Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 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: Mrs. Lawson, City Manager; Mr. Sunderland, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Lynn, Director of Planning and Zoning; Ms. Steele, Deputy City Manager; 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; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Mr. Robinson, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Fire Chief Hawkins; Police Chief Samarra; Mr. McMahon, Deputy Director of General Services; Sheriff Dunning; Mr. Brannan, Assistant City Manager; Dr. Claiborn, Director of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse; Ms. Schmitt, Division Chief, Finance; Mr. Eiffert, Director of Agency on Aging; Ms. Chis, Acting Director of Human Services; Mr. Powers, Director of Community Programs; Delegates VanLandingham and Moran; and Lieutenant Crawford, Police Department.
Recorded by: Mrs. Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.
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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 City Council Workroom. Mayor Donley made introductory remarks.
Council Member Walker gave a brief overview of this project and introduced Members of the Interim Board of Directors of the Potomac West Alliance. Members Pat Miller, Ruby Tucker and William Miller gave brief presentations about the pilot project.
Members of City Council, Members of the Interim Board of Directors and City Manager Lawson participated in the discussion.
Please refer to Docket Item No. 17 of tonight's proceedings for the actions taken regarding this issue.
The work session concluded at approximately 7:20 p.m.
(A copy of the agenda and material relating to this work session (Docket Item No. 17) are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, and are incorporated herewith as part of the record by reference.)
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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 Reverend Stephen G. Bray, Senior Pastor, Fairlington United Methodist Church.
3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried on a vote of 5-to-0, City Council approved the Minutes of (a) The Regular Meeting of February 11, 1997, as submitted. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Euille out of room
Pepper "aye" Rich out of room
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
4. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council received the report of the City Clerk dated February 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; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Euille out of room
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
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)
(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 5; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Mayor Donley and Vice Mayor Pepper presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
6. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Alexandria Hospital on Its 125th Anniversary. (Mayor Donley)
(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 6; 2/25/96, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Mayor Donley presented the proclamation and a Key to the City to representatives of Alexandria Hospital.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
7. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring the Social Services Advisory Board and Members Carolyn Merck and Sophie Korczyk.
(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. 7; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Vice Mayor Pepper presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
8. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Project Discovery for Being Selected Program of the Year. (Councilman Euille)
(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. 8; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Councilman Euille presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
9. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing March as Women's History Month in the City of Alexandria.
(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. 9; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Council Member Walker 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"
At this point, City Council considered Docket Item No. 37.
37. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring William H. Hunley Upon His Retirement and Recognizing His Contributions to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. (Council Member Rich.
(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. 37; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Council Member Rich presented the proclamation.
Julio Somoza presented Mr. Hunley with a plaque, another student presented Mrs. Hunley with flowers, and Teri Hauser presented Mr. Hunley with a certificate of appreciation from Governor Allen.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
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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.
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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.
(A copy of the above resignations is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10 (a-b); 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
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
(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. 11 (a-b); 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
12. Receipt of the Community Services Board's Annual Report for FY 1996.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 13, 1997, together with the report, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
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.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 20, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, 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.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Euille "aye"
Speck "aye"
14. Receipt of the City's Monthly Financial Report for Period Ending January 31, 1997.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 13, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
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 of the legislation on paying personal property tax in installments. Staff will report back to Council.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council received the Financial Report for the period ending January 31, 1997. The voting was as follows:
Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck out of room
15. Receipt of the Alexandria Commission for Women's Two-Year Report for July 1994 through June 1996.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 18, 1997, together with the report, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Members of Council were impressed by the work of the Commission and thanked the members for their hard work.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council received the report of the Commission for Women and thanked the Commission for its efforts on behalf of the City. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
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)
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 21, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Councilman Speck and other Members of Council spoke to this item. Police Chief Samarra participated in the discussion.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried on a vote of 6-to-1, City Council received the report. Staff will report back to Council in April on the feasibility of implementing a small pilot program in Alexandria. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Pepper "aye"
Euille "aye" Cleveland "no"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council considered Docket Item No. 24 at this time.
24. Consideration of Update Report on Items Before the 1997 General Assembly.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 24, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Delegates VanLandingham and Moran gave Council an overview of this short session. Legislative Director Caton also briefed Council.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council received this report. The voting was as follows:
Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
17. Consideration of Report from the Interim Board of Directors for the Potomac West Alliance Pilot Project. (#13 11/12/96) (Council Member Walker)
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 19, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of Del Ray Citizens Association's memorandum dated February 17, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 17; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Council Member Walker spoke to the work session held this evening.
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 he is 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.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, 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. The voting was as follows:
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
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.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 18, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Council Member Rich expressed concerns about setting a precedent.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, 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. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
19. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Health for the City's Sexual Assault Response and Awareness Program.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 18, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, 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. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
20. Consideration of Issuing a Request for Proposals for Homeownership Counseling Services and Receipt of Follow-Up Information on Second Annual Homeownership Fair.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 11, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
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 did 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.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, 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. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker out of room
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.
(A copy of a memorandum dated February 20, 1997, requesting a deferral of this item, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council noted the deferral.
22. Consideration of Approval of a Five-Year License Agreement with the Potomac Riverboat Company to Berth the Cherry Blossom at the City Marina.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 18, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Vice Mayor Pepper recused herself from the discussion and consideration of this item and of Item No. 23. She had early on in her career received a very generous gift from the Cherry Blossom and it has been her standard custom not to vote on these issues.
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.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, 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. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Pepper out of room
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
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.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 21, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilman Speck and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, 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. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Pepper out of room
Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
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.
- 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.
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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.
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]
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 18, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried on a ROLL-CALL vote of 6-to-0, 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. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck out of room
Walker "aye"
The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 1816
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, that the City Manager is authorized, for and on behalf of the City of Alexandria (hereafter referred to as THE PUBLIC BODY), to execute and file an application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia (hereafter referred to as THE DEPARTMENT), for a grant of financial assistance in the amount of $34,664 to defray the costs borne by THE PUBLIC BODY during a fiscal year commencing July 1, 1997, and ending June 30, 1998; for an intern from the State Aid Public Transportation Intern Program in the Office of Transit Services and Programs, and to accept from THE DEPARTMENT grant funds in such amount as may be awarded, and to authorize the City Manager to furnish to THE DEPARTMENT such documents and other information as may be required for processing the grant request.
The City Council certifies that the funds shall be used in accordance with the requirements of Section 58.1-2425.E of the Code of Virginia, that THE PUBLIC BODY will provide matching funds as required in such Act; that the record of receipts and expenditure of funds granted to THE PUBLIC BODY may be subject to audit by THE DEPARTMENT and by the State Auditor of Public Accounts; and that funds granted to THE PUBLIC BODY for defraying the expenses of the intern program of THE PUBLIC BODY shall be used only for such purposes as authorized in the Code of Virginia.
The undersigned duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Alexandria certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution, adopted at a legally convened meeting of the City Council held on the 25th day of February 1997.
/s/KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:
/s/Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk
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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]
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 11, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 26; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried on a unanimous 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. The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Euille "aye"
Speck "aye"
The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 1817
BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, that the City Manager is authorized, for and on behalf of the City of Alexandria (hereafter referred to as THE PUBLIC BODY), to execute and file an application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia (hereafter referred to as THE DEPARTMENT), for a grant of financial assistance in the amount of $156,200 to defray the costs borne by THE PUBLIC BODY during a fiscal year commencing July 1, 1997, and ending June 30, 1998; for the continuation of a ridesharing program, and to accept from THE DEPARTMENT grants in such amounts as may be awarded, and to authorize the City Manager to furnish to THE DEPARTMENT such documents and other information as may be required for processing the grant request.
The City Council certifies that the funds shall be used in accordance with the requirements of Section 58.1-2425.E of the Code of Virginia, that THE PUBLIC BODY will provide matching funds as required in such Act; that the record of receipts and expenditure of funds granted to THE PUBLIC BODY may be subject to audit by THE DEPARTMENT and by the State Auditor of Public Accounts; and that funds granted to THE PUBLIC BODY for defraying the expenses of the ridesharing program of THE PUBLIC BODY shall be used only for such purposes as authorized in the Code of Virginia.
The undersigned duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Alexandria certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution, adopted at a legally convened meeting of the City Council held on the 25th day of February 1997.
/s/KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:
/s/Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk
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27. Consideration of Resolution and Authorization of the Sale of District Home Property to the Virginia Department of Transportation. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 18, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 27; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried on a unanimous 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. The voting was as follows:
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 1818
WHEREAS, the Counties of Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the City of Alexandria own property known as the Birmingham Green site (the "Property"), in Prince William County, Virginia, as tenants in common; and
WHEREAS, an adult care residence known as the District Home is located on the Property, and is operated by the District Home Board, which consists of individuals appointed by Counties of Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the City of Alexandria; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia has planned an expansion of Route 28 which requires the Commonwealth to acquire a small portion of the Property, said portion being identified in a deed between the Counties of Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the City of Alexandria, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, dated August 12, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Transportation has made an offer of $30,805 for the portion of the Property needed for the expansion of Route 28; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative has requested an easement across the Property to enable it to install and maintain equipment for the transmission and distribution of electric power (the "NVEC Easement"), said easement area shown on a plat attached to a document entitled "Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative Easement and Right-of-Way Agreement," dated August 12, 1996; and
WHEREAS, GTE, Incorporated, has requested an easement across the Property to enable it to construct and maintain wires, poles, cables and similar equipment in connection with its communications system (the "GTE Easement"), said easement area shown on the plat that is attached to the "Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative Easement and Right-of-Way Agreement," dated August 12, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the District Home Board wishes that the $30,805 to be paid by the Commonwealth of Virginia for the portion of the Property that is needed for the expansion of Route 28 be made available to the Board for the repair and maintenance of, and for minor capital improvements to, the District Home facility;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA:
1. That the sale of the property described in the deed between the Counties of Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the City of Alexandria, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, dated August 12, 1996, is approved and authorized.
2. That the granting of the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative Easement and the GTE Easement is approved and authorized.
3. That the $30,805 to be paid by the Commonwealth for the property referenced in paragraph 1 above shall be given to the District Home Board for its use in repairing and maintaining, and in making minor capital improvements to, the District Home facility.
4. That the City Manager is authorized to undertake any action on behalf of the City of Alexandria, including the execution of documents, that is necessary or desirable to implement the approvals provided in this resolution.
5. That this resolution shall be effective upon its adoption.
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OTHER
28. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 19, 1997, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Members of City Council discussed holding a Community Meeting at Landmark Shopping Center.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilman Speck and carried unanimously, City Council set a Community Meeting on June 4, at 7:30 p.m., at Center Court of Landmark Shopping Center. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
29. Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1 Member-at-Large
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Susan Hathcock
John Oberlin
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(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 29; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council appointed Susan Hathcock as a Member-At-Large to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Hathcock
Pepper - Hathcock
Cleveland - Oberlin
Euille - Oberlin
Rich - Hathcock
Speck - Hathcock
Walker - Oberlin
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30. Alexandria Cable Television Advisory Commission
1 Member Representing the Alexandria Branch of the Northern Virginia Community College
(The following person volunteered and was recommended for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
David Williams* Paul McVeigh, Acting Provost,
(Residency Wavier Required) Alexandria Campus of the Northern
Virginia Community College
*Incumbent
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 30; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council 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. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Williams
Pepper - Williams
Cleveland - Williams
Euille - Williams
Rich - Williams
Speck - Williams
Walker - Williams
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31. Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities
1 Citizen Member
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Scott Granieri
Lourie Russell
Elaine Schwartz
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 31; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council appointed Lourie Russell as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Granieri
Pepper - Granieri
Cleveland - Russell
Euille - Granieri
Rich - Russell
Speck - Russell
Walker - Russell
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32. Alexandria Community Services Board
1 Citizen Member
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Board:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Henry Barringer
Carlos Vega-Matos
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(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 32; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council appointed Henry Barringer as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Community Services Board. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Barringer
Pepper - Barringer
Cleveland - Vega-Matos
Euille - Vega-Matos
Rich - Vega-Matos
Speck - Barringer
Walker - Barringer
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33. Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission
1 Citizen Member
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Jeffrey Gauger
Katherine Swiencki
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 33; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council appointed Katherine Swiencki as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Swiencki
Pepper - Swiencki
Cleveland - Swiencki
Euille - Swiencki
Rich - Gauger
Speck - Swiencki
Walker - Gauger
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34. Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Citizen Member
(The following persons either volunteered or were recommended for appointment to the above Board:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Linda Blessing Judy Miller, President, Rosemont
Citizens Association
Carla Menares-Bury*
Tara Mulvey
(Residency Waiver Required)
*Incumbent
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 34; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council reappointed Carla Menares-Bury as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Menares-Bury
Pepper - Menares-Bury
Cleveland - Blessing
Euille - Menares-Bury
Rich - Menares-Bury
Speck - Menares-Bury
Walker - Menares-Bury
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35. Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
4 Citizen Members
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Board:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
James Beall
Michael Bond
Harold Curry*
Thomas Johnson*
Lisa Miller
Matthew Reilly
Gerald Tamanini*
Converse West*
*Incumbent
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointments is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 35; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council reappointed Harold Curry, Thomas Johnson, Gerald Tamanini, and Converse West as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Curry, Johnson, Tamanini, West
Pepper - Curry, Johnson, Tamanini, West
Cleveland - Curry, Johnson, Tamanini, West
Euille - Curry, Johnson, Miller, Tamanini
Rich - Curry, Johnson, Tamanini, West
Speck - Curry, Johnson, Tamanini, West
Walker - Beall, Curry, Miller, Reilly
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36. Alexandria Youth Services Commission
1 Member of the Business Community Having an Interest and Concern With the Problems of Young People
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Marni Byrum
Marcia Chaiken
Claude Convisser*
Diane Humke
*Incumbent
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 36; 2/25/97, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council reappointed 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. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Convisser
Pepper - Convisser
Cleveland - Convisser
Euille - Convisser
Rich - Convisser
Speck - Convisser
Walker - Convisser
* * * * *
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, at 10:32 p.m., the Regular Meeting of February 25, 1997, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
* * * * *
APPROVED BY:
__________________________________________
KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________________
Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk
The Meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.