Office of the City Clerk
February 26, 1997
There Was A City Council Work
Session With The Interim Board Of Directors
For The Potomac West Alliance Pilot Project
At 6:00 p.m. In The Council Workroom.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 25, 1997 - - 7:30 p.m.
* * * * *
OPENING
1. Calling the Roll.
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Invocation was pronounced by Reverend Stephen G. Bray, Senior Pastor, Fairlington United Methodist Church.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
3. Reading and Acting upon the Minutes of the Following Meeting of City Council:
(a) The Regular Meeting of February 11, 1997.
City Council approved the Minutes of (a) The Regular Meeting of February 11, 1997, as submitted.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
4. Report of the City Clerk.
City Council received the report of the City Clerk.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
5. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming March 8, 1997, as St. Patrick's Day Parade Day in the City of Alexandria. (Mayor Donley and Vice Mayor Pepper)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
6. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Alexandria Hospital on Its 125th Anniversary. (Mayor Donley)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
7. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring the Social Services Advisory Board and Members Carolyn Merck and Sophie Korczyk.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
8. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Project Discovery for Being Selected Program of the Year. (Councilman Euille)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
9. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing March as Women's History Month in the City of Alexandria.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
At this point, City Council considered Docket Item No. 37.
New Business Item No. 1: Council Member Rich introduced members of Scout Troop #131 from First Baptist Church who are working on their Citizenship in the Community merit badge.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (10 - 15)
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council withdrew Docket Item Nos. 14 and 15 from the Consent Calendar.
10. Receipt of the Following Resignations from Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals
Edward T. Revere
(b) Alexandria Community Services Board
Richard Ryan, M.D.
11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Business Representative
2 Citizens-at-Large
(b) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Representative From the Alexandria Society For the
Preservation of Black Heritage
12. Receipt of the Community Services Board's Annual Report for FY 1996.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
13. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services for $7,070 in FY 1998 Funds for the Purchase of Assistive Technology Equipment for the City's Employment Resource Center.
14. Receipt of the City's Monthly Financial Report for Period Ending January 31, 1997.
15. Receipt of the Alexandria Commission for Women's Two-Year Report for July 1994 through June 1996.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of Docket Item Nos. 14 and 15. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
10. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Edward T. Revere from the Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals, and (b) Richard Ryan, M.D., from the Alexandria Community Services Board; requested the Executive Secretary to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
11. City Council (a) reappointed Lindalyn Hutter as a Business Representative and reappointed Stefanie O'Rourke and appointed Michael Carrasco as Citizens-at-Large to the Alexandria Commission on Employment; and (b) reappointed Thomas Lee as a Representative from the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission.
12. City Council received the Alexandria Community Services Board's FY 1996 Annual Report.
13. City Council authorized the City Manager to submit the grant application to the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services for $7,070 and execute all necessary documents that may be required.
14. Councilman Speck asked questions of Financial and Information Services Director Gitajn with respect to the number of voting machines sold. Mr. Gitjan will confirm the number. Councilman Speck also asked questions regarding reduction in interest earnings.
Councilman Cleveland noted the rise in property tax revenue.
Council Member Walker questioned the status on the legislation on paying personal property tax in installments. Staff will report back to Council.
City Council received the Financial Report for the period ending January 31, 1997.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
15. Members of Council were impressed by the work of the Commission and thanked the members for their hard work.
City Council received the report of the Commission for Women and thanked the Commission for its efforts on behalf of the City.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
16. Consideration of Report on the Red-light Camera Enforcement Program. (#18 2/11/97) (Councilman Speck)
Councilman Speck and other Members of Council spoke to this item. Police Chief Samarra participated in the discussion.
City Council received the report. Staff will report back to Council in April on the feasibility of implementing a small pilot program in Alexandria.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council considered Docket Item No. 24 at this time.
17. Consideration of Report from the Interim Board of Directors for the Potomac West Alliance Pilot Project. (#13 11/12/96) (Council Member Walker)
Councilman Speck spoke to the issue of what we refer to as the hard versus cost matter. A significant portion of this budget is devoted to staffing and I am persuaded that that is the right direction to go initially, but there is some concern that the program aspects of this will be delayed because so much time is going to be spent in the organizational development of this effort. He requested Council to give some consideration and thinking to the possibility of designating an additional contingent appropriation of approximately $25,000 that would be available for requests based on program needs so that there will not be limitations early on in program activities, tangible-measurable activities in the initial stages while some of the funding efforts are being developed and some of the organizational efforts are being developed. He indicated that he does not want to amend the motion and has consulted with Council Member Walker on this just to bring it up again formally for Council to discuss and consider prior to the March 15 public hearing.
City Council received the Report; set it for public hearing on March 15; extended the appointments of the members of the Interim Board of Directors from February 25, until City Council appoints the permanent Board of Directors; and requested the Executive Secretary of Boards and Commissions to advertise positions on this Board of Directors on March 14, assuming that Council goes forward, these positions would be filled in April.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
18. Consideration of a Transfer of $20,000 from Contingent Reserves to Fund the Operation of the Women's Empowerment Program in the Alexandria Detention Center Through June 30, 1997.
Council Member Rich expressed concerns about setting a precedent.
City Council approved the transfer of $20,000 from contingent reserves (Account 103556-2707) to the Office of Sheriff's budget fund for the operation of the Women's Empowerment Program in the Alexandria Detention Center through June 30, 1997.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
19. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Health for the City's Sexual Assault Response and Awareness Program.
City Council approved this request which will result in an increase in the number of grant-funded positions by increasing an existing grant-funded, part-time (.50 FTE) position to full-time for a period of 18 months. The Outreach-Prevention Specialist position is to be supervised by the Coordinator of the Office on Women's Sexual Assault Response and Awareness Program. This grant-funded position would terminate upon the expiration of the grant, and the individual who is to fill this position would be notified of this condition of employment. It should be noted that there are no funds designated in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds are expended. City Council (1) approved the submission of the grant application to the Virginia Department of Health for funding in the amount of $50,761; (2) contingent upon the award of the grant, approved the increase in the half-time position referenced above to a full-time position; and (3) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
20. Consideration of Issuing a Request for Proposals for Homeownership Counseling Services and Receipt of Follow-Up Information on Second Annual Homeownership Fair.
Councilman Euille spoke to a recent article in the Washington Post, regarding the fair housing testing program in the Washington Metropolitan area. Director Davis commented on how Alexandria faired in the testing.
Mayor Donley spoke to a recent COG report on this issue. He asked that when the City does more testing that the City also look at sales housing.
City Council (1) approved the issuance of a Request for Proposals to provide homeownership counseling services to applicants for the City's homeownership assistance programs; and (2) received the follow-up information on the Second Annual Homeownership Fair.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
21. Consideration of a Request to Waive the Remaining Interest and a Portion of the Principal on the Construction Loan to Robert Pierre Johnson (RPJ) Housing Development Corporation for the Stevenson Court Condominium Project.
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council noted the deferral.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
22. Consideration of Approval of a Five-Year License Agreement with the Potomac Riverboat Company to Berth the Cherry Blossom at the City Marina.
WITHOUT OBJECTION, Charlotte Hall, representing Potomac Riverboat Company, addressed the Council on this issue. Members of City Council, City Attorney Sunderland and Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Director Robinson participated in the discussion.
Councilman Speck requested that staff explore whether there is any opportunity to massage the charitable element of the agreement with AWA to see if there can be any movement on it.
City Council approved and authorized the City Manager to execute the license agreement for a five-year period (March 1, 1997 - February 28, 2002) with the Potomac Riverboat Company for the berthing of the Cherry Blossom at the North Pier of the City Marina, with the modification that the year one license fee will be $19,250, and that it will be a 2 1/2 % inflation on a per year basis for the first five-year term.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
23. Consideration of Entering into a Long-Term Lease Agreement with the Potomac Riverboat Company for Use of Commercial Dock Space Located at the City Marina.
City Council (1) approved and authorized the City Manager to execute the license agreement (May 1, 1997 through April 30, 2002) with The Potomac Riverboat Company allowing them to berth a new vessel at an existing commercial berth located at the City Marina's North Pier to provide tours between the City Marina and the Mount Vernon Estate; and (2) requested the City Attorney to prepare an addendum to the current license agreement pertaining to the Admiral Tilp, which deletes the "exclusivity provision" contained in Section 7a, and authorized the City Manager to sign the addendum.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
24. Consideration of Update Report on Items Before the 1997 General Assembly.
Delegates VanLandingham and Moran gave Council an overview of this short session. Legislative Director Caton also briefed Council.
City Council received this report.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEE
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilman Euille announced that a group of high school students from Russia will be coming to visit and will be participating in a basketball game at T.C. Williams High School, on Saturday, March 29.
(b) Councilman Cleveland announced the Alexandria Police Youth Camp benefit dance featuring the Grease Band will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 8:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn.
(c) Councilman Cleveland spoke to a winter tutoring program for youth at the Alexandria Black History Resource Center which continues until the end of the school year. All children are welcome to come to the Watson Reading Room to participate in the tutoring program on Saturdays from Noon to 3:45 p.m.
He announced that the Untouchables tutor youth on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Charles Houston Recreation Center at 901 Wythe Street, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(d) Councilman Speck announced that the Alexandria Symphony will be performing on March 22, at 8:00 p.m.
(e) Councilman Speck referred to his recent comment during discussions on pay parity which related to the "cookie jar" reference to the undesignated fund balance. He wanted to make sure that there is no misunderstanding about his comment. His intent was to establish what Council's responsibility is and that there is not an easy or quick solution to that.
(f) Mayor Donley congratulated Council Member Walker on being appointed to the National League of Cities' Leadership Training Council.
(g) Mayor Donley spoke to the public discussion period during last Saturday's public hearing meeting where there were many speakers. He explained that this period has typically been reserved for thirty minutes; however, this particular discussion period went until almost noon. He felt that it was unfortunate for the members of the audience who were waiting for their items to be called with the assumption that this period is for just thirty minutes.
The following General Guidelines will be followed by City Council for future meetings:
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CITY COUNCIL'S
30-MINUTE PUBLIC DISCUSSION PERIOD
- All speaker request forms for the public discussion period must be submitted by the time the item is called by the City Clerk.
- No speaker will be allowed more than 5 minutes, and that time can be reduced at the discretion of the Mayor.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
- If more than 6 speakers are signed up or if more speakers are signed up than would be allotted for in 30 minutes, the Mayor will organize speaker requests by subject or position, and allocate appropriate times, trying to ensure that speakers on unrelated subjects will also be allowed to speak during the 30-minute public discussion period.
- If speakers seeking to address the Council on the same subject cannot agree on a particular order or method that they would like the speakers to be called on, the speakers will be called in the chronological order of their request forms' submission. Any speakers not called during the public discussion period, will have the option to speak at the conclusion of the Council meeting after all docketed items have been heard.
* * * * *
The Mayor further explained that he doesn't know that this is something that would be employed at most public hearings, but he thinks that it is a compromise that he would like to offer that would balance people who have items on the docket set for public hearing and try to meet their particular time goals; and also not in any way limit the access that citizens have to address the Council.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
25. Consideration of Grant Application and Resolution to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for FY 1998 Funding for an Intern in the Office of Transit Services and Program. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council (1) adopted the resolution; and (2) authorized the City Manager to submit a grant application and resolution to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for funding in the amount of $34,664, to fund a one-year paid internship (no benefits) to assist with the City's DOT Paratransit Program and Accessible Bus Stop/Shelter Program in the Office of Transit Services and Programs and execute all necessary documents that may be required under this program.
RES. NO. 1816
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
26. Consideration of a Grant Application and Resolution to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for FY 1998 Funding for the Continuation of the Alexandria Rideshare Program. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council adopted the resolution and authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a grant application and resolution to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for funding, in the amount of $156,200, for the continuation of the City's ridesharing service, ALEXANDRIA RIDESHARE; (2) approved the continuation of two full-time grant-funded positions (Transit Specialist I and Transit Services Assistant I) to administer the ongoing ALEXANDRIA RIDESHARE program (these positions were originally established with the Office of Transit Services and Programs' first ALEXANDRIA RIDESHARE grant in the early 1980's). Continuation of these positions is contingent upon continuation of funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation or other non-City sources. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant, and the individuals who fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment; and (3) execute all necessary documents that may be required under this program. RES. NO. 1817
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
27. Consideration of Resolution and Authorization of the Sale of District Home Property to the Virginia Department of Transportation. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council (1) approved a deed dated August 20, 1996, conveying 3,790 square feet of property along State Route 28 to the Commonwealth of Virginia for $30,805; (2) approved an easement and right-of-way agreement for the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative; (3) approved an easement for GTE (telephone company); (4) authorized the District Home Board to use the $30,805 received from the Commonwealth of Virginia for repair and maintenance work and minor capital improvements at the District Home; (5) adopted the resolution incorporating the above actions; and (6) authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents pertaining to the resolution, sale and proceeds. RES. NO. 1818
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OTHER
28. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
City Council set a Community Meeting on June 4, at 7:30 p.m., at Center Court of Landmark Shopping Center.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
29. Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1 Member-at-Large
City Council appointed Susan Hathcock as a Member-At-Large to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)
30. Alexandria Cable Television Advisory Commission
1 Member Representing the Alexandria Branch of the Northern Virginia Community College
City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed David Williams as a Member Representing the Alexandria Branch of the Northern Virginia Community College to the Alexandria Cable Television Advisory Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
31. Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Lourie Russell as a Citizen member to the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
32. Alexandria Community Services Board
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Henry Barringer as a Citizen member to the Alexandria Community Services Board.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
33. Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Katherine Swiencki as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
34. Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Citizen Member
City Council reappointed Carla Menares-Bury as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
35. Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
4 Citizen Members
City Council reappointed Harold Curry, Thomas Johnson, Gerald Tamanini, and Converse West as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
36. Alexandria Youth Services Commission
1 Member of the Business Community Having an Interest and Concern With the Problems of Young People
City Council reappointed Claude Convisser as a Member of the Business Community Having an Interest and Concern with the Problems of Young People to the Alexandria Youth Services Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
37. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring William H. Hunley Upon His Retirement and Recognizing His Contributions to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. (Council Member Rich.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
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 https://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.
* * * * *
TAKE NOTICE
There will be a meeting of the Alexandria Economic Development and Tourism Board of Directors on Wednesday, February 26, 1997, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the TransPotomac Conference Center, located on the first floor at 1199 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia. It is anticipated that more than two members of City Council will be participating.
If you are interested in receiving a copy of the agenda, please call the Office of Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc. at 703-739-3820.
* * * * *
TAKE NOTICE
The George Washington Historic Community (GWHC) will hold a Public Forum on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge on Wednesday, March 5, 1997, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street. It is anticipated that more than two members of City Council will be participating.
The address for the George Washington Historic Community is P.O. Box 19009, Alexandria, VA 22320.
* * * * *
TAKE NOTICE
A meeting of the City Council Subcommittee on the Watson Wyatt Report is scheduled for Monday, March 3, 1997, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Workroom, Room 2420, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.
* * * * *
A meeting of the City Council Subcommittee on Pay Parity is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, 1997, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the City Council Workroom, Room 2420, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.