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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 15, 2004 MINUTES SPEC CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH "COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME" ITY COUNCIL MAYOR MEYERA E. OBERNDORF, At-Large VICE MA fOR LOUIS R. JONES, Bayside - District 4 HARRY E. DIEZEL, Kempsville - District 2 MARGARET L. EURE, Centervi/le - District I REBA S. McCLANAN, Rose Hall - District 3 RICHARD A. MADDOX. Beach - District 6 JIM REEVE, Princess Anne - District 7 PETER W. SCHMIDT. At~Large RONA. VILLANUEVA, At-Large ROSEMARY WILSON, At-Large JAMES L. WOOD, Lynnhaven -District 5 JAMES K. SPORE, City Manager LESLIE L. LILLEY, City Attorney RUTH HODGES SMITH, MMe, City Clerk CITY HALL BUILD/NG I 2401 COURTHOUSE DRiVE VIRGINIA BEACH. VIRGINIA 23456-8005 PHONE: (757) 427-4303 FAX (757) 426-5669 E MAfL:Ctycncl@vbgov.com SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION 15 April 2004 I. BUDGET WORKSHOP - Council Conference Room - 3:00 PM A. FY 2004-05 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 1. Family and Youth Opportunities/ Cultural and Recreational Opportunities II. SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION - Salem High School Auditorium - 6:00 PM A. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Meyera E, Obemdorf 1. READING OF THE MAYOR'S CALL FOR FORMAL SESSION B. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL ill. BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING A. PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN IV. ADJOURNMENT MAY 4, 2004 COUNCILMANIC ELECTION City Council cancelled their Regular Sessions and encourages all citizens to experience their right to vote in Virginia Beach MINUTES VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia 15 April 2004 Mayor Meyera E. Oberndoif called to order the BUDGET WORKSHOP re FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN in the Council Conference Room, City Hall, on Thursday, April 15, 2004, at 3:00 P.M. Council Members Present: Harry E. Diezel, Margaret L. Eure, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Reba S. McClanan, Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf Peter W Schmidt and Rosemary Wilson Council Members Absent: Jim Reeve [Family Vacation) Richard A, Maddox Ron A. Villanueva James L. Wood [Out of the City) - 2- BUDGET WORKSHOP FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 3:00 P.M. ITEM # 52484 FAMILY AND YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES Catheryn Whitesell, Director - Resource Management, advised the FY 2004-2005 Resource Management Plan includes S87.6-MILLION for the business area of Family and Youth Opportunities, which entails $86.4-MILLION in the Operating Budget and $1.2-MILLION in the Capital Budget. Family and Youth Opportunities is comprised: Department of Public Health: Funded 55 % directly from the State and 45%from the City. The City's budget only reflects the 45% match. The City is also providing 100% locally funding from the First Steps program run by the Health Department to assist first time mothers Human Services Department: 96.60% (new), resulting from the consolidation of the Comprehensive Services Act, the Mental Health and Social Services Departments. This Business Area represents 6.2% of the total Operating Budget. The Consolidation of Mental Health and Social Services was done to provide an integrated network of support services to the community. This consolidation will provide increased quality patient care, reduce duplicative efforts and realize additional revenues from the Federal and State governments through enhanced co-ordination of services. This Department is also responsible for the Pendleton Child Service Center and the new Juvenile Detention Center opening this Fall. Funding is included in the Capital Improvement Program to replace the Human Services Client Information System (1 O-year old system). This system will provideforeasier access to client records while meeting privacy requirements of HIPP A. This system will also allow for enhanced third party medical billing and medicaid reimbursements. The fundingfor this business area is split roughly into thirds. Each third being the State, Federal and Local fimding: State $32.3-MlLLION (comprised dominantlyof medicaid payments, support for the new Juvenile Detention Center and fundingfor the Comprehensive Services Act Federal: $22.8-MlLLION (public assistance to families having difficulties. Two sources combined provide over 64% of the total fundingfor this Business Area Local: $35.84% (provided by City in match programs) April 15, 2004 - 3 - BUDGET WORKSHOP FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ITEM # 52484 (Continued) FAMILY AND YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES (Continued) Council Goals Better Healthcare System and Services Human Services reorganization Quality Child Care Initiative Emergency support for children and adults in crisis Adult Protective Services Intensive community-based mental health services: $825,000 federal funds National First Steps program: Additional part time position Obstetrical and delivery services for indigent, uninsured women Dr. Terry Jenkins, Director - Community Services Board - advised relative the number of children services and the cost per child at the Pendleton Project shall be provided. Pendleton attempts to meet the needs of young children by counseling and through the residential program. Children come and stay five (5) days per week, go home on weekends and generally these programs are for a period of three (3) months. Additional data shall be provided. Dr. Jenkins advised the Virginia Beach General Assembly delegation held a Public Forum relative the State Budget at the Pavilion Convention Center Theater on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:30 P.M. Approximately 250 to 300 attended. Dr. Jenkins advised a strong number of citizens were concerned relative "human services" representing the families receiving services, the faith community and the non-profit organizations. The majority of those providing oral testimony spoke to the need for human services. There was concern those services being reduced or eliminated. The members were articulate in advising the delegation the needs could not be met in the absence of adequate State funding. The concern, as a public agency, is for those young people who are the most disabled. They are often served through the Skill Quest program. The staff has co-ordinated with the School ;ystem to identifY the highest risk of these young people. Seventeen (17) have been identified as "severe" risk. Thefamilies of these youngpeople are probably going to have to leave their employment as they cannot leave these young people by themselves. This program has been identified as a high priority for enhancement. The funding ($275,000) would be utilized to hire the personnel at Skill Quest to provide the necessary care. Older individuals are served throughout the system and were not separated as a group. One of the reasons the adult protective services staffing has become such a problem is there has been an increase in the referrals for adult protective services which have grown more than fifty-five percent (55%) in the past two years. The budget was increased $95,000 and involves two (2) full time employees (Social Work positions) to provide adult protective care, nursing home screenings, annual report re guardians and at-home care services to the elderly. City-wide HIPPA (Health Insurance Private and Portability Act) entails a cost of at least one (1) FTE (Full Time Employee). If there is a challenge, this amount would significantly increase. Dr. Jenkins extended appreciation to the Mayor and City Council and for the Volunteers. April 15, 2004 - 4 - BUDGET WORKSHOP FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ITEM # 52485 CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Catheryn Whitesell advised the proposed Cultural and Recreational Opportunities business area totals $65.9-MILLION, comprised of $49.9-MILLION for the Operating Budget and $16.4-MILLION for the Capital Budget. This business area includes: Museums and Cultural Arts: 17.16% Parks and Recreations: 82.84% Cultural and Recreational Opportunities comprises 3.8% of the total budget. As part of the General Services consolidation, the Department of Parks and Recreation has assumed the Landscape Services Division. This function was combined with the existing clerks and maintenance to provide enhanced services to the community by reducing the staff five (5) positions. The Capital Improvement Program includes fundingfor the Pavilion Theatre replacement, the Virginia Marine Science Museum elevated pedestrian walkway and enhancements to the Princess Anne Park. Approximately thirty percent (30%) of the revenue supporting this business area is derived from fees and admissions charged for programs and services provided by the Museums Department, as well as by Parks and Recreation. Mrs. Whitesell advised a shift of the dedication of real estate taxes, which have supported the Recreation Centers, is recommended to support other program needs. Up to the present time, 4.6t of the real estate tax has been allocated to support all six (6) Recreation Centers (debt service, maintenance and operations). This rate is a combination of the 3.8t dedicated by the City Council in 1989 to support the Recreation Center Debt Service from the Referendum. An administrative dedication of .8if occurred to support the debt service and operational needs of the Seatack Recreation Center when constructed and the Kempsville Recreation Center renovation. This reduced dedication of 3.8t is sufficient to meet the debt service requirements and known maintenance issues, as well as to provide support to the daily operations of the Recreation Centers. The General Fund will provide $7.8-MILLION to support the operations of the Recreation Centers or sixty-three percent (63%) of their total Operating Budget. The remaining funding is provided through user fees. In addition to the special revenue fund, the Department of Parks and Recreation has a General Fund component to provide landscape services throughout the City including the Resort Area. Recommended fee increases are included to support the various programs within the Parks and Recreation Department. Council Goals More competitive resort destination for businesses and tourists Pavilion Theater replacement (scheduled for completion Fall 2007) Princess Anne Commons (open in Spring 2006) Renovation of VMSM exhibits ($300,000 from Capital Budget) Improved customer service, service delivery and City services VMSM elevated pedestrian crosswalk ($2-MILLION) Merged Landscape Services with Parks and Recreation, saving $324,000 April 15, 2004 - 5 - BUDGET WORKSHOP FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ITEM # 52485 (Continued) CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (Continued) The actual rate increase approved by City Council of 3.61/ is being maintained. With the increase in value of the rate, the needs of the Recreation Center were examinedfor the next twenty (20) years. Debt service on some of the earlier Recreation Centers bonds is being paid off. This will free up additional capacity of funds. The Kempsville and Seatack Recreation Centers were not included in the original Bond Referendum, but included in the analysis to review the rate structure over the next few years. The commitment to the Parks and Recreation Department is to work with them re the maintenance issues, debt service and other components into the future. Cindy Curtis, Director of Parks and Recreation, advised the Recreation Center rates are recommended to be increased from 32% to 38%. Youth Adult Seniors $15.00 $37.00 $30.00 $20.00 $50.00 $40.00 A study was conducted with users and potential users of the Recreation Centers asking questions regarding willingness to pay. Sixty-two (62%) of the respondents supported up to a $50.00 rate. A safety net is built into the Department providing support to those citizens unable to pay. Approximately $120,000 is provided annually in reduced rates for individuals meeting certain criteria. Ms. Curtis shall provide the number of seniors, youth and adults served. The City of Virginia Beach has the only full service city-owned Recreation Centers in the Region. Norfolk is attempting to purchase their first Recreation Center. The City's Recreation Centers are significantly less expensive Ms. Curtis advised the before and after school activity program exists in fifty-five (55) middle and eight (8) elementary schools as well as all of the Recreation Centers. Reasonably priced licensed care is provided. These children are assisted in personal and academic development. A new program proposal has been included in the FY 2004-2005 Operating Budget, which will directly meet a need designated by Social Services re additional all-day preschool care. This program will be piloted in the Kempsville Recreation Center. All day preschool care will be provided for thirty (30) children. An International Field Hockey Tournament (Top seven (7) through twelve (12) teams in the World will participate) has been scheduled for 2005. Next weekend, a tournament will be conducted utilizing the Phase II renovations at the Field Hockey facility which possesses public restrooms, tournament and television quality lighting. The Futures Tour participates every August and consists of five hundred (500) young women from all over the World. Under the Open Space program, last year 112.4 acres were acquired. Ms. Curtis referenced when the final properties are acquired, the next initiative will be to develop and maintain these sites. Information relative the current master planning of these properties and annual maintenance has been provided. April 15, 2004 - 6- BUDGET WORKSHOP FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ITEM # 52485 (Continued) CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (Continued) Lynn B. Clements, Director - Virginia Marine Science Museum, advised General Funds only represent fourteen (14%) of their Operating Budget. Substantial funds are generated from the Museum. Memberships have increased through new programs, activities and events i.e. lion cubs were brought in with the showing of the Lion King film. A new group. the Aquarium Connection, was started and consists of one hundred (100) new families, leaders in the community, who wish the Museum to grow. There are family, senior, individual Museum memberships. The total membership in each shall be provided. Ms. Clements commented on the Virginia Marine Science Museum Foundation Board meeting. Afund raising consultant believes the Board could raise $11-MILLlON. Some of these funds will be utilized for the renovation and placed with the City funds, for a true public-private partnership. Council Lady Wilson referenced the Virginia Beach/Jamestown 2007 luncheon at the Virginia Marine Science Museum for Dr. Alex Knight, Dean of Lincoln and his wife, Shelagh. The luncheon was attended by the HonorableJudge Peter Ellis, Council Lady Rosemary Wilson, Charles Meyer - Chief Operating Officer, Ruth Hodges Smith, MMC - City Clerk, Lynn Clements, C. Mac Rawls, Chairman - 2007, Ken Wilson- Virginia Marine Science Museum Foundation, Mark Reed - Historic Resource Coordinator and Maylon White - Chief Curator, Virginia Beach Marine Science Museum. The Dean advised he would give his support and blessing to the loan of the Magna Carta to be displayed within Virginia Beach in the year 2007, the 400" Anniversary of the English settlers landing at Cape Henry in April 1607. The new Convention Center would be a magnificent place to display this historic and valued document. His own Lincoln Cathedral in England houses the Magna Carta. The Dean was very impressed with Virginia Beach and the common links between Lincolnshire and Virginia Beach. Council Lady Wilson noted approximately $35,000 is shown in the "Requested, but not Funded" listing, which would assist with the necessary expenses for this event i.e. assistance of Judge Ellis, printing of brochures. Mayor Oberndorf advised an appropriate climate- controlled exhibit area would be required to house the Magna Carta for display. The loan will depend heavily upon a vote by numerous entities in England. Ms. Clements advised other artifacts as John Smith's school text books are also being reviewed. This would be a World Class exhibit. Catheryn Whitesell advised the increase in Information Technology charges is consistent city-wide. These amounts are based on the number of computers, and specialized sofiware programs unique to particular departments. As there are many aging infrastructure computer systems. this charge should level off. The City is on schedule for micro computer replacement to keep the hardware in place up to date, which entails a four- to five-year cycle. Risk Management is experiencing phenomenal increases in the City's insurance, both selfinsurance, as well as hazard insurance above the City's self insurance caps. The City can experience even higher insurance rates in hurricane prone areas because of the effects of Hurricane Isabel last year. David Sullivan, Chief Information Officer, advised relative Information Technology, the Gardner Group, an IT measurement firm, produces an annual report of spending. All types of industries and governments are compared. Fifty (50) local governments responded to their survey with cost data. The average Information Technology cost within a City government was approximately $4,000 per employee. Virginia Beach's cost is approximately $2,800 per employee. Every dollar expended is accounted for in the Internal Service funds. All costs incurred in the Internal Service funds (salaries, fringe benefits, computer cost). There are over 4,000 desk top computers in the government. One-half of the information technology funds is expended with contractors. The whole technology budget, including the 911 Center, has increased 8.5%. April 15, 2004 - 7- BUDGET WORKSHOP FY 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ITEM # 52485 (Continued) CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (Continued) Dr. Venita Newby-Owens, Director - Virginia Beach Health Department, advised the impasse in the General Assembly has not yet directly affected the Department. Business will be conducted as usual and priorities will not be changed until the adoption of the State budget. The First Steps Co-ordinator will greatly improve the services to the first time parents. Relative the issue of prenatal care and deliveries, the Health Department has been working on a contract to provide the additional services to bridge the gap re pre natal care and delivery. Mrs. Whitesell advised Management Services expended $12,000 for the 2-page spread re the FY 2004-2005 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program in the Virginia Pilot. To relay this message equates to approximately 7 It per household. Video Services are combined with the School system and engage student interns to assist with the production capability. The majority of the equipment has been donated through the Cox Cable Franchise at little or no cost to the City. The citizens receive good value through this communication. The placement of the FY 2004-2005 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program on CD's reduced the printing costs by approximately $30,000. The City Manager advised a group is reviewing whether the size of the City's vehicle fleet can be reduced, i. e. by multiple use. The School system is purchasing some low mileage used vehicles. Some of these vehicles are kept for fzfteen (15) years. These need to be identified as City vehicles. Mrs. Whitesell advised the City's growth in fundingfrom last year is approximately 6.6%, but will provide the exact figure relative the City's growth. The Workshop ADJOURNED at 4:52 P.M. to RECONVENE the SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION at Salem High School Auditorium 6:00 P.M. April 15, 2004 - 8- FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL April /5, 2004 6:00 P.M. Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf called to order the SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL for the Public Hearing of the PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN in the Salem High School Auditorium, 2300 Lynnhaven Parkway, on Thursday, April 15, 2004, at 6:00 P.M Council Members Present: Harry E. Diezel, Margaret L. Eure, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Reba S. McClanan, Richard A. Maddox, Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf, Peter W Schmidt, Ron A. Villanueva and Rosemary Wilson Council Members Absent: Jim Reeve {Family Vacation - Out of the Country] James L. Wood {Out of the City] April 15, 2004 - 9- MAYOR'S CALL TO SPECIAL SESSION: ITEM # 52486 The Mayor read the CALL TO SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION: "THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code Section 2-21, and by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, I hereby call a SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEA CH CITY COUNCIL on Thursday, April 15, 2004, at 6:00 P.M., at Salem High School Auditorium, 2300 Lynnhaven Parkway. The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION: Public Hearing: FY 2004-2005 Resource Management Plan and FY 2004-2005 Capital Budget This Special Formal Session and Public Hearing will follow the regularly scheduled City Council Workshop (Conference Room, City Hall). Sincerely, s/Meyera E. Oberndorf Mayor" April 15, 2004 - 10- Item III ITEM # 52487 Mayor Oberndorf DECLARED a PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN The following registered to speak: Al Strazzullo, 3120 Sand Pine Road, Phone: 481 -0024, spoke relative the General Fund Operating Budget, advised the Executive Summary predicts a S62-MILLION General Fund shortfall. This position is in contrast to the Five- Year Forecast, which depicts a SIO-MILLION deficit in FY 2005. The thirty-two (32) positions for the Pavilion should be allocated from the major projects account not the General Fund. The $28.2-MILLION commitment for the School Funding Formula is not appropriate. Erin Crouch, 2504 Morgan Mill Court, Phone: 426-5389, Junior, represented Kellam High School students and the Princess Anne Public Library, spoke in Opposition to closing the Princess Anne Public Library on Sunday Ruth Barco, Chair - Virginia Beach Public Library Board, 833 North Plantation Drive, Phone: 481 - I 862, extended appreciation for the $24-MILLION in the Capital Improvement Program for libraries, the funding of the Bookmobile services, and requested reinstatement of Sunday hours at Princess Anne and Kempsville Libraries. Mary Grace Thomas, 31726" Street, Phone: 428-0204, spoke on behalf of the Board and President of Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Libraries, as well as the hundreds of citizen volunteers who enthusiastically donate their time and books. Mrs. Thomas requested reinstatement of Sunday hours at Princess Anne and Kempsville Libraries, increasing the small staff of the new Oceanfront library and reinstating the funding of approximately $310,000. Betty Bridges, 557 Longleaf Road, Phone: 340-1829, former Chair - Virginia Beach Library Board, expressed appreciation for improvement to library facilities. Mrs. Bridges requested reinstatement of Sunday hours at Princess Anne and Kempsville Libraries and increasing the small staff of the new Oceanfront library. Bill Cashman, 824 Vanderbilt Avenue, Phone: 425-7501, represented residents of Croat an in OPPOSITION to Project 4-040 Pendleton Parking Lot Expansion and public restroom facilities unless there is an alternate access. Lot expansion and traffic calming are inconsistent. The Civic League Board did not represent the neighborhood on this issue. 446 residents, thus far, have signed a petition in opposition. Catherine Cooney, 433 Croatan Road, Phone: 428-2209, resident of Croat an, spoke in OPPOSITION to Project 4-040 Pendleton Parking Lot Expansion and public restroom facilities unless there is an alternate access, to reach the parking lot. The residents must travel past almost one hundred (IOO) houses to reach the parking lot. Henry Ryto, 408 Jasper Court, Phone; 687-8585, Director- Council of Civic Organizations and the CCO's voting representative with the Resort Advisory Commission. Mr. Ryto read a resolution approved at the CCO 's March meeting, urging additional measures be taken to address behavioral problems at the Resort Area, which had been previously endorsed by the Resort Advisory Commission. Mr. Ryto requested the recommended actions for a "World Class Resort" be funded within the Budget. April 15, 2004 - 11 - Item III ITEM # 52487 (Continued) Janice Murphy, 2504 Morgan Mill Court, Phone: 426-5389, Latin teacher - Kellam High School, shared quote re "Nothing sickens me more than the closed doors of a library. " Mrs. Murphy requested reinstatement of Sunday hours at Princess Anne and Kempsville Libraries. Robert 0 'Connor, 204 52'd Street, Phone: 428-0902, spoke relative the General Fund. The Five Year Forecast depicts $825-MILLION for FY 2005 for the General Fund and an increase to $l.l-BILLION for FY 2010. When school expenditures are added, the Operating Budget for FY 2005 would be approximately $l.4-BILLION and FY 2010 approximately $1.8-BILLION, a $400-MILLION increase over five (5) years. Mr. 0 'Connor requested this budget be sent back to staff to reverse the trend. Wendell E. Parker, 273 Overholt Drive, Phone: 456-5185, Professor of Public Administration, Committee Chairman of Virginia Beach Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT), which is the working organization of the TRIAD, sponsored by AARP, Virginia Attorney General, Mayor, Commonwealth's Attorney, Virginia Beach Police and Sheriff's Office. Mr. Parker requested the Consumer Affairs Office not be eliminated from the Operating Budget. William Bailey, 4841 Rosecroft Street, Phone: 495-0637, Virginia Beach Professional Firefighters Association, expressed appreciationfor changes in the Emergency Response System by placing Paramedics in ambulances thus reducing the response times. Mr. Bailey referenced the pay for Paramedics and Paramedic Supervisors and Police Officers. The starting pay for a Firefighter Paramedic in Portsmouth is $43,600, significantly more than a Firefighter in Virginia Beach. There are sixty-four (64) Firefighter Paramedics in Virginia Beach. Mr. Bailey requested Ladder Captains in the amount of $141,000 be reinstated and phased in over a 3-year period. Mr. Bailey requested reinstatement of Sunday hours at Princess Anne and Kempsville Libraries. Queenie Snyder, 5752 Cheyenne Circle Phone: 497-3621, requested reinstatement of the Consumer Affairs office and also requested the reinstatement of Sunday hours at Princess Anne and Kempsville Libraries. Herb Jones, 2313 Sandpiper Road, Phone: 721-1163, resident of Sandbridge, requested the Special Tax Increment District and Special Services Tax District be kept whole. Mr. Jones expressed appreciation for Hurricane Protection, Sandbridge Beach Nourishment, the Back Bay Water Access project at Horn Point, as well as safety improvements on Sandbridge Road. Mr. Jones expressed concern relative the Agricultural Reserve Program funding cut by Y, cent. The ARP can be one of the tools in the "tool box" to deal with the encroachment issue at Oceana. Mr. Jones referenced the Council of Civic Organizations' Resolution in support offundingfor Open Space Chris Muhitch, 1132 Allendale Drive, Phone: 491-2558, concerned citizen and Police Officer, expressed concern over the increased turnover in the Police department, withfew qualified applicants, low pay in ratio to other cities our size. Police Officers with five (5) years experience are making $5,000 to $10,000 more than Virginia Beach Police Officers. John Creekmore, 2713 West Gibbs Road, Phone: 427-7372, resident of Blackwater, requested a "cap" be placed on the real estate tax at $1.00 per $100 of assessed value to assist all Senior citizens, regardless of income status. Sylvia Vance, 657 Fort Raleigh, Phone: 425-9960, member of the Croatan Civic League Board, spoke in SUPPORT of Pendleton parking lot expansion, and the issue of public safety re the shortage of Police Officers and their pay scale. Lee Mednikow, 720 Vanderbilt, Phone: 428-2386, resident of Croat an, spoke in OPPOSITION to the Pendleton parking lot expansion relative the safety issue. Mr. Mednikow did not believe traffic calming on Vanderbilt would relieve the situation of traffic back up to the parking lot. April 15, 2004 - 12- Item III ITEM # 52487 (Continued) Ken Jobe, 304 Croatan Road, Phone: 428-0328, President - Croatan Civic League, spoke in SUPPORT of the Pendleton parking lot expansion, CIP 4-040 adding at least 230 parking spaces to the existing lot. On April 2003, following six months of "open to all" Croatan residents debate, which included an analysis of the questionnaire distributed by Newsletter and "door to door" visitation, 2003 goals and administrative tasks were then developed, which included improvements to the Pendleton Parking Lot and alternate access through Camp Pendleton. Meetings are not restricted to members of the Civic League only. At the January 5, 2004, meeting a motion was made and passed by a 10-3 vote to expand the Pendleton parking lot, provided traffic calming support was implemented and parking is removed in those areas causing problems. On March 1, 2004, an "open to all" meeting was again conducted and at this time the motion for a Pendleton parking lot expansion passed a second time by 1 1 -0. Richard Whaley, 600 Christine Drive, Phone: 491 -6912, Member, Board of Directors - Croatan Civic League, spoke in SUPPORT of the Pendleton parking lot expansion which will add 230 parking spots. 150 parking spots are being moved from the street onto the lot. Mr. Whaley did not believe there would be a back-up on Vanderbilt Avenue once a suitable staging area had been established to get the cars ojJthe street into the lot. Jim Brown, 617 South Atlantic Avenue, Phone: 422-1521, Vice President - Croatan Civic League, spoke in SUPPORT of the Pendleton parking lot expansion Brad Shehan, 420 Croatan Hills Drive, Phone: 343-7473, resident for twelve (12) years spoke in SUPPORT of the Pendleton parking lot expansion Tom Pritchard, Member, Board of Directors - Croatan Civic League, 529 Virginia Dare Drive, Phone: 287-8400, resident of Croat an for eighteen (18) years. Mr. Pritchard served on the Beaches and Waterways Commission, which created the Beach Management Plan (adopted by City Council). The recommendation said immediate action should be directed toward Fort Story and Camp Pendleton expansions. Of the eight (8) beach segments in the City, only three (3) have parking lots. The expansion of the Pendleton parking lot is consistent with the Beaches and Waterways Commission Beach Management Plan. The Comprehensive Plan on page 118, references the Open Space fund. Through negotiations, the City has an opportunity to purchase forty (40) acres of Oceanfront property and one hundred thirty-six (136) acres of additional property at Camp Pendleton. Ray Bach, 2300 Trant Lake Drive, Phone: 593-6400, President - Virginia Beach Police Association, spoke relative the two (2) major concerns: pay compression and health insurance. Differences in competency and experience levels for Police Officers have not been reflected in the pay for some time. Staggered merit dates create even more salary discrepancies. Compression adjustments awarded last year have not resolved the Compression problem. Harper Donahue, 601 Fort Raleigh, Phone: 422-8766, Board of Directors - Croatan Civic League, spoke in SUPPORT of the Pendleton parking lot expansion. All of the meetings are open to the public. Al Wallace, 4601 Chippendale Court, Phone: 497-2187, spoke relative the public policy on development and open space and public safety. Mr. Wallace suggested an ordinance be adopted concerning trees remaining on land, if unnecessary to be removed for construction purposes. The Citizens Action Committee needs the support of the City government to emphasize more citizen involvement. Mr. Wallace suggested expanding the Neighborhood Institute into a civic academy approach and further exploiting the amenities of Stumpy Lake. There being no further speakers, Mayor Oberndorf CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING. April 15, 2004 -13 - Item IV ADJOURNMENT ITEM # 52488 Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf DECLARED the Special Formal City Council Session ADJOURNED at 7:38 P.M. ~-;;~~_~_~!.J Chief Deputy City Clerk q ~~~~:--- ~~dgeS Smith, MMC City Clerk Meyera E. Oberndorf Mayor City of Virginia Beach Virginia April 15, 2004