Special Meeting
Tuesday, May 7, 1996 - - 7:30 pm
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Present: Mayor Kerry J. Donley, Vice Mayor Redella S. Pepper, Members of Council William C. Cleveland, William D. Euille, Lonnie C. Rich, David G. Speck, and Lois L. Walker.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Mrs. Lawson, City Manager; Mr. Sunderland, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Assistant City Manager; Ms. Steele, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Brannan, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Gitajn, Director of Financial and Information Technology Services; Mrs. Godwin, Director of Management and Budget, and staff; Mr. O'Kane, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Cyphers, Director of Human Services; Mr. Fertig, Director of Personnel Services; Mr. Schott, Director of General Services; Mr. Sanderson, Director of Real Estate Assessments; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Mr. Cole, Director of Information Technology Services; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Mr. Robinson, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Dr. Claiborn, Director of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse; Mr. O'Brien, Director of Library; Mr. Lynn, Director of Planning and Zoning; Ms. Federico, Director of Historic Alexandria; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Ms. Anderson, Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. McMahon, Deputy Director of General Services; Mr. Caton, Director of Legislative Services; Ms.Fayne, Special Assistant to the City Manager; Ms. Gattsek, Director of office on Women; Mr. Post, Deputy Director of Information Technology Services; Ms. Hansen, Deputy Director of Housing; Ms. Chis, Director of Social Services Division; Mr. Eiffert, Director of Agency on Aging; Mr. Powers, Director of Community Services Division; Dr. Lipsman, Director of Health Department; Police Chief Samarra and representatives of the Police Department; Fire Chief Hawkins; Deputy Fire Chief Conner; Dr. Berg, School Superintendent; School Board Chairman Kenealy and Members of the School Board; and Lieutenant Kaluta, Police Department.
Recorded by: Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.
There was a work Session to go through the City Manager's Final FY 1997 Add/Delete List at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Workroom. The Members of City Council went through the add/delete list and made comments. City Manager Lawson, Financial and Information Technology Services Director Gitajn, and Management and Budget Director Godwin participated in the discussion.
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Councilman Speck requested the City Manager to set up a session with City Council, staff, and representatives of the various employee groups to identify what needs to be looked at with respect to personnel issues, i.e., longevity and comparability, et cetera, and then have an independent study done by a consultant to report back to Council in the fall.
Councilman Euille suggested that the schools needed to be a part of this study.
School Board Member Digilio stated that a study has been done of the schools, and it is the Board's intention to intensely look at these issues. He indicated that the employees would be unhappy if this process is delayed. This issue will be scheduled on the agenda for the next City/School meeting.
Members of Council discussed the funding requested for the Apothecary Shop. It was stressed that the City does not intend to take ownership of this building.
The work session was concluded at 7:20 p.m.
(Material pertaining to this work session is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, and is incorporated herewith as part of the record by reference.)
OPENING
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.
(It was noted that a Notice of this Special Meeting had been previously served upon each Member of Council, pursuant to a provision of the City Charter, a copy of the Notice certified by each Member of Council being on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council.)
2. Consideration of the Proposed Annual Operating Budget for FY 1996-97 (Including Schools) and the Capital Improvements Program for FY 1997-2002 (Including Schools). (#2 4/15/96)
(Copies of communications received on this item are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 2; 5/7/96, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
The following motion was made and seconded. Following it the Members of City Council made comments with respect to the FY 1996-1997 budget adoption:
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried unanimously, City Council approved the City Manager's proposed FY 1997 Operating Budget with the following changes:
transfer $100,000 from contingent reserves to the Alexandria Health Department for operation of the Arlandria Health Clinic in FY 1997;
approval of a 2% cost-of-living allowance and a 2% merit increase for eligible employees and transfer of sufficient funds to department accounts to fund such increases,, (this allocation shall include the City Manager, the City Attorney, the City Clerk, the Council Aides, and the Mayor's Aide);
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$28,944 to be appropriated to the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and included in the Parks and Recreation budget;
$15,000 for additional after-school care at the Durant Center;
$15,000 for the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau;
$15,000 for HoHoHo, future requests for allocations to this group shall be directed to the Alexandria School Board for inclusion in its budget;
$2, 500 for a one-time allocation to the Alexandria Police Athletic League;
$34,000 for the Whitman-Walker Clinic;
$50,000 for the Campagna Center;
$20,000 for Hopkins House;
$3,000 for a one-time allocation to the Alexandria Boxing Club; and
$100,000 to the Alexandria School Board for a facilities and life-cycle cost study;
$36,000 for the Apothecary Shop with the understanding that the City does not intend to take ownership of this facility and that this allocation will allow for sufficient time for staff to return to Council with additional options for consideration regarding the disposition of the shop.
In order to fund these proposed changes in keeping with Resolution #1745, I propose these additional amendments:
Increase in the City's tobacco tax to $.30 per pack estimated to be $128,000 in additional revenue;
Reduction in the City's estimated WMATA subsidy by $100,000; and
Reduction in the Children's fund allocation by $50,000.
This motion will result in an appropriation from the General Fund balance necessary to balance the FY 1997 Budget in the amount of $9,187,906 plus $929,000 designated to implement the change in the motor vehicle license tax due date from May 1 to October 5.
The voting was as follows:
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
THEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Councilman Speck and carried unanimously, City Council approved the FY 1997 to FY 2002 Capital Improvement Program with the following changes:
Add $400,000 in funding to the Alexandria Public Schools capital budget in FY 1997 to replace funding previously reallocated for emergency HVAC repairs at Jefferson Houston Elementary School;
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Delete $150,000 which was to have been allocated in FY 1997 for construction of a stone jetty on the waterfront; and
Delete $250,000 which was to have been allocated in FY 1997 for the relocation of the E-911 back-up system to fire station #54 from fire station #56.
The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Euille "aye"
Walker "aye"
(General Discussion. Members of City Council made comments with respect to the Budget just adopted, and thanked staff for a job well done.)
3. Consideration of the Final One-Year Action Plan of the Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development, and the City's Application for FFY 1996 Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Program Funds, for the Period July 1, 1996-June 30, 1997. (#3 4/15/96)
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 1, 1996, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 3; 5/7/96, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved and authorized the submission of the One-Year Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including the budgets and funding applications for the CDBG and HOME Program to the City's Fiscal Year (FY) 1997. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
4. Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to establish the real and personal property tax rates for calendar year 1996. (#4 4/15/96; #21 3/26/96) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
The City Clerk read the docket item.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried on a unanimous ROLL-CALL vote, City Council finally passed the ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. The 1996 real estate tax rate is $1.07 per $100 of assessed value. The personal property tax rate is $4.75 per $100 of assessed value. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
The ordinance finally passed reads as follows:
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ORDINANCE NO. 3862
AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain Section 3-2-181 (LEVIED; AMOUNT) of Division 1 (REAL ESTATE) , and Sections 3-2-221 (LEVIED ON TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY OTHER THAN MOBILE HOMES, AUTOMOBILES, TRUCKS, ANTIQUE MOTOR VEHICLES, TAXICABS, MOTOR VEHICLES WITH SPECIALLY DESIGNED EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE HANDICAPPED, MOTORCYCLES, CAMPERS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, BOATS AND TRAILERS; AMOUNT), 3-2-222 (LEVIED ON MACHINERY AND TOOLS USED IN MINING OR MANUFACTURING BUSINESS; AMOUNT), 3-2-223 (TAX LEVIED ON MOBILE HOMES; AMOUNT), 3-2-224 (TAX ON AUTOMOBILES, ANTIQUE MOTOR VEHICLES, TRUCKS, TAXICABS, MOTORCYCLES, CAMPERS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, BOATS AND TRAILERS--LEVIED; AMOUNT) and 3-2-224.1 (TAX ON MOTOR VEHICLES WITH SPECIALLY DESIGNED EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE HANDICAPPED) of Division 3 (TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY AND MACHINERY AND TOOLS), all of Article M (LEVY AND COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAXES), Chapter 2 TAXATION), Title 3 (FINANCE, TAXATION AND PROCUREMENT) of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
Section 1. That Section 3-2-181 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended and reordained to read as follows:
Sec. 3-2-181 Levied; amount.
There shall be levied and collected for the calendar year 1996 on all real estate located within the territorial boundaries of the city and subject to taxation for city purposes under the constitution and laws of this state and city a tax of $1.07 on each $100 of the assessed value thereof, for the support of the city government, for the payment of principal and interest of the city debt and for other municipal expenses and purposes.
Section 2. That Section 3-2-221 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended and reordained to read as follows:
Sec. 3-2-221 Levied on tangible personal property other than mobile homes, automobiles, trucks, antique motor vehicles, taxicabs, motor vehicles with specially designed equipment for use by the handicapped, motorcycles, campers and other recreational vehicles, boats and trailers; amount.
There shall be levied and collected for the calendar year 1996 on all tangible personal property, other than mobile homes, automobiles, trucks, antique motor vehicles, taxicabs, motor vehicles with specially designed equipment for use by the handicapped, motorcycles, campers and other recreational vehicles, boats and trailers, owned or held by residents or citizens of the city or located within the territorial boundaries of the city or otherwise having a situs within the city and subject to taxation for city purposes under the constitution and laws of this state and city, a tax of $4.75 on every $100 of assessed value thereof, for the support of the city government, for the payment of principal and interest of the city debt and for other municipal expenses and purposes.
Section 3. That Section 3-2-222 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended and reordained to read as follows:
Sec. 3-2-222 Levied on machinery and tools used in mining or manufacturing business; amount.
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There shall be levied and collected for the calendar year 1996 on all machinery and tools used in a mining or manufacturing business taxable on capital and subject to taxation for city purposes under the constitution and laws of this state and city, a tax of $4.50 on each $100 of assessed value thereof, for the support of the city government, for the payment of principal and interest of the city debt and for other municipal expenses and purposes.
Section 4. That Section 3-2-223 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended and reordained to read as follows:
Sec. 3-2-223 Levied on mobile homes; amount.
There shall be levied and collected for the calendar year 1996 on all vehicles without motor power, used or designed to be used as mobile homes as defined in section 46.2-100 of the Code of Virginia, owned or held by residents or citizens of the city or located within the territorial boundaries of the city or otherwise having a situs within the city and subject to taxation for city purposes under the constitution and laws of this state and city, a tax of $1.07 on each $100 of assessed value thereof, for the support of the city government, for the payment of principal and interest of the city debt and for other municipal expenses and purposes.
Section 5. That Section 3-2-224 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended and reordained to read as follows:
Sec. 3-2-224. Levied on automobiles, antique motor vehicles, trucks, taxicabs, motorcycles, campers and other recreational vehicles, boats and trailers; amount.
There shall be levied and collected for the calendar year 1996 on all automobiles, antique motor vehicles, trucks, taxicabs, motorcycles, campers and other recreational vehicles, boats and trailers owned or held by residents or citizens of the city or located within the territorial boundaries of the city or otherwise having a situs for taxation in the city, a tax of $4.75 on every $100 of assessed value thereof, for the support of the city government, for the payment of principal and interest of the city debt and for other municipal expenses and purposes.
Section 6. That Section 3-2-224.1 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended and reordained to read as follows:
Sec. 3-2-224.1 Levied on motor vehicles with specially designed equipment for use by the handicapped.
There shall be levied and collected for the calendar year 1996 on all motor vehicles which are equipped with specially designed equipment for use by the handicapped and which are owned or held by residents or citizens of the city or are located within the territorial boundaries of the city or otherwise have a situs for taxation in the city, a tax of $3.55 on every $100 of assessed value thereof, for the support of the city government, for the payment of principal and interest of the city debt and for other municipal expenses and purposes.
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Section 7. That this ordinance shall become effective upon the date and at the time of its final passage.
Introduction: 3/26/96
First Reading: 3/26/96
Publication: 3/28/96; 4/4/96
Public Hearing: 4/15/96
Second Reading: 5/7/96
Final Passage: 5/7/96
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, at 7:55 p.m., the Special Meeting of Tuesday, May 7, 1996, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
APPROVED BY:
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KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:
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Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk
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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Original Author: Anonymous
Date Entered: 01/02/1997 03:49:13 PM
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