Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 8, 1994 - - 7:30 pm
* * * * *
Present: Mayor Patricia S. Ticer, Vice Mayor William C. Cleveland, Members of Council Kerry J. Donley, T. Michael Jackson, Redella S. Pepper, Lonnie C. Rich, and David G. Speck.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Mrs. Lawson, City Manager; Mr. Sunderland, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Assistant City Manager; Ms. Steele, Deputy City Manager; Mrs. Godwin, Director of Management and Budget; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Mr. O'Kane, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Lynn, Director of Planning and Community Development; Mr. Cyphers, Director of Human Services; Ms. Anderson, Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Ms. Federico, Director of Office of Historic Alexandria; Dr. Claiborn, Director of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse; Ms. Chis, Director of Division of Social Services; Mr. Powers, Director of Division of Community Programs; Mr. McMahon, Deputy Director of General Services; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Ms. Gattsek, Director of Office on Women; Fire Chief Hawkins; Police Chief Samarra; Lieutenant Robbins, Police Department.
Recorded by: Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.
The Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Alexandria Transit Company was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Workroom.
(Material pertaining to the above meeting is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, and is incorporated herewith by reference.)
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Ticer, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present except for Councilman Jackson and Council Member Rich who arrived at 7:47 p.m.
The Invocation was pronounced by Councilman Speck.
3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded by Councilman Donley and carried on a vote of 5-to-0, City Council approved the Minutes of (a) the Public Hearing Meeting of January 22, 1994, and (b) the Regular Meeting of January 25, 1994. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Jackson not yet arrived
Donley "aye" Pepper "aye"
Ticer "aye" Rich not yet arrived
Speck "aye"
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4. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Donley, seconded simultaneously by Councilwoman Pepper and Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried on a vote of 5-to-0, City Council received the report of the City Clerk dated February 2, 1994, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference. The voting was as follows:
Donley "aye" Ticer "aye"
Pepper "aye" Jackson not yet arrived
Cleveland "aye" Rich not yet arrived
Speck "aye"
5. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming February as American Heart Month in the City of Alexandria. (Councilman Donley)
(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. 5; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
(Councilman Donley presented the proclamation.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded simultaneously by Councilwoman Pepper and Councilman Speck and carried on a vote of 5-to-0, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Ticer "aye"
Pepper "aye" Donley "aye"
Speck "aye" Jackson not yet arrived
Rich not yet arrived
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council considered Docket Item No. 29 out of order.
29. Presentation of Proclamation Commending the George Washington's Birthday Celebration Committee for its Efforts in Planning the Upcoming Birthday-related Events. (Councilwoman Pepper)
(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. 29; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of a memorandum from Ms. Moore dated January 8, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 29; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
At 7:47 p.m., it was noted that Councilman Jackson and Council Member Rich arrived during the presentation of this item.
(Councilwoman Pepper presented the proclamation.
Mayor Ticer announced for general information sake that parking enforcement is not in place on State holidays. That is a State law. She also announced that there are shuttle buses that will be running so that people can use the Metro and access the parade by public transportation. Shuttle bus information will be available through the Convention and Visitors Center in Alexandria.)
2WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded simultaneously by Councilman Donley and Council Member Rich and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Ticer "aye"
Donley "aye" Jackson out of room
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Speck "aye"
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR 6 - 8; 13 - 20
6. Receipt of the Following Resignations from Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Commission on Aging
Jennifer Williams Fontaine(A copy of the above letter of resignation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 6 (a); 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
7. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria-Leninakan Exchange Committee
1 Citizen Member
(b) Alexandria Commission for the Arts
1 Member with Expertise in Literature
(c) Alexandria Commission on Aging
1Citizen Member
(d) Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Chapter of the
American Red Cross
(e) Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
1 Representative from Planning District III
1 High School Youth Member
(Material pertaining to the above appointments is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7 (a-e); 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
8. Receipt of the Alexandria Community Services Board Annual Report for FY 1993.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated January 28, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
13. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the ordinance establishing the Commission on the Status of Women to change the name of the commission to the Commission for Women.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated January 28, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.3
A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 13; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
14. Introduction and First Reading. consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to provide an encroachment into the public sidewalk right-of-way at 1123 King Street for bay windows on a proposed commercial building.
(A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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. 1 of Item No. 14; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 14; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
15. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to vacate a portion of the South Union Street public street right-of-way for the property located at 759 Battery Place.
(A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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. 1 of Item No. 15; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 15; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
16. Introduction and First Reading. consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to vacate a public alley right-of-way located on the west side of 811-813 Montgomery Street.
(A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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. 1 of Item No. 16; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 16; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)4
17. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to provide that an exemption from the city's transient lodging tax is available to government employees only when payment for their lodging is made directly by a government agency pursuant to an official purchase order.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated January 24, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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. 17; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 17; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
18. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the King Street/Eisenhower Avenue Small Area Plan chapter of the 1992 Master Plan by increasing the heights and density permitted within the Eisenhower Avenue CDD (Hoffman tract).
(A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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. 1 of Item No. 18; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 18; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
19. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to allow increased heights and densities within the Eisenhower Avenue CDD (Hoffman tract) by amending section 5-602(A) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Alexandria.
(A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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. 1 of Item No. 19; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 19; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)5
20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to make minor technical amendments to the provisions of the city code dealing with discharges into the city's sewer system and the wastewater treatment facility operated by the Alexandria Sanitation Authority.
(A copy of the City Attorney's memorandum dated February 4, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present 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. 20; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 20; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council approved the consent calendar as presented. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
6. City Council received the following resignation with regret: (a) Jennifer Williams Fontaine from the Alexandria Commission on Aging; and requested the Executive Secretary to send the appropriate letter of appreciation and to advertise the vacancy in the usual manner.
7. City Council (a) appointed Timothy O'Connor as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria-Leninakan Exchange Committee; (b) appointed Merritt Blakeslee as a Member with Expertise in Literature to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts; (c) appointed Theresa Forster as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on Aging; (d) appointed Sandra Seim as a Member Nominated by the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross to the Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council; and (e) reappointed Kenneth Foran as a Representative from Planning District III and appointed Joshua Cotton as a High School Youth Member to the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission.
8. City Council received the FY 1993 annual report.
13. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
14. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
15. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
16. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
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17. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
18. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
19. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
20. City Council introduced the ordinance; passed it on First Reading and set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, February 12, 1994.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Donley "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Jackson out of room
Ticer "aye" Pepper "aye"
Rich "aye"
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
9. Consideration of Authorizing Providing a City Flag to be Placed in the Department of Housing and Urban Development with the Flags of other Local Jurisdictions. (Mayor Ticer)
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 4, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
(The Mayor and Members of City Council questioned why this was on the Council's docket.
The City Manager stated that the practice had been when the City gives away City property that it be brought before the City Council to authorize it and there is no dollar limit on that tradition. The City Manager indicated that staff could bring back a recommendation or perhaps the conveyance of City property below a certain amount can be done administratively and staff would give Council a FYI that it has been done. Council agreed to the latter.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded simultaneously by Vice Mayor Cleveland and Councilman Donley and carried unanimously, City Council authorized the Mayor to provide a City flag to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Ticer "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Jackson "aye"
Donley "aye" Pepper "aye"
Rich "aye"
10. Consideration of Recommendations for the City's Participation in Welfare Reform and Workfare. (Council Member Rich)
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 4, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)7
(General Discussion. Mr. Cyphers, Director of Human Services, spoke to this item and will report back in the spring.
Council Member Rich passed on some comments from one of the SSAB members, Carolyn Merck. She raised some concerns about the group of America Works. Just in the sense that the City should proceed cautiously because it is a completely unevaluated and unreviewed program.
Council Member Rich requested that the matter be referred to the SSAB to look at the Michigan effort to basically require those 625 people that are eligible for mandatory activity in the jobs program to do what Michigan is doing which is to require if you don't get a job, you have to do volunteer work. Those persons have to find the volunteer work and they to prove that they have done it or they do not get their benefits. It is a reciprocal obligation.
Vice Mayor Cleveland requested staff to look at the entrepreneurial side of this.
Mayor Ticer announced that Economic Development and Jobs and Minority/Small Business is where the increase in the President's Budget is going to be. We have some access of some federal money for some of these programs.
Councilman Donley stated that what we need to do as a City is to look at creating a job market that is not contracting any longer, but is expanding and try to work with employers to try to place Alexandrians in those jobs. He indicated that the City should be aware of market trends so that we are providing the skills that are necessary for a person to be placed in the private sector and constantly assess our training. He stated that the needs of the west end of the City need to be looked at. He indicated what the City needs to do right now is to look at what we can do locally, expend our monies wisely, but also at whatever we can to stimulate the economy to provide opportunities for placement in the private sector.
Members of City Council participated in the discussion of this item and asked questions of Mr. Cyphers. The City Manager also participated in the discussion.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council received the report and approved the staff recommendations to: (1) continue the City's participation in the Virginia Welfare Reform Demonstration Project by placing at least six Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) clients in jobs in private businesses in calendar year 1994; (2) continue the federal Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program within existing resources by serving approximately 265 AFDC clients at any time; (3) expand CareerStart, the City's pilot work experience program, by placing eight AFDC clients in private or public jobs during 1994; (4) discuss the feasibility of the City participating in Governor Allen's workfare program after action by the 1995 General Assembly; (5) explore the feasibility of the City contracting with a private organization for job placement services, such as America Works; and (6) continue City efforts on overall economic development in Alexandria to prevent additional people from going on the AFDC program and to produce jobs for some of those people currently on AFDC. The voting was as follows:
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Rich "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Donley "aye"
Ticer "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
11. Consideration of an Agreement Between the City and Various Newspapers and Newspaper Vendors Regarding the Placement of Newsracks on Public Rights-of-way. (Councilman Speck)
(A copy of the joint memorandum dated February 4, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
(General Discussion. Councilman Speck highlighted the points of the voluntary agreement and complimented the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney Pessoa and also Carol D. Melamed, Director of Government Affairs and Associate Counsel for the Washington Post. Councilman Speck requested the City Clerk to extend Council's appreciation to Ms. Melamed for her efforts in coordinating this matter on behalf of the newspapers.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilman Donley and carried unanimously, City Council approved the agreement and authorized the City Manager to execute the final agreement. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Jackson "aye"
Ticer "aye" Pepper "aye"
Rich "aye"
12. Consideration of Update Report from the City Attorney on Items before the 1994 General Assembly.
(A copy of the joint memorandum dated February 7, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
(General Discussion. Mayor Ticer spoke to a letter that was sent to the General Assembly today with respect to HB 1321 on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge requesting a postponement of this bill to allow the process that is currently in place to continue to evaluate the various alternatives for improving the Woodrow Wilson Bridge; a copy of the letter dated February 8, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of this item.
Mayor Ticer also spoke in support of Delegate Hall's proposed HB 900 addressing violent crime, spoke against Senator Barry's proposed SB 275 with respect to emissions inspections and spoke in support of Delegate Cohen's HB 1009 with respect to smoke-free requirements.
The City Attorney went over the chart dated February 8, 1994, giving the Status of Bills of Major Significance to the City. The Members of City Council participated in the discussion.
Councilman Speck spoke to an amendment to the Freedom of Information Act. He indicated that Council had made a recommendation to amend the Freedom of Information Act that in the case of local governing bodies of seven or more members, that three members could meet privately. He stated that that is not going to happen because no member introduced the bill. He wanted to say that this Council, in general, and he, in
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particular, got trashed pretty hard by some of the media and some of the community organizations for what it was being represented as an attempt to subvert the public's right to know and conducting government in secret. One of the things that concerned him was that Delegate Cohen sent Council a copy of a couple of letters he received from Common Cause and the ACLU in opposition to this bill. In both instances they made references to their opposition to a recommendation that we had not made and that was to allow four members to meet. He stated that he did not think anyone even remotely considered that that would be something that Council would want to recommend, because obviously that would represent a majority. Somehow this was communicated at least to those organizations that that was something Council was trying to do. He stated that the purpose was to create a mechanism for no more than three members on a governing body that had at least seven members so that it was not a majority, to be able to discuss issues of concern to the City without having to go through the process of public notice. He felt that it was unfortunate that the effort was represented in some ways he felt it was not intended, but that bill is not going to happen this year.
Councilwoman Pepper stated with respect to this particular bill that she believed that it was presented as being a consensus of the Council that we agreed that we would like this to go forward to the General Assembly that there could be three Council members who could meet together. She stated that she thought her silence was taken as being agreement and as being a part of that consensus and just for the record, she would like it to be noted that she is not a part of that consensus.
Councilman Jackson stated that he supported what Councilman Speck had said that, in fact, there was what he considered to be a significant misunderstanding on the part of some of the organizations who corresponded with Delegate Cohen on this matter. In fact from reading their letters of objection, he stated that you would have to conclude that they were objecting to something that Councilman Speck and himself and he presumed every Member of this Council would object to and that would be a majority of the Council could meet without public notice. He stated that was not at all what was intended. What was intended was a modification which would facilitate, he thought, the City's business to be conducted by what is essentially a part-time Council. A Council in which most, although not all, Members are employed in other capacities for a considerable amount of hours during the week and which somewhat constrains the amount of time that can be spent in public session. He stated that it is extremely important to set that record straight that there may be opposition and in some cases it may be legitimate opposition to what was proposed to allow three Members of the seven Members to meet without public notice. He indicated that he would accept any constructive criticism to that idea, but the objections seem to be centering on something that was not proposed at all. He stated that he thinks that that misunderstanding needs to be corrected.
Council Member Rich stated that while Council was clarifying its positions he indicated that he did not know how his silence was taken, or if he was silent, but this is one instance where he did agree with Councilman Speck in the proposal that the Council made to allow three Members to meet to try to get something done.)
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WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Donley, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council adopted the chart dated February 8, Status of Bills of Major Significance to the City, as the official City position as discussed with the City Attorney tonight, subject to the one proposed amendment on the School Board [that until a School Board election takes place, the appointing authority should remain with the local governing body]. The voting was as follows:
Donley "aye" Jackson "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "aye"
Ticer "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilman Speck announced the need for poll workers for the May 3 election. Cable has very kindly been running the telephone number to call the Voter Registration Office. They need more people than usual because there will be a more extensive process in the polls. The number is 838-4050. Volunteers work the polls the day of the election. You get paid for it. If you sign up early, you can pick your polling place.
(b) Councilman Speck spoke to last week's Planning Commission approval of a subdivision and site plan for Staurt's Walk which is off of Seminary Road. The issue is that two years ago the City spent a considerable amount of money on erosion control and a sewer project in that property. There were some issues that Council dealt with as a result of erosion and our own liability. He stated what concerns him is that the City did a fair amount of work there which resulted in the property being more easily developable or to be sold by the owners to be developed. He indicated that he asked staff to look at this for purposes of considering whether it is possible for the City to recapture any of its costs on this. He requested staff to report back on this before the end of June, hopefully.
(c) Councilman Speck spoke to the issue of the process dealing with the School Board budget.
(A copy of the verbatim transcript for this item is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of this item.)
(d) Councilwoman Pepper recognized the Alfred Street Baptist Church which had its official celebration of the renovation of its building.
(e) Mayor Ticer highlighted a positive memorandum received from the City Manager with respect to how Alexandria continues to have the lowest increase in expenditures in the region.
(f) Mayor Ticer announced that Fairfax County did sign a contract to remove its Herndon and Reston bus service from the Metro and to contract out in the private sector for this service.
She indicated that all of the chief financial officers of neighboring jurisdictions are going to sit down with Metro to try to suggest measures for cost containment and we are going to wait for the interjurisdictional bus survey that is coming out this summer and talk about the bus service in Northern Virginia as to what we are going to be doing in the future.11
Councilwoman Pepper and Mr. O'Kane, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services, participated in the discussion of this item. Councilwoman Pepper spoke to the bus garage in Old Town and the Metro facility on Eisenhower Avenue.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
21. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading and Second Reading of AN ORDINANCE Adopting Supplement 39 to the Code of the City of Alexandria, 1981, as amended. (ROLL-CALL VOTE)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Donley and carried on a vote of 5-to-0, City Council finally passed the ordinance upon its First and Second Readings. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Jackson out of room
Ticer "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck out of room
The ordinance finally passed reads as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 3700
AN ORDINANCE adopting supplemental pages for The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, and providing for the repeal of ordinances not included therein, except those saved from repeal by this ordinance, and for other purposes.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
Section 1. That the sections and portions thereof set forth in the supplemental and replacement pages for The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, each of which pages is identified in the lower left-hand corner by the notation "Supp. No. 39," are hereby adopted as and shall constitute "The Thirty-Ninth Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981."
Section 2. That the sections and portions thereof set forth in "The Thirty-Ninth Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981," shall be in force and effect on and after the effective date of this ordinance, and all ordinances of a general and permanent nature which were adopted between June 22, 1993, and September 18, 1993, and which are not included in such supplement or in The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, are hereby repealed, except as otherwise provided in section 3 of this ordinance.
Section 3. That the repeal provided for in section 2 of this ordinance shall not affect any offense or act committed or done, or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any contract established or accruing prior to the effective date of this ordinance; nor shall it affect any prosecution, suit or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to said date; nor shall it affect any ordinance saved from repeal by Ordinance No. 1250; nor shall it affect any ordinance listed in appendices A through J, both inclusive, of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, or any pages supplemental to such appendices; nor shall it affect any provision of any ordinance adopted between June 22, 1993, and September 18, 1993, which is inadvertently omitted from or erroneously incorporated into The "Thirty-Ninth Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981" or any other supplement to the code; nor shall it affect any ordinance adopted after the effective date of this ordinance.
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Section 4. That one complete set of pages comprising "The Thirty-Ninth Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981," shall be stapled or otherwise permanently fastened together, shall be manually signed on the front sheet by the mayor and the city clerk, and shall be filed in the office of the city clerk and made available to any person desiring to inspect the same. In addition, one complete set of the supplemental and replacement pages of such supplement shall be properly inserted into the copy of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, which bears the manual signatures of the mayor and the city clerk, and such code, as amended and supplemented, shall be kept on file in the office of the city clerk and be made available to any person desiring to inspect the same.
Section 5. This ordinance shall become effective upon the date and at the time of its final passage.
Introduction: 2/8/94
First Reading: 2/8/94
Second Reading: 2/8/94
Final Passage: 2/8/94
22. Consideration of a Resolution to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) which will authorize the Acceptance of Funds from VDOT for Upgrading of the City's Traffic Signal System. (ROLL-CALL VOTE)
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated January 25, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council (1) adopted the resolution from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) that endorses funding the upgrading of the City's traffic signal system; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the State Project Administration Agreement. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Donley "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Jackson "aye"
Ticer "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 1676
WHEREAS, in accordance with Virginia Department of Transportation construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that a request by council resolution be made in order that the Department program an urban highway project in the City of Alexandria;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to establish an urban highway project for the upgrade of the City's traffic signal system.
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OTHER
23. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 4, 1994, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
(General Discussion. If necessary, there will be another work session with the School Board with respect to the School Budget on Tuesday, March 29, 1994, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Councilman Donley and carried unanimously, City Council received the updated calendar, as amended. The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Jackson "aye"
Ticer "aye" Pepper "aye"
Speck "aye"
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
24. Alexandria Commission for the Arts
1 Member with Expertise in Dance
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Barbara Greenfield*
Ruth Orstein
*Incumbent
(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; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council reappointed Barbara Greenfield as a Member with Expertise in Dance to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. The voting was as follows:
Ticer - Greenfield
Cleveland - Greenfield
Donley - Greenfield
Jackson - Greenfield
Pepper - Greenfield
Rich - Greenfield
Speck - Greenfield
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25. Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities
2 Citizen Members
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Margaret Carpenter*
Debra Critchley
Jason Kerben
*Incumbent
(Material pertaining to the above appointments is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council reappointed Margaret Carpenter and appointed Jason Kerben as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The voting was as follows:
Ticer - Carpenter, Kerben
Cleveland - Carpenter, Kerben
Donley - Carpenter, Critchley
Jackson - Carpenter, Critchley
Pepper - Carpenter, Kerben
Rich - Carpenter, Kerben
Speck - Carpenter, Critchely
26. Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Representative from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors
(The following person volunteered and was recommended for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Marjorie Hadlock* Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors
*Residency Requirement
(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. 26; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
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Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Marjorie Hadlock as the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission. The voting was as follows:
Ticer - Hadlock
Cleveland - Hadlock
Donley - Hadlock
Jackson - Hadlock
Pepper - Hadlock
Rich - Hadlock
Speck - Hadlock
27. Alexandria Industrial Development Authority
1 Citizen Member
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Authority:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Kipp Coddington
David Reid
(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. 27; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council appointed David Reid as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Industrial Development Authority. The voting was as follows:
Ticer - Reid
Cleveland - Coddington
Donley - Reid
Jackson - Reid
Pepper - Reid
Rich - Reid
Speck - Coddington
Mayor Ticer encouraged Linda Michael, due to her expertise, to reapply in the future even though it will require a residency waiver.
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28. Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
2 Citizen Members
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Board:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Megan Gillispie
Lenore Gorder
Daniel Maloney
Sandra Mifsud
(Material pertaining to the above appointments is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28; 2/8/94, and is incorporated herewith 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 Megan Gillispie and Sandra Mifsud as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board. The voting was as follows:
Ticer - Gillispie, Mifsud
Cleveland - Gorder, Maloney
Donley - Gillispie, Mifsud
Jackson - Gillispie, Mifsud
Pepper - Gillispie, Mifsud
Rich - Gillispie, Mifsud
Speck - did not vote
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilman Donley, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, at 10:12 p.m., the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, February 8, 1994, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:
Donley "aye" Jackson "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "aye"
Ticer "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
APPROVED BY:
___________________________
PATRICIA S. TICER MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________
Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk17
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.
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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.
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