Live Blog: Manassas City Council Meeting ( April 11)

5:30 p.m.

Chief of Police Report: Police were called to Lake Manassas for trespassing. 

 Council Time:

Vice Mayor Andrew Harrover asked about why the trees along Grant Avenue under the railroad were cut. Council member Randolph also had several citizens contact him on the disappearing trees. Council requested city manager find out why the trees were cut down, but an answer was not given in Monday’s meeting.

 Council member Marc Aveni commented on a full agenda planned for Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting on the second level of City Hall and a small business start-up work session coming to Manassas over the summer.

 Council member Sheryl Bass commented on the April Town Hall Manassas Newsletter and all the events planned in Old Town and at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, including the Black Horse Calvary Ride to the Manassas Museum on April 30th.

Mayor time:

Citing Resolution 2011-89-R, Mayor Harry Parrish ll thanked and acknowledged an a donation of $30,000 from an anonymous contributor to the city for fireworks for the Fourth of July celebration.  Contributor is anonymous and has continuously provided funding towards the fireworks show; Greater Manassas Baseball League  

GMBL rescheduled due to weather for Saturday, April 16, at 9 a.m.

 Action Item 11:

Consideration of Resolution #R-20111-57 supporting the greater P.W. County area continuum of Care 10 Year Plan to prevent homelessness for 2010-2020. Staff presenting the action item: Housing Manager and Advocate Mickey Rhoades. HUDD provide $680,000 to the area through county and nonprofit agencies. Council was not asked to appropriate funds but to support the plan in helping to combat homelessness. Plan is to address barriers that contribute to homelessness so that people can get back in a home and stay there. Council delayed consideration of the agenda item for two weeks, citing the need to further review the plan.  

Action Item 12:

Consideration of Resolution #R-2011-59 requiring the property owner of 9460 Wellington Rd. to renovate or demolish the derelict structure. Presented by Director of Community Development Elizabeth Via-Gossman. Motion was carried unanimously.

 Consideration of Resolution #R-2011-60 requiring the property owner of 9530 Prince William Street to renovate or demolish structure presented by Director of Community Development. Motion was carried unanimously.

Vice Mayor Andrew L. Harrover presenting the City Council’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program.

Last week the council finished a mark-up on the manager's proposed budget and is presenting their proposed budget tonight. Tonight's presentation will be followed by a public hearing at the next council meeting and then a work session to discuss concerns before going before going to the council for a final vote. 

For citizens to speak to the council directly on any issue they wish.

Issues brought to council's attention:

-Derelict house on Prescott and Quarry (9300 Prescott Ave.) (several citizens brought this up)
-Investing in fixing up other derelict structures in the city before upcoming Sesquicentennial events
-Residents want historical street light fixtures on Prescott and Quarry that the rest of the ciy has