Minutes 09/25/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 25, 2018 (c) UP-18-06 CHURCHLAND - Request of the City of Portsmouth to obtain a Use Permit to erect a new 300 foot communications tower for Emergency Management 911 radio communications at 0 West Norfolk Road approximately .35 miles east of Cedar Lane. The proposed tower is intended to improve 911 radio service in the Churchland area. This area is designated on the Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan for Transportation. Planning Commission recommends approval with conditions. 1. Ron Guthrie, 1742 Parham Road, Henrico, VA, spoke on behalf of the applicant. Motion by Mr. Clark, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission that UP-18-06 be approved on first reading, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Smith, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None - City Manager’s Report - 18 - 364 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a grant in the amount of $552,761 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and appropriating said amount in the FY 2019 Grants Fund for use by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office’s for the Victim Witness Program. Background:  In 1984, the General Assembly created the victim/witness grant program and designated the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) as the administering agency. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), passed by Congress in 1984, established a crime victims fund and authorized the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime to make annual VOCA victim assistance and compensation grants to states. Currently, DCJS is using federal VOCA funds, as well as state Special Funds, and General Funds to support Victim/Witness Programs.  The purpose of the funds is to provide financial support to local victim/witness programs and statewide victim assistance programs designed to provide direct services, information, and assistance required by Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. Discussion:  The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is receiving a grant totaling $552,761 from DCJS for continuation of the Victim Witness Program.  The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has received this funding for over 20 years to provide comprehensive information and direct services to crime victims and witnesses.  Positions funded under this grant are contingent upon the funding level; therefore, employees are hired based on the availability of grant funds.  It is estimated that this program will serve more than 1,400 victims annually. Financial Impact:  There is no cash match required by the City. Recommended Action:  Adoption of ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the necessary budgetary adjustment. In addition, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office will have oversight of the Victim Witness Program focusing on serving victims of crime in our city. Motion by Ms. Lucas-Burke, and seconded by Mr. Smith, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: