Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting (05/25/2005)

Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - - 7:00 p.m.

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Present: Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Redella S. Pepper, Members of Council Ludwig P. Gaines, K. Rob Krupicka, Andrew H. Macdonald, Paul C. Smedberg and Joyce Woodson.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Mr. Hartmann, City Manager; Mr. Pessoa, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Jinks, Assistant City Manager; Ms. Gordon, Public Information Officer; Mr. Dahlberg, Director, Code Enforcement; Mr. Neckel, Director, Finance; Ms. Boyd, Director, Citizen Assistance; Ms. Davis, Director, Office of Housing; Mr. Cochran, Division Chief, Office of Housing; Mr. Johnson, Director, Office of Management and Budget; Mr. Kincannon, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs; Dr. Konigsberg, Health Director, Health Department; Ms. Fogarty, Director, Planning and Zoning; Ms. Fogle, Division Chief, Planning and Zoning; Mr. Cox, Code Enforcement; Mr. Mensinger, Code Enforcement; Mr. Perry, Code Enforcement; Mr. Blethen, Code Enforcement; Mr. Hepler, Code Enforcement; Mr. Mitchell, Code Enforcement; Ms. Keith, Code Enforcement; Mr. Overkott, Code Enforcement; Mr. Mackall, Code Enforcement; Ms. Caron, Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES); Mr. Arnold, T&ES; Ms. Connett, T&ES; Ms. Flenniken, Division Chief, Police; Mr. Colevas, ITS; Mr. Farid, ITS and Sgt. Briel, Police Department.

Recorded by: Gloria Sitton, Deputy City Clerk and Clerk of Council

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Council held a work session with the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission on the Community Health Assessment. The major topic discussed was the implementation of the recommendations of the Community the Health Assessment.

OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Euille, and the Deputy City Clerk called the roll; all members of City Council were present.

2. Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

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

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

(a) The Special Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2005;

(b) The Regular Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2005; and

(c) The Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of May 14, 2005.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council approved the minutes of the following meetings of City Council: (a) the special meeting minutes of May 2, 2005; (b) the regular meeting minutes of May 10, 2005; and (c) the public hearing meeting minutes of May 14, 2005. The voting was as follows:

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

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

None.

PROCLAMATIONS

4. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing William Hurd for Receiving the Transit Association's Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award.

(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. 4; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

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

5. Presentation of Certificate by American Style for the City of Alexandria Being Named One of the Top 25 Arts Destinations in the Category of Mid-Sized Cities in the United States.

City Council received the certificate from American Style Magazine.

6. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Al Cox, Peter Mensinger, James Sullivan, Mary Johnson, Duane Perry, Sarah Caron, Antonio Arnold, Kathy Connett, A. Maurice Jones, Joseph Blethen, Lynn Hepler, Paul Mitchell, Keena Keith, Ray Overkott and Donald Mackall as City Employees of the Month for April Work on the USPTO Project.

(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; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

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

7. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of Los Amigos.

(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; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

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

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (8-14)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

8. Receipt of the Following Resignations from Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees.

(a) Alexandria Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District
William Cromley

(b) Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
Kyle Lynch

(c) Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
Elise Venusti

(d) Alexandria Waterfront Committee
James H. McIlhenny

(e) Alexandria Youth Policy Commission
M. Catharine Puskar

(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 No. 8(a-e); 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

9. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1 Citizen Member From Planning District III

(b) Alexandria Commission for Women
3 Citizen Members

(c) Alexandria Community Services Board
1 Consumer (Current or Former Direct Recipient of Public or
Private Mental Health, Mental Retardation, or Substance
Abuse Treatment Rehabilitation Services) or Family Member
(Immediate Family Member or the Principal Caregiver
Who Is Not Paid) of the Consumer

(d) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Representative of the Alexandria Society For the
Preservation of Black Heritage

(e) Alexandria Waterfront Committee
1 Representative From the Alexandria Park and
Recreation Commission

(A copy of 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. 9(a-e); 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

10. Submission of a Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing, For Equipment for the Police Department.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 16, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

11. Consideration of a Grant Award from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management - State Homeland Security Grant Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 16, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

12. Consideration of an Authorization of Recommended Capital Allocations and Planned Expenditures.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 16, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

13. Consideration of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending April 30, 2005.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 16, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

14. Receipt of the 2003-2004 Annual Report for the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 16, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council approved the action consent calendar with the exception of docket item #10, which was considered under a separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

8. City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) William Cromley, Alexandria Board of Architectural Review -- Parker-Gray District; (b) Kyle Lynch, Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission; (c) Elise Venusti, Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission; (d) James H. McIlhenny, Alexandria Waterfront Committee; and (e) M. Catharine Puskar, Alexandria Youth Policy Commission.

9. City Council made the following appointments: (a) reappointed Janice Magnuson as the citizen member from Planning Distict III to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (b) reappointed Joan Dodaro, Mary Catherine Gibbs, and Laura Mandala as the three citizen members to the Alexandria Commission for Women; (c) appointed Lenwood Harris as the consumer (current or former direct recipient of public or private mental health, mental retardation, or substance abuse treatment rehabilitation services) or family member (immediate family member or the principal caregiver who is not paid) of the consumer to the Alexandria Community Services Board; (d) appointed Charles Nelson as the representative of the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; and (e) reapppointed Henry S. Brooks as the representative from the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission.

11. City Council accepted the grant funds totaling $131,734 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to fund equipment for first responders to better prepare for potential acts of terrorism and authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.

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

13. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending April 30, 2005.

14. City Council received the report from the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department and thanked the volunteers for their contributions to the City and the Fire and EMS Departments.

The voting as follows:

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

10. Submission of a Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing, For Equipment for the Police Department.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 16, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Macdonald and carried unanimously, City Council approved the grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice for a total of $394,000 for one year, for which there is no required City match and authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. The voting was as follows:

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

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

15. Alexandria Human Rights Commission
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME: ENDORSED BY:
Andrew Hyman
Sonya Sacks

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk ofCouncil, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council reappointed Andrew Hyman as the citizen member to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Hyman
Pepper - Hyman
Gaines - Hyman
Krupicka - Hyman
Macdonald - Hyman
Smedberg - Hyman
Woodson - Hyman

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

16. Consideration of Changes to the City's Moderate Income Homeownership Assistance Program to Facilitate Assistance to Residents Affected by Condominium Conversion.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated May 18, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 5/25/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) approved an increase in the maximum loan amount in the City's Moderate Income Homeownership Program (MIHP) from $20,000 up to $30,000 provided that the limit shall be $40,000 for residents buying in a condominium complex in which they currently reside; (2) approved an increase in the income limits for eligibility for the MIHP program increasing the limit for one person households from $68,700 to $71,440, for two person households from $68,700 to $80,370, and for households of three or more from $79, 500 to $89, 300; and approved the allocation of up to $822,500 from the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) to the MIHP program, as needed, with the understanding that this allocation would not exceed 50% of revenue received by the HTF in 2006. Council requested that staff return a memo on prioritization of how the 1 cent dedication of the real estate tax would be used for affordable housing. 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

(a) Councilman Gaines reported that the upcoming Council of Governments (COG) Transportation and Planning Board Street Smart Campaign will be launched on June 1, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Councilman Gaines noted that the Street Smart Campaign targets reduction of pedestrian and bicycle injuries and promoting pedestrian and bicycle safety.

(b) Councilman Gaines noted the base closures in the area and how the COG Transportation and Planning Board is examining the impact the closures will have on the entire region.

(c) Councilman Gaines reported that he attended a Community Policy and Management Team event where he represented the City as the keynote speaker at an awards ceremony.

(d) Councilwoman Woodson reported that she attended a National League of Cities (NLC) - Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Steering Committee retreat in Nevada last week and noted that the following issues were discussed at the meeting: (1) there was a session on reading and using budgets with author Lyn Wood and she recommended bringing the author to conduct a workshop for the City on the topic; (2) there was a session on tax reform and the impact it has on municipalities; (3) there was a discussion on telecommunications and local government and the taxation of the industry in a fair and equitable manner; and (4) the committee worked on revisions of the NLC Policy for the FAIR section of the NLC policy book.

(e) Councilwoman Woodson reported that she attended a VML Finance Steering Committee meeting in Richmond today and she noted that the major issue of discussion was real estate tax relief and how it is being handled on the State level.

(f) Councilman Smedberg reported that the COG Public Safety Committee discussed the airspace security breach that occurred recently in D.C. COG expressed concern with how the situation was handled and would be receiving recommendations from the community on how to handle such situations in the future. Councilman Smedberg also noted that the committee discussed the regulations for returning general aviation to Reagan National Airport.

(g) Vice Mayor Pepper noted that COG and Northern Virginia Regional Commission is working on a respone to the base closures in the area and are working closely with delegations to figure out the best tactics for the areas affected.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Vice Mayor Pepper reported that the City was named Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

(b) Vice Mayor Pepper reported that she attended the Cherry Blossom Tree planting held in Ben Brenman Park last Saturday and noted that 150 cherry blossom trees were sold. Vice Mayor Pepper noted that the trees are still for sale for $75 from Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Vice Mayor Pepper also commended Cindy McCartney and Jean Kelley for helping with the planning of the event.

(c) Vice Mayor Pepper reported that she participated in the Bike to Work Day event last Friday and noted that there were 140 participants, including Councilman Krupicka. Vice Mayor Pepper pointed out that some of the bike trails in the City were in disrepair and needed some attention for safety purposes.

(d) Councilman Gaines reported that he attended Adoption Saturday and noted that 16 children were adopted.

(e) Councilman Gaines reported that councilmembers had received numerous emails from citizens about unsolicited newspapers and the Police Department was working on letters to civic associations about how to address the problem. Councilman Gaines thanked Police Lt. Uzzell for his work on this issue.

(f) Councilman Gaines reported he attended a session of Honor Court with Councilman Smedberg and Vice Mayor Pepper and he congratulated James Norwood and Matthew Deter on becoming Eagle Scouts.

(g) Councilman Gaines noted that May is Older Americans Month and pointed out that literature is available through the City to help elderly citizens protect themselves from consumer scams.

(h) Councilman Gaines reported that he attended the Clover/College Park Civic Association meeting and they discussed the plans for the proposed City Complex.

(i) Councilman Macdonald requested an update on the status of the condemned house at the corner of Duke and Royal Streets. In response to Councilman Macdonald, City Attorney Pessoa noted that the house was still on the spot blight list and the City was working with the owner's attorney to resolve this issue.

(j) Mayor Euille reported that he attended a 12th Anniversay celebration for the National Senior Health Fitness Day at the Fountains community.

(k) Councilman Krupicka reported that the Del Ray movie night was a success and there are plans to have more movie nights throughout the summer. Councilman Krupicka inquired whether City staff could assist in the promotion of the upcoming movie nights.

(l) Councilman Krupicka also mentioned the onslaught of unsolicited newspapers in citizens' yards recently and noted that Citizen Assistance has been helpful in resolving some issues concerning this problem.

(m) Councilman Krupicka reported that he attended an Alexandria Economic Development Partnership meeting and the issue of base closure was discussed at the meeting.

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Hartmann reported on the following: there will be a community meeting held on May 31, 2005 at Bishop Ireton High School at 7:30 p.m. about the proposed plans for the City Complex which will include a new Police facility, bus facility and recreation fields.

City Attorney Pessoa reported that the Alexandria Circuit Court dismissed the lawsuit against the City and others concerning the proposed Gateway project.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

None.

OTHER

17. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council adopted the City Council Schedule for the months of May through June, 2005, with the following additions and changes: (a) schedule a special meeting of Council in order to hold a public hearing on the proposed plans for Jones Point Park at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 27, in the Council Chambers and received the revised calendar which includes (a) a memorial service and tour of the LST 325 on Friday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Robinson Terminal, located adjacent to the Potomac River at Union Street and Oronoco Street and (b) the 24th Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19 at Oronoco Bay Park. The voting was as follows:

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

18. Appointment of Alternate City Member to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council appointed Councilman Paul Smedberg as the City's alternate member to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. The voting was as follows:

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

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THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council adjourned the regular meeting of May 25, 2005, at 8:44 p.m. The voting was as follows:

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

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At the conclusion of its May 25 Legislative Meeting, City Council held a joint work session with the Planning Commission on Planning Priorities and Development Issues at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried 6-1, Council adopted the following as planning priorities in this order: Route 1 Corridor, Eisenhower West and Waterfront. The voting was as follows:

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

Council also had a discussion on the Base Realignment and Closure and how the military intended to move out of leased space to military bases. Council discussed how these closures would affect the City. Mayor Euille recommended strategizing with neighboring jurisdictions to come up with ways to handle the change, as well as lobbying both State and Federal government on the issue.

APPROVED BY:

________________________________
WILLIAM D. EUILLE MAYOR

ATTEST:

______________________________
Gloria A. Sitton Deputy City Clerk

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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City Council meetings are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.

THE CABLECAST SCHEDULE OF GOVERNMENT MEETINGS ON CHANNEL 70 FOLLOWS:

Updated 5/16/05

MAY 2005

May 18, Board of Architectural Review - Old & Historic District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
May 19, School Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
May 21, City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 a.m., *Replay of 5/14 Meeting*
May 25, City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., *LIVE*
May 25, Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District, 7:30 p.m., *Taped*
May 26, City Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 5/25 Meeting*
May 27, Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 5/25 Meeting*

JUNE 2005

June 1, Board of Architectural Review - Old & Historic District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
June 2, School Board Public Hearing & FY 2007 Operating Budget, 7:30 p.m. *LIVE*
June 7, Planning Commission, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
June 9, Board of Zoning Appeals, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
June 14, City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., *LIVE*
June 15, Board of Architectural Review - Old & Historic District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
June 16, School Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
June 17, City Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 6/14 Meeting*
June 21, City Council Public Hearing, 4:00 p.m., *LIVE*
June 22, Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
June 25, City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 a.m., *Replay of 6/21 Meeting*
June 28, City Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
June 30, City Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 6/28 Meeting*