Minutes 04/26/1966 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 26, 1966 clubs to take the lead in the beautification process. Garden clubs consulted have expressed concern that even when they do beautify a portion of city~o~ned property, it is neglected and in time reverts to its original condition. In an at%empt to solve this problem, the Public Affairs Committee and the Community Service Committee both unanimously approved a recommendation that a fully qual£fied person ben, added to the staff of the City ~anag~r whose sole job is to beautify Portsmouth (this position would be similar to that unceheid by Mr. Fred Huette in Nprf01k). The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce unanimously approved this recommendation. It would be appreciated if you would give,this recommendation serious consideration? Motion of Mr. Knight to acknowledge the letters from the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and that they be referred to an early conference of the Council, was adopted, without dissenting vote. 66-110 - The following letter from Markhall D. Owens, Chairman, Portsmouth Recreation Advisory Board, was read: "The Portsmouth Recreation Advisory Board respectfully requests permission to meet with the City coUncil at its earliest convenience to discuss several items of importance to the Recreation Program for our City. Specifically, we would like to discuss with the Council the proposed construction of a new boat ramp in City Park and a recommendation for the establishment of a downtown neighborhood playground which was forwarded to this Board some time ago by Council. In addition, there are other items of interest to the Recreation Program which we feel could be better understood through a conference rather than through correspondence. Further, if possible, the Board would like to meet at a time when these matters could be given ample attention. Your:~cooperation in arranging such a meeting would be greatly appreciated." Motion of Mr. Johnson to refer to an early conference of the Council, was adopte~, without dissenting vote. 66-111 - The following letter from S. J. Flournoy of the Bruce-Flournoy Motor Corporation, was read: "I find it necessary to tender my resignation from the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, effective May 1, 1966, or sooner if it suits you, As you may remember, I am not too sympathetic toward many of the agencies of the Federal Government and I am not willing to cotinue to lend my name to actions that I consider absurd. I am writing a separate letter to Mro Clinton Crawford, Chairman of the Portsmouth Parking Authority, tendering my resignation from that board also since I understand I am there more or less as a representative of the }lousing Authority. I am not mad with anybody, but I cannot blindly follow policies laid down by the upper echelons of the Public Housing-Authority, Urban Renewal, etc." Motion of Mr. Knight that the resignation be accepted with regre~ and that the question of filling the vacancy be referred to an early conference of Council, was adopted, without dissenting vote, 66-112 - The following letter from the Chamber of Commerce was read: "Unon the receipt of numerous complaints from our membership, the Chamber of Commerce, during the past two years, has investigated the problem of metal city license tags for automobiles. The use of metal tags which must be attached to Virginia State tags issued at different intervals makes it necessary to change tags twice a year. In order to obtain city tags~ it is neg~ssary to go to the 59micipal Building or to store in ~d-City Shopping Center in person. Towards the end of January, the lines waiting to obtain tags extend around the block. We found that many cities have gone to the use of decals in lieu of metal tags and have made the tags obtainable by mail. In addition to eliminating to some extent the above objections, an appreciable saving in the difference;i~ cost of tags is achieved. In view of the above, and after studying the recommendation made by the Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Committee, the Board of Directors unanimously approved a recommendation that the city be requested to use decals in lieu of metal tags and that the tags be made available by mail at the same time that bills are sent out for personal property taxes. It would be appreciated if you would be appreciated if you would give this recommendation serious consideratibn," without dissenting vote. Motion of Mr. Johnson to refer to a conference for study, was adopted, On motion adjourned. Approved - P~esident C~ty Clerk