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Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - - 7:00 p.m.

* * * * *


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, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Fire Chief Mesaris; Mr. Dahlberg, Director, Code Enforcement; Paramedic Supervisor Barrett; Mr. Mason, Acting Public Information Officer/Special Assistant to the City Manager; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Ms. Boyd, Director, Citizen Assistance; Mr. Johnson, Director, Office of Management and Budget; Ms. Davis, Director, Office of Housing; Mr. Kincannon, Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. Barnett, Deputy Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. Powalisz, Arts Administrator, Recreation, parks and Cultural Activities; Mr. Baier, Director, Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Culpepper, Deputy Director, Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Neckel, Director, Office of Finance; Police Lt. Story; and Mr. Lloyd.

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

OPENING


1. Calling the Roll.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Euille, and the City Clerk called the roll; all the 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 and heard a choral rendition of America The Beautiful by the All-City Chorus.

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

(a) The Regular Meeting Minutes of April 11, 2006.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Macdonald, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the regular meeting minutes of April 11, 2006. The voting was as follows:

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

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

4. Presentation by the All City Chorus.

Council heard a series of musical selections from the Alexandria All City Chorus.

* * * * * *

Councilman Smedberg arrived at this time (7:20 p.m.)

* * * * * *

5. Recognition of the Alexandria City Public Schools Stars Male Mentor Group.

City Council recognized the Alexandria City Public Schools Stars Male Mentor Group.

PROCLAMATIONS

6. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring April 23-29, 2006, as Crime Victims Rights Week.

(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 6; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

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

7. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring May 7-13, 2006, as Building Safety Week.

(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

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

8. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring May 14-20, 2006, as National EMS Week.

(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

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

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (9-14)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

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

(a) Alexandria- Gyumri Sister City Committee
Christopher Born
Mirana Der Ohanian
Sheila McCurley
Mari Stull
Natalie Topa

(b) Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission
Lauren Elisabeth Smith

(c) Alexandria Human Rights Commission
Lauren Elisabeth Smith

(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. 9(a-c); 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

10. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Citizen Corps Council
1 Member in Good Standing of the CERT Program

(b) Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS
1 Member From and Representing the Alexandria Chapter
of the American Red Cross

(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. 10(a-b); 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

11. Submission of Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Fund the Installation of a Sprinkler System at Fire Station 208, Located on North Paxton Street.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 20, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

12. Submission of a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for Funding for the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 12, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

13. Consideration of Monthly Financial Report for Period Ending March 31, 2006.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 18, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 18, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

9. City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) Christopher Born, Mirana Der Ohanian, Sheila McCurley, Mari Stull, and Natalie Topa, Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (b) Lauren Elisabeth Smith, Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission; and (c) Lauren Elisabeth Smith, Alexandria Human Rights Commission.

10. City Council made the following appointments: (a) appointed Christina Richardson-Jones as the one member in good standing of the CERT program to the Alexandria Citizen Corps Council; and (b) waived the residency requirement and appointed Lester (Grev) Hunt, III as the one member from and representing the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross to the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS.

11. City Council: (a) approved the submission of an electronic grant application totaling $100,000 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to fund the installation of a fire sprinkler system at Fire Station 208; and (b) authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.

12. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (a) submit a grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for funding in the amount of $192,541 for FY 2007 and $173,287 for FY 2008, for continued funding of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program; (b) approved the continuation of four full-time grant-funded positions (one Collections Specialist II position, two Victim-Witness Specialist I positions, and one Victim-Witness Specialist II position) covered by the Victim/Witness Assistance Grant. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant, and the individuals who are to fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment. It should be noted that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds are expended; and (c) execute all necessary documents that may be required.

13. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 2006.

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:

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

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

15. Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Homeowner in the City

The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Michael Beresik
Derek Hyra
Paul Kangas
Pat Phibbs
Patrick Traylor

(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; 4/25/06 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: No one received a majority vote; therefore, there had to be a second balloting. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Traylor
Pepper - Phibbs
Gaines - Phibbs
Krupicka - Traylor
Macdonald - Hyra
Smedberg - Traylor
Woodson - Beresik

WHEREUPON, ballots were again distributed, tellers were again appointed and the ballots were again tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Pat Phibbs as the one homeowner in the City to the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Traylor
Pepper - Phibbs
Gaines - Phibbs
Krupicka - Traylor
Macdonald - Phibbs
Smedberg - Traylor
Woodson - Phibbs

16. Alexandria Citizen Corps Council
1 Representative of the Emergency Medical Services Council,
Medical Reserve Corps, or A Person With Emergency Medical
Response Experience

The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Byron Dixon
Francis Hoang

(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; 4/25/06 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 appointed Francis Hoang as the one representative of the Emergency Medical Services Council, Medical Reserve Corps, or a Person with Emergency Medical Response Experience to the Alexandria Citizen Corps Council. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Dixon
Pepper - Hoang
Gaines - Hoang
Krupicka - Hoang
Macdonald - Hoang
Smedberg - Hoang
Woodson - Dixon

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

The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Heidi Meinzer
Jessica Miller
Joy Pochatila
Erica Rossi
Giles Strickler
Sarah Sturtevant

(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; 4/25/06 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. No one received a majority vote; therefore, there had to be a second balloting. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Miller

Pepper - Strickler
Gaines - Pochatila
Krupicka - Pochatila
Macdonald - Miller
Smedberg - Sturtevant
Woodson - Meinzer

WHEREUPON, ballots were again distributed, tellers were again appointed and the ballots were again tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Joy Pachatila as the one citizen-at-large to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Pochatila
Pepper - Pochatila
Gaines - Pochatila
Krupicka - Pochatila
Macdonald - Miller
Smedberg - Pochatila
Woodson - Miller

18. Alexandria Human Rights Commission
2 Citizen Members

The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Betty Morrison
Timothy Ramsey
Andrew Rivera
Nancy Turner

(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; 4/25/06 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 Rivera and Nancy Turner as the two citizen members to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Rivera, Turner
Pepper - Rivera, Turner
Gaines - Rivera, Turner
Krupicka - Rivera, Turner
Macdonald - Rivera, Turner
Smedberg - Rivera, Turner
Woodson - Rivera, Turner

19. Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
3 Citizen Members

The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Nathan Macek
Jeffrey Miller
Kevin Posey
Amy Slack
Charles Stulb
Patrick Warren, Sr.

(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; 4/25/06 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 appointed Kevin Posey and reappointed Amy Slack and Patrick Warren, Sr., as the three citizen members to the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Slack, Posey, Warren
Pepper - Slack, Posey, Warren
Gaines - Slack, Posey, Warren
Krupicka - Slack, Posey, Warren
Macdonald - Slack, Posey, Stulb
Smedberg - Slack, Macek, Warren
Woodson - Slack, Macek, Warren

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

20. Consideration of a Report on Establishment of a Poet Laureate for Alexandria.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 20, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Councilman Gaines said he would pledge to work with staff to provide corporate or private funding for the fiscal impact of $3,500 plus $500 for the honorarium to erase any fiscal impact. He said for the honorarium, he would publicly pledge $500 to cover the first year of the honorarium.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council: (a) received the Poet Laureate proposal submitted by the Steering Committee; (b) thanked the members of the Steering Committee for their efforts on behalf of the City Council; and (c) set this item for public hearing and consideration at Council's May 20 public hearing meeting. The voting was as follows:

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

21. Receipt of Revised Personal Data Form for Applicants to Boards and Commissions.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 20, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Mayor Euille suggested that on the front page, the question is asked does the person now live in the City of Alexandria, but it never asks how long they have lived in the City. He said on the back of the form, there is a question that asks if the person has been a resident of the City for at least one year for some of the board positions. He said it is helpful to know how long an applicant has lived in the City.

Councilman Krupicka said the statement of interest of why one should be appointed is short and Council is looking for a clear statement on what the applicant's interest is.

There was discussion among Council on attaching additional pages, both on line and on paper.

Councilman Macdonald said in certain cases, particularly on the two BAR's, he would like to see some of the applications reviewed by some of the historic commissions.

Councilman Smedberg said on the sentence of applicants being encouraged to contact Council, he asked to have that statement in blue or italics to highlight it a little more.

WHEREUPON, motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council received the updated Personal Data Form for Applicants to City Boards, Commissions, Committees and Authorities.

The voting was as follows:

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

21.1 Consideration of City Council Findings in Relation to the Board of Architectural Review Appeal for Case No. BAR 2006-0002 and BAR 2006-0001.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 24, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21.1; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried 6-1, City Council affirmed the BAR decision to deny the petitioners' appeal on April 22, 2006, and found: 1. This townhouse dates from 1954, and none of the criteria in Section 10-105(b) of the Zoning Ordinance have been met; 2. Accordingly, the decision of the BAR to grant the Permit to Demolish is affirmed, subject to the conditions as stated by the BAR; 3. The proposed addition is visible from the public right-of-way, and fully subject to the jurisdiction of the BAR, and Council on appeal, as argued by the petitioners, although the rear part of the addition has limited visibility from the right-of-way; 4. The length of the rear addition is approximately 50 percent of the existing length of the house. The height of the rear addition is lower than the height of the existing house with the added, third story addition. The subject property sits lower than the adjacent properties to the north, which are most impacted by the addition. The property retains a substantial rear garden and yard area; 5. The architectural design, detailed materials; the height, mass and scale, and the site design and arrangement of the proposed addition are compatible with the existing house and with the surrounding area in the historic district, including with other additions which have been approved over time. The proposed addition meets the requirements of Section 10-102(A)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance; and 6. Accordingly, the decision of the BAR to grant the Certificate of Appropriateness is affirmed, subject to the conditions as stated by the BAR. The voting was as follows:

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

Councilman Gaines noted for the record the presence of a document that outlines clearly City Council's findings and grounds for denial.

21.2 Deferral from April 24, 2006, the Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Increase the Real Estate Tax Assistance Available to Limited Income Residents. (#5, 4/24/06, #13, 4/22/06, #18, 4/11/06) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 4, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21.2; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council passed the ordinance to increase the real estate tax assistance available to limited income residents, with the following amendments:

1. Page 7, line 21:
Strike $72,000
Insert $100,000

2. Page 8, line 4 through line 15:
Strike:
Sec. 3-2-176 Same - amount; limitation.
(a) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $675 $1,000, for an applicant with household income which does not exceed $40,000.
(b) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $475 $700, for an applicant with household income of more than $40,000, but which does not exceed $50,000 $55,000.
(c) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $275 $325, for an applicant with household income of more than $50,000 $55,000, but which does not exceed $62,000 $72,000.
(d) Only one grant under this division shall be made per household.
Insert:
Section 3-2-176 Same - amount; limitation; one member household.
For a household of one member:
(a) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $1,200, for an applicant with household income which does not exceed $40,000.
(b) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $875, for an applicant with household income of more than $40,000, but which does not exceed $55,000.
(c) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $375, for an applicant with household income of more than $55,000, but which does not exceed $72,000.
(d) Only one grant under this division shall be made per household, and in no event shall the amount of the grant exceed the taxes owed for the year.

3. Page 8, Line 16:
Insert:
Section 3-2-176.1 Same - amount; limitation, two member household.
For a household of two members:
(a) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $1,200, for an applicant with household income which does not exceed $40,000.
(b) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $875, for an applicant with household income of more than $40,000, but which does not exceed $55,000.
(c) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $375, for an applicant with household income of more than $55,000, but which does not exceed $72,000.
(d) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $200, for an applicant with household income of more than $72,000, but which does not exceed $87,000.
(e) Only one grant under this division shall be made per household, and in no event shall the amount of the grant exceed the taxes owed for the year.

Section 3-2-176.2 Same - amount, limitation, three or more member household.
For a household of three or more members:
(a) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $1,200, for an applicant with household income which does not exceed $40,000.
(b) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $875, for an applicant with household income of more than $40,000, but which does not exceed $55,000.
(c) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $375, for an applicant with household income of more than $55,000, but which does not exceed $72,000.
(d) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $200, for an applicant with household income of more than $72,000 but which does not exceed $100,000.
(e) Only one grant under this division shall be made per household, and in no event shall the amount of the grant exceed the taxes owed for the year.

4. Page 8, Line 21:
Insert:
Section 2. That Section 3-2-171 of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended by adding thereto a new definition to read as follows:
(9) Household member. The applicant, the applicant's spouse, any relative of the applicant who resides in the dwelling, and any other person who is an owner of and resides in the applicant's dwelling.

The voting was as follows:

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

The ordinance reads as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 4444

AN ORDINANCE to amend and reordain Section 3-2-173 (GRANT – ELIGIBILITY, RESTRICTIONS GENERALLY), Section 3-2-176 ((SAME – AMOUNT LIMITATION) and Section 3-2-179 (SUNSET DATE), of Division 2 (AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP PRESERVATION PROGRAM), Article L (REAL ESTATE TAX RELIEF), Chapter 2 (TAXATION), Title 3 (FINANCE, TAXATION AND PROCUREMENT) of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

Section 1. That Sections 3-2-173, 3-2-176, and 3-2-179 of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby are, amended and reordained to read follows:

Sec. 3-2-173 Same--eligibility, restrictions generally.

A grant under this division in any taxable year shall be subject to the following restrictions and conditions:

(1) The household income of the applicant shall not exceed $100,000.

(2) The assessed value of the real estate owned by the applicant shall not exceed $527,000.

(3) The net combined financial worth of an applicant shall not exceed $50,000.

(4) The applicant and/or the applicant's spouse shall own at least 50 percent interest in the real estate.

(5) As of January 1 of the taxable year, the applicant must occupy the real estate for which the grant is sought as his or her sole residence and must be expected to so occupy the real estate throughout the year; provided, that an applicant who is residing in a hospital, nursing home, convalescent home or other facility for physical or mental care shall be deemed to meet this condition so long as the real estate is not being used by or leased to another for consideration.

(6) An applicant shall file the affidavit or written statement required by section 3-2-175 no later than September 1 of the taxable year.

(7) An applicant for a grant provided under this division shall not participate in the real estate tax exemption or deferral program for the elderly or permanently and totally disabled provided under division 1 of this article, and no grant shall be applied to real estate taxes on property subject to such exemption or deferral program.

(8) An applicant for a grant provided under this division shall not be delinquent on any portion of the real estate taxes to which the grant is to be applied.

Sec. 3-2-176 Same--amount; limitation, one member household.

For a household of one member:

(a) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $1,200, for an applicant with household income which does not exceed $40,000.

(b) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $875, for an applicant with household income of more than $40,000, but which does not exceed $55,000.

(c) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $375, for an applicant with household income of more than $55,000, but which does not exceed $72,000.

(d) Only one grant under this division shall be made per household, and in no event shall the amount of the grant exceed the taxes owed for the year.

Sec. 3-2-176.1 Same–amount; limitation; two member household.

For a household of two members:

(a) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $1,200 for an applicant with household income which does not exceed $40,000.

(b) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $875, for an applicant with household income of more than $40,000, but which does not exceed $55,000.

(c) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $375, for an applicant with household income of more than $55,000, but which does not exceed $72,000.

(d) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $200, for an applicant with household income of more than $72,000, but which does not exceed $87,000.

(e) Only one grant under this division shall be made per household, and in no event shall the amount of the grant exceed the taxes owed for the year.

Sec. 3-2-176.2 Same–amount, limitation, three or more household.

For a household of three or more members:

(a) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $1,200, for an applicant with household income which does not exceed $40,000.

(b) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $875 for an applicant with household income of more than $40,000, but which does not exceed $55,000.

(c) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $375, for an applicant with household income of more than $55,000 but which does not exceed $72,000.

(d) The amount of each grant under this division shall be $200, for an applicant with household income of more than $72,000, but which does not exceed $100,000.

(e) Only one grant under this division shall be made per household, and in no event shall the amount of the grant exceed the taxes owed for the year.

Sec. 3-2-179 Sunset date.

No grant pursuant to section 3-2-172 shall be permitted in any taxable year which commences after December 31, 2006.

Section 2. That section 3-2-171 of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended by adding thereto a new definition to read as follows:

(9) Household member. The applicant, the applicant’s spouse, any relative of the applicant who resides in the dwelling, and any other person who is an owner of and resides in the applicant’s dwelling.

Section 3. That this ordinance shall become effective January 1, 2006, nunc pro tunc.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

None.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilwoman Woodson said there was an article in the Washington Post today about affordable housing, and she and Mayor Euille both went to a regional affordable housing symposium on Monday, accompanied by many members of the Housing staff, including the Director and the new Housing Czar. She said Mayor Euille was on a panel and represented the City extraordinarily well with Dr. Fueller. She said many of the things they are doing made her feel good to see their best practices. She said hats off to the Housing Director and her staff and to Mr. Jinks, Mr. Johnson and the City Manager's Office. She said she will attend another housing conference and will bring back anything that is being done on a national level that might work in the City.

Mayor Euille said they need to get Dr. Fueller to do the presentation for Council that he did yesterday to the National Association of Realtors Summit on Affordable Housing, when Council has the work session in June.

(b) Mayor Euille said Councilman Macdonald had emailed him about moving as quickly as possible to address the issue that's brewing in the community in terms of infill/McMansions. He said Council will have a thorough discussion with the Planning staff, Planning Commission and others at the next session of Council in September, but prior to that, his suggestion would be to put together a workgroup that can start meeting as soon as possible to prepare the outline and format for what they need to do when Council reconvenes in September. Mayor Euille said that unless he heard an objection, he wished to appoint two members of Council, two members from the Planning Commission and two members from the Federation of Civic Associations to work with the Planning Director to lay out the process they need to undertake.

(c) Mayor Euille said the budget and CIP adoption occurred last night, which included $3.3 million for affordable housing programs, a three percent cost of living adjustment for all City and School staff, an eight percent increase in funding for City schools over the current year, and a 10 cent tax rate reduction, which takes effect July 1, which reduced the tax rate from $.91.5 to $.81.5 per $100 of assessed valuation, which is the lowest property tax rate in Alexandria in more than 50 years. Additionally, this is the second lowest rate among Northern Virginia jurisdictions. The net affect is it will result in an average increase in real estate taxes for the average residence being valued at $527,000, they would have to pay an additional $259 or 6.4 percent increase.

(d) Mayor Euille said the City's general elections take place next Tuesday, May 2, for the Mayor, City Council and School Board. He encouraged citizens to vote.

(e) Mayor Euille said Bike Walk Virginia announced its annual award winners, and on Monday, May 1 at the Holiday Inn Select in Historic Lynchburg, they will honor the 2006 local hero and community champion, and in addition, they will recognize three elected officials who attempted to improve pedestrian safety by strengthening the vehicle code during the regular session of the General Assembly, and they are: Senator Patricia Ticer, Delegate Brian Moran and Councilman Rob Krupicka.

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Hartmann said the Virginia Department of Transportation has released its six-year plan and is holding a funding hearing next week and because of the severity of the funding situation, he thought it was appropriate for the City to be represented at that hearing.

Legislative Director Caton summarized the cuts in funding for transportation in the six-year plan and noted how it will affect the City.

Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Deputy Director Barnett briefed Council on the upcoming Jamestown 2007 events from May 27 to June 3 on the waterfront.

City Manager Hartmann introduced new Communications Director Brian Hannigan.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

None.

OTHER

22. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 20, 2006, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 4/25/06, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Councilwoman Woodson asked if there was any possibility for moving the Council public hearing on June 17 to either June 10 or 24, as she would like to attend but there is a good likelihood that she will be at a meeting out of town June 15-17, plus it is the waterfront festival.

There was discussion of moving the meeting date, and it would come back to Council at the next legislative meeting.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council received the revised calendar for April through June, 2006, which includes the following additions: Schedule a work session to discuss issues regarding Virginia Paving at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31 in the Council Work Room; and received the revised calendar, which includes the following additions: a reception sponsored by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee before Council's Tuesday, May 9 legislative meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Vola Lawson Lobby; a reception sponsored by the Youth Policy Commission to honor youth as part of the annual National Youth Service Day observance on Thursday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the Vola Lawson Lobby (rescheduled from Tuesday, April 25); the Alexandria Waterfront Festival kickoff party on Wednesday, June 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory; and the 25th annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 at Oronoco Bay Park. The voting was as follows:

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

23. Consideration of Convening An Executive Session Closed to the Public For Discussion of Pending Litigation, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, at 8:51 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 workers' compensation claim of James Taber. The voting was as follows:

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

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, at 8:55 p.m., City Council reconvened the meeting in open session. The voting was as follows:

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

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council authorized the City Attorney to settle the workers' compensation claim of James Taber along the lines discussed with Council. The voting was as follows:

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

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council adopted the resolution pertaining to the Executive Session. The voting was as follows:

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

The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2183

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council has this 25th day of April 2006, recessed into executive session pursuant to a motion made and adopted in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and

WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the city council that such executive session was conducted in accordance with Virginia law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city council does hereby certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters that were identified in the motion by which the executive session was convened, and that are lawfully exempted by the Freedom of Information Act from the Act's open meeting requirements, were heard, discussed or considered by council during the executive session.

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THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Woodson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, the regular City Council meeting of April 25, 2006, was adjourned at 8:57 p.m. The voting was as follows:

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





APPROVED BY:
__________________________
WILLIAM D. EUILLE MAYOR

ATTEST:

___________________________________
Jacqueline M. Henderson, CMC City Clerk





This docket is subject to change.

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