Minutes 07/22/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 22. 2008 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia that it hereby approves the sale and conveyance of the aforementioned surplus property by the School Board to the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the retention of the proceeds therefrom by the School Board for capital improvement and major maintenance projects in accordance with Section 22.1-129 of the Code of Virginia." Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None 08 - 335 - Adoption of a revised resolution concerning the location of a New Circuit Court Courthouse for the City of Portsmouth. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Background: . The City Council adopted Resolution No. R-07 -09 concerning the need for a new Circuit Court Courthouse on February 27, 2007. This resolution discussed the reasons why a new courthouse was needed and designated the Desk Inc. site as the preferred location. . Since that time, the City has moved forward in good faith pursuant to the Initial New Courthouse Proposal with the design of the new Circuit Court Courthouse and its efforts have included retaining an architectural firm to develop a design and plan, and arranging for the participation of all stakeholders in the design process. . However, the preliminary construction cost estimates for the Initial New Courthouse Proposal is approximately $45,000,000. The City would not be able to construct this facility under this proposal within the confines of its debt affordability policy. In the absence of another tax increase, the Initial New Courthouse Proposal would jeopardize the City's ability to meet other pressing capital and operating needs in areas such as public safety, education and community quality. Discussion: . Due to the significant change in the state of the national economy since the time of adoption of Resolution No. R-07 -09 in 2007, and that economy's current state, all levels of government would be prudent to carefully consider all responsible means for cutting government expenditures. . Thus, an alternative and less expensive plan for a new Circuit Court Courthouse (the "Alternate" Courthouse Plan") has been developed and presented to City Council. This plan would involve the acquisition of an existing building and associated real property in the nearby PortCentre Commerce Park (the PortCentre One Building) and renovation to convert it to courthouse use. Financial Impact: . Preliminary calculations are that the Alternate Courthouse Plan is projected to cost approximately $27,000,000, a savings of approximately $18,000,000 compared to the Initial Courthouse Plan. Recommended Action: Adoption of resolution. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Next Steps Following Council Action: . The City Manager and City Attorney would be directed to proceed with developing information for City Council's consideration of the Alternate Courthouse Plan. . The City Manager and City Attorney will negotiate a proposed contract for acquisition of the PortCentre One Building and its conversion for use as a Circuit Court Courthouse in a way that meets all applicable courthouse guidelines as promulgated by the Supreme Court of Virginia. This contract would not be executed until authorized by duly recorded vote of Portsmouth City Council. 1. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, 2713 Sterling Point Drive, spoke in support of this item. 2. Steve Carroll, 3112 Riveredge Drive, spoke in support of this item.