Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting (04/22/2003)

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 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; Mr. Baier, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Ms. Steele, Interim Director of Human Services; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Ms. Chis, Director of Social Services, and staff; Ms. Fogarty, Director of Planning and Zoning; Ms. Smith-Page, Director of Real Estate Assessments; Mr. Culpepper, Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Public Information Officer Gordon; Legislative Director Caton; Mr. Mandley, Director of General Services; Mr. DeMaio, Traffic Calming Coordinator; Recycling Coordinator DeLong; Ms. Federico, Director of Historic Alexandria; Mr. Dahlberg, Director of Code Enforcement; Director of Citizen Assistance Boyd; Deputy Director of Housing Eiffert; Deputy Director of Community Services Powers; Deputy Police Chief Hilleary; and Police Lieutenant Uzzell.

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

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At 6:00 p.m., in the Council Workroom, there was a work session to discuss the Alexandria Visitors Center Consultant Study. The agenda was followed.

City Manager Sunderland made opening remarks and explained he will be submitting a full report in two or three weeks and then bring it back to Council in May.

Alan Parter, partner, Parter International Inc., introduced the members of his team and gave a brief overview of the information-gathering process. Bill Logue, partner, Parter International, Inc., made a PowerPoint presentation of its analysis and its findings for the Visitors Center.

Council directed questions to Mr. Parter and Mr. Logue, and they participated in the discussion, as did the City Manager.

BAR Principal Staff Smith responded to Councilwoman Woodson's inquiry about locating directional signs in Alexandria's historic districts.

Councilwoman Pepper advised Mr. Parter and Mr. Logue that she would like to see some other alternative locations and that she would call them about that.

The work session was concluded at approximately 7:40 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.)

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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.

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 Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Minutes for: (a) The Special Public Hearing Meeting of April 2, 2003; (b) The Recessed Meeting of March 25, 2003, held on April 7, 2003; (c) The Regular Meeting of April 8, 2003; and (d) The Recessed Meeting of March 25, 2003, held on April 11, 2003, as submitted. The voting was as follows:

Euille "aye" Eberwein "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "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 April 15, 2003, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 4/22/03, 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 PTA Reflections Contest Winners.

Councilwoman Eberwein introduced Ms. Tracy Wilkerson, the Reflections Chairman for the PTA Council, and gave an overview of the program. City Council recognized the contest winners and commended them for their achievements in the recent competition. Vice Mayor Cleveland suggested that next year's artwork be displayed in the Vola Lawson lobby in City Hall.

OPENING (continued)

6. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Sixtieth Anniversary of Douglas MacArthur Elementary School.

(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; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Mayor Donley and Councilman Speck presented the proclamation.

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

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

7. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming May 2, 2003, as Bike to Work 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. 7; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Pepper presented the proclamation.

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

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

8. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of May 18 through 24, 2003, as National Public Works Week 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. 8; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Eberwein presented the proclamation.

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

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

9. Special Presentation to Mayor Kerry J. Donley on Behalf of the Parents and Children Involved in Soccer in Alexandria.

Frank Shafroth, representing the Alexandria Soccer Association, presented Mayor and Mrs. Donley with a gift in recognition of how much the Mayor has done for kids in Alexandria.

* * * * *

New Business Item No. 1. Councilwoman Woodson spoke to the upcoming election and the fact that two of the Council Members, Mayor Donley and Councilman Speck, will definitely be gone, and maybe more. In order to show her thanks, she presented an individual plaque to each Member.

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REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (10-18)

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

(a) Alexandria Commission on Employment
Beverly Winterscheid

(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); 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Representative From the Alexandria Society for the Preservation
of Black Heritage

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11(a); 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

12. Receipt of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period ending March 31, 2003.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 16, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 4/22/03, 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 April 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

14. Consideration of a Renewal Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for an Aggressive Driving Interdiction Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 9, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

15. Consideration of a Grant Submission to the Department of Criminal Justice Services to Continue Community Corrections (Local Probation) and Pretrial Services Under the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act and Pretrial Services Act (CCCA-PSA) for FY 2004.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

16. Consideration of Allocating Housing Trust Fund Monies to Alexandria Christmas in April Rebuilding Together, Inc.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

17. Consideration of an Application for Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant Funds for the City's Emergency Operation Center.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 16, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

18. Consideration of Two Grant Applications to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for Funding to Purchase Equipment for Emergency.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 15, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilman Euille 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: Beverly Winterscheid from the Alexandria Commission on Employment; requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letter of appreciation and to advertise the vacancy in the usual manner.

11. City Council appointed Lynette Hart as a Representative from the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission.

12. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 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: (1) Approved the grant application to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in the amount of $29,920, which will provide funds to the Police Department to operate a DWI/aggressive driving interdiction program in the City; and (2) Authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.

15. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) Approve the grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for continuation funding for the second half of the current biennial grant cycle (FY 2004), in the amount of $424,097, under the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act-Pretrial Services Act (CCCA-PSA). Last year's application covered funding for the FY 2003-2004 biennial grant cycle. Due to the short turnaround time provided by DCJS, the application was forwarded to DCJS in accordance with the April 4 deadline, contingent upon City Council's approval at its April 22, 2003, legislative session; (2) Approve the continuation of six full-time positions and one part-time position to deliver the services to be provided under these grant programs. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individuals filling these positions will be notified of this condition of employment and sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition; and (3) Execute all documents that may be required.

16. City Council approved the allocation of $31,000 in Housing Trust Fund monies as a grant for ACIART's National Rebuilding Day on April 26, 2003, to be used to support the cost of supplies and materials, with up to 25% of the funds available to pay for skilled labor. This allocation was approved by the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on April 3, 2003.

17. City Council authorized the City Manager to sign the grant application.

18. City Council: (a) Approved these two grant applications to VDEM, totaling $100,000 and $228,640, which would allow the City to purchase equipment and supplies that would help public safety agencies handle weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents; and (2) Authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

The voting was as follows:

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

19. Consideration of Closing the Alexandria Residential Care Home (ARCH) Reuse of the ARCH Facility and Receipt of the Assisted Living Work Group Report.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 17, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

Without objection, the following speakers addressed the Council:

Stefanie W. Reponen, 1461 North Highview Lane #210, citizen advocate who started the Study Group for the Commission on Aging, recommended that Council move forward to determine how to care for the elderly; and

Bill Harris, 1106 Tuckahoe Lane, chair of the Housing Committee of the Alexandria Commission on Aging, urged support of setting up a work group to provide for our elderly citizens and the closing of ARCH because it no longer meets the needs of our elderly.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilwoman Woodson and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) Approved closing the ARCH assisted living program effective once the current residents have been relocated; (2) Received the Assisted Living Study Group Report and Approved its recommendation to establish a new Assisted Living Work Group; (3) Referred the Assisted Living Study Group's recommendation for expansion of the City's Companion Services program to the Department of Human Services for implementation no later than the FY 2005 Budget; and (4) Scheduled for the May 17 public hearing the staff recommendations for reuse of the ARCH facility at 716/718 North Columbus Street. The voting was as follows:

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

20. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding for Development and Maintenance of a Regional Emergency Coordination Plan (RECP) for the National Capital Region and for Utilization of the Regional Incident Communication and Coordination System (RICCS).

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 16, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.

A copy of COG's summary entitled The Regional Emergency Coordination Plan, dated September 11, 2002, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 20; 4/22/03, 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 authorized the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the City. The voting was as follows:

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

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilman Euille, who represents Council on the Metro board, announced that the Metro system turned 27 years old on March 29, and he shared some statistics on the system which Metro staff put together.

(b) Vice Mayor Cleveland explained a new committee on education is being formed under the Council of Governments' Human Services Committee. Mr. Cleveland had suggested a liaison committee like we have here in Alexandria where we would work with the superintendents on a regional level to pass information along through Human Services, Mental Health/Mental Retardation, Schools, and Court system.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilwoman Woodson brought up a letter received by City Council about the proliferation of political signs in the City. She directed questions to City Manager Sunderland about regulation, and City Council participated in the discussion. Mrs. Woodson requested that this be docketed for the May public hearing for discussion.

(A copy of Mr. Mersky's letter dated April 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item Oral (a); 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

The City Manager responded to Mrs. Woodson's concerns, and Council participated in the discussion of this matter.

Mayor Donley asked that the City Clerk ensure that a specific letter go out to the representatives of the political parties, Federation of Civic Associations and the League of Women Voters to let them know we are going to discuss the matter in May.

Vice Mayor Cleveland stated that his campaign signs will be off the medians within one week following the election.

(b) Councilman Speck requested an update on the Glebe Road deadline [SBA Case #2002-0001, Item No. 10, March 15, 2003], and Code Enforcement Director Dahlberg brought Council up-to-date on the work completed to date within the 30-day plan. The next deadline is a 60-day deadline to get testing completed and to see the report, and it is phased after that point. Regarding the fencing, there is a time frame built in for negotiating approval by Planning and Zoning. If that approval does not happen, they will be in default on the plan, and the City can come in and start doing the work. At this point in time we do not need to take over; however, it will have to be evaluated at those other junction points. This will continue to be closely monitored.

REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

(a) The City Manager reminded Council that Thursday is Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day. The program starts at 8 a.m., and it runs for half a day.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

The following items were considered together and under one motion.

21. (a) Public Hearing on Assessment and Tax Increase Public Notice. [This is a Requirement of the State Code to Hold a Public Hearing. The tax rate is proposed to decrease from $1.08 to $1.05 per $100 of assessed value in the FY 2004 Proposed Budget.]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 17, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21(a); 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

(b) Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE to establish real estate and personal property tax rates for calendar year 2003. (#24 3/25/03)

(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. 21(b); 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

The Deputy City Clerk read the docket items.

There were no speakers on these items; therefore, the public hearing was closed.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council received the report and closed the public hearing. [Second Reading and Final Passage will be on Tuesday, April 24, 2002.] The voting was as follows:

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

22. Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE to amend the provisions of Title 3, Chapter 2 of the City Code, relating to real estate tax relief, as amended on April 8, 2003. (#22 4/8/03; #15 2/11/03)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 3, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

The Deputy City Clerk read the docket item.

There were no speakers on this item; therefore, the public hearing was closed.

WHEREUPON, a motion was made by Councilman Speck, and seconded by Councilwoman Eberwein, to approve Option 1 as recommended by the City Manager.

THEREUPON, a substitute motion was made by Councilwoman Woodson, and seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland, to add to the original motion, to hold open both Options 1 and 2, for further consideration until our final decision on April 29 [budget adoption].

City Attorney Pessoa responded to the Mayor's question that there is no legal difficulty in keeping these two options alive until we actually adopt the budget, or we could come back at the next legislative meeting and adopt the ordinance at that time.

Assistant City Manager Jinks urged that a decision be made because they have to get the notices ready, printed and get them out with the tax bill. Therefore, he urged that Council formally adopt the ordinance at budget adoption.

WHEREUPON, Council returned to the substitute motion made by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council closed the public hearing, and added to the original motion, to hold open both Options 1 and 2, for further consideration until our final decision on April 29 [budget adoption]. The voting was as follows:

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

23. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds by the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Alexandria (AIDA) in an amount of $13,000,000 to assist Episcopal High School. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 14, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Cleveland, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried on a unanimous ROLL-CALL vote, City Council adopted the Resolution. The voting was as follows:

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

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2068

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

WHEREAS, the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Alexandria ("Authority"), has considered the application and plan of financing of The Protestant Episcopal High School in Virginia ("School"), an organization which is not organized exclusively for religious purposes, which is described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and whose address is 1200 North Quaker Lane in the City of Alexandria, requesting that the Authority issue up to $13,000,000 of its revenue bonds (“Bonds”), in one or more series at one time or from time to time, to assist the School in the acquisition, construction, equipping, expansion, renovation and enlargement of the educational facilities of the School, all located or to be located at the campus of the School consisting of approximately 135 acres at 1200 North Quaker Lane in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, including without limitation: (1) the renovation, construction and equipping of new and existing academic facilities, including without limitation construction of a new science center with approximately 40,000 square feet; (2) the renovation, construction and equipping of housing, including faculty residences each containing approximately 2,500 square feet; (3) the renovation, construction and equipping of other student facilities, including without limitation renovation of an existing gymnasium into a student center with approximately 10,000 square feet; (4) the construction, renovation and equipping of the School’s landscaping, walks, roadways and parking areas; and (5) other capital improvements at the School's educational facilities.

WHEREAS, the Authority has held a public hearing on the School’s application and plan of financing on April 8, 2003;

WHEREAS, Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), provides that the governmental unit having jurisdiction over the issuer of private activity bonds and over the area in which any facility financed with the proceeds of private activity bonds is located must approve the issuance of the bonds;

WHEREAS, the Authority issues its bonds on behalf of the City of Alexandria, Virginia ("City”); the Project is to be located in the City and the City Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia ("Council"), constitutes the highest elected governmental unit of the City;

WHEREAS, the Authority has recommended that the Council approve the plan of financing and the issuance of the Bonds; and

WHEREAS, a copy of the Authority's resolution approving the issuance of the Bonds pursuant to the School’s plan of financing, subject to the terms to be agreed upon, a certificate of the public hearing and a Fiscal Impact Statement have been filed with the Council;

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

1. The Council approves the plan of financing and the issuance of the Bonds by the Authority for the benefit of the School, as required by Section 147(f) of the Code and Section l5.2-4906 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended ("Virginia Code"), to permit the Authority to assist in its plan of financing.

2. The approval of the plan of financing and the issuance of the Bonds do not constitute an endorsement to a prospective purchaser of the Bonds of the creditworthiness of the plan of financing or the School.

3. Pursuant to the limitations contained in Temporary Income Tax Regulations Section 5f.103-2(f)(1), this resolution shall remain in effect for a period of one year from the date of its adoption.

4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

* * * * *

24. Consideration of Resolution from the Landlord-Tenant Relations Board Regarding the Voluntary Rent Guidelines. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 15, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 4/22/03, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland, and carried on a unanimous ROLL-CALL vote, City Council adopted the resolution. The voting was as follows:

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

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2069

WHEREAS, more than half of the dwelling units in the City of Alexandria are renter-occupied; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council has continually expressed its concern for the well-being of the City's tenants and landlords through proposed charter changes, legislation, and establishment of the Landlord-Tenant Relations Board; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board has previously expressed its concern to the City Council regarding excessive rent increases;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, calls upon the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board to monitor and investigate complaints of rent increases in excess of the following guidelines and to conduct a review of the guidelines every six months and forward recommendations to Council at a minimum of every 12 months:

-- If the tenants pay all utilities, not more than five percent cumulatively per year;

-- If all utilities are included in the rental amount, not more than seven percent cumulatively per year;

PROVIDED, however, that Board investigators will recognize and take into account any unusual costs, capital improvements and major repairs to the property (which should be substantiated by the owner), and extraordinary increases (more than 50%) in assessments;

PROVIDED, further, that the landlord may apportion increased real estate taxes in an equitable manner;

PROVIDED, further, that when a landlord converts utilities to a sub-metered or individually metered system, the amounts of monthly rents, plus annualized utility costs, shall remain within these guidelines.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Landlord-Tenant Relations Board will report to City Council on the adequacy of the above guidelines in 2004.

* * * * *

OTHER

25. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 16, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 4/22/03, 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 22nd Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival from Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15, at Oronoco Bay Park; (b) the City Employee Picnic on Thursday, June 26, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Fort Ward Park; (c) the City's annual USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at Oronoco Bay Park; and (2) chose Wednesday, June 18, for the traditional dinner before the conclusion of the City Council term, at 6:00 p.m., at Landini Brothers Restaurant. Former Council Members Rich and Walker will both be invited to attend as well. The voting was as follows:

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

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

26. Alexandria Commission for the Arts
1 Member Who Represents Arts Education or Business
Expertise Relative to Arts and Cultural Development, Including
Such Perspectives As Marketing, Finance/Funding, Tourism
Promotion and Organizational Development

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Jennifer Dargan

David Nicholson Susan Downs Slattery, President
(Residency Waiver Required) Del Ray Artisans

Patrice North-Rudin

Jennifer Pollard
(Residency Waiver Required)

David Ulaszek

* * * * *

(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; 4/22/03, 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 Patrice North-Rudin as a Member Who Represents Arts Education or Business Expertise Relative to Arts and Cultural Development, including such Perspectives as Marketing, Finance/Funding, Tourism Promotion and Organizational Development to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. The voting was as follows:

Donley - North-Rudin
Cleveland - Dargan
Eberwein - North-Rudin
Euille - North-Rudin
Pepper - North-Rudin
Speck - North-Rudin
Woodson - North-Rudin

* * * * *

27. Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Citizen-at-Large

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Amy Bell

Sarah Gorvad

* * * * *

(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; 4/22/03, 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 Sarah Gorvad as a Citizen-at-Large to the Alexandria Commission on Employment. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Bell
Cleveland - Gorvad
Eberwein - Gorvad
Euille - Gorvad
Pepper - Gorvad
Speck - Bell
Woodson - Bell

* * * * *

28. Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Citizen-at-Large

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

Victor Addison, Jr. Cameron Station Civic Assn.

Micki Aronson

James Lowenstern

Hillary Zahm

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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. 28; 4/22/03, 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 Victor Addison, Jr. as a Citizen-at-Large to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Zahm
Cleveland - Addison
Eberwein - Addison
Euille - Addison
Pepper - Addison
Speck - Addison
Woodson - Lowenstern

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29. Alexandria Human Rights Commission
2 Citizens-at-Large

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

NAME ENDORSED BY:

John Harper* Scott E. Schwartz
(Residency Waiver Required) Nancy O. Jenkins

Lela Harris

Scott Schwartz*

*Incumbent

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(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. 29; 4/22/03, 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 results: City Council approved the residency waiver and reappointed John Harper and reappointed Scott Schwartz as Citizens-at-Large to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. The voting was as follows:

Donley - Harper, Schwartz
Cleveland - Harper, Schwartz
Eberwein - Harris, Schwartz
Euille - Harper, Schwartz
Pepper - Harper, Schwartz
Speck - Harris, Schwartz
Woodson - Harper, Schwartz

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THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Vice Mayor Cleveland and carried unanimously, at 9:25 p.m., the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, April 22, 2003, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:

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

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APPROVED BY:

________________________________
KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR

ATTEST:

_______________________________
Susan K. Seagroves, Deputy City Clerk

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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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