Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 25, 1997 - - 7:30 p.m.
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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: Ms. Steele, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Sunderland, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Lynn, Director of Planning and Zoning; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Mr. O'Kane, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Gitajn, Director of Financial and Information Technology Services; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Mrs. Godwin, Director of Management and Budget; Mr. Brannan, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Fire Chief Hawkins; Mr. McMahon, Deputy Director of General Services; Dr. Claiborn, Director of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse; Ms. Anderson, Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; and Lieutenant Hazel, Police Department.
Recorded by: Mrs. Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.
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OPENING
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.
The Invocation was pronounced by Father John C. Cregan, Pastor of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community.
3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Minutes for (a) The Regular Meeting of March 11, 1997; (b) The Public Hearing Meeting of March 15, 1997; and (c) The Special Meeting of March 18, 1997, as submitted: The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "aye"
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
4. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Council Member Rich and carried unanimously, City Council received the report of the City Clerk dated March 19, 1997, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "aye"
Rich "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council considered Docket Item No. 14 at this time.
14. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Ronald B. Jewell for His Contributions to the City of Alexandria. (Vice Mayor 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. 14; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Vice Mayor Pepper presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (5 - 8) (15)
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council removed Docket Item No. 15 from the Consent Calendar and considered it under separate motion.
5. Receipt of the Following Resignations from Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
Benjamin R. Justesen
(b) Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
Reginald Foster
(c) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
Sue Blain
(d) Alexandria Youth Services Commission
Stephanie L. Buser
Mollie Danforth
(Copies of the above resignations are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 5 (a-d); 3/25/96, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
6. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Representative From the Legal Community
(b) Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1 Member From the Historic Alexandria Foundation
1 Citizen Member From Planning District III
1 Member-at-Large
(c) Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Representative From Among Recognized Area Businesses
Including Minority-Owned and Small Businesses
(d) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
1 Restaurant Owner/Manager Representative
(e) Alexandria Board of Review of Real Estate Assessments
1 Citizen Member
(f) Alexandria Transportation Safety Commission
4 Representatives of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
(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. 6 (a-f); 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
7. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for Funding under the Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act Program to Support Delinquency Prevention Activities within the City.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 12, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
8. Receipt of the City's Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending February 28, 1997.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 11, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of Docket Item No. 15 which was considered under a separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
5. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Benjamin R. Justesen from the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (b) Reginald Foster from the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (c) Sue Blain from the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; and (d) Stephanie L. Buser and Mollie Danforth from the Alexandria Youth Services Commission; requested the Executive Secretary to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
6. City Council (a) reappointed Richard Edgecombe as a Representative from the Legal Community to the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (b) appointed Sean Kelly as a Member from the Historic Alexandria Foundation, reappointed Bernard Brenman as a Citizen Member from Planning District III, and reappointed Pete Petersen as a Member-at-Large to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (c) reappointed Beth Fujishige as a Representative From Among Recognized Area Businesses Including Minority-owned and Small Businesses to the Alexandria Commission on Employment; (d) appointed Todd Stallings as a Restaurant Owner/Manager Representative to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors; (e) reappointed Martha Feldkamp as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Board of Review of Real Estate Assessments; and (f) reappointed Harold Curry, Thomas Johnson, Gerald Tamanini and Converse West as Representatives of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board to the Alexandria Transportation Safety Commission.
7. City Council authorized the City Manager to submit the grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for $65,000 and execute all necessary documents that may be required.
8. City Council received the Financial Report for the period ending February 28, 1997.
The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
15. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to establish the real and personal property tax rates for calendar year 1997.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 20, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 3/25/97, 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 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; 3/25/97, 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. 15; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
City Attorney Sunderland and Deputy City Manager Steele explained the process for increasing the tax rate should Council desire to do so.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for Public Hearing on April 7, 1997; and Second Reading and Final Passage on May 1, 1997. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
9. Consideration of Application to the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Funding for the Alexandria Community Services Board.
(A copy of Dr. Claiborn's memorandum dated March 25, 1997, withdrawing this item, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 17, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 9; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council noted the withdrawal of this item.
10. Consideration of Application to the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, for Funding for the Development of Public Internet Access to City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Architectural Review and Board of Zoning Appeals Docket Materials.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 19, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Councilman Euille directed questions to Financial and Information Technology Services Director Gitajn regarding the new positions requested in the proposed FY '98 budget. Councilman Euille encouraged and suggested to the staff and the City Manager that wherever and whenever possible that consideration be given to employ recipients from the Alexandria Works! welfare reform program to assist in the implementation of this technology plan.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council authorized the City Manager (1) to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration in the total amount of $480,230, including $240,115 in City matching funds; and (2) to execute all documents that may be required. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilman Euille encouraged everyone to attend the basketball game between the Northern Virginia All Stars and the visiting basketball team from Russia, at T.C. Williams High School, at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 1997. Tickets are $5.00.
(b) Councilman Euille announced that on Saturday, April 5, the Alexandria NAACP will be holding a youth summit at Minnie Howard School. The summit starts at 9:00 a.m. and is to be completed around 4:00 p.m. For further information, please call 684-6190.
(c) Councilman Euille announced that the Nannie J. Lee Cheerleaders finished third in the recent competition at Myrtle Beach, SC. Thanks to the citizens and the City Council they were able to compete and enjoy camaraderie with cheerleading groups from the United States and Canada. He and Council congratulated them on a job well done.
(d) Council Member Walker requested that a work session on transportation issues be deferred until the fall. This can be an item for consideration at Council's retreat.
Mayor Donley stated that the Regional Mobility Panel will be reporting back in September.
WITHOUT OBJECTION, Council deferred this to the fall.
(e) Councilman Cleveland noted the level of commitment and dedication of City Clerk Bev Jett for attending the 5:00 p.m. meeting as well as the City Council meeting on her birthday. He wished her a Happy Birthday and thanked her for her commitment to this Council. Members of Council joined with wishing her a Happy Birthday and thanked her for all she does for Council.
(f) Councilman Speck complimented the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department on its quarterly publication regarding its events. This is a first-class effort and those responsible are to be commended.
(g) Councilman Speck noted that Assistant City Manager Brannan and Citizen Assistance Director Boyd were successful in getting the Washington Post to include an additional two items in the weekly community cable listing which are the broadcast and re-broadcast of the City Council meetings. He noted that this is a step in the right direction, and thanked them for a job well done.
(h) Council Member Rich stated that he serves on the Public Safety and Human Services Committee for COG. He reported that at its last meeting, the committee members adopted the subject of fair share with regard to housing as one of their priorities for the year. They are going to look at it regionally.
Mayor Donley thanked him for briefing Council on this matter during the Oral Presentations. This is the opportunity for Members of Council to report about the activities that a lot of their boards and commissions are undertaking, and it is a way to keep the Council informed.
(i) Mayor Donley noted that he had a lengthy conversation with City Manager Lawson who is recuperating at home. She sounds a lot better and plans to be back to work on Monday, March 31. He stated that he is certainly happy that she is doing much, much better and looks forward to her return.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
11. Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the Alexandria City Code by increasing the fares that may be charged by taxicabs which are licensed by the City. (#22 3/15/97; #24 3/11/97) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of the City Attorney's memorandum dated March 20, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 11; 3/25/96, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
After considerable discussion, paragraph (5) of Section 9-12-132 was amended to read as follows: (5) For each suitcase or similar piece of travel luggage placed in the trunk, $0.50 if handled by the driver.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried on a ROLL-CALL vote of 6-to-1, City Council finally passed the substitute ordinance, as amended. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Cleveland "no"
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
The substitute ordinance passed, as amended, reads as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 3920
AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain Section 9-12-132 (AMOUNT OF FARE TO BE CHARGED) of Article A (TAXICABS AND FOR-HIRE VEHICLES), Chapter 12 (TAXICABS AND OTHER VEHICLES FOR HIRE), Title 9 (LICENSING AND REGULATION) of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
Section 1. That Section 9-12-132 of Article A of Chapter 12, Title 9 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, be, and the same hereby is, amended and reordained to read as follows:
Sec. 9-12-132 Amount of fare to be charged.
(a) The rates to be charged passengers by owners or drivers of taxicabs shall be as follows, and it shall be unlawful for any owner to permit or a driver to make any greater or lesser charge:
(1) For the initial meter charge (referred to as the first drop), $1.50.
(2) For the second and for each additional passenger who is two years of age or older, $1.25.
(3) For each one-sixth mile or fraction thereof for one or more passengers, $0.25.
(4) For each one hour of waiting time for one or more passengers, $16. The incremental cost of this charge shall be $0.25 for each 57 seconds. Waiting time shall include time consumed while the taxicab is waiting and available to passengers beginning three minutes after the time of arrival at the place to which it has been called, time consumed while the taxicab is stopped or slowed for traffic to a speed of less than seven miles per hour and time consumed for delays or stopovers en route at the direction of a passenger. No time shall be allowed for a premature response to a call. There shall be no charge for mileage when time is being charged for a taxicab that is stopped or slowed for traffic to a speed of less than seven miles per hour. Waiting time shall not include time lost on account of the inefficiency of a taxicab.
(5) For each suitcase or similar piece of travel luggage placed in the trunk, $0.50 if handled by the driver.
(6) For each trunk, footlocker, duffel bag or other bulky or heavy item, $2.00, provided that the carrying of same to and from the immediate vicinity of the taxicab and the rate therefor shall be subject to agreement between the driver and passenger.
(7) For three or more grocery and/or shopping bags, $1.00 if handled by the driver in the immediate vicinity of the taxicab. There shall be no charge made for fewer than three grocery and/or shopping bags. The maximum charge for all grocery and/or shopping bags shall be $1.00.
(8) For each animal, $1.00; provided, that there shall be no charge for guide dogs or service animals assisting persons with disabilities.
(9) For each trip originating at Washington National Airport, the fee required to be paid to the airport for the privilege of picking up passengers.
(10) Taximeter fares may be increased by $5.00 during any period that a snow emergency plan is in effect in the city, as declared by the city manager or her authorized representative. The transportation division of the department of transportation and environmental services will notify each Alexandria cab company by telephone of the exact time the snow emergency plan is to go into effect and the exact time that the snow plan is terminated.
(b) This section shall not apply when any taxicab is operated pursuant to a contract provided for in section 9-12-133 of this chapter.
Section 2. That this ordinance shall become effective on July 1, 1997.
KERRY J. DONLEY
Mayor
Introduction: 3/11/97
First Reading: 3/11/97
Publication: 3/12/97; 3/13/97
Public Hearing: 3/15/97
Second Reading: 3/25/97
Final Passage: 3/25/97
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OTHER
12. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 19, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council updated the Council Calendar with the following additions since Council's March 11 legislative meeting: Saturday, April 26, Christmas In April, our annual volunteer project on April 26, exact time and place will be given in April; and Saturday, May 17, Earth Day Celebration at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center on May 17, from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and added the Holocaust ceremony on Market Square on May 9, at Noon. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
13. Alexandria Commission for Women
1 Citizen Member
(The following persons volunteered for appintment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY
Elizabeth DiGregorio
Elizabeth Engle
Kristen Galles
Lisa Miller
Joyce Putman
Jenny Wade
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(Material pertaining to the above appintment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of Ms. Butler's letter dated March 24, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 13; 3/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
General Discussion. Members of Council and Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions Boyd participated in the discussion.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council deferred this appointment to April 8, 1997, so that Susan Butler's application can be considered in addition to the six applicants that are included on the ballot tonight, with the request that this not be readvertised to consider additional applications. The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Euille "aye"
Speck "aye"
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THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, at 8:35 p.m., the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, March 25, 1997, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
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APPROVED BY:
__________________________________________
KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________________
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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Public Notice
There will be a City Council Work Session on the Proposed Budget on Thursday, March 27, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Workroom.
Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to attend the City Council Work Session 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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