Agenda 12/09/2008 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 25, 2008 1. City Council endorses the agenda proposed by the Martinsville City School System and also endorses the educational priorities adopted by Henry County, on behalf of its school system. 2. Oppose the imposition of unaided education mandates and in the event of revenue cuts by the Commonwealth opposes targeted cuts by the Commonwealth, instead preferring local decision making authority on where to make any such cuts. 3. Continue support for the development and funding of the New College Institute, and urge that any funding reductions to New College Institute, if considered, be minimized to the greatest extent possible as New College Institute is in the critical stage of growth and its success is critical to the rcvitalization of uptown Martinsville and its ultimate development as a stand-alone four- year university is critical. Economic Development I. Maintain current levels of funding for economiC development incentives. including but not limited to the Governor's Opportunity Fund. 2. . Enhance the authority granted to localities to address and eliminate blighted properties. and the formation of interstate compacts to allow expedited recourse against out-of-state property owners. 3. Continue current funding levels of the Virginia Muscum ofNaturall/istory. 4. Support the development of a multiuse trail traversing Southern Virginia from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Chesapeake Bay in order to stimulate economic growth and promote regional tourism. 5. Include Mayo River State Park on the Commonwealth's list for future capital funding, as a benefit to the entire southern Virginia region. Governance I. Request the appointment of a joint gubernatorial/legislativc commission to examine the structure of local government in Virginia. the commission's mandate to include: a. Examination of local government in the other 49 states for potential adaptation to Virginia. b. Enable cities to expand their revenue base c. Elimination of the "zcro-sum" rcvenuc base structure. which creates friction between cities and counties. d. Elimination of redundant services and programs between contiguous cities and counties. 2. Require full funding for liB 599 funds, in fulfillment of the Commonwealth's commitment to cities in return for their acquiescence in the annexation moratorium. 3. Explore all potential options for the generation of revenue by localitics. 4, Elimination of all unfunded mandates from the Commonwealth to localities. 5. Oppose any elimination in local revenue streams. 6. Request additional funding to adequately accommodate the space and oftice requirements of the lIenry-Martinsville Department of Social Services. 7. Request that the General Assembly leaves intact the tire programs fund and the rescue squad assistance funds and not use these funds ,LS a way to balance the state budget. 8. Support legislation directing health insurance credit for retirees of local government. constitutional officers, school division employees, and state employees. 9. Request that the Commonwealth fully fund its obligations to constitutional oflicers. United States Congress I. Continue to place priority on Route 58 improvements ,md the development of 1-73. 2. In the short term, upgrade those portions of Route 220 overlaying 1-73 to interstate standards. 3. Oppose any change in the route of the Amtrak Crescent train service. Encourage Amtrak to provide motorcoach transfer service between Danville and Martinsville. 4. Invite Congressman Perriello to locate one of his district oflices in Martinsville. 5. Request $3.72M in funds for the redevelopment ofbrowntields extending from the former Sara Lee site, along Aaron Street, to Rives Road~ 6. Request $6.25M in funds for the elimination and redevelopment of blighted area.s in the city. 7. Request legislation to provide special federal incentives to businesses locating in regions which have experienced job losses in excess of 5% of the total workforce and/or declines in medi,m incomes since the adoption of NAFTA. WTO or CiA TT. Target such areas for increased federal funding in education of workforce retraining. 8. Extend high speed broadba.nd service throughout southern Virginia. Staff Designations City Council emp(J"lvers the fiJI/owing staff memhers to speak on its hehalland in its hest interests to the General Assembly, its members and cummittees: City Attorney Eric Monda.y City Manager Clarence Monda) Other department heads as appointed by the City Manager Council noted a few changes to be made: under Governance Item 5: should read Oppose any elimination in local revenue streams from the State; under Governance Item 6: should read Request additional funding to adequately accommodate the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services space and office requirements;