Office of the City Clerk
January 29, 1997
The City Schools Reflections Art
Exhibition Reception Was Held
In The City Hall Lobby at 6:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 28, 1997 - - 7:30 p.m.
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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:_______________________________________________________________
Rabbi Arnold G. Fink of Beth El Hebrew Congregation.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
3. Reading and Acting upon the Minutes of the Following Meeting of City Council:
(a) The Regular Meeting of January 14, 1997.
City Council approved the Minutes of (a) The Regular Meeting of January 14, 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 In Recognition of the Alexandria Compact Program. (Mayor Donley and Vice Mayor Pepper)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
6. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Month of February as George Washington Birthday Celebration Month.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
7. Presentation of Proclamation Expressing Condolences to Mrs. Monroe "Chip" Whitton and Recognizing the Many Accomplishments of Mr. Whitton.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
8. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of February 1997 as National African-American History Month in the City of Alexandria.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
9. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Nannie Lee Recreation Center Cheerleading Squad for Qualifying to Compete in the 1997 CANAM International Cheerleading Championships. (Councilman Euille)
Councilman Euille was presented with a picture of the squad, a certificate of appreciation, and a bouquet of balloons for his assistance to the squad. Persons interested in helping to sponsor the squad to compete may send checks made payable to the Nannie J. Lee Cheerleader Advisory Board, 410 North Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 2214.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (10-17)
10. Receipt of the Following Resignations from Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Archaeological Commission
Sandy C. Spencer
(b) Alexandria Community Services Board
Kendra L. Martin
(c) Alexandria Early Childhood Commission
Robbie Morris
(d) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
Ron S. Catipon
Carl Feusahrens
11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Representative From a Community-Based Organization
As Mandated in Job Training Partnership Act
12. Receipt of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending December 31, 1996.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
13. Receipt of the Economic Opportunities Commission and the Office of Economic Opportunities Annual Report for FY 1996.
14. Consideration of a Request for Proposal for a Vendor to Issue Food Stamps.
15. Receipt of the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission's Annual Report for FY 1996.
16. Consideration of Application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for Funding for the Alexandria Black History Resource Center.
17. Receipt of the Alexandria Human Rights Commission's Annual Report for FY 1996.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented except for Docket Item Nos. 12 and 15. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
10. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Sandy C. Spencer from the Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (b) Kendra L. Martin from the Alexandria Community Services Board; (c) Robbie Morris from the Alexandria Early Childhood Commission; and (d) Ron S. Catipon and Carl Feusahrens from the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; and requested the Executive Secretary to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
11. City Council reappointed Mary Ann Ormes as a Representative From a Community-based Organization as Mandated in the Job Training Partnership Act to the Alexandria Commission on Employment.
12. Members of City Council directed questions to Financial and Information Technology Services Director Gitajn.
City Council (1) received the Financial Report for the period ending December 31, 1996; and (2) authorized the City Manager to award contracts to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders for the replacement of wood decking located on the waterfront; for the construction of the backstop and bleachers at the West End Park located within Cameron Station; for reconstruction of the Fort Ward Amphitheater seats, parking lot, and restroom; and to waterproof walls and to install a drainage system at The Lyceum. (Separate Motion)
13. City Council received the report and thanked the Commission members for their work on behalf of low-income residents of our community.
14. City Council authorized the City Manager to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) to contract for a vendor to issue Food Stamps for a one-year period with provision for two one-year renewals.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
15. Peyton Robertson presented the report.
Mayor Donley requested the Environmental Policy Commission to keep an eye on whatever it may be able to do or provide any assistance to the City as it relates to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
The Commission and staff were requested to see that there is better coordination next year with scheduling the Earth Day celebration so that it does not fall on the day of the Public Hearing Meeting day in May. Staff to come back with possible dates for rescheduling this year's May Public Hearing Meeting; however, if it cannot be changed, Council will be attending the celebration.
City Council received the report and thanked the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission for its efforts on behalf of the City. (Separate Motion)
16. City Council approved this grant submission in the amount of $31,219 and authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required. Approval of this request will increase the number of grant-funded City positions by one 0.60 FTE position (Museum Aide I). This position would be established within the Office of Historic Alexandria to provide the services outlined in the grant proposal which include the development of educational programs and activities at the Center. The classification of the proposed part-time position will be reviewed by the Personnel Services Department. This grant-funded part-time 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.
17. City Council received the report and thanked the Commission for its work on behalf of the City.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
18. Consideration of Application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for Funding Alexandria Archaeology.
City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit the grant application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the amount of $79,332; (2) contingent upon the award of the grant, approved the continuation of two part-time (.75 FTE) positions (Curator I). At the present time, one position is a Museum Aide I (.75 FTE). The classification for this position will be reviewed by the Personnel Services Department. Continuation of these positions is contingent upon continuation of funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individuals who are to fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment; (3) and authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
19. Consideration of Application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for Funding for Gadsby's Tavern Museum.
City Council (1) approved the submission of the grant application in the amount of $82,320; (2) contingent upon the award of the grant, approved the establishment of the two full-time grant-funded City positions: one Museum Aide I (1.00 FTE - Curator of Education) and one Museum Aide I (1.00 FTE - Collections Manager). These positions would be established within the Office of Historic Alexandria to provide the services outlined in the grant proposal which include collections management, marketing and the administration of educational programs for children and adults at Gadsby's Tavern Museum. The classification of the proposed positions will be reviewed by the Personnel Services Department. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the two-year grant, and the individuals who are to fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment; and authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
20. Consideration of Application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for Funding for the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site.
City Council authorized the City Manager to (1) submit the grant application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the amount of $47,612 for general operating support; (2) contingent upon the award of the grant, approved the continuation of one part-time (.75 FTE) grant-funded position which would be changed from Museum Aide I to Curator I contingent upon review of the proposed change in classification by the Personnel Services Department. Continuation of this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 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; and (3) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
21. Consideration of Application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for Funding for The Lyceum.
City Council (1) approved the submission of the grant application in the amount of $66,000; (2) contingent upon the award of the grant, approved the establishment of the two part-time positions which would increase the number of grant-funded positions by two positions: one Curator I (0.75 FTE) and one Museum Aide II (0.38 FTE). These positions would be established within the Office of Historic Alexandria to provide the services outlined in the grant proposal which include collections management, exhibition research, design and installation and the marketing and administration of educational programs for children and adults at The Lyceum. The classification of the proposed positions will be reviewed by the Personnel Services Department. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the two-year grant, and the individuals who are to fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment; and (3) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
22. (a) Consideration of Establishment of a City Commission to Plan for the 250th Anniversary of the City.
(b) Consideration of Request for the Issuance of a Commemorative U.S. Postage Stamp for 1999.
(a) General Discussion. City Council discussed the proposed composition of this Commission.
City Council scheduled this item for Public Hearing on February 22, 1997, with the request that the proposal be publicized inviting interested people to comment.
(b) Vice Mayor Pepper suggested the possibility of having some type of competition for the design of the stamp.
City Council requested that Congressman James P. Moran contact members of the U.S. Postal Service to plan a commemorative stamp honoring the City's 250th anniversary.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
23. Consideration of Alternatives for Addressing Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the Old and Historic Alexandria District and the Parker Gray Historic District.
Mayor Donley recused himself and abstained from participating in this item because he is employed by Crestar Bank, not only a bank which has ATMs, but also it is located in the Old and Historic District.
Whereupon, a motion was made by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Council Member Rich that City Council receive the policy statement with respect to ATMs, with the amendment that it go beyond ATMs to address any automatic machine, and request the two historic district boards and the Chamber of Commerce to provide their comments to Council; which motion FAILED on a vote of 3-to-3 [Cleveland, Rich, Pepper "aye"; Euille, Speck, Walker "no".
City Council rescinded its decision made on December 14, 1996, with respect to Case BAR #96-0026, which affirmed the Board of Architectural Review, Old and Historic Alexandria District's denial of a certificate of appropriateness for approval of an ATM to be installed at 118 King Street, and sent the matter back to the BAR to reconsider it with the explicit instructions not to consider any on/off policy, since Council has affirmed that there is no on/off policy, and to base its decision to review what it has done before based solely on the existing guidelines and to make a decision. (5-0)
City Council requested the two historic district boards and the Chamber of Commerce, or the two Boards of Architectural Review working together, to make some recommendation generally with regard to the subject of ATMs or automatic machines in the Historic District, and to take into account the technological changes, i.e., lotto, service stations, etc., to come up with something to work with the Chamber and then, maybe both groups will not agree, but both would come forward with something. (5-0)
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
24. Consideration of Changes in the Terms of the $150,000 Share Purchase Assistance Loan for the Arlandria/Chirilagua Housing Cooperative.
Mayor Donley asked questions of Director of Housing Davis. Ms. Davis was requested to report back with respect to how the property is leveraged currently, what the loan-to-value ratios are. Mayor Donley further asked for the current incumbrances up-to-date on the property, who the mortgagees(ors) are, who basically holds the trust, what the trend has been in the overall assessment of the property, whether is has been appreciating in value, holding relatively constant, or depreciating. His concern is that the property is potentially becoming more highly leveraged than when we went into the initial purchase and granted the initial loans. His concern is primarily the financing.
City Council (1) designated the February 1996 advance of $112,000 in Housing Trust Fund monies to the Arlandria/Chirilagua Housing Corporation as an acquisition loan, having the same terms as the $193,000 loan approved by City Council on March 19, 1994, which includes repayment upon sale of the entire property by the cooperative corporation at 3% interest; and (2) directed that the $38,000 balance of the original $150,000 share purchase loan from which the $112,000 was advanced be returned to the Housing Trust Fund.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
25. Consideration of the FY 1997 Alexandria Community Services Board Plan of Services.
Council Member Rich expressed a concern and asked that the CSB reconsider part of this move which has to do with the expansion of Patrick Street Clubhouse. He suggested that we should be looking toward emphasizing prevention programs rather than treatment programs.
City Council (1) approved the FY 1997 Alexandria Community Services Board's Plan of Services as amended; (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required; and (3) requested the Community Services Board to submit to City Council for its review and consideration, the plan for the programs that the Board proposes to place in the facility at 115 North Patrick Street, once the Patrick Street Clubhouse moves to a new location.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
26. Receipt of the Alexandria Human Rights Commission Report on Citizen Appointments to City Boards and Commissions.
Council Members directed questions and comments to Susan Kellom, representing the Human Rights Commission.
Councilman Speck asked questions concerning the process that we could be doing in some way or some form that would expand the information about vacancies, encourage broader constituencies to apply or anything that we can do that would be more aggressive.
Ms. Kellom stated the outreach leadership seminars have helped.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
26. (continued)
Mayor Donley suggested that the Commission break out the contested appointments from the uncontested appointments and the designated appointments.
Council Member Walker suggested that there be a special outreach to the Hispanic community.
Council Member Rich suggested that people be told that they can get a copy of the list of vacancies from the Citizen Assistance Office.
Councilman Speck suggested that the vacancies be posted on Jones Intercable. He suggested that a fifteen minute educational public service announcement that explained the process be prepared and run on cable.
Council Member Walker suggested that Jones might be cooperative to try to produce a video to encourage people to apply.
City Council (1) received the report; (2) thanked the members of the Human Rights Commission for their work on behalf of the City; and (3) adopted the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission as follows: City Council (a) requested that the Citizen Assistance Office include on its listing of vacancies on City boards and commissions an announcement publicizing that members of the Human Rights Commission are available to offer assistance to any person or attend any meeting to explain the board and commission application process. The Citizen Assistance Office regularly distributes a list of board and commission vacancies to individuals and groups on its mailing list, and the Commission suggests that this would be an appropriate place in which to publicize its offer of assistance; and (b) requested that the Human Rights Commission examine annually the number of terms served by incumbents to review how this impacts on first-time applicants seeking appointment to a board or commission. At Council's request, the Human Rights Commission reviewed the percentage of incumbents serving on boards and commissions in FY 1996. The Commission determined that the percentage of incumbents does not appear to serve as a barrier significantly preventing citizens from gaining appointment to a board or commission; therefore, the Commission does not recommend limiting the number of terms that a citizen may serve. The Commission will review annually tenures on all boards and commissions, especially those classified as high profile, and report back to Council in the future if any significant trends emerge.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
27. Consideration of Update Report on Items Before the 1997 General Assembly.
Legislative Director Caton presented his report.
With respect to HJ 571 Resolution, Mayor Donley stated that Council's support of this is no way an indication that we are acquiescing to the recommended alternative by the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Coordinating Committee. If there is any opportunity for us to either strengthen the City's position in this joint resolution, either via an amendment or some colloquy read into the record, it should be done.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
27. (continued)
City Council (1) adopted the positions on legislation that has been introduced in the 1997 General Assembly Session as noted in the chart; and (2) supported the $13 million budget amendment proposed for the Virginia Housing Partnership Revolving Fund as described in a memorandum from Arlington County Board Member Al Eisenberg to members of the Northern Virginia Housing Coalition, and added to it opposition to HB 2306, and that we take no position on HB 2090 and SB 813 relating to conflict of interest laws.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Council Member Walker announced that this was Daphne Philos' last meeting and she wanted to publicly express her appreciation to Daphne for her years of service. Gloria Flanagan has been hired to replace Daphne.
(b) Councilman Cleveland suggested that many boards and commissions may want to volunteer and get more involved with our school system since they are always in need of volunteers.
(c) Councilman Speck asked Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Director Robinson if it might be possible to do more programming in the park on Fairfax Street, between Madison and Montgomery Streets, that has been nicely landscaped. He was asked by residents of the area whether the City could schedule some of the smaller musical events there that could attract that area that's becoming more residential.
Director Robinson spoke to the area behind the tennis courts and stated that staff would be willing to look into his request.
(d) Vice Mayor Pepper stated that Senator Ticer asked her to announce that there is a need for blood donations in the Northern Virginia area for trauma victims and transplant patients. INOVA has indicated a need for blood at its locations at the Mt. Vernon Hospital and Fair Oaks Hospital. Vice Mayor Pepper indicated also to keep in mind the Red Cross.
(e) Mayor Donley spoke to Councilman Euille's and his attendance at a reception/information-type meeting at the new Small Business Development Center located at the George Washington University in Alexandria. This is a collaborative effort between the Chamber, the City and GW University funded last year by a $50,000 grant from the General Assembly. This center is designed to foster entrepreneurship, new business growth, and to facilitate the growth of new small businesses. They met with a number of bankers in town for a briefing to let them know that the Center exists, this is what we can do for your clients, we want your referrals, and we want to involve you in how the Center operates. It was very successful.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(f) Mayor Donley announced that the City has received notice that the State Corporation Commission has made a decision and issued a report on the gas explosion that occurred last year. The City has not seen a copy of it yet.
The Mayor and Members of City Council discussed the issue of holding a public hearing on this. Since the City and the neighbors have not seen a copy of the report, no decision was made regarding a public hearing or work session at this time.
Mayor Donley stated that there is a flyer circulating which challenges his decision not to have a public hearing, and again, we had said in the past to let's at least get the report so that we have something to discuss from the regulatory body. The flyer states "We wonder if Mayor Donley's ability to act in the public interest is affected because Patrick Maher, CEO of Washington Gas, sits on the Board of Crestar Bank where Donley is employed as Vice President." Mayor Donley stated for the record that he has never met nor has he ever spoken with Mr. Maher, nor did he know up until a few weeks ago that he was on the Board of Crestar Bank where he is employed. Mayor Donley has not spoken to anyone, nor has anybody at Crestar Bank at any level talked to the Mayor about Mr. Maher's position on the Board of Directors at Crestar Bank, nor the bank's interest, and there is none, in the gas explosion that occurred. So for people to draw assumptions and to spread what he thinks are unfounded accusations about him or, for that matter, any member of this body, he finds objectionable. Be it residents of the City or those who have a particular bone to pick with Washington Gas, he finds that behavior to be irresponsible and reprehensible. Needless to say, in this country, he also values the right of freedom of speech, so he is not going to impugn anybody's motives for passing out such literature.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
None.
OTHER
28. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
City Council (1) invited Congressman Moran to attend the Tuesday, February 11 Council legislative meeting to discuss issues of interest to the City coming before the new Congress; (2) noted that the Alexandria Hospital representatives have asked to defer the joint meeting on hospital issues; therefore, the March 25 work session set by Council on January 14 has not been added to the Council calendar; and (3) received the updated Council Calendar.
Council Action:______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
29. Alexandria Board of Architectural Review -
Parker-Gray District
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Mary Bosy Schukraft as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
30. Alexandria Cable Television Advisory Commission
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Carlos Diz as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Cable Television Advisory Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
31. Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Business Representative From Among Recognized
Area Businesses Including Minority-Owned and
Small Businesses
City Council appointed Jacqueline Woodard as a Business Representative from among Recognized Area Businesses including Minority-owned and Small Businesses to the Alexandria Commission on Employment.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
32. Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
1 Hotel Owner/Manager Representative
City Council appointed Gary Jutz as a Hotel Owner/Manager Representative to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
33. Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Citizen Member
City Council reappointed Bridget Murphy as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
34. Juvenile Detention Commission For Northern Virginia
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Marvin Wagner as a Citizen Member to the Juvenile Detention Commission for Northern Virginia.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)
35. Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board
1 Member Who Is A Homeowner
City Council reappointed Verda Johnson as a Member Who is a Homeowner to the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
This docket is subject to change.
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