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TUESDAY, MAY 11~ 1999 <br />the very near future, and asked for Council' s favorable consideration of her budget request, which <br />constituted level funding from the previous year. Council Member Dallas stated that the Uptown <br />businesses should be encouraged to stay open during these various upcoming events. Council Member <br />Haskell congratulated Ms. Hall and the Association for doing a tremendous job. <br /> <br />97 <br /> <br /> Council next heard the budget request of the Community Development Department, as presented <br />by Tom Harned, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Development. Mr. Harned began by <br />introducing the department' s new Building Official, Mr. Fred Gordon, who had gained much of his <br />experience in Branson, Missouri. He then mentioned several initiatives of the department, including new <br />Uptown signage, new overhead sign structures at U.S. Route 220 South and the River Hill area, just south <br />of Douglas Avenue and another at Memorial Boulevard and Beaver Street. In addition, progress on the <br />Clearview Business Park and State approval of a new shell building for the Park, with a very favorable <br />finance rate of 2.09% for the project were also noted. Mayor Crabtree stated that this project was a <br />partnership between the City and the Virginia Economic Development Department, and that the VEDP <br />would be working hard to help make it a successful effort for the City. He pointed out that experience in <br />this program showed that the shell buildings are typically sold within two to two and one half years of <br />construction, and that this program would be a big win for the community- Mr. Hamed agreed that the <br />program was a proven winner, and that it would provide both a new business and an attraction for other <br />businesses. Council Member Haskell stated that the City' s application had been strong, and was <br />presented well. Mr. Harned noted that a new entrance sign and landscaping for Clearview Business Park <br />was currently under design by Hill Studio. Mr. Harned then noted progress on Rives Road Industrial <br />Park, stating that a contract had been awarded to Mattern and Craig Engineering .for master planning of <br />this property to include topography, storm drainage, utilities, and entrance relocation. He emphasized that <br />the most economical and effective grading plan would be sought. Council Member Haskell asked <br />whether there had been any inquiries on property in the Rives Road Park, and what leading qualities of <br /> <br /> <br />