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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1996 <br /> <br />Mr. Reynolds cited opposition to placing local governments under the <br />Virginia Tort Claims Act and abolishing sovereign immunity for <br />counties, cities, and towns. Mr. Reynolds also said the City opposed <br />trading the personal property tax for an increase in State sales tax. <br /> <br />In discussing regional cooperation, Mr. Reynolds asked for support of <br />the creation of a combined Martinsville-Henry County Social Services <br />District and requested that legislation be introduced that would <br />increase the State's funding for the joint agency to recognize the <br />localities' increased capital and operational expenses. Regarding the <br />agreement between Martinsville and Henry County to construct a Joint <br />business park, Mr. Reynolds reported the agreement is floundering due <br />to the State's credit clause which prevents counties from incurring <br />debt without a public referendum. The City supported the Urban <br />Partnership's introduction of legislation in 1996 which would have <br />allowed counties toincur debt for joint economic development projects. <br />Finally, Mr. Reynolds requested that State recognition be given to the <br />creation of a Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, which would <br />make the academy eligible for State funding. <br /> <br />In the area of economic development, Mr. Reynolds requested State <br />funding in the amount of $50,000 which would allow the Virginia Museum <br />of Natural History conduct a sites feasibility study, which would be <br />the first step toward redeveloping the Starling Avenue hospital <br />property for a new facility for the Museum. <br /> <br />Mr. Reynolds requested accelerated funding and/or "seed" funding for <br />the following road projects: (1) Liberty Street/Clearview Drive <br />improvements which are essential for development of Clearview Business <br /> <br /> <br />