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<br />
<br />March llth, 1958.
<br />
<br />(from Citizens Protectiv~ League Resolution) - The abande~m~nt of, the Mer-
<br />rimac Park Projec~ as presently proposed; and the immediaze dissolution of
<br />the Committee appointed by the Council to develop this project; and that
<br />no further funds of the City be :expended in connection with this project.
<br />
<br /> (from resolution of the MayQr) The Council is at a loss ro understand
<br />the venomous comment and politic.al attack on the park proposal. At a time
<br />when we seed to do everything' in our power to bolster the economy of Ports-
<br />mouth, we should carefully conside~ every step we take as ~o its long range
<br />effect. If Portsmouth provides the ~land and philanthropic interests provide
<br />a fine museum and replica of the first ironclad warship to enter battle;
<br />what can Portsmouth lose by permitting the commission mentioned to establish
<br />and operate a high grade zourist attraction that will be provided for Ports -
<br />mouth's benefit and the benefit of every man, woman and child who lives in
<br />this City. Much has been said about personsl gain of certain individuals.
<br />Anyone who goes zo the trouble to gather facts and understand fully the under-
<br />taking, could not fail to be enthusiastic for what it can do for the gain of
<br />alL. This part of the resolution does not now apply because the matter will
<br />be decided by the people of Portsmouth, as set forth in the enabling legisla-
<br />tion.
<br />
<br />.(from Citizens Protective League Resolution) The City Council to prepare
<br />a schedule of aecessary projects required To rehabilitate the presently owned
<br />public properties and facilities, and also a schedule of new improvements re-
<br />quired in the pub/ic service, such as, but no.~ limi,ted to, (a) a new city
<br />office building and courthouse; (b) a public library; (c) s new incinerator;
<br />(d) public rest rooms in the downtown shopping area; improved drainage, and
<br />such other public works pro3ects deemed necessary and desirable. These sche-
<br />dules should list the projects in order of priority and show estimated costs.
<br />
<br />(from-resolution df the'Mayor)'- ~em ~our Of the resblu~ion asks ~hat the Coun-
<br />cil do~whai'Lit has already asked the City Planning Commissien to do. In June
<br />1957 the Planning Commission published "A Research Study for a Capital Im -
<br />provement Program, Portsmouth, Va." Practically all the items mentioned in the
<br />resolution are included in this research study, City Office-Building, Public
<br />Library, Incinerator, Drainage and many others. The Council feels that no ac-
<br />tion To improve our presen~ position in capital improvements could be taken at
<br />this time.
<br />
<br />(~rom Citizens Protective League Resolution) That the position (or office)
<br />of Assessor be abolished; and that the method of assessing real estate for tax-
<br />ation be that which was in effect prior to the adoption by the City Council of
<br />an ordinance entitled "An Ordinance ro Amend Chapter S of the Code of the City
<br />of Portsmouth, 1951, by Adding thereto Article VIII, Sections 8-78, 8-79, 8-80,
<br />8-81, 8-82, 8-83, 8-84, 8-85, 8-85, 8-87,~8-88, 8-89, and 8-90. Relating to as-
<br />sessment or.real estate~ providing for an annual assessment of real estate, the
<br />appointment of a s~ngle assessor, his duties, etc., and becoming effective on
<br />February 1st, 1958.
<br />
<br />(from resolution of the Mayor) - As has been proven by application of the
<br />single assessor system in neighboring cities, the constant effort ro keep
<br />assessments up to date result in benefits for all by equalizing the assess -
<br />ment and applying the same rules of assessment to all persons. Portsmouth
<br />should continue to use the single assessor system as it treats all property
<br />owners the same.
<br />
<br /> Final - AS requested this action and announcement is made before March 15, 1958."
<br />
<br /> Motion of Fir. ~eiseman To concur in the resolution as presented by the Mayor was
<br />adopted, and by the following vote:
<br />
<br />'Ayes: Bartlett, Hinton,
<br />Nays: Baker
<br />
<br />On motion adjourned,
<br />
<br />President.
<br />
<br />Kirby, Scott,
<br />
<br />Smit~, Weiseman
<br />
<br />Clerk.
<br />
<br />
<br />
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