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Office of the City Clerk
October 19, 1996

During the Lunch Break, There Was
a City Council Work Session with the
Alexandria Library Board to Discuss
the New Main Library Design Plans.


All Persons, Including Applicants Wishing
to Speak Before City Council Must Fill Out
A Speaker's Form (Which May be Found In
The Rear of the Council Chamber) and Present
It to the City Clerk.


Special Public Hearing Meeting
Saturday, October 19, 1996 - - 9:30 am


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Please take notice that there was a Special Public Hearing Meeting of City Council held on Saturday, October 19, 1996 [in lieu of the Regular Public Hearing Meeting of Saturday, October 12, 1996], at 9:30 a.m., in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, for the purpose of considering the following items.

/s/Vola Lawson, City Manager
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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:_______________________________________________________________

2. Public Discussion Period. (No more than 30 minutes) (This period is restricted to items not listed on the docket.)

(a) Julie Crenshaw, 816 Queen Street, spoke to the items on the agenda for the Retreat on September 28. She stated that an item was missing concerning the state of the environment of Alexandria. She stated that there was no commentary from the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission, the Waterfront Committee, nor the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Mayor Donley suggested that if the above commissions would like a work session to discuss particular issues or elements, that Council would be more than happy to accommodate that request.

(b) Jack Sullivan, 4300 Ivanhoe Place, spoke to the recent action that Council took regarding a referral of a comprehensive plan and zoning amendment to the Planning Commission for its consideration and recommendation to enable the Council to vote on the special use permit application of Alexandria Toyota. He stated that by doing this Council has set a precedent.

OPENING (continued)

2. Public Discussion Period (continued)

Councilman Euille stated that the motion of Council, with regard to that particular action with Mr. Taylor and his dealership, evolved from him and he certainly appreciates Mr. Sullivan's comments. Prior to even making the motion at the Council Meeting on October 8, he had spoken to the Planning and Zoning Director and the City Attorney's Office regarding the best way to handle this and the response was that it could be done during Oral Presentations. He stressed that the intent was not in any way to subvert the system, but it was a matter of affording a courtesy to allow a matter that needed to have quick action on part of the Planning Commission to go forward. He stated that the intent was always there that would allow the public an opportunity to participate in every stage of the discussion prior to formal action on the part of the Council. He does not believe that the action on the part of the Council Tuesday night was a signal to the public or anyone else that we are fully supportive and in favor of this irregardless as to what the outcome is at the Planning Commission level.

(c) Carol Swinburn, Aftercare Counselor with a new program based at the Alexandria Detention Center, spoke in support of the Women's Empowerment Program.

(d) Bridgette Brown, 101 South Reynolds Street, representing the Women's Empowerment Program as a client of the program, spoke to the success and benefits of this program.

(e) John Chapman Gager spoke during this period.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (3-13)

Planning Commission

WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council removed Docket Item Nos. 7 and 13 from the Consent Calendar.

3. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #96-0006 -- 310 & 310A SOUTH COLUMBUS STREET
4. REZONING #96-0007 -- 310 & 310A SOUTH COLUMBUS STREET



REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

5. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0107 -- 330 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET --
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK


6. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0121 -- 4600 DUKE STREET, #303
7. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0122 -- 1225 POWHATAN STREET --
DIXIE PIG RESTAURANT
8. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0135 -- 602 KING STREET -- DUNKIN DONUTS
9. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0141 -- 1217 FIRST STREET -- ALEXANDRIA AUTO REPAIR
10. TEXT AMENDMENT #96-12 -- MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT IN CL ZONE
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

11. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0149 -- 108-A SOUTH COLUMBUS STREET
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0


REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

12. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0137 -- 1404 KING STREET -- HARD TIMES CAFE


COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

13. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0138 -- 3110 and 3040 COLVIN STREET
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

END OF ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of Docket Item Nos. 7 and 13 which were considered under separate motions, and noted the deferral of Item Nos. 21 and 23. The Planning Commission recommendations are as follows:

3. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.

4. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.

5. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.

6. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.

7. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission, as amended, and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations, and added a new condition #17 as follows: "17. Applicant will work with the civic association and obtain staff approval regarding any sign replacement." (Separate Motion)

8. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.

9. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.


REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

10. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the text amendment.

11. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.

12. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.

13. Council Member Walker requested the staff to make sure that both the Planning and Zoning Regulations and also the Police regulations are well known to the people. She suggested that perhaps one of the police officers can go by and talk about what is really required legally before ticketing of automobiles to be certain that no one is ignorant of the laws.

Police Chief Samarra stated that he will put a special group in the area to monitor the situation for 30 days and to talk with the people to make sure everyone understands the rules.

Vice Mayor Pepper requested that Colvin Street be monitored for code enforcement violations on a regular basis.

City Manager Lawson stated that she and Councilman Euille met earlier this year with the businesses in the area. She indicated that Code Enforcement activity is done on a regular basis. She stated that Police Chief Samarra will talk with Mrs. Hall about who she can call when she observes violations, particularly late at night when City offices are not open and to make sure that even after the 30-day trial period if violations are occurring, Mrs. Hall will know who to call in the Police Department so that they will come out immediately.

Mrs. Hall stated that she has a neighbor at 3141 Colvin Street who is storing cars in his yard. This morning there were twelve cars.

Mayor Donley requested that on Monday morning that someone from Code Enforcement go to check this out.

City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations, with a correction to condition #9 changing the time from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.. (Separate Motion)

21. City Council deferred this item to the November 16, 1996 City Council Public Hearing Meeting.

23. City Council deferred this item to a later date to allow for additional comments and reconsideration by staff and others.

END OF ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________



REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

14. Public Hearing and Consideration of the City of Alexandria 1996 Annual Report. (#7 9/10/96)

Pam St. Clair, representing the League of Women Voters, stated that the League of Women Voters believes that our City should consider other sources of revenue rather than continue to rely so heavily on the property tax. She stated that they think that City Council should consider holding a referendum as outlined in State law to approve a limited local income tax to be used to support new transportation initiatives. They also favor having our City Council and Members of the General Assembly request the General Assembly to allow Alexandria to enact a local piggyback income tax without having a referendum and without restrictions on the use of the revenue. The League of Women Voters considers the business and professional occupation license (BPOL) tax an appropriate revenue source; however, if the General Assembly were to abolish it, then our City Council and Members of the General Assembly should request the General Assembly to allow Alexandria to enact an income tax to be levied on those who otherwise would be subject to the BPOL. The League of Women Voters of Alexandria does not favor any change in the State sales tax. Secondly, the League of Women Voters of Virginia has been given the report on the Ad Hoc Task Force to review the Karen Mitsoff case and that they will be joining Alexandria with other local leagues around the country to lobby the legislation which will be items in the City's legislative package. She reminded everyone to vote on November 5 and noted that there are five constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Mayor Donley suggested that one of the things that the League might want to take a look at during this year's session is that it is his understanding that there will be some legislation coming forward about abolishing the personal property tax system. This is an issue that the City is going to have to keep an eye on during this session as well as organizations like the League since the City derives 14 percent of its revenue from personal property taxes and how is that revenue going to be replaced if this legislation passes.

Councilman Speck stated that at Council's Retreat, Council had a brief discussion about the consideration of changing the nature of Council terms to staggered terms and the possibility that might include changing the length of terms. He indicated that he hopes that the League might give that some thought and respond some time this fall. The Public Hearing was held and closed.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

15. Public Hearing on and Consideration of Resolution to Reduce the Size of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. (# 19 10/8/96) (Mayor Donley) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council made a motion to adopt the resolution reducing the size of the ARHA Board from 9 to 7; which motion FAILED on a vote of 3 "ayes" to 4 "nays".
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

16. Public Hearing and Consideration of Receipt of Federal Funds in FY 1997 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program.

City Council held the public hearing and (1) approved the City's application for $176,823 to continue the Police Department's task force efforts to combat auto thefts and other emerging Part I crimes in the City. The federal share of the grant is 90 percent, or $159,141, and the City share is 10 percent, or $17,682, to be funded from the Police Department's FY 1997 overtime budget; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute any documents that may be required.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

17. (a) Public Hearing and Consideration of the Crestview Apartments Conversion Assistance Plan.

City Council deferred this item to the Legislative Meeting on October 23, and directed staff, the applicant and the City Attorney's Office to work out the proper language to reflect what the Council's desire is to modify the policy to reflect the desire on the part of the owner to retain the tenants and only apply the relocation for those tenants who are specifically not eligible for relocation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________


City Council (1) requested staff to encourage KSI Services, Inc. to pursue this project as a condominium conversion; (2) did not support the KSI Services, Inc. application for funding to rehabilitate Hunter's Run Apartments, but authorized the City Manager to send the following letters: (1) to the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) opposing KSI Services, Inc's application for state Multi-Family Loan Program (tax-exempt bond) funds for the rehabilitation of Hunter's Run Apartments; and (b) to the Chairman and Members of the Board of Commissioners of the Virginia Housing Development Authority suggesting that the criteria for officially disapproving a funding application (that the application is not consistent with current zoning or other applicable land use regulations) are too narrow and should be broadened to consider other concerns important to the locality, such as the number of lower income housing units already in a jurisdiction, and failure of an applicant to comply with applicable local policies.; and (3) requested staff to prepare a recommendation for changing the VHDA criteria for
disapproving funding applications, for discussion with the City's state legislative delegation and for possible inclusion in the City's legislative package for the 1997 General Assembly.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

18. SUBDIVISION #96-0020 -- 1615-1617 PRINCESS STREET
COMMISSION ACTION: Denied 7-0

City Council upheld the Planning Commission decision and denied the request.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________


REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

19. VACATION #96-0003 -- 1615 PRINCESS STREET
City Council upheld the Planning Commission decision and denied the request.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

20. Public Hearing and Consideration of an appeal from a decision of the Directors of Planning and Zoning denying a request for a proposed driveway apron to be located at 409 East Clifford Avenue. Appellant: Deborah Nehoda.

Council Member Walker stated that the City should try to work through some of the questions of safety and parking.

Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane suggested that it might be a good idea to see about the possibility of making this one block one-way where you would be able to possibly provide parking along all or portions of this one block. The only concern is to make sure that emergency vehicles can get through and that's one of the reasons that we would have to make sure that there is only one-way circulation for this one block.

City Council upheld the decision of the Directors of Planning and Zoning and denied the appeal.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

21. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0099 -- 5010 DUKE STREET -- CAMERON STATION -- PHASE I
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 6-1

City Council deferred this item to the November 16, 1996 City Council Public Hearing Meeting.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)
Planning Commission (continued)

22. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0132 -- 5010 DUKE STREET -- CAMERON STATION
City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

23. TEXT AMENDMENT #96-13 -- NONCONFORMING USES
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

City Council deferred this item to a later date to allow for additional comments and reconsideration by staff and others.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

NOTE: City Council considered docket item nos. 24 and 25 together and under one motion.

24. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0114 -- 1721, 1727, 1747 KING STREET -- METROPLACE
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

25. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0115 -- 1721, 1727, 1747 KING STREET -- METROPLACE
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

Harry P. Hart, attorney for the applicant, stated that he will work with the Braddock Station Civic Association during Phase II.

Council Member Walker stated that the Mayor is pulling together a meeting on Friday, October 25, at 8:00 a.m., at Owens Restaurant, located at 1743 King Street to talk about the issues of the King Street Metro Area.

City Council approved the special use permits for 24 and 25 and incorporated the amendments to the conditions as submitted by Mr. Hart and agreed to by staff, with the understanding that this is for Building I and that the other phases would have to come back through the process for Planning Commission and City Council approval.

24. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission, as amended, and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations, with the added conditions, #38 and 39, and included amendments in Mr. Hart's letter of October 18, 1996.

25. City Council approved the recommendation of the Planning Commission, as amended, and approved the request, subject to compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and staff recommendations, with the added condition #14, and included the language submitted by Mr. Hart relating to Conditions 9A, 9B, and 9C.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

26. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to decrease the requirement for City registration of Child Care Providers who care for a maximum of eight to a maximum of five children in accordance with State law. (#18 10/8/96) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading.
ORD. NO. 3888
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR (27-32)

27. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0139 -- 725-727 KING STREET -- BERTUCCI'S RESTAURANT
28. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0087 -- 5300-5320 EISENHOWER AVENUE
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred (Applicant's Request)

29. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0113 -- 115 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET --ASIAN LIGHT RESTAURANT Closed)

30. TEXT AMENDMENT #96-14 -- MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING AND STORAGE
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred

31. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0119 -- 1517 MOUNT VERNON AVENUE -- PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred (Applicant's Request)

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

32. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #96-0140 -- 1509 LESLIE AVENUE
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred

END OF DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR

WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council noted the deferrals and withdrawal.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m., and City Council went into the Work Session which was concluded at 2:30 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. Meeting materials are also available on-line at https://alexandriava.gov/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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