Agenda 01/13/2009 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 9,2008 Armstrong: commented recession should bottom out at end of second quarter FY09; hopeful that governor's education cuts won't have too great an impact and will be more toward administration rather than in classroom; pointed out that 50 cents out of every tax dollar goes to education; Council asked that at-risk funding not be cut; comments on the need to better fit counties and cities to work together; Council asked that when cuts are made that maximum flexibility be given to the school system as to where the cuts are to be and that cuts are made in an equitable way proportionate to size of area. Council asked that Dr. Kizner send list of suggested education cuts to Council so Council can encourage legislators to push. Merricks: has reviewed Council's priority list and will do all he can to push the items; commented that hard decisions on funding will have to be made and encouraged Council to let him know what their thoughts are as to what should be cut. Council encouraged legislators to move forward in looking at the issue of a study on the structure of local governments. Mark Heath from the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation presented his monthly update to Council. Comments: Tourism Director with experience in downtown development has been hired, updated Council on Minority & Small Business activities, reported that number of prospects is up, shell building contract awarded to Clark Construction, moving forward on development plans for Roma and Bryant properties; Greg Eanes of Sparta was introduced; relationships with neighboring communities in North Carolina are being fostered. Mark pointed out to legislators that consideration be given to some incentive or points systems to communities that invest in themselves. Leon Towarnicki presented an update to Council regarding "PART" (Piedmont Area Regional Transit). An overview was given of the pilot public transportation project serving Martinsville and Henry County, intended to begin operation in early January, 2009. Information regarding routes, scheduled stops, and other program features were reviewed. Points made: known as PART - Piedmont Area Regional Transit; Pilot Project currently funded through end of September, 2009; Service begins Monday, January 5th, 2009; 14 passenger, handicapped accessible bus Service is provided on a schedule of 5 - 12 hour days, M - F, 6 am to 6 pm; deviated fixed route; routes consist of 2 repeated loops (City and County) with a connecting