Minutes 11/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 23. 2010 Motion by Mr. Cherry, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER $2,000,000 FROM THE FY 2009-10 GENERAL FUND UNDESIGNATED AND UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE TO THE FY 2010-11 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND." Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Heretick, Moody, Randall, Whitehurst, Wright Nays: None 10 - 539 - Adoption of a resolution requesting the General Assembly of Virginia to amend the Charter of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia. Background: . The present City Charter has never in recent history had a comprehensive revision. It contains numerous outdated, obsolete, unnecessary, and poorly worded provisions; and its length is excessive. By resolution R-10-35, City Council created and appointed the William B. Spong Charter Review Commission for the purpose of modernizing the charter. The Commission has completed its work successfully and recommended a comprehensive revision. . In addition to the changes recommended by the Commission, it is also proposed to amend the Charter by removing the requirement that a Council Member resign in order to run for the Office of Mayor, and also by moving the date of Council elections from May to the November date for general elections. Discussion: . The proposed changes from the Commission would modernize the Charter, make it more functional, and make it more understandable for citizens. . Removing the "resign to run" requirement would restore to citizens the power to determine when a sitting Council Member should leave office. . Moving the date of Council elections to November would increase voter participation in electing Council Members, and it would save the money and effort that must be expended to conduct spring elections. Financial Impact: . The proposed changes will represent a cost saving for the City of approximately $60,000 per local election. Recommended Action: . Adoption of the resolution IS recommended. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Transmit resolution and supporting materials to a member of the City's General Assembly delegation. . Work with our delegation to ensure that the General Assembly adopts the amended charter. 1. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, 2713 Sterling Point Drive, spoke in opposition to this item. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Whitehurst, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: