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Ayes: <br /> <br />January 28, 1997 <br /> <br /> Berm, Clemens, Griffin, Martin, Pitts, Robinett, Holley <br />Nays: None <br /> <br />- CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - <br /> <br />97-21, Resolution endorsing the recommendation of the Museum and Fine Arts <br /> Commission for Phase II of the Children's Museum of Virginia. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Adoption of a resolution accepting the recommendation of the Museum and Fine <br />Arts CommiSsion on the layout and exhibits for Phase Ii of the Children's Museum <br />of Virginia. <br /> <br />Purpose and Need: <br /> <br />· The Children's Museum of Virginia has been very successful in its new location in <br /> the former Leggett's Building on High Street. <br /> <br />The second floor of the Children's Museum building is vacant and is available for <br />Phase II. The Lancaster antique toy and train collection has been donated as a <br />major component of Phase I~. <br /> <br />Financial Impact: <br /> <br />· Funding for completion of Phase II will be necessary from grant and capital funds. <br /> <br />*Councilman Cameron C. Pitts requested the following Statement be included in the <br />minutes of City Council: <br /> <br />"Mayor Holley and Members of the City Council: <br /> <br /> I thank you and appreciate the opportunity for our recent discussion of Phase <br />I1 plans for the Children,s Museum of Virginia which, I agree, needs to be brought to <br />a timely decision. I know you are aware that my position is in support of the <br />Carousel Support Group that a "Flying Carousel" and accompanying displays, <br />exhibits and history are theCbest cultural opportunities for "fun, play and joy" for a <br />hands-on learning playground children's museum in Portsmouth, which would be an <br />economic development vehicle as well as a happy face icon for downtown <br />Portsmouth. I also concede that to be successful, this concept must be <br />overwhelmingly supported by political leadership and community volunteerism to <br />attain ownership by the Portsmouth community at large. <br /> <br /> Carousel by definition means "Little War" because in the 15th century, military <br />conflicts of disputing Arabic tribes were decided by spinning clay balls filled with <br />scented water suspended from an overhead turntable by ropes being speared by <br />selected horsemen representing both sides, preventing mass bloodshed and death <br />by opposing tribes. <br /> <br /> Therefore, after four years of deliberations, and realizing that a conflict leading <br />to a damaging war could occur, in which the Children's Museum's existence and <br />support could be jeopardized, I apologize to the Carousel Support Group for not <br />being able to attain overwhelming political support for this Phase I1 direction: <br /> <br /> In the spirit of the historical carousel philosophy of a little war, and being <br />willing to do what is best for the citizens of Portsmouth in the present circumstances, <br />if the City Council votes to endorse the Phase II direction of science/education <br />presented by the Museum Commission, then I ask the Carousel Support Group to <br />store the carousel concept on hold and join me as I yield to the political reality of <br />science/education as another option that may be successful, and will commit myself <br />as Council Liaison to the Children's Museum to provide to the Museum Director and <br /> <br /> <br />