Minutes 03/13/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 13, 2018 WHEREAS, federal, state and local governments and other community groups have spent billions of dollars in funding and other resources in an effort to improve and maintain the condition of regional waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay; and WHEREAS, the speculative benefit of oil and gas drilling is not worth the risk of a Deepwater Horizon-type incident that could cripple the regional environment and economy for decades; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: 1. That it is strongly opposed to oil and gas exploration, including seismic testing and drilling, off the coast of Hampton Roads. 2. That it joins Governor Northam and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission in formally requesting that the Atlantic waters off Virginia be excluded from any federal oil and gas leasing program. 3. That it respectfully requests the assistance of United States Senators Warner and Kaine and Congressman Scott in securing this essential protection for Virginia’s coast and its residents. 4. That the City Manager is hereby directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the members of the City’s federal and state legislative delegations, and to take such further actions as she deems advisable in furtherance of the purpose of this Resolution.” Ayes: Clark, Moody, Psimas, Smith, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None 18 - 114 - Adoption of a motion to accept a donation from Spike’s K-9 to rebuild various canine training obstacles at the Police facility located at 4402 Deep Creek Blvd. Background:  The Portsmouth Police Department (PPD) K-9 Unit provides security and valuable public relations work to various events and functions within the city.  The Unit provides high visibility patrols throughout the City and assists with the search for and apprehension of violent offenders, recovery of evidence and bomb detection. Discussion:  Spikes K9 Fund contacted the PPD about replacing the obstacles at the K-9 grounds. The offer consists of replacing up to 5 obstacles for the estimated cost of $1,200.  Spikes K9 Fund is providing the materials, contractors and community volunteers. In addition, PPD K-9 officers will also participate in the replacements.  Spikes K9 Fund, a 501c3 organization, regularly donates supplies and services to Police K-9 units across the country and previously donated several K-9 Ballistic Vests to the PPD in 2015. Jimmy Hatch, the founder, is a retired Special Forces K-9 Handler who is nationally known for providing ballistic protection to K-9 units across the country.  The K-9 obstacles were last replaced 24 years ago and are degrading beyond simple repairs.  Spikes K9 Fund recently completed this same project locally for Norfolk PD, Chesapeake PD and Newport News PD. Financial Impact:  There are no costs to the city for this donation.  There is no anticipated recurring cost because the estimated usable life of the equipment is 20 years, which is the normal replacement period.