Agenda 10/14/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 23, 2008 On a motion by Gene Teague, seconded by Mark Stroud, Council adopted the following resolution with a 4-0 vote recognizing GED Week in the Workforce Investment Board's (WIB) region: WHEREAS, the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board region ofYirginia, consisting of Danville and Martinsville and the counties of Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania, recognizes that a well-educated workforce is essential to the vitality and growth of our economy and the strength of our community; and WHEREAS, nearly 35 percent of the adults in the West Piedmont area do not possess a high school diploma or GED credential, which hinders their efforts to earn a good wage and provide for their families; and WHEREAS, the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board has identified earning the GED certificate as a critical first step for hardworking, yet under-educated citizens, to improve their quality ofliving; and WHEREAS, the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board is working to increase awareness of and access to GED preparation and testing opportunities; and WHEREAS, West Piedmont region's adult education programs offered by our public school systems and community colleges have helped hundreds of adults each year to earn their GED credential; and WHEREAS, the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board region, along with the other 15 local Workforce Investment Boards throughout the Commonwealth, will hold events to stress the importance of a well-informed and well-educated workforce and citizenry; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy C. Lawson, Mayor of Martinsville, and as a member of the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board region, hereby recognizes October 13-19,2008 as GED Week and October 15,2008 as GED Day in Martinsville, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens Council then considered adoption of a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement providing for the obligations of the City to consider certain appropriations to the Henry County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and Henry County for financing of a shell building. The proposed shell building, on a revenue shared lot in the Patriot Center, is expected to be financed through the issuance of bonds, by the Henry County IDA in the aggregate principal amount of $3,500,000. Such bonds will be issued over two periods, including $1,500,000 in 2008 and $2,000,000 in early 2009. The resolution commits the City to pledge its rights under the revenue sharing agreement in support of the bond issuance. Council Member Danny Turner made a motion to not take part and the motion died for lack of a second. Council Member Teague pointed out we are missing opportunities for prospects if we are without a shell building and it is a very effective tool for our community. A motion was made by Council Member Teague with a second by Mark Stroud to adopt the resolution. Council Member Turner offered an amendment to the motion that the City get the EDC to get the Harvest Foundation to guarantee the money as they did with the RTI deal. The amendment died for lack of a second. The following resolution was approved by Council with a 3-1 vote, with Council Member Turner dissenting: