Minutes 11/27/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 27,2007 Background: . Every Portsmouth City Council member was provided an opportunity to identify issues for inclusion in the 2008 General Assembly Legislative Agenda. . A list of these suggestions was included with the draft sent to City Council on Wednesday, November 14,2007. . Prior to the November 27, 2007 Public Work Session, City Council was polled to ascertain if there was majority consensus on any of the items suggested for inclusion by Council members. . The aforementioned draft, along with agreed upon City Council issues, will be presented at the November 27,2007 Public Work Session. . Portsmouth City Council is set to formally adopt the 2008 General Assembly Legislative Agenda at its subsequent meeting on November 27,2007. Discussion: . The following legislative items included in the draft Agenda were submitted by Portsmouth staff: '" Resolving the revolving toll fund repayment in an appropriate fashion; '" Vacant Building Registration penalties increased; and '" Study of Problem Vacant Residential Units by Virginia Housing Study Commission. . Portsmouth staff further suggests the City support any legislation introduced on the following issues: '" A preemptive approach to address problems that arise from neglected long term boarded-up houses; '" Changes to the Uniform Statewide Building Codes allowing the service of violation notices to the address of record to constitute as a sufficient notice to the property owner; and a requirement for property owners to notify potential buyers of existing zoning ordinance and housing violations, making both the old and new owners responsible for abatement. . Portsmouth staff also suggested the following appropriation requests: '" Fully funding the new formula for impact aid to the host cities of the Virginia Port Authority ($6.96M); '" $500,000 for ongoing capital campaign for the Children's Museum of Virginia; '" $50,000 for assistance in expanding exhibits and programs of the Children's Museum of Virginia; and '" $150,000 over the next biennium for the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve continued capital campaign. Staff Recommendation: Adoption of the proposed Resolution. Vision Principles: Bold New Directions, A Robust and Prospering Economy, World Class Maritime Center, Lifelong Learning Community, Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, and Pride of Past Promise of Future. Next Steps Following Council Action: . The Senior Legislative and Management Analyst will be responsible for working with the City's General Assembly delegation and lobbying the City's 2008 Legislative Agenda during the 2008 General Assembly Session. Motion by Mr. R. Smith, and seconded by Mr. D. Smith, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CITY'S 2008 GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.