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Office of the City Clerk
November 29, 2007

There was a Work Session With
the City's General Assembly Delegation
at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Work Room.


Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - - 7:00 p.m.

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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 Council were present.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

2. Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

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

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

None.

PROCLAMATIONS

3. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring November as America Recycles Month.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

4. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Finance Department Employee Lillian Meadows as City Employee of the Month for November.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

5. Recognition of the Alexandria Citizens Academy Graduates.

City Council recognized the Alexandria Citizens Academy Graduates.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (6-11)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

6. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Alexandria Archaeological Commission

(b) Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals
1 Citizen Member

(c) Alexandria Citizen Corps Council
1 Citizen Member

(d) Alexandria Commission for the Arts
1 Member Who Has Expertise In the Arts, Either As A
Practitioner of Various Art Disciplines or As A Professional
Administrator Working In the Field

(e) Alexandria Commission on Aging
(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

7. Consideration of Receipt of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Period Ending June 30, 2007.

8. Consideration of Listings of Delinquent Taxes and Authorization to Advertise the Listings and Write-Off Balances Less Than Twenty Dollars.

9. Consideration of Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending October 31, 2007.

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

11. Application for Grant Funds for a Fire Safety House from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Consent Calendar, with the removal of items #8 and 11, which were considered under separate motions. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

6. City Council made the following appointments: (a) waived the residency requirement and reappointed Adron Krekeler as the member from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (b) appointed Andrew Campanella as the citizen member to the Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals; (c) appointed Walter Worrall as the citizen member to the Alexandria Citizens Corps Council; (d) reappointed Terry D'arcy as the member who has expertise in the arts, either as a practitioner of various art disciplines or as a professional administrator working in the field to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts; (e) reappointed Donald Fowler as the citizen member who is 60 years of age or older to the Alexandria Commission on Aging; and (f) appointed Linda Lyons as the member nominated by the Alexandria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee.

7. City Council received the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.

8. City Council: (1) received the listings of delinquent local property taxes; (2) authorized that those parts of the delinquent real estate tax and personal property tax listings deemed advisable by the Director of Finance be listed on the City of Alexandria website; and (3) authorized the Director of Finance to write off uncollected tax balances amounting to less than twenty dollars each for which the Director of Finance has determined that the cost of collecting such balances would exceed the recoverable amount, provided that the Director of Finance will not include any balance for which she has reason to believe the taxpayer has purposely paid less than the amount due or owed. (separate motion)

9. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending October 31, 2007.

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

11. City Council: (1) authorized the submission of a Fire Prevention and Safety grant application (due November 30, 2007), not to exceed $45,000; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required. (separate motion)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

12. Alexandria Commission for the Arts
1 Member Who Represents the Public-at-Large As An Arts
Consumer and Participant

City Council reappointed Donna Fowler as the member who represents the public-at-large as an arts consumer and participant to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

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

City Council reappointed Peter Pennington as the citizen-at-large to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

14. Consideration of Adoption of the City's Legislative Package for the 2008 General Assembly Session. (#13, 10/23/07 and #8, 11/19/07)

City Council adopted items 1.A through 1.H, 2.A through 2.Q, and 3.A through 3.G as positions in the City's Legislative Package for the 2008 General Assembly Session.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

15. Consideration of the Proposed Gypsy Moth Suppression Program For Spring 2008, and Setting the Plan for Public Hearing on Saturday, December 15, 2007.

City Council scheduled the proposed 2008 gypsy moth suppression program for public hearing and consideration at Council's Saturday, December 15 public hearing meeting. (Staff will hold an open house prior to that date to provide the public an opportunity to gather information and ask staff questions about the programs.) Staff will contact the Northridge Civic Association about the proposal before the public hearing, since this area of the City is most impacted by the program.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

16. Consideration of Allocation of Funds For Alexandria's National Harbor Initiative.

City Council: (1) approved $1,303,716 for the priority (Tiers I, II, and III) National Harbor related activities as identified and as displayed in the docket item from Council's November 19, 2007 legislative meeting, and to fund these activities; (2) allocated $700,000 from the General Fund fund balance designation set-aside as part of the FY 2008 budget adoption for National Harbor readiness purposes; (3) utilized $40,000 of Alexandria Economic Development Partnership IDA funds for facade and exterior improvements identified in Tier I; (4) allocated $141,000 from Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) new transportation revenues to fund the net new costs of the King Street rubber tire trolley; and (5) allocated $422,716 from the FY 2008 General Fund Contingent Reserves.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

Public Hearings:

17. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Permit an Alternate, Appointed By a City Council Member, To Represent That Council Member on City Boards and Commissions. (#11, 11/19/07)

City Council passed the ordinance to permit an alternate, appointed by a City Council member, to represent that Council Member on City Boards and Commissions. (ORD. NO. 4506)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

18. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Authorize an Encroachment For Gas Meters on the Front Facades of 711-717 Gibbon Street. (#12, 11/19/07)

City Council passed the ordinance to authorized an encroachment for gas meters on the front facades of 711-717 Gibbon Street. (ORD. NO. 4507)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

19. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance Making Supplemental Appropriations for FY 2008. (#13, 11/19/07)

City Council passed the ordinance making supplemental appropriations for FY 2008. (ORD. NO. 4508)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

Traffic and Parking Board

20. Consideration of Traffic and Parking Board Recommendation to Prohibit Through Trucks on West Taylor Run Parkway Between Janneys Lane and Duke Street.

City Council: (1) concurred with the Traffic and Parking Board recommendation to prohibit through truck traffic on West Taylor Run Parkway between Janneys Lane and Duke Street; and (2) requested the City Attorney to prepare and amendment to City Code Section 10-1-15.1, Truck traffic prohibited on certain streets; penalty, to include the 100 through 600 blocks of West Taylor Run Parkway and docket the ordinance for Council consideration in December.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Councilman Krupicka reported that the Aviation Policy Committee of Council of Governments (COG) passed a resolution requesting the U. S. Congress not to expand the number of slots available for new flights at Reagan National Airport. Councilman Krupicka stated that there will probably not be an increase thanks to the efforts of Virginia representation in Congress.

(b) Councilman Krupicka stated that the region underwent the 150 Process to evaluate air noise in the region and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will release its final comments on the process in February. Councilman Krupicka noted that many of the recommendations may not be accepted because of the prohibitions placed on the FAA by Congress.

(c) Councilman Krupicka reported that a new noise monitoring system is being installed around the DC Capital area, around Reagan National and Dulles Airports, giving the residents around the airports a better quality tracking of noise issues.

Councilman Smedberg noted that during the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Task Force meeting last night, there was mention of the increasing frequency of helicopters and small single engine planes flying over residential areas.

Councilman Krupicka stated that the helicopter activity usually comes from emergency vehicles or military vehicles. Councilman Krupicka also stated that the Aviation Policy Committee has been working closely with the military in the last year to develop a better system to track, monitor and respond to citizens on helicopter noise and a summit of all helicopter operators in the area is planned for next year to discuss issues and to develop a formal program to better track and monitor helicopter noise in the region.

Mayor Euille stated that the concerns of safety, as well as the noise issues, should be formally developed and put in a letter to alert the Federal authorities from the City to address health, safety and welfare concerns of the citizens of Alexandria.

Councilman Krupicka stated that he would take the concerns of Council to the Aviation Policy Committee and work with Legislative Director Bernie Caton on a formal action to be presented by Council.

(d) Councilman Krupicka reported that the School Board voted on a resolution expressing their concerns about the No Child Left Behind Act and suggested that Council adopt either a similar resolution or the same resolution to support their action.

Mayor Euille stated that Council should support the School Board in this endeavor and the resolution should be docketed for a future legislative meeting.

(e) Vice Mayor Pepper reported that on November 19, City Council testified on the permit for Mirant at the Lee Center. Vice Mayor Pepper requested that the City Attorney clarify why the members of the Air Board were not present at the meeting, as well as give an update on the matter.

City Attorney Pessoa gave an overview of the progress with the Mirant case, reported why the members of the Air Board were not present at the meeting and outlined the next steps that will be taken. City Attorney Pessoa stated that he, along with other City staff, will be attending a meeting on November 30 in Newport News, where the Air Board will be considering a two stack permit for Mirant.

Mayor Euille suggested that in addition to the City Attorney and staff representation at the meeting, Council should send a written response to the Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), the Governor's Office and the Attorney's General's Office. Mayor Euille also suggested putting the information in a press release.

City Attorney Pessoa noted that a letter to the Board is being prepared stating objections to the proceedings.

Councilman Smedberg inquired about an additional violation against Mirant. In response, Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier noted that the violation occurred over a month ago but the City just received notification several days ago.

(f) Councilman Wilson reported that the Director of the Library, Patrick O'Brien, will be retiring in the early part of the year and his last day is Friday. Councilman Wilson stated that this gives the Library Board the opportunity to hire a new director and the board has appointed Rose Dawson, Deputy Director, as the Acting Director during the search process.

(g) Councilman Wilson noted that he saw a website in Fairfax County that allows citizens to submit special needs requirements to allow the County to respond accordingly in the case of an emergency. Councilman Wilson stated that he has asked staff to investigate a way for the City to start such a site for Alexandria.

(h) Councilman Smedberg reported that at the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Board meeting, the issue of how to treat Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) funds was discussed. Councilman Smedberg noted that the VRE Board would be sending letters to mayors, chairmen and administrators in the various jurisdictions outlining some of the concerns. Councilman Smedberg pointed out that a few jurisdictions are objecting to spending the funds on regional projects as opposed to jurisdictional projects.

(i) Councilman Smedberg reported that the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary on December 7 at a luncheon, which Vice Mayor Pepper is a co-chair. Councilman Smedberg stated that Governor Kaine will be the keynote speaker and regional awards will be presented.

Mayor Euille stated that the NVTA Finance Committee had a meeting this morning and the committee will be submitting a recommendation to the NVTA Board concerning how to deal with the funds.

(j) Councilmember Lovain stated that the Commonwealth is still considering plans to place an exit ramp at Seminary Road, northbound on I-395. Councilmember Lovain reported that at a Transportation Planning Board meeting, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) removed the option to allow cars to use the exit ramp, but the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation are actively considering an access ramp as well as an in-line transit station in the vicinity of Seminary Road. Councilmember Lovain noted that there is a Council resolution from 2002 opposing any type of ramp at that location and it is the appropriate position.

(k) Councilmember Lovain stated that the Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee of COG recently received a new implementation plan from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Chesapeake Bay Cleanup that excludes local government from consulting on the plan. Councilmember Lovain reported that the Committee has written the EPA concerning the matter and he has talked with Senator Ticer about the matter and hopefully the situation will be changed soon.

(l) Mayor Euille reported that he and Councilman Gaines attended the National League of Cities (NLC) Congress of Cities Exposition in New Orleans, along with nine student delegates and chaperones. Mayor Euille stated that it was a great opportunity to network with elected officials and city staffs from all over the country, as well to learn about emergency preparedness and other topics. Mayor Euille noted that the City of New Orleans is still in need of support for redevelopment and revitalization from the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Mayor Euille stated that the resolutions that will be forwarded to the President and Congress dealt with infrastructure and transportation funding, health care initiatives, continued funding for affordable housing programs, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Mayor Euille pointed out that immigration did not receive a lot a discussion from the delegation and that Alexandria is doing the right thing concerning immigration.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Mayor Euille reported that the Scottish Walk Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 1. Mayor Euille noted that Sister Cities Delegation would be here to participate in the activities for the weekend.

(b) Mayor Euille reported that on Saturday, December 1, at T.C. Williams High School, there will be a Tip-Off Challenge Fundraiser to raise money for the Hopkins House and Child and Family Network Programs. Mayor Euille stated there will be boys and girls basketball games, as well as the dedication of the new gym floor in honor of Earl Lloyd.

(c) Mayor Euille congratulated Councilman Krupicka on receiving the Outstanding Virginia Jaycees for 2007.

(d) Councilman Smedberg inquired whether the E911 grant had been submitted and the status of the application. In response, Deputy City Manager Evans stated that the item was scheduled for consideration at the December 11 Legislative Meeting.

(e) Mayor Euille congratulated Vice Mayor Pepper on being elected President of the Corporate Board of COG.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Hartmann reported the City's new website would be launched tomorrow and encouraged everyone to take a look at it.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

21. Consideration of Resolution Establishing the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Targets for the Alexandria City Government and the Alexandria Public Schools (#19, 11/19/07)

City Council adopted resolutions that revise the budget procedures for use during the remaining term of this Council and establish specific guidance for FY 2009. (RES. NOS. 2256 and 2257)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

22. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds by the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Alexandria for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc.

City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds by the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Alexandria for the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. (RES. NO. 2258)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

23. Deferred from the November 19, 2007 meeting, Consideration of a Resolution Establishing a Committee to Study the Commercial Real Estate Transportation Tax Option. (#20, 11/19/07)

City Council adopted a resolution establishing a committee to study the Commercial Real Estate Transportation Tax Option. (RES. NO. 2259)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

24. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

City Council adopted Council schedule for November 2007 through June 2008, which includes: (1) the itinerary for the visit by our Sister City delegations from Thursday, December 29 - Monday, December 3 and note that Council will dedicate the Sister Cities Conference Center at 2 p.m., on Saturday, December 1 and will host a dinner for the delegations on Saturday night at 7 p.m., at the Westin Alexandria Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square; and (2) the revised calendar which includes the work session set at the November 19 legislative meeting; the January 22, 5:30 p.m. work session with the Planning Commission; and the February 12, 5:30 p.m. work session with the Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________
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The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m.

Note: The action docket is a summary of Council's meeting deliberations prepared largely for staff follow-up. Formal minutes of the meeting, when approved by Council, become the official record of the meeting and of Council decisions made at the meeting.



This docket is subject to change.

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Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council. Meeting materials are also available on-line at alexandriava.gov/council
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City Council meetings are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.
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