Minutes 10/28/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

October 28, 2008 Discussion: . The following legislative items included in the draft 2009 General Assembly Package were submitted by Portsmouth staff: "Y Forgiveness of the Pinner's Point Debt in an appropriate fashion/Restoration of the Urban Allocation Funds; "Y Amend and Reenact Virginia Code Section 15.2-2286 (A) (3) adding the City of Portsmouth relating to retail alcohol and beverage licensees Special Use Permits; and "Y Amend and Reenact Virginia Code Section 58.1-3321 requiring localities to provide a 30 day notice of public hearings if a local tax levy will increase by 1 %. . Portsmouth staff further suggests the City support any legislation introduced on the following issues: "Y A preemptive approach to address problems that arise from neglected long term boarded-up houses; "Y 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. . Being mindful of the current approximate $2.5 billion state budget shortfall over the next two years, should the General Assembly find the capability to provide funds to non-state agencies, the Portsmouth staff also suggested the following appropriation requests: "Y $185,000 for a SciDomeHD high definition digital full-dome video system for the Children's Museum of Virginia; and "Y $150,000 over the next biennium for the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve's continued capital campaign. "Y Portsmouth staff also suggests including for consideration of the General Assembly a statement of support for a $7.5 million general fund appropriation for a Geropsychiatric Services Continuum for Region V when the State's economy improves. . The following items received prior approval from City Council and were included by Portsmouth staff in the 2010 Federal Legislative Package as resubmissions: "Y $1,850.000 for downtown sewer upgrades to support the first phase of the City's comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the aged water and sewer system serving the downtown area as well as the City's renaissance efforts for the downtown area and the waterfront; "Y $1,500,000 for two new interactive exhibits, Dr. Forces and My Backyard and Beyond, for the Children's Museum of Virginia both of which aid in the education of science, recycling and energy conservation; and "Y $125,000 to support the continuation and expansion of the successful Visual and Performing Arts After -School Program for the City's At-Risk youth. These programs are a collaborative effort between the Portsmouth Public Schools and the City's Department of Museums. Staff Recommendations: Adoption of the proposed resolutions. 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 2009 Legislative Package during the 2009 General Assembly Session. The Senior Legislative and Management Analyst will also be responsible for working with the City's 111th Congressional delegation and lobbying the City's 2010 Federal Legislative Package.