Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting (03/11/2003)

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - - 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; Mr. Jinks, Assistant City Manager; Public Information Officer Gordon; Mr. Baier, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Human Rights Administrator Niebauer; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Ms. Moore, Acting Deputy Director of Management and Budget and Staff Members; Ms. Fogarty, Director of Planning and Zoning; Mr. Howard, Director of Personnel Services; Ms. Whitmore, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Mr. Cole, Director of Information Technology Services; Ms. Smith-Page, Director of Real Estate Assessments; Mr. Gee, Deputy Director of Real Estate Assessments; Ms. Steele, Interim Director of Human Services; City Engineer Baker; Mr. Culpepper, Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Library Director O'Brien; Health Director Konigsberg; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Superintendent of Schools Perry; School Board Chair Eaton and Members of the School Board; Legislative Services Director Caton; Acting Fire Chief Gower; Code Enforcement Director Dahlberg; Police Chief Samarra; and Police Lieutenant Uzzell.

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

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At 6:45 p.m., the Alexandria Technology Achievement Awards Reception was held in the Vola Lawson Lobby. The Mayor and Members of City Council were in attendance.

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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.

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

3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried on a vote of 6-to-0, City Council (a) deferred the Minutes for the Public Hearing of February 22, 2003, to the March 25, 2003 Regular Meeting; and (b) approved the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of February 25, 2003, as submitted. The voting was as follows:

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

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 March 3, 2003, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 3/11/03, 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"

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

5. Recognition of the Model Judiciary Program at T. C. Williams High School.

City Council recognized students from T. C. Williams High School involved with the Model Judiciary Program.

OPENING (continued)

6. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring the Week of March 17-21, 2003, as Alexandria Technology Achievement Week and Recognizing the Technology Achievement Award Finalists.

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

Councilwomen Pepper and Woodson presented the proclamation.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilwoman Woodson and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation and recognized the Technology Achievement Award Finalists. The voting was as follows:

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

7. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming March as Women's History 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; 3/11/03, 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 Woodson and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

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

8. Presentation of The Proposed Annual Operating Budget for FY 2003-2004 (including Schools) and The Proposed Capital Improvement Program for FY 2004-2009 (including the Schools CIP).

(A copy of the Proposed Annual Operating Budget is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the Proposed Capital Improvement Program is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 8; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the Proposed Budget Executive Summary is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 8; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the "Citizen's Guide" is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 4 of Item No. 8; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the PowerPoint presentation made by the City Manager is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 5 of Item No. 8; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

City Manager Sunderland presented his Budget Message.

Members of Council posed questions to staff, and staff will report back during the budget process. The Members of Council and the City Manager congratulated staff for doing an outstanding job.

9. Discussion of Funding Strategies for Open Space Initiatives.

(A copy of Mr. Jinks' memorandum dated February 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of Councilman Speck's proposal dated March 11, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 9; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Speck presented his proposal for long-term funding of open space in the City of Alexandria. He noted that this will start a process by which we invite the public to speak and comment on this and ask the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee to examine this as well as the Open Space Task Force. Mr. Speck requested that this be a topic for discussion at a budget work session.

There was Council discussion on this proposal. Councilman Euille requested staff to take a look at other types of funding options and/or mechanisms. He stated that something that comes to mind is that maybe we could add this to our bond request.

In response to Vice Mayor Cleveland's request, City Attorney Pessoa stated that there is a provision in the City Charter which would allow Council, by ordinance, to assign up to ten cents per hundred dollars of assessed value to a reserve fund or account for public improvements and restrict the expenditures from that account to the dedicated public improvements. So, there is an existing mechanism to approximate something along the lines of what's being discussed. Does it get us there fully, certainly not, but it is there in part.

Councilwoman Eberwein requested Assistant City Manager Jinks to report back on the aspect of the bonding issue raised by Councilman Euille.

This will be discussed at one of the budget work sessions. The City Clerk was requested to make the document available prior to the Budget Public Hearing so that Council can get some comment during its public hearing on the budget.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (10-14) (18)

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

(a) Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District
Donald E. Kraft

(A copy of the above resignation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10(a); 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee
1 Citizen-at-Large

(b) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
1 Citizen Member

(c) Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

(d) Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS
1 Member From and Representing the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross

1 Member From and Representing the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission

(e) Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission
1 Citizen Member

(f) Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council
1 Representative of the Alexandria Medical Society with Privileges
at Inova Alexandria Hospital

1 Representative of the Emergency Nurses Association From
Inova Alexandria Hospital
1 Emergency Room Physician

(g) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Member From the Alexandria Historical Society

(h) Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Committee
1 Owner or Operator of A Facility Subject to the Federal Emergency
Planning Requirements of the Super Fund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA)

1 Representative of A Community Group

(i) Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
1 Member From Planning District III

(j) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Citizen Member

(k) Alexandria Transportation Safety Commission
4 Members of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board

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

12. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Beaumont Foundation of America for New Computer Equipment at Charles Houston Recreation Center.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 3, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

13. Receipt of the Alexandria Sanitation Authority's Financial Report for the Year Ended September 30, 2002.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 3, 2003, together with the report, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

14. Receipt of the 2002 Annual Report of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated February 24, 2003, together with the report, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 3/11/03, 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 convey real property located at 423 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, Virginia, owned by the City of Alexandria to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority for low- and moderate-income housing in connection with the redevelopment of Samuel Madden Homes (Downtown).

(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. 18; 3/11/03, 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. 18; 3/11/03, 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 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; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:

10. City Council received the following resignation with regret: (a) Donald E. Kraft from the Board of Architectural Review, Parker-Gray District; requested the Executive Secretary to send the appropriate letter of appreciation and to advertise the vacancy in the usual manner.

11. City Council (a) appointed Ross Canton as a Citizen-at-Large to the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee; (b) reappointed Kenneth Hill as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (c) reappointed John Renner, II as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (d) reappointed Christy Rothenberger as a Member from and representing the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross and appointed Pamela Walkup as a Member from and representing the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission to the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS; (e) appointed James Rorke as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission; (f) waived the residency requirements and reappointed Martin Brown as a Representative of the Alexandria Medical Society with privileges at Inova Alexandria Hospital and Diane Dickerson as a Representative of the Emergency Nurses Association from Inova Alexandria Hospital and appointed Thomas Clark as an Emergency Room Physician to the Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council; (g) reappointed Anne Paul as a Member from the Alexandria Historical Society to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; (h) waived the residency requirement and reappointed Bryan Donnelly as Owner or Operator of a facility subject to the Federal Emergency Planning requirements of the Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) and appointed Marion Brunken as a Representative of a community group to the Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Commission; (i) reappointed Kenneth Foran as a Member from Planning District III to the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission; (j) appointed Jacqueline Skinner as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; and (k) reappointed Thomas Johnson, Lawrence Ruggiero, Tom Walczykowski and Converse West as Members of the Traffic and Parking Board to the Alexandria Transportation Safety Commission.

12. Councilman Speck told Council that this docket item brought to mind that one of the things during the course of the discussions about the development of the Versace Memorial was that the Friends of Rocky Versace intended to become an ongoing participant in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center activities. One of the things that they are doing is having a golf tournament in June to raise funds to acquire new computer equipment for the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.

City Council: (1) approved the submission of the grant application to the Beaumont Foundation of America in the amount of $27,000 for new computer equipment at Charles Houston Recreation Center; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.

13. City Council received the Alexandria Sanitation Authority's Financial Report.

14. City Council received the report and thanked the Board of Zoning Appeals for their efforts on behalf of the City.

18. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, March 15, 2003.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

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)

15. Consideration of Approval of the Articles of Incorporation of the Alexandria Development Foundation.

(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. 15; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Speck spoke to this item and stated that the intent is to have all or most of the board appointed, including the nonprofit representative, to draft the by-laws. Council certainly has the authority over the operation of this. There will be a Council Member on the board as well as the City Manager's representative.

Councilwoman Eberwein stated for the record that the primary issue about this is the minimum dollar amount has not been adequately addressed.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilwoman Woodson and carried unanimously, City Council deferred this item to the March 25, 2003 City Council Meeting. The voting was as follows:

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

16. Presentation of the Eisenhower East Plan.

(A copy of the Eisenhower East Small Area Plan is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Without Objection, City Council noted that this Presentation will take place at the Saturday, March 15, 2003 Public Hearing Meeting, Docket Item No. 13.

17. Consideration of a five-year license agreement with OpenBand of Virginia, L.L.C., to authorize the construction of conduits in the installation of fiber optic cable in the public right-of-way.

(A copy of the joint memorandum of Mr. Pessoa and Ms. Snow 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. 17; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

In response to Vice Mayor Cleveland's inquiry, Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier stated that Englehardt Lane is going to remain open.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council approved the five-year license agreement with OpenBand, a wholly owned subsidiary of M.C. Dean, Inc., and authorized the City Manager to execute the license agreement and to take any other actions that are necessary to implement the agreement. The voting was as follows:

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

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilwoman Pepper noted that the City’s Transportation and Environmental Services Department has scheduled a series of “Open House” meetings to obtain community input about the City’s Comprehensive Transportation Policy. They are currently scheduled for March 18, at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School; March 19, at Minnie Howard Ninth Grade Center; and March 20, George Washington Middle School. These are all from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Councilman Euille noted that these are public meetings and most of the Council Members are committed to political events. He stated that it is nice that staff is out meeting with the public, and the elected officials would also like to be in attendance. Unfortunately, some of these dates conflict, and most Members cannot be present. His suggestion to the City Manager was that we ought to look at rescheduling them not too far down the road, but certainly, Council should be afforded the opportunity to be present at most of these meetings.

Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier reported that he will talk with the City Manager about rescheduling them. Perhaps what we can do is to reschedule one or two, and leave the one scheduled for next week for those people who were going to attend. We’ll work something out.

Councilwoman Pepper indicated that Council should be available for at least one.

City Manger Sunderland noted that staff needs to see what kind of notices have gone out and will report back to the Council.

(b) Councilwoman Pepper reported that our Police Department has been honored for a technology project. The department was featured in the IACP magazine. She was hoping that someone from the Police Department could discuss and explain the article.

Assistant City Manager Evans noted that they were unable to be here because there was a joint meeting tonight of the Police and Fire on their pension issue.

Councilwoman Pepper requested that they come to another meeting.

(c) Vice Mayor Cleveland announced that April 26, 2003, is Christmas in April Day.

(d) Vice Mayor Cleveland reported that this Saturday that Ms. Amy Ricketts is starting a new program called, Sisters Together. The Alexandria Health Department kicks off Sisters Together at 10 a.m., on March 15, at the T.C. Williams High School Track, 3330 King St. Sisters Together was started in Boston by the National Institutes of Health to encourage African-American woman, ages 18-35, to maintain a healthy body weight by becoming more physically active and eating healthier foods. The program is open to all women ages 18 and over. For more information, call Renee Ricketts at 703.838.4400 ext. 320.

REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

(a) City Manager Sunderland reported that two more City employees have been called for active duty. This brings the total number to ten.

(b) The City Manager spoke to a proposed concept plan for a cost assistance backflow preventer program which came about due to the recent sewer backups in the Del Ray area. He noted if this is okay with the Council, within the next month, staff will propose a program which will be brought back to the Council for final approval. Staff would define a program that would define an area within which homes would be eligible for cost assistance up to $500 to enable those homeowners to install a backflow preventer.

There was no Council objection to this proposal.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

19. Consideration of Resolution Opposing United States Military Action Against Iraq and Calling Upon the Federal Government to Continue Working Through the United Nations Security Council Towards a Diplomatic Resolution that Brings Disarmament in Iraq. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the proposed resolution is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 3/11/03, 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. 2 of Item No. 19; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Woodson spoke to the proposed resolution and suggested that it be amended.

WHEREUPON, a motion was made by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Euille that City Council adopt the resolution with the following amendments: (a) delete Whereas clauses #16, #17, and #18, and (b) amend the first resolve clause to read: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alexandria City Council goes on record as supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.

There was discussion on the motion.

Vice Mayor Cleveland indicated that he supports the troops and cannot support the resolution.

Mayor Donley noted that this resolution does support the troops. It supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Members of City Council participated in a lengthy dialogue on this issue; a copy of the verbatim transcript of this discussion is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3, of Item No. 19; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

Following is a verbatim transcript of Councilwoman Eberwein's remarks:

"I don't know how productive it's going to be to analyze this piece by piece and talk about who's right and who's wrong. I think each Council Member has to make their own decision of conscience as to what this resolution does or does not do. And, I absolutely respect Ms. Woodson's views. I respect the Mayor's views. I, indeed, respect the views of everyone who feels positively, negatively, or in between, but I do not believe this is properly before us. I was not elected because of my foreign policy views. I was not elected because I have access to national security information, and I have no authority in this area. Most of the public is unaware that this is on the docket, and it would seem at a minimum that a public hearing is in order. I have only heard from a very few people and that is within the last three to four days. Therefore, since this is coming before us and there will not be a public hearing, again, I repeat, I do not believe it is properly before us. It is not within our authority, so I will not be participating in the vote."

Councilman Speck spoke to this issue and offered some amendments to the proposed resolution and requested that Whereas seven through twelve be deleted as they get into very specific foreign policy and military strategy issues. This was not acceptable to the maker of the motion to delete all of them. The maker accepted the following as friendly amendments: remove Whereas clause number eight, and in Whereas clause number eleven, add the word "may" after "strike" and before the word "risk(s)."

WHEREUPON, Council returned to the amended main motion made by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried on a ROLL-CALL vote of 5-to-1, City Council adopted the resolution, with the following amendments: (a) deleted Whereas clauses #8, #16, #17, and #18; (b) amended Whereas clause #11, by adding "may" after "strike" and [struck the "s" from risk(s)]; and (c) amended the first resolve clause to read: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alexandria City Council goes on record as supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. The voting was as follows:

Woodson "aye" Cleveland "no"
Euille "aye" Eberwein out of room
Donley "aye" Pepper "aye"
Speck "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2062

WHEREAS, Americans have always risen to the need to protect our freedom and security, as well as the freedom and security of nations around the world, when a clear danger is demonstrated; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council supports the men and women serving in the armed forces and honors their commitment to our nation's safety and security; and

WHEREAS, American veterans are deserving of honor and continued recognition; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for genuine multilateral action to eliminate weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and worldwide; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council condemns all acts of terrorism; and

WHEREAS, Saddam Hussein has demonstrated repressive treatment of his own citizens; and

WHEREAS, the international community supports United Nations weapons inspections to achieve disarmament in Iraq, and most governments around the world oppose U.S. military action without express consent of the United Nations Security Council; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations inspectors have said they need more time to complete their work; and

WHEREAS, military action against Iraq would result in the significant loss of lives, both military and civilian; and

WHEREAS, a unilateral preemptive strike may risk international destabilization by encouraging other countries to engage in unilateral attacks; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. has not built an anti-Iraq coalition similar to that which underwrote the financial costs of the Gulf War; and

WHEREAS, most American cities and states are suffering fiscal crises that threaten funds for basic services and endanger programs that benefit working people and the poor; and

WHEREAS, military action against Iraq would cost billions of dollars at a time when the American economy is struggling and at a time when the federal government is operating with a deficit; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council urges the federal government to dramatically increase environmentally sound efforts to reduce dependence on foreign oil including higher fuel efficiency standards, tougher emissions standards for industry, and increased conservation efforts;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Alexandria City Council goes on record as supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Alexandria City Council supports granting United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq the time they seek to complete their work.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Alexandria City Council calls on the federal government to continue working through the United Nations Security Council towards a diplomatic resolution that brings disarmament in Iraq.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States and to our Senatorial and Congressional delegation.

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OTHER

20. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 6, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 3/11/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) received the revised schedule which includes: (a) the revised location of the Joint Work Session with the School Board on the Schools' CIP and FY 2004 Operating Budget, on Tuesday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m., which is at the Samuel Tucker Elementary School cafeteria, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive; (b) the official opening ceremony for the renovated Lloyd House, at 200 North Washington Street, at 8:30 a.m., before Council's Saturday, June 14 public hearing meeting; and (2) scheduled a work session on the programs provided by the Alexandria Small Business Development Center 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

21. Alexandria Beautification Commission
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Jill Chiarello

Cynthia Sherlock

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(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. 21; 3/11/03, 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 appointed Jill Chiarello as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Beautification Commission. The voting was as follows:

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

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THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded by Councilman Euille and carried unanimously, at 10:55 p.m., the Regular Meeting of March 11, 2003, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:

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

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APPROVED BY:

________________________________
KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:

___________________________________
Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk

The Meeting was adjourned at 10:55 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

Budget Calendar for FY 04 Proposed Budget

Wednesday, March 19, 2003, 7:30 p.m., Council Workroom -- Budget Work Session on the Revenue Overview and other Operating Budget and Proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) topics.

Wednesday, March 26, 2003, 7:30 p.m., Council Workroom -- Budget Work Session. The topics are still to be determined.

Tuesday, April 1, 2003, 7:30 p.m., Council Workroom -- Joint Work Session with City Council and the School Board on the Schools' CIP and FY 2004 Operating Budget.

Wednesday, April 2, 2003, 4:30 p.m., Council Chamber -- Public Hearing on the Proposed FY 2004 Operating Budget and FY 2004-2009 CIP.

Monday, April 21, 2003, 7:30 p.m., Council Workroom -- Work Session on BFAAC Report and Preliminary Add/Delete List.

Tuesday, April 29, 2003, 6:30 p.m., Council Workroom -- Work Session on the Finalization of Add/Delete List.

Tuesday, April 29, 2003, 7:30 p.m., Council Chamber -- Special Meeting on the Adoption of the Budget for FY 2004 and Tax Rate adoption.

Public Notice

On Saturday, March 29, 2003, the City of Alexandria will sponsor its Ninth Annual Homeownership Fair to offer members of our community information on how they can purchase their own home. The event will take place at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King Street, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

It is anticipated that more than two Members of Council will be in attendance.

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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.

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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.