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<br />February 27,2007 <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the Property is large enough to accommodate at a later time the <br />future addition of replacement courthouses for the General District Courts and Juvenile <br />and Domestic Relations District Courts so that it will become a comprehensive and <br />integrated Courts Complex for the City of Portsmouth (the "Courts Complex"); and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, development of the Courts Complex on the Property, if done with <br />proper architectural design, quality, and dignity, will create a new gateway for entrance <br />into the City of Portsmouth that will materially enhance the image of the City, increase <br />the potential for taxable development of other properties throughout the downtown area, <br />and ultimately make possible the private, taxable development of the property currently <br />occupied by the Civic Center; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, it is imperative for public safety and the public interest that <br />development of the new Circuit Court courthouse at this location proceed forward <br />promptly, without further delay, and that the design ensure the safe accommodation of <br />all involved in the court processes; <br /> <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of <br />Portsmouth, Virginia, that: <br /> <br />1. The City of Portsmouth hereby designates the Property as the location for the <br />new Circuit Court Courthouse and ultimately for the Courts Complex. <br /> <br />2. The City Manager is directed to move as quickly as possible to take all steps <br />needed to proceed with the development of architectural and engineering designs and <br />plans for the new Circuit Court courthouse at this location, with the design and materials <br />to be commensurate with the required dignity and importance of this location as a <br />gateway for the historic downtown area of the City, balanced with fiscal responsibility, <br />followed by the award of a construction contract. The estimated award of construction <br />shall be made on or about July 1, 2008, and the estimated completion date shall be on <br />or about July 1, 2010, subject to such scheduling contingencies as may be encountered <br />beyond the control of the City administration. <br /> <br />3. The City Manager is further directed to develop a master plan for future <br />relocation of the General District Courts and the Juvenile, the General Relations District <br />Courts, and related operations necessary to support the Courts Complex to the <br />Property, so as to comprise the Courts Complex, with said Master Plan to respect the <br />reasonable needs of the judicial system and also the City's financial condition and debt <br />policy. The master plan should include other considerations such as the Police <br />Department, Jail and requisite parking. <br /> <br />4. The City Manager shall from time to time make progress reports to City Council <br />on this project." <br /> <br />Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, D. Smith, R. Smith <br />Nays: Holley <br /> <br />- New Business - <br /> <br />07 - 98 - Boards and Commissions <br /> <br />Mr. Moody offered the following nominations: <br /> <br />FOCUS URBAN DESIGN COMMITTEE <br /> <br />Joel Andre <br />Sara Choate-Brown <br />Ken Wright <br />Barbara Newby <br />Geraldine Holmes <br />Reverend Clifford Barnett <br />