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Special Meeting
Wednesday, October 13, 1999 - - 7:30 p.m.
[In lieu of the Regular Meeting of October 12, 1999]

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Present: Mayor Kerry J. Donley, Vice Mayor William D. Euille, Members of Council William C. Cleveland, Redella S. Pepper, 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; Mrs. Godwin, Director of Management and Budget; Ms. Steele, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Ransom, Special Assistant to the City Manager for Human Relations; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Ms. Plemmer, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Mr. Sudduth, Director of Personnel Services; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Mr. Jinks, Director of Financial and Information Services; Mr. Ruller, Acting Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Ms. O'Regan, Director of Human Services; Dr. Konigsberg, Director of Health; Fire Chief Hawkins; and Lieutenant Butler, Police Department.

Recorded by: Mrs. Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.
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The City Council attended the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities Reception at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2000.

OPENING

The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of the City Council were present with Councilman Speck arriving at 7:40 p.m.

(It was noted that a Notice of this Special Meeting had been previously served upon each Member of Council pursuant to a provision of the City Charter, a copy of the Notice certified by each Member of Council being on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council.)

The Invocation was pronounced by Councilman Cleveland.










3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Vice Mayor Euille and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 28, 1999, as submitted. The voting was as follows:

Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck not yet arrived

4. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council received the Report of the City Clerk dated October 5, 1999, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference. The voting was as follows:

Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck not yet arrived
Walker "aye"

5. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of October 1999 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 15 as Mammography Day.

(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; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Speck arrived at 7:40 p.m.

Council Member Walker presented the proclamation.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Vice Mayor Euille and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

Walker "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"

6. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of October 1999 as Disability Employment Awareness Month.

(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; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Mayor Donley presented the proclamation.





WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"

7. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of October 1999 as Virginia Archaeology 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. 7; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Pepper presented the proclamation.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (8 - 13)(15 - 21)

WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council withdrew docket item nos. 12, 13 and 17 from the Consent Calendar and considered them under separate motions.

8. Receipt of the Following Resignations From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
Melvin J. Nichols

(b) Alexandria Youth Policy Commission
JoAnn Roosa

(A copy of each 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 Nos. 8 (a-b); 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)









9. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Ad Hoc Alexandria Year 2000 Census Complete Count Committee
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Commission for Women

(b) Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Seaport Foundation

1 Member Representing the Fine Arts

(c) Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Committee
1 Representative From Law Enforcement Personnel

(d) Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
1 Non-Health Professional Member

(e) Alexandria Sister Cities Committee
1 Citizen Member

(f) Alexandria Youth Policy Commission
1 Citizen 18 Years of Age or Younger

(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 Nos. 9 (a-f); 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

10. Receipt of the Fiscal Year 1999 Annual Report of the Landlord-Tenant Relations Board.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 1, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

11. Consideration of the Purchase of an Elephant Vac for Use by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 30, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

12. Receipt of the Listing of Delinquent Real Estate Taxes.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 1, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)






13. Consideration of Report on the Community Partnership Fund for Human Services Recommended Priorities for the FY 2001 Competitive Grant Cycle.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 29, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

15. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the Alexandria City Code by establishing a spot blight abatement program, under which the city may designate certain properties in Alexandria as “blighted” and thereafter, absent satisfactory efforts by the owners of the properties to eliminate the blighting conditions, to acquire and/or repair the properties and to collect from the owners the costs the city incurs in undertaking these actions.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 6, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 15; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 15; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

16. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the Alexandria City Code (1) to change the name of the Mt. Vernon School Election District to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Election District, and establish the voting place or this district at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, and (2) to change the name of the Fire Station 58 Election District to the Charles E. Beatley, Jr., Central Library Election District, and establish the voting place for this district at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr., Central Library, 5005 Duke Street.

(A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 16; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)





18. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the Alexandria Zoning Ordinance by revising the regulations applicable within Coordinated Development District No. 10, Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens, in accordance with the text amendment approved by City Council on September 8, 1999.

(A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 18; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

19. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the Alexandria Zoning Ordinance by revising the definition of convenience stores.

(A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 19; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an existing fence to encroach into the public alley right-of-way adjacent to the properties at 206 West Monroe Avenue and 1509 Stonewall Road, in the City of Alexandria.

(A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 20; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)











21. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE making provision for the support of the government of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and for the payment of municipal expenditures by providing supplemental appropriations of amounts required to defray certain expenditures and liabilities of the city for fiscal year 2000, which began on the first day of July 1999 and ends on the thirtieth day of June 2000.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 10, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 21; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 21; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Vice Mayor Euille and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of docket item nos. 12, 13 and 17 which were considered under separate motions. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:

8. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Melvin J. Nichols from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors and (b) JoAnn Roosa from the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission; and requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.

9. City Council (a) appointed Christine Messina-Boyer as a Member nominated by the Alexandria Commission for Women to the Ad Hoc Alexandria Year 2000 Census Complete Count Committee; (b) reappointed Robert C. Yakeley as a Member designated by the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, and Gail Gregory as a Member representing the Fine Arts to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission; (c) appointed Joseph Hilleary as a Representative from Law Enforcement Personnel to the Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Committee; (d) reappointed Michael Gemmell as a Non-Health Professional Member to the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission; (e) appointed Bruce Baky as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee; and (f) appointed Samuel Dingman as a Citizen 18 Years of Age or Younger to the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission.

10. City Council received the report.




11. City Council authorized the allocation of up to $25,000 in non-federal Office of Housing monies for the purchase of a litter vacuum to be owned and maintained by the City but reserved for exclusive use by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA).

15. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for public hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

16. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for public hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

18. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for public hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

19. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for public hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

20. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for public hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

21. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for public hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"

12. Receipt of the Listing of Delinquent Real Estate Taxes.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 1, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Vice Mayor Euille encouraged those citizens on the delinquent real estate tax list to pay their real estate taxes promptly if they do not wish to have their names listed in the newspaper as being delinquent. He indicated that our Finance Department aggressively pursues all of the delinquent taxpayers.

Mayor Donley congratulated the Finance Department staff for its collection efforts.



WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council received the listing of delinquent 1994 through 1998 real estate taxes and authorized the list of 1998 delinquencies, less any payments received prior to publication, tax exemption appeals or real estate tax adjustments, to be published once in a newspaper having general circulation in the City. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"

13. Consideration of Report on the Community Partnership Fund for Human Services Recommended Priorities for the FY 2001 Competitive Grant Cycle.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 29, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Vice Mayor Euille noted that we have not received official comments from the Youth Policy Commission, and questioned staff whether or not it has received the Commission's comments and/or are they forthcoming. He spoke to the YouthMapping project that took place over the summer and was certain that it should be incorporated as part of the report and recommendation for citizen input and discussion.

City Manager Lawson stated that staff will certainly do that and report back to Council with a report on the inclusion of the items on which the Vice Mayor spoke.

Mayor Donley spoke to the YouthMapping report and indicated that it probably will be before the Youth Policy Commission at its next meeting. He stated that the goals that are talked about in the docket item are sufficiently broad enough to encompass anything that would come forward from the Youth Policy Commission, particularly anything related to the results of the YouthMapping project.

Vice Mayor Euille commented that an area that needs to be expanded upon is the English as a Second Language (ESL) initiative. He expressed concern that we need to be doing more in the area of the elderly population, job training, and the urgent need to insure that the computer technology training and services, etc. are made available across the board to all of our citizens. Vice Mayor Euille noted that he does not see enough emphasis in the overall prevention throughout the City through all of our programs, particularly those that affect health initiatives. He stated that he is eagerly awaiting public comment in regard to citizen concern about various programs and objectives with the opportunity, hopefully, to incorporate many of the concerns and his before we formally adopt the program format for FY2001.






Mayor Donley stated that we need to work with the Hispanic community, primarily in Arlandria and the West End, to consider outreach to help determine immigration status to get proper documentation which will aid in employment and a lot of other eligibility for City services and the like. He indicated that he doesn't want us to add things that are so specific that it potentially precludes application from a worthy program as well.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council docketed for public hearing on Saturday, October 16, the FY2001 priorities for the Community Partnership Fund, including the community input on priorities received this summer and staff's recommendations on priorities. Final Action on the FY 2001 priorities will be at Council's Tuesday, October 26 legislative meeting. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"

17. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the 1992 Master Plan of the City of Alexandria by revising the plan's Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens Small Area Plan Chapter, in accordance with the chapter changes approved by City Council on September 8, 1999.

(A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 17; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Council Member Walker wanted to make sure that light rail not be precluded by development and wanted it noted in the ordinance. The City Attorney will bring back amendment for Saturday.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on First Reading; set it for public hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, October 16, 1999 Public Hearing Meeting. The voting was as follows:

Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"






REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

14. Consideration of Additional City Comments on the 2020 Transportation Plan.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 6, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Pepper spoke to the expanded DASH parking. She indicated that she sees DASH being locked in if we cannot find enough parking spaces for our buses. She stated that she felt that it is urgent that we acquire additional land because of the fact that we are going to have expanding needs and it's not just everywhere you can locate something like a bus terminal or a bus parking lot. Councilwoman Pepper noted that there is some kind of evaluation going on and she would hope that can be completed in a speedy fashion.

WHEREUPON, a motion was made by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland that City Council adopt the resolution endorsing the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation plan with the following proposed amendment: Add the straightening of the Monroe Street Bridge and the proposed spine road that is included in the approved plans for Potomac Yard to the list of transportation projects included in the 2020 Transportation Plan.

Mayor Donley offered a friendly amendment to add a fifth WHEREAS clause to read: WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria concurs with the increased emphasis on mass transit and transit investment found in the 2020 Transportation Plan; which amendment was accepted by the maker and seconder.

THEREUPON, Council returned to the main motion made by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried on a unanimous ROLL-CALL vote, City Council adopted the resolution endorsing the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation plan with the following proposed amendment: Add the straightening of the Monroe Street Bridge and the proposed spine road that is included in the approved plans for Potomac Yard to the list of transportation projects included in the 2020 Transportation Plan, and included the following amendment which was proposed by Mayor Donley: adding a fifth WHEREAS
clause to read: WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria concurs with the increased emphasis on mass transit and transit investment found in the 2020 Transportation Plan. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 1936

WHEREAS, the Transportation Coordinating Council (TCC) has developed a draft Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation Plan and has asked local jurisdictions in Northern Virginia to endorse the plan; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution 434 which requested the Transportation Coordinating Council to identify certain transportation projects in Northern Virginia and recommend funding strategies; and

WHEREAS, the proposed 2020 Transportation Plan provides an unprecedented balance between highway and transit projects; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria held a Council Work Session on September 14, 1999, and a Public Forum on September 21, 1999, on the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation Plan and identified several necessary amendments to the plan; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria concurs with the increased emphasis on mass transit and transit investment found in the 2020 Transportation Plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, does hereby endorse the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation Plan, with the following necessary amendments:

1. Add the straightening of the Monroe Street Bridge to the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation Plan.

2. Add the spine road at Potomac Yard to the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation Plan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Alexandria City Council does hereby direct City staff to initiate appropriate amendments to the CLRP and the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program.
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REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilman Cleveland spoke to the recent letter from the Virginia-American Water Company indicating that it is going to the State Corporation Commission to ask for a rate increase. He stated that this Council should stand firm in doing whatever it needs to do to try to stop this rate increase. He indicated that he is willing to go down to Richmond and testify before the Commission in opposition to this increase; a copy of the letter is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Oral (a).

Mayor Donley agreed with his comments. The Mayor requested that staff take a look at the financial elements which are largely the essential elements of the application, and that they prepare an official City response for Council to consider within the time schedule of the hearing before the State Corporation Commission.





Vice Mayor Euille agreed with Councilman Cleveland's concern. He stated that it is a little bit broader than just the rates increasing. Vice Mayor Euille expressed concern about the City's infrastructure and the need to address the issues of upgrading the infrastructure and the rate increase as one package.

Council Member Walker requested staff to ask adjoining jurisdictions for their support in addressing this issue.

City Manager Lawson spoke to this issue, and indicated that we should have staff and a Council representative testify before the State Corporation Commission strongly opposing the rate increase.

(b) Councilman Cleveland requested that the Environmental Policy Commission's resolution regarding telecommuting be included in the City's legislative package; a copy of the resolution is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Oral (b).

(c) Councilman Cleveland spoke to a letter Council received from the Virginia Department of Transportation regarding the King Street Bridge Replacement and the widening of King Street. He also spoke to the Braddock Road construction which is taking too long to complete the widening of the railroad bridge; a copy of the letter is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Oral (c).

Mayor Donley stated that we need to insist that the improvements with the King Street Metro Station should coincide with this so that it's all done at once and is coordinated. He indicated that he has requested the City Manager to schedule a meeting which will be held on October 26, with representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and representatives of Joy Construction with respect to the Braddock Road project. He spoke to the complaints about delays, traffic congestion and the inappropriate behavior of the workers at this site. Mayor Donley reported that he will provide a summary report to Council after the meeting on October 26.

Councilman Speck stated that, with all of the logistic problems that are associated with moving the tracks temporarily and with all of the difficulties that will take place during the period of construction, this should be a noticeable and notable improvement and not just marginal widening. He indicated that we want the project to be more efficient, but we also want it to be a project that dramatically improves that intersection and the plans as currently suggested do not.

Council Member Walker spoke to our relationship and control over the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Councilman Cleveland noted that they were asking for comments by October 17, and he sent out a letter to the Taylor Run Civic Association, Rosemont Citizens Association and the Eisenhower Civic Association for their comments.

Vice Mayor Euille requested, with all of the construction in the King Street Metro corridor and the work at Braddock Road Metro station, staff needs to better coordinate the milling and asphalt paving so that it does not bottleneck the City. He spoke to the recent paving of Monroe Avenue from Mount Vernon to Jefferson Davis Highway which stalled traffic.

(d) Councilwoman Pepper spoke to today's groundbreaking for the AMC twenty-four-screen megaplex theater at the Hoffman property on Eisenhower Avenue.

(e) Councilwoman Pepper announced that on Thursday that Mayor Donley will be receiving the Community Builder's Award from the Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22.

(f) Council Member Rich spoke to his family moving to Del Ray. He disclosed that he is planning on doing a significant amount of work on the house before moving in and he will be seeking a variance from the City and will be making an application with the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(g) Vice Mayor Euille reported that he is the 1999 United Way Campaign Chair and encouraged the community's participation.

(h) Mayor Donley announced that on Friday, October 8, 1999, the Mark Winkler Company unveiled the Mark Winkler Botanical Preserve and the Catherine Lodge named in the honor of Catherine Winkler Herman. He noted that this was an incredible event and certainly was a symbol of their generosity to the City. He spoke to the video that summarized what's in the preserve, its programs, how it was created, where it exists in an urban environment. He requested staff to extend an invitation to the Winklers to make a presentation to the Environmental Policy Commission and also go ahead and show that video to the Commission. Mayor Donley encouraged them to take it out to civic associations as this is a preserve for the entire City. Civic associations and groups and business groups all over the City could certainly benefit from seeing the video presentation.

Mayor Donley announced that we are going to try to hold the Council Retreat at Catherine Lodge on the Winkler Botanical Preserve.

(i) Mayor Donley congratulated City Manager Lawson who has been named as one of this year's ten honorees of the Fifth Annual Toyota Tribute to Working Women Awards.

(j) Mayor Donley asked the City Manager to report on the City employees who have volunteered to go to assist the community of Franklin, Virginia, which has been devastated by Hurricane Floyd, and requested that they be recognized at a future Council Meeting.
* * * * *

OTHER

22. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 6, 1999, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

(General Discussion. Members of Council discussed the December 18 ceremony recognizing the transfer to the City of the title to the Commonwealth Atlantic Properties parcel at Union Station.)

WHEREUPON, a motion was made by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland to defer this item [pertaining to ceremony recognizing the transfer to the City of the title to the Commonwealth Atlantic Properties parcel at Union Station] noting that we will keep in the back of our minds the fact that we may be wanting to use December 18 for exactly this purpose; which motion FAILED by a vote of 3 ayes to 4 nays. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Euille "no"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "no" Speck "no"
Walker "no"

THEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried on a vote of 6-to-1, City Council approved the City Council schedule and (1) scheduled a work session with the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership during Council's public hearing on Saturday, November 13, during the lunch break, as requested by Councilman Speck; (2) added to the Council Calendar the Wednesday, November 10, Student Forum on Race and Culture, planned as part of the City's Call to Community initiative at 10 a.m. at the Episcopal High School Field House. Participants will include a panel of students representing the Alexandria Public Schools, St. Stephens and St. Agnes, Bishop Ireton and Episcopal High Schools; (3) tentatively scheduled the ceremony recognizing the transfer to the City of the title to the Commonwealth Atlantic Properties parcel at Union Station for Saturday, December 18, the date of Council's public hearing meeting, pending a report from the City Attorney (staff will return with the time of the ceremony when the plans have been finalized); (4) scheduled a special meeting of City Council at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, in order to have an executive session on personnel matters for a briefing by the City's consultant, DMG Maximus, on the status of the recruitment for the City Manager position, as requested by Mayor Donley; and (5) added to the Council Calendar Alexandria Earth Day on Sunday, May 21, 2000, from noon to 4:00 p.m., at Four Mile Run Park. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland "no"
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
















CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

23. Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission

1 Resident of the City of Alexandria

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Diane Cabe

Christine Wilkerson

Michael Wilkosz*

*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. 23; 10/13/99, 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 Michael Wilkosz as a Resident of the City of Alexandria to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Wilkosz
Euille - Wilkosz
Cleveland - Wilkosz
Pepper - Wilkosz
Rich - Wilkosz
Speck - Wilkosz
Walker - Wilkosz
* * * * *

24. Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board
1 Citizen Member

(The following persons volunteered for appointment or were recommended to the above Board:)

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Mark Baran

Roland Conwell

Mary Shilton Linda Eichenbaum, Chief, Adult Probation and Parole Officer, Chair, ACCJB
* * * * *

(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. 24; 10/13/99, 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 Mark Baran as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Baran
Euille - Baran
Cleveland - Shilton
Pepper - Baran
Rich - Shilton
Speck - Shilton
Walker - Baran
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25. Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
1 Restaurant Owner/Manager Representative

(The following person volunteered for appointment to the above Board of Governors:)

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Patrick Gaffney*

*Residency Waiver Required
* * * * *

(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. 25; 10/13/99, 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 appointed Patrick Gaffney as a Restaurant Owner/Manager Representative to the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association Board of Governors. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Gaffney
Euille - Gaffney
Cleveland - Gaffney
Pepper - Gaffney
Rich - Gaffney
Speck - Gaffney
Walker - Gaffney
* * * * *



26. Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
1 Citizen Member (#33 9/14/99)

(The following persons volunteered or were recommended for appointment to the above Board of Commissioners:)

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Robert Bragaw

Susan Brita The Old Town Civic Association

Patricia Miller

Carlyle Ring Michael J. Demeo, President, Shad Row Homeowners Association

Joyce Woodson* Victor M. Glasberg
Everett A. Lewis, Interim President, Alexandria Branch of the NAACP
Curtis L. Wagner, Jr.
Ladrey High-Rise Advisory Board and Residents
Tenants' and Workers' Support Committee
Doris J. Spencer
George H. Lambert, Jr., Chief, Executive Officer, Northern Virginia Urban League
Alexandria Commission On Persons With Disabilities
Ardith E. Collins
Eugene R. Thompson
Johnnie L. Abram

*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. 26; 10/13/99, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

WITHOUT OBJECTION, the following persons spoke on this item:

Thomas Jones, 43 South Bragg Street, representing residents of public housing, spoke in support of reappointing Ms. Woodson;

Joyce Woodson, incumbent, thanked those who have shown their support for her;

Romona Hatten, 4652 Kirkpatrick Lane, spoke in support of reappointing Ms. Woodson; and


Michael J. Demeo, 542 North Saint Asaph Street, president, Shad Row Homeowners Association, spoke in support of appointing Connie Ring; a copy of Mr. Demeo's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of this item.

Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council appointed Carlyle Ring as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Ring
Euille - Woodson
Cleveland - Woodson
Pepper - Ring
Rich - Ring
Speck - Ring
Walker - Woodson
* * * * *

27. Alexandria Waterfront Committee
1 Representative From the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

(The following person volunteered or were recommended for appointment to the above Committee:)

NAME ENDORSED BY:

James Boatner*
(Residency Waiver Required) Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

*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. 27; 10/13/99, 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 James Boatner as a Representative from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to the Alexandria Waterfront Committee. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Boatner
Euille - Boatner
Cleveland - Boatner
Pepper - Boatner
Rich - Boatner
Speck - Boatner
Walker - Boatner
* * * * *

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, at 9:25 p.m., the Special Meeting of Wednesday, October 13, 1999, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
* * * * *

APPROVED BY:




__________________________________________
KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR



ATTEST:




_____________________________________________
Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk






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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