CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Charlotte City Council members heard the first of many presentations regarding the proposed $1.9 billion budget proposed for the next fiscal year beginning in July.

New City Manager Ron Carlee, who took over in April, presented his budget draft Monday evening. Carlee directed $816 million of the plan to go directly to a capital improvement.

"I think this is a sound budget. I think it's a balanced budget," Carlee said.

According to the proposed budget, some of the capital improvement plans include new roads, sidewalks, and affordable housing. Something notably missing is the streetcar proposal that caused deep divisions between council members.

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx has pushed for a streetcar that would run from West to East Charlotte for over a year, but ultimately, Carlee took the idea out of his budget.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Some suspended Charlotte-Mecklenburg students are getting a second chance. They are participating in a newly created Diversion Program. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department sponsors the program. The students have already been suspended for minor offenses.

"It's usually small things like fighting," Diversion Program Director Darryl Bego said. "Or being disruptive in class."

Officers decide who gets to participate. The two week program gives students the chance to learn from their mistakes. They will have the opportunity to avoid jail time and a criminal record at an early age.

"We provide them with life skills training," Bego said. "And social emotional development that leads to better choices in decision making."

The program started earlier this year and so far more than 100 students have participated. The students' parents also get involved with the process.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- When the alarm goes off at 6 a.m., getting out of bed and heading to the gym may seem like an impossible task.

Good news!

Recent studies have found that exercising with a small group boosts motivation and it's more fun than doing it alone.

"The whole accountability piece of the pie really helps," says Barb Christie.

We all know the benefits of exercise both body and mind.

Everydayhealth.com says group exercise often leads to better results, especially if you are trying to accomplish a goal.

"The biggest benefit to group training is the comradery and how people can push to achieve more," says Rick Anderson the owner of www.fitnesstogethercharlotte.com. 

Your buddies or trainer also can help motivate you on those days when you really don't feel like exercising.