City Council voted Tuesday night to set aside money to acquire property and construct an emergency access into and out of the Pine Tag neighborhood, which is located off West Main Street adjacent the Danville Golf Club.
Trains periodically block the entrance to the neighborhood for extended periods. When blocked, there is no practical way for the neighborhood to receive emergency services. City staff has explored options for an emergency access. This route is the most feasible option.
The route would extend from Oak Creek Drive, cross a creek and then follow an existing dirt road to Corning Drive. Property acquisition and construction costs are estimated to cost $500,000.
Of the total, $269,000 will come from reprogramming unused funds from other projects. The remaining $231,000 will come from cash reserves.
In other matters last night, City Council voted to:
- Transfer money $45,000 from a special revenue fund to start a bike share program. The three-year pilot program would provide 25 bikes at five stations. The $45,000 will fund the program for the first year. Sponsorships will be sought to continue the program.
- Adopt a resolution urging the General Assembly to consider long-term solutions to provide equitable funding for school divisions across the commonwealth.
City Manager Ken Larking provided an updated on steps taken in City Council’s three areas of focus: reduce violent crime, improve education, and grow Danville.
Among the steps taken to reduce crime, Larking said a gang task force has been formed and the police department has increased issuance of warrants for gang-related activity. In addition, a youth task forces has been formed and the parks and recreation department is refocusing its programs to provide additional youth activities such as weekend teen basketball tournaments.
To improve education, City Council and the Danville School Board will meet in a joint retreat on Saturday, Feb. 11, to discuss strategies.
City Council also viewed a presentation from John Horin, senior manager from Noblis, regarding its partnership with Danville Public Schools on a Passport Program. The goal of the program is to give every student a career and academic path to a post-secondary educational opportunity or accomplishment.
As part of the program, Noblis and Danville Regional Foundation provided Chrome books to middle schools.
Council's meeting included a business session followed by a work session. In work sessions, Council reviews non-routine matters that will be voted upon in future business meetings.
In Tuesday’s work session, City Council discussed revising the municipal code to include a customer credit for water leaks from underground water pipes.
River City TV airs live all Council business sessions. The first rebroadcast will be at 8 p.m. Thursday. Watch it on cable (Comcast channel 10 and Gamewood channel 122). The taped broadcast is available now on River City TV’s Facebook page.
River City TV does not air work sessions, but they are open to the public.