Minutes 07/26/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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158 TUESDAY JULY 26,1983 A. Planning The whole idea of merger is based on the sound premise that the economic health and well-being of the City and the County are one and the same. The two communities need one another, and the citizens need each other if they intend to be an important part of the economic development program now being vigorously pursued by the Common- wealth of Virginia. We recommend that the two Planning Commissions begin immediately to explore together areas that lend themselves to the basic idea of one community. These areas could include roads, streets, trans- portation, land use, natural resources, etc. We recognize the magnitude of this assignment and would expect the governing bodies to support it financially. B. Jails We recommend that the Public Safety Committee of the original Merger Study Committee be reactivated to work with the Sheriff of Henry County, the City Sheriff, and the Chief of Police to study the feasibility of a consolidated correctional system for the City and County. C. Senior Citizens We recommend that a study be conducted to determine the need for a senior citizen center or centers which would accommodate County and City senior citizens under one administrator, D. Schools Numerous areas of potential cooperation and/or consolidation were pointed out in a joint letter from the two School Super- intendents in a letter to the Merger Study Sub-Committee on this subject dated March 8, 1982. We recommend that the two School Boards initiate regular joint meetings for the purpose of identifying areas where the two systems could work cooperatively to the mutual benefit of the citizens of our community. E. Governing Bodies Finally, we believe that, if this cooperation program is to succeed, the Board of Supervisors and the City Council should set the example. One way of doing this is to meet regularly for discussion of items of mutual interest.