Back to FY Dockets


Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - - 7:00 p.m.

* * * * *

Present: Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Redella S. Pepper, Members of Council Ludwig P. Gaines, K. Rob Krupicka, Timothy B. Lovain, Paul C. Smedberg and Justin M. Wilson.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Mr. Hartmann, City Manager; Mr. Pessoa, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Ms. Winey, Grants Coordinator, City Manager's Office; Ms. Harris, Communications Officer, City Manager's Office; Police Captain Ogden; Police Deputy Chief Corle; Ms. Boyd, Director, Citizen Assistance; Mr. Kincannon, Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Mr. Baier, Director, Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Culpepper, Deputy Director, Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. McCobb, Transportation and Environmental Services; Dr. Gilmore, Director, Mental Health/Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse; Ms. Niebauer, Director, Office of Human Rights; Ms. Hamer, Director, Planning and Zoning; Mr. Josephson, Deputy Director, Planning and Zoning; Ms. Triggs, Director, Finance Department; Mr. Johnson, Director, Office of Management and Budget; Fire Chief Thiel; Mr. Mallamo, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria; and Mr. Lloyd.

Recorded by: Jacqueline M. Henderson, City Clerk and Clerk of Council

* * * * * *

City Council held a work session with the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Work Room. City Council also held a work session with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.

* * * * * *

OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Euille, and the City Clerk called the roll; all the members of Council were present.

2. Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

City Council observed a moment of silence and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

(a) The Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2008; and

(b) The Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2008.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the public hearing meeting minutes of February 23, 2008 and the regular meeting minutes of February 26, 2008. The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Pepper "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

None.

PROCLAMATIONS

4. Recognition of Steve Goehler and Megan Mascelli as Winners of the Hilton Old Town Winter Wedding Giveaway.

This item was removed from the docket.

5. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring March as Women's History Month.

(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Wilson "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

6. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring March 16-22, 2008 as Tall Cedars Week.

(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 6; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (7-15)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

7. Receipt of the Following Resignations From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees: (A copy of the above resignations is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7(a-f); 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

8. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
1 Representative From the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant
Relations Board
(A copy of the above appointments is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18(a-f); 3/11//08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

9. Consideration of Application For Virginia Department of Emergency Management Grant Funds For the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Program for the Sheriff's Office.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 27, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

10. Consideration of Application For Federal Department of Health and Human Services Grant Funds For a Substance Abuse Prevention Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 4, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

11. Consideration of Request to Vacate a Position on the Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 27, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

12. Consideration of Request to Modify the Membership of the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 4, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Ordinances for Introduction)

13. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Adopt the Final King Street Outdoor Dining Regulations.

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 13; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

14. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Permit Floor Area Transfers For Private Schools.

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 14; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

15. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Vacate Public Right-of-way at 100 Uhler Terrace.

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 15; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, City Council approved the consent calendar, with the exception of docket items #7, 11, 12 and 13, which were considered under separate motions. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

8. City Council made the following appointments: (a) appointed Thomas Pullen as the one citizen member to the Alexandria Beautification Commission; (b) appointed Kurt Klingenberger as the one representative of the business community to the Alexandria Citizen Corps Council; (c) appointed Kurt Moser as the one member from the field of Environmental Sciences (e.g. Environmental/Sanitary Engineering, Ecology, Geology, Botany, Hydrology, Chemistry) and appointed David Boxer as the one citizen member to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission; (d) reappointed David Dexter as the one member from Planning District III to the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission; (e) reappointed Fletcher Johnston as the one representative from the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners; and (f) reappointed DeShuna Spencer as the one citizen member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.

9. City Council: 1. authorized the submission of a grant (due March 15, 2008) for $9,000 to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), Office of Emergency Medical Services Consolidated Grant Program; and 2. authorized the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.

10. City Council: 1. authorized the City Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse to submit a grant application (due March 21, 2008) to the Federal Department of Health and Human Services on behalf of the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria, and if awarded, accept up to $125,000 annually for five-years beginning on October 1, 2008; and 2. authorize the addition of a full-time Administrative Officer II (1.0 FTE) to the Substance Abuse Prevention Team in the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse.

14. City Council approved the proposed ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on March 15, 2008.

15. City Council approved the proposed ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on March 15, 2008.

The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Pepper "aye"
Wilson "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

7. Receipt of the Following Resignations From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees: (A copy of the above resignations is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7(a-f); 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) John Bramer, Alexandria Beautification Commission; (b) Dawn Matterness, Alexandria Citizen Corps Council; (c) Richard Kennedy, Alexandria Commission on Employment; (d) Steven Hazel, Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS; (e) Michael Oliver, Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee; and (f) Kenneth E. Sharperson, Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Gaines "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

11. Consideration of Request to Vacate a Position on the Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 27, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

In response to questions from City Council, Citizen Assistance Director Boyd said vacations of positions are done anytime during the year.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council declared as vacant one of the citizen positions on the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities and authorized the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to advertise the vacancy. The voting was as follows:

Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

12. Consideration of Request to Modify the Membership of the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 4, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

There was discussion among City Council about this item going to the boards and commissions subcommittee made up of Vice Mayor Pepper and Councilmember Lovain.

A MOTION WAS MADE by Councilman Wilson and seconded by Councilman Gaines to defer this item to the boards and commissions subcommittee. The motion failed by a vote of 3-4, as follows:

Wilson "aye" Pepper "no"
Gaines "aye" Krupicka "no"
Euille "aye" Lovain "no"
Smedberg "no"

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council: 1. approved the membership changes for the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission as noted below: a. delete the representative of the Emergency Medical Services Council; b. change the representative of the Alexandria Medical Society to a physician practicing in Alexandria nominated by the Medical Society of Northern Virginia; c. change the representative of the Alexandria Hospital Board to a representative from Inova Alexandria Hospital; d. change the representative of the Alexandria Dental Society to a dentist practicing in the City of Alexandria nominated by the Northern Virginia Dental Society; e. add a new position for a representative from the City's Office of Emergency Preparedness; and f. add a new position for a representative designated by the Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. (ANHSI) Board of Directors. 2. requested the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance which will repeal Resolution Number 790 and incorporate the membership changes requested. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

13. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Adopt the Final King Street Outdoor Dining Regulations.

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 13; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning Josephson responded to questions of City Council regarding height of chairs and possible changes to the ordinance.

Councilman Smedberg noted a typographical error on page six, paragraph five, the word "when" is spelled incorrectly.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg and seconded by Councilman Gaines, City Council approved the proposed ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on March 15, 2008. The voting was as follows:

Smedberg "aye" Pepper "aye"
Gaines "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

OTHER

16. Recommendations and Status Report on Legislation Introduced at the 2008 General Assembly Session.

(A copy of the Legislative Director's memorandum dated March 10, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

17. Update on the Status of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) Transportation Funding.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Legislative Director Caton made a presentation of his report of the General Assembly and responded to questions of City Council.

Deputy City Manager Jinks made a presentation of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority funding and responded to questions of City Council.

After discussion, Council asked the City Manager to get back to Council with prioritizing.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council received the staff reports for items #16 and 17. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

18. Federal Issues For Discussion With Congressman James P. Moran.

This item was deferred.

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

19. Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
1 Citizen Member

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Charles Bernier
Paddy Bowman

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of  Item No. 19; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Charles Bernier as the one citizen member to the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Bernier
Pepper - Bowman
Gaines - Bernier
Krupicka - Bernier
Lovain - Bowman
Smedberg - Bernier
Wilson - Bernier

20. Alexandria Commission for Women
1 Citizen Member

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Patty Donmoyer
Pamela Goodell
Julie Segal Walters

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of  Item No. 20; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Patty Donmoyer as the one citizen member to the Alexandria Commission for Women. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Donmoyer
Pepper - Donmoyer
Gaines - Donmoyer
Krupicka - Donmoyer
Lovain - Donmoyer
Smedberg - Donmoyer
Wilson - Donmoyer

21. Alexandria Commission on Aging
1 Citizen Member

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Annmarie Pittman
John Smucker

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of  Item No. 21; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council appointed John Smucker as the one citizen member to the Alexandria Commission on Aging. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Smucker
Pepper - Smucker
Gaines - Pittman
Krupicka - Smucker
Lovain - Smucker
Smedberg - Smucker
Wilson - Smucker

22. Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team
1 Member Designated by the Executive Director of the Alexandria
Community Services Board

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Deborah Warren

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of  Item No. 22; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Deborah Warren as the one member designated by the Executive Director of the Alexandria Community Services Board to the Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Warren
Pepper - Warren
Gaines - Warren
Krupicka - Warren
Lovain - Warren
Smedberg - Warren
Wilson - Warren

23. Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
1 Member From Planning District I

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

William Cromley
Katharine Vaughan

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of  Item No. 23; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council appointed William Cromley as the one member from Planning District I to the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Cromley
Pepper - Cromley
Gaines - Cromley
Krupicka - Cromley
Lovain - Cromley
Smedberg - Cromley
Wilson - Cromley

24. Alexandria Urban Design Advisory Board
1 Representative of the Old Town North Business Community

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Elisabeth Lardner

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of  Item No. 24; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Elisabeth Lardner as the one representative of the Old Town North Business Community to the Alexandria Urban Design Advisory Board. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Lardner
Pepper - Lardner
Gaines - Lardner
Krupicka - Lardner
Lovain - Lardner
Smedberg - Lardner
Wilson - Lardner

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

25. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #2008-0001
TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Deferral from February 23, 2008, Consideration of an amendment to the Transportation Chapter of the City's Master Plan. Staff: Department of Transportation and Environmental Services
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Adopted Resolution and Recommend Approval 6-0 (#8, 2/23/08)

(A copy of the Planning Commission report dated February 5, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 5, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, a motion was made by Councilman Krupicka and seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper to approve the Planning Commission recommendation, as provided by staff.

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, to amend Section T6 and T6.A, to include the following language: "T6. The City will ensure that development and redevelopment does not preclude efforts to expand public transit infrastructure. T6.A. The City will ensure that any amendment to the Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens Small Area Plan for the purpose of increasing density beyond what is currently approved shall study the feasibility of the development and funding of an additional Metro Rail Station." (This motion was later revised at the end of this docket item for T6.A.) The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, to amend Section T6.B to read: "T6.B. The City expects that any proposed amendments to the Eisenhower West Area Plan, the King Street Metro/Eisenhower Avenue Small Plan or the Seminary Hill Small Area Plan that includes land in the Eisenhower Valley, and that proposes an increase in density beyond what is currently approved, shall study the feasibility of the development and funding of an additional Metro Rail Station. If a City-directed feasibility study concludes, and City Council agrees, that a new Metro Station is viable and desirable, then any proposals to add additional density to the Eisenhower Valley sections of the above mentioned small areas plans must include a specific plan to support the development of an additional Metro Station on Eisenhower Avenue to serve the Valley." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, to amend Section 1-13 to read: "Section 1-13. Implementation. The transit concept that is presented in this plan is an innovative and ambitious proposal that will challenge City leaders and residents throughout the implementation process. The proposed transit corridors and services must be developed from a concept level to an operating transit service following a process that will be context sensitive, provide ongoing opportunity for public involvement and preserve eligibility for federal funding to support implementation. As illustrated in the graphic below, the development process that will be followed is intended to identify and evaluate increasingly refined alteratives based on information that becomes broader in scope and more detailed during each development phase. Progressing from the initial corridor feasibility studies through alternatives analyses, environmental impact assessments, and preliminary and final engineering to construction and initiation of service, the process is open for public input as key implementation decisions (such as the preferred transit route and mode for a particular corridor, the level of service to be provided, the type(s) of transit priority that will be provided in individual corridor segments, and the locations of stations and stops are being made. For any individual corridor, this process may take six to ten years to complete. During the implementation process, it may be determined that providing fully dedicated transit lanes or running ways along the full length of the corridor may not be possible due to prevailing constraints. Under these circumstances, it may be necessary to employ other transit priority techniques, such as operating in mixed traffic with transit priority at signalized intersections and "queue jumping" in critical congestion areas, in certain corridor segments in order to achieve a feasible implementation plan. A key element of the project development process is the preparation of environmental impact documents pursuant to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) to ensure that information is available for public officials and citizens to properly balance infrastructure development, economic prosperity, health and environmental protection, community and neighborhood preservation, and quality of life issues. The potential project impacts that are required to be identified, evaluated and documented in these environmental evaluations include several factors that have already been identified as early community concerns. These include: air quality; environmental justice; historic, archeological and cultural resources; noise and vibration (both during construction and operation); historic sites; social and economic impacts (factors influencing the character and nature of the community); and transportation (both traffic and parking.)" The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, to amend Section 4A of the plan, to rename the Route 1 corridor to Corridor A, B and C as designated by staff. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, to amend T7.C to read: "T7.C The City will coordinate the development and deployment of transit information technologies with regional service providers to provide seamless delivery to transit users." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, to amend S6.C to read: "S6.C. Incorporate traffic calming features in street improvement projects whenever possible." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, to amend S8A and B to read: "S8. The City will explore opportunities to enhance the use of high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) lanes as a traffic management strategy for periods of peak travel demand. S8.A. The City will study its existing HOV travel lanes to determine if changes in their operations would improve traffic flow during peak travel periods. S8.B. The City will evaluate opportunities for implementation of additional or expanded HOV travel lanes or reduction of existing HOV travel lanes on City Streets." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Lovain and carried unanimously, to amend P2 to read: "P2. The City will develop and implement comprehensive guidelines and requirements for transit-oriented development (TOD) that support the principles of TOD and include maximum parking ratios, unbundled parking infrastructure, and parking cash-out programs as parking management strategies for development/redevelopment of properties proximate to metrorail stations." The voting was as follows:

Wilson "aye" Pepper "aye"
Lovain "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, to amend P1.6 to read: "P1.6. The City will identify, evaluate and adopt appropriate "best practices" for municipal parking management to more effectively manage its parking resources." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Gaines "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, to amend P1.7 to read: "P1.7. The City shall seek out parking and transit solutions to minimize, if not eliminate, tour bus traffic in the residential areas of Old Town Alexandria." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, to amend P4 to read: "P4. The City will implement policies to discourage the development of surface parking lots where practical." The voting was as follows:

Wilson "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Lovain "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, to amend Guiding Principle 5 to read: "5. Alexandria will further transportation policies that enhance quality of life, support livable, urban land use and encourage neighborhood preservation, in accordance with the City Council Strategic Plan." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Gaines "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

WHEREUPON, an amendment to the motion was made by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, to further amend T6.A, which was earlier amended, to read: "T6.A. The City expects that any amendment to the Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens Small Area Plan which results in an increase in density beyond what is currently approved will include reasonable provisions to address the development and funding of an additional Metro Rail Station." The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"


The voting on the main motion, as amended, carried unanimously was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

26. Consideration of Establishing a Transportation Advisory Committee and Requesting the City Attorney to Prepare the Ordinance Necessary to Create This New Standing Committee.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 26; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Wilson and seconded by Councilman Krupicka, City Council: 1. determined the composition of the proposed Transportation Commission as noted in option 2, with an amendment in Section 4, the second option, to amend the second sentence to add two ex-officio, non-voting members, which can be from among City Council's representatives to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, and the Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board; and 2. requested the City Attorney to draft the necessary ordinance to establish a Transportation Commission as described and docket the ordinance for introduction at Council's April 8 legislative meeting.

There was discussion among Council and staff about having a Traffic and Parking Board member on the Commission, and having a member from Bike Alexandria or a pedestrian group.

After discussion, Councilman Krupicka called the question.

The voting was as follows:

Wilson "aye" Pepper "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "no"
Smedberg "no"

27. Consideration of Report of the Ad Hoc Commercial Transportation Tax Option Study Committee.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 27; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Mr. Paul Friedman, Chair of the Study Committee, made a presentation of the report and was joined by committee members John Rennor, Mark Feldheim and Lois Walker, and he responded to questions of Council.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, City Council received the report of the Ad Hoc Commercial Transportation Tax Option Study Committee and thanked the committee for its work in studying the issue. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

* * * * * *

NEW BUSINESS ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Euille announced that the T.C. Williams Titans Boys Basketball Team are going to the final round of the State Championship, having won tonight's game 63-46. The Championship game is Friday evening in Richmond.

* * * * * *

28. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Establishing Real and Personal Property Tax Rates for Calendar Year 2008, and Setting the Ordinance for Public Hearing on April 12, 2008.

(This item was replaced by docket item #28.1.)

28.1. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Establish the General Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Rates for Calendar Year 2008. (This item replaces docket item #28.)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28.1; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 28.1; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 28.1; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Mayor Euille noted the intent is that Council would not set the tax rate this evening, but will formally adopt it at Saturday's meeting.

Director of Management and Budget Johnson and Deputy City Manager Jinks made a presentation of the staff report and responded to questions of City Council.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, this item was deferred to the March 15 meeting. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

28.2 Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Establish the Additional Real Estate Tax Rate for Commercial and Industrial Property for Calendar Year 2008.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28.2; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 28.2; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 28.2; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, this item was deferred to the March 15 meeting. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

29. Staff Presentation on Implementation of the Efficiency and Best Practices Study of Fleet Management.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 29; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council received the Fleet Management Study and the implementation plan and scheduled the report for discussion at a future work session. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Vice Mayor Pepper said she represents the City Council on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Air Quality Committee (MWAQC,) and one of the things that happened at the last meeting was MWAQC passed a resolution and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) had asked various groups to submit comments concerning the Wise County Coal Plant located in the western part of the state. MWAQC voted unanimously to send a letter to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and they said not so much don't build that coal burning facility, but instead, to analyze very carefully the impact of the proposed coal fired power plant in Wise County, and its impact on the Metropolitan area. One of the things they are sure of is that all the pollution they have in the region does not begin here, it may end up here because it is blown here from other states. They are concerned that the Wise County facility may very well do that. One of the points that was made is that when it is operative in 2012, it is believed to constitute one of the major air pollution sources within the whole state, so for that reason, they have much at stake and the MWAQC sent a letter to the VDEQ. Fairfax County, and possibly other jurisdictions, have passed a resolution that they would encourage the VDEQ to further analyze the impact of that coal burning powerplant.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper and seconded by Councilman Smedberg, that City Council send a similar letter of support of what the MWAQC has prepared in support of their comments and send it to VDEQ immediately, as the meeting is Wednesday, March 12.

Councilman Smedberg said the most important point was how the plant potentially jeopardizes the region's ability to demonstrate and maintain its standing within the Federal air quality standards, and this area is challenged to maintain the standards, and many people feel this is a direct threat to the region and potentially may make it impossible to obtain the standards in the future. Despite the fact that Dominion Power says that they are using pollution control technology on the plant, it is argued that it is not the best pollution controls and the most efficient pollution controls that are available.

The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

Vice Mayor Pepper said that at that same meeting, the MWAQC were going to be passing the State Implementation Plan (SIP,) the plan for this region as to how they were going to control the pollution in the area. In addition to the SIP plan, they were able to pass a resolution which was seconded by the Air Director of VDEQ, and it went to the State Air Pollution Control Board and it addresses two long-standing issues that were related to the Mirant Plant. One is that a PM2.5 analysis be performed within a defined amount of time, and they are asking the board to take that issue up. The second is that the opacity standard be raised. MWAQC is sending a letter to the Air Pollution Control Board recommending that the amount of pollution they see be tightened from 20 percent to 10 percent and this is a major achievement for them. It represents what other jurisdictions have as their standard.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Vice Mayor Pepper said that they had a wonderful Eco-City Cafe on March 8 at George Washington Middle School, 120 people attended and they were energetic and very helpful and they are talking about what they see as they would identify environmental issues that were important to them. They are taking that information and putting it into a charter which will be a draft environmental charter, that will be presented by the Earth Day Celebration on April 26. She said that on May 10, it will have another environmental summit.

(b) Vice Mayor Pepper said Alexandria has been recognized as one of the best walking cities in America by Prevention Magazine.

(c) Mayor Euille said the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and VDOT will have a construction information meeting on Wednesday, March 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Cameron Elementary School in the cafeteria, 3434 Campbell Drive. There was a meeting for elected officials last week at VDOT's offices on Eisenhower Avenue and the purpose of the meeting was to apprise them of their upcoming construction for the interchanges at Route 1 and Telegraph Road. This will create some major problems, congestion and dust for the next three years. The purpose of the public meeting is to inform the community and citizens in terms of all the construction activities, timelines and impacts. Folks that live in the Route 1 corridor should go to the meeting to learn what impacts will occur as a result of their work at Route 1 and Telegraph Road.

(d) Mayor Euille said that on Monday morning, at the National League of Cities mid-year meeting in Washington, the City received the 2008 Culture Diversity Award from the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, which recognized the City for its efforts to enhance and celebrate culture and diversity in the community. The City submitted two projects for consideration, and the one that won was the one that honored 25 individuals after they were sworn in and took the oath of allegiance for U.S. Citizenship.

(e) Councilman Smedberg said that at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission meeting a couple of weeks ago, he reminded the City Manager and Council that the foreign delegation that is visiting the region - the German planning organizations, will be staying in Alexandria and participating in several events. He said Mayor Euille and the Chair of the Fairfax County Board and several other regional leaders will be participating in the activities.

(f) Councilman Smedberg said they had the second meeting of the Economic Sustainability Task Force, which he and Councilman Krupicka co-chair and they had a very productive meeting. He said they heard the Planning Director discuss procedural issues for the committee itself and made progress on the graph they will use to prioritize the assignments.

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

None.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

30. Consideration of a Resolution to Apply For Revenue Sharing Funding From the Virginia Department of Transportation For the Rehabilitation and Repaving of Washington Street. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 30; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Culpepper made a presentation of the staff report and responded to questions of City Council.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council: 1. adopted the resolution to apply for an FY 2009 Revenue Sharing Program funding allocation from the Virginia Department of Transportation for the repaving and rehabilitation of Washington Street; and 2. authorized the City Manager to submit the resolution and funding application, and enter into any agreements with the state that may be required to receive these funds should the requested allocation be approved. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Gaines "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2270

At a regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia held on March 11, 2008, on a motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Gaines, the following resolution was adopted by a vote of 7 to 0; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Alexandria desires to submit an application for an allocation of funds of $1,000,000 through the Virginia Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2009-2010, Revenue Sharing Program; and

WHEREAS, $1,000,000 of these funds are requested to fund the rehabilitation and repaving of Washington Street (VA 400) from Church Street to First Street; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Alexandria, hereby support this application for an allocation of $1,000,000 through the Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Program.

31. Consideration of a Report on Changing the Election of the Mayor, Members of the City Council and Members of the School Board From the May General Election Cycle to the November General Election Cycle, and of a Resolution Proposing an Advisory Referendum On This Issue During the November 4, 2008, General Election. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy Mayor Euille and Councilman Wilson's memorandum dated February 12, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 31; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Wilson and seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper, City Council docketed this item as a public hearing for the April 12 City Council meeting, Council action would be docketed for April 22, 2008, and that staff send a letter to all the civic associations they have on record and notify them of the upcoming public hearing and invite them to participate, and to attach the memorandum from the docket item.

Vice Mayor Pepper noted that it would be helpful to also notify the School Board.

The voting was as follows:

Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

OTHER

32. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 32; 3/11/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council: 1. scheduled the Del Ray/Town of Potomac interpretative sign dedication at 8:30 a.m. before Council's Saturday, April 12 public hearing meeting; and 2. received the revised calendar which includes Library Director Patrick O'Brien's retirement reception on Monday, March 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Charles E. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Street. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

* * * * *

Mayor Euille noted that Congressman Moran is still voting, so that item will be postponed.
* * * * *

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, the regular City Council meeting of March 11, 2008, was adjourned at 10:02 p.m. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"


APPROVED BY:

_____________________________
WILLIAM D. EUILLE MAYOR


ATTEST:

_________________________________
Jacqueline M. Henderson, CMC, City Clerk


This docket is subject to change.

* * * * *

Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council.
* * * * *

Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500 (TTY/TDD 838-5056). We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.

City Council meetings are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.
* * * * *