Agenda 11/25/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 28, 2008 the presidential candidate visit on August 20 so the area will have official historical data; questioned if adequate preparations are being made for election day and encouraged those eligible to vote absentee; suggested that Council explore ways to partner with African-American churches for economic development; commented on increased utility prices and stated there should be resources in place to help people out with cold weather coming; asked that the city and county partner to sponsor the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday breakfast in January; asked that Council explore unifying the school divisions. Comments from City Council: Stroud-wants to go forward with cutting the renewable tract of surplus property and move forward on bike trails; Reynolds- cautioned that the city will have to make some difficult financial choices due to state budget cuts FY09 and FY10; Turner-pointed out we need to be sensitive to increased utility rates and the stadium lights are ready for MHS Friday night football game this week; Lawson-reported the recent VML conference was very worthwhile and very useful information was gathered, some of which she passed along to Wayne Knox to further explore; the Mayor requested an update at the Nov. 25 Council meeting on the solar lights on the Starling Avenue bridge. Comments from City Manager: reported that in light of state budget reductions, city staff has examined revenue and expenditures and determined the city is in a good position so far with a surplus of $136,442 which will help in the next round of state budget cuts; reported there has been discussion of city staff and constitutional officers regarding coordinating their schedules due to the confusion to the public because of differing holiday schedules--this issue will be brought to Council during their budget deliberations for budget FY 1 0 with cost figures and advantages and disadvantages; reported he met with Benny Summerlin of Henry County, Jay Scudder of Patrick County and WPPDC staff and it was decided that the West Piedmont Planning District Commission will be designated to serve as our Local Development District in conjunction with Appalachian Regional Commission which will allow WPPDC to write grants to apply for development funds; reported the Goblin Gallop 5K race was held Saturday and drew a record number of 122 runners-he noted the event was a coordinated effort with city and county departments and commended them for the good job done; reported that the city is partnering with Coalition for Health & Wellness to encourage healthier lifestyles of city employees; announced that Ted Anderson has