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Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - - 7:00 p.m.

* * * * *

Present: Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Redella S. Pepper, Members of Council Ludwig P. Gaines, Rob Krupicka, Andrew H. Macdonald, Paul C. Smedberg, 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. Caton, Legislative Director; Mr. Baier, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Mr. Mandley, Director of General Services; Ms. Fogarty, Director of Planning and Zoning; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Police Chief Samarra; Police Lieutenant Uzzell; Ms. Whitmore, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities; Ms. Niebauer, Director of Human Rights; Ms. Smith-Page, Director of Real Estate Assessments; Mr. Skrabak, Environmental Quality Division Chief; Mr. Johnson, Deputy Director of Management and Budget; Mr. Culpepper, Deputy Director of Transportation; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Mr. Mandley, Director of General Services; Mr. Geiling, Deputy Director of General Services; Ms. Federico, Director of Historic Alexandria; Mr. Peacor, Customer Support Engineer, IT Department; Ms. Beeton, Urban Planner; and Ms. Triggs, Deputy Director of Finance; Mr. Collins, Division Chief in Police Facilities; Mr. Delimba, Division Chief of Capital Projects, General Services; Mr. Bedwell, Fiscal Officer; and Police Patrol Officer Kammy Knox

Recorded by: Jackie M. Henderson, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.

WORK SESSION

City Council held a work session from 6:20 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., with the City's Legislative Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly. The following members of the General Assembly were in attendance: Senator Ticer, Delegate Moran, Delegate Van Landingham, Delegate Darner and Delegate-elect Ebbin.

OPENING

1. The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Euille, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.

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

3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, and upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council approved the minutes for the regular meeting of November 11, 2003. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Woodson "aye"

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

4. Recognition of the Tenants' and Workers' Support Committee, Alexandria United Teens.

City Council recognized the Alexandria United Teens.

PROCLAMATIONS

5. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring December 1, 2003 as World AIDS Day.

(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. 5; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Smedberg presented the proclamation.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council adopted the proclamation. The voting was as follows:

Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Woodson "aye"

6. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring December 6, 2003, as the 33rd Anniversary of the Scottish Christmas Walk.

(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; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Vice Mayor Pepper presented the proclamation.

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

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Woodson "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (7-14)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

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

(a) Alexandria Archaeological Commission
Timothy J. Dennee

(b) Alexandria Commission on Employment
Bettie Applewhite
Kathleen Corr
Regina Wine

(c) Alexandria Youth Policy Commission
Gwendolyn Lewis

(A copy of the above resignations is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item nos. 7(a-c); 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

8. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

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

(b) Alexandria Commission On Information Technology
1 Member From and Representing the Alexandria Budget and
Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee

(c) Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team
The City Manager's Designee

(d) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
2 Retail Business Owner/Manager Representatives

(e) Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
1 Member Nominated by the T.C. Williams High School Band Boosters

(f) Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
1 Representative of the Alexandria Section of the Medical Society
of Northern Virginia

(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. 8; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

9. Submission of a Grant Application to the United States Department of Agriculture for the After School Snack Program For At-Risk Children.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 17, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

10. Consideration of Submission of an Application for Funding to the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) for the Round 3 Sponsoring Partnership and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

11. Consideration of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending October 31, 2003.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 17, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

12. Consideration of the Following Memoranda of Understanding or Agreements: (a) Memorandum of Understanding With the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Creating the Northern Virginia Arson and Explosives Task Force; (b) Memorandum of Agreement Between ATF and Arlington County Establishing Procedures and Responsibilities for Reimbursement of Expenses; and (c) Memorandum of Understanding for Northern Virginia Fire Investigations.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

13. Consideration of Report and Recommendation on Closed Captioning of City Council Meetings.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 21, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

14. Consideration of Authorization of Recommended Capital Project Allocations and Planned Expenditures.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 18, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council approved the consent calendar as presented. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:

7. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Timothy J. Dennee, Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (b) Bettie Applewhite, Kathleen Corr and Regina Wine, Alexandria Commission on Employment; and (c) Gwendolyn Lewis, Alexandria Youth Policy Commission.

8. City Council: (a) appointed Dennis Auld as the member designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (b) reappointed Mark Feldheim as the member from and representing the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee to the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology; (c) appointed Bruce Johnson as the City Manager's designee to the Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team; (d) appointed Patrick Troy and waived the residency requirement and reappointed Adam Winer as the two retail business owner/manager representatives to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors; (e) reappointed Thomas Fulham as the member nominated by the T.C. Williams High School Band Boosters to the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee; and (f) reappointed John Klousia as the representative of the Alexandria Section of the Northern Virginia Medical Society to the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission.

9. City Council approved the submission of the application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a reimbursement not to exceed $74,105.40 in estimated program expenses, and executed all necessary documents that may be required.

10. City Council approved the submission of an application to VHDA for $3,800,000 in SPARC Round 3 program funding for HAP and MIHP loan recipients.

11. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending October 31, 2003.

12. City Council approved: the Memorandum of Understanding with ATF; the Memorandum of Agreement with the ATF and Arlington County; the City's participation in the Memorandum of Understanding for Northern Virginia Fire Investigations; and authorized the City Manager to execute the documents.

13. City Council allocated $50,000 from the non-departmental contingent account set aside for this purpose to the Office of Citizen Assistance in order to enable the City to initiate closed captioning of City Council meetings early in 2004.

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

The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Woodson "aye"

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

15. Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee
1 Citizen-at-Large

(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. 15; 11/25/03, and is incorporated 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 John Higi as the citizen-at-large member to the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Higi
Pepper - Higi
Gaines - Cooney
Krupicka - Higi
Macdonald - Cooney
Smedberg - Higi
Woodson - Higi

16. Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals
1 Citizen Member

(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. 16; 11/25/03, and is incorporated 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 David Lantzy as the citizen member to the Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Lantzy
Pepper - Lantzy
Gaines - Slavin
Krupicka - Lantzy
Macdonald - Slavin
Smedberg - Lantzy
Woodson - Lantzy

17. Alexandria Commission For the Arts
1 Member Who Has Expertise In the Arts, Either As A Practitioner
Of An Art Discipline or As A Professional Administrator Working
In the Field
1 Member Who Represents the Public-at-Large, As An Arts
Consumer and Participant

(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. 17; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council reappointed Leon Scioscia as the member who has expertise in the arts, either as a practitioner of an art discipline or as a professional administrator working in the field, and reappointed George Chadwick as the member who represents the public-at-large as an arts consumer and participant to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Scioscia, Chadwick
Pepper - Scioscia, Chadwick
Gaines - Scioscia, Chadwick
Krupicka - Scioscia, Chadwick
Macdonald - Scioscia, Wachtel
Smedberg - Scioscia, Chadwick
Woodson - Scioscia, Chadwick

18. Alexandria Commission On Information Technology
3 Citizens-at-Large

(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. 18; 11/25/03, and is incorporated 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 Mark DeCourcey and Laurie MacNamara and reappointed Samaria Sherman as the three citizens-at-large to the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology. The voting was as follows:

Euille - DeCourcey, MacNamara, Sherman
Pepper - DeCourcey, MacNamara, Sherman
Gaines - Jones, MacNamara, Sherman
Krupicka - DeCourcey, MacNamara, Sherman
Macdonald - Jones, MacNamara, Ottavio
Smedberg - DeCourcey, MacNamara, Sherman
Woodson - DeCourcey, MacNamara, Sherman

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

(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. 19; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council reappointed Patrick Eddington as the citizen-at-large to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Eddington
Pepper - Eddington
Gaines - Eddington
Krupicka - Eddington
Macdonald - Eddington
Smedberg - Eddington
Woodson - Ahdoot

OTHER ITEMS

20. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #2003-0004

21. REZONING #2002-0005
22. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2002-0048 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated October 29, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20, 21 and 22; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried 6-1, City Council approved items 20, 21 and 22, with the following amendments and additions: (1) Shift the row of dwelling units adjacent to Quaker Village approximately ten feet farther to the south, and thereby increase the tree buffer by approximately an additional ten feet, and the trees that are part of the buffer and the trees being planted are protected and cannot be taken down; (2) The Applicant shall contribute $40,000 to the Quaker Village Homeowners Association Reserve for the purpose of maintaining, improving, or adding to the retaining wall along the southern boundary of the Quaker Village development; (3) The Applicant shall post a bond or letter of credit in an amount to be agreed upon with City staff to cover the potential cost of repair to the Quaker Village retaining wall in the event damage is caused by, or directly related to, site development and/or construction of the Quaker Ridge project. Such bond may also be utilized for potential damage to the Quaker Ridge houses, as a result of site development and construction. Such bond or letter of credit shall remain in effect for a period of five years from the date of commencement of construction; (4) The Applicant shall reduce the number of dwelling units from 25 to 23 dwelling units; (5) Of the 23 dwelling units, two dwelling units shall be offered for sale as affordable housing to persons to be designated by the City's Office of Housing, at the affordable sales price, or the option to accept the equivalent cash contribution to the housing trust fund. This requirement is a substitute for Condition 82, which is deleted; and (6) There be a mini Transportation Management Plan developed to encourage residents to use the bus shelter outside their door.

Howard Middleton, attorney for the applicant, said they agree to all the conditions and they assume the TMP would be divided by staff.

The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Pepper "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Macdonald "no"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Woodson "aye"

WORK SESSION

23. Presentation of Economic and Fiscal Information Concerning the FY 2005 Operating Budget and the FY 2005 to FY 2010 Capital Improvement Program (CIP.)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 17, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Mr. Jinks and Mr. Johnson made a presentation of the economic and fiscal information. Ms. Smith-Page and Mr. Neckel also provided information to Council.

New Business Item No. 1. Mayor Euille noted that Boy Scout Patrick White from Troop 131 at First Baptist Church was in the audience on a task assignment for his troop.

PUBLIC HEARING

24. Public Hearing To Obtain Public Input Prior to the Preparation of the City's 2005 Operating Budget and FY 2005 to FY 2010 Capital Improvement Program (CIP.)
The following persons participated in the public hearing on this item:

Lynn Haing, 4869 S. 28th Street, Apt. B2, Arlington, executive director of the Northern Virginia Area Health Education Center, said she is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Family Service, and she said the three priorities on their list are healthy families, accessible and affordable health care, and Alexandria Transitional Housing.

Deborah Tillman, 5001 Seminary Road, Suite 109, speaking on behalf of the Early Childhood Directors Association for the Alexandria Child Care Centers, requested Council to raise the reimbursement rate for centers, and the eligibility scale for subsidized child care be raised from 185 percent to a level of 250 percent poverty. She asked Council to approve the sum of $300,000 this year, which would help defray the cost of ten nationally accredited centers. (Approximately 15 parents, children and social workers in the audience with Ms. Tillman stood in support.)

Mary Riley, 202 E. Alexandria Avenue, vice chair of the Community Services Board, speaking on behalf of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse, asked that Council look closely at the supplemental request submitted by the Department. Their top three priorities are: the budgeted vacancy factor of 7.1 percent be reduced to 5 percent; the City funding for the creation of a Safe Haven Facility for unsheltered homeless individuals who cannot access the existing shelters due to their severe mental illness; and for services for five students with mental retardation who are graduating from T.C. Williams next June and who will need supported or sheltered employment after graduation.

Linda App, 4402 Kirschner Avenue, chair of the Social Services Advisory Board and past chair of the Child Welfare Partnership in Alexandria, urged continuation of support of child welfare. There needs to be sufficient funding to provide treatment services that many of the children need, and the funding for treatment of foster children is found in the Comprehensive Services Act budget, while funding for staff is in the Department of Human Services budget, and she urged Council to support the supplemental budget request in those two areas.

Mary Lou Wall, 7403 Park Terrace, chair of the Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team, urged Council to approve the ACPM supplemental budget request for Alexandria's neediest children.

Lisa Chimento, 524 Ft. Williams Parkway, chair of the City's Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, noted the importance of the establishment and adherence of sound fiscal policies and procedures and keeping a long-term prospective. She said their four general recommendations are: the City should keep an eye on the future as it works to meet the next year's budget challenges; the City should explore ways to diversify its revenues sources in an equitable fashion; the City should pay close attention to compensation issues; and the City should continue to adhere to its debt policy guidelines.

Lindsey Hutter, 7106 Marine Drive, vice president of the Board of Directors of the Campagna Center, spoke about the consultant's study for after-school care in Alexandria. She asked Council to respond to their request for supplemental funding for the Campagna kids. She also asked support in looking at what might be a city-wide program to be implemented as soon as possible, which might include standardization of parent fees, wages and programming.

Fran Becker, 930 N. Henry Street, Director of Carpenter's Homeless Shelter, speaking on behalf of the Homeless Services Coordinating Committee, spoke about the establishment of a Safe Haven. She said they are hopeful Alexandria will join other cities that have created a task force to address the chronic street population, as is required by HUD. She said another priority of the HSCC is the development of a single-room occupancy units for low-income individuals. In 2004, there must be in place a homeless management information system for anyone that provides services to homeless individuals. She urged Council to approve the continuation of funding for the Alexandria Transitional Housing Program, created with Housing Trust Funds.

Lori Cooper, 2936 Viewpoint Road, representing the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission, asked for support for the Health Department and its programs in the 2005 budget.

Mary Frances Varner, 614 Oronoco Street, president of the Board of Directors of the Lee-Fendall House Museum, said the primary structural beam that supports the main block of the house has failed, and the cost for replacement has been estimated at $100,000. She asked for a $50,000 challenge grant, to work with the City to create a solution to the issues they are facing at the museum, and with the support of the Council and commitment for a portion of the funds, they are confident that they can be successful in achieving broad community support to raise the additional funds.

Robert Seidenberg, 24 West Ehler Avenue, spoke of a possible request in the next fiscal year to fund year-round school programs, and he asked Council to not allot any funding for the programs and for such a program for Mt. Vernon Elementary School.

Brent Minor, 2910 Sycamore Street, chair of the Alexandria Commission on HIV and AIDS, spoke of the need for more prevention efforts for HIV and AIDS in the community, and that Council consider funding a position within the Alexandria Health Department that would be devoted to HIV and AIDS prevention efforts.

Larry Campbell 207 E. Windsor Avenue, spoke about the language program funding at Mt. Vernon Elementary School and said that in his contacts with the School Board, he raised his concern that the process was being rolled out in a very aggressive and rushed manner, at a time when many programs were going unfunded last year, that the parents were quickly being asked to vote on something when they had not been presented with information on how much evaluation had been done at the School Board level. He said the School Board should be looking at the feasibility of programs, and he said efforts should be better focused on trying to obtain funding for expanding and improving existing programs, like the dual-language program.

Gordon Johnston, 419 E. Windsor Avenue, president of the Mt. Vernon Community School PTA, said they strongly support the goals of the legislation for No Child Left Behind, the leadership on the Duncan Library expansion, support the work at T.C. Williams, seeing a strong partnership between the Recreation Departments, the Rec Centers and the schools, and they want to make desirable communities common and affordable and all the schools strong schools.

Kleber Masterson, 101 Pomander Walk, chair of Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, requested that Council increase the operating budget of the Office of Historic Alexandria by $50,000 to better support/maintenance/repair of the ten historic sites and museums operated by the City. He said HARC voted unanimously to support the request for the repairs of the Lee-Fendell House for emergency repairs to the support beam.

Ronnie Campbell, 5731 Leverett Court, Apt. 72, PTA Council president, requested support for schools, in particular several facility projects that will be started and completed on schedule--the T.C. Williams High School, the additional cost the school system is being forced to absorb due to the additional requirements for Annual Yearly Progress, and the No Child Left Behind Act.

Susan Johnson, 2918 N. Rosser Street, chair, Early Childhood Commission, said their priority is the children of Alexandria and they want Council to keep the children as one of their priorities in this budget process. She said the Commission encourages Council to adopt the goal of providing early childhood programs as a central priority for the City and to look at Council's own legislative agenda for areas in need of support. One of the priorities is the eligibility requirements for subsidized child care, and the Commission oversees the awarding of the children's fund grants, and they have not been able to fully fund the requests for the past few years.

Justin Wilson, 136 Sanbonn Place, spoke of the need for remediation of stormwater sanitary sewer issues, the streetscape improvements for Mt. Vernon Avenue, particularly the finalization of undergrounding of utilities, and perhaps taking a few blocks as a model for future development as a pilot. On funding the acquisition of open space, it is important to provide funds to maintain the existing parks.

Allen Lomax, 5021 Seminary Road, #230, chair of the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission, said two major issues have dominated the Commission's discussions--affordable housing and income security. He said they have three issues, which are designed to help prevent homelessness, a homelessness management information system and a Safe Haven facility. He said the programs to prevent homelessness face budget problems and the programs to prevent homelessness are essential tools for crisis intervention. On the homeless management information system, start-up funds will be needed for the system. He said the Commission supports the establishment of a Safe Haven Facility in the City.

Paol Hertel, 1217 Michigan Court, spoke on the issue of traffic congestion and the emissions from cars and air pollution and the investment in mass transportation. He urged Council to support the DASH bus system.

Katy Cannady, 20 E. Oak Street, said she is speaking for herself and for David Hollinger, the co-chairs of the Federation of Civic Associations. She spoke of the Planning outreach activities and said it will require staff time and expertise from a specialist hired on a contractual basis. She said the budget in the spring should include all the funds necessary for completing the various segments of the plan. She said that if there is a Transportation Commission, it must have at least one Planning staff person as its professional advisor, and funds may be needed for that as well.

Frederica Dunn, 5500 Holmes Run, a member of the Sister Cities Committee, requested a line item in the budget in the amount of $1,000, since everything that is done for Sister Cities comes out of the member's pockets.

Judy Noritake, 605 Prince Street, on behalf of the Park and Recreation Commission, spoke of the allocation of one cent for open space and she underscored that they would like to continue that as it debates setting the real estate tax rate next year. She said the task force will have a report to Council in April. She said on trails, the bicycle sub-committee is asking for an increase in the budget for multi-use trails of $200,000 per year, up from the $77,000 and they also asked for staffing a bicycle and pedestrian professional. She said Council allocated $100,000 to begin planning for renovations to Patrick Henry and Charles Houston Recreation Centers, and said an assessment of those buildings have not been done, so the $7 million that was allocated was an estimate. She said she expects that in FY06, they will come back with a tighter estimate of those project costs and she expected it to be more money.

Ellen Pickering, 103 Roberts Lane, asked Council to have a kind-eye for all the social programs that have been addressed tonight, and she had five other points: money for stream valley parks and trails, it needs money to support people to do a good in-fill study, not just for vacant lots but for sagging commercial areas and for its historic areas, for the gateways into the City, put monies in the Park and Recreation fund that will raise the temperature of the Chinquapin Pool that will meet the standards of the National Arthritis Foundation, and to raise the podium in the Council Chambers.

Stephanie Campbell, 207 E. Windsor Avenue, spoke about increased funding for the Alexandria Fire Department, and they seem to forget that the firefighters and EMT's are the first responders to kitchen fires, car wrecks and suspicious white powdery substances, but they are also their first responders to biological and chemical attacks. She said that at the station near her house, she sees storage boxes outside and equipment parked outside because of the lack of space. She requested Council to closely consider the needs of the fire department and the safety of the people.

Derick Hansley, 633 N. Columbus Street, spoke about mental health housing and said he and his wife have a disability and she is in one house and he is in another. He said he is hoping he and his wife can soon be together.

Zena Srour, 633 N. Columbus Street, said she is a member of the Patrick Street Club House and said she was homeless two years ago. She said that through the Community Services Board, she was placed in transitional housing program and has permanent housing. She said she was able to see a therapist, a psychiatrist, a case manager, medication, housing and was able to socialize with her peers. She asked for support of the program.

Aaron Spevacek, 2210 Mt. Vernon Avenue, executive director of the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, spoke in favor of the Early Childhood fund, the Youth fund and the Community Partnership fund for Human Services. She said all three funds represent a model for a public-private partnership.

Winston Burse, 522 E. Windsor Avenue, said he works for mental health at the Patrick Street Clubhouse and he "is" mental health. He said people with disabilities continue to be the poorest in the nation. He said he was homeless for three years, and went to Social Services for a referral, and he got the help he needed.

OTHER ITEMS

25. Consideration of Adoption of a Budget Resolution Regarding the City Council's Treatment of Final Revenue Adjustments During the City's Budget Process. (ROLL-CALL VOTE)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously by roll call vote, City Council adopted the budget resolution in order to provide a framework for budget consideration by the present Council. The voting was as follows:

Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Woodson "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:
RES. NO. 2088

Budget Resolution Regaridng the Treatment of Final Revenue Adjustments During the Budget Process.

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria and the Greater Washington region face continued economic challenges; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council has previously exhibited restraint when considering the annual budget and financial policies; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council wishes to establish structure surrounding upcoming budget deliberations to ensure responsible actions with current economic resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, that the Council shall, for the purposes of consideration of the Budget for the City of Alexandria, adhere to the following rules of procedure:

Section (a) Proposed Budget for the City of Alexandria -

(1) For purposes of this resolution, the budget baseline of revenue rates and expenditure levels for the fiscal year shall be that proposed by the City Manager of the City of Alexandria.

(2) For purposes of this resolution, the Office of Management and Budget shall provide revenue and/or expenditure projections for any motion or amendment which could affect the proposed budget specified in paragraph (1).

Section (b) Maximum Expenditure Levels May Not Exceed Sum of Projected Revenue and Appropriation from Undesignated Fund Balance in Proposed Budget -

(1) It shall not be in order in the Alexandria City Council to consider any motion or amendment to the proposed budget of the City of Alexandria if such motion or amendment would have the effect of increasing any specific budget outlays above the level of such outlays contained in the proposed budget specified in section (a) of this resolution, or would have the effect of reducing any specific revenues below the level contained in the proposed budget specified in section (a) of this resolution, unless such motion or amendment makes at least an equivalent reduction in other specific budget outlays, identifies an equivalent increase in other specific revenues, or an equivalent combination thereof.

(2) In the Alexandria City Council, any appropriation from the Undesignated Fund Balance or any like account beyond that proposed in the Manager's proposed budget shall require an affirmative vote of five Council members.

(3) In the event that the City Manager recommends final revenue adjustments that result in a net increase or net decrease from the revenue estimates specified in section (a) of this resolution, the net change in the revenue estimate shall be reflected as a change in the proposed appropriation from the Undesignated Fund Balance. As specified in Section (b)2, any appropriation from the Undesignated Fund Balance beyond that proposed in the Manager's proposed budget, including the net effect of final revenue adjustments, shall require an affirmative vote of five Council members.

Section (c) Expiration - The provisions of this resolution shall expire on June 30, 2006.


26. Consideration of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2003.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 26; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Finance Director Neckel made a presentation of the report.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council received the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2003. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Woodson "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

27. Consideration of Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Charter of the City of Alexandria, Virginia for the 2004 Session of the General Assembly. (#17, 10/28/03, #10, 11/15/03)

28. Consideration of Adoption of the Proposed City Legislative Package for the 2004 General Assembly Session. (#17, 10/28/03, #10a, 11/15/03.)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated October 22, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 27 and 28; 11/25/03; and a copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 27 and 28; 11/25/03, and both are incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Legislative Director Caton reviewed Governor Warner's tax reform plan and some of the other ideas being considered by the General Assembly.

Mayor Euille said that with Council's consent and support, he would like to send a letter to the Governor thanking him for moving forward with the tax proposal and initiative, and conceptually that the City supports what he is offering. In addition, he would be sending a letter to the Virginia Municipal League, asking them to lobby and embrace the proposal and convene an emergency session of the Legislative Committee to begin addressing the proposals.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council adopted items 1A through 1H, 2A through 2V and 3A through 3D as positions in the City's Legislative Package for the 2004 General Assembly Session, including items 1B, 1C, 1F and 1H as proposed revisions to the City Charter. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Gaines "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Woodson "aye"

29. Consideration of the Establishment of a Transportation Commission for the City of Alexandria.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 29; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, a motion was made by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg, to defer action on the Transportation Commission. The City Manager is to set up a work group to develop the elements of the Commission and return to Council.

The Mayor asked the City Manager to form a work group to hash out the elements that they would like to see in the new Commission. He said he would appoint two Councilmembers to serve on that work group with the City Manager.

A substitute motion was made by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Gaines and which failed on a vote of 3-4, to defer and use the docket item it has tonight as the basis for a public hearing to be held in January and some other kind of presentation precedes that. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Krupicka "no"
Gaines "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Euille "no" Smedberg "no"
Woodson "no"

Councilman Macdonald suggested that the working group include people from the Federation, to broaden the input.

Mayor Euille said it is up to the City Manager on how broad he wants the Committee to be.

The unanimous vote on the original motion was as follows:

Woodson "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Macdonald "aye"

30. Consideration of Report of the Affordable Housing Work Group and Recommendations for the Formation of a New, Independent Non-Profit Housing Development Organization.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 30; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Kerry Donley, chair of the Affordable Housing Work Group, made a presentation of the report and urged endorsement of the City Manager's recommendation and the recommendation of the Task Force.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council received the report of the Affordable Housing Work Group and thanked the members for their service; endorsed the formation of a new, independent housing development organization, as described in the Work Group Report, and affirmed that the new organization will not be a part of, and will operate completely independently of the City; determined a process for Council selection of five individuals who will incorporate the new organization, serve on its board of directors and select the remaining members of the new organization's board and begin that process; authorized the City Attorney to the degree desired by five incorporators, prepare or assist in the preparation of all necessary documents for the establishment and incorporation of the new organization; and requested that the new Board, once established, submit a first-year budget application for City Council consideration. The voting was as follows:

Woodson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

The staff was asked to advertise the positions and to request the applicants provide a personal statement and a full bio; once the applications are received, a work group set up by the City Manager consisting of two Councilmembers, two staff members and two members of the community will make a recommendation on the applicants to Council in early January.

31. Consideration of Authorizing the Installation of a Traffic Signal at the Diagonal Road and King Street Metro Station Crosswalk.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 19, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 31; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council authorized the installation of a traffic signal located at Diagonal Road and the King Street Metro Station crosswalk. The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Pepper "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Woodson "aye"

32. Consideration of Leases For Office Space and Parking Spaces for the Alexandria Police Patrol, Parking Enforcement and Community Support Units.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 21, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 32; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Mr. Mandley, along with Mr. Collins, Ms. Knox, Mr. Delimba, Mr. Geiling, and Mr. Bedwell made a presentation of the report.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute, on behalf of the City, and to deliver the leases in substantially the form presented to the Council with such changes as are approved by the City Manager and City Attorney; the execution of the leases by the City Manager shall constitute conclusive evidence of his approval, and that of the City Attorney, of any and all changes from the documents made available to Council. The voting was as follows:

Woodson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

This item was deferred.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

This item was deferred.

ORAL REPORT BY THE CITY MANAGER

33. Presentation of the 2003 Annual Report.

This item was deferred.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

34. Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Referring a Text Amendment to the Planning Commission to Amend the Concept Plan for Potomac Yard to Change the Membership of the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee. (ROLL-CALL VOTE)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 21, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 34; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously by roll call vote, City Council adopted the resolution which initiates and refers the matter to the Planning Commission for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that will establish the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee by ordinance and will modify the committee's membership to include two representatives of the area covered by the Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens small area plan. The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Pepper "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Woodson "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:
RES. NO. 2089

Whereas, the Alexandria City Council may initiate the amendment of the Alexandria Zoning Ordinance whenever it determines that public necessity, convenience, general welfare or good zoning practice requires an amendment; and

WHEREAS, Condition No. 17 of the approved concept plan under Alexandria Zoning Ordinance Section 5-602(A)(10), CDD No. 10 (Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens), establishes the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee (PYDAC) to review further zoning approvals required by Section 5-602(A)(10) for development within the concept plan area, and formally advise the Planning Commission and City Council thereon; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of a committee such as PYDAC, which has the duty and authority formally to advise the Planning Commission and City Council in performing their public regulatory functions, as part of the Zoning Ordinance, and not merely as a condition of the approved concept plan, represents good zoning practice that is important to the public necessity and convenience and the general welfare; and

WHEREAS, PYDAC, as currently structured under the approved concept plan, does not provide for full and adequate public representation on the committee, including future residents and others within the concept plan area; and

WHEREAS, full and adequate public representation on an advisory committee such as PYDAC represents good zoning practice that is important to the public necessity and convenience and the general welfare;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Alexandria:

Section 1. That the public necessity, convenience, general welfare or good zoning practice requires consideration of a Text Amendment to establish PYDAC in the Zoning Ordinance as a formal advisory committee to the Planning Commission and City Council, and to provide full and adequate public representation on such committee.

Section 2. That the City Council does hereby initiate such Text Amendment, and refer the same to the Planning Commission for public hearing and consideration in the manner provided by law.


OTHER

35. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 20, 2003, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 35; 11/25/03, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilwoman Woodson and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Council schedule for the period of November 25, 2003, through June 30, 2003, as follows: scheduled a work session with the Planning Commission at 6:00 p.m. before Council's Monday, December 8 legislative meeting; changed the date of the work session on the Visitors Center proposal from Monday, December 8 to Tuesday, January 14, 2004, at 6:00 p.m.; scheduled the work session on the City's Transportation Plan and Program at 6:00 p.m. before Council's Tuesday, January 27 legislative meeting; scheduled the follow-up meetings to the City Council Retreat with consultant Lyle Sumek on Monday, December 1 and Tuesday, December 2 from noon to 3:30 p.m.; noted the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to noon; and noted Christmas in April on Saturday, April 24. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Woodson "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

Councilwoman Woodson reminded Council that she would be out of town at the National League of Cities Conference the week of December 8 and would miss that Council meeting.

New Business Item No. 2. Mayor Euille noted that the City's Christmas tree lighting is Friday, November 29, at 7 p.m., at Market Square Plaza at City Hall.

New Business Item No. 3. Councilman Gaines asked for a briefing on the arson incident at the next Council meeting.

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WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilwoman Woodson and carried unanimously, City Council moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:58 p.m. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Woodson "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Macdonald "aye"
Smedberg "aye"


The meeting was adjourned at 11:58 p.m.
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APPROVED BY:

_________________________
WILLIAM D. EUILLE MAYOR
ATTEST:

______________________________
Jackie M. Henderson, City Clerk



This docket is subject to change.

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