Minutes 11/23/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 23, 2004 WHEREAS, while the state has increased its reliance on debt financing, the required payments diminish the availability of construction revenue, and WHEREAS, the Virginia Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) still requires a public funding component which may not be available, and WHEREAS, without real action taken during the 2005 General Assembly session to appropriate additional revenue sources toward identified transportation needs, most interstate corridors will have many segments operating at speeds of 25 mph or below during peak periods, and all Hampton Roads bridge tunnels will operate below 10 mph during peak periods, and WHEREAS, without real action taken during the 2005 General Assembly session to put additional revenue sources into transportation, the Commonwealth of Virginia will compromise: the safety and security of the citizens of the state in the event of a natural disaster or an act of terrorism; Virginia's economy by dramatically impacting tourism and the growth and competitiveness of the Port of Virginia the ability of the military to mobilize our air quality and overall quality of life NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that the City urges members of Virginia's General Assembly to immediately and aggressively address the state's transportation crisis with enhanced and/or new funding for all modes of transportation, to preserve Virginia's economic future and maintain a better quality of life for all of the citizens of the Commonwealth; and RESOLVED FURTHER that the state's leaders should, at a minimum, consider adjusting the motor vehicle fuels tax to keep pace with inflation and fuel efficiency and impose appropriate increases in state transportation-related taxes and fees at the regional level. Additionally, the federal and state transportation trust funds must be dedicated to improving transportation and should not be diverted to non-transportation related purposes." Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psimas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None - New Business - 04 - 459 - Boards and Commissions There were no appointments. 04 - 460 - Items Submitted by Council Members Councilwoman Psimas announced the opening of the Winter Wonderland Exhibit from Coleman's Nursery at the Court House Galleries at High and Court Streets. Motion by Ms. Randall, and seconded by Mr. Moody, that Alethia Bryce, who is currently serving as Interim City Assessor, be appointed City Assessor, at an annual salary of $87,720, to increase on January 1,2005 consistently with the salary increases of other City employees which will occur on that date. Also, that the Mayor be authorized to sign an employment contract with Ms. Bryce containing reasonable provisions for a Council appointee, subject to approval by the City Attorney. If adopted, will be effective immediately and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psimas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None Councilwoman Randall made a recommendation that during the holiday seasons the schools engage in a cooperative endeavor with the City to decorate windows on High Street to ensure there are no vacate windows.