Office of the City Clerk
October 15, 1997
There was a City Council Work Session
on Nonconforming Uses, at 6:00 p.m., in the
City Council Workroom.
There was an Executive Session at the
Close of this Meeting. Please see Docket Item
No. 41.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 14, 1997 - - 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 Council Member Rich who arrived at 7:55 p.m.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
Councilman Cleveland provided the Invocation.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meetings of City Council:
(a) The Public Hearing Meeting of September 13, 1997; and
(b) The Regular Meeting of September 23, 1997.
City Council approved the Minutes of (a) the Public Hearing Meeting of September 13, 1997; and (b) the Regular Meeting of September 23, 1997, 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 Proclaiming the Month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 17, as Mammography Day. (Councilwoman Pepper; City Manager Lawson)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
6. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing October as Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
7. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Cuevas Adamson upon Her Retirement after Forty-two Years of Service. (Councilwoman Pepper)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
8. Receipt of the City of Alexandria, Virginia 1997 Annual Report, and Setting it for Public Hearing on Saturday, November 15, 1997.
City Council received the Annual Report and set it for Public Hearing on Saturday, November 15, 1997.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (9-16) (22-33)
9. Receipt of the Following Resignations From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
Daniel Straub
(b) Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee
Bettina Sims
(c) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
Suzanne McLaughlin
(d) Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
Patrick N. Anderson
(e) Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals
Keith D. Leonard
(f) Alexandria Commission on Aging
Terrence L. Onderick
(g) Alexandria Commission on Employment
Michael J. Carrasco
(h) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association
Board of Governors
Michelle Hayes
(i) Alexandria Task Force on AIDS
Fred Steckler
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
10. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
1 Restaurant Owner/Manager
(b) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Representative From the Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission
11. Consideration of Request to Deaccession Objects from the Collections of Fort Ward Museum and Gadsby's Tavern Museum.
12. Consideration of the Request to Continue Funding for Two Positions at Gadsby's Tavern Museum with Funds from Museum Donations and Revenue Generating Activities for a Period of One Year.
13. Consideration of the Acceptance of $23,235 in Additional Funding for the Alexandria Community Services Board's FY 1998 Plan of Services.
14. Receipt of the Listing of Delinquent Real Estate Taxes.
15. Consideration of Fire Department Career Ladder Program.
16. Consideration of a Grant Application for the Department of Criminal Justice Services for Criminal History Records Improvements.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented, with the exception of Docket Item 14, which was considered under a separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
9. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Daniel Straub from the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission; (b) Bettina Sims from the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee; (c) Suzanne McLaughlin from the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; (d) Patrick N. Anderson from the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (e) Keith D. Leonard from the Alexandria Building Code Board of Appeals; (f) Terrence L. Onderick from the Alexandria Commission on Aging; (g) Michael J. Carrasco from the Alexandria Commission on Employment; (h) Michelle Hayes from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors; and (i) Fred Steckler from the Alexandria Task Force on AIDS; requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
10. City Council (a) reappointed Michael Anderson as a Restaurant Owner/Manager to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors; and (b) reappointed Ruth Lincoln Kaye as a Representative from the Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
11. City Council (1) authorized the City Manager to complete the sale and/or gift agreements and execute necessary paperwork to deaccession objects no longer appropriate to City museum collections, under the terms of the Code of Ethics of the Office of Historic Alexandria, adopted by Council on June 8, 1993; and (2) thanked the Members of the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission for their assistance in reviewing the objects for deaccession and for their analysis and recommendations to Council. Members of the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission have reviewed all of the objects proposed for deaccessioning, and have sent a letter to City Council recommending that those objects be deaccessioned.
12. City Council approved the continuation of two previously grant-funded positions for 30 hours per week (0.75 FTEs), for a period of one year, from October 15, 1997, through September 30, 1998. These positions will be funded with available Gadsby's Tavern Museum donations, and will terminate on September 30, 1998. The individuals who fill these positions will be notified of this condition of employment at the time they are hired, and will sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition.
13. City Council (1) accepted the increase in funds; and (2) approved an increase of one part-time grant-funded Program Aide position (0.75 full-time equivalent). This grant-funded position would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individual who is to fill this position would be notified of this condition of employment at the time they are hired, and would sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition.
14. City Council received the listing of delinquent 1992 through 1996 real estate taxes and authorized the list of 1996 delinquencies, less any payments received prior to publication, tax exemption appeals or real estate tax adjustments, be published once in a newspaper having general circulation in the City. (Separate Motion)
15. City Council approved the additional career ladder components for the Fire Department which include career ladder pay for maintaining certifications as firefighter/medic and emergency medical technician/paramedic for 31 positions as discussed in the memorandum. The career ladder program requires maintaining the required training and certifications and would result in 3% in additional pay for those who qualify for the newly approved career ladder designations. This is the same compensation provided for each of the levels in the Police and Sheriff career ladder programs.
16. City Council (1) approved the submission of a grant application to the State Department of Criminal Justice Services for funding in the amount of $150,000, for computer programming to link the City's Criminal Justice Information System to the State Supreme Court Case Management System; and (2) Authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.
22. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
23. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
24. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
25. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
26. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
27. (a) City Council received the Viewers Report.
(b) City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
28. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
29. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
30. City Council deferred this item to the November 11, 1997, Council Meeting.
31. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
32. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
33. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
17. Public Hearing on the Status of, the Final Environmental and Historic Resource Analyses and Documents (Including Future Mitigation and Design Review Measures) Regarding, and the Upcoming Record of Decision on the Proposed Woodrow Wilson Replacement Bridge. (Mayor Donley)
Mayor Donley recognized Congressman Moran who was present to listen to the testimony of his constituents in Alexandria.
Mayor Donley made comments. The City Attorney gave an overview of the FEIS.
The public hearing was held.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
18. Discussion of "Combat Auto Theft Program." (Councilman Speck and Council Member Rich.)
City Council reaffirmed its support for the "Combat Auto Theft Program" and requested that staff communicate to the Council of Governments, Council's endorsement of the program and encouraged that this program be adopted on a regional basis.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
19. Consideration of the Report to the City Manager's Ad Hoc Task Force on City Contributions to Non-Profit Human Services Agencies. (Vice Mayor Euille and Council Member Rich)
City Council (1) received the Task Force Report and thanked the members of the Task Force for their work on behalf of the City; (2) adopted the Task Force recommendations on the ten specific implementation issues that are addressed on pages 3 through 5 of the report [a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office], including the recommendation to name the fund the "Community Partnership Fund for Human Services"; (3) adopted the time table as included in the Task Force Report for the Community Partnership Fund process for FY 1999, and subsequent years (found on page 7 of the report), and reaffirmed that the City Manager will announce grant awards during the first week of June, following the annual budget adoption process; and (4) docketed the Task Force recommendations on the FY 1999 priorities for the Community Partnership Fund (page 6 of the report) for public hearing on October 25, with final action on the FY 1999 priorities at the October 28 legislative meeting.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
20. Consideration of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Grant Funding Allocated to the City of Alexandria and Approval of Certification of Consistency with the City of Alexandria's Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development.
City Council (1) approved Alexandria's participation in the metropolitan-wide application for HOPWA FFY 1997 funding, estimated in the amount of $102,745, that will be used when previous grant funds are exhausted (estimated to be FY 2000); (2) approved an increase in the number of housing vouchers allowable from the current level of 13 to a total of 15 vouchers or to the maximum number that can be supported with the funding received, whichever is greater; and (3) authorized the City Manager to sign the Certificate of Consistency with the City of Alexandria's Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
21. Consideration of Requests from the Robert Pierre Johnson Housing Development Corporation Concerning the Stevenson Court Condominiums.
City Council (1) forgave the repayment of $131,000 in Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program monies from the City's $1,320,000 construction loan for the Stevenson Court Condominiums to enable a reduction of the current sales prices to meet the appraised values; and (2) allocated an additional $62,507 from the Housing Trust Fund for the Stevenson Court Condominiums to provide the developer with sufficient cash flow to pay for cost overruns due to difficult soil and site considerations, as well as carrying costs (interest, insurance, taxes, and security) and marketing expenses from October 1997 through March 1998.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilman Speck requested clarification of the work session to be held sometime after the public hearing on the naming of public of public facilities. This work session does not include the naming of City streets. Council requested staff to proceed with the renaming of Longview Street to eradicate some confusion.
(b) Councilman Speck reported that the ATM has been installed in the 100 block of King Street and is unobtrusive. He indicated that it has been in operation for about two months and he had not noticed it. He complimented the architects on a job well done with blending it into its surroundings.
(c) Councilwoman Pepper announced that on October 7, Jones Communications installed the fiber optic cable under the Potomac River to the Maryland side in order to extend its services to Maryland.
(d) Councilwoman Pepper noted that the dedication of King Street Gardens took place on October 4. She stated that they are opening the offer to buy bricks. The fees are as follows: $60 for a signature brick, $60 for two lines printed; and $50 for one line.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(e) Councilman Cleveland announced that the Parking and Recreation Commission was holding a meeting on October 23, 1997, at 7:30 p.m., at City Hall, to review the designs and plans for the East and West Parks proposed for Cameron Station.
(f) Councilman Cleveland spoke to an article which appeared in the Washington Post on the Regional Mobility Study.
Mayor Donley and Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane participated in the discussion.
(g) Councilman Cleveland spoke to a letter from Hollis Wickman regarding proposed legislation about Washington Gas explosion.
Legislative Director Caton indicated the proposal will be included in the City's legislative package.
(h) Council Member Walker stated that she appreciated the Mayor's work on the Regional Mobility Panel.
(i) Council Member Walker and Members of Council thanked Roman Kaluta for all of his care as Council Liaison. They welcomed Dennis Butler as its new Liaison.
(j) Council Member Rich was happy to announce the birth of his and Marcia's second daughter, Martha Helen, on October. Mother and daughter are both doing well.
(k) Mayor Donley announced that the Northern Virginia Regional Partnership was awarded, under the Regional Competitiveness Act, $2,397,461 in economic development incentive grant funding. This is $623,960 more than what was requested by the partnership in its final proposal for funding. The RCA funds will be used to support a variety of economic development workforce development projects with special emphasis on workforce training for technology-based industries.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR (22-33)
22. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to establish the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology, as a consolidation of the Alexandria Cable Television Advisory Commission and the Alexandria Ad-Hoc Task Force on Information and Communications Technologies.
23. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the provisions of the city code that address the Northern Virginia Local Motor Vehicle License Compact and the City's participation in the Compact, by adding the Town of Herndon as a party to the Compact.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
24. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend Sections 9-202(B) and 9-104(E) of the Zoning Ordinance, which regulate signs, to allow valet parking signs in public rights-of-way as part of the special use permit required for valet parking.
25. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the Old Town Small Area Plan Chapter of the 1992 Master Plan by changing the land use designation and zoning designation of the property at 323 North Washington Street, from RM/Residential to CD\Commercial Downtown.
26. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to rezone the property at 323 North Washington Street from RM/Residential to CD\Commercial Low.
27. (a) Receipt of Viewers Report on Request for Vacation of a Portion of a Public Right-of-way of a Service Road Located at 5101 Duke Street, NE Corner of North Pickett and Duke Streets; zoned CG/Commercial General. Applicant: CVS Corporation, by Nan E. Terpak, attorney. (#34 9/13/97)
(b) Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to vacate a portion of the public right-of-way at 5101 Duke Street, in the City of Alexandria, consisting of a service road running adjacent to Duke Street.
28. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public right-of-way at 1737-1767 King Street, in the City of Alexandria, for a storm water structure and outdoor seating area.
29. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public right-of-way of the 600 block of South Pitt Street, in the City of Alexandria, for a bay window attached to the house at 501 Franklin Street.
30. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public right-of-way at 5010 Duke Street, in the City of Alexandria, for steps connecting a pedestrian path to a sidewalk.
31. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE extending the franchise which authorizes the Bell Atlantic Company to occupy public rights-of-way in the City of Alexandria.
32. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the provisions of the City code that establish and define the duties and functions of the recently established Youth Policy Commission by revising one of the categories of organizations whose members are eligible for membership on the commission.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
33. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE making provision for supplemental funds for the operation of the City government in fiscal year 1998.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council introduced and passed the ordinances on their First Reading; set them for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
34. Consideration of Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule Set Forth in Resolution 1692 by Eliminating the Building Permit Fee Discount for Buildings and Structures Erected Under the Complex Structures Program, and to Clarify the Formula Used to Calculate Building Permit Fees, and to Clarify the definition of Square Footage. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council repealed Resolution 1692 and adopted the resolution. Under the new resolution the only changes in current building permit fees are the elimination of the building permit fee discount for buildings and structures erected under the Complex Structures Program. The resolution also clarifies the formula used to calculate building permit fees and the definition of square footage. RES. NO. 1840
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OTHER
35. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
City Council received the updated Council Calendar, as amended, which includes the following additions, deletions and changes: changed the starting time of the Saturday, October 25 public hearing meeting to 10:00 a.m. to accommodate the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk; added Tuesday, October 28, 6:00 p.m. reception honoring the 1997 business partners of the Summer Jobs for Youth Program in Room 2000; added Saturday, November 8 METRO Town Meeting on the King Street Metro Station Area; and added Tuesday, November 11, 6:00 p.m. Reception to honor the unveiling of the new calendar of the Senior Citizens Employment Services, at City Hall in Room 2000, with formal presentation of the calendar and a proclamation honoring Mary Ann Ormes to be docketed for the Council Meeting on November 11; deleted Tuesday, November 25, 6:00 p.m. Work Session on naming of public facilities in the Council Workroom; and deleted Friday, October 31 Council Retreat since the retreat will be one day: Saturday, November 1.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
36. Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Bernadette Johnson as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
37. Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Member From the Field of Engineering
City Council appointed Samuel Cole as a Member From the Field of Engineering to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
38. Alexandria Fair Share Task Force
2 Civic Association Representatives From Planning District I
City Council appointed Carol Van Horn and Douglas Wood as Representatives from Civic Associations in Planning District I.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
39. Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
1 Member Nominated by the Friendship Veterans
Fire Engine Association
City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Edward Snyder as a Member Nominated by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association to the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
40. Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
1 Non-Health Professional Member
City Council reappointed Jean Mayhan as a Non-Health Professional Member to the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
EXECUTIVE SESSION
41. Convening of an Executive Session for the Purpose of Consulting with Legal Counsel and Receiving a Briefing from Staff Members and Attorneys Pertaining to Potential Litigation and Specific Legal Matters Requiring the Provision of Legal Advice by Counsel, Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.1-344(A)(7).
At 11:00 p.m., Council convened an executive session at this time for the purpose of consulting with legal counsel pertaining to potential litigation involving the construction of a replacement bridge for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.1-344(A)(7).
EXECUTIVE SESSION (continued)
At 12:05 a.m., October 15, City Council reconvened the Meeting of October 14, and adopted the resolution pertaining to the executive session. RES. NO. 1841
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
At 12:08 a.m., October 15, the meeting was adjourned.
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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