Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting (12/13/2005)

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - - 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 and Paul C. Smedberg.

Absent: Councilwoman Joyce Woodson

Also Present: Mr. Hartmann, City Manager; Mr. Pessoa, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Ms. Boyd, Director, Citizens Assistance; Mr. Neckel, Director, Finance; Mr. Baier, Director, Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES); Mr. Davis, Director, Office of Housing; Mr. Mason, Acting Public Information Officer/Special Assistant to the City Manager; Mr. Kincannon, Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. Fogarty, Director, Planning and Zoning (P&Z); Mr. Sutton, Division Chief, P&Z; Ms. Niebauer, Director, Human Rights; Mr. Howard, Director, Personnel Services; Mr. Culpepper, Division Chief, T&ES; Chief Mesaris, Fire Department; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Ms. Collins, Director, Human Services; Mr. Smith, Urban Planner, P&Z; Mr. Short, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Chief Samarra, Police Department; Ms. Cressey, City Archeologist, Office of Historic Alexandria; Ms. Federico, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria; Mr. Lloyd, General Services; Mr. Rodriguez, General Services; Mr. Colevas, ITS; Mr. Martinez, ITS; Mr. Robinson, ITS; and Police Lt. Uzzell.

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

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, except Councilwoman Joyce Woodson, who had an excused absence.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Euille wished all the citizens of Alexandria Happy Holidays and hoped everyone enjoyed the season.

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 Meeting of City Council:

(a) The Regular Meeting Minutes of November 22, 2005.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Macdonald and carried unanimously, City Council approved the regular meeting minutes of November 22, 2005. The voting was as follows:

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

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

4. Recognition of Youth From City Year and Key Club Members Who Participated in the Clean-Up at Jefferson Houston Elementary School.

City Council recognized youth from City Year and Key Club Members who participated in the clean-up at Jefferson Houston Elementary School.

5. Recognition of Thomas Carpenter, from Tomorrow's Black Man and Laverne Short, from the Nannie J. Lee Center.

City Council recognized Thomas Carpenter from Tomorrow's Black Man and Laverne Short from the Nannie J. Lee Center.

PROCLAMATIONS

6. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring Good Weather on December 31, 2005, for First Night Alexandria and a Presentation by the First Night Alexandria Board of Directors.

(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; 12/13/05, and is incoporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

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

NEW BUSINESS ITEM NO. 2: WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed a proclamation honoring Office of Historic Alexandria Director Jean Taylor Federico on the occasion of her retirement at the end of the year. The voting was as follows:

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

7. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring December as Human Rights Month in the City of Alexandria and Recognizing the 30th Anniversary of the Passage of the Alexandria Human Rights Ordinance.

(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; 12/13/05, 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 absent

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (8-20)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

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

(a) Alexandria Sister Cities Committee
Gia Miele
William T. Murphy, Jr.

(b) Alexandria Waterfront Committee
Andrew F. Palmieri

(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-b); 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

9. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Representative of an Employer in the City Who Employs At
Least 100 Employees

(b) Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee
1 Citizen Members

(c) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
2 Citizen Members

(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 Community Policy and Management Team
1 Parent Representative Who Is Not An Employee of Any
Public or Private Program Which Receives Funds From
the Comprehensive Services Act

(f) Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission
2 Citizen Members

(g) Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
1 Member Nominated by the Masonic Fraternity

(h) Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
1 Non-Health Professional

(i) Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission
1 Citizen Member

(j) Alexandria Waterfront Committee
1 Representative From the Old Town Civic Association

(k) Alexandria Youth Policy Commission
1 Member of the Alexandria City School Board’s Advisory
Committees

(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-k); 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

10. Consideration of Grant Submission to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources For Funding in the Amount of $40,000 for Alexandria Archaeology.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 30, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

11. Consideration of Submission of a Grant Application to the State Department of Criminal Justice Services for a Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program Grant for the Police Department.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated November 30, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

12. Consideration of Report on Benchmark Job Analysis for Public Safety Positions.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 8, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

13. Receipt of the Annual Report From the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

14. Receipt of the Alexandria Community Services Board FY 2005 Annual Report.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

15. Receipt of the 2005 Annual Report and Plant Survey From Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

16. Receipt of the 2005 Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., Annual Subscriber Survey Report.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 6, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

17. Consideration of FY 2006 Budget Request From the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC).

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17;12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

18. Consideration of National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreement.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Ordinances for Introduction)

19. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Establish Civil Penalties For the Violation of the City’s Storm and Ground Water Disposal Regulations.

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 12/13/05, and is incoporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No 19; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Provide a Cost of Living Increase, Effective July 1, 2006, to the Members of City Council, Equivalent to That Received by the City’s Employees in the Three-year Period Since the Last Adjustment to Council’s Compensation.

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 20; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

20.1 Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Revise Taxicab Fares.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 12, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20.1; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 20.1; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 20.1; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar, with the exception of docket items #12, #17, #20 and #20.1, which were considered under separate motions. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

8. City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) Gia Miele and William T. Murphy, Jr., Alexandria Sister Cities Committee; and (b) Andrew F. Palmieri, Alexandria Waterfront Committee.

9. City Council made the following appointments: (a) appointed Christopher Ballard as the representative of an employer in the City who employs at least 100 employees to the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (b) appointed Heidi Quist as the citizen member to the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee; (c) appointed Alex Aliferis and waived the residency requirement and appointed Ruben Harutunian as the two citizen members to the Alexandria-Gymuri Sister City Committee; (d) appointed Cynthia Perry 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) appointed Mary Giordamo as the parent representative who is not an employee of any public or private program which receives funds from the Comprehensive Services Act to the Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team; (f) reappointed Harry Mahon and appointed Elias Voces as the two citizen members to the Alexandria Consumer Affairs Commission; (g) waived the residency requirement and reappointed George Seghers as the member nominated by the Masonic Fraternity to the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee; (h) appointed Jerome Cordts as the non-health professional to the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission; (i) reappointed Clarence Henley as the citizen member to the Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission; (j) reappointed Susan Pettey as the representative from the Old Town Civic Association to the Alexandria Waterfront Committee; and (k) appointed Bobbie Norris as the member of the Alexandria City School Board's Advisory Committee to the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission.

10. City Council approved the submission of the grant application to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) for a cost-share project in the amount of $40,000 that would result in the creation of GIS layers as a part of the Alexandria Archaeology Digital Atlas project and authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.

11. City Council approved the grant award from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for a total of $300,601 for one year, for which the Police Department will provide a match from seized asset funds up to $250,000 and authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to expend the grant allocation.

13. City Council received the reports of the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission and thanked the Commission for their efforts on behalf of the City.

14. City Council received the Alexandria Community Services Board's FY 2005 Annual Report.

15. City Council received the Comcast 2005 Annual Report and Plant Survey. The Commission on Information Technology reviewed the results of the reports at its November 14 meeting and approved the staff analysis.

16. City Council received the 2005 Annual Subscriber Survey Report from Comcast. The Commission on Information Technology monitored the survey interviews during its July 11 meeting, reviewed the results of the Comcast 2005 Subscriber Survery report at its November 14 meeting, and approved the staff analysis.

18. City Council authorized the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required and authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute specific operations plans for each function or discipline.

19. City Council passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on December 17, 2005.

The voting was as follows:

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

12. Consideration of Report on Benchmark Job Analysis for Public Safety Positions.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 8, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 12/13/05, 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: (1) received the report; (2) concurred with the following proposed change in City pay policy: In conducting the City's Benchmark Job Analysis for public safety positions, use 100% of the average midpoint on the salary scale instead of current 90% of the average midpoint salary as the basis of comparison with comparator jurisdictions used by the City, and (3) authorized the expenditure of the monies set aside in the FY 2006 budget and appropriated by Council on November 12, 2005, to implement public safety pay changes as outlined. The voting was as follows:

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

17. Consideration of FY 2006 Budget Request From the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC.)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 12/13/05, 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 approved the allocation of $125,000 from the Housing Opportunities Fund to the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC) for FY 2006, to augment approximately $194,000 remaining from the FY 2005 budget. The voting was as follows:

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

20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Provide a Cost of Living Increase, Effective July 1, 2006, to the Members of City Council, Equivalent to That Received by the City’s Employees in the Three-year Period Since the Last Adjustment to Council’s Compensation.

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 20; 12/13/05, 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 tabled the ordinance and withdrew it from the docket for the December 17, 2005 public hearing. The voting was as follows:

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

20.1 Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Revise Taxicab Fares.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 12, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20.1; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 20.1; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 20.1; 12/13/05, 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 passed the ordinance on first reading and scheduled it for public hearing, second reading and final passage on December 17, 2005. The voting was as follows:

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

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

None.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

21. Verbal Presentation by Staff on Historic Preservation.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 8, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Macdonald and carried unanimously, City Council received the staff report. The voting was as follows:

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

22. Request for Grant-Funded Social Worker II Position to Provide Additional Child Welfare Services.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Macdonald and carried unanimously, City Council approved a grant award from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) in the amount of $111,090 for Fiscal Year 2006 and authorized the establishment of a new full-time, grant-funded Social Worker II position in the Department of Human Services. The voting was as follows:

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

23. Designation of 403 West Masonic View as a Valuable Open Space for Conservation Easement Status.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Macdonald and carried unanimously, City Council, at the request of its owner, designated the property at 403 West Masonic View as valuable open space that should be preserved in the City of Alexandria and requested that the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities work with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and the property's owner to pursue a voluntary conservation easement to be placed on this property. The voting was as follows:

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

24. Consideration of Transfer of $889,815 in Real Estate Recordation Tax Monies into the Moderate Income Homeownership Program (MIHP).

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 7, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion Councilman Macdonald, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council approved the allocation of up to $780,000 in one-time real estate recordation tax revenues from the Affordable Housing Initiatives account into the Moderate Income Homeownership Program (MIHP), with the stipulation that repayments of loans made from these funds will be returned to the Affordable Housing Initiatives account. The voting was as follows:

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

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilman Smedberg reported that he and Vice Mayor Pepper attended a joint meeting of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, where a presentation was made and a discussion was held on a study of HOT lanes and other transportation issues for the region.

(b) Councilman Gaines reported that he, Mayor Euille and Councilwoman Woodson attended the National League of Cities Congress of Cities Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina last week and he participated in the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, which held a session covering issues relating to emergency preparedness, FEMA and the growing methamphetamine problem throughout the Country. Councilman Gaines noted that he attended other sessions on emergency preparedness, homeland security and facility sharing.

(c) Councilman Krupicka reported that he and Councilman Smedberg attended a Hospital Task Force Meeting recently at INOVA Alexandria Hospital, which was very productive. Councilman Krupicka reported that the Community Service Board has been successful in finding beds for consumers in the community. Councilman Krupicka noted that the Hospital received a grant that will add a new staff member at the Carpenter's Shelter that will attend to the health care needs of the customers. Councilman Krupicka also reported that the Governor announced setting aside money in the State budget for mental health services in Virginia.

(d) Councilman Smedberg reported that the INOVA Alexandria Hospital and the Fire Department received special designations for treating people who have suffered a stroke and he reported that funds would not be available from the Federal Government for public health access programs like the one supporting mental health services, but monies will have to come from other sources, like grants.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Mayor Euille reported that he was invited by Governor Warner to participate in a press conference in Richmond announcing the inclusion in the FY07 State budget of funds for the clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay in the amount of $200 million.

(b) Mayor Euille thanked Councilman Gaines and Councilwoman Woodson for attending the National League of Cities Conference in Charlotte last week. Mayor Euille announced that the City received an award for being a digital community with a WiFi system. Mayor Euille noted that there were three students from T.C. Williams High School attending the Youth Conference portion of the NLC Conference.

(c) Mayor Euille reported that a community meeting was held last night to discuss the plans for the demolition of the existing Monroe Avenue bridge and the construction of a new bridge. Mayor Euille noted that there would be a citizens advisory group formed to address questions and concerns from the surrounding community about the upcoming project. Mayor Euille pointed out that the decision was made two years ago to build a new bridge and the meetings being held are to discuss the impacts of the construction and timetables for completing the new bridge.

(d) Vice Mayor Pepper reported that she attended a ceremony to deliver the titles of donated buses to the City of New Orleans and she spent some time with employees from the New Orleans Bus Authority discussing the process of rebuilding the City after Hurricane Katrina.

(e) Vice Mayor Pepper stated that she hoped the City staff and all those involved in the upcoming Monroe Avenue Bridge project would consider all the options and think outside the box to help the process be as smooth as possible.

(f) Councilman Macdonald stated that the community response to the meeting suggests there is concern about the upcoming Monroe Avenue Bridge Project and he was impressed by the questions citizens posed about the project including pedestrian movement, mass transit, bike trails and traffic impacts by neighbors. Councilman Macdonald stated that the project needed to be examined carefully, particularly the management and operations of the project.

Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Baier responded to concerns and questions from Council about the upcoming Monroe Avenue Bridge Project.

(g) Councilman Macdonald thanked staff for all the work being done on the restoration study of Four Mile Run with Arlington.

(h) Councilman Macdonald mentioned a request to save the piece of land between Ivy Hill Cemetery and Woodbine and suggested the possibility of creating a pocket park in the area. Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities Kincannon gave an update of acquisitions of land for use as pocket parks.

(i) Councilman Smedberg pointed out that the citizens should be notified earlier of the changing bus routes along Route 1 during construction and there should be an addition of an express bus dedicated to getting passengers to the Braddock Road Metro Station. Councilman Smedberg stated that special attention should be given to the shopping center along Slaters Lane so that the businesses do not suffer adversely during construction of the bridge.

(j) Councilman Gaines stated that communication would be of the utmost importance during this construction project.

(k) Councilman Krupicka thanked Mr. Baier and City staff for all the work on this project.

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

NONE

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

25. Consideration of a Resolution Supporting Additional Funding For Foster Care. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 6, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon a motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council approved the resolution that request that the General Assembly increase foster care payments in Virginia to at least the national average.The voting was as follows:

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

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2170

WHEREAS, foster parents are people who generously open their homes to children in need, and are committed to meet the individual needs of these children; and

WHEREAS, foster parents work in partnership with the child, the local government, and in many cases the birth parents to help in resolving problems and reuniting the family whenever possible; and

WHEREAS, most children in foster care are going through a troubled period in their family life; are often confused, sad, and angry; and need a great deal of support and attention from their foster parents; and

WHEREAS, funding provided by the state to cover the costs incurred by foster parents currently ranges from $312 monthly for a child 4 years old or younger, to $463 for a child 13 or older; and

WHEREAS, these monthly payments are far less than the foster parents’ actual costs, which the federal government estimates at $908 a month for a non-foster child; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s foster care payments are much lower than those in neighboring states (Maryland’s monthly payments range from $535 to $550, Tennessee’s are between $504 and $580, and West Virginia pays $600 monthly), and they are also considerably less than the national average; and

WHEREAS, inadequate financial support makes it very difficult to recruit and retain foster parents; and

WHEREAS, this lack of financial support also indicates that Virginians do not put a high enough value on protecting some of our most vulnerable residents; and

WHEREAS, the City believes that the State should substantially increase payments to foster parents, and has included this as a request in its 2006 Legislative Package.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that the 2006 General Assembly is requested to increase Virginia’s foster care payments to at least the national average, which is estimated at $468 to $550 monthly, depending on age; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be conveyed to the Governor, the Governor-elect, the members of the City’s Legislative Delegation, and the chairmen of the Virginia General Assembly’s House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees to apprise them of the City’s support for increased payments for foster parents in the upcoming General Assembly Session.

26. Consideration of a Resolution Designating the Acting City Manager When the City Manager is Out of Town. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 6, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 26; 12/13/050, 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 repealed Resolution 2138 and adopted the resolution designating the Acting City Manager when the City Manager is out of town. The voting was as follows:

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

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2171

WHEREAS, Section 4.05 of the City Charter provides that, in the event of the temporary absence, disability or resignation of the City Manager, the City Council may by resolution appoint a person to perform the duties of City Manager until the Manager returns to duty, or a successor to the City Manager is duly appointed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA:

1. That, in the absence of City Manager, James K. Hartmann, the following individuals shall be, hereby are, appointed and authorized to perform the duties of the City Manager:

(a) Deputy City Manager Michele Evans, until Mr. Hartmann returns to duty; and

(b) In the absence of Deputy City Manager Michele Evans, Deputy City Manager Mark Jinks, until either Mr. Hartmann or Ms. Evans returns to duty; and

(c) In the absence of Deputy City Manager Mark Jinks, Office of Management and Budget Director Bruce Johnson, until Mr. Jinks returns to duty.

2. That this resolution shall take effect upon its adoption, and shall replace Resolution No. 2138, which shall be, and hereby is rescinded.

27. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First and Second Reading of an Ordinance to Adopt Supplement Number 77 of the City Code. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

(A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 27; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.

A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 27; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Macdonald, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council passed the ordinance to adopt Supplement Number 77 of the City Code. The voting was as follows:

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

The ordinance reads as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 4432

AN ORDINANCE adopting supplemental pages for The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, and providing for the repeal of ordinances not included therein, except those saved from repeal by this ordinance, and for other purposes.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

Section 1. That the sections and portions thereof set forth in the supplemental and replacement pages for The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, each of which pages is identified in the lower left-hand corner by the notation "Supp. No. 77," are hereby adopted as and shall constitute "The Seventy-Seventh Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981."

Section 2. That the sections and portions thereof set forth in "The Seventy-Seventh Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981" shall be in force and effect on and after the effective date of this ordinance, and all ordinances of a general and permanent nature which were adopted between May 14, 2005, through June 28, 2005, inclusive, and which are not included in such supplement or in The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, are hereby repealed, except as otherwise provided in section 3 of this ordinance.

Section 3. That the repeal provided for in section 2 of this ordinance shall not affect any offense or act committed or done, or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any contract established or accruing prior to the effective date of this ordinance; nor shall it affect any prosecution, suit or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to said date; nor shall it affect any ordinance adopted after May 14, 2005, which amends the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1992, as amended; nor shall it affect any ordinance saved from repeal by Ordinance No. 1250; nor shall it affect any ordinance listed in appendices A through J, both inclusive, of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, or any pages supplemental to such appendices; nor shall it affect any provision of any ordinance adopted between May 14, 2005, through June 28, 2005, inclusive, and which is inadvertently omitted from or erroneously incorporated into "The Seventy-Seventh Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981," or any other supplement to the code; nor shall it affect any ordinance adopted after the effective date of this ordinance.

Section 4. That one complete set of pages comprising "The Seventy-Seventh Supplement to The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981," shall be stapled or otherwise permanently fastened together, shall be manually signed on the front sheet by the mayor and the city clerk, and shall be filed in the office of the city clerk and made available to any person desiring to inspect the same. In addition, one complete set of the supplemental and replacement pages of such supplement shall be properly inserted into the copy of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, which bears the manual signatures of the mayor and the city clerk, and such code, as amended and supplemented, shall be kept on file in the office of the city clerk and be made available to any person desiring to inspect the same.

Section 5. This ordinance shall become effective upon the date and at the time of its final passage.

OTHER

28. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated December 9, 2005, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28; 12/13/05, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council adopted the City Council Schedule for the months of December 2005 through June 2006, with the following additions and changes: schedule a tour for City Council of the City's Archives and Records Center on Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m., when the Public Records Advisory Commission has its meeting; received the revised calendar which includes: a reception and dinner sponsored by Andrew Jackson Lodge #120 of the Masonic Order on Thursday, December 15 at 6:15 p.m., at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, to honor the City's first responders and others who traveled to the Gulf region to assist in the response and recovery after Hurricane Katrina; the 29th Annual Hanukkah Celebration on Wednesday, December 28 at 5:00 p.m. in the INOVA Alexandria Hospital Atrium, 4320 Seminary Road; the Community Martin Luther King, Jr. program on Sunday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1427 W. Braddock Road; the reception sponsored by the City Hall Art Committee recognizing the opening of the City Hall art exhibit with juried art selected in coordination with the Torpedo Factory artists and Del Ray Artisans on Tuesday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m. in room 2000, City Hall; and the City's Gang Prevention Summit on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cora Kelly Magnet School, 3600 Commonwealth Avenue. Council noted that they would consider the FY 2006 Budget Work Session/Budget consideration schedule and schedule an Arlandria community meeting with Council, businesses and area residents at the December 17 meeting. The voting was as follows:

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council convened in executive session at 10:15 p.m., pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia, for the purpose of discussing the acquisition of real property for public park and recreation and affordable or workforce housing, purposed, and pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7), for the purpose of discussing actual and probable litigation concerning the Eisenhower East Small Area Plan. The voting was as follows:

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

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, at 10:37 p.m., City Council reconvened the meeting. The voting was as follows:

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

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

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

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2172

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council has this 13th day of December, 2005, recessed into closed 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 closed 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 whic the closed 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 closed executive session.

*******

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, the regular City Council meeting of December 13, 2005, was adjourned at 10:41 p.m. The voting was as follows:

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

APPROVED BY:

_________________________
WILLIAM D. EUILLE MAYOR

ATTEST:

______________________________
Gloria Sitton, CMC Deputy City Clerk

Public Notices:

Members of City Council will be attending the National League of Cities Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina from December 6-10, 2005. More than two members of Council will be attending.

City Council will hold a breakfast meeting with Congressman James P. Moran on Monday, January 9, 2006, at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Work Room.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2006.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2006.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2006.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2006.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2006.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2006.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2006.

The City Council Legislative Subcommittee Meeting will be held in the Council Workroom beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2006.

Please call the City Clerk's Office at 703 838-4550 to confirm that these meetings will be held.

This docket is subject to change.

* * * * *

Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council.

* * * * *

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.

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

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THE CABLECAST SCHEDULE OF GOVERNMENT MEETINGS ON CHANNEL 70 FOLLOWS:

Updated 12/5/05

DECEMBER 2005

December 1, School Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
December 6, Planning Commission, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
December 7, Board of Architectural Review - Old & Historic District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
December 8, Board of Zoning Appeals, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
December 13, City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., *LIVE*
December 14, Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
December 15, School Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
December 16, City Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 12/13 Meeting*
December 17, City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 a.m., *LIVE*
December 20, City Council Public Hearing, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 12/17 Meeting*
December 21, Board of Architectural Review - Old & Historic District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*

JANUARY 2006

January 3, Planning Commission, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
January 4, Board of Architectural Review - Old & Historic District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
January 5, School Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
January 10, City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., *LIVE*
January 12, Board of Zoning Appeals, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
January 13, City Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 1/10 Meeting*
January 14, School Board Budget Public Hearing, 9:00 a.m., *LIVE*
January 18, Board of Architectural Review - Old & Historic District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
January 21, City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 a.m., *LIVE*
January 24, City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., *LIVE*
January 25, Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
January 26, School Board Budget Approval, 7:30 p.m., *LIVE*
January 27, City Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m., *Replay of 1/24 Meeting*
January 28, City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 a.m., *Replay of 1/21 Meeting*