Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting (03/23/2010)

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - - 7:00 p.m.

* * * * *

Present: Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Kerry J. Donley, Members of Council Frank H. Fannon, Alicia Hughes, K. Rob Krupicka, Redella S. Pepper and Paul C. Smedberg.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Mr. Hartmann, City Manager; Mr. Banks, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Mr. Baier, Director, Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES); Mr. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB); Mr. Castrilli, Communications Director, City Manager's Office; Ms. Davis, Director, Office of Housing; Ms. Niebauer, Director, Human Rights Office; Mr. Lerner, Deputy Director, T&ES; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director, City Manager's Office; Ms. Hamer, Director, Planning and Zoning (P&Z); Mr. Moritz, Deputy Director, P&Z; Ms. Mcllvaine, Deputy Director, Office of Housing; Mr. Cochran, Division Chief, Office of Housing; Police Chief Cook, Police; Fire Chief Thiel, Fire; Ms. Orr, Director, Human Resources (HR); Mr. Mason, Special Assistant to the City Manager/HR Division Chief, HR; Ms. Collins, Assistant City Manager for Community and Human Services, Human Services; Dr. Gilmore, Executive Director, Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse (MH/MR/SA); Mr. Pickett, General Services; Mr. Trobridge, Director, Information and Technology Services (ITS); Mr. Stewart, Budget Analyst, OMB; Mr. Touhill, Budget Analyst, OMB; Mr. Sharma, Division Chief, T&ES/Environmental Quality; Mr. Skrabak, Director, Environmental Quality; Mr. Wilder, Interim Director Health Department; Ms. Snow, Assistant City Attorney, City Attorney's Office; Ms. Fesperman, Health Planner, Health Department; Ms. McLean, ITS; Police Captain Ogden; and Mr. Lloyd.

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

*******

City Council held a work session on the Planning and Zoning Work Program at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Work Room.

*******

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 March 9, 2010; and

(b) The Special Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2010.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Donley, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the regular meeting minutes of March 9, 2010 and the special public hearing meeting minutes of March 10, 2010. Councilman Smedberg abstained from voting on the special public hearing meeting minutes of March 10, 2010 because he was absent from that meeting. The voting was as follows:

Donley "aye" Fannon "aye"
Pepper "aye" Hughes "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

4. Recognition of the Alexandria Chapter of Top Teens of America.

City Council recognized the Alexandria Chapter of Top Teens of America.

5. Recognition of Elementary Art Display in City Hall from Fourth and Fifth Grade Students from Cora Kelly and Patrick Henry Elementary Schools for National Kick Butts Day (No Smoking Program) on March 24.

City Council recognized the elementary art display in City Hall from fourth and fifth grade students from Cora Kelly and Patrick Henry Elementary Schools for National Kick Butts Day (No Smoking Program) on March 24.

PROCLAMATIONS

None.

OTHER

6. Presentation by Council of Governments Executive Director David Robertson on the Greater Washington 2050 Compact Developed by the 2050 Coalition.

Council of Governments Executive Director David Robertson gave a presentation on the Greater Washington 2050 Compact developed by the 2050 Coalition.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Vice Mayor Donley and carried unanimously, City Council voted to consider docket item #27 at this time. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Fannon "aye"
Donley "aye" Hughes "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

27. Consideration of a Resolution Adopting the Greater Washington 2050 Compact as Requested by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 16, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 27; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilwoman Hughes and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council adopted the resolution endorsing the Greater Washington 2050 Compact as proposed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), and authorized the City Manager to sign the Compact on behalf of the City. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Donley "aye"
Hughes "aye" Fannon "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2391

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria recognizes and values its status as part of the economically vibrant and socially diverse National Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria takes part in regional planning and activities through its participation in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments; and

WHEREAS, in January 2008, COG established the Greater Washington 2050 Coalition, a public-private advisory panel, consisting of local governments officials, representatives of the Region’s business and environmental sectors, and members of the public representing numerous and diverse civic interest, to help shape the Region; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition sought to leverage existing regional and local vision plans and reach regional agreement on local actions that can help achieve common regional goals; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition examined how other regions have approached similar efforts, sponsored a workshop on future economic, environmental, and demographic trends and changes that could affect the National Capital Region, and commissioned and published a survey of public opinion on regional matters in 2008 and 2009; and

WHEREAS, after almost two years of work, the Coalition unanimously approved its final report, Region Forward – A Comprehensive Guide for Regional Planning and Measuring Progress in the 21^st Century, which includes nine regional goals in four themes of accessibility, sustainability, prosperity, and livability; and established regional performance targets and indicators to measure required progress toward goals; and

WHEREAS, the COG Board approved the Region Forward report in January 2010, and recommended that local governments execute a voluntary regional compact incorporating these regional goals, and commit to consider regional implications in their local decisions and actions; and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria City Council, after review and consideration of these goals and their potential benefit to the Region and to the residents and businesses of Alexandria, believes that adoption of the voluntary Greater Washington 2050 Compact to be in the public interest of Alexandria.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL THAT

1. the City of Alexandria hereby endorses the voluntary

Greater Washington 2050 Compact

and, within the City of Alexandria’s legal, financial, and political limitations, commits to follow the principles and goals therein in its decisions and actions.

2. the City Manager is hereby authorized to sign the voluntary

Greater Washington 2050 Compact

on behalf of the City of Alexandria.

3. staff of the City of Alexandria is hereby directed to familiarize itself with the voluntary

Greater Washington 2050 Compact

and to alert the Alexandria City Council on significant regional implications of proposed decisions or actions.

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

CONSENT CALENDAR (7-12)

(Resignations and Uncontested Appointments)

7. Receipt of the Following Resignation From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a)

Beautification Commission

Rick Tedesco

(A copy of the above resignation is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

8. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:

(a) Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Homeowner in the City Member

(b) Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District
1 Citizen Member

(c) Community Criminal Justice Board
1 Citizen Member
1 Representative of Non-profit Organizations Recommended
By The Alexandria United Way

(d) Early Childhood Commission
1 Representative of the Alexandria Child Care Directors
Association

(e) Human Rights Commission
1 Landlord-Tenant Relations Board Representative

(A copy of the above appointments is on the file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

(Reports and Recommendations of the City Manager)

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

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 11, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

10. Consideration of Grant Application to the Coca-Cola/National Recycling Coalition, Recycling Bin Grant Program for Recycling Containers.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 12, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 10; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

11. Consideration of a Grant Application for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Funding From the Summer Food Service Program for Children.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 12, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

12. Consideration to Permit the Tallship Peacemakerto Dock at the City Marina for 22 Days and Waive Associated Docking Fees.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 16, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Donley, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the consent calendar. The City Manager's recommendations were as follows:

7. City Council accepted the following resignation with regret: (a) Rick Tedesco, Beautification Committee.

8. City Council made the following appointments: (a) reappointed Rick Liu as the homeowner in the City to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (b) appointed Robert Duffy as the citizen member to the Board of Architectural Review - Parker-Gray District; (c) reappointed Donna Brazier as the citizen member and appointed Mark Sossa as the representative of non-profit organizations recommended by the Alexandria United Way to the Community Criminal Justice Board; (d) appointed Pamela Blankenship as the representative of the Alexandria Child Care Directors Association to the Early Childhood Commission; and (e) appointed Vern Best as the Landlord-Tenant Relations Board representative to the Human Rights Commission.

9. City Council authorized $2,527,047 for capital project allocations and planned expenditures for the capital projects as detailed in the Capital Improvement Expenditure Summary.

10. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit the grant application (due March 12, 2010), requesting 20 recycling containers, and (2) execute all documents that may be required.

11. City Council authorized staff to: (1) submit the grant application (due April 23, 2010) to the United States Department of Agriculture for continued funding and an estimated reimbursement amount of $112,000 for program expenses; (2) affirm that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds are expended; and (3) execute all necessary documents that may be required.

12. City Council approved the request to dock the tallship Peacemakerat the City Marina for 22 days and waive the associated docking fee of $10,010 for this non-profit.

The voting was as follows:

Donley "aye" Fannon "aye"
Pepper "aye" Hughes "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS

13. Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Person Who is Either a City Employee or a Teacher With the
Alexandria City Public Schools

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

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

McKenya Dilworth
Sean Pickett
Mary Ellen Ruff

(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. 13; 03/23/10, 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 Mary Ellen Ruff as the person who is either a City employee or a teacher with the Alexandria City Public Schools to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Pickett
Donley - Ruff
Fannon - Pickett
Hughes - Ruff
Krupicka - Ruff
Pepper - Ruff
Smedberg - Ruff

14. Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority
1 Citizen Member

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

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Christopher Ballard
Dipti Pidikiti-Smith

(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. 14; 03/23/10, 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 Christopher Ballard as the citizen member to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Ballard
Donley - Ballard
Fannon - Ballard
Hughes - Pidikiti-Smith
Krupicka - Ballard
Pepper - Ballard
Smedberg - Ballard

15. Commission for the Arts
1 Member Who Represents Arts Education/Business Expertise
Relevant To The Arts or Cultural Development

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

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

David Martin Pat Miller, Chair, Commission for the Arts
William Molino

(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. 15; 03/23/10, 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 waived the residency requirement and reappointed David Martin as the member who represents arts education or business expertise relative to arts and cultural development, including such perspectives as marketing, finance/funding, tourism promotion and organizational development to the Commission for the Arts. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Martin
Donley - Martin
Fannon - Martin
Hughes - Martin
Krupicka - Martin
Pepper - Martin
Smedberg - Martin

16. Landlord-Tenant Relations Board
1 Landlord or Representatives of Landlord Member

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

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Cynthia Clare

(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. 16; 03/23/10, 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 waived the residency requirement and reappointed Cynthia Clare as the landlord or representative of landlords to the Landlord-Tenant Relations Board. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Clare
Donley - Clare
Fannon - Clare
Hughes - Clare
Krupicka - Clare
Pepper - Clare
Smedberg - Clare

17. Potomac Yard Design Advisory Commission
1 Member Representing the Potomac Yard Area

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

NAME: ENDORSED BY:

Chris Bellanca
Gary Carr
Theresa del Ninno

(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. 13; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: No one received a majority vote; therefore, there had to be a second balloting. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Bellanca
Donley - Bellanca
Fannon - Carr
Hughes - Carr
Krupicka - del Ninno
Pepper - del Ninno
Smedberg - Bellanca

WHEREUPON, ballots were again distributed, tellers were again appointed and the ballots again tallied with the following results: City Council appointed Chris Bellanca as the member representing the Potomac Yard Area to the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Commission. The voting was as follows:

Euille - Bellanca
Donley - Bellanca
Fannon - Carr
Hughes - Carr
Krupicka - del Ninno
Pepper - Bellanca
Smedberg - Bellanca

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER FOR DISCUSSION

18. Consideration of Recommendations and Status Report on Legislation Introduced at the 2010 General Assembly Session.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 18, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 18; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Legislative Director Caton and State Delegation members, Adam Ebbin, David Englin, Patsy Ticer and Charnele Herring, gave Council an overview of the final actions of the General Assembly and responded to questions and concerns about the budget passed and its effects on local government.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Donley, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council received the report on Legislation introduced at the 2010 General Assembly Session. The voting was as follows:

Donley "aye" Fannon "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Hughes "aye"
Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Pepper "aye"

19. Staff Update on Stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds.

Legislative Director Caton gave an overview of the Stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds that the City has applied to receive. Mr. Caton noted the amount of funds the City will receive and how the money will be spent and responded to questions from Council about the funds.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council received the staff update on Stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds. The voting was as follows:

Pepper "aye" Donley "aye"
Smedberg "aye" Fannon "aye"
Euille "aye" Hughes "aye"
Krupicka "aye"

20. Partnership for Healthier Alexandria Presentation.

Members of the Partnership for Healthier Alexandria gave a presentation to Council highlighting the programs that the Partnership are working on to create a healthier community. The members responded to questions from Council about the program initiatives.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Vice Mayor Donley and carried unanimously, City Council received the report and presentation from the Partnership for Healthier Alexandria. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Fannon "aye"
Donley "aye" Hughes "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

******

City Council considered the resolution establishing Healthy Food Alexandria at this time.

******

26. Consideration of Proposed Resolution Establishing Healthy Food Alexandria, a City-Wide Citizen-Led Initiative.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 15, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 26; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council adopted the Healthy Food Resolution and requested appropriate City departments to consider providing support for its implementation to the extent possible, given the present departmental budget constraints. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Donley "aye"
Pepper "aye" Fannon "aye"
Euille "aye" Hughes "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2390

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria strives to be an “Eco-City” by promoting health, nutrition, and lifestyles that are ecologically sustainable; and

WHEREAS, Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan, adopted by the City Council in June of 2009, established 48 goals and 353 actions to guide sustainability efforts, including educating citizens about and increasing equitable access to safe, healthy, and sustainably grown food, particularly for children and adolescents; encouraging local and regional food production; and exploring opportunities to expand and promote farmers’ markets and community gardens, especially in low-income neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria’s ACHIEVE Planning Team received a grant from the CDC to work with policy and grass-roots leaders to implement policy, systems, and environmental changes to create healthier lifestyles, including more nutritional diets and equal access to fresh foods and safe recreation spaces for all Alexandria children; and

WHEREAS, First Lady Michele Obama has created an organic garden at the White House and has worked with children throughout DC to encourage healthy food choices as well as to encourage the use of community gardens and farmers markets; and

WHEREAS, a 2007 Inova Health System survey found that over 40% of Alexandria children and teens are overweight or obese with 70% of children/teens not eating enough fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, Alexandria has a large percentage of residents who suffer from chronic, diet-related disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity; and

WHEREAS, Alexandria’s low-income residents need greater access to healthy, fresh, and affordable produce, as many of these communities currently have a large percentage of residents who suffer from chronic, diet-related disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

WHEREAS, Eating fruits and vegetables can help decreases the risk of various ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and various cancers; and

WHEREAS, 53% of the students enrolled in Alexandria City Public School are eligible for free or reduced price meals and ACPS serves over 2 million meals per year (455,299 breakfasts, 1,218,409 lunches and 434,000 snacks ) and purchases locally grown fruits and vegetables when feasible and seasonally available; and

WHEREAS, ACPS’ Department of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has been awarded $13,325 to initiate the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program at Jefferson-Houston School this school year. The program is designed to provide additional fresh fruit and vegetables to students outside of school meal times; and

WHEREAS, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) currently provides 13 learning gardens to teach students about habitats, and to nurture the living things within them; and

WHEREAS, ACPS now has a 2009-2010 goal to compost leftovers at all schools which are provided to Chinquapin community gardens as fertilizer; and

WHEREAS, Alexandria now has approximately 200 community garden plots in three community locations that provide residents with access to fresh, local food; help build stronger community ties; and are in-demand by residents with a waiting list of over 100 people; and

WHEREAS, the mid-Atlantic region is home to a wide range of farms producing fresh, sustainable, locally grown products; and

WHEREAS, Alexandria now has 4 farmers markets that offer a wide array of food, much of which is grown in a sustainable way, yet this food is still largely inaccessible to low-income residents; and

WHEREAS, many Alexandria restaurants, groceries and businesses already strive to purchase ingredients that are fresh and locally grown; and

WHEREAS, eating locally can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shortening the distance food has to travel as well as help the local economy by keeping existing farms in business, attracting new farmers, and creating new local jobs in food production, processing, distribution and retailing; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Alexandria City Council:

1. AFFIRMS its strong support of food that is grown locally and in an environmentally sustainable manner;

2. AFFIRMS its desire to increase Alexandria residents’ access to local, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and other plant-based-foods;

3. REQUESTS that the City of Alexandria seek opportunities through its procurement efforts to take advantage of locally produced food;

4. RECOMMENDS that the City of Alexandria, businesses, individuals, schools, civic associations and community-based organizations work to purchase food that is grown locally;

5. ENCOURAGES community initiated as well as public-private efforts to expand access to farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), for residents of all ages, abilities, and income levels;

6. SUPPORTS an increase in federal funding for the National School Lunch Program to provide higher quality and healthier meals in our schools with locally sustainable food practices;

7. ENCOURAGES citizen initiated development of urban and community gardens and garden plots, on both City, school, and private property; and

8. SUPPORTS the creation of a City-wide citizen-led initiative, called Healthy Food Alexandria, endorsed by the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria and the Environmental Policy Commission that would:

i. Work to increase public awareness about sustainable, local foods by organizing education events and by providing special recognition to restaurants, businesses and organizations that utilize local food produced using sustainable methods,

ii. Help encourage the development of more community gardens throughout the city.

iii. Help encourage the development of more farmers markets throughout the city.

iv. Seek opportunities to allow food stamps to be accepted at farmers markets,

v. Support and encourage community education efforts to help children learn about healthy and locally produced foods by expanding locally-sourced food in their school-provided meals and by creating more opportunities for children to grow their own food.

vi. Encourage food service companies to take advantage of local, seasonal food whenever possible, and

vii. Facilitate partnerships between the City, community organizations, non-profit organizations, local businesses, faith-based organizations, and local farmers to assist the residents of Alexandria-- children, teens, and low-income individuals, in particular—with access to locally produced food by offering classes and workshops in gardening, nutrition, and cooking.

21. Oral Report on Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC-133) and Beauregard Planning and Consideration of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Requested Initial Draft Staff Response to the VDOT Interchange Justification Report (Public Hearing and Council Action Scheduled for Saturday, April 17).

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 18, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 21; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning Moritz gave an update on proposed development plans and upcoming meetings to discuss the Beauregard Small Area Plan and he noted that the Planning and Zoning department has been working closely with Fairfax County on proposed redevelopment in the area. Mr. Moritz responded to questions and concerns from Council about the traffic and possible redevelopment of Landmark Plaza by Fairfax County.

Deputy Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Lerner gave a presentation on the traffic concerns at the BRAC-133 site, highlighting VDOT recommendations from the access study and the alternatives that the BRAC Advisory Group would like presented to VDOT. Mr. Lerner also noted the alternatives that staff had derived from work done by the Beauregard Planning consultants.

Staff responded to questions from Council about the proposed letter to be sent to VDOT, the alternatives for access, the need for a public hearing and the completion of the traffic management plan surrounding the BRAC site.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Donley, seconded by Councilwoman Hughes and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) authorized sending a letter to VDOT that succinctly states Council's position and response to the VDOT Interchange Justification Report (consideration for Alternative A1 and withdrawing Alternative D). The letter should be more collaborative as opposed to adversarial in tone. The letter should also include TMP data in the language; (2) Council will not hold a public hearing on April 17 about the VDOT Interchange Justification Report; and (3) the letter should clearly identify the preferred alternatives. Council also requested that the BRAC Advisory Committee work with staff on the alternative designs and bring comments back to Council. The voting was as follows:

Donley "aye" Fannon "aye"
Hughes "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

22. Consideration of Staff Report on City Employee Pay and Classification Study.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 18, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 22; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Director of Human Resources Orr gave a brief presentation of the new Competency Based Classification System and responded to question from Council about the staff report.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council received the summary of the new Competency Based Classification System developed by Watson Wyatt (now Towers Watson). The voting was as follows:

Smedberg "aye" Donley "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Fannon "aye"
Euille "aye" Hughes "aye"
Pepper "aye"

23. Consideration of Authorization to Fund the Homeless Intervention Program from the Designated Fund Balance.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 11, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Donley, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council authorized the inclusion of $125,000 from the City's designated fund balance to the Department of Human Services' Homeless Intervention Program in the supplemental appropriations ordinance to be docketed on April 13, 2010. The voting was as follows:

Donley "aye" Fannon "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Hughes "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

24. Consideration of Providing Supplemental Funding From Contingent Reserves to Assist Purchasers of Distressed Properties.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 12, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Members of Council expressed concerns about spending the proposed amount from contingent reserves and inquired about how the money would be used to assist the purchasers.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried 5-2, City Council allocated $200,000 from the FY 2010 $455,000 Contingent Reserves set aside for the purpose of assisting first-time homebuyers to purchase distressed properties in the City of Alexandria through the City's Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP). The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Donley "aye"
Pepper "aye" Fannon "no"
Euille "aye" Hughes "no"
Smedberg "aye"

25. Consideration of Authorizing the Purchase of a Replacement Residential Police Officer (RPO) Unit at Alexandria Crossing (formerly located at Glebe Park).

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 12, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Members of Council expressed concern about spending the allocated money on a unit for a Residential Police Officer, offering alternative residential options, and they inquired about the need for the unit in the Alexandria Crossing redevelopment project.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried 5-2, City Council: (1) approved an allocation of up to $355,000 from the expected repayment of Glebe Park bridge loan funds for the acquisition, by the Alexandria Housing and Development Corporation (AHDC), of one workforce housing unit at Alexandria Crossing to be operated as a Residential Police Officer (RPO) unit, and (2) authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents, including an agreement with AHDC for its ownership of the unit. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Donley "aye"
Pepper "aye" Fannon "no"
Euille "aye" Hughes "no"
Smedberg "aye"

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

None

ORAL REPORTS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

None.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

None.

ORAL REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Mr. Hartmann reported that he testified on Capitol Hill before the U. S. House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on snow disasters for local, state and federal governments in the National Capitol Region for response and recovery partnerships with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mr. Hartmann reported that he and his colleagues from the region talked about the storm, FEMA and the possibility of reimbursement for the response.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

26. Consideration of Proposed Resolution Establishing Healthy Food Alexandria, a City-Wide Citizen-Led Initiative.

This item was considered earlier on the docket.

27. Consideration of a Resolution Adopting the Greater Washington 2050 Compact as Requested by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

This item was considered earlier on the docket.

28. Consideration of Resolution on City of Alexandria Position on Protection of Public Employees from Workplace Discrimination.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 16, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

Director of Human Rights Office Niebauer responded to questions from Council about the proposed resolution and explained the reasoning for the Human Rights Commission's choice of language for the resolution.

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council adopted the resolution on City of Alexandria position on protection of public employees from workplace discrimination, and requested that it be sent to Governor Robert McDonnell. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Donley "aye"
Pepper "aye" Fannon "aye"
Euille "aye" Hughes "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2392

WHEREAS, Alexandria strives to be a community that welcomes and values all of its residents, treating everybody with human dignity and respect; and

WHEREAS, people of diverse culture, race, color, nationality, gender, age and sexual orientation and persons with disabilities live and work together within Alexandria and bring pride to the community; and

WHEREAS, Alexandria strives to create a positive business climate where representatives of diverse populations are welcome, and such a climate promotes prosperity; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria affirms its responsibility to ensure that all people within our City limits are accorded equal protection under the law; and

WHEREAS, the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia has asked public institutions of higher learning, including those in Alexandria, to rescind policies protecting employees on the basis of sexual orientation, thereby denying protection that has existed for years, and jeopardizing those institutions' accreditations, grants and ability to attract and retain students and faculty; and

WHEREAS, educational institutions in Alexandria and across the Commonwealth have independently and voluntarily added sexual orientation to their nondiscrimination policies, and, therefore, any directive to remove such protections is a reversal of human rights in these communities, and

WHEREAS, an increasing number of employers have voluntarily included sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policies, and a demonstrated lack of support for such policies by the Commonwealth of Virginia creates a negative business climate for existing and potential business enterprises, and

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria has supported legislation introduced in the Virginia General Assembly that would protect public employees from workplace discrimination, but it has failed to pass, and

WHEREAS, Governor McDonnell failed to include sexual orientation as a protected basis in his initial Executive Order on nondiscrimination of public employees, then on March 9 issued an Executive Directive to state employees, purporting to protect all from workplace discrimination on any basis, including sexual orientation, but without the force of law; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s actions of rescinding prior Executive Orders, which protected state employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and replacing those prior Orders with an Executive Directive have the effect that state employees no longer have legal protection and a right to relief for such discrimination; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria seeks to celebrate the inclusiveness and diversity that contribute to the strength, safety and quality of life of all Alexandrians;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA THAT THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA WILL CONTINUE TO:

1. Foster an atmosphere of inclusiveness that respects the dignity and worth of every person without regard to

race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, or familial status

; and

2. Support at all levels of government the introduction of legislation and the promulgation of regulations and policies ensuring equal protection of public employees from workplace discrimination; and

3. Reaffirm the protection of human rights in the City and the enforcement of its Human Rights Code.

OTHER

29. Consideration of a License Agreement with Woodlawn Communications, LLC, to Install Conduits and Fiber-optic Cable in the Public Rights-of-way.

(A copy of the City Attorney's memorandum dated March 15, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 29; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded by Vice Mayor Donley and carried unanimously, City Council approved the five-year license agreement with Woodlawn Communications, LLC, and authorized the City Manager to execute the license agreement and to take any other actions that are necessary to implement the agreement. The voting was as follows:

Krupicka "aye" Fannon "aye"
Donley "aye" Hughes "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

30. Consideration of City Council Schedule.

(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 16, 2010, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 30; 03/23/10, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.)

WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Donley, seconded by Councilwoman Hughes and carried unanimously, City Council: (1) changed the time of the Thursday, April 14 budget work session on Financial Sustainability, Efficiency and Responsiveness from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; (2) changed the Parking Study Work Session to April 13, at 5:30 p.m., and changed the Commission on Employment Work Session to April 27 at 5:30 p.m.; and (3) revised the calendar which includes revised earlier starting times (5:30 p.m.) for the Wednesday, March 24 budget work session; the joint work session with the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 8 in the Council work room; and the annual Employee Health Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 12, at Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street. The voting was as follows:

Donley "aye" Fannon "aye"
Hughes "aye" Krupicka "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

EXECUTIVE SESSION

31. Consideration of Convening a Closed Meeting For the Purpose of Discussing Real Estate Matters.

City Council did not hold the closed meeting.

*******

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Hughes, seconded by Councilman Krupicka and carried unanimously, City Council adjourned the regular meeting of March 23, 2010 at 11:16 p.m. The voting was as follows:

Hughes "aye" Donley "aye"
Krupicka "aye" Fannon "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Smedberg "aye"

APPROVED:

______________________________
WILLIAM D. EUILLE MAYOR

ATTEST:

_______________________________
Gloria A. Sitton, CMC Deputy City Clerk

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 703-746-4550 (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.

* * * * *