Minutes 01/27/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 27.2009 (j) Taxes and fees associated with the property shall be paid when due. 3. EXPIRATION OF PERMIT: Unless extended as provided under Section 40-115 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006), the housing use permit shall expire for any portion of the approved project for which building permits have not been issued if the applicant fails to apply for all building permits for the entire project within two years of the adoption of this resolution. 4. REVOCATION OF PERMIT: Violation of any of the above conditions may serve as grounds for revocation of the permit by the City Council." Ayes: Heretick, Psi mas, Randall, D. Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None '" Mr. Whitehurst read the following statement: "I awoke this morning and retrieved my morning newspaper and therein read an article where the Virginian-Pilot now states contact was made with the Commonwealths Attorney who now indicates I am free to vote on the matter before this Council tonight dealing with the construction of a Hotel and a companion project to build a conference center in the Victory area of this City. The newspaper focused on the fact that I am no longer an investor in the Conference Center (and never have been an investor in the hotel project) therefore, I no longer have a perceived conflict of interest and can vote; yet tucked within the text of the news article the reporter brings out the fact that Senator Lucas, as a personal friend and supporter, made a personal $10,000 contribution to my May 2008 political campaign that was immediately reported as required by law. Previously, the Virginian-pilot editorial board gave significant newsprint concerning the $10,000 contribution and less on the $2500 investment indicating the personal relationship with Senator Lucas and the political contribution did not pass the "smell test" and it was that reason I obtained a legal opinion from the City Attorney and later the Commonwealths Attorney. My personal investment has been curtailed but the receipt of $10,000 that went into my political campaign cannot be reversed. Earlier, the Pilot gave rise to a suggestion that my vote was somehow purchased. The "smell test" suggestion is still in play, therefore I continue to recuse myself and will not vote on this matter." Motion by Mr. Heretick, and seconded by Ms. Psi mas, to amend the agenda as follows: First, that the resolutions on bonds for the Victory Conference Center Hotel and the Victory Conference Center, which are items 09-24 and 09-25, be moved back on the agenda so they are at the conclusion of "City Manager's Report" items, and thus the last item on the regular business agenda. **Second, that a new resolution dealing with the privatization of Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) be added to the agenda, to be voted on immediately after item 09-62, which deals with a proposed SPSA rate increase, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Heretick, Psi mas, Randall, D. Smith, Holley Nays: None Abstain: Whitehurst