OPENING
1. Calling the Roll. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Euille, and the Deputy City Clerk called the roll; all the members of City Council were present. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ NEW BUSINESS ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Euille recognized former City Council Vice Mayor, Lionel Hope, who was visiting. 2. Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance. City Council observed a moment of silence and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meetings of City Council: (a) The Regular Meeting Minutes of December 13, 2005; and (b) The Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2005. City Council approved the minutes of the regular meeting of December 13, 2005 and the minutes of the public hearing meeting of December 17, 2005. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL None. PROCLAMATIONS 4. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Department of Human Services Employee Anna Taraki as City Employee of the Month. City Council endorsed the proclamation. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ NEW BUSINESS ITEM NO. 2: Mayor Euille presented a check in the amount of $5000 from the William D. Euille Foundation to the Emergency Energy Fund. 5. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring January as Stalking Awareness Month. City Council endorsed the proclamation. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 6. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring January 15-21, 2006 as Jaycee Week. City Council endorsed the proclamation. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 7. Presentation of a Proclamation Expressing Appreciation to the Donor of the Christmas Tree at Market Square. City Council endorsed the proclamation. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 8. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Members of the Beverley Hills Garden Club for the Holiday Decorations at City Hall. City Council endorsed the proclamation. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 9. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring Sunday, January 15 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Alexandria and Setting Aside January 8-16 in Memorial Observance of the Late Dr. King and His Numerous Contributions to the American Way of Life. City Council endorsed the proclamation. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER CONSENT CALENDAR (10-14) (Resignations and Uncontested Appointments) 10. Receipt of the Following Resignations From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees: (a) Alexandria Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District James J. Luby (b) Alexandria Commission on Aging Susan Cavanaugh (c) Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities Carl Robert Lee 11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees: (a) Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee 1 Citizen Member (b) Alexandria Beautification Commission 3 Citizen Members (c) Alexandria Commission on Aging 4 Citizen Members (One of Whom Must Be 60 Years of Age or Older) (d) Alexandria Commission on Employment 1 Representative From Such Organizations As Educational Agencies, Organized Labor, Rehabilitation Agencies, Community-Based Organizations, Economic Development Agencies, and the Public Employment Service (e) Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board 1 Low-Income Tenant (f) Alexandria Law Library Board 1 Citizen Member (g) Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission 1 Non-Health Professional 1 Representative of the Alexandria Medical Society 1 Representative of the Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council (h) Alexandria Sanitation Authority 1 Citizen Member (i) Alexandria Sister Cities Committee 1 Citizen Member (j) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board 1 Parent Member 1 Citizen Member (k) Alexandria Woodrow Wilson Bridge Neighborhood Task Force 1 Representative From the Eisenhower Valley Business Community (Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager) 12. Consideration of Renewal Grant Application for Funding to Continue the Domestic Violence Intervention Program. 13. Acceptance of Subgrant Award of Urban Areas Security Initiative Funds For City Radio Coverage in Transit Tunnels. (Ordinances for Introduction) 14. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Revise the Design-Build and Construction Management Contract Provisions of the City Code. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR City Council approved the Consent Calendar. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows: 10. City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) James J. Luby, Alexandria Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District; (b) Susan Cavanaugh, Alexandria Commission on Aging; and (c) Carl Robert Lee, Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities. 11. City Council made the following appointments: (a) appointed Anthony Smith as the citizen member to the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee; (b) reappointed Ruth McKenty, appointed Friedrich Schlich and reappointed Bette Jo Sullivan as the three citizens members to the Alexandria Beautification Commission; (c) reappointed Cedar Dvorin, Scott Frey and Joann Miller and appointed Bernard Kellom as the four citizen members, one of whom must be 60 years of age or older, to the Alexandria Commission on Aging; (d) waived the residency requirement and reappointed Franklyn Malone as the representative from such organizations as educational agencies, organized labor, rehabilitation agencies, community-based organizations, economic development agencies, and the public employment service to the Alexandria Commission on Employment; (e) reappointed Geraldine Baldwin as the low-income tenant to the Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board; (f) appointed Linda Cullen as the citizen member to the Alexandria Law Library Board; (g) reappointed Arlene Hewitt as the non-health professional, reappointed John Klousia as the representative of the Alexandria Medical Society, and waived the residency requirement and appointed Vincent Whitmore as the representative of the Alexandria Emergency Medical Services Council to the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission; (h) reappointed Edward Semonian as the citizen member to the Alexandria Sanitation Authority; (i) appointed Carlos Davila as the citizen member to the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee; (j) appointed Jason Dechant as the parent member and Paul Cox as the citizen member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; and (k) appointed Janet Gregor as the representative from the Eisenhower Valley Business Community to the Alexandria Woodrow Wilson Bridge Neighborhood Task Force. 12. City Council approved the grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice for a total of $98,420, which require no local matching funds and authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. 13. City Council approved the sub-grant award of $264,583, for which there is no required City match and authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. 14. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on January 21, 2006. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS 15. Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals 1 Citizen Member City Council reappointed Thomas Downey as the citizen member to the Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION 16. Receipt of the Proposed Minor Amendments to the City Council's Strategic Plan and the Strategic Plan Status Report and Setting Them for Public Hearing on Saturday, January 21. City Council received the proposed minor amendments to its Strategic Plan and the Strategic Plan Status Report and set these items for public hearing and consideration on Saturday, January, 21. Council requested that the Archaeological Commission be notified of the public hearing so that they may present their proposed revisions at that time. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES None ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (a) Councilman Gaines reported that he represents Council on the Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and he noted that the City of Alexandria is seeking to host the Street Smart Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Campaign. He reported that he is working with Transportation and Environmental Services staff to coordinate the event, with the possible site to be the Concourse of the Patent and Trademark Office. (b) Councilman Gaines congratulated Councilman Macdonald for being reappointed by Governor Warner to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. (c) Mayor Euille reported that the Governor's BRAC Commission has some regional recommendations about the BRAC closings and how they affect the Northern Virginia region, and Governor Warner has attempted to incorporate some financial impacts as part of the proposed State budget. (d) Mayor Euille reported that the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission adopted their legislative package representing a commitment to support a dedicated funding stream for the WMATA bus and rail system. Mayor Euille noted that the Northern Virginia Transportation Regional Authority has adopted similar a package as well. (e) Councilman Smedberg noted that also part of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission's legislative package is the promotion of the initiative for motor vehicles stop in pedestrian crossways. (f) Councilman Smedberg congratulated Mayor Euille on being elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. Councilman Smedberg also noted that Mayor Euille would serve on the Executive Committee of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. (g) Councilman Macdonald mentioned that Andrew Palmieri finished a successful term as chair of the Waterfront Committee and thanked him for his efforts. Councilman Macdonald reported that Susan Petty is the new chair of the Waterfront Committee. (h) Councilman Macdonald congratulated Councilman Gaines on being named Governor-elect of the subcommittee on Commonwealth Preparedness. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (a) Vice Mayor Pepper recognized the passing of two very active citizens in Alexandria: Helen Miller and Don Edwards. (b) Councilman Gaines recognized Barbara Fox Mason of the Child and Family Network Center for being named Washingtonian of the Year by the Washingtonian Magazine. (c) Councilman Gaines reported that Melanie DeMayo submitted an article to the Alexandria Gazette Packet about the daily challenges faced by people with Disabilities. Councilman Gaines noted that he shared commutes with Ms. DeMayo and other members of the disability community in order to understand the challenges they face and how the City policies can help ensure that their commutes are accessible as possible. Councilman Gaines thanked Ms. DeMayo, Jane Kachulis, Chet Avery and Tara Hughes for their input on some upcoming policy initiatives. (d) Councilman Gaines reported that he was co-sponsoring a film showing with the Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association on January 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Durant Community Center. All proceeds will benefit the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. Reconsideration of Docket Item #6 from the December 17, 2005 Public Hearing Meeting: (e) Councilman Krupicka moved that City Council rescind the vote on the Special Use Permit for the property at 301 LaVerne Avenue and directed staff to redocket the item next month and work with the applicant on a plan that would be consistent in scale with the neighboring property and that maximizes the light and air on the corner of the property. Councilman Macdonald requested that staff provide all records pertaining to votes from the Del Ray Civic Association to Council. (f) Councilman Smedberg thanked City Manager Hartmann and Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Baier for the memorandum on leaf collection in the City. Councilman Smedberg suggested that there be some explanation in the upcoming FYI Alexandria about the leaf collection this year. Mayor Euille stated that the FYI Alexandria would explain that the City has a standing commitment to provide the citizens of Alexandria prompt delivery of services, including trash pickup and leaf collection and the City apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the delay. Councilman Macdonald suggested that maybe there is a more effective way to deal with the pickup, such as bagging the leaves. Councilman Krupicka requested that staff explore the possible of using biodegradable bags for leaf collection next year. Reconsideration of Legislative Package: (g) Councilman Smedberg moved that City Council delete the item in the City's Legislative Package dealing with the use of funds for the purchase of open space. (h) Councilman Smedberg requested information on why the Lee Center received the $50,000 donation from Whole Foods. Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Kincannon explained how the donation was received and how the money was allocated to the playground at the Lee Center. Council and staff participated in a discussion about the donation to the Lee Center and how future donations would be handled by the City. (i) Councilwoman Woodson requested an update on the financial assistance to citizens whose homes need weatherization for the winter months. Councilwoman Woodson thanked Mayor Euille for his donation to the Emergency Energy Fund and requested information about the possible donation from Home Depot. City Manager Hartmann reported that the Department of Human Services has been trying to contact Home Depot to no avail. Mr. Hartmann noted that if no response is received from Home Depot, other businesses will be contact to see if they want to participate in the program. (j) Mayor Euille mentioned other individuals who were also recognized by the Washingtonian Magazine including Joe Yuca, Executive Director/Founder of the Seaport Foundation and two local restaurants that were recognized: La Lucia and Eve. (k) Mayor Euille recognized the passing of some Alexandrians including Helen Miller, Don Edwards, Allan Voorhees, and Beverly Montcastle. Mayor Euille also expressed condolences to City Manager Jim Hartmann for the loss of his mother. (l) Mayor Euille encouraged citizens to donate blood at the INOVA Hospital because there is an urgent need for blood. (m) Mayor Euille gave his New Year's address stating that 2006 was a new beginning and new chance for the citizens to rededicate and commit to becoming involved in making a difference in the world and our community. Mayor Euille encouraged the citizens to participate in the upcoming election for Mayor and Council. Mayor Euille also encouraged citizens to explore Alexandria and discover all the assets it has to offer. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER City Manager Hartmann reported on the following: (a) There was an update on the ongoing Mirant situation. City Manager Hartmann referred the discussion to Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Baier and City Attorney Pessoa. Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Baier gave to Council on the activities that have occurred concerning the ongoing situation with the Mirant plant. City Attorney Pessoa reported on the legal issues surrounding the ongoing Mirant situation including the current litigation that is in court. (b) Director Baier gave an update on the Monroe Avenue Bridge project, reporting on the liaison group meeting and discussion of the key issues that were raised at the initial meeting on the bridge construction. (c) City Manager Hartmann noted that Captain Eddie Reyes is seeking some office space in Arlandria to create a resource center and he is eager to work with other City departments to improve Arlandria. City Manager Hartmann reported that a community meeting is scheduled for January 30 at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Arlandria. (d) City Manager Hartmann reported that the Alexandria Economic Summit IV will be held January 28, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m at the Radisson Hotel at 901 North Fairfax Street. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 17. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds by the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Alexandria for the Institute for Defense Analysis. [ROLL-CALL VOTE] City Council approved the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds by the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Alexandria for the Institute for Defense Analysis. (RES. NO. 2173) Council Action:_________________________________________________________ OTHER 18. Consideration of City Council Schedule. City Council adopted the City Council Schedule for the months of January 2006 through June 2006, with the following additions and changes: the Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Lyceum as Alexandria's History Museum on Thursday, January 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, at the Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street; the Arlandria community meeting with Council, businesses and area residents on Monday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 West Reed Avenue; and change the date of the Council tour of the Archives and Records Center to Thursday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Center. City Council added a joint Work Session with the Planning Commission on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Work Room. Council Action:_________________________________________________________ EXECUTIVE SESSION 19. Consideration of Convening An Executive Session Closed to the Public for Discussion of Probable Litigation, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia. At 9:28 p.m., City Council convened in executive session, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia, for the purpose of discussing the probable litigation by and against the City arising from the Tanyard Ditch Sewer Project. At 9:50 p.m., City Council reconvened the meeting. City Council adopted the resolution pertaining to the Executive Session. (RES. NO. 2174)