Back to FY Dockets

Office of the City Clerk
November 13, 1999

At 8:30 a.m., City Council Attended the Groundbreaking
Ceremony for the Cameron Station Parks.

During the Lunch Break, there was a Work Session
with the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association.

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.

If you have a prepared statement, please present
it to the City Clerk.


Public Hearing Meeting
Saturday, November 13, 1999 - - 9:30 a.m.


* * * * *

OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

New Business Item No. 1: Council Member Rich announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the City Council in the upcoming election.
* * * * *

2. Public Discussion Period.

(a) John T. Brown, 2425 Mount Vernon Avenue, stated that the residents of 2425 Mount Vernon Avenue have been denied the issuance of parking stickers for their vehicles which would allow them to park without receiving a parking citation. He indicated that there are several businesses in the area and that parking is limited. He stated that the two-hour parking zone was installed to accommodate the clients and customers of these businesses with no consideration of people who reside in this area. He requested that if the two-hour time restrictions cannot be waived, that he at least be given some type of sticker for his car which would allow him to park at his home for more than the two-hour limit.

City Manager Lawson requested staff to meet with Mr. Brown to go over the issue and come up with a resolution so that he has a parking space near his home on Mount Vernon Avenue.

OPENING (continued)

(b) Audrey Williams, 801 North Fairfax Street, representing the Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the PTO coming to Alexandria.

(c) Jim Fowler, 801 North Fairfax Street, representing the Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the PTO coming to Alexandria.

(d) Mary Means, 108 Commerce Street, spoke in support of PTO coming to Alexandria.

(e) Joe Gerard, 1401 Knox Place, on behalf of petitioners, requested that the Burke Library remain open.

(f) Don Fullerton 1407 North Pickett Street, on behalf of petitioners, requested that the Burke Library remain open.

(g) Eileen Bradley, 4705 West Braddock Road, #303, spoke in support of keeping the Burke Library open.

Vice Mayor Euille encouraged the City staff and the Library staff to continue dialoguing with the citizens in terms of what are some of the things that can be done, whether it's a bookmobile or whether it's trying to insure shuttle bus service via the City DASH buses. He indicated that Library Director O'Brien mentioned that there will be a delivery service that will be offered from the new library to the neighborhood. He also indicated that there is an initiative being developed to have a depository of books available and accessible in the various apartment buildings in the same neighborhood.

Mayor Donley stated that Council will take the speakers' suggestions and petition under advisement; however, he didn't want to create an expectation that the City is going to be able to meet what really is a reasonable demand due to the other competing demands particularly for capital dollars as well as operating dollars.

(h) Julie Crenshaw, 816 Queen Street, spoke to the City Attorney's discussion of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge project which took place at Council's Retreat. She addressed the Eisenhower access with a ten-lane bridge. She noted that there will be a meeting at the Design Center on Monday, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. where there will be the display of ten-lane designs. She stated that the Coalition for a Sensible Bridge has said in the 14 points that were given to the Design Center that we do not want to see any additional interchanges east of 210 nor west of Route 1 excepting what you might do for the Eisenhower access. She suggested that someone ask them to include what would happen for an Eisenhower ramp with a ten-lane bridge. She also suggested that someone look at the ability for there to be an Eisenhower access with a tunnel. In addition, she spoke against an urban deck.

(i) John Chapman Gager spoke.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

New Business Item No. 2: Councilman Cleveland spoke to the ARHA Commissioners' total failure to properly, fairly and expeditiously handle the disposition of the Samuel Madden homes. He spoke to the HUD letter dated November 12, 1999, to William Dearman.
OPENING (continued)

Vice Mayor Euille suggested that the City Council request the ARHA Commission to have a work session as soon as possible to talk about just where it is and what plans and responses it has to address this issue with respect to the HOPE VI funding; secondly, the repercussions if this project goes into receivership; and thirdly, in terms of what we are going to do to address the needs with regards to families that presently live in substandard conditions.

Council Member Rich stated that we need to do a special work session next week. In connection with such a meeting, he would like staff to give Council a report of, at least, the current history of the litigation.

City Manager Lawson noted that the ARHA Board is having a special meeting on Monday night and staff can explore having a work session which can be addressed by the Board at its meeting.

Mayor Donley expressed concern about this issue and the people who are living in the Berg in substandard housing. Mayor Donley stated that all parties need to be brought together to come up with a compromise or workable plan that can go forward.
* * * * *

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (3-10)

Planning Commission

Without objection, City Council removed docket item nos. 7, 8, and 10 from the Action Consent Calendar and considered them under separate motions.

3. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0048
1200 N QUAKER LA
EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL DORMITORY
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

4. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0059
4115 MT VERNON AV
PIZZA HUT
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0



REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

5. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0104
5400 EISENHOWER AV, UNITS C & D
CYBER MEDIA SERVICES
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

6. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0110
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

7. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0116
18 ROTH ST
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

8. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0047
6346 STEVENSON AV
STEVENSON TOWNES
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

9. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0115
201 HUME AV
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0







REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

10. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0119
3575 JEFFERSON DAVIS HY
POTOMAC YARD - HOYTS CINEMAS
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

END OF ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Action Consent Calendar with the exception of docket item nos. 7, 8, and 10, which were considered under separate motions. The recommendations are as follows:

3. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

4. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

5. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

6. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

7. City Council approved the withdrawal of this special use permit. (Separate Motion)

8. Staff was requested to look at enforcement mechanisms or other changes to the parking lot to reserve parking for Stevenson Park.

City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation and with the amendment to add a provision in condition #10 in the HOA that the residents are prohibited to park their vehicles in Stevenson Park. (Separate Motion)

9. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

10. Councilman Speck spoke, for the record, that because a year ago we approved the restaurant with alcoholic beverages, the applicant has indicated that he will not pursue that without coming back for a review before Council regardless of whether it's due or not just to make sure that we have carefully scrutinized everything that has taken place in the operation of the cinema. We want it to succeed but we also recognize that there have been some problems which seem to be improved considerably.







REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

J. Howard Middleton, attorney for the applicant, stated that they agree with this.

City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation. (Separate Motion)

END OF ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

At this point, City Council deferred docket item nos. 13, 14 and 15 to the Tuesday, November 23, 1999 Legislative Meeting.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

11. Public Hearing on the City of Alexandria, Virginia 1999 Annual Report. (#2(a) 9/18/99)

Marilyn Doherty, representing the League of Women Voters, spoke; a copy of her statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk.

There was considerable Council discussion on her testimony.

City Council closed the public hearing.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

12. Public Hearing on the Proposed City Legislative Package for the 2000 General Assembly Session. (#9 10/26/99)

Council Member Rich brought up the living wage issue. He suggested one way to address this is through an earned income tax credit. This is an alternative way to give families that are working some assistance.

There was Council discussion on this issue.

City Council closed the public hearing, and scheduled it for consideration at the December 14, 1999 Legislative Meeting, with the request that staff do some research and develop a response to some of the questions Council Member Rich asked regarding an earned income tax credit.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________









REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued) 13. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #99-0002
This is not a public hearing item. City Council closed the public hearing at its October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

City Council deferred this item to the November 23, 1999 Legislative Meeting.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

14. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #99-0009
REZONING #99-0009
5188 DAWES AV
This is not a public hearing item. City Council closed the public hearing at its October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

City Council deferred this item to the November 23, 1999 Legislative Meeting.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________














REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

15. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0088
5401 SEMINARY RD; 5188 DAWES AV
COCA-COLA
This is not a public hearing item. City Council closed the public hearing at its October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

City Council deferred this item to the November 23, 1999 Legislative Meeting.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

16. SUBDIVISION #99-0013
COMMISSION ACTION: Denied 6-0

City Council upheld the Planning Commission recommendation and denied the appeal.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

17. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0032
1217 FIRST ST
ALEXANDRIA AUTO REPAIR
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend revocation 7-0

City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________










REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

18. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0039
1300-1424 ROUNDHOUSE LA;
301-317 S PAYNE ST; 326-342 S WEST ST
OLD TOWN VILLAGE CONDOMINIUM
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

City Council deferred this item to the December 18, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

19. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0118
2922 DUKE ST
SKYHILL SHELL STATION
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend approval 7-0

City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation and with the amendment to delete condition #21.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

20. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code by revising the regulations governing the real estate tax exemptions and deferrals that are available to eligible elderly and disabled residents of the city. (#10 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council closed the public hearing and deferred Second Reading and Final Passage to the November 23, 1999 Legislative Meeting with a request that staff give Council an analysis of the recommendations that are being made by the Commission on Aging and the Commission on Persons with Disabilities from the standpoint of fiscal impact.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________







ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

21. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code by (a) proscribing certain conduct in city parks and city park areas where prohibited by official sign, (b) authorizing the city manager to post official signs prohibiting such conduct, (c) establishing rules for the location and adequacy of such signs and (d) providing for the imposition of criminal penalties upon persons engaging in the prohibited conduct. (#11 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4081
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

22. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to provide for the relocation of the absentee ballot precinct to 132 North Royal Street. (#12 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4082
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

23. Public Hearing, Second reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code by changing the street name of Nottingham Drive, which is located within the Mark Center development, to Mark Center Drive. (#13 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4083
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

24. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to vacate a portion of the public street right-of-way of Jamieson Avenue that is adjacent to the rear of the property with frontage at 1460 Duke Street. (#22(b) 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4084
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

25. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to vacate a portion of the public right-of-way of Hooff's Run that is immediately adjacent to the property at 1460 Duke Street. (#23(b) 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4085
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________








ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

26. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the King Street/Eisenhower Avenue Small Area Plan Chapter of the 1992 Master Plan by changing the land use designation of the property at 1460 Duke Street, and of the vacated portions of the public rights-of-way of Hooff's Run and Jamieson Avenue accomplished by Vacations 99-0004 and 99-0005, from OCM-100/Office Commercial Medium and CDD #1-Coordinated Development District, to OCH/Office Commercial High. (#14 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4086
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

27. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city zoning ordinance to rezone the property at 1460 Duke Street, and the vacated portions of the public rights-of-way of Hooff's Run and Jamieson Avenue accomplished by Vacations 99-0004 and 99-0005, from OCM-100/Medium and CDD #1-Coordinated Development District, to OCH/Office Commercial High, with proffers. (#15 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4087
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

28. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the Braddock Road Metro Station Small Area Plan Chapter of the 1992 Master Plan by changing the land use designation of the property at 300 North Henry Street from CL/Commercial Low to RM/Residential Medium. (#16 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4088
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

29. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city zoning ordinance to rezone the property at 300 North Henry Street from CL/Commercial Low to RB/Townhouse Zone. (#17 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4089
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

30. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public sidewalk right-of-way at 346 Commerce Street and 1447 Duke Street for entrance steps, a wheelchair lift and an areaway. (#18 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4090
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

31. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public alley right-of-way behind the property at 3100-3102 Commonwealth Avenue, for additional parking, a dumpster and a fence. (#19 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4091
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

32. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to vacate a portion of the public street right-of-way between Slater's Lane and West Abingdon Drive, adjacent to the property at 1420 West Abingdon Drive. (#20 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4092
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

33. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to amend the City Code by adopting, with certain revisions, the 1999 Model Food Code, issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Public Health Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , as the Food Code for the City of Alexandria. (#21 11/9/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

Rob Pritchett was requested to come back with an amendment to the ordinance modifying the effective date in the event that the FDA has not approved the Food Advisory Criteria by May 13, 2000.

City Council finally passed the ordinance on its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4093
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR (34-38)

Planning Commission (continued)

34. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0058
4116 WHEELER AV
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred 7-0









REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

35. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0083
3600 JEFFERSON DAVIS HY
ALEXANDRIA IMPORTS & LEASING
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred 7-0

36. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0109
711 KING ST
AROMID ITALIA RESTAURANT
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred (notice)

37. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0114
117 KING ST
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred (notice)

38. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #99-0121
4825-A EISENHOWER AV
EISENHOWER CAFE
COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred (notice)

END OF DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Without Objection, City Council noted the deferrals.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________










New Business Item No. 3: Council Member Rich spoke to the naming of the new west end school. He initially had supported Councilman Speck's suggestion that it be named after Armistead Boothe; however, this week there was an article in the paper indicating that the School Board had a process in which it came up with a list of recommended names. Armistead Boothe was not number one at the top of that list, but he was number two. At the top of the list was Samuel Tucker. Mr. Tucker was a civil rights activist who initiated litigation against the City in the mid-to-late thirties to allow African-Americans to go to our public libraries. He also challenged the practice of excluding blacks from juries in criminal cases and there is a whole list of other things that he did in the interest of civil rights. Council Member Rich stated that he hates changing his mind, but having heard the other name suggested, he wanted to go on record saying that the School Board should accept the top recommendation. Mr. Tucker's risks were not to his political career but they were to his livelihood, his family and possibly his life, and he thought that is something that should be taken into account when we try to identify our heroes for naming our buildings and giving honor. He indicated that he certainly thinks that Armistead Boothe should have something significant in this City named after him, but under all of the circumstances and given the whole history of this City, he thinks that the naming of the new school for Mr. Tucker would be totally appropriate.

Councilman Speck stated that he suggested to the chair of the School Board that both as a time-saver for the future and as well as a recognition of the extraordinary contributions of both people, that whichever of the two is not selected for this school that the School Board make the decision at that time that the next school facility be named for that person. So, not only is there a recognition of both people and their great contributions to the City and to the cause of civil rights, but it also saves some time and controversy for the future.

Vice Mayor Euille spoke to the movie that was filmed in the City regarding Samuel Tucker.

Members of Council participated in the discussion.
* * * * *

The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

This docket is subject to change.

* * * * *

Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council. Meeting materials are also available on-line at https://alexandriava.gov/council.
* * * * *

Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500 (TTY/TDD 838-5056). We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.
* * * * *