Back to FY Dockets

Office of the City Clerk
June 10, 2009

There was a Work Session at 5:30 p.m. in the
City Council Work Room to Discuss (1) the Potomac
Yard Small Area Plan and the Metro Feasibility Study
and (2) Sanitary Sewer System Planning.


Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - - 7:00 p.m.

* * * * *

OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

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

2. Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

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

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

(a) The Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of May 16, 2009; and

(b) The Regular Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2009.

City Council approved the public hearing meeting minutes of May 16, 2009 and the regular meeting minutes of May 26, 2009.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

4. Recognition of the Special Olympics Basketball Team, the Alexandria Titans.

Mayor Euille and City Council recognized the Special Olympics Basketball Team, the Alexandria Titans.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

PROCLAMATIONS

5. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring June as Safe Graduation Month.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

6. Recognition of the Graduates of the City of Alexandria Citizens Academy.

City Council recognized the graduates of the City of Alexandria Citizens
Academy.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (7-23)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

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


8. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee (b) Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council
1 Citizen Member

(c) Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission
1 Citizen Member

(d) Alexandria Sister Cities Committee
1 Citizen Member

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

9. Consideration of an Application for Grant Funds to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for Hazardous Materials and Emergency Equipment to Support the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team.

10. Consideration of A Request to Vacate A Position on the Alexandria - Gyumri Sister City Committee.

11. Consideration of Submission of a Noncompetitive Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, for Funding for the Adopt-a-Park Litter Control Program.

12. Consideration of a Grant Application for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus) Funds to Temporarily Expand the Alexandria Head Start Program.

13. Receipt of Environmental Action Plan (Phase II) for the Eco-City Alexandria Project and Setting the Plan for Public Hearing on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

(Ordinances for Introduction)

14. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Increase the Fees For Handicapped Parking Fines, HOV Parking Fines and Moving Violation Fines in HOV Lanes.

15. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Landmark / Van Dorn Small Area Plan Chapter of the 1992 Master Plan (2008 ed.) of the City of Alexandria, to Include the Landmark / Van Dorn Corridor Plan.

16. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Grant a Franchise By the City of Alexandria to Verizon to Use the Public Rights-of-way to Provide Telecommunications Services, Excluding Cable Services.

17. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Make Supplemental Appropriations For the Support of the City Government For Fiscal Year 2009.

18. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Make Appropriations For the Support of the City Government For Fiscal Year 2010.

19. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Authorize the Sale of the City Owned Property at 322 Wesmond Drive.

20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Employee Homeownership Incentive Program to Increase the Maximum Loan To Be Used at Closing on the Property From $5,000 to $10,000, to Make the Loans Secured Rather Than Unsecured Personal Loans and Make Two Technical Corrections Related to the Allowable Purchase Price Level For the Program.

21. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Modify the Membership of the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee.

22. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Ordinance Number 4584 Authorizing and Empowering the Option of Issuance, Sale and Delivery of General Obligation Bonds as Build America Bonds.

23. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the City Code to Remove the Amounts of Certain Fire Prevention Inspection Fees from City Code and Allow Those Fees To Be Set by City Council by Resolution.

23.1 Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Establish the Charles Houston Recreation Center (in Lieu of Fire Department Headquarters) and the Patrick Henry Recreation Center (In Lieu of St. Martin De Porres Senior Center) as Polling Places in the City of Alexandria.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the consent calendar, with the exception of docket items #12, #13, #17, #20 and #23.1. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

7. City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) David McFarland, Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (b) Lynn O'Connell and Susan Sanders, Alexandria Commission for the Arts; and (c) Tedros Williams, Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities.

8. City Council made the following appointments: (a) reappointed Barbara Jayne Clancy and Steven Rich as the two citizen members to the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee; (b) reappointed Paul Prevost as the citizen member to the Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council; (c) reappointed Charles Ziegler as the citizen member to the Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission; and (d) appointed Stacey Walker as the citizen member to the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee.

9. City Council: (1) authorized the submission of the grant application (due June 15, 2009), not to exceed $65,000; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.

10. City Council declared as vacant one of the citizen positions on the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee and authorized the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to advertise the vacancy.

11. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a noncompetitive grant application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, for funding in the approximate amount of $20,321 for the Adopt-a-Park Litter Control Program (the exact amount to be determined by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality by July 15, 2009); (2) due to severe City budget constraints, affirm that no City funds will be available to fund this program in FY 2010 or future years; and (3) execute all the necessary documents that may be required.

12. City Council: (1) authorized the submission of a grant application, due June 23, 2009, not to exceed $400,000, for start-up costs and staff salaries and benefits; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. (separate motion)

13. City Council: (1) received and docketed the proposed Environmental Action Plan (Phase II) for public hearing on Saturday, June 13 and adoption on Tuesday, June 23; and (2) thanked the Environmental Policy Commission (EPC) for its efforts and dedication in producing the Environmental Action Plan; and thanked Virginia Tech and City staff that assisted the EPC, and the members of the community who provided comments and participated in the Eco-City process. (separate motion)

14. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

15. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

16. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

17. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009. (separate motion)

18. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

19. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

20. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009. (separate motion)

21. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

22. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

23. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

23.1 City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on Saturday, June 13, 2009. (separate motion)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

24. Consideration of a License Agreement with Woodlawn Communications, LLC, to Install Conduits and Fiber Optic Cable in the Public Rights-of-way.

City Council approved the five year agreement with Woodlawn Communication, LLC, and authorized the City Manager to execute the license agreement and to take any other actions that are necessary to implement the agreement.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

25. Alexandria Commission for Women
1 Citizen Member City Council appointed Eileen Rivera as the citizen member to the Alexandria Commission on Women.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 26. Alexandria Community Services Board City Council appointed Paul Pepper as the citizen member to the Alexandria Community Services Board.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

27. Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Diane Dickerson as the representative from the INOVA Alexandria Emergency Nurses Association to the Alexandria Emergency Medical Service Council.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 28. Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Committee City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Bryan Donnelly as the owner or operator of a facility subject to the Federal Emergency Planning Requirement of the Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) to the Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 29. Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board City Council appointed Keith Brundige as the citizen member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

30. Briefing by David Robertson on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Greater Washington 2050 Report.

City Council received the report on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Greater Washington 2050 Report and thanked Mr. Robertson for his presentation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

31. Consideration of Submission of Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Energy for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Formula Grant.

City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a grant application including the City's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to the U.S. Department of Energy for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant - Formula Grant in the amount of $1,372,800 by June 25, 2009; and (2) execute all necessary documents that may be required.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

32. Consideration and Adoption of a Policy on Street Trees and Trash Cans.

City Council approved the second alternative that would require one lump sum contribution of $500. This lump sum contribution would be required of all new Special Use Permits (SUPs) and would be put into a joint infrastructure fund for street trees and trash cans except where an alternative streetscape funding system exists.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

33. Receipt of the Final Report of the Affordable Housing Initiatives Work Group and Consideration of Recommendations From the Work Group.

City Council received the report and set the report for public hearing on June 13, 2009.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

34. Consideration of Extending the Determination Date Regarding Partial Loan Forgiveness for the Arlandria Chirilagua Housing Cooperative.

City Council asked staff to review the loan agreement and return at either the June 13, 2009 public hearing meeting or at the June 23, 2009 legislative meeting with recommendations to either extend the loan until September or not to grant an extension. City Council also requested that staff create a plan of action on how to address the concerns discussed tonight as it relates to the Arlandria Chirilagua Housing Cooperative loan.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

35. Consideration of Request to Seek Department of Defense - Office of Economic Adjustment Grant Funding Assistance for the Beauregard Corridor Plan Work Program.

City Council authorized the City Manager to prepare and submit an application for grant funding from the Office of Economic Adjustment in the amount of approximately $600,000, not to exceed $700,000, to support the Beauregard Corridor Plan work program.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

36. Receipt of Status Report on the Design Process of the Proposed Public Art Component of the Contrabands and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial.

City Council authorized the City Manager to appoint a Selection Panel, with membership outlined in this report, to oversee the design process.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

37. Consideration of Priorities for the Department of Planning and Zoning's Work Program for FY 2010 and Beyond.

City Council approved the following priorities, staffing levels and funding for the Department of Planning and Zoning: (1) Complete small area plans for Potomac Yard and the Waterfront; (2) Continue planning efforts on the Beauregard Corridor small area plan, with major work beginning in May 2009 and completion targeted for November 2010; (3) Complete design guidelines for the Wayfinding program; (4) Begin implementation of the Landmark/Van Dorn Corridor Plan; (5) Prioritize support for implementation of the Arlandria Action Plan; (6) Provide enhanced planning attention to development proposals in Carlyle including Block P and nearby ASA property; (6) Postpone Phase II of the Green Building program, addressing existing buildings and outreach, until FY 2010; (7) Complete Eisenhower West Industrial Use Study. Additions to the study scope identified in the May public hearing meeting, as well as a desire for a longer public review period, have pushed completion of this study to September; (8) Work with the Office of Housing on the upcoming Housing Master Plan with adoption targeted for January 2011, with Transportation and Environmental Services on a Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, and with Alexandria City Public Schools on a School Facilities Plan; and (9) City Council requested that Planning and Zoning staff return with pro and cons of the Route 1 Corridor Braddock Fields/Landbay L and Route 1 West Corridor plans and present Council with design alternatives for both areas (including the need for schools, concepts for the 7-Eleven site, and feasibility of fields in the area).
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

38. Consideration of Adoption of Revised Fees for Historic District Signs and Review of Transportation Management Plans.

City Council adopted the amendments to the Planning and Zoning fees schedule for sign applications in the Historic District, as well as for Transportation Management Plan fees.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

39. Consideration of Reduction in Board of Architectural Review Application Fees.

This item has been withdrawn from consideration.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

40. Deferral from May 16, 2009, Consideration of the Planning Commission Action to Establish a Braddock Open Space Fund Account and a Braddock Community Amenities Fund Account and a Formula as Described in the Staff Report For Developer Contributions as Part of the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Plan Implementation Strategy. (#5, 5/16/09, #21, 5/12/09)

City Council adopted the recommendations to: (1) establish the formula and fund accounts, including a Planning Commission recommendation for a new condition that allows the Planning Commission to consider whether modest changes to an existing building and use requested by a nonprofit organization triggers the requirement to contribute the funds; and (2) apply any City-wide public art contribution policy to be considered and adopted in the future to any Braddock Area development project whose final site plan is approved subsequent to the adoption of such a policy by Council.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

41. Deferral from May 26, 2009, Consideration of Status Report Regarding Paint Removal Testing on the Building at 900 Prince Street and Continued Consideration of a Decision of the Board of Architectural Review, Old and Historic Alexandria District, Resulting in After-the-fact Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Painting Previously Unpainted Brick, Heard Before City Council on November 15, 2008. (#26, 5/26/09)

This item was withdrawn from consideration.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Vice Mayor Pepper stated that she and Councilman Smedberg represent the City on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) and she distributed pamphlets from NVRC with contact information for human services organizations throughout the region.

(b) Vice Mayor Pepper stated that Leesburg has a pilot program where they are using recycled cooking oil from restaurants to fuel their town's trolley. Vice Mayor Pepper requested City staff to review the program for possible consideration by the City as an option for powering the trolleys.

(c) Mayor Euille complemented the residents at the East Masonic View/Little Street and Braddock on the grand opening of the park in their neighborhood.

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

(a) Presentation of Staff Response on Commercial Real Estate Outlook.

Ms. Smith-Page, Director, Real Estate Assessments, gave a presentation on how the commercial real estate outlook will affect the tax base for the City and responded to questions from Council.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

42. Consideration of a Resolution to Amend the City of Alexandria Supplemental Retirement Plan to Incorporate Changes in the Approved FY 2010 Operating Budget Regarding Contributions, to Comply With the Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006 So That the Plan Will Maintain Its Tax-preferred Status, to Comply with the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act of 2008; and to Make Technical Corrections of Plan Document Language to Clarify Plan Administration.

City Council adopted the resolution regarding the proposed First Amendment to the Plan. The changes to the amendment are necessary: (1) to comply with the approved FY 2010 Operating Budget for contributions to the Plan; (2) to comply with the Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) so that the Plan will maintain its tax-preferred status; (3) to comply with the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act of 2008 (HEART Act); and (4) to make technical corrections of Plan document language to clarify Plan administration. (RES. NO. 2344)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

43. Consideration of a Resolution to Adopt Code Administration Fee Increases for FY 2010.

This resolution had been deferred until final passage of the ordinance permitting this action.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

44. Consideration of a Resolution to Increase Boot Removal Fees in FY 2010.

City Council adopted the resolution for increasing the boot removal fee from $20 to $75. (RES. NO. 2345)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

45. Consideration of a Resolution Providing For a Six-month Extension of the City's Cable Television Franchise Agreement with Comcast of Virginia, Inc. from June 18, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

City Council approved the request and adopted the resolution which extends the expiration date of the cable television franchise agreement with Comcast of Virginia, Inc., from June 18, 2009 to December 31, 2009. (RES. NO. 2346)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

46. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

City Council received the calendar with one addition of a City Council Farewell reception for outgoing Council members Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Gadsby's Tavern.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

EXECUTIVE SESSION

47. Consideration of Convening An Executive Session Closed to the Public To Discuss Acquisition of Land.

No Executive Session was held.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________
********
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.

Note: The action docket is a summary of Council's meeting deliberations prepared largely for staff follow-up. Formal minutes of the meeting, when approved by Council become the official record of the meeting and of Council decisions made at the meeting.


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. Meeting materials are also available on-line at alexandriava.gov/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.
* * * * *