a letter from Mr. Etheridge. *This is to remind you that my term of office as a~ember of the Port and Industrial Commission will expire on December $1st and to urge that my replacement be appointed in time to begin serving in January 1971. It is important, in my opinion, for the personnel of the Commission to be at full strength at all times, pri- marily to assure no less than a quorum which, based on experience, may not always be possible because of other commitments of the members% My experience on this Commission has been a rewarding one in many respects (although some~;hat frustrating at times) and I want to thank Council for giving me the opportunity to contribute such time, effort and talent as may have been within my power~ Incidentally, I express the hope that my services may have proven satisfactor With kind personal regards, I am':'' Motion of Mr. Turner, referred to a conference.