Minutes 01/08/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 8, 2013 Next Steps Following Council Action: • The addition of requiring that delinquent real estate taxes be paid before issuance of a business license by the Commissioner of the Revenue solidifies that all taxes and fees owed by the applicant are current, thus being a favorable impact of the collection of the related revenue. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 35 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006) BY AMENDING SECTION 35-15 THEREOF TO REQUIRE THE PAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUSINESS LICENSE." Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Psimas, Randall, Wright Nays: None 13 - 25 -Adoption of a resolution authorizing application for federal funding assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Capital Improvements at Paradise Creek Nature Park. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Background: • The Elizabeth River Project (ERP) owns and is beginning its second phase of capital improvements to Paradise Creek Nature Park. In accordance with its Agreement with the City of Portsmouth as amended August 23, 2011, ERP will transfer ownership of the Park to the City after completing the second phase of improvements. • Also in accordance with the Agreement, on December 31, 2012, the City has begun to maintain the Phase I improvements. • The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers the federal LWCF grants to localities in the Commonwealth. Discussion: • There are capital improvements planned in Phase II which are eligible for 50% funding by LWCF. These include the kayak canoe launch, the pervious parking expansion and the pavilion, totaling an estimated $337,100 in cost. • Only local governments may apply for LWCF grants. Although ERP owns and is responsible for constructing all phases of capital improvements, Synthia Waymack, LWCF Grant Administrator at DCR, has advised the City that the Agreement between ERP and the City is a sufficient commitment of future ownership by the City to make it an eligible grant applicant. • LWCF grants are limited to local government applicants only; private, non-profits, such as ERP, are not eligible applicants. Since ERP is responsible for the Park's capital improvements, the City will apply for the LWCF grant and seek reimbursement of the local share (50%) from ERP, if the grant is awarded. Therefore, the City will be the grant recipient and responsible for funding the up-front cost of the improvements ($337,100), but will be reimbursed for 100% of the costs as follows: 50% ($168,550) will be reimbursed by the LWCF grant; 50% ($168,550) will be reimbursed by ERP. • The resolution authorizes the grant application and commits the City to: project funding; retaining Park property to be used for outdoor public recreation in perpetuity; compliance with federal, state and local laws; and receiving public comment on the application. Financial Impact: • If awarded, there will be an appropriation of $337,000 in the FY14 Grant Fund. Staff Recommends: • I recommend that City Council adopt the attached resolution. Vision Principle: Change and New Directions, Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community and Lifelong Learning Community.