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March 10, 2020 “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING FUNDING FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000 AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2020 SOCIAL SERVICES FUND FOR THE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP MEETING INCENTIVE PROGRAM.” Ayes: Battle, Clark, Glover, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Rowe Nays: None 20 - 98 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting title to 387 Quebec Street in the Sugar Hill section of the city from the Economic Development Authority and authorizing the payment of $31,070 from the Stormwater Fund to reimburse EDA for the cost of its acquisition of the property. Background:  Several years ago the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission acquired a number of properties in the Sugar Hill section of Portsmouth.  While the acquisitions were originally made with an eye toward potential development of the area, it was ultimately determined by the City that development was not desirable because the Sugar Hill area is too low-lying and has too many flooding concerns.  By Resolution R-13-22 adopted on May 28, 2013 City Council requested that PPIC convey all of its property in Sugar Hill to the City so that the City could maintain it as open space.  387 Quebec Street (Tax Parcel 0094-0880) was one of the few remaining properties in Sugar Hill not controlled by the City (the “Quebec Property”).  The Quebec Property went to auction for non-payment of taxes on January 30, 2020.  At the request of City management, the Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) bid on the property at auction and acquired it for a purchase price of $31,000, approximately $11,500 less than the assessed value. Discussion:  The acquisition of 387 Quebec Street furthers the interest of the stormwater program by preventing development in a flood hazard area, and stormwater funds may therefore be used to fund the acquisition.  The proposed Ordinance accepts title to the Quebec Property on behalf of the City and authorizes the reimbursement of EDA for its acquisition costs in the amount of $31,070 ($31,000 for the purchase price and $70 for deed recordation costs). Financial Impact:  The sum of $31,070 will be expended from the Stormwater Fund. Acquiring the Quebec Property limits future costs related to providing City services to an isolated area and future costs that may result from building in a flood-prone area. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the Ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The City will maintain the Quebec Property as open space, as it does with the numerous other properties it owns in Sugar Hill. 1. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, P. O. Box 50141, spoke in support of this item. 2. Donna Sayegh, 3104 Garland Drive, spoke in opposition to this item. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: