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Office of the City Clerk
April 23, 2008



Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - - 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:_________________________________________________________

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

(a) The Regular Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2008; and

(b) The Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of April 12, 2008.

City Council approved the regular meeting minutes of April 8, 2008 and the public hearing meeting minutes of April 12, 2008.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

4. Recognition of Art Students from William Ramsay Elementary School.

City Council recognized the art students from William Ramsay Elementary School.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

4.A Presentation of City of Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee Report on the City Manager's Proposed Budget for FY 2009.

City Council received the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee Report on the City Manager's Proposed Budget for FY 2009 and thanked the Committee for all their work.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

PROCLAMATIONS

5. Presentation of a Proclamation for the Flora Krause Casey Public Health Award to Dr. Robert K. Wineland.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

6. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing April 27-May 4, 2008 as Days of Remembrance.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

7. Presentation of a Proclamation in Recognition of the 30th Anniversary of the Cheerleader Competition at T.C. Williams High School on April 19, 2008.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

8. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring April as Fair Housing Month.

City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

9. Verbal Report of the Presentation of the Annual Report by First Night Alexandria's President Mike Geissinger.

City Council received the Annual Report from First Night Alexandria and thanked the Board of Directors for its efforts on behalf of the City.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (10-14)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

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

11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

12. Consideration of Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending March 31, 2008.

13. Consideration of the FY 2007 Annual Report from the Park and Recreation Commission.

14. Consideration of Appropriation From Fiscal Year 2008 General Fund Contingent Reserve for King Street Gardens Lighting Enhancements.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Consent Calendar, with the exception of docket item number 14, which was considered under separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

10. City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) Kevin Holmes, Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee; (b) Cheryl Zadlo, Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee; and (c) Anthony Dale, Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.

11. City Council made the following appointments: (a) appointed Amy Susskind as the representative of an employer in the City who employs at least 100 employees to the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (b) reappointed Mark Allen and Jennifer Lewis as the two citizen members to the Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals; (c) appointed Cynthia Perry as the citizen-at-large to the Alexandria Commission on Employment; (d) appointed S. Kathleen Pepper as the representative from the Alexandria Archaeological Commission to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; (e) reappointed Linda Gautney and Matt Harris as the two citizen members to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission; and (f) reappointed Henry Brooks and Judy Guse-Noritake as the two members from Planning District I to the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission.

12. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 2008.

13. City Council received the Annual Report from the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission and thanked the Commission for its efforts on behalf of the City.

14. City Council: (1) accepted the recommendation from the King Street Gardens Park Foundation for lighting enhancements at the King Street Gardens Park; (2) approved the appropriation of $25,000 from the City's Fiscal Year 2008 General Fund Contingent Reserve to support these lighting enhancements; and (3) authorized staff to proceed with lighting design and implementation. (separate motion)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

15. Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Elizabeth Clarey as the member from and representing the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM) to the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________ 16. Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
3 Citizen Members

City Council reappointed Kevin Posey and Amy Slack, and appointed Gregory Cota as the three citizen members to the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION (30 min.)

17. Consideration of a Report on Changing the Election of the Mayor, Members of the City Council and Members of the School Board From the May General Election Cycle to the November General Election Cycle, and of a Resolution Proposing an Advisory Referendum On This Issue During the November 4, 2008, General Election. (#31, 3/11/08, #12, 4/12/08)

City Council deferred consideration of the report until the May 13, 2008 Legislative meeting.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

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

City Council authorized the capital project allocations and planned expenditures for the capital projects as detailed in the Capital Improvement Expenditures Summary, with the expectation that staff will provide more specific information on items that were discussed.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

19. Consideration of a Contract Between the City of Alexandria and Sprint\Nextel to Reconfigure the City's Radio Frequencies.

City Council authorized the City Manager to execute the 800 MHz Radio Frequency Reconfiguration Agreement between the City of Alexandria and Sprint/Nextel.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

20. Consideration of Referral to the Planning Commission For Processing of a Text Amendment to Potomac Yard Coordinated Development District (CDD.)

City Council referred to the Planning Commission for processing a Master Plan Amendment, text amendment and CDD amendment to amend the Coordinated Development District (CDD).
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

20.A Consideration of Referral to the Planning Commission for Processing of a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Text Amendment to Coordinated Development District (CDD) #7 to Amend the Development Special Use Permit Application for Alexandria Toyota.

City Council referred to the Planning Commission for processing a Zoning Text Amendment to CDD #7 to permit an amendment to the Development Special Use Permit Application for Alexandria Toyota.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

***Please note: Oral Reports and Oral Presentations by Members of City Council were heard together.***

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Vice Mayor Pepper stated that Council received a request from the Commission on Women to pass a resolution requesting that the United States Senate delegation support the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act now pending before the Senate. Vice Mayor Pepper stated that this legislation would reinstate the rule that provides that the 180-day time limit for filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) begins to run anew after each discriminatory paycheck is received.

Councilman Krupicka noted that even though he will be supporting the resolution, he was frustrated with the process in which the resolution was received by Council. Councilman Krupicka stated that Council has complained numerous times about receiving items at the last minute, leaving little time to review and for consideration of the material.

Mayor Euille noted for the record that the issue came to Vice Mayor Pepper on behalf of the Commission of Women and needed action because it was scheduled for Senate action tomorrow. Mayor Euille expressed concern with the lateness of receiving the item and noted that it was not the process for receiving docket items at such a late time.

Councilman Smedberg also expressed concern with the how the resolution was received by Council because there is not enough background information adequately describing why this is an urgent issue and what is being recommended to Council. Councilman Smedberg pointed out that City staff has spent time on this issue, reviewing the item, taking time away from other important issues, like budgeting priorities.

Councilmember Lovain stated that he would be supporting the item but he also expressed concern about the process for receiving the resolution.

City Council passed the resolution requesting that the United States Senate delegation support the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R. 2831) now pending before the Senate.

(b) Councilmember Lovain reported that the Gang Prevention Task Force has formed a Drop-Out Prevention Committee chaired by Jim Koppel. Councilmember Lovain noted that the committee will help address the dropout rate, as well as help with truancy and underachievement in the schools.

(c) Councilmember Lovain reported that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority issue has caused numerous issues with reprogramming the TIP and the Constrained Long Range Plan.

(d) Councilmember Lovain stated the Human Services Transportation Planning Board of the Council of Governments (COG) would soon be soliciting applications for grants for transportation for the elderly and disabled in the region, as well as getting close to completing a regional clearinghouse for human service transportation.

(e) Councilmember Lovain reported that last Thursday was Walk to School Day and he noted that George Mason Elementary School combined it with the National Environmental Education Week, encouraging students to bring plastic bags to exchange for reusable bags. Councilmember Lovain noted that he would like to explore the possibility of restricting the use of plastic bags in the City on a limited basis.

(f) Councilman Gaines reported that the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (ACVA) met last night and he recognized Stephanie Brown, President and CEO of the ACVA. Councilman Gaines reported that the website is now linked to Travelocity.com, sharing in the commission for reservations. Councilman Gaines noted that the Visitors Center is now open until 8 p.m. and there has been an increase in the number of people stopping in the center since the hours have been extended. Councilman Gaines reported that the earlier indicators show that despite the economy, people seem to be visiting the City of Alexandria. Councilman Gaines noted that the March hotel statistics will be available shortly and appeared to be good, as well.

(g) Mayor Euille noted that the trolley service appears to be receiving a positive response from the citizens and the visitors. Mayor Euille reported that there would be a meeting tomorrow night to discuss the pros and cons of the trolley service thus far, as well as to discuss tour buses in the area. Mayor Euille also noted that there would be a meeting of the Tour Bus Task Force which come up with some workable solutions.

(h) Mayor Euille reported that American Style Magazine has ranked Alexandria number 12 as an Arts Destination.

(i) Mayor Euille thanked Alexandria Little League, as well as Harris Teeter, for collecting food at the Simpson Stadium that was donated to ALIVE! food bank.

(j) Councilman Wilson reported that the COG Human Policy Committee had an interesting discussion about the homelessness in the region and how to address the issue. Councilman Wilson noted that Mayor Fenty has proposed to commit $19 million to a Housing First model in order to address homelessness in the District. Councilman Wilson reported that COG Annual Survey of Homelessness in the region showed Alexandria as the only jurisdiction with a significant decrease of homeless persons.

(k) Councilman Wilson congratulated Rabbi Jack Moline from Agudas Achim on being named by Newsweek Magazine as the third best pulpit Rabbi in America.

(l) Councilman Wilson requested some insight from the City Attorney Pessoa or Citizen Assistance Director Boyd about the issue of unwanted newspaper delivery in the neighborhoods.

In response to Councilman Wilson, Citizen Assistance Director Boyd reported that since the beginning of the year, there have been twelve formal complaints and noted that she has been working with the Rosemont Civic Association blog to offer some solutions to the problem. Ms. Boyd pointed out that the Examiner has new ownership since the last time this issue was before Council and noted that she would meet with the new owners to explain the procedure for avoiding the problem. Ms. Boyd noted that the newspapers were willing to go collect newspapers on an ad hoc basis if areas with a problem are identified.

Councilman Krupicka suggested that a Frequently Asked Questions response be added to the website in order to address the issue.

(m) Councilman Krupicka congratulated Mimi Carter, president of the Mount Vernon Parent Teachers Association (PTA), on being recognized as the PTA Leader of the Year and Brooksie Coopman for the Secretary Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the T.C. Williams High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA).
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Hartmann referred the discussion to Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Culpepper for an update on the funding for transportation projects.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

****Please note: Docket items numbers 21 through 31 were heard together.****

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

21. Public Hearing on the Increase in Real Estate Tax Revenue, at a Rate Not to Exceed $0.86 per $100 of Assessed Value, Attributable to the Increase in Value of Assessed Property as of January 1, 2008, and Known as the "Effective Rate Increase" Pursuant to Section 58.1-3321 of the Virginia Code. Adoption of the Tax Rate is Scheduled for May 5, 2008.

City Council held the public hearing on Tuesday, April 22, and considered the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5. The maximized rates authorized by Council reflect:

(1) A base real estate tax rate on residential, commercial and industrial property for calendar year 2008 of up to $0.86 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation;

(2) An add-on real estate tax rate on nonresidential commercial and industrial property for calendar year 2008 to be dedicated for transportation purposes of up to $0.02 per one hundred dollars of valuation; and

(3) A personal property tax rate on vehicles and business tangible property for calendar year 2008 of $4.75 per one hundred dollars of valuation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

22. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Establish the General Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Rates for Calendar Year 2008 and to Conform the City Code to the Amendments to the Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998 Which Were Made by the General Assembly in 2006. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#28.1, 3/11/08, #5.1, 3/15/08)

City Council held the public hearing on Tuesday, April 22, and considered the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5. The maximized rates authorized by Council reflect:

(1) A base real estate tax rate on residential, commercial and industrial property for calendar year 2008 of up to $0.86 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation;

(2) An add-on real estate tax rate on nonresidential commercial and industrial property for calendar year 2008 to be dedicated for transportation purposes of up to $0.02 per one hundred dollars of valuation; and

(3) A personal property tax rate on vehicles and business tangible property for calendar year 2008 of $4.75 per one hundred dollars of valuation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

23. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Establish the Additional Real Estate Tax Rate for Commercial and Industrial Property for Calendar Year 2008. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#28.2, 3/11/08, #5.2, 3/15/08)

City Council held the public hearing on Tuesday, April 22, and considered the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5. The maximized rates authorized by Council reflect:

(1) A base real estate tax rate on residential, commercial and industrial property for calendar year 2008 of up to $0.86 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation;

(2) An add-on real estate tax rate on nonresidential commercial and industrial property for calendar year 2008 to be dedicated for transportation purposes of up to $0.02 per one hundred dollars of valuation; and

(3) A personal property tax rate on vehicles and business tangible property for calendar year 2008 of $4.75 per one hundred dollars of valuation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

24. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Increase the City’s Transient Lodging Tax from 5.5 to 7.5 Percent. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#20, 4/8/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5, 2008, with the proposed new taxes to be effective July 1, 2008.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

25. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Increase the City’s Meals Tax From 3 to 4 Percent. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#21, 4/8/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5, 2008, with the proposed new taxes to be effective July 1, 2008.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

26. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Increase the Threshold For Paying the Revenue-based Retail Gross Receipts Tax From $100,000 to $1,000,000. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#22, 4/8/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5, 2008, with the proposed new taxes to be effective July 1, 2008.

Council Action:_________________________________________________________

27. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Restrict Eligibility For Affordable Homeownership Preservation Program Grants. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#23, 4/8/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage with the final FY 2009 Budget on Monday, May 5.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

28. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Increase Ambulance Service Fees. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#24, 4/8/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5, 2008, with the proposed new taxes to be effective July 1, 2008.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

29. Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Increase Parking Meter Fees. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#25, 4/8/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5, 2008, with the proposed new taxes to be effective July 1, 2008.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

30. Public Hearing and Second Reading of an Ordinance to Increase Sewer Connection Fees. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#26, 4/8/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

31. Public Hearing and Second Reading of an Ordinance to Increase the Business Professional and Occupational License Tax Rate Applicable to Pay Day and Car Title Lenders. Adoption is Scheduled For May 5, 2008. (#3, 4/14/08)

City Council held the public hearing and set the ordinance for second reading and final passage on Monday, May 5.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

OTHER

32. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

City Council adopted the City Council schedule for the months of April 2008 through September 2008 with the following additions and changes: (1) tentatively schedule the DASH facility ground breaking ceremony for either Wednesday, May 28 or Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m.; and (2) received the revised calendar which includes: the 100th Anniversary Town of Potomac Parade on Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m.; the change in the date for the May public hearing meeting from Saturday, May 17 to Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.; no change in the date of the Saturday, June 14 public hearing, but reservation of the night of Tuesday, June 17 beginning at 7 p.m., in case the June public hearing meeting needs to be carried over to an additional night due to the expected length of the docket; and the USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at Oronoco Bay Park, 7 North Lee Street (raindate: July 13 fireworks only).
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

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The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 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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