Minutes 01/27/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 27.2009 Background: . The Virginia Department of Fire Programs has been providing entitlement funds to localities for more than twenty years. . "Aid to Localities" provides Virginia cities, towns and counties with funds to pay for training, construction of training centers, firefighting equipment, and protective clothing. . The funds are derived from one-percent of fire-related insurance coverage and are allocated based on population. Discussion: . This year, the City of Portsmouth has been notified that it will receive $273,669 in Fire Program Funds. . Each year, the City must report to the Department of Fire Programs how the money is used. . This year's funds will be utilized to support fire and emergency services within the city. Financial Impact: . These grant funds require no local cash match. Staff Recommends: . Adoption of proposed ordinance. Vision Principles: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, Lifelong Learning Community. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Acquire additional fire protection equipment and continue to provide necessary training for our fire personnel. Motion by Mr. Whitehurst, and seconded by Mr. Smith, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $273,669 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROGRAMS AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2008-2009 GRANTS FUND FOR IMPROVED FIRE SERVICE IN THE CITY." Ayes: Heretick, Psi mas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None 09 - 62 - Adoption of a resolution in opposition to an increase in municipal solid waste tipping fees proposed by the Southeastern Public Service Authority of Virginia and request for delay in Board of Directors action. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Background: . SPSA is proposing a rate increase, to be effective February 1, 2009. The proposed new rate, $245 per ton, will be the highest rate for any municipal waste system in the country. Discussion: . The proposed rate increase is the result of many factors. One of the most significant factors is that two of SPSA's eight members do not pay the full rate, sometimes referred to as the "tipping fee." Suffolk pays no tipping fee at all. Virginia Beach's tipping fee is capped below the proposed new rate. . As result, the other six SPSA members, including Portsmouth, are subsidizing the waste disposal costs of Suffolk and Virginia Beach. . The proposed resolution calls for a delay in SPSA considering the proposed new rate. It also calls for renegotiating the Suffolk and Virginia Beach rates. . Several other SPSA members are considering adopting the same resolution.