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TUESDAY, APRH, 14~ 1998 <br /> <br />Mr. Reynolds then proceeded to provide a '%valk through" of the proposed budget for the benefit of Council. <br />Specific items which prompted discussion included the following: <br /> <br />A Communications Program position, to perform as Clerk of Council as well as providing public information <br />and legislative liaison services. Mr. Reynolds stated the position would be funded from money for the <br />Clerk's function, savings from an untilled position in Public Works, and funds from the City Manager's <br />contingency funds. In response to a question from Vice-Mayor Crabtree Mr. Reynolds stated that, among <br />other duties, this position could provide public communications concerning the City' s electric power <br />services. The establishment of a $30,000 Critical Repairs Fund was noted, to provide for the upkeep and <br />repair of dilapidated properties for which no other remedy is available. The plan is to provide up to $3,000 <br />per property for as many as 10 properties. Council Member Haskell asked if there would be an effort to <br />recover funds expended from the property owners whose property received repairs, and was told that there <br />would be. Council Member Dallas asked about whether certain properties he was aware of might qualify for <br />use of these funds, and was told they would. Vice-Mayor Crabtree asked if the fund and program was <br />designed to be preventative in nature, and was told that it was. Mr. Dallas stated that he would like to see the <br />program help those who are less fortunate and without resources to pay for painting and repairing their <br />homes. Mr. Reynolds noted that funds were provided for professional services related to exploring the <br />potential for a multi-purpose or civic center in the Uptown. When asked by Council what his concept for <br />such a facility was, Mr. Reynolds stated that he envisioned a privately owned and operated facility that <br />would include a hotel and a performance arena. In the Jail budget savings in food and medical costs were <br />noted, and Vice-Mayor Crabtree remarked that it was nice to see a budget for Jail operations this year that <br />was $91,000 less than the previous year. Mr. Reynolds noted that in Fiscal Year 1998-99 the City Prison <br />Farm will move to the Sheriff's budget and management. An additional $10,000 contribution to the Patrick <br />Henry Development Council was shown and Mr. Reynolds stated that his goal was to achieve a share of <br />funding for this organization equal to that of Henry County's over the next two fiscal years. In response to a <br /> <br /> <br />