Minutes 03/29/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 29, 2004 school projects, more than $30 million over the five-year CIP, of which $20 million is supported by City-funded debt. Another component of education is our library system. In the Capital Improvement Program, $1.6 million has been included for the new Churchland Library, a major renovation to the existing Coleman Nursery facility. I am proposing to renovate this historic icon, taking advantage of the existing structure. This strategy will fulfill the important need for a branch library at a much more reasonable cost than constructing a brand new facility. The final aspect of the topic of education is our partnership with Tidewater Community College. The Portsmouth Campus, which is located in Suffolk, will be moving into the Victory Crossing area. The addition of this project, joined with the New Port development and other commercial developments, will revitalize the entire area. The existing Highland-Biltmore School will require significant renovation to make this development a success. Our strategy for this project will be detailed to the City Council in the coming months. Whether through funding or new development, it is clear that education is a priority for the City, and this budget reflects that priority. PUBLIC SAFETY The core mission of local government is to provide for the safety of its citizens, businesses and other institutions. We are making significant progress in the area of public safety, as witnessed by the continuing reductions in the crime rate, continuing high rating of our fire services, and master plans to improve services in both the Police Department and the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. The Police Department is completing a reorganization that realigns departmental resources with the changing needs of the City. The Police Department continues to make significant progress in filling its complement of uniformed officers. In fact, by proactive recruiting and other initiatives, the Police Chief plans to have a full complement of officers by fall - the first time we have had a full complement in the Police Department in seven years. In the Capital Improvement Program, the buildout of the Emergency Operations Center is funded in the FY 05 CIP and a new police station is proposed in FY 08, illustrating the City's ongoing commitment to law enforcement. The Fire Department is continuing to add additional equipment, training, and other resources. The Portsmouth Fire Department is not only a regional leader, but a national leader as well. The department is one of only six fire departments in the State of Virginia and one of only three hundred and fifty-one departments in the nation to receive the prestigious ISO 2 (Insurance Services Office) designation. This certification translates into lower insurance rates for the citizens and businesses, and demonstrates the skill and commitment of our firefighters. Replacement equipment is essential for continued success and maintenance of the ISO 2 designation. In 2003, three new engines and a ladder truck were placed into service and for FY 05 there is a replacement Quint in the budget. Included in the Capital Improvement Program for FY 05 and FY 06 is a new Fire Station in the Truxtun area. This new fire station will be staffed with existing equipment and personnel. The City has been concerned for some time about the future of our courts and jail facilities. I am pleased to say that we have included a new Courts Complex in FY 06 in the Capital Improvement Program. The subject of jail facilities is currently under study by the Mayor's "Blue Ribbon Panel" that will bring forward a recommendation concerning our jail in the near future. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Perhaps the most exciting priority is the economic development arena. Earlier I gave highlights of major projects that have either recently broken ground or are expected to in the next year. The total estimated private investment in these projects is more than $1.4 billion. These residential, commercial, and industrial developments will translate into real dollars through more jobs in the community, new housing options, new educational opportunities, and additional revenue to fund City services. This volume of private investment is not happening by accident. It is the direct result of City Council's wise decision several years ago to invest public funds in major new developments that