Minutes 09/24/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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237 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1996 SchoOl Board concerning Ms. Mahan's concern. CiydeWilliams, 607 First Street, expressed appreciation for the City's clean-up of Amy Avenue and stated that further clean-up needs to occur on private property on Amy Avenue. Brenda Manns, 205 S. Massey Street, expressed appreciation for the improvements to Massey Street'lr~sulting from the Comprehensive Community Development Project. Finally, Marquerite Wilson, 1500 Roundabout Road, expressed concern regarding vehicles parking at the intersection of Roundabout Road and Pony Place. Several members of Council expressed appreciation to the citizens £or coming to the meeting and bringing their concerns. Council Member Haskell asked for a follow-up report at the next Council meeting regarding the concerns expressed during the Town Meeting. Council considered a request from W. H. Yeaman that the City Council request the General Assembly to amend the City's Charter to eliminate the ability to issue bonds and/or incur long-term debt without first obtaining voter approval. Mr. Yeaman, in a prepared statement, urged Council to go on record as to whether they would seek the charter amendment. Mr. Yeaman noted that in 1990 or 1991 the General Assembly amended the Public Finance Act by enacting enabling legislation which until July 1, 1992, not withstanding existing charter restrictions, permitted local governing bodies to issue long-term bonds or incur long-term debt by holding a public hearing rather than a referendum. In 1991, Council requested the General Assembly approve an amendment to the City Charter which continues the public hearing option for indebtedness which does not exceed 2% of the assessed valuation of real property in the City. This amendment was approved by the 1992 General Assembly. Mr. Yeaman argued that Council should not have the authority to issue debt without voter approval, as this denied citizens the right