Minutes 01/10/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 10, 2017  Prior to the public hearing, the past seated City Council had fully vetted the issue, and pending the outcome of the public hearing approved its potential inclusion in the City’s 2017 State Legislative Package by Resolution R-16-33.  After the public hearing, City Council adopted Resolution R-16-35, specifically requesting that the General Assembly amend the Charter.  In response, Portsmouth’s legislative delegation introduced Senate Bill 842, which would authorize the requested amendment. Discussion:  The City Council elections of November 8, 2016 ushered in three new City Council members, who were sworn in on December 30, 2016.  The new City Council has requested additional time to deliberate and confer with Public Safety and determine whether it is advisable to eliminate the Civil Service Commission.  It is this Council’s desire to study the matter further with the possibility of including it in the city’s 2018 State Legislative package.  The draft Resolution specifically requests that the General Assembly “carry over” Senate Bill 842 and any similar legislation to the 2018 Session. This language tracks Virginia Code Section 15.2-202, and therefore ensures that the General Assembly may consider SB 842 in 2018 if City Council determines to proceed with the Charter amendment. Financial Impact:  None at this time. Staff Recommends:  Adoption of the resolution. Vision Principles: Innovation and Change, A Robust and Prosperous Economy, Leading Maritime Community, Lifelong Learning Community, Sustainable Neighborhoods, Enhanced Quality of Life, Efficient Service Delivery, Proud Military History, Pride of Past, and Core Values. 1. Kurt Detrick, 2692 Eagles Point Way, Virginia Beach, spoke in support of this item. 2. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, P. O. Box 50141, spoke in support of this item. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: “RESOLUTIONREQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA TO DEFER CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD AMEND THE PORTSMOUTH CITY CHARTER TO ELIMINATE THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION. WHEREAS, by Resolution R-16-33 adopted on October 25, 2016, the City Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia endorsed a Legislative Package for the 2017 General Assembly session which included as Initiative 7 the amendment of the Portsmouth City Charter for the purpose of eliminating the Civil Service Commission; and WHEREAS, by Resolution R-16-35 adopted after a duly noticed public hearing on October 25, 2016, City Council specifically requested the General Assembly to repeal Chapter 11 (“Civil Service Commission”) of the Portsmouth City Charter; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the City’s request the Portsmouth legislative delegation has caused the filing of Senate Bill 842, which provides for the Charter amendment; and WHEREAS, City Council subsequently has determined that it is not appropriate to proceed with the proposed Charter amendment eliminating the Civil Service Commission at this time; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: