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Office of the City Clerk
October 24, 2001

At 7:20 p.m. in the Council Workroom, there was
a Special Meeting of the Alexandria Transit Company
Board of Directors to fill a Vacancy on the Board.


Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - - 7:30 p.m.


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OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present except Councilman Speck.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

The Invocation was pronounced by Reverend Owen Gilliam, Commanding Officer, Alexandria Salvation Army.
2. Invocation. By:____________________________________________________

3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meeting of City Council:

(a) The Regular Meeting of October 9, 2001.

City Council approved the Minutes for (a) the Regular Meeting of October 9, 2001, as submitted.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

4. Report of the City Clerk.

City Council received the report of the City Clerk.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

5. City Council Recognition of Teen Magician Eric Redman.

Councilwoman Woodson introduced Teen Magician Eric Redman and recognized him for his magnificent magician skills. Eric is a 17 year-old student at T.C. Williams High School and is one of the best teen magicians in the nation. Eric performed some of his magic for City Council.

Members of City Council thanked Eric for sharing a few of his magical moments.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________



OPENING (continued)

6. Presentation of Proclamation Designating Thursday, November 15, 2001, as America Recycles Day in the City of Alexandria.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (7-15)

Without objection, City Council removed docket item nos. 9 and 12 from the Consent Calendar and considered them under separate motions.

7. Receipt of the Following Resignations from Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Daniel R. Abramson

(b) Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board
Debra Zusman

(c) Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority
Board of Commissioners
Debra Zusman

8. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
1 Citizen Member

(b) Alexandria Commission on Aging
1 Citizen Member

(c) Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS
1 Citizen Member

(d) Alexandria Commission on Information Technology
1 Representative of An Institution of Higher Education

(e) Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities
1 Citizen Member

(f) Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission
1 Citizen Member

(g) Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
1 Representative From Planning District III

9. Receipt of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending September 30, 2001.



REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

10. Authorization of Recommended Capital Project Allocations and Planned Expenditures.

11. Receipt of Listings of Delinquent Real Estate Taxes, Authorization to Advertise the Listings and Write-Off Balances Less than Twenty Dollars.

12. Consideration of Amendment of the Guidelines for the City's Marketing Fund.

13. Consideration of the Virginia Municipal League/Dominion Virginia Power Agreement for the Purchase of Electric Service.

14. Receipt of the Fiscal Year 2001 Annual Report of the Landlord Tenant Relations Board.

15. Receipt of the Supplemental Annual Attendance Report of Boards and Commissions for FY 2001.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of docket item nos. 9 and 12 which were considered under separate motions. The voting was as follows:

7. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Daniel R. Abramson from the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (b) Debra Zusman from the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board; and (c) Debra Zusman from the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners; requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.

8. City Council: (a) appointed R. Scott Sherk as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (b) appointed William Harris as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on Aging; (c) appointed John Wertman as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS; (d) appointed Kevin Reed as a Representative of an Institution of Higher Education to the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology; (e) appointed M. Craig Smith as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities; (f) appointed Sigal Nissan as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission; and (g) appointed Fabian Robitaille, Jr. as a Representative from Planning District III to the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission.

9. Mayor Donley removed this item and pointed out that a lot of the figures in the financial report are pre-Spetember 11. He noted that the intergovernmental revenue was down 8 percent, and overall the state budget is down. Mayor Donley requested Assistant City Manager Jinks and Finance Director Neckel to explain how localities might be affected.

Assistant City Manager Jinks addressed Mayor Donley's concerns.

City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending September 30, 2001. (Separate Motion)

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

10. City Council authorized the capital project allocations and planned expenditures for the capital projects as detailed in the Capital Improvement Expenditure Summary.

11. City Council: (1) received the listings of delinquent local property taxes; (2) authorized that parts of the delinquent real estate tax listing deemed advisable by the Director of Finance and having a balance due of $1,000 or more be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the City, and that parts of the real estate tax and personal property tax delinquency listings deemed advisable by the Director of Finance be listed on the City's Internet website; and (3) authorized the Director of Finance to write off the uncollected tax balances amounting to less than twenty dollars each for which the Director of Finance has determined that the cost of collecting such balances would exceed the amount recoverable, provided that the Director of Finance shall not write off any balance where he has reason to believe the taxpayer has purposely paid less than the amount due and owed.

12. Councilwoman Woodson removed this item from the consent calendar. She asked who was Council's representative on this committee and requested that all Members of Council be notified of the Marketing Committee's meetings. She stated that she is interested in this and would like to attend the meetings.

Mayor Donley indicated that he was Council's representative on this committee and would ask that Members of Council be notified of its meetings.

City Council adopted the proposed amendments to the Marketing Fund Application Guidelines as proposed by the Marketing Committee. (Separate Motion)

13. City Council authorized the City Manager to sign the agreement for the purchase of electric service to be used by the City government with Dominion Virginia Power ("the Company").

14. City Council received the report.

15. Councilwoman Woodson noted that some members of boards and commissions have been absent more than 75 percent, but it is an excused absence. She queried staff at what point does an excused absence no longer count toward the 75 percent commitment, and asked staff to look into strengthening our regulations, if possible.

City Attorney Pessoa indicated that the City Code could be amended to provide greater control.

City Council received the supplemental report, vacated the position listed on the report and authorized the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to advertise the vacancy.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_________________________________________________________




REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

16. Receipt of the Final Report of the City Manager's Affordable Housing Task Force and Setting it for Public Hearing on Saturday, November 17, 2001.

Councilman Euille thanked Housing Director Davis for her dedication and hard work and that of all of the support staff in assisting the Task Force.

Councilwoman Eberwein requested that the chart entitled "Incomes at 30% to 75% of Area Median Family Income" be included in the package that is distributed for the public hearing item. This chart was given to City Council at the meeting.

City Council: (1) received the report; (2) thanked the members of the Task Force for their thoughtful deliberations and hard work in developing this report and its recommendations; and (3) set the report for public hearing on November 17, 2001.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

17. Receipt of Recommendations Making Old Dominion Boulevard North of West Glebe Road and Notabene Drive One-Way Streets, Changing the Existing Parallel Parking to Diagonal Parking on the West Side of Each of These Streets and Setting the Proposal for Public Hearing on Saturday, November 17, 2001.

City Council received this report and scheduled it for public hearing on November 17, 2001.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

18. Receipt of the Proposed City Legislative Package for the 2002 General Assembly Session and Scheduling it for Public Hearing on Saturday, November 17, 2001.

Mayor Donley spoke to the legislative package and noted that item 1.K. "Modifying the Size of the Board of Commissioners of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority" should indicate Councilwoman Woodson as being the sponsor.

Councilwoman Eberwein spoke to the new census data and what effects it will have on the precincts throughout the City as well as the School Board Districts.

Councilwoman Eberwein would like the City Attorney and the City Manager to prepare a memo that would look at how we might change the Charter to allow for the maximum flexibility in electing the School Board which would allow us to continue the current system or come up with different options. She would like that memo to be part of the public hearing on the 17th. She also asked the City Manager to alert the School Board, although she was informed that the Mayor, the Vice Mayor and the City Manager brought that up with the School Board at the City/Schools Subcommittee Meeting. Ms. Eberwein emphasized that this does not set any kind of system or even mandate a change, it simply gives Council the flexibility to work with the School Board and with the public on considering our options. She noted that it really doesn't change the package, although she would like the memo to be part of the public hearing on the 17th.







REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

Mayor Donley stated that Council can do that and noted that Vice Mayor Cleveland and he did bring that to the attention of the School Board at Monday's meeting. Their feeling was if they wanted to make a change to the Charter to allow the flexibility, at least for in the future is a good idea, but both Mr. Cleveland and he felt it was important that if a change is contemplated it really should come from School Board since they are the elected body.

Councilwoman Eberwein indicated she's hoping that the Electoral Board will come and make a presentation, perhaps as we alert the School Board to this. One of the potentials is for the Electoral Board to make a presentation to both the City Council and the School Board in some sort of joint meeting to at least lay out the options that we would have.

City Council: (1) received the proposals for the City's 2002 legislative package; (2) scheduled the legislative package proposals for public hearing on Saturday, November 17; (3) scheduled the proposed Charter amendments (items 1.J, 1.K and 1.L) for public hearing on Saturday, November 17; and (4) scheduled adoption of the legislative package for Tuesday, November 27, following Council's work session with the General Assembly delegation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilman Euille announced that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has formally approved the access improvements to the King Street Metro Station. These will be part of a 2004 timetable.

(b) Councilwoman Woodson reported that the Teen Center meeting was a successful start. She noted that the group is settling in on what it wants to achieve; what is possible; what it will take; what the kids want; and how it will happen. She announced that there will be a meeting of the group on Monday, October 29, at 3 p.m., in Room 2300, City Hall. Councilwoman Woodson invited interested persons, including students, to attend.

(c) Councilwoman Woodson attended the Business Recovery Workshop and indicated that it was well attended. She said that many of the small business owners have not been directly affected but will be indirectly affected in the months to come by the impact of the events of September 11. She reported that some are suffering so much anxiety that they are affected due to stress and not direct economic impact. The SBDC suggested that the next session might be a round table venting session for small businesses to discuss their own situation and to share solutions with each other. Councilwoman Woodson indicated that at that session there may be attorneys, bankers, accountants, marketing consultants, and perhaps even therapists available to sit in or to provide short private sessions to answer individual questions.

Councilman Euille recently sat on a panel discussion at George Mason University for the nonprofit community to discuss the affects the events of September 11, is having on them. He noted that the nonprofits will be coming together as a group as well as to vent.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)

(d) Mayor Donley announced again that Councilman Speck and he sit on the Crystal City/Potomac Yard Corridor Transit Alternatives Analysis Policy Advisory Committee. He announced that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will hold public meetings on October 25 and 30, 2001, in Arlington and Alexandria to present leading alternatives for transit in the Crystal City/Potomac Yard corridor. The meetings, which will include exhibits, a presentation, and a question/answer session, are scheduled as follows: Arlington: Thursday, October 25, 2001, 7:00 p.m., Crystal Gateway Condominiums Meeting Room, 1300 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA, and Alexandria: Tuesday, October 30, 2001, 7:00 p.m., Mt. Vernon Elementary School Auditorium, 2601 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA.

(e) Councilwoman Pepper reported that she is Council's representative on the Commission on Aging and attended a meeting recently to discuss needs. She said two needs discussed were: (1) transportation of some sort that would allow the senior citizens to go beyond the City limits for doctors' appointments, etc.; and (2) cost of prescriptions.

She asked staff to look into the possibility of expanding the Senior Citizen Taxi/Transportation Program to enable seniors to travel in this program beyond the City limits at a reduced price.

She realizes that the cost of prescriptions is out of the City's realm.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilwoman Pepper also reported on the Business Recovery Workshop held on October 23, at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites. This was a workshop developed for businesses looking for help, information and resources to assist in recovering from the economic impact experienced as a result of the September 11 attacks.

(b) Councilwoman Pepper spoke to a recent e-mail from Councilman Speck suggesting the possible extension of the hours of the Farmers' Market into the afternoon and asked staff to look into his suggestion.

City Manager Sunderland stated that this will be discussed this Saturday with the vendors, and he will report back with the results.

(c) Councilwoman Pepper addressed a letter received recently from the Chamber of Commerce requesting the City Council consider implementing during the month of December "Tax-Free Days," a program where certain days are designated free of sales tax. Would that be possible to do.

Mayor Donley stated that the City lacks the authority to waive the state sales tax. In addition, the City will be experiencing a revenue downfall.

(d) Councilwoman Pepper asked if it would be possible to waive the late fees for business property during this trying times for businesses in the City.





ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)

(e) Councilwoman Pepper spoke to the kick-off event for the first carsharing company in Alexandria, Zipcar, which launched its operation on October 17, at St. Elmo's Pub located at 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue.

In November, Flexcar, will begin operations at the King Street Metrorail Station. Flexcar was selected by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to place its carsharing vehicles at Metrorail stations.

For further information, please contact Paul DeMaio, Transit Specialist, at 703-838-3800.

(f) Councilwoman Woodson noted that The Washington Post reported on October 11, 2001, that "Mental health experts predict that as many as 26 percent of the population may experience mild or sever symptoms of stress as a result of the attack on the Pentagon." She stated that this is a community crisis and the community can respond in many ways. She suggested that this might be the time to reconvene the Call to Community effort coordinated by Special Assistant to the City Manager for Human Relations Ransom because our people are suffering, and it might be a good time to bring them together again.

(g) Councilwoman Woodson spoke to the Summer Economic Institute's Mock Council Sessions held throughout the year with senior government classes.

Mayor Donley reported that he often holds mock Council sessions with students who visit him at City Hall throughout the school year from the various schools in the City.

(h) Councilwoman Woodson announced that she is instituting office hours every Wednesday morning from 8 to 9 a.m. No appointment is necessary. Persons are to come to Room 2300 or call 703-838-4500.

(i) Councilwoman Eberwein requested that Council be briefed on the efforts of our Health Department, specifically related to anthrax and small pox issues and any recommendations for our citizens. She also asked that Council be briefed about any safeguards for Halloween.

Health Director Konigsberg provided Council with a report on the public health point of view regarding anthrax and small pox issues. He responded to questions directed to him by the Members of Council.

Police Chief Samarra and Fire Chief Hawkins briefed Council on the activities of their departments with respect to these issues and responded to questions posed to them by the Members of City Council.

City Manager Sunderland reported on the development of procedures and criteria and indicated that common sense has to prevail.

Councilwoman Eberwein thanked staff for their reports.

With respect to Halloween, Police Chief Samarra reported that citizens should use the common sense approach and go by the guidelines which can be found at www.missingkids.com; a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk.


ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)

(j) Mayor Donley announced that the Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission is sponsoring a public forum on Virginia electricity deregulation on Tuesday, October 30, 2001, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., at the Minnie Howard School Auditorium, 3801 West Braddock Road, Alexandria.

(k) Mayor Donley also announced that the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is sponsoring a "Hallow Splash" at the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center, 3210 King Street, for the City of Alexandria Middle School students, grades 6, 7, and 8, on Saturday, October 27, from 8:00 - 10:30 p.m.

(l) Mayor Donley received an e-mail from a woman who likes to walk in the mornings at Ben Brenman Park and questioned why there is no lighting at 6 a.m. which makes her uncomfortable walking in the dark. Mayor Donley asked staff to contact the civic groups to see if there is any interest in turning on those lights earlier.

(m) Mayor Donley publicly expressed Council's condolences to the family of long-time City employee Gary Post who passed away recently. Gary was a valued City employee and served as Deputy Director of Information Services. He gave his heart and soul to this City and will be sorely missed. Services will be held at the Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home on Braddock Road at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27.

(n) Vice Mayor Cleveland expressed his gratitude for the free bus rides provided recently. Metro was free as well. He suggested that WMATA should do this at least once a year. He also thanked staff for putting up the flags.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

None

OTHER

19. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

City Council: (1) postponed the Tuesday, November 13 work session on The Final Report from The Upper Potomac West Task Force and rescheduled the work session to Tuesday, January 22, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council workroom; (2) added to the Council calendar the Tuesday, November 13 Senior Citizens Employment Reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 480 King Street, and changed the Public Hearing Meeting in January from January 12, 2002 to January 26, 2002.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

20. Alexandria Commission for Women
1 Citizen Member

City Council appointed Mary Gibbs as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission for Women.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________


CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)

21. Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Representative From Such Organizations As Educational Agencies,
Organized Labor, Rehabilitation Agencies, Community-Based
Organizations, Economic Development Agencies and the Public
Employment Service

City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Franklyn Malone as a Representative from Such Organizations as Educational Agencies, Organized Labor, Rehabilitation Agencies, Community-Based Organizations, Economic Development Agencies and the Public Employment Service to the Alexandria Commission on Employment.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

22. Alexandria Commission on Information Technology
1 Citizen Member

City Council appointed Justin Wilson as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

23. Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia
1 Health Care Provider

City Council appointed Rosalie Gunnlaugsson as a Health Care Provider to the Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

24. Alexandria Law Library Board
1 Citizen Member

City Council appointed Keith Larson as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Law Library Board.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

25. Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
1 Member From Among the High School Youth of the City

City Council deferred this appointment until November 13, 2001, since there was a tie vote between Kimberly Dawkins and James Luby. These two applications will come forth at that time.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

The Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

This docket is subject to change.

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Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council. Meeting materials are also available on-line at https://alexandriava.gov/council.
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