Office of the City Clerk
October 29, 1997
There was a Reception Honoring the
1997 Business Partners of the Summer
Jobs for Alexandria Youth Program at 6:00 p.m.,
in Room 2000, City Hall.
There was an Executive Session at the
Close of this Meeting. Please see Docket Item
No. 26.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 28, 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 Council were present.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Invocation was pronounced by Lieutenant Robert Carolynn Webb, Commanding Officer, Alexandria Salvation Army.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meeting of City Council:
(a) The Regular Meeting of October 14, 1997.
City Council approved the Minutes of The Regular Meeting of October 14, 1997, as submitted.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
4. Report of the City Clerk.
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council received the report of the City Clerk.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
5. Presentation of Proclamation to Recognize the New Home of "Metro Stage" and to Honor Robert Craddock for His Contribution in this Effort. (Councilman Speck, Vice Mayor Euille, Councilwoman Pepper and Council Member Walker)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
6. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Campagna Center and "Campagna Kids" for the Program's Twenty Years of Extended Day Care Service for the Children of Alexandria. (Vice Mayor Euille)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
7. Recognition of the Alexandria Target Store Opening and Presentation of Target Contributions to the City's Office on Women Domestic Violence Program and the Alexandria Community Network Pre-School. (Councilwoman Pepper)
Councilwoman Pepper recognized Mr. Higgins from the Alexandria Target Store, and welcomed them to Alexandria. Mr. Higgins, on behalf of Target, presented a $1000 check to the City's Office on Women Domestic Violence Program, and a $1000 check to the Alexandria Community Network Pre-School.
Mayor Donley noted that Target employees pledged $11,000 to the United Way Campaign.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
8. Presentation of the 1997 Business Awards to Alexandria Businesses That Have Shown Exemplary Services to Employees or Customers with Disabilities.
Kathy Snyder, President/CEO, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, presented the 1997 Business Awards for Exemplary Services to Employees or Customers with Disabilities to the Radisson Plaza Hotel and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
9. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (10 -13)
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council removed Docket Item No. 11(g) from the Consent Calendar.
10. Receipt of the Following Resignation From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
Bridget V. Murphy
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Commission For Women
(b) Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Builder
(c) Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
1 Representative of Councilman David G. Speck
(d) Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
1 Citizen Member
(e) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Parent Member
(f) Alexandria Task Force on AIDS
1 Representative From the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM)
(g) Alexandria Youth Policy Commission (Separate Motion)
1 Parent of a Child 18 Years of Age or Younger Who Resides in School Board District A
1 Parent of a Child 18 Years of Age or Younger Who Resides in School Board District B
1 Citizen 18 Years of Age or Younger
12. Receipt of the Financial Report for Period Ending September 30, 1997.
13. Receipt of the Annual Report of the Task Force on Information and Communication Technologies.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of Docket Item No. 11(g) which was considered under separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
10. City Council received, with regret, the resignation of Bridget V. Murphy from the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission; requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letter of appreciation and to advertise the vacancy in the usual manner.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
11. City Council (a) appointed Susan Butler as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Commission for Women to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission; (b) appointed Daniel Abramson as a Builder to the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (c) appointed Brian Meehan as a Representative of Councilman David G. Speck to the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (d) appointed Meigs Hodge as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee; (e) appointed Christopher Smith as a Parent Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; (f) appointed Nathan Monell as a Representative From the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM) to the Alexandria Task Force on AIDS; and (g) appointed Sheryl Bell as a Parent of a Child 18 Years of Age or Younger Who Resides in School Board District A, Barbara Allen-Hagen as a Parent of a Child 18 Years of Age or Younger Who Resides in School Board District B, and Robert Morrison as a Citizen 18 Years of Age or Younger to the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission.
12. City Council (1) received the Financial Report for the period ending September 30, 1997; (2) authorized the City Manager or her designee to issue a request for proposals and award a contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder to procure the professional services of a consulting firm to replace the existing contract for computer applications programming services as needed to ensure the various City financial and revenue applications programs are supported by programmers with the unique skills required for development or maintenance; (3) authorized the City Manager or her designee to approve a change order, in the amount of $30,000, to an existing contract awarded to Phoenix Development Corporation to cover the full costs of equipment rental and labor, at firm fixed unit prices, required to complete flood control measures on Cameron Run; and (4) approved the requested capital project expenditures detailed in the Capital Improvement Program Planned Expenditures Summary (Attachment 4 of the City Manager's memorandum).
13. City Council received this report.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
14. Consideration of the Ad Hoc Task Force on City Contributions to Non-Profit Human Services Agencies' FY 1999 Priorities for the Community Partnership Fund. (#13 10/25/97; #19 10/14/97) (Vice Mayor Euille and Council Member Rich)
City Council took action on this item at its Public Hearing Meeting on Saturday, October 25, 1997.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
15. Receipt of the Proposed City Legislative Package for the 1998 General Assembly Session and Setting It for Public Hearing on Saturday, November 15, 1997.
Legislative Director Caton summarized the proposed legislative package.
Mayor Donley presented a proposed resolution opposing the elimination of the motor vehicle personal property tax, and requested that it be included in the legislative package.
City Council (1) received the proposals for the City's 1998 legislative package; (2) scheduled the proposed legislative package for public hearing on Saturday, November 15; and (3) scheduled adoption of the legislative package for December 9, following Council's work session with the General Assembly delegation, and (4) Council adopted the resolution presented by Mayor Donley and included it in the legislative package. RES. NO. 1842
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
16. Consideration of the Design and Standards for Use of a Logo for the 250th Anniversary of the City.
Councilman Speck directed questions to Ms. Federico, Director of Historic Alexandria, with respect to items 5 and 6 in the memorandum relating to budget items. Ms. Federico will provide Council with a copy of its budget in January.
City Council approved the design of the logo presented by the City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission and approved the standards for its use.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilman Cleveland announced the City Council Retreat will be held on Saturday, November 1, 1997, in the City Council Workroom.
(b) Councilwoman Pepper noted that City Manager Lawson was listed as one of the most powerful women in the area in an article in the Washingtonian.
(c) Councilwoman Pepper requested the City Manager to see if there are enough issues to have an environmental summit, or possibly a work session to discuss environmental issues.
(d) Council Member Rich announced that the Bombay Curry House on Mount Vernon Avenue was listed in the Washington Post Magazine as one of the top fifty area restaurants.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(e) Councilman Speck spoke to an excellent article in the Washington Business Journal, which was written by Jo Anne Mitchell, Executive Director, Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association. Alexandria's new slogan is "Alexandria, The Fun Side Of The Potomac."
(f) Councilman Speck complimented staff on its effort for the red light traffic camera program, and requested that the City Manager convey his thanks and appreciation for a job well done.
(g) Councilman Speck reminded everyone that the public hearing on the issue of political signs will be held on November 15. He invited people to come to participate and offer their comments.
(h) Councilman Speck requested staff to look into the trash can logo program in Danville and Roanoke. He will provide Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane with the name and number of a company to contact with respect to the trash cans used in these cities.
(i) Council Member Walker announced that the public work shop on the King Street METRO area is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
(j) Vice Mayor Euille spoke to the traffic gridlock last Wednesday. He requested that City Council be given a report as soon as possible on what caused the problem. When there are problems or disruptions, he suggested that Police Department be directed to help direct traffic in gridlock situations.
Councilwoman Pepper indicated that there is a problem with traffic light synchronization on Duke Street every day of the week.
Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane and Assistant Police Chief George participated in the discussion.
(k) Mayor Donley noted that LaBergerie Restaurant was listed in the top 20 restaurants in Gourmet Magazine.
(l) Mayor Donley presented a joint letter with Arlington County with respect to the high density rule on slots at National Airport; a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
(m) City Attorney Sunderland received Council support for the City to participate with Arlington and Henrico Counties regarding the development of a position on FCC rule making on digital high definition TV towers and land use and zoning authorities.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
17. Consideration of the Repurchase of the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Adoption of the Resolution Reaffirming the Use of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council (1) authorized the City Manager to proceed with the repurchase of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in accordance with Section 30 of the lease with Alexandria Art Center Associates as amended on August 23, 1983; and (2) adopted the resolution reaffirming the City's intent in repurchasing this building is to ensure the continued future use of the facility as a public art center.
RES. NO. 1843
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
18. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
Councilman Speck noted that he would not be at the Second Legislative Meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 25, 1997. Vice Mayor Euille noted that he would not be at the Saturday, Public Hearing Meeting on April 18, 1998.
City Council approved the City Council schedule and deferred setting a meeting with representatives of the INOVA Alexandria Hospital Board until all parties can agree on a date.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
19. Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee
1 Citizen-at-Large
City Council appointed Mark Delligatti as a Citizen-at-Large to the Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
20. Alexandria Commission on Employment
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Mary Ann Ormes as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on Employment.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
21. Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
1 Representative From the Alexandria Hotel Association
City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Melvin Nichols as a Representative From the Alexandria Hotel Association to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)
22. Alexandria Early Childhood Commission
1 Representative of the Alexandria Child Care Directors Association
City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Dianne Smalley as a Representative of the Alexandria Child Care Directors Association to the Alexandria Early Childhood Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
23. Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
1 Non-Health Professional Member
City Council reappointed Sandra McIntosh as a Non-Health Professional Member to the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
24. Alexandria Sister Cities Committee
2 Citizen Members
City Council appointed William Busker and Valda Anderson as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
25. Alexandria Youth Policy Commission
2 Representatives of the Business Community
2 Members of Professions Which Require Special Training or Knowledge In Issues Affecting Youth
2 Representatives of Community Non-Profit Agencies Having an Interest In Youth Issues
City Council appointed Claude Convisser and M. Catharine Puskar as Representatives of the Business Community, appointed Marvin Wagner and Pamela Walkup as Members of Professions Which Require Special Training or Knowledge In Issues Affecting Youth, and waived the residency requirement and appointed Deborah Anderson and appointed Doris Spencer as Representatives of Community Non-Profit Agencies Having an Interest in Youth Issues to the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
NOTE: Docket Item No. 26 appears at the end of the docket.
OPENING (continued)
27. Consideration of a Proclamation Honoring Janice Yost Killalea. (Mayor Donley)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)
Planning Commission
28. TEXT AMENDMENT #97-09 -- NONCONFORMING USES
Consideration of an amendment to Section 12-200 (Nonconforming uses) of the Zoning Ordinance to add new provisions (1) requiring that all nonconforming uses abate within seven years unless a special use permit is approved before that time, (2) providing new rules for the repair of structures housing nonconforming uses, and (3) changing the status of certain uses from nonconforming to noncomplying. ( #14 10/25/97; #24 9/13/97)
COMMISSION ACTION: RECOMMEND APPROVAL IN PART 7-0
RECOMMEND DISAPPROVAL IN PART 7-0
The City Attorney was authorized to wordsmith the ordinance without changing the intent.
Re: Noncomplying Uses: City Council approved the text amendment approved by the Planning Commission relating solely to waterfront uses, the fraternal clubs and the public buildings.
Re: Nonconforming Uses: City Council referred this item back to staff for additional review and incorporating the language that will allow flexibility for maintenance, repair, upgrade and replacement and have it come back to the Council through the normal process. [This is to go back through the Planning Commission.]
This motion would eliminate the abatement period and relax some of the renovations and repair.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
EXECUTIVE SESSION
26. Convening of an Executive Session for the Purpose of Consulting with Legal Counsel and a Briefing by Staff Members and Attorneys Pertaining to Potential and Actual Litigation Involving the City, Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.1-344(A)(7).
At 10:20 p.m., Council convened an executive session for the purpose of discussing the acquisition and use of real property for a public purpose, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.1-344(A)(3); consulting with legal counsel and receiving a briefing from staff members and counsel pertaining to a specific legal matter that requires the provision of legal advice, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.1-344(A)(7); consulting with legal counsel pertaining to the following litigation involving the City, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.1-344(A)(7): Hefferman v. City of Alexandria, a case pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which involves a claim for damages against the City; and BOAT US v. City of Alexandria, a case pending in the Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria, which involves a challenge to the City's Assessment or computer equipment owned by the petitioner.
At 11:10 p.m., Council reconvened the meeting.
City Council authorized the City Attorney to settle the suits identified in the motion to convene this evening's executive session in accordance with the terms and conditions recommended by the City Attorney in the executive session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (continued)
26. (continued)
City Council adopted the resolution pertaining to the executive session.
RES. NO. 1844
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
At the conclusion of the meeting there was a discussion on Docket Item No. 28; however, the original motion stands.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 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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The City Council docket is available via e-mail and fax. If you would like to receive your docket via e-mail or fax, please call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500, or e-mail the City Clerk at: beverly.jett@ci.alexandria.va.us.
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Public Notice
On November 8, 1997, at 8:30 a.m., there will be a Metro Town Meeting to be held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Auditorium, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia. The topic of discussion will include pedestrian access and issues related to the king Street Metro Area.
It is anticipated that more than two members of Council will be participating.
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