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Office of the City Clerk
December 11, 2002

At 6:00 p.m., there was a
Work Session on Eisenhower East
in the Council Workroom.


Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - - 7:30 p.m.


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OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

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

2. Invocation -- Moment of Silence.

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

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

(a) The Public Hearing Meeting of November 16, 2002.

City Council approved the Minutes for the Public Hearing Meeting of November 16, 2002, as submitted.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

4. Report of the City Clerk.

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












RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

5. Recognition of the Alexandria Children's Chorus.

Councilwoman Eberwein welcomed the Alexandria Choral Society's Children's Chorus to help bring in the holiday season. She introduced Director Kevin Carr and Trish Waters, Director of the Choral Society, which is in its 33rd season. The Children's Chorus is in its 3rd year. This Chorus is open to all children in grades 3 through 8. The Chorus currently has 50 children from public, private and home schools. This group is the Bell Canto Singers.

Under the direction of Kevin Carr, the group performed a couple of selections.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OPENING (continued)

6. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring December 10, 2002, as Human Rights Day in the City of Alexandria.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

7. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Fire Chief Thomas Hawkins for His Many Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Alexandria and Its Citizens.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (8-11) (20-22)

Without objection, City Council removed docket item no. 21 from the Consent Calendar and considered it under a separate motion.

8. Receipt of Resignations from Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Early Childhood Commission
Diane Smalley

(b) Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
Lara Swanson

9. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

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

(b) Alexandria Beautification Commission
4 Citizen Members

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


REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

(d) Alexandria Commission on Information Technology
1 Member From and Representing the Alexandria Chamber of
Commerce

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

(f) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Representative From Carlyle House

(g) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
2 Citizen Members

(h) Alexandria Urban Design Advisory Committee
1 Representative of the Old Town North Business Community

10. Receipt of the Alexandria Community Services Board FY 2002 Annual Report.

11. Consideration of Entering into a Lease Between the City of Alexandria and the American Trucking Association for the Provision of Parking Spaces for the Public Safety Center. -- This item has been deferred to January.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of docket item no. 21, which was considered under a separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:

8. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Diane Smalley from the Alexandria Early Childhood Commission; and (b) Lara Swanson from the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission; requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.

9. City Council (a) reappointed Mark Delligatti as a Citizen-at-Large to the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee; (b) reappointed Jennifer Hollings, Marie Johnston, Greta Stovall and appointed Kevin Posey as Citizens Members to the Alexandria Beautification Commission; (c) waived the residency requirement and appointed Ludy Green as a Business Representative from among recognized area businesses, including minority-owned and small businesses to the Alexandria Commission on Employment; (d) waived the residency requirement and reappointed Mark McLindon as a Member from and representing the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology; (e) appointed Heather Shriner as a Member from the field of engineering to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission; (f) appointed Carole Smith as a Representative from Carlyle House to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; (g) appointed Evelyn Oliver and Gregory Roberts as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; and (h) waived the residency requirement and reappointed Bruce Machanic as a Representative of the Old Town North Business Community to the Alexandria Urban Design Advisory Committee.


REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

10. City Council received the Alexandria Community Services Board's FY 2002 Annual Report.

11. City Council noted the deferral to January.

20. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 14, 2002.

21. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 14, 2002. (Separate Motion)

22. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 14, 2002.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

12. Verbal Report on the Status of Proposed Improvements to the CSX Overpass at the King Street Metro Station.

Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier reported on his conversations with Robert Shinn with respect to the mural on the abutments and the drainage issue with ponding on the sidewalk.

Councilman Speck stated that he knows staff will stay on top of the water drainage issue. With respect to the public art, Mr. Speck suggested that the process should be started to direct the Arts Commission to start a process by which it solicits or coordinates public art, and hopefully, in conjunction with the School Board where they can utilize some of our talented students.

Mr. Baier noted that the background color of the artwork to be placed under the overpass should be as light as possible to be reflective due to the darkness in the area.

Mayor Donley expressed concern about the ponding and wanted to ensure pedestrian safety.

It was the consensus of Council to communicate to the Arts Commission that it would like to see this project undertaken.

An update to Council is to be provided in January.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________






REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

13. Verbal Report on the Three Corners of Lower King Street.

Planning and Zoning Director Ross indicated that the news this month is not any different from the news last month. She reported that the ultimate situation at each of the three corners is essentially the same, i.e., potential for purchase of the old Fish Market; leasing of the space at the Seaport Inn with Starbucks and, hopefully, another restaurant in the back, and the Alamo is supposed to close soon on the sale. Starwood intends to have a lease with Starbucks by the end of the year. Decorations will be going up at the Seaport Inn similar to what you see on the Corn Exchange.

Assistant City Manager Jinks stated that there was an actual survey being taken outside the Alamo, so it appears that someone is preparing legal documents for the sale.

Councilman Euille requested the City Attorney to provide Council with some information relative to the legality of moving forward with condemnation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

14. Consideration of Rescinding Passage of the Motion Regarding the Reconstituting of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board and to Reduce the Membership of the Board by Attrition.

Councilwoman Woodson recommended that at the next scheduled ARHA work session that this be docketed for discussion because it is the simplest approach.

Mayor Donley stated that the City Council/ARHA Subcommittee will convene a meeting and include a topic of discussion on the ARHA membership.

City Council rescinded the motion made at the meeting of November 12, regarding the reconstituting of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board, and allowed the appointments for the two open seats to come forward in January.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

15. Consideration of Fourth Status Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations from the Child Welfare League of America.

Staff was requested to expedite advertising for the new position for foster care.

City Council received this report.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

16. Consideration of the Alternative Concept Plan for the Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens Coordinated Development District and the Straightening of the Monroe Avenue Bridge.

City Council received this report and scheduled it for public hearing on January 25, 2003, at Council's Saturday public hearing meeting.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________





REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)

17. Receipt of Draft Report for the Strategic Master Plan for Open Space, Parks and Recreation.

City Council received the report and (1) authorized staff to distribute the draft plan to the Park and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, the Environmental Policy Commission and the Steering Committee for Open Space and Recreation Needs Assessment for comments; and (2) requested a public hearing sometime during the first quarter of 2003.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

18. Receipt of the 2002 Annual Report and Plant Survey of Comcast Cable Communications.

City Council received the Comcast Cable Communications 2002 Annual Report and Plant Survey.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

19. Receipt of the 2002 Annual Subscriber Survey of Comcast Cable Communications.

Without objection, Director of Citizen Assistance Boyd introduced Jacqueline Levy, the new Cable TV Administrator.

City Council received the 2002 Annual Subscriber Survey Report from Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Vice Mayor Cleveland requested that the Office of Housing inform new emergency technician recruits about the City housing opportunities.

(b) Councilwoman Pepper requested a briefing from staff on snow removal problems on secondary roads, and questioned if we use the same type of chemicals that are used on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge which caused potholes on the bridge.

Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier and City Manager Sunderland provided an overview of the snow removal process.

Councilman Speck requested that Transportation and Environmental Services staff explore providing more snow removal assistance to those who cannot shovel their sidewalks, disseminate information on who to call on this and publicize the information on Comcast.

In response to the chemicals used on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Mr. Baier will look into that and report back to Councilwoman Pepper.




ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)

(c) Councilman Speck asked staff to look into ways to increase parking near the African American Heritage Park.

(d) Councilman Speck suggested that some mechanism be established to enable citizens to communicate their opinions and views on issues electronically.

Citizen Assistance Director Boyd reported that the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology meets in January, and she will place this concept on the agenda.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

(a) The City Manager provided Council with a copy of the new "Where to Park in Old Town" information cards which are being disseminated in the community.

(b) City Manager Sunderland reported that the Alexandria Health Department plans to launch a Community Health Assessment of Alexandria.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

CONSENT CALENDAR (20-22)

20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to amend Section 3-2-102 of the City Code to increase the cigarette tax levied by the City from $0.30 to $0.50 per package.

21. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to amend Title 2, Chapter 5, Article D of the City Code to authorize certain amendments to the several employee retirement and disability income plans maintained by the City of Alexandria.

22. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to approve a vacation of a portion of the public right-of-way of Mill Road.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council introduced and passed the ordinances on their First Readings; set them for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, December 14, 2002.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________










ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

23. Consideration of a Resolution adopting amendments to the City of Alexandria Retirement Income Plan for Firefighters and Police Officers. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council adopted the resolution which: (1) amends the City of Alexandria Retirement Income Plan for Firefighters and Police Officers to create a Retirement Board consisting of four City representatives and four participant representatives (two police officers and two firefighters) to administer the plan and oversee the management of Plan assets; (2) clarifies the definition of disability under the Plan; and (3) incorporates the technical changes required by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), as required by the Internal Revenue Service Code. RES. NO. 2050
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

24. Consideration of a Resolution adopting amendments to the City of Alexandria Firefighters and Police Officers Disability Income Plan. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council adopted the resolution which amends the City of Alexandria Firefighters and Police Officers Disability Income Plan to: (1) credit a participant with "earnings" solely for purposes of calculating disability benefits during periods a participant is on leave without pay due to the injury or illness that gives rise to the disability; (2) eliminate the offset for other earnings that is applicable to those on partial disability; (3) increase the "floor" on service connected disability benefit payable at age 60 from 50 percent to 66 2/3 percent; (4) recalculate a participant's earnings at age 60 (based on the current base salary applicable to other employees holding the same rank and grade) for purposes of computing the "floor" disability benefit at age 60; (5) provide a cost-of-living adjustment to participants receiving disability benefits; and (6) incorporate the technical changes required by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), as required by the Internal Revenue Service. RES. NO. 2051
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

25. Consideration of a Resolution adopting amendments to the City of Alexandria Retirement Income Plan for Deputy Sheriffs and Emergency Rescue Technicians. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council adopted the resolution which amends the City of Alexandria Retirement Income Plan for Deputy Sheriffs and Emergency Rescue Technicians in order to incorporate the technical changes required by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), as required by the Internal Revenue Service Code. RES. NO. 2052
Council Action:_________________________________________________________












ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

26. Consideration of a Resolution adopting amendments to the City of Alexandria Supplemental Retirement Plan. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council adopted the resolution which: (1) amends the City of Alexandria Supplemental Retirement Plan in order to provide coverage for members of the City Council, beginning July 1, 2003; and (2) incorporates the technical changes required by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), as required by the Internal Revenue Service Code. RES. NO. 2053
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

Without objection, City Council considered docket item no. 31 at this time.

31. Consideration of a Resolution adopting amendments to the City of Alexandria Pension Plan for Firefighters and Police Officers. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council adopted the resolution which amends the City of Alexandria Pension Plan for Firefighters and Police Officers in order to incorporate the technical changes required by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), as required by the Internal Revenue Service Code. RES. NO. 2054
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

27. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

Assistant City Manager Evans suggested that the next Community Meeting be held on Wednesday, February 19, and the alternative night is Wednesday, February 5. It was decided to be held on February 19. Vice Mayor Cleveland indicated that he will arrive late due to a prior commitment.

City Council received the revised calendar which includes: (a) the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce State of the City Breakfast on Thursday, February 27, 2003, at 8:00 a.m., at the Radisson Hotel on North Fairfax Street; (b) the City's Days of Remembrance at noon on Monday, April 28, at Market Square, and (c) added a Community Meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, at the Charles Houston Center.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

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

City Council appointed Douglas Meick as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review Parker-Gray District.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________





CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)

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

Councilwoman Eberwein noted that there was a letter received from Ms. Gilley that said Tom Sachs might reapply for the business slot, and asked if that meant he would move into that and there would be a new open seat available so that the sixth applicant might be able to reapply next month? Ms. Boyd responded in the affirmative. Mayor Donley requested Ms. Boyd to let Mr. Reilly know that is up and available, and ask that he send Council an e-mail or call Council as a reminder.

City Council reappointed Chester Avery (Identified a Disability), Jane Kachulis (Identified a Disability), Barbara Gilley (Identified a Disability) and Tom Sachs as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

EXECUTIVE SESSION

30. Consideration of the Convening of an Executive Session to discuss with legal counsel and staff the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, pursuant to Va. Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(3), and probable litigation, pursuant to Va. Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(7).

At 10:15 p.m., City Council convened in executive session at this time, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia, for the purpose of consulting with legal counsel and briefing by staff with respect to probable litigation involving the Department of Human Services, and pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia, for the purpose of discussing the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the City.

At 10:50 p.m., City Council reconvened the meeting and adopted the resolution pertaining to the executive session. RES. NO. 2055
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

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

There will be a Samuel Madden Task Force Meeting to discuss the Samuel Madden Homes (Downtown) on Tuesday, December 17, 2002, at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Workroom, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA.
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This docket is subject to change.

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Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council. Meeting materials are also available on-line at https://alexandriava.gov/council.
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Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500 (TTY/TDD 838-5056). We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.
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Individuals who require translation services to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500. We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.
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14. I put this out because there seem to be a number of different approaches that different Council Members have to the mechanism of a reduction from nine to seven, and I'm sensitive to the fact that this is a very delicate time, the continuity of the board is important, and that it might be advisable for us when we discuss that method to get some input from the ARHA Board.

Woodson recommended that at the next scheduled ARHA work session that this be docketed to be discussed because it is the simplest approach. It has always been the simplest approach. It doesn't step on any toes. It doesn't change the composition of the board. The same people who are on the board now will be on the board so you have the continuity that appears to be at issue.