Office of the City Clerk
June 10, 1998
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 9, 1998 - - 7:30 p.m.
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OPENING
1. Calling the Roll.
The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present except Councilman Speck.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Invocation was pronounced by Councilman Cleveland.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meetings of City Council:
(a) The Public Hearing Meeting of May 16, 1998; and
(b) The Regular Meeting of May 26, 1998.
City Council approved the Minutes of (a) the Public Hearing Meeting of May 16, 1998; and (b) the Regular Meeting of May 26, 1998, as submitted.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
4. Report of the City Clerk.
City Council received the report of the City Clerk.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
5. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Shirley Tyler of Grace Episcopal School on Her Retirement After Twenty-Nine Years of Service. (Councilwoman Pepper)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
New Business Item No. 1: Mayor Donley introduced Sylvia Edwards of Birmingham, England. Ms. Edwards has been a part of the Fulbright Teaching Exchange Program and has spent the last year at George Mason Elementary School. Mayor Donley presented her with a City pin and thanked Ms. Edwards for her working with our youngsters.
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REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (6 - 9) (17 - 29)
6. Receipt of Resignations from Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
Carolyn Pritchyk
(b) Alexandria Early Childhood Commission
Kimberly Koch
(c) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
Kimberly Koch
(d) Alexandria Task Force on AIDS
Susan Osborn
Peter Schultze
7. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria School Board
8. Consideration of Request to Vacate a Position on the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities.
9. Receipt of Annual Report from the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of Docket Item Nos. 6 and 24. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
6. Vice Mayor Euille requested a report back as to why Ms. Osborn and Mr. Schultze resigned verbally from the Alexandria Task Force on AIDS.
City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Carolyn Pritchyk from the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (b) Kimberly Koch from the Alexandria Early Childhood Commission; (c) Kimberly Koch from the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; and (d) Susan Osborn and Peter Schultze from the Alexandria Task Force on AIDS; and requested the Executive Secretary to send the appropriate letters of appreciation, and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner. (Separate Motion)
7. City Council reappointed Henry Brooks as a Member Designated by the Alexandria School Board to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission.
8. City Council declared as vacant one of the citizen positions on the Commission on Persons with Disabilities and authorized the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to advertise the vacancy.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
9. City Council received the Annual Report of the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission, thanked the members for their efforts, and extended the term of the Commission for an additional year.
17. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
18. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
19. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
20. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
21. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
22. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
23. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
24. Council Member Rich directed questions to staff. City Attorney Sunderland, City Manager Lawson, Cable Administrator Boyd, and Director of Transportation and Environmental Services O'Kane participated in the discussion.
Staff will work with Star Power once they submit a proposal to City staff.
City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998. (Separate Motion)
25. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
26. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
27. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
28. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
29. City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
10. Consideration of City Council Review and Comment on the Draft Transportation Planning Board Vision with a Request to Forward Comments to the COG Transportation Planning Board Staff by July 15. (Council Member Walker)
Council Member Walker and Mayor Donley urged everyone to please complete the tear off sheet attached to the Draft Transportation Planning Board Vision pamphlet and send it to the Council of Governments. They stressed that it is important that everybody participate in this survey. Copies are available in the City Clerk's Office, 838-4500.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
11. Consideration of Alexandria Community Services Board Request to Submit a Grant Application to the Arlington Health Foundation for Expansion of the Psychological Services/Preschool Prevention Program.
City Council (1) authorized the Board to submit the grant proposal to the Arlington Health Foundation; and (2) If the grant is awarded, approved increasing the number of authorized grant-funded City positions by one full-time equivalent psychologist. Approval of this request (if the grant is awarded) will increase by one the number of full-time equivalent positions for the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse. This grant position would terminate upon expiration of the grant, and the individual who fills this position will be notified of this condition of employment and sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
12. Consideration of Acceptance of Grant Funds for the Alexandria Community Services Board from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Awarded to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
City Council: (1) accepted $16,420 per year for FY 1998 through FY 2002 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse through the Metropolitan Council of Governments to fund 25% of a current full-time supervisor's time to perform the duties of a site coordinator for the Strengthening Families Program, and to fund supplies and transportation costs for families to travel to and from the program site; and (2) approved the incorporation of these funds in the Alexandria Community Services Board's State Performance Contract.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
13. Consideration of Submission of a Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Justice for Funding for COPS MORE '98 Program.
City Council: (1) authorized the City Manager to submit a grant application for the COPS MORE '98 program to procure additional mobile computer systems for the Police Department; and (2) approved the use of $62,500 from the Police Department's federal seized asset account to provide the required local match to the federal share of $187,500. There are no additional positions associated with this grant.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
14. Approval of the Virginia Municipal League/Virginia Electric and Power Company Agreement with the City.
City Council authorized the City Manager to sign the agreement for the purchase of electric service to be used by the City government with the Virginia Electric and Power Company.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
15. Consideration of an Amendment to the City's Community Development Block Grant Program for Rehabilitation of the Supervised Apartments at 610 Notabene Drive.
City Council (1) allocated up to $131,000 in unbudgeted CDBG program income from the Fayette Court project to rehabilitate 610 Notabene Drive as follows: replace the heating and air conditioning systems; reinforce the walls and finish the laundry/storage room; add a community room; and renovate the parking area; and (2) authorized the City Manager to submit a program amendment to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to amend the current year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to include funding for the rehabilitation of the supervised apartments at 610 Notabene Drive.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
16. Consideration of Reports on City Employee Compensation Issues.
City Council approved the proposed career ladder program for Parking Enforcement Officers I-II effective January 1, 1998, the same date as other new FY 1998 career ladder programs.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilwoman Pepper congratulated and wished the T. C. Williams High School Girls' Varsity Crew Team well as they go to England to participate in the Henley Regatta in England. The team needs to raise $20,000 and Councilwoman Pepper encouraged people to forward their contributions to Alexandria Crew Boosters, 504 Malcolm Place, Alexandria, VA 22302.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(b) Councilwoman Pepper noted that Florence Price had a minor heart attack and is doing well at Alexandria Hospital. She will be dismissed at the end of this week.
(c) Vice Mayor Euille directed questions to Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane with respect to placing signs on King Street directing persons to the shops on Cameron Street.
Vice Mayor Euille indicated that since there is no policy on the part of City Council, Councilman Speck and he, along with members of the business community, would be willing to sit down with staff to come up with a policy with respect to signage.
(d) Vice Mayor Euille spoke to the confusion that exists with respect to the parking signs at the Kiss and Ride parking lots at the King Street and Braddock Road Metro Stations.
City Attorney Sunderland was requested to come back to Council with respect to whether or not the City can take away Metro's authority to enforce parking restrictions at the lots until Metro is willing to compromise.
(e) Councilman Cleveland spoke to the recent stabbing on Oronoco Street and the victim's inability to get assistance through the court system. He indicated that something must be done if the person cannot get help from the court system then they should be able to go to the Police Department.
Mayor Donley shared Councilman Cleveland's frustration. He indicated that he has requested the City Manager to convene an internal study group, similar to the one used after the Karen Mitsoff murder, to see where the breakdowns occurred.
Chief Samarra stated that we need our victims to come forward and report the problems to the Police Department before a tragedy happens. The Police Department wants the victims to share their problems with them so that they can intervene.
(f) Council Member Walker announced on Saturday, June 20, 1998, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission will sponsor a conference entitled Families Facing the Future: A Community Focus on Prevention. This will be held at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA.
(g) Mayor Donley wished the Washington Capitals well during their quest to win the Stanley Cup.
(h) Mayor Donley congratulated Councilman Speck who has been appointed to serve as vice chair of the Virginia Municipal League's Finance Policy Committee for 1998.
Mayor Donley noted that City Manager Lawson and State Senator Ticer have been appointed to the Commission on the Future of Virginia Cities. He indicated that Councilman Speck is "pinch hitting" as an ex officio member, back-bench type of guy, who is interested as well.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
Councilwoman Pepper and members congratulated City Clerk Jett on her recent appointments as co-chair of the Virginia Membership Committee of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, and as chair of the Virginia Municipal Clerks' Association Professional Development Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR (17 - 29)
17, Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to bring its provisions regarding the city's procurement of goods, services, insurance and construction into compliance with the mandatory provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act, and by making other revisions to such provisions.
18. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code (i) to require taxpayers to reimburse certain administrative costs incurred by the city in the collection of delinquent taxes; (ii) to increase the fee for a bad check presented to the city from $10 to $25; (iii) to establish the theft of a motor vehicle license decal as a class 1 misdemeanor; and (iv) to condition the issuance of business licenses to certain contractors upon their maintenance of workers' compensation coverage.
19. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to revise the penalties for uncontested citations for parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities, for parking in front of a private driveway, too close to an intersection or too close to a fire station or fire hydrant, and for standing in a fire lane, all to conform with the requirements of state law.
20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code (i) to revise the title of the individuals responsible for the enforcement of state and city animal control laws in the city from "dog warden" and "deputy dog warden" to "chief animal control officer" and "deputy animal control officer," (ii) to provide for the appointment of the chief animal control officer by city council, as required by state law, and to clarify that the chief animal control officer and the deputy animal control officers are authorized to enforce both state and city animal control laws, and (iii) to increase the fee for a dangerous dog permit from $10 to $150.
21. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to revise in their entirety the code provisions that govern the provision and administration of massages in the city.
22. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to revise the code provisions that govern the city's review of proposed changes in the rates charged for the "basic tier" of cable television services offered by cable franchisees.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
23. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to designate the Alexandria community services board as an administrative policy community services board, and to conform the criteria which determine the composition of the city's board with the criteria in state law.
24. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to impose a telecommunications franchise fee upon telecommunication companies which use public rights-of-way in the city, pursuant to authority conferred upon localities by the Virginia General Assembly during its 1998 session.
25. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the transportation element of the Alexandria Master Plan to add the Bicycle Transportation and Multi-Use Master Plan.
26. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public street right-of-way for bay windows and an entrance cover at 101 North West Street.
27. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public street right-of-way for bay windows at 1303 King Street.
28. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to make supplemental appropriations for the support of the city government for fiscal year 1998.
29. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to make appropriations for the support of the city government for fiscal year 1999.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
17. - 29. City Council introduced the Ordinances on their First Reading; set them for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, June 13, 1998.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
30. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend Ordinance No. 3943, enacted June 24, 1997, which authorized the issuance, sale and delivery of bonds by the city to finance various public improvements, by increasing the principal amount of authorized bonds from an amount not to exceed $40 million to an amount not to exceed $60 million.
City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Tuesday, June 23, 1998.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
31. Consideration of Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds by the Industrial development Authority of the City of Alexandria for the American Society for Training and Development Headquarters Building Located at 1640 King Street. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council adopted the resolution as recommended by the AIDA at its meeting on May 26, 1998. RES. NO. 1874
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
32. Consideration of Resolution to the Virginia Department of Transportation for Urban Highway System Funds for a Feasibility Study of a Pedestrian Connection between the King Street Metrorail Station and Alexandria Union Station. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council adopted the resolution and requested staff to forward it to the Virginia Department of Transportation and authorized the City Manager to sign related documents. RES. NO. 1875
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
33. Consideration of a Resolution to the Virginia Department of Transportation for Urban highway System Funds for King Street Improvements at the Bradlee Shopping Center. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council adopted the resolution and requested staff to forward it to the Virginia Department of Transportation and authorized the City Manager to sign related documents. RES. NO. 1876
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
34. Consideration of Resolution to Condemn 1.5 Acres of the CSX Alexandria Business Center Site. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council adopted the resolution which authorizes the City Attorney to acquire the 1.5 acres of the Alexandria Business Center Site by eminent domain on behalf of the City. RES. NO. 1877
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OTHER
35. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
City Council (1) added the following to the City Council Calendar: (a) the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities Reception to honor the recipients of the Gerry Bertier Scholarships, the Community Organization Grant, and the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate Award on Monday, June 15, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 2000; (b) the USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration which will be at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 1998, at Jones Point Park; (c) the Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on Sunday, October 18, 1998, with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the banquet at 7:30 p.m., as requested by Councilman Cleveland; and (2) scheduled a work session with the City's Legislative Delegation to discuss the City's 1999 Legislative Package at 6 p.m. before Council's Tuesday, November 24, 1998, legislative meeting in the Council workroom. City Council also changed the date for the October 13 Regular Meeting to Wednesday, October 14, in order that interested Council Members can attend the Summit held by the Commission on the Future of Virginia Cities being held in Charlottesville. Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
36. Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Donald Zdancewicz as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
37. Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
1 Citizen Member
City Council reappointed Jane Fox as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
38. Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Committee
1 Owner or Operator of A Facility Subject
to the Federal Emergency Planning Requirements
of the Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act of 1986 (SARA)
1 Representative of the Broadcast and Print Media
City Council waived the residency requirements and appointed Hula Edmonds as an Owner or Operator of A Facility Subject to the Federal Emergency Planning Requirements of the Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), and reappointed Alan Haskel as a Representative for the Broadcast and Print Media to the Alexandria Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)
39. Alexandria Waterfront Committee
1 Representative From the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Charlotte Hall as a Representative From the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors to the Alexandria Waterfront Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Meeting was concluded at 9:05 p.m.
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 https://alexandriava.gov/council.
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Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500 (TTY/TDD 838-5056). We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.
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Public Notice
Commonwealth Atlantic Properties, Inc. will hold the first in a series of community meetings to create a new plan for Potomac Yard on Wednesday, June 10, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (North Old Town) Commonwealth Ballroom, 625 First Street, Alexandria, VA. It is anticipated that more than two members of Council will be present.
For more information, call (703) 838-5680.
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