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Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - - 7:00 p.m.

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Present: Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Redella S. Pepper, Members of Council Ludwig P. Gaines, K. Rob Krupicka, Timothy B. Lovain, Paul C. Smedberg and Justin M. Wilson.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Mr. Hartmann, City Manager; Mr. Pessoa, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Baier, Director, Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES); Ms. Boyd, Citizen Assistance; Mr. Johnson, Director, Office of Management and Budget (OMB); Ms. Triggs, Director, Finance; Ms. Hamer, Director, Planning and Zoning (P&Z); Mr. Josephson, Deputy Director, P&Z; Mr. Randall, Urban Planner, P&Z; Sheriff Lawhorne; Chief Deputy Sheriff Gleeson; Ms. Baker, City Engineer, T&ES; Police Chief Baker; Mr. Page, Deputy Director, Real Estate Assessments; Mr. Mason, Special Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager's Office; Mr. Castrilli, Communications Director, City Manager's Office; Dr. Kaplowitz, Director, Health Department; Ms. Booker, Therapist Supervisor, Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse (MHMRSA); Mr. Catlett, Director, Code Administration; Mr. Lambert, Pedestrian/Bicycle Coordinator, T&ES; Ms. Cressey, Archaeologist, Office of Historic Alexandria; Mr. Kagawa, Park Planner, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. Stephenson, Park Planner, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. Johnson, T&ES; Ms. Knighton, Therapist, MHMRSA; Ms. Farrell, Director/OECD, Department of Human Services; Police Captain Odgen; Mr. Saenz, ITS; Mr. Outlaw, ITS; and Mr. Lloyd.

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


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City Council held a work session at 5:30 p.m. with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership on reorganization, strategic direction and Base Relocation and Closure (BRAC) issues.

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.

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 Meetings of City Council:

(a) The Regular Meeting Minutes of June 24, 2008;

(b) The Regular Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2008; and

(c) The Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2008.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council approved the regular meeting minutes of June 24, 2008 with amendments and modifications to docket item #30 as follows, "The Council determined that moving forward with the Eisenhower West plan as quickly as possible is a very high priority and agreed to determine the best way to accomplish that, including moving the timing of other studies on the planning department work plan, as soon as the industrial study is completed," the regular meeting minutes of September 9, 2008, and the public hearing meeting minutes of September 13, 2008. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

None.

PROCLAMATIONS

4. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Alexandria.

(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 4; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Gaines "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

5. Presentation of a Check From the Del Ray Citizens Association From National Night Out to the Alexandria Police Foundation and Community Partners for Children.

City Council, along with the Del Ray Citizens Association and the Warwick Village Citizens Association, presented a check from National Night Out to the Alexandria Police Foundation and Community Partners for Children.

6. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Chief Deputy Sheriff Timothy T. Gleeson as City Employee of the Month for August.

(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; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Gaines "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

7. Recognition of the Selection of Healthy Families Alexandria For Program Expansion.

City Council recognized Healthy Families Alexandria for Program Expansion.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (8-18)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

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

Lorenzo Esters

(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); 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

9. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees: (b) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Representative From Planning District II

(c) Virginia Paving Community Liaison Committee
1 Representative From Cameron Station Community Association

(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-c); 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

10. Consideration of Proposed Funding for the Eco-City Initiatives.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 18, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

12. Consideration of a Grant Application For a Training Mini-Grant From the Virginia Fire Services Board.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 9, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

13. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation for Funds to Continue the "Al's Pals Kids Making Healthy Choices" Tobacco Prevention Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 9, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

14. Consideration of a Renewal Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles For an Aggressive Driving and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Interdiction Program in 2009.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 11, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

15. Consideration of Continued Delegation of Head Start Program Responsibilities to the Campagna Center.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 17, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No 1 of Item No. 15; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

16. Consideration of the Proposed Change to the Route of the 2008 Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 15, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

17. Consideration of Application for Federal Defense Economic Adjustment Program Grant Funds.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 17, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

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

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 18, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar, with the exception of docket item no. 11, which was considered under a separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

8. City Council accepted the following resignations with regret: (a) John Bramer, Alexandria Sister Cities Committee, and (b) Lorenzo Esters, Northern Virginia Community College Board.

9. City Council made the following appointments: (a) waived the residency requirement and reappointed Catherine Hogan as the member representing a provider of local telephone communications services in the City to the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology; (b) reappointed Patrick Butler, III as the representative from Planning District II to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; and (c) appointed Michael Kuhl as the representative from Cameron Station Community Association to the Virginia Paving Community Liaison Committee.

10. This item has been deferred until the Tuesday, October 14 legislative meeting.

12. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit this grant application to the Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB) which is due on September 30, 2008, in the amount of $9,484 for the purchase of fire training equipment; and (2) execute all the necessary documents that may be required.

13. City Council authorized the grant application which is due on October 8, 2008 to Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF), in the amount of $75,000 annually for FY 2010 through FY 2012, to continue the Al's Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices program.

14. City Council: (1) approved the grant application to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is due on September 30, in the amount of $42,925, which will provide funds to the Police Department to operate a DUI/aggressive driving interdiction program in the City; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.

15. City Council: (1) delegated the daily operation of the Alexandria Head Start program to the Campagna Center and the responsibilities of the governing body to the Campagna Center Executive Board; and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.

16. City Council approved the requested change to the 2008 parade route for the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade scheduled for December 6, 2008.

17. City Council authorized the City Manager to file an initial second-year grant application with the Federal Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) in the initial amount of $152,000. (There is no specific due date for the application.)

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

The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Pepper "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

11. Consideration of FY 2010 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Project Funding Requests.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 16, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Mayor Euille noted that the requests process was a new step that was started by the Transportation Commission that requires project prioritization be decided before coming to Council.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilmember Lovain, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) approved the projects outlined and detailed in Attachment 1 as those projects for which the City of Alexandria will request Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funding for FY 2010; and (2) authorized the City Manager to submit this funding request to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and to enter into necessary agreements to accept those funds that are provided by the Commonwealth. The voting was as follows:

Lovain "aye" Pepper "aye"
Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

19. Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
1 Citizen Member

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Kathleen Barnett
James Broman
Andrew Highfill
Kim-Scott Miller
Katha Lynn Walker

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 19; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Kathleen Barnett as the citizen member to the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Barnett
Pepper - Barnett
Gaines - Barnett
Krupicka - Barnett
Lovain - Barnett
Smedberg - Barnett
Wilson - Barnett

20. Alexandria Beautification Commission
1 Citizen Member

(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Phillip James Meitl
Andrew Scarcella

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 20; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Andrew Scarcella as the citizen member to the Alexandria Beautification Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Meitl
Pepper - Meitl
Gaines - Scarcella
Krupicka - Scarcella
Lovain - Meitl
Smedberg - Scarcella
Wilson - Scarcella

21. Alexandria Early Childhood Commission Ariel Gonzalez
Maureen Leary

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council reappointed Maureen Leary as the member-at-large to the Alexandria Early Childhood Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Leary
Pepper - Leary
Gaines - Leary
Krupicka - Leary
Lovain - Leary
Smedberg - Leary
Wilson - Leary

22. Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission)

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Nicole McGrew
Elizabeth Reno

(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Nicole McGrew as the representative from Planning District I to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - McGrew
Pepper - McGrew
Gaines - McGrew
Krupicka - McGrew
Lovain - McGrew
Smedberg - McGrew
Wilson - McGrew

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

23. Consideration of the Monthly Financial Report For the Period Ending August 31, 2008.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 18, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Mr. Hartmann, City Manager, noted the importance of reviewing the financial activities in detail in light of the current financial situation in the region and the nation. Mr. Hartmann referred the discussion to Mr. Jinks, Deputy City Manager.

Mr. Jinks, noted that Alexandria was in a relatively better financial situation than some of the neighboring jurisdictions but still needed to make adjustments in light of the current financial situation. Mr. Jinks gave an overview of the FY08 financial statement for the City. Mr. Jinks noted that real estate taxes were a key component of the City's budget and will greatly affect budgetary planning in the future.

Mr. Page, Deputy Director of Real Estate Assessments, gave a preview of preliminary numbers for next year's budget cycle. Mr. Page responded to questions from Council about trends in the real estate market and its effects on the budget.

Mr. Johnson, Director, Office of Management and Budget, reported that there would be a decline in revenue for FY09 of approximately $7.2 million because of the changes in the real estate market. Mr. Johnson also reported that the City departments have to submit spending reductions plans to be presented to Council at the upcoming retreat. Mr. Johnson responded to questions from Council concerning the reductions and upcoming budget process.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending August 31, 2008. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

24. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2008-0020
4007 MOUNT VERNON AVENUE
24 EXPRESS STORE
Consideration of a request for a special use permit amendment to increase the hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages; zoned NR/Neighborhood Retail. Applicant: UAC Land and Building t/a 24 Express by William Thomas, Jr., agent
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0
(Deferred from the June 24, 2008 meeting, Item #32)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 17, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Lovain and carried unanimously, City Council approved the amendments to the existing SUP for 24 Express to: (1) allow alcohol sales until midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with off-duty police or sheriff deputies providing security from 6 p.m. until midnight; (2) post clear no loitering signs on the property and require that 24 Express execute an agreement with the Alexandria Police Department (APD) that allows APD to enforce no loitering on the property; (3) return to the Planning Commission and City Council in six months for review of the SUP; and (4) allow the delivery of milk/dairy products from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Lovain "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

25. Council Discussion of a Request From Community Members For an Independent Inquiry of Actions Related to the Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility.

City Council had a discussion to decide the requirements for the independent reviewer for the inquiry of the Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility. City Council's discussion included specifics on completion date for the inquiry, scope of the inquiry and the fiscal impact of the inquiry.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Gaines and carried unanimously, City Council authorized an independent inquiry into City staff actions related to the Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility related to the siting, opening and operation of the Norfolk Southern Ethanol Transloading Facility. The independent inquiry will be lead by Vice Mayor Redella Pepper and Councilman Ludwig Gaines who currently serve as co-chairs of the (Alexandria) Norfolk Southern Community Monitoring Group (NSCMG). To help bring focus to the independent inquiry, Vice Mayor Pepper and Councilman Gaines will serve as the principle liaisons to the independent third party reviewer and will seek guidance from the NSCMG in the initial stage of the inquiry as they select specific issues for review, develop a series of questions and frame a report format. The recommendation included the following: (1) authorize Vice Mayor Pepper and Councilman Gaines, to direct the activities of the independent reviewer in consultation with the NSCMG. Due to personnel confidentiality reasons, Vice Mayor Pepper, Councilman Gaines and the independent reviewer will protect employee confidentiality; (2) authorized Vice Mayor Pepper and Councilman Gaines, in consultation with the NSCMG, to develop for Council's consideration, the necessary qualifications for a candidate that would be best suited to conduct such an inquiry, as well as recommend the scope of the work that is to be covered; (3) authorize Vice Mayor Pepper and Councilman Gaines, in consultation with the NSCMG to review the candidates' applications and make a recommendation for Council's final approval; (4) the City Staff shall provide the independent reviewer access to all relevant information, including information produced because of FOIA requests and make available for interview City employees and Council members. He/She should have access to other applicable documents, such as results of the City Manager's consultant efforts; (5) Due to personnel confidentiality reasons, some information may need to be summarized. All identifiable employee information will remain confidential; and (6) set November 30, 2008, as the target date for the report completion, with the possibility of extending the period to the end of December 2008. City Council agreed to exclude the fiscal impact until a third party reviewer has been decided upon by Vice Mayor Pepper, Councilman Gaines and the NSCMG and a budgetary statement will come before Council for consideration and final approval. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Gaines "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

26. Receipt of Update on Industrial Land Use Policy and Planning Study For Eisenhower West.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 11, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 26; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) received the staff update on the study; and (2) approved the summary scope of work. The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Pepper "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

27. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2008-0048
3406 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE (Parcel Address: 3400 Commonwealth Ave.)
RESTAURANT
Consideration of a request to operate a restaurant; zoned CSL/Commercial Service Low. Applicant: Shahzad Kiani
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0
(Deferred from the September 13, 2008 meeting, item #6)

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 23, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 27; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of the record by reference.)

Mr. Josephson, Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning, responded to questions from City Council about the proposed SUP and changes to the conditions.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council approved the SUP subject to the revised conditions including the following additions: (1) Condition #31: Any rooftop exhaust fan or HVAC unit shall be installed with a visual mechanical screen/noise deflector and submitted for review and approval by the Directors of Planning and Zoning, Code Administration and Transportation and Environmental Services. The output (noise and odor) from any rooftop exhaust fan shall be directed away from the residences located to the north and west of the restaurant. An internal exhaust fan is required in place of a rooftop exhaust fan to the satisfaction of the Directors of Planning and Zoning, Code Administration and Transportation and Environmental Services; and (2) Condition #32: The applicant shall locate exhaust fan(s) as far away as possible from residential property and in a manner as to not impact the intake vent of adjacent businesses or properties. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

28. Consideration of Proposed Addition of the Small Area Plan for Potomac Yard to the Department of Planning and Zoning Work Program.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 18, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of the record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) directed staff to begin work on a Small Area Plan for Potomac Yard this fall, to be completed by the end of calendar year 2009; and (2) agreed that no items shall be added to the Special Studies and Projects category of the work program until the completion of the Potomac Yard Small Area Plan, which will also incorporate looking at the proposed school site and the Route 1 Corridor. The voting as follows:

Smedberg "aye" Pepper "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Lovain "aye"
Wilson "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Mayor Euille announced that there would be a Second Alexandria Film Festival starting Thursday, September 25 - Sunday, September 28, with the kickoff at City Hall.

(b) Mayor Euille noted that there is information concerning voter registration and absentee voting on the front page of the City website. Mayor Euille encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming elections.

(c) Councilman Smedberg noted that there have been a few incidents in the Old Town Area that have raised concern among the residents. Councilman Smedberg stated that he hoped that the Police and the neighborhood associations could work together to get the correct and appropriate information out to the public.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

(a) Mayor Euille stated that the staff working with the Motor Coach Task Force would give a brief update on the process and activities of the task force over the past few months. Mayor Euille referred the discussion to Transportation and Environmental Services Director Baier for a presentation.

Director Baier gave an overview of the task force and its mission, reviewed the process and highlighted the key issues facing Alexandria concerning motor coaches, and he outlined the next steps that would be taken by the task force.

Councilman Smedberg noted that City staff has done an excellent job in reviewing this issue and has made significant progress on Motor Coach Task Force.

(b) Councilman Krupicka reported that the School District has more students this year than they projected putting pressure on their budgets. Councilman Krupicka also reported that the School Board will begin working on its three to five year Strategic Plan shortly, with lots of community meetings and outreach. Councilman Krupicka noted that the School Board also pointed out their hope to put an emphasis on math and science in the schools this year.

(c) Councilman Krupicka reported that there will be a Green Job Fair in Fairfax County on Saturday, September 27 and he will be speaking during the fair.

(d) Councilman Krupicka reported that there will be two planned Safe Routes to Schools events in the City this year. Councilman Krupicka noted that the first day will be at Mount Vernon Community School from 7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2008. Councilman Krupicka noted that the second day for events will be October 8, 2008, with the primary events being held at Lyles Crouch, James Polk and George Mason Elementary schools.

(e) Vice Mayor Pepper reported that she attended a musical concert at the Lyceum recently that focused on the environment and recycling.

Please note: The following item was heard before Oral Reports and Presentations by Members of City Council.

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

29. Presentation of the Winners of the Contrabands and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial Design Competition.

(A copy of a press release dated September 11, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 29; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

City Council congratulated the winners of the Contrabands and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial Design Competition. The winners were as follows: C. J. Howard of Alexandria, first place prize; Santosh Dhamat, Elizabeth Eubanks, Solvita Marriott, Tracy Revis of Howard and Revis Design Services located in Washington, D.C., second place prize; and Paul Simon and Regan Harrold of Beals and Thomas, Inc., located in Southbourough, MA, third place prize.
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Mr. Mason, Special Assistant to the City Manager, reported that a City of Alexandria patrol officer making a routine traffic stop on I-395 north at Glebe Road was shot in the chest by the occupant of the vehicle. The officer was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital and appeared to be in good condition. The suspect who fled the scene shot himself and crashed at the Memorial Bridge.
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Mr. Pessoa, City Attorney, announced that he would be retiring from his position effective December 31, 2008.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

30. Consideration of a Resolution to Restate the City's Policy Regarding Contributions on Behalf of City Employees to the Virginia Retirement System.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 15, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 30; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council adopted the resolution in which the City reaffirms that it will pay the required employee contributions as it has since 1982. The voting was as follows:

Smedberg "aye" Pepper "aye"
Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Lovain "aye"


The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2295

WHEREAS, the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA provides its employees with tax deferral pursuant to § 414(h) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to their member contributions to the Virginia Retirement System (referred to as VRS) by picking up member contributions to VRS; and

WHEREAS, VRS keeps track of such picked up member contributions, and treats such contributions as employee contributions for all purposes of VRS; and

WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service in Notice 2006-43 has provided transition relief for existing pick up arrangements provided that an authorized person takes formal action to evidence the establishment of the pick-up arrangement no later than January 1, 2009; and

WHEREAS, in order to avail itself of the protection given under Notice 2006-43, the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA desires to affirm its intention to establish and maintain a pick­up arrangement through formal action by its governing body; and

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the existing member contribution pick-up arrangement is hereby affirmed as it relates to salary reduction elections in effect prior to the date of this Resolution; and it is further

RESOLVED that effective the first payday on or after September 23, 2008, the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA shall pick up member contributions of its employees to VRS, and such contributions shall be treated as employer contributions in determining tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of the United States; and it is further

RESOLVED that such contributions, although designated as member contributions, are to be made by the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA in lieu of member contributions; and it is further

RESOLVED that pick up member contributions shall be paid from the same source of funds as used in paying the wages to affected employees; and it is further

RESOLVED that member contributions made by the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA under the pick up arrangement shall be treated for all purposes other than income taxation, including but not limited to VRS benefits, in the same manner and to the same extent as member contributions made prior to the pick up arrangement; and it is further

RESOLVED that nothing herein shall be construed so as to permit or extend an option to VRS members to receive the pick up contributions made by the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA directly instead of having them paid to VRS; and it is further

RESOLVED that notwithstanding any contractual or other provisions, the contributions of each member of VRS who is an employee of the CITY OF ALEXANDRIA shall be picked up using the method under which the employer will pay the employees' statutory required contributions to VRS and the salary will not be modified.

OTHER

31. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated September 18, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 31; 09/23/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council adopted the City Council schedule for the months of September 2008 through June 2009, with the following additions and changes: (1) change the date of the first legislative meeting in November from Tuesday, November 11, to Wednesday, November 19 because of a conflict with Veterans Day and the annual National League of Cities Conference; (2) schedule a work session on the DASH Long Range Plan at 5:30 p.m., before the first legislative meeting in November; and (3) received the revised calendar which includes the Spring for Alexandria Community Service Day on Friday, May 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a celebration Market Square from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The voting was as follows:

Wilson "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Lovain "aye"

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THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, the regular City Council meeting of September 23, 2008, was adjourned at 11:04 p.m. The voting was as follows:

Gaines "aye" Pepper "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye"
Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye"
Wilson "aye"

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APPROVED BY:

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WILLIAM D. EUILLE MAYOR

ATTEST:

____________________________________
Gloria A. Sitton, CMC Deputy City Clerk


This docket is subject to change.

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