Minutes 10/09/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 9. 2007 At a Regular Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, there were present: Vice Mayor Marlene W. Randall, William E. Moody, Jr., Stephen E. Heretick, Elizabeth M. Psimas, Ray A. Smith, Sr., Douglas L. Smith, City Manager Kenneth L. Chandler, City Attorney G. Timothy Oksman. Councilman William E. Moody, Jr. opened the meeting with prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Vice Mayor Randall called the meeting to order and welcomed all In attendance. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. D. Smith, to approve the minutes of a Called Meeting on September 25, 2007, of a Regular Meeting on September 25, 2007, and of a Called Meeting on October 1,2007, was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, D. Smith, R. Smith, Randall Nays: None - City Manager's Report - 07 - 434 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting the following grants in the amount of $211,625 from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources: (a) A grant in the amount of $95,000 and appropriating the same amount in the FY 2007-2008 Grants Fund Budget for a contribution to the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for a Nature Center. (b) A grant in the amount of $16,625 and appropriating the same amount in the FY 2007-2008 Grants Fund Budget for the renovation of the Lightship Portsmouth wheelhouse. (c) A grant in the amount of $100,000 and appropriating the same amount in the FY 2007-2008 Capital Projects Budget for the architectural and engineering design of the new Church land Branch Library. Vision Principles: Lifelong Learning Community, Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, and Pride of Past, Promise of Future. 07-434(a) Background: . The purpose of the grant is to provide a contribution to the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for the Nature Center project to further preserve and educate the community about the area's natural heritage for present and future generations. Discussion: . Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve had 2,595 visitors during FY 2006 in addition to working with 21 different school groups and organizations. A total of 856 school students participated in ongoing educational programs throughout the year at the Wildlife Preserve. An additional 2,319 volunteer hours were contributed to the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve by community organizations and individuals. . There are not any fees associated with use of the Preserve. It is currently open on Saturdays from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. The hope is that the new Nature Center will enable operational hours throughout the week for additional attendance and participation. Financial Impact: . There is no match required.