Special Public Hearing Meeting
Tuesday, March 31, 1998 - - 7:00 p.m.
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Present: Mayor Kerry J. Donley, Vice Mayor William D. Euille, Members of Council William C. Cleveland, Redella S. Pepper, Lonnie C. Rich, David G. Speck, and Lois L. Walker.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Mrs. Lawson, City Manager; Mr. Sunderland, City Attorney; Ms. Evans, Assistant City Manager; Ms. Steele, Deputy City Manager; Mrs. Godwin, Director of Management and Budget, and members of her Staff; Mr. Brannan, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Gitajn, Director of Financial and Information Technology Services; Mr. Sanderson, Director of Real Estate Assessments; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Mr. O'Kane, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Lynn, Director of Planning and Zoning; Ms. O'Regan, Director of Human Services; Ms. Barnett, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Ms. Federico, Director of Historic Alexandria; Dr. Claiborn, Director of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse; Mr. Simmons, Acting Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Mr. Sudduth, Director of Personnel Services; Fire Chief Hawkins; Dr. Lipsman, Director of Health Department; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Mr. Cole, Director of Information Technology Services; Ms. Gattsek, Director of Office on Women; Mr. Ransom, Special Assistant to the City Manager; Mr. Eiffert, Director of Agency on Aging; Mr. Schott, Director of General Services; Mr. McMahon, Deputy Director of General Services; Police Chief Samarra; Mr. O'Brien, Director of Library; Members of the School Board; and Lieutenant Butler, Police Department.
Recorded by: Mrs. Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.
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OPENING
The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present, with Council Member Rich arriving at 9:15 p.m.
(A Notice of this Special Meeting had been previously served upon each Member of Council, pursuant to a provision of the City Charter, a copy of the Notice certified by each Member of Council being on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council.)
2. Public Hearing on The Proposed Annual Operating Budget for FY 1998-99 (including Schools) and The Proposed Capital Improvements Program for FY 1999-2004 (including the Schools CIP). (#2 3/17/98)
The following persons participated in the public hearing on this item:
Ann Plamondon, 5332 Taney Avenue, spoke in support of a new animal shelter; a copy of Ms. Plamondon's statement, together with a copy of the original petition, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of this item;
Jack Steele, 1605 Chapel Hill Drive, spoke in support of a new animal shelter; a copy of Mr. Steele's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of this item;
Richard Hawe, 2660 Duke Street, representing Alexandria Veterinarians for a New Shelter, spoke in support of a new animal shelter; a copy of Mr. Hawe's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of this item;
Mary Zoeter, 525 North Paxton Street, representing Action for Animal Network, spoke in support of a new animal shelter; a copy of Ms. Zoeter's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 4 of this item;
Val Martin, 4600 Duke Street, #305, president, Education Association of Alexandria, spoke to pay equity between city and school board employee pay raises, and requested that the City pay for VRS; a copy of Ms. Martin's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 5 of this item;
Karl Ochs, 4600 Duke Street, #305, spoke in support of step increase and VRS payment for all school employees;
Jim McIntyre, 6022 Morgan Court, chair, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, spoke; a copy of Mr. McIntyre's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 6 of this item;
Vic Glasberg, 121 South Columbus Street, spoke in support of the School Board budget;
Steve Glazner, 3496 Martha Custis Drive, president, Charles Barrett Elementary School PTA, spoke in support of school budgets; a copy of Mr. Glazner's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 7 of this item;
John Kling, 4016 Ellicott Street, chair, Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission, spoke in support of capital improvement funds for renovation/relocation of the Health Department, and supported funding for a security guard at the Health Department;
Fay Menacker, 101 South Whiting Street, #405, representing the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission, spoke in support of renovation/relocation of the Health Department, as well as funding for a security guard; a copy of Dr. Menacker's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 8 of this item;
Eunice Fiorito, chair of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, spoke in support of funding for employment of people with disabilities;
Sharron Fitzgerald, 520 King Street, president, Law Library, spoke in support of funds for librarian salary shortfall;
Merrill Wistreich, 520 King Street, Law Librarian, spoke against the recommended budget for the Law Library;
Judy Guse-Noritake, 605 Prince Street, chair, Park and Recreation Commission, spoke for funding for renovation of the Buddy Ford Nature Center and recreation centers;
Melissa Luby, 312 1/2 North Henry Street, president, G.W. Middle School PTA, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Ms. Luby's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 9 of this item;
Judy Burton, 1540 Cameron Street, representing Jefferson-Houston School, spoke to maintaining a competitive salary package; a copy of Ms. Burton's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 10 of this item;
Margaret Delia, 809 Chetworth Court, teacher, Jefferson-Houston School, spoke in support of school budgets; a copy of Ms. Delia's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 11 of this item;
Tracy Rickett, 23 West Glendale Avenue, chair, School Board Advisory Committee, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Mr. Rickett's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 12 of this item;
Patty Clair, 313 Crown View Drive, president, McArthur Elementary School PTA, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Ms. Clair’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 13 of this item;
Jacqueline Jackson, 325 South Reynolds Street, #1507, representing the William Ramsey Recreation Center Parent Council Advisory Board, spoke in support of the state-of-the-art multi-cultural, multi-generational recreation center;
Marshall Cook, 2705 Mosby Street, spoke in support of the school budgets;
Bobbie Jean Norris, 8 West Rosemont Avenue, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Ms. Norris’ statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 14 of this item;
Jack Hranicky, 511 North Armistead Street, #T-2, chair, Alexandria Archaeology Commission, spoke in support of part-time support for administration of the Archaeology program;
Penny Wright, 4407 North 7th Street, Arlington, VA, teacher, Jefferson-Houston Elementary, spoke in support maintaining proper compensation for teachers; a copy of Ms. Wright’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 15 of this item;
Sally Campbell, 5249 Duke Street, representing Northern Virginia Family Services, spoke in support of funding for Family Services;
Gregory Plemmons, 2304 Sanford Street, representing Northern Virginia Family Services, spoke in support of funding for Family Services;
Karen Parker Thompson, 4623 Seminary Road, #T-2, president, John Adams PTA, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Ms. Thompson’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 16 of this item;
Don Mela, 1301 Kingston Avenue, spoke in support of the school budgets, storage for ALIVE and office space;
Paul Vander Myde, 801 North Fairfax Street, chairman, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, spoke against any tax increase without additional expenditure cuts; a copy of Mr. Vander Myde’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 17 of this item;
Michael Anderson, 221 King Street, representing Board of Governors, Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association, spoke to funding for ACVA;
Charlotte Hall, 221 King Street, chair, ACVA, spoke to funding for ACVA;
Cathy Boles, 1012 North Paxton Street, president, PTA Council, spoke in support of the school budgets;
Dale Gardner, 2517 Crest Street, representing Northern Virginia Hotline, spoke in support of funding parity commensurate with the services it is currently providing to citizens of Alexandria; a copy of Mr. Gardner’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 18 of this item;
Mary Ann McDermott-Jones, co-president of Minnie Howard PTA, spoke in support of the CIP for schools; a copy of Ms. McDermott-Jones’ statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 19 of this item;
Jack Hughes, 500 Wolfe Street, representing Campagna Center, spoke to contribution services; a copy of Mr. Hughes’ statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 20 of this item;
Debbie Luddington, 1108 Jefferson Street, spoke in support of benefits for permanent part-time employees; a copy of Ms. Luddington’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 21 of this item;
Jim Hanagan, 4620 Newcomb Place, representing the Legislative Committee, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, spoke against a tax increase;
Mark Wilkoff, 4658 Kirkpatrick Lane, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Mr. Wilkoff’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 22 of this item;
Linda Dunphy, 100 North Washington Street, #400, director, Healthy Families, spoke in support of funds for Healthy Families, and read statement of Bob Chestnut, board member;
J. Glenn Hopkins, 1224 Princess Street, representing Hopkins House, spoke in support of an increase in funding for the Community Partnership Fund, and on behalf of himself, spoke in support of the School Board's request to renovate the Burke Library for use as an alternative education school; a copy of Mr. Hopkins’ statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 23 of this item;
Ned Bachman, 611 North Pegram Street, co-president, T.C. Williams PTSA, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Mr. Bachman’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 24 of this item;
Mollie Abraham, 5100 Taney Avenue, chair, Commission on Women, spoke in support of the Office on Women's supplemental request; a copy of Ms. Abraham's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 25 of this item;
Margaret Fitzsimmons, 406 Janney's Lane, spoke in support of the school budgets;
Pam Walkup, 1562 Mount Eagle Place, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Ms. Walkup's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 26 of this item;
Jennifer Hollings, 511 South Lee Street, chair, Beautification Commission, spoke in support of trees and new tree maintenance; a copy of Ms. Hollings’ statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 27 of this item;
Sarah Glassco, 5104 Talbot Place, president, Polk Elementary School PTA, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Ms. Glassco’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 28 of this item;
Melvin J. Nichols, 5617 Glenwood Mews, representing the Alexandria Hotel Association, spoke in support of increased funding for the ACVA, and suggested increasing the transient lodging tax from five percent to 5.65 percent with the additional revenue generated by the tax increase to go into economic development; a copy of Mr. Nichols' statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 29 of this item;
Stephen S. Fuller, 5 Potomac Court, representing the Alexandria Hotel Association, spoke to the suggested increase in the transient lodging tax, and answered questions directed to him by the Members of City Council;
Kimberly O’Donnell, 2210 Mount Vernon Avenue, executive director, Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, spoke in support of the 5 percent increase in the Community Partnership Fund;
Mantill Williams, 801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 402, representing the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of funding for ACVA, and against new admission tax;
Virginia Gobantes, 906 Queen Street, school bus driver, spoke in support of yearly pay raises;
Marybel Enriquez, 3908 Vermont Avenue, representing the Patrick Henry PTA, spoke in support of the school budgets;
Will McLeod, 2510 North Scott Street, representing the Francis C. Hammond Middle School PTA, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Mr. McLeod's statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 30 of this item;
Janet Coldsmith, 16 West Mount Ida Avenue, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Ms. Coldsmith’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 31 of this item;
Poul Hertel, 1217 Michigan Court, spoke in support of the Northeast traffic plan; a copy of Mr. Hertel’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 32 of this item;
Connie Graham, 1217 Michigan Avenue, on behalf of Richard T. Cooper, spoke in support of the Northeast traffic plan;
Darryl Francois, 212 Guthrie Avenue, representing the Cora Kelly PTA, spoke in support of the school budgets; a copy of Mr. Francois’ statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 33 of this item;
Kevin Mulvey, 1208 Powhatan Street, spoke in support of the Northeast traffic plan;
Gary King, 3806 Port Hope Point, Triangle, VA, representing Alexandria Public Schools Maintenance Shop, spoke in support of City paying VRS; and
Chuck Linderman, 512 Putnam Place, spoke in support of the school budgets.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council closed the public hearing. The Budget adoption is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 1998. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
3. Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE to amend the City Code by increasing the transient lodging tax from five percent to five and one-half percent. (#22 3/24/98)
(A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 3; 3/31/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 3; 3/31/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
A recommendation was placed before the Council by the Alexandria Hotel Association to increase the transient lodging tax to 5.65 percent; which recommendation City Council will take into consideration during the budget deliberations.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Vice Mayor Euille and carried unanimously, City Council closed the public hearing. Second Reading and Final Passage will be on Wednesday, May 6, 1998. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
4. Public Hearing on AN ORDINANCE to amend the City Code by establishing an admission tax on the price paid to gain entrance to places of amusement or entertainment and sporting events. (#23 3/24/98)
(A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 3/31/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 4; 3/31/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
The following persons participated in the public hearing on this item:
Charlotte Hall, 221 King Street, chair, Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, and vice president, Potomac Riverboat Company, spoke against; and
Willem Polak, 205 Strand Street, representing Potomac Riverboat Company, spoke against.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council closed the public hearing. Second Reading and Final Passage will be on Wednesday, May 6, 1998. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
5. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to establish the Real and Personal Property Tax Rates for Calendar Year 1998.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 19, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 5; 5/31/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council present received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 5; 3/31/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of an Informal Memorandum explaining ordinance is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 5; 3/31/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, a motion was made by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Council Member Rich, for discussion purposes, to advertise a rate of $1.12.
Council Member Rich suggested that the tax rate be advertised at a rate of $1.13.
Members of City Council participated in a discussion about the level to set the advertised real property tax rate.
Vice Mayor Euille accepted Council Member Rich's suggested rate as a friendly amendment, and Council returned to the amended main motion as follows:
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Council Member Rich and carried on a vote of 5-to-2, City Council introduced the Ordinance on its First Reading setting the advertised real property tax rate at $1.13, [and keeping the personal property rate at $4.75]; set the ordinance for Public Hearing on Saturday, April 18, 1998, and Second Reading and Final Passage on Wednesday, May 6, 1998. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Rich "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "no"
Walker "no"
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Speck and carried unanimously, at 11:55 p.m., the Special Meeting of Tuesday, March 31, 1998, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Speck "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Walker "aye"
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APPROVED BY:
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KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:
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Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 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.
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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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