Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting (12/12/2000)

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 12, 2000 - - 7:30 p.m.

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Present: Mayor Kerry J. Donley, Vice Mayor William C. Cleveland, Members of Council Claire M. Eberwein, William D. Euille, Redella S. Pepper, David G. Speck, and Joyce Woodson.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Mr. Sunderland, City Manager; Mr. Pessoa, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Assistant City Manager; Mrs. Godwin, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Jinks, Assistant City Manager; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Mr. Baier, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Ms. Ross, Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning; Mr. Cox, Urban Planner; Mr. Mandley, Director of General Services; Fire Chief Hawkins; City Engineer Baker; Ms. Whitmore, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. O'Regan, Director of Human Services; Ms. Steele, Special Projects Coordinator; Ms. Barnett, Deputy Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Mr. Ransom, Special Assistant to the City Manager for Human Relations; Mr. Skrabak, Chief, Environmental Health; Director of Human Rights Niebauer; Police Chief Samarra; Director of Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association Mitchell; and Lieutenant Butler, Police Department.

Recorded by: Mrs. Beverly I. Jett, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.

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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 Tyrone Queen, Pastor, Oakland Baptist Church.

3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meetings of City Council:

(a) The Public Hearing Meeting of Saturday, November 18, 2000; and

(b) The Regular Meeting of Tuesday, November 28, 2000.

(A copy of the City Clerk's memorandum dated December 4, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item Nos. 3 (a-b); 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council deferred the Minutes for (a) the Public Hearing of Saturday, November 18, 2000; and (b) the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, November 28, 2000, to the Regular Meeting of January 9, 2001. The voting was as follows:

Cleveland "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

4. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council received the Report of the City Clerk dated December 6, 2000, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference. The voting was as follows:

Cleveland "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

5. Presentation of Proclamation Announcing the First Graduates of the "Fun Siders Tourism Program."

(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; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Speck presented the proclamation.

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

Speck "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Pepper "aye"
Woodson "aye"

Without Objection, City Council considered docket item no. 33 at this time.

33. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of December as Human Rights 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. 33; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Mayor Donley presented the proclamation.

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

Cleveland "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Woodson "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Pepper "aye"
Speck "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (6-11) (18-22)

Without objection, City Council removed docket item nos. 10, 19 and 22 from the Consent Calendar and considered them under separate motions.

6. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee
3 Citizen Members

(b) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
2 Citizen Members

(c) Alexandria Beautification Commission
3 Citizen Members

(d) Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS
1 Member From and Representing the City of Alexandria Public Schools

(e) Alexandria Community Services Board
1 Consumer

(f) Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission
1 Representative of State Senator Patricia S. Ticer

(g) Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council
1 Citizen Member

1 Emergency Rescue Technician Selected From Among
the City’s Emergency Rescue Technicians

(h) Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Member From the Field of Engineering

(i) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Member-at-Large From Planning District II

1 Member-at-Large From Planning District III

(j) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Parent Member

(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. 6; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

7. Consideration of Submission of a Grant Application by the Office of The Commonwealth's Attorney to the U.S. Department of Justice to Fund a Cooperative Community Outreach Program for Criminal Prosecution and Crime Prevention.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 5, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

8. Consideration of Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Five-Year License Agreement with L.A. Yachts, Inc., for Use of Commercial Berth 5 at the City Marina.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 5, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

9. Receipt of Report on the Composition of the Old Town North Urban Design Advisory Committee.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 21, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

11. VACATION #2000-0007 -- 930 S ST ASAPH STREET -- Receipt of Viewers' Report for a request for vacation of a portion of a public alley and street right-of-way; zoned RM/Residential. Applicant: Michael Wheeler. (#9 11/18/00)

(A copy of the Viewers' Report dated November 29, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 12/12/00, 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 add a new Section 4-2-25, and to amend Section 11-5-8, of the City Code to authorize new construction inspectors and existing structures inspectors within the Code Enforcement Bureau to enforce the parking regulations applicable to fire lanes and fire hydrants, and the noise control regulations applicable to construction activities.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 12/12/00, 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. 18; 12/12/00, 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. 18; 12/12/00, 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 amend Section 2-143 of the Zoning Ordinance, to include within the definition of "family" only those group homes licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services, which comply with Alexandria Community Services Board Policy No. 13.

(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; 12/12/00, 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; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

21. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance authorizing the City of Alexandria to become a member of and participate in the "Virginia Governmental Electricity Purchasing Association."

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 6, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21; 12/12/00, 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; 12/12/00, 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; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of docket item nos. 10, 19, and 22 which were considered under separate motions. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:

6. City Council (a) reappointed Mark Delligatti and Warren Master and appointed Laura Ferraro as Citizen Members to the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee; (b) appointed Marilynne Black and Lela Harris as Citizen Members to the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (c) reappointed Jennifer Hollings and Marie Johnston and appointed Greta Stovall as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Beautification Commission; (d) appointed Dennis Burstein as a Member From and Representing the City of Alexandria Public Schools to the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS; (e) appointed James Gladden as a Consumer to the Alexandria Community Services Board; (f) appointed Cecelia Godfrey as a Representative of State Senator Patricia S. Ticer to the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission; (g) appointed Jeffrey Hickman as a Citizen Member and Jack Kump as an Emergency Rescue Technician Selected From Among the City's Emergency Rescue Technicians to the Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council; (h) reappointed Michele Coulaloglou as a Member from the Field of Engineering to the Alexandria Environmental Policy

Commission; (i) appointed Marvin Heinze as a Member-at-Large from Planning District II and Bernard Schulz as a Member-at-Large from Planning District III to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; and (j) appointed Susan Rutherford as a Parent Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.

7. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice in the amount of $200,000 to fund a cooperative community outreach program for crime prevention and criminal prosecution to be administered by the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney; (2) approve the implementation of two grant-funded positions (one Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney II and one Crime/Outreach Prevention Specialist). These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant, and the individuals who are to fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment. It should be noted that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds are expended; and (3) execute all necessary documents that may be required.

8. City Council approved and authorized the City Manager to execute a five-year license agreement with L.A. Yachts, Inc., in substantially the form presented to Council, allowing it to berth the Potomac Belle, a 59-foot coastal cruiser, in Commercial Berth 5 at the City Marina, for the purpose of providing charter boat service along the Potomac River. The execution of the license agreement by the City Manager shall constitute conclusive evidence of his approval, and that of the City Attorney, of any and all changes from the license agreement, in the form presented to Council.

9. City Council received the report.

11. City Council received the viewers' report. The City Attorney will prepare the necessary ordinance.

18. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 16, 2000.

20. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 16, 2000.

21. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 16, 2000.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

The voting was as follows:

Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Euille "aye"
Woodson "aye"

10. Consideration of City Council Authorization of Recommended Capital Project Allocations and Planned Expenditures.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 8, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Eberwein directed questions to Director of General Services Mandley with respect to funding.

Mr. Mandley will report back to Council.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Speck and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) authorized the capital project allocations and planned expenditures for the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter as detailed in the Capital Improvement Planned Expenditure Summary. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Speck "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Euille "aye"
Woodson "aye"

19. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to amend Section 10-4-6 of the City Code to characterize school buses as "commercial vehicles," the overnight parking of which is prohibited on residential streets.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 12, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 12/12/00, 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. 19; 12/12/00, 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. 19; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Euille asked questions with respect to enforcement and suggested that staff might want to communicate with our local businesses and residents that we have this law within the City.

City Manager Sunderland addressed his concerns.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 16, 2000. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

22. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance authorizing an exchange of land and easements with Dominion Virginia Power, in connection with the underground relocation of Virginia Power's 230KV transmission line between Jefferson Street and Glebe Road.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 8, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 12/12/00, 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. 22; 12/12/00, 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. 22; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Euille expressed his opposition to having any items on the consent calendar dealing with the sale and exchange of City property without it being brought to the public's attention as a formal docket item as opposed to being on the consent calendar.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 16, 2000. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

12. Consideration of Report on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project Plans for Jones Point Park and the Urban Deck. (#12 11/18/00; #15 10/24/00)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 20, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 8, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 12; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

Communications received on this item are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 12; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

City Council participated in a discussion on this item and directed questions to staff.

Staff will report back to Council prior to its consideration on Saturday.

(A copy of a draft verbatim transcript of the Council discussion on this item is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 4 of this item.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council deferred this item which is to be formalized and finalized at the Saturday, December 16, 2000 Public Hearing Meeting; closed the public hearing and will not take any more public testimony; and further, as a result of the ongoing negotiations that the Mayor and the City Manager will be having to further the Woodrow Wilson Bridge settlement, that the Mayor and City Manager also include a discussion relative to setting aside funds for maintenance of the Jones Point Park, that funds be obtained and/or designated for the Freedmen's Cemetery, and to further encourage the Park Service to concur with an agreement for the regulation and the use of the fields at Jones Point Park. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

13. Consideration of Citizen Traffic Issues and Concerns Presented in Response to Citywide Traffic Survey. (#14 11/18/00; #19 9/27/00; #22 6/27/00)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 22, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Speck questioned where staff was on reducing some of the 35 mph speed limits to 30 mph.

Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier responded to his concerns.

Mayor Donley noted that Arlington County has 30 mph speed limits posted in certain areas of the county. He suggested that staff might want to call Arlington to discuss this issue.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council approved, in concept and subject to future funding considerations, the actions staff propose to undertake to address those traffic concerns presented by citizens and citizen associations in response to the citywide traffic survey that have not yet been addressed (see Attachment 1 to the docket memorandum). Staff will return to Council soon after the beginning of the year, with an estimate of the costs to undertake these actions, and a plan for undertaking them. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

14. Consideration of Staff Recommendation for Slaters Lane Traffic Pattern.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 5, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

Communications received on this item are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 14; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) approved the existing four-lane two-way traffic pattern on Slaters Lane (Attachment 1 to the docket memorandum) as the future traffic pattern for this area, thereby eliminating the one-way pair loop that has been proposed; and (2) requested staff to return to Council with a recommendation for a final traffic, pedestrian, and open space plan for the Slaters Lane area, after considering the possibility of connecting Potomac Greens Drive with Portner Road. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

15. Consideration of Referral to the Planning Commission of a Text Amendment on a Coordinated Sign Program for Eisenhower Partnership. (Councilwoman Pepper)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 4, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Pepper provided an overview of this item.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council referred to the Planning Commission a text amendment making changes to the sign regulations in the zoning ordinance to accommodate a coordinated sign program for Eisenhower Avenue. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck out of room
Woodson "aye"

16. Receipt of the 2000 Comcast Cable Communications Inc. Annual Subscriber Survey Report

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2000, together with the survey report, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Vice Mayor Cleveland raised a problem that he has been having with respect to his long-distance telephone service.

Marie Schuler, representative from Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., addressed his concerns.

Councilwoman Woodson stated that the survey is too long and suggested that the two surveys could be rolled into one.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilwoman Eberwein and carried unanimously, City Council received the 2000 Annual Subscriber Survey Report from Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Eberwein "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

17. Receipt of the 2000 Annual Report and Plant Survey from Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council received the Comcast Cable Communications 2000 Annual Report (Attachment 1 to the docket memorandum) and Plant Survey (Attachment 2 to the docket memorandum). The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilwoman Woodson spoke to an article in the Gazette Packet featuring Pat Broussard who was the recipient of the "Cool Woman Award." She noted that Pat won $1000 for this award, and she donated the proceeds to Project Discovery.

(b) Councilman Euille provided Council with an overview of his attendance at the NLC Annual Conference. He noted that 15 youth delegates from T.C. Williams High School also attended and participated. Councilman Euille also noted that the outgoing NLC president's mission was "Undoing Racism" and that Coaches Boone and Yost addressed the delegates and received a standing ovation.

(c) Councilman Euille indicated that commencing on January 13, teen activities would be provided on Saturdays at the Chinquapin Recreation Center.

(d) Councilwoman Eberwein spoke to an article on Tech Hotels which appeared in the Sunday edition of The Washington Post. She requested that staff read the article and to report back whether changes would be needed in the Zoning Ordinance. Staff was asked to address the future of the AMC building on Eisenhower Avenue, and to tell Council what it needs to do to encourage this kind of use in the redevelopment of Eisenhower Valley.

(e) Councilman Speck requested information be placed on the City's web page with respect to seeking names of Alexandrians who were killed in Vietnam and who have not yet been listed for the Rocky Versace and Vietnam Veterans Plaza.

(f) Vice Mayor Cleveland asked staff when the public hearing on the RFP for the Visitors' Center will be held so that citizens can be notified? Staff will report back with a proposed date.

(g) Mayor Donley provided Council Members with a copy of a flyer from the Education Association of Alexandria announcing January 15, as a "Ride to Richmond for Fair School Funding."

(h) Mayor Donley gave Council Members a copy of the Washington Area Housing Partnership's manual on "Best Practices" pertaining to affordable housing. He noted that there is a regional conference on affordable housing on March 23.

(i) Without Objection, City Council authorized the Mayor to send a letter to Tom Boyd, Deputy Commissioner of Finance, Virginia Department of Transportation, urging expediting the sale of transportation bonds.

(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(i); 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

(j) Mayor Donley asked staff to provide Council with a report on the City's Snow Removal Program.

Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier provided the overview.

Members of Council made comments.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

23. Consideration of a Resolution for South Van Dorn Street Safety Improvements. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 5, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Pepper addressed the grade separation at Edsall Road and South Van Dorn Street.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilwoman Woodson and carried on a unanimous ROLL-CALL vote, City Council adopted the resolution from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) approving the major design features for the proposed safety improvements to South Van Dorn Street as presented at the September 28 public hearing, and requesting VDOT to acquire the necessary rights-of-way and convey such rights-of-way to the City at the appropriate time. The voting was as follows:

Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Woodson "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 1989

LOCATION AND DESIGN
PUBLIC HEARING APPROVAL

WHEREAS, a Location and Design Public Hearing was conducted on September 28, 2000, in the City of Alexandria by representatives of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Transportation after due and proper notice for the purpose of considering the proposed design of South Van Dorn Street Safety Improvements Project 0401-100-101, C-501 in the City of Alexandria, and at this hearing, aerial photographs, drawings, and other pertinent information were made available for public inspection in accordance with state and federal requirements; and

WHEREAS, all persons and parties in attendance were afforded full opportunity to participate in said public hearing; and

WHEREAS, representatives of the City of Alexandria were present and participated in said hearing; and

WHEREAS, the Council had previously requested the Virginia Department of Transportation to program this project; and

WHEREAS, the Council considered all such matters; now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Alexandria hereby approves the major design features of the proposed project as presented at the Public Hearing; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Alexandria requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to acquire all rights-of-way necessary for this project conveying said rights-of-way to the City at the appropriate time; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute, on behalf of the City of Alexandria, all necessary railroad and utility agreements required in conjunction with acquiring such rights-of-way.

* * * * *

24. Consideration of Resolution Appointing the Chief Animal Control Officer for the City. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 6, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried on a unanimous ROLL-CALL vote, City Council adopted the resolution. The voting was as follows:

Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Pepper "aye"
Woodson "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 1990

WHEREAS, city council is required by Virginia Code § 3.1-796.104 to appoint an officer to be known as the animal control officer who shall have the power to enforce chapter 27.4 of title 3.1 of the Virginia Code, which contains the comprehensive animal laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, all city ordinances enacted pursuant to chapter 27.4 of title 3.1 of the Virginia Code, and all other laws for the protection of domestic animals;

WHEREAS, city council is authorized by city charter § 2.04(p) to provide for the appointment of a dog warden who, in the enforcement of the dog laws of the city, shall have the powers of a state game warden, within the city only;

WHEREAS, city council, in Resolution No. 1950, adopted on February 22, 2000, appointed Tara Blot “acting chief animal control officer” to have the powers of an animal control officer under the Virginia Code and a dog warden under the city code;

WHEREAS, Mary Phelan has been hired as the executive director of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which has contracted to provide to the City of Alexandria animal shelter and animal control services; and

WHEREAS, city council has determined that it is necessary and desirable to appoint Mary Phelan as chief animal control officer for the City of Alexandria, in order that the animal laws of the city and the Commonwealth may be administered and enforced in a safe, professional and expedient manner;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA:

1. That the appointment of Tara Blot as acting chief animal control officer is hereby rescinded.

2. That, pursuant to Virginia Code § 3.1-796.104 and city charter § 2.04(p), Mary Phelan be, and hereby is, appointed as the chief animal control officer of the City of Alexandria, with all of the rights, privileges and powers pertaining thereto, including without limitation the power to enforce chapter 27.4 of title 3.1 of the Virginia Code, all city ordinances enacted pursuant to chapter 27.4 of title 3.1 of the Virginia Code and pursuant to § 2.04(p) of the city charter, and all other laws for the protection of domestic animals.

3. That the city manager be, and hereby is, authorized to rescind the appointment made by this resolution for any reason, with or without cause.

4. That the individual appointed as chief animal control officer by this resolution shall serve in her position until her resignation, the rescission of her appointment by city council, or the rescission of her appointment by the city manager, whichever shall first occur.

5. That this resolution shall become effective on December 12, 2000.

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OTHER

25. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2000, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 12/12/00, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Speck noted that he would be out of town on May 3, 2001, the scheduled budget adoption date. He asked if the date could be changed to Monday, May 7.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) rescheduled the work session with the Traffic and Parking Board that was originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, to Tuesday, January 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council workroom, before Council's regular legislative meeting; and (2) adopted the proposed Budget Calendar for the FY 2002 Budget, as amended: (a) Tuesday, March 13, Budget Presentation at the first City Council legislative meeting; (b) Wednesday, March 21, City Council work session at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom on the revenue overview, proposed FY 2002 revenues initiatives and other to-be-determined operating budget or capital improvement program topics; (c) Thursday, March 29, Joint Work Session with the City Council and the School Board, location to be determined jointly, at 7:30 p.m. on the Schools Capital Improvement Program and FY 2002 Operating Budget; (d) Tuesday, April 17, Public Hearing on the Proposed FY 2002 Operating Budget and FY 2002 - 2007 Capital Improvement Program in the Council Chamber from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; (e) Thursday, April 19, City Council Work Session at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom on to-be-determined operating budget or capital improvement program topics; (f) Wednesday, April 25, City Council Work Session at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee Report on the FY 2002 Budget, Public Requests, and Preliminary Add/Delete List; and (g) changed the Thursday, May 3, City Council Work Session at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Workroom for the Final Add/Delete Review, followed by Final Budget Adoption at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, to Monday, May 7. The voting was as follows:

Cleveland "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

26. Alexandria Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Brenda Heffernan

Douglas Meick

* * * * *

(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; 12/12/00, 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 Brenda Heffernan as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Heffernan
Cleveland - Meick
Eberwein - Heffernan
Euille - Meick
Pepper - Meick
Speck - Heffernan
Woodson - Heffernan

* * * * *

27. Alexandria Commission for the Arts
2 Members Who Have Expertise in the Arts, Either As Practitioners of Various Art Disciplines or As Professional Administrators Working in the Field

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Annmarie Pittman* Steven E. Shulman, Chair
Commission for the Arts
Mary Radnofsky

Donald Williams* Steven E. Shulman, Chair
Commission for the Arts

*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. 27; 12/12/00, 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 Annmarie Pittman and Donald Williams as Members Who Have Expertise in the Arts, Either as Practitioners of Various Art Disciplines or as Professional Administrators Working in the Field to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Pittman, Radnofsky
Cleveland - Pittman, Williams
Eberwein - Pittman, Williams
Euille - Pittman, Williams
Pepper - Pittman, Williams
Speck - Pittman, Williams
Woodson - Pittman, Williams

* * * * *

28. Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities
4 Citizen Members (Three of Whom Must Have A Disability)

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Chester Avery* Commission on Persons
(Identified a Disability) with Disabilities

Barbara Gilley* Commission on Persons
(Identified a Disability) with Disabilities

Geoffrey Hopkins
(Identified a Disability)
(Residency Waiver Required)

Jan Kachulis* Commission on Persons
(Identified a Disability) with Disabilities

Tom Sachs* Commission on Persons
with Disabilities

*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. 28; 12/12/00, 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 Chester Avery (Identified a Disability), Barbara Gilley (Identified a Disability), Jane Kachulis (Identified a Disability), and Tom Sachs as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Avery, Gilley, Kachulis, Sachs
Cleveland - Avery, Gilley, Kachulis, Sachs
Eberwein - Gilley, Hopkins, Kachulis, Sachs
Euille - Avery, Gilley, Kachulis, Sachs
Pepper - Avery, Gilley, Kachulis, Sachs
Speck - Avery, Gilley, Kachulis, Sachs
Woodson - Avery, Gilley, Kachulis, Sachs

* * * * *

29. Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Hunter McIntosh

Paula Potoczak*

Lloyd Ritter

Adrianna Ross

Christopher Venner

*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. 29; 12/12/00, 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 Paula Potoczak as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Ross
Cleveland - Potoczak
Eberwein - Potoczak
Euille - Potoczak
Pepper - Potoczak
Speck - Potoczak
Woodson - Potoczak

* * * * *

30. Northern Virginia Transportation Coordinating Council’s Citizens AdvisoryCommittee
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Sondra Martin

Donald Stanton Mark S. Feldheim, President
Old Town Civic Assn.

* * * * *

(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; 12/12/00, 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 Donald Stanton as a Citizen Member to the Northern Virginia Transportation Coordinating Council's Citizens Advisory Committee. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Stanton
Cleveland - Stanton
Eberwein - Stanton
Euille - Stanton
Pepper - Stanton
Speck - Stanton
Woodson - Martin

* * * * *

31. Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Valerie Ianieri

Susannah Washburn

* * * * *

(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; 12/12/00, 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 Susannah Washburn as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Washburn
Cleveland - Washburn
Eberwein - Washburn
Euille - Washburn
Pepper - Washburn
Speck - Washburn
Woodson - Washburn

* * * * *

32. Alexandria Urban Design Advisory Committee
1 Representative of the Old Town North Business Community

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Bruce Machanic*
(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. 32; 12/12/00, 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 Bruce Machanic as a Representative of the Old Town North Business Community to the Alexandria Urban Design Advisory Committee. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Machanic
Cleveland - Machanic
Eberwein - Machanic
Euille - Machanic
Pepper - Machanic
Speck - Machanic
Woodson - Machanic

* * * * *

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, at 9:42 p.m., the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, December 12, 2000, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:

Woodson "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Donley "aye" Pepper "aye"
Speck "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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