Minutes 11/13/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

November 13, 2012 (f) UP-12-15 WILLIAMS COURT ACTIVITY CENTER -Sabrina Davis of Rumors Bar and Lounge requests a use permit to operate an entertainment establishment with live entertainment at 4644 George Washington Highway. The Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan recommends a Mixed Use Corridor and is located in the Williams Court Activity Center. Vision Principle: A Robust Economy for Working Men and Women. There were no speakers. Motion by Mr. Whitehurst, and seconded by Mr. Heretick, to concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission that UP-12-15 be approved, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Cherry, Heretick, Moody, Randall, Whitehurst, Wright Nays: None - City Manager's Report - 12 - 440 -Adoption of an ordinance to amend Section 12-21(b) and Appendix A of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006) to increase assessments in criminal and traffic cases and certain civil matters in the circuit and district courts. Vision Principle: Efficient, Responsive Government. Background: • In April 2010, the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of General Services ("Department") certified that Portsmouth's court facilities were not in compliance with the safety and security guidelines contained in the Virginia Courthouse Facility Guidelines ("Guidelines"). • The court facilities surveyed were the Portsmouth Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District court buildings being utilized at that time. • Sec. 17.1-281 of the Code of Virginia authorizes a locality operating court facilities on or after January 1, 2008, that are certified by that Department as not in compliance to adopt an ordinance imposing an additional fee of up to $3.00 in circuit and district court cases. • The fee may be imposed in all criminal and traffic cases and in civil actions having an amount in controversy over $500. • The fees so collected must be used for the construction, reconstruction, renovation of, or adaptive re-use of a structure for a courthouse. Discussion: • The Portsmouth courthouse facilities that opened in September replaced facilities that were in operation on or after January 1, 2008. • The old courthouse facilities could not be feasibly renovated to correct the non- compliance with the Guidelines. Financial Impact: • The additional fee will generate approximately $ 91,400 per year based on current case volume. Recommended Action: • Adoption of the ordinance. Vision Principle: Efficient, Responsive Government. Next Steps Following Council Action: • Circuit and district court clerks will collect fees and transfer them to the City Treasurer. Motion by Mr. Heretick, and seconded by Mr. Whitehurst, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: