Action Docket for Regular Meeting (01/28/2003)

Office of the City Clerk
January 29, 2003

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - - 7:30 p.m.

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OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

Mayor Donley explained that Vice Mayor Cleveland was not here tonight due to his having to work, as a Capitol Police Officer, because of the State of the Union Address. The Mayor stated the Vice Mayor asked that Council consider deferring the BZA and Planning Commission appointments, and Council will consider those when they come up in the regular course of business.

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

2. Invocation -- Moment of Silence.

City Council observed a moment of silence and then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

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

(a) The Regular Meeting of January 14, 2003.

City Council approved the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of January 14, 2003, as submitted.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

4. Report of the City Clerk.

City Council received the report of the City Clerk.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

5. Recognition of Terrence Jennings, a T.C. Williams High School Junior, who is an International Taekwondo Champion.

Mayor Donley introduced Terrence Jennings who is a gold medalist and participated in an international taekwondo competition in Germany on behalf of the United States. The Mayor extended to him City Council's congratulations for his achievements, and wished him well in the future.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OPENING (continued)

6. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of February as George Washington Birthday Celebration Month in Alexandria.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

7. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of February 3-8, 2003, as National Consumer Protection Week in the City of Alexandria.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (8-13)

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

(a) Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission
Kimberley Moore

(b) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association
Board of Governors
Jeffrey Albert
Bruce Earle

(c) Alexandria Waterfront Committee
Stafford Farmer-Lee

9. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Citizen-at-Large

(b) Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board
1 Resident Member Who Is Not a Landlord or a Tenant

(c) Alexandria Sanitation Authority
1 Citizen Member

10. Receipt of the 2002 Annual Report from the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

11. Receipt of the City's Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2002.

12. Authorization of Recommended Capital Allocations and Planned Expenditures.

13. Consideration of Allocation of Funds for Professional Consulting Services for the Department of Planning and Zoning.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:

8. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Kimberley Moore from the Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission; (b) Jeffrey Albert and Bruce Earle from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors; and (c) Stafford Farmer-Lee from the Alexandria Waterfront Committee; 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) reappointed Cynthia Chambers as a Citizen-at-Large Member to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission; (b) reappointed Sylvia Brennan as a resident member who is not a landlord or a tenant to the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board; and (c) reappointed Elise Fulstone as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Sanitation Authority.

10. City Council received the Annual Report from the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission and thanked the Commission for its efforts on behalf of the City.

11. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending December 31, 2002.

12. City Council authorized the capital project allocations and planned expenditures for the capital projects as detailed in the Capital Improvement Expenditure Summary.

13. City Council approved the transfer of $50,000 in funds designated in contingent reserves to the Department of Planning and Zoning to complete ongoing planning initiatives.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

14. Consideration of the Taxicab Task Force Report. [#17 11/26/02]

Councilwoman Woodson requested that Council have a work session to discuss the Task Force report before holding the public hearing.

City Council deferred any action on the Taxicab Task Force Report and to hold a work session before Council schedules the matter for public hearing. This work session will take place on February 25, 2003, at 6:00 p.m.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

15. Consideration of the Annual Report of the Waste-to-Energy Trust Fund.

City Council received the report.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Mayor Donley described a new initiative of the Alexandria Adolescent Pregnancy Campaign to work collectively with the District of Columbia to provide training to parents who would train other parents to increase more meaningful adult participation with and to impart their values into their teenagers' lives. ACAP will be meeting with the Youth Policy Commission to get its support.

(b) Councilwoman Pepper, in her capacity representing the City on COG's Air Quality Committee, reported that the Federal Register states the final classification notice of the EPA, and the rating for this entire area was increased from serious to very serious. This will give us more regulations and tough standards to meet for air pollution control.

(c) Councilman Euille reported on the proposed fare increase for WMATA and announced several public hearings to be held in the area. The public hearing in Alexandria will be on Thursday, March 13, in the Council Workroom at City Hall. He encouraged citizens to come out to voice their opinions on the fare changes.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilman Euille requested additional information from the City Manager on how he is going to promote the state grants of 4.28 million dollars for first-time homeowners. Council Members discussed this program with the City Manager and staff. Councilman Euille volunteered to assist in the outreach effort.

Councilwoman Woodson suggested that staff use the real estate community to get out the word since they know the subject. The program will advance its ability for sales as well.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)

(b) Councilman Euille raised his concern about the status of the City's disadvantaged population regarding events after 9/11 and the downturn in economic conditions. Mr. Euille had asked staff to provide a six-month analysis covering the areas of: the need for homeless shelters, fuel assistance, housing subsidy, and food subsidy, and staff provided a very comprehensive report. Director of Community Services Smith and Director of Community Programs Powers went through the report, responded to questions and participated in the discussion on available crisis benefits for those in need. Councilman Euille encouraged staff to make sure we are doing all we can, and if there is a need for additional funds to these City programs, to so apprise the City Manager.

(c) Councilwoman Woodson announced that the Alexandria Cares program was officially dedicated today. She recognized Jack Taylor of Alexandria Toyota which has provided a van, "Baby One," for the Police to use in delivering and installing vehicle safety seats for infants and toddlers.

(d) Councilwoman Woodson requested that the Windmill Hill Park issue be docketed for Council consideration on the possible rescission of, or amendment to, the proposed Windmill Hill Park plan on February 11. It was the consensus of Council to change the date to February 25 so that Councilman Speck could attend.

Councilman Euille asked staff for some prepared recommendations on Windmill Hill Park prior to that meeting.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

(a) City Manger Sunderland announced to the home audience that federal tax preparation assistance is available for individuals and families who meet certain income limits. These services will be available at the Human Services Center, 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue, every Saturday morning between February 8 and April 12, 9 a.m. to Noon, and on Wednesday evenings from February 12 until April 9, 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Citizens should call 703-838-0768 for information.

(b) Mr. Sunderland commended the Jaycees for their Recognition Night held last night. A number of employees were recognized for community service, and he appreciates their doing this for employees every year.

(c) Councilman Speck expressed his desire to coordinate City Council schedules to help groups avoid planning conflicting functions. Citizen Assistance Director Boyd advised that the Chamber of Commerce was going to try to set up a scheduling calendar, and she will get more information on that. The City Manager will pass this information on to Council.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

16. Consideration of a Virginia Department of Transportation Programming Resolution to Establish an Urban System Highway Project for the Improvement of the Railroad Crossing Located in the 700 Block of Slaters Lane. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council (1) adopted the Virginia Department of Transportation Programming Resolution to establish an urban system highway project for the improvement of the railroad crossing located in the 700 block of Slaters Lane; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the necessary documents. RES. NO. 2057
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

17. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

City Council: (1) received the revised calendar which includes: the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce's Professional Networking Breakfast (corrected title) on Thursday, March 20, at 7:30 a.m., at the Mark Center Hilton; the Alexandria Technology Achievement Awards luncheon on Friday, March 21 (corrected date), at noon at the Hilton Mark Center (corrected location); the City's Annual Employee Service Awards program scheduled for Monday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m., at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street; and (2) rescheduled the annual breakfast work session with Congressman James Moran to Monday, February 24, at 8 a.m., in the Council Workroom; Council added a work session on the Taxicab Task Force report on February 25, at 6:00 p.m., and scheduled a short meeting of the ATC stockholders on February 25, at 7:15 p.m., before the Council meeting.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

18. Alexandria Beautification Commission
1 Citizen Member

City Council reappointed Mary Hurlbut Seith as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Beautification Commission.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

19. Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals
1 Citizen Member

City Council reappointed Stephen Koenig as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

20. Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities
1 Citizen Member

There was a tie vote between the candidates; therefore, Council deferred this appointment until the next meeting when Vice Mayor Cleveland is in attendance.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)

21. Alexandria Planning Commission
3 Citizen Members

City Council reappointed John Komoroske, Richard Leibach and Eric Wagner as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Planning Commission.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

By unanimous consent, Council took this item out of order.

22. Consideration of Update Report on Items Before the 2003 General Assembly Session.

Legislative Director Caton reported on the City's legislative package and other bills before the General Assembly.

In response to Councilman Euille, Mr. Caton will get more details and report next time on the Governor's proposal to sell assets held by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to the Virginia Housing Development Authority This would be a one-time cash contribution to the state by VHDA, but the program would remain the same.

It was announced that the Legislative Subcommittee will not be meeting this Friday, January 31, but it will meet the following week.

City Council adopted the legislative positions that have been recommended by the City Council's Legislative Subcommittee, with the change in its position on HB 2750, to no position, and added the City's opposition to HB 1512 to abolish the State Council on the Status of Women.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

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New Business Item No. 1. At 9:30 p.m., City Council convened in executive session at this time, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia, for the purpose of consulting with legal counsel and staff with respect to probable litigation involving the provision of public housing within the City.

At 9:40 p.m., City Council reconvened the meeting and authorized the City Attorney to proceed with litigation along the lines discussed in the executive session.

City Council adopted the resolution pertaining to the executive session.
RES. NO. 2058

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The Meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.

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Note: The action docket is a summary of Council's meeting deliberations prepared largely for staff follow-up. Formal Minutes of the meeting, when approved by Council, become the official record of the meeting and of Council decisions made at the meeting.

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Public Notice

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2003.

Please call the City Clerk's Office at 703-838-4550 to confirm that the meeting will be held.

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This docket is subject to change.

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

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

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Individuals who require translation services to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500. We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.

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