Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting (03/25/2003)

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - - 7:30 p.m.

* * * * *

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; Mr. Jinks, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Baier, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Ms. Whitmore, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. Steele, Interim Director of Human Services; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Ms. Chis, Director of Social Services, and Staff; Mr. McCobb, Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Mr. Kincannon, Deputy Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Mr. Dahlberg, Director of Code Enforcement; Ms. Barnett, Deputy Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Director of Citizen Assistance Boyd; Deputy Director of Housing Eiffert; City Engineer Baker; Police Chief Samarra; Police Public Affairs Officer Pinckney; Budget Analyst Taylor; and Police Lieutenant Uzzell.

Recorded by: Susan K. Seagroves, Deputy City Clerk and Clerk of Council.

* * * * *

At 6:00 p.m., in the Council Workroom, there was a work session to discuss the Alexandria Child Welfare Partnership. The agenda was followed.

City Manager Sunderland made introductory remarks and thanked Staff and Members of the Partnership for their hard work. Mayor Donley outlined the City's foster parents' recruitment and adoption efforts to date and commended the staff for its work during this very difficult time. Child Welfare Partnership chair Peters summarized the group's communications infrastructure and listed some of the group's accomplishments.

Mayor Donley introduced the video entitled, Our Kids -- Our Business, and introduced the producer from Video Solutions, the Alexandria firm which did the filming. City Council viewed the video. Director Steele reviewed the statistics in the charts included in the work session material. Council directed questions to staff and participated in the discussion, as did City Manager Sunderland and chair Peters.

The City Manager will provide a report to Council In six months, on the number of risk assessments done out in the community and what the City plans to do in order to handle the caseload if it continues to increase.

The work session was concluded at approximately 7:35 p.m.

(Material pertaining to the work session is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council and is incorporated herewith as part of the record.)

* * * * *

OPENING

The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the Deputy City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present with Vice Mayor Cleveland arriving at 8:45 p.m.

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

3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council approved the minutes for (a) the Public Hearing Meeting of February 22, 2003; (b) the Regular Meeting of March 11, 2003; and (c) the Public Hearing Meeting of March 15, 2003. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland not yet arrived
Pepper "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

4. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council received the Report of the City Clerk dated March 19, 2003, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Cleveland not yet arrived
Pepper "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Woodson "aye"

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

Vice Mayor Cleveland arrived during the discussion on this item.

5. Recognition of the Alexandria Youth Lacrosse Club.

Mayor Donley introduced Coach McCue, who explained the program, and the members of the Alexandria Youth Lacrosse Club introduced themselves. City Council congratulated the team members for their hard work and wished them success in their upcoming season.

OPENING (continued)

6. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring Saturday, March 29, 2003, as Homeownership Fair Day 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. 6; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Euille presented the proclamation.

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

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

7. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming April as Sexual Assault Awareness 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; 3/25/03, 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 Euille and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

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

8. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming March 22 through April 7, 2003, in Recognition of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

(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. 8; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Eberwein presented the proclamation.

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

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

9. Presentation of Appreciation for 10 Years of Support of An Evening in the Heart of Alexandria by the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau to the Mayor and Members of City Council.

Councilwoman Woodson welcomed members of the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau. The AVB presented red heart-shaped balloons to the Mayor and City Council as tokens of its thanks for Council's support over the past ten years of their annual fund-raising event, An Evening in the Heart of Alexandria. AVB Board Member Crosby reported that each Council Member has contributed to this year's silent auction. She described those gifts and invited everyone to attend the event being held this Friday at the Virginia Theological Seminary. For more information contact AVB at 703-836-2176.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (10-19) (24)

Without objection, City Council removed docket item no. 16 from the Consent Calendar and considered it under a separate motion.

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

(a) Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS
David J. McGrath

(b) Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
Susan Anderson

(c) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
Joseph Youcha

(d) Alexandria Human Rights Commission
Sherry M. deVries

(e) Alexandria Waterfront Committee
Miriam A. MacDonald

(A copy 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. 10(a-e); 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1 Member From the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology

(b) Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Business Representative From Among Recognized Area
Businesses, Including Minority-Owned and Small Businesses

1 Citizen-at-large

(c) Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team (ACPMT)
1 Parent Representative Who Is Not An Employee of Any Public or
Private Program Which Receives Funds From the
Comprehensive Services Act

(d) Alexandria Human Rights Commission
1 Representative From the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board

(e) Alexandria Waterfront Committee
1 Representative From the Pleasure Boat Lease Holders At the
Alexandria Marina

(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. 11(a-e); 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

12. Receipt of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending February 28, 2003.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 17, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

13. Authorization of Recommended Capital Project Allocations and Planned Expenditures.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

14. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Commission for the Arts for Funds for a Local Government Challenge Grant for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

15. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Office on Women's Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA) Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

17. Consideration of Submission of a Letter of Agreement to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for the State and Local All-Hazards Emergency Operations Planning Grant Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

18. Receipt of the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department Annual Report.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

19. Receipt of the Semi-Annual Update on the Blighting Influences Program and Consideration of an Amendment to the List of Blighting Influences.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 13, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

24. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to establish real estate and personal property tax rates for calendar year 2003.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 17, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 3/25/03, 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. 24; 3/25/03, 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 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. 24; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council approved Consent Calendar docket item nos. 10 through 19 and 24, as presented, with the exception of docket item no. 16 which was considered under a separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:

10. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) David J. McGrath from the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS; (b) Susan Anderson from the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission; (c) Joseph Youcha from the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; (d) Sherry M. deVries from the Alexandria Human Rights Commission; and (e) Miriam A. MacDonald 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.

11. City Council reappointed (a) Sandra Nail as a Member from the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (b) reappointed Jacqueline Woodard as a Business Representative from Among Recognized Area Businesses, Including Minority-owned and Small Businesses, and appointed Benjamin Klein as a Citizen-at-Large to the Alexandria Commission on Employment; (c) reappointed Antoinette Poindexter as a Parent Representative Who is not an Employee of any Public or Private Program which Receives Funds from the Comprehensive Services Act to the Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team (ACPMT); (d) reappointed Raymond Johnson as a Representative from the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission; and (e) appointed Wout Coster as a Representative from the Pleasure Boat Lease Holders at the Alexandria Marina to the Alexandria Waterfront Committee.

12. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending February 28, 2003.

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

14. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a grant application, in the amount of $5,000, to the Virginia Commission for the Arts' Local Government Challenge grant program; and (2) execute all necessary documents that may be required.

15. City Council: (1) approved the submission of the grant application to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DSJS) for funding in the amount of $212,296 that would result in the continued funding of the Office on Women's Sexual Assault Response & Awareness (SARA) Program; (2) approved the continuation of one full-time Social Worker, one part-time Volunteer Developer and one part-time Outreach and Prevention Specialist for the Office on Women's SARA Program. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individuals who fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment at the time that they are hired, and would sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition. It should be noted that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds expire; and (3) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.

17. City Council: (1) approved the letter of agreement for an allocation from VDEM, totaling $28,913, for the State and Local All-Hazards Emergency Operations Planning Grant Program; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.

18. City Council received the report from the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. and thanked the volunteers for their contributions to the City.

19. City Council received the report and approved the deletion of one property, 329-1/2 North Henry Street, from the currently approved List of Blighting Influences.

24. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading and set it for public hearing on Tuesday, April 22, and for Second Reading and Final Passage on Tuesday, April 29, 2003.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

The voting was as follows:

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

16. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for the Fire Department to Set Up a Community Emergency Response Team.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 18, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Mayor Donley asked about the status of Comcast broadcasting the emergency preparedness presentation of Fire Sergeant Watson and Fire Captain North. Citizen Assistance Director Boyd advised there should be no problem, and that the City has received two thirty-minute tapes from COG which Comcast will show as well. Ms. Boyd can also provide additional copies of the NVRC emergency preparedness material to Council if desired.

Councilman Euille asked that Sergeant Watson and Captain North participate in the marketing and public relations efforts to reach a broader audience by contacting Alexandria civic associations to advise them that this program is available.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) approved the grant application to VDEM, totaling $56,839, which would allow the Fire Department to set up a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required. The voting was as follows:

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

20. Consideration of Establishment of the Lori Godwin Public Services Learning Award.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 4, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the brochure and an application form is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 20; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

City Council spoke to the award's being a fitting legacy to honor Lori, and the City Manager introduced Lori's mother, brother, husband and friend who were in the audience.

Councilman Euille proposed that since there will not be a plaque with Lori's name on it for the public or City personnel to see, that these awards be formally presented during a Council meeting.

Councilwoman Woodson reported that last year following Lori's untimely death, she had announced that she was going to establish a scholarship in Lori's name at T.C. Williams, and she did so. This year there will be a scholarship given to a young person who seeks to pursue public service, and she was pleased that Lori's family could be here to hear that.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council established an annual award to honor Lori Godwin and her contributions to the City. The voting was as follows:

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

21. Presentation on Police Department Mobile Computer Technology.

Deputy Police Chief Baker presented an overview of the Police Department's Mobile Computer Technology, and he responded to questions posed by Council. Deputy Chief Baker was assisted by Division Chief Antonucci, and Police Sergeant Craig gave a PowerPoint presentation demonstrating the system. Sergeant Craig participated in the discussion as well.

Councilwoman Pepper asked if the Police still need the neighborhood satellite stations, and Sergeant Craig explained why they continue to be needed.

Councilwoman Woodson requested that Police Chief Samarra provide Council with a memo on the overall return on investment and improvements made as a result of the mobile computers.

22. Consideration of Approval of the Articles of Incorporation of the Alexandria Development Foundation. (#15 3/11/03)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 5, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of a partial verbatim transcript is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 22; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Speck noted for the record that it is the intention of the Board to not draft by-laws until most or all of the Board members are appointed, including the representative from the nonprofits. The City Attorney spoke to the issue, and Council directed questions to Mr. Speck.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried on a vote of 5-to-2, City Council (1) received the Articles of Incorporation; and (2) requested that the City Attorney file the Articles of Incorporation with the State Corporation Commission, and in the filing to include the language that indicates that minimum contribution amounts for solicitation or acceptance would be $25,000 for single gifts or $50,000 for pledges. The voting was as follows:

Speck "aye" Cleveland "no"
Euille "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Donley "aye" Pepper "no"
Woodson "aye"

23. Consideration of Request to Permit an Exception to the Major Events Policy for the Alexandria Festival of the Arts, sponsored by the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (ACVA).

(A copy of the City Manager's revised memorandum dated March 21, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 20, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 23; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the Arts Festival information packet is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 23; 3/25/03, 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. 4 of Item No. 23; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Without objection, Adam Weiner, owner of the ArtCraft shop at Lee and King Streets, explained that the local businesses agree this festival is needed.

ACVA Director Mitchell responded to questions from Council and participated in the discussion on details of the festival.

Councilwoman Pepper asked that ACVA work with the local arts community to determine who the jurors are going to be.

Councilwoman Pepper requested that if this event is to become an annual event, she would like to have it come back to Council before that actually occurs.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilman Speck and carried unanimously, City Council approved an exception to the Major Events Policy to allow the Alexandria Festival of the Arts, sponsored by the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, to occur on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The voting was as follows:

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

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilman Speck, Council's representative on COG's Transportation Planning Board, provided information and statistics from recent census data relating to traffic and congestion in the metropolitan area which are important to know as Council discusses issues related to development and congestion.

(A copy of COG's Briefing on 2000 Census Journey-to-Work data is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Council Reports (a); 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

(b) Councilman Euille explained the dilemma faced by WMATA now during the budget process on whether to raise fares for both bus and rail in addition to parking lots and garages. The concern is if we raise fares, then we'll probably lose ridership, and the intent of the mass transit system is to encourage people to get out of their cars and use mass transit.

(c) Councilman Euille has had some discussion with Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier and his staff about an initiative for a ride-on program for youth up to age 20 so that they may ride both Metro and Dash buses throughout the City for free by displaying the proper ID. That is one way to at least remove some of the cars off our busy streets.

(d) Vice Mayor Cleveland reported that on March 12, the Alexandria Police Department started its Citizens Police Academy. People will attend weekly classes in order to learn about the City and the Police Department. At the end of the eight-week course, the Department has a little get-together and a graduation ceremony with the Chief in attendance.

(e) Mayor Donley advised that he delivered the City's testimony to the Commonwealth Transportation Planning Board and the testimony for the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. He delivered the plea that the state, as part of the Governor's Congestion Mitigation Plan, not divert funds that were already allocated to Northern Virginia into various projects located throughout the state. The Authority did approve a list of projects that was forwarded to VDOT as part of the Governor's Congestion Mitigation program with the request that if the funding is not sufficient for all of the projects that it come back to the Authority for further consideration. Alexandria had three programs that were part of that allocation.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilwoman Pepper announced that the City has become a Tree City USA for the 20th year in a row, and she hoped we will do something special about this, perhaps in conjunction with Earth Day.

(b) Councilwoman Pepper, who serves on the Commission on Aging, reported that at the last meeting John Curran had a heart attack. She recognized Debbie Ludington, staff for the Commission, and Lisa Wright, an INOVA representative in the audience, who resuscitated him and kept him alive long enough for medical help to arrive. She also recognized the medics, Jeffrey Woolsey and Frederick Koerner. Deputy Fire Chief Whitmore will transmit this on to the Fire Department employees.

(c) Councilman Speck spoke to the impact of real estate taxes on property owners on a fixed income, even when we are not looking at a significant assessment increase, and he asked if procedures could be established for those who want to be able to pay their taxes over the year.

Finance Director Neckel responded that taxpayers can make any form of pre-payment, though there is currently no formal program permitting taxpayers to make periodic payments to the City, there are taxpayers currently making payments to the City. Director Neckel reported that Staff is looking into a system that would allow the automatic payment of taxes to permit the City to automatically take money from a taxpayer's account, but that program will not be fully established for some time. Staff will look at the potential capabilities for timely payment of taxes through a variety of methods, anything to make it easier for people to pay their taxes.

(d) Councilman Euille asked about the status of the request from him and Councilwoman Woodson, as co-chairs of the Affordable Housing Task Force, about forming a community development corporation. Staff will return with a plan to implement such a partnership arrangement in the City within ten days to two weeks.

REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

None

OTHER

25. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 20, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 3/25/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

The Mayor announced that Councilman Speck will not be attending the May 13, 2003 legislative meeting, and he will not be participating in Christmas in April because he is going to be a participant in the citizen fire academy.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) scheduled a work session at 6:00 p.m., before its Tuesday, April 22 legislative meeting to receive a presentation on the Alexandria Visitors Center consultant study; and (2) received the revised schedule which includes: (a) a work session on the programs provided by the Alexandria Small Business Development Center at 6:00 p.m., before Council's Tuesday, May 27 legislative meeting; (b) the groundbreaking for the Dr. Oswald Durant Center at 8:30 a.m., before Council's Saturday, May 17 public hearing meeting, 1605 Cameron Street; (c) Christmas in April on Saturday, April 26 (time and location to be determined); and (d) the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities annual award reception at 6:00 p.m., before Council's Tuesday, June 24 legislative meeting in the Vola Lawson lobby; and (e) added a work session on Open Space at 6:00 p.m., before Council's Tuesday, May 13, legislative meeting. The voting was as follows:

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

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

26. Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Licensed and Practicing Attorney

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

John Corrado*

Megan Kelly

*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; 3/25/03, 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 John Corrado as a Licensed and Practicing Attorney to the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The voting was as follows:

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

* * * * *

27. Alexandria Real Estate Assessments Review Board
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Keith Cooperman

Martha Feldkamp*

Derick Hammond

*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; 3/25/03, 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 Martha Feldkamp as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Real Estate Assessment Review Board. The voting was as follows:

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

* * * * *

EXECUTIVE SESSION

28. Consideration of the Convening of an Executive Session to discuss with legal counsel pending litigation, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(7).

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, at 10:03 p.m., City Council: (1) 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 a lawsuit filed against the City by Eric West now pending in the Alexandria Circuit Court; (2) convened in executive session at this time pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) for the purpose of discussion and consideration of the continued service of a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals; and (3) convened in executive session at this time pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) for the purpose of discussion, consideration or interviews of prospective candidates for appointment as City Clerk. The voting was as follows:

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

THEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, at 10:58 p.m., City Council reconvened the meeting. The voting was as follows:

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

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council authorized the city attorney to settle the lawsuit which was the subject of the executive session along the lines discussed in the executive session. The voting was as follows:

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

THEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried on a ROLL-CALL vote of 6-to-0, City Council adopted the resolution pertaining to the executive session. The voting was as follows:

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

* * * * *

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2063

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council has this 25th day of March 2003, recessed into executive session pursuant to a motion made and adopted in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and

WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the city council that such executive session was conducted in accordance with Virginia law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city council does hereby certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters that were identified in the motion by which the executive session was convened, and that are lawfully exempted by the Freedom of Information Act from the Act's open meeting requirements, were heard, discussed or considered by council during the executive session.

* * * * *

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council will convene in executive session at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2003, and at 12 o'clock noon on Friday, April 11, 2003, in the Council Workroom, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) for the purpose of discussion, consideration or interviews of prospective candidates for appointment as City Clerk. The voting was as follows:

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

* * * * *

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, at 11:00 p.m., the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, March 25, 2003, was recessed until 12:30 p.m., on Monday, April 7, 2003. The voting was as follows:

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

* * * * *

APPROVED BY:

________________________________
KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR

ATTEST:

_______________________________
Susan K. Seagroves, Deputy City Clerk

This docket is subject to change.

* * * * *

Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council.

* * * * *

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.

* * * * *