Minutes 02/14/1967 - Laserfiche WebLink

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407. 1967 Based upon '~enatienal::imbidence,.'there are. 21,$80 mentallyretarded persona~within Region'I,' of' whom 18,525 are classified as mildly retarded (IQ 50-70)~ 2,139 moderately retarded [IQ 55-50); and 716 severely retarded (IQ below 35). Of this number, an estimated 5,44S reside in the Portsmouth area~ Of the total number of mentally retarded oersons in th~ R~gion, some 2,000 will need placement outside of the home during all or Dart of their lifetime. At the oresent time, ~esidential facilities for the mentally retarded population of Virginia are overcrowded and inadequately staffed. It has long been recognized that centers constructed and programmed on a regional basis are more beneficial and described to both the mentally retarded individual and his family than large institutions. Some~of the advantages are: Permits ~ more homelike atmosphere and environment. 2. Encourages and makes possible the c~ntinuance and strengthening of home and family ties. 3. Makes week-end visits at home both practical and oossible. 4. Permits participation in co~vmunity training and work progrgms. 5. Gives access to comunity medical and educational institutions. 6. Provides needed relief and consolation to families who are unable to trave~ across the state to visit institutionalized relatives. 7. Promotes family and community responsibility toward mentally retarded persons. AIl~too often the mentally retarded are isolated in remote areas and, not until one is faced with the problem, does he become concerned shout what is being done for these individuals and under what conditions. Your oositive support of this endeavor will be most sincerely appreciated. Please conta~ me, should you desire further information Drier to the Council meeting." Motion of-Mr. Barnes that the Council endorse in principle the idea presented by the Tidewater Association for Retarded Children, and that any matters pertaining to this endorsement be referred to a conference, was adopted, without dissenting vote. 67-40 - The following communication from Benjamin A. Madden, Chairman, Portsmouth-Dunedin Civic Understanding Commission, was read: "As you are aware, over the past three years we have been planning, designing, and building a zoological gardens in City Park. After a ~eat deal of effort and cooperation from various City departments, the Portsmouth Junior Womsns Club and many citizens including hundreds of school children, these efforts are taking concrete (and steel) shape. Up to this point, the funds raised through the efforts of the J~nior Wom~ns ~lub, have paid for most of the construction now underway. To help menders of City Council see what has been accomplished in bringing Portsmouth one of the most attractive zoological §ardens in the Cormnonwealth of Virginia, it ~s requested a date be set, at the convenience of Council to take a tour of the area in order that you may better realize what we hope to accomplish zn completing the project. Trusting that a date and time can be set which will fit with Councils schedule, this r~quest for your presence is respectfully submitted.' On motion of Mr. Barnes, referred to a conference. 67-41 - The following communication from J. B. Home, Jr. was read: "I~asmuch as it appears the Council will make an appointment of a Justice of the Peace to fill an existing vacancy, the Independent Voters League hereby requests that fa~or~ple consideration for such an appointment he given Mr. Fletcher L. Robinson, Sr. Mr. Robinson resides with his wife at 2121 Atlanta Avenue in the city of Portsmouth. Me is a retired worker of the railroad and has resided in the city for more than 50 years. He is also a life-long member of the Democratic party and a Councilman since 1959, now a member of the ~emocratic party cormmittee from Lee Ward precinct. Mr. Robinson is a member of the Zion Baptist Church where he serves as a trustee and Sunday School teacher. He is a man on integrity and solid principles, highly esteemed throughout the com~aunity. It is our deep sincere nonviction that Mr. Robinson would do well in this Dost and be a real credit to the community." Motion of Mr. Barnes to place on file with other applications, was adopted, without dissenting vote. 67-42 - Motion of Mr. Barnes that the question of the Council meeting with representatives of the oil companies be referred to conference ~td that the City Manager set up a conference at an early date, was adopted, without dissenting vote. 67-45 - Motion of Mr. Knight that an appropriate resolution be drawn expressing ~he regret and g~ief of the Council in the loss of ~avid ~. Carpenter, member of the Police Department, who was killed in line of duty, was adopted. 67-44 - Motion of Mr. Barnes that in order to facilitate the handling of matters referred to conference, the City Clerk code all matters so referred, was adopted, withou~ dissenting vote. On motion adjourned. APPRO%~D - City Clerk