Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 14, 1998 - - 7:30 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; Mr. Lynn, Director of Planning and Zoning; Ms. Boyd, Director of Citizen Assistance; Mr. O'Kane, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services; Mr. Gitajn, Director of Financial and Information Technology Services; Mrs. Godwin, Director of Management and Budget; Mr. Brannan, Assistant City Manager; Mr. Caton, Legislative Director; Fire Chief Hawkins; Mr. McMahon, Deputy Director of General Services; Ms. Steele, Deputy City Manager; Ms. O'Regan, Director of Human Services; Mr. Neckel, Director of Finance; Ms. Davis, Director of Housing; Mr. Simmons, Acting Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Ms. Beidler, Registrar of Voters; Mr. Ransom, Special Assistant to the City Manager; and Lieutenant Butler, Police Department.
Recorded by: Mrs. Beverly I. Jett, CMC, City Clerk and Clerk of Council.
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There was a City Council work session with representatives from DASH, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Workroom.
Mayor Donley and City Manager Lawson made opening remarks, and William B. Hurd, Chairman of Alexandria Transit Company, briefed Council on existing service, impacts of expanded service and the future of DASH.
The Mayor and Members of City Council, City Manager Lawson, Chairman Hurd, Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane, and General Manager Modell participated in the discussion on the issues raised.
A working group of the City Manager, Transportation and Environmental Services staff, Council Member Walker, Bill Hurd, Sandy Modell and WMATA staff was requested to prepare an RFP for a study of bus service which will come back to Council in the fall prior to selecting a consultant to do the study. The group will take a look at routes and determine if forty-two buses are sufficient and come back with options and the parameters. Staff will proceed with land acquisition for expansion of the bus facility.
The work session was concluded at 7:15 p.m., and Council attended the reception for Steve Meyerson in room 2000 until 7:30 p.m.
(Material pertaining to this work session is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, and is incorporated herewith as part of the record.)
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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.
The Invocation was pronounced by Reverend Betty Jo Middleton of Unitarian-Universalist Church.
3. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Minutes of (a) the Special Meeting of March 17, 1998; (b) the Regular Meeting of March 24, 1998; and (c) the Special Public Hearing Meeting of March 31, 1998, as submitted. The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
4. THERE BEING NO DISCUSSION, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council received the Report of the City Clerk, dated April 8, 1998, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
5. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming Saturday, April 25, 1998, as Christmas in April Day in the City of Alexandria.
(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 5; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Vice Mayor Euille presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Pepper "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
6. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the Tutoring Consortium. (Mayor Donley)
(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 6; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Mayor Donley presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Council Member Walker and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Walker "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
7. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring the Week of April 19 through April 25, 1998, as Volunteer Week in the City of Alexandria.
(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Councilwoman Pepper presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Cleveland, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Cleveland "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
8. Presentation of Proclamation in Honor of the Days of Remembrance of the Holocaust Ceremony.
(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Council Member Walker presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Walker, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Walker "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Pepper "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich "aye"
Speck "aye"
9. Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Steve Meyerson as the Recipient of the 1998 Flora Krause Casey Public Health Award Given by the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission. (Councilwoman Pepper)
(A copy of the proclamation is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Mayor Donley presented the proclamation.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council endorsed the proclamation. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (10 - 15) (18 - 22)
10. Receipt of Resignations from Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
John H. Stoody
(b) Alexandria Human Rights Commission
Johanna Ramos
(Copies of the above resignations are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item Nos. 10 (a-b); 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
11. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
1 Member Designated by the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Member Designated by the American Legion
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
1 Member Representing the Performing Arts
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Library Board
1 Senior Citizen Member
(b) Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1 Member-at-Large
1 Citizen Member From Planning District III
(c) Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
1 Member Designated by Councilman William C. Cleveland
(d) Alexandria Cameron Station/Recreation Task Force
1 Representative From the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
(e) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
1 National or International Trade or Professional Association Executive
1 Restaurant Owner/Manager Representative
(f) Alexandria Fair Share Task Force
Chairman of the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
(g) Alexandria Potomac West Alliance Board of Directors
1 Representative Nominated by a Potomac West Civic Association
1 Member Representing the Owners of Potomac Yard
1 Member-at-Large
(h) Alexandria Sister Cities Committee
2 Members Designated by the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
(i) Alexandria Transportation Safety Commission
1 Member of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
(j) USS Alexandria Liaison Committee
1 Citizen Member
(Material pertaining to the above appointments is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item Nos. 11 (a-j); 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
12. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Social Services for Funds for the Continuation of the Community Services Block Grant for Fiscal Year 1999.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 30, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 12; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
13. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for Funding Under the Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act Program to Support Delinquency Activities Within the City.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 2, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 13; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
14. Receipt of the 1994-1997 Report of the Alexandria Electoral Board.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 8, 1998, together with the report, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 14; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
15. Receipt of the 1996-1997 Annual Report of the Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Office of Economic Opportunities (OEO).
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 2, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 15; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
18. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the City Code by adding provisions, comparable to those currently in a city council resolution, regarding the establishment and operation of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, and by modifying its current membership.
(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. 18; 4/14/98, 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. 18; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.
A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 11, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 3 of Item No. 18; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
19. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend Section 13-117(B) of the Zoning Ordinance to exempt small scale land disturbances that result in a decrease of impervious coverage from the requirement that water run-off from the site be treated in accordance with best management practices.
(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. 19; 4/14/98, 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. 19; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
20. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to add the Bryan House, located at 635 Kings Cloister Circle, to the 100-Year-Old Buildings List, pursuant to Section 10-302 of the Zoning Ordinance, thereby protecting the building against demolition or alteration without approval from the Board of Architectural Review.
(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. 20; 4/14/98, 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. 20; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
21. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the King Street/Eisenhower Small Area Plan Chapter of the 1992 Master Plan of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, by increasing the heights permitted by the Coordinated Development District guidelines for the Eisenhower Avenue CDD.
(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. 21; 4/14/98, 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. 21; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
22. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to authorize an encroachment into the public right-of-way at 1623 Fern Street for outdoor restaurant seating.
(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. 22; 4/14/98, 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. 22; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
29. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend Section 5-602 of the Zoning Ordinance to increase the heights permitted in the Eisenhower Avenue CDD in connection with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and to clarify the affordable housing density bonus in the CDD.
(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. 29; 4/14/98, 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. 29; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Council Member Rich, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented, item nos. 10-15, 18-22, and 29. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
10. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) John H. Stoody from the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission; and (b) Johanna Ramos from the Alexandria Human Rights Commission; and requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
11. City Council (a) reappointed Philip Brooks as a Member Designated by the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, Kim Ching as a Member Designated by the American Legion, Katherine Hoffman as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, William Monahan as a Member Representing the Performing Arts, William Smith as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Library Board, and Richard Wyler as a Senior Citizen Member to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission; (b) reappointed William Hranicky as a Member-at-Large and appointed S. Kathleen Pepper as a Citizen Member From Planning District III to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (c) appointed John Stoody as a Member Designated by Councilman William C. Cleveland to the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (d) appointed Ellen Murray as a Representative From the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission to the Alexandria Cameron Station/Recreation Task Force; (e) reappointed Daniel Rosenblatt as a National or International Trade or Professional Association Executive and Balraj Bhasin as a Restaurant Owner/Manager Representative to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors; (f) reappointed Jeremy Flachs as Chairman of the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to the Alexandria Fair Share Task Force; (g) reappointed William Collins as a Representative Nominated by a Potomac West Civic Association, Jeffrey Sofferman as a Member Representing the Owners of Potomac Yard, and Scott Mitchell as a Member-at-Large to the Alexandria Potomac West Alliance Board of Directors; (h) reappointed Susan Clot de Broissia and Tatyana Schriempf as Members Designated by the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee to the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee; (i) appointed Edward Lenhoff as a Member of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board to the Alexandria Transportation Safety Commission; and (j) appointed Stephen Gallagher as a Citizen Member to the USS Alexandria Liaison Committee.
12. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a grant application for federal and State Community Services Block Grant funding, in the amount of $186,224, to the Virginia Department of Social Services; (2) approve the continuation of the four grant-funded positions supported by the Community Services Block Grant, should the grant application for continuation funding be awarded. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individuals filling these positions would be notified of this condition of employment and would sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition; and (3) execute all documents that may be required. It was noted that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds are expended. The FY 1999 Community Services Block Grant proposal was reviewed and recommended for submission to City Council for approval by the Economic Opportunities Commission at its meeting on March 18, 1998.
13. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit the grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for continuation funding in the amount of $50,400 under Title V of the Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act; and (2) execute all necessary documents that may be required.
14. City Council received the report and thanked the Electoral Board for its efforts on behalf of the City.
15. City Council received the report which covers the activities of the Economic Opportunities Commission from July 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997, and thanked the Commission members for their work on behalf of low-income residents of our community.
18. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, April 18, 1998 public hearing meeting.
19. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, April 18, 1998 public hearing meeting.
20. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, April 18, 1998 public hearing meeting.
21. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, April 18, 1998 public hearing meeting.
22. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, April 18, 1998 public hearing meeting.
29. City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage at the Saturday, April 18, 1998 public hearing meeting.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
The voting was as follows:
Rich "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
16. Consideration of Referral to the Planning Commission a Study and Possible Text Amendment Dealing with the Definition of Floor Area.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 1, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 16; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Mayor Donley and Vice Mayor Euille directed questions to Planning and Zoning Director Lynn.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Euille, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council referred to the Planning Commission a study and possible text amendment dealing with the definition of floor area. The voting was as follows:
Euille "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Pepper "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
17. Consideration of Reallocation of Monies within Existing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Loan to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA).
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 30, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 17; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Members of Council directed questions to Housing Director Davis.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Council Member Rich and carried unanimously, City Council (1) approved the reallocation of $180,000 from within ARHA's existing $500,000 CDBG loan, as follows: $100,000 from Glebe Park Comprehensive Improvements to the Vacant Unit Reduction Program and $80,000 from Ladrey Highrise renovation to Hopkins-Tancil renovation; and (2) authorized the City Manager to approve additional reallocations of monies within this loan if necessary, provided that no funds from this loan are to be used for the Samuel Madden (Downtown) units planned for redevelopment. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Rich "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilman Speck questioned staff when the 100 block of Queen Street will be reopened as the merchants are anxious to have this street reopened. Director of Transportation and Environmental Services O'Kane indicated that he will contact the developer of the Queen/Lee lot, Mr. Brandt, to see what his construction schedule is and will report back to Council. Once staff does know the schedule, Councilman Speck requested that staff notify the merchants and residents.
(b) Councilman Speck spoke to recent communications received from the Commonwealth's Attorney, Judge Giammittorio and Judge Moore about creating a parking ticket adjudication system. City Manager Lawson stated that when the State agrees to fund it the City is willing to bring it forward. This item will be included in our legislative package for the fall.
(Copies of the above communications are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Oral Presentation (b); 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
(c) Councilman Speck spoke to a field trip that he had with Sergeant Story of the Police Department. They toured the City and viewed various traffic problems in the City. Due to the success of the smart sign, he asked will the City departments be acquiring an additional one. He also spoke to electronic message signs. He requested a report, before Council adjourns for the summer, on what exactly are the rules that govern what makes a road 35 vs 25 mph, and are there any of the current roads that are at 35 mph that the City would want to consider lowering to 25 mph. He spoke specifically to the 35 mph speed limit on Edsall Road and questioned if it should be reduced to 25 mph because this is almost all residential.
Council Member Rich asked staff why speed limits could not be set at 30 mph.
Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane responded to the issues raised and will report back to Council.
(d) Councilman Speck suggested renaming South Quaker Lane since it is the only street along the commercial strip in this area that does not have a separate name.
(e) Council Member Rich directed questions to the Acting Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Mr. Simmons, with respect to the scheduling for the use of baseball fields. With respect to Simpson Field, why there is no fence between the backstop and dugouts as this is a safety issue, and why there are no stands at the Simpson Field. He also complimented staff about the new field.
Vice Mayor Euille spoke to the aesthetics and safety concerns with respect to the uncompleted work at Simpson Field.
(f) Council Member Rich gave the Mayor and Council, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager Evans, the City Attorney and the City Clerk momentos from his recent trip to the Dominican Republic.
(g) Vice Mayor Euille asked the City Manager to speak to the planned renovations of the Ramsay Recreation Center and the Jerome "Buddy" Ford Nature Center.
City Manager Lawson stated that there is funding recommended in the CIP of her proposed budget for a new Ramsay Recreation Center. When the new Ramsay Recreation Center is built, hopefully, the space that they occupy now can be used to expand the space for the "Buddy" Ford Nature Center and to provide a little extra space for the school also. The "Buddy" Ford Nature Center is funded, and it will continue in operation and probably will be expanded when the new Ramsay Recreation Center is built and occupied.
(h) Vice Mayor Euille noted that he will not be at the budget work session on April 16, nor the public hearing meeting on April 18. He will be in Pittsburgh attending a wedding in which he is a participant.
(i) Councilwoman Pepper congratulated the Police Department on hosting a Community Policing Consortium in Alexandria at the Holiday Inn. The reason that the Alexandria Police Department was chosen is because of the tremendous technology that the City is using right now in our own Police Department.
(j) Councilwoman Pepper extended condolences to Police Chief Samarra on the loss of his Mother.
(k) Councilwoman Pepper updated Council with respect to the Alexandria Works! activities regarding welfare recipients.
(l) Mayor Donley announced that the City is sponsoring a Successful Aging EXPO on Saturday, May 9, at the Holiday Inn North, and encouraged people to register now as space is limited. Willard Scott is the luncheon speaker. Dr. Gene Cohen from GWU and Ric Edelman, financial advisor, are also speaking. There will be mini-sessions on health and fitness, housing, post-retirement careers, t'ai chi, yoga, poetry writing and portrait printing, plus a trade fair. He encouraged persons to attend.
(A copy of the program is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Oral Presentation (l); 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
(m) Mayor Donley noted that another important event being sponsored by the Alexandria Presbyterian Church is a parenting-teens program which is going to be held on April 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Elementary School on Commonwealth Avenue.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
23. Consideration of a Resolution approving the City's acquisition of the real property located at 329½ N. Henry Street by condemnation, and authorizing the city attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated March 30, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 23; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
City Attorney Sunderland explained this item.
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Speck, seconded by Councilwoman Pepper and carried on a ROLL-CALL vote of 6-to-0, City Council adopted the resolution which authorizes the City Attorney (or such other attorney as the City may retain) to acquire the property located at 329 1/2 North Henry Street by eminent domain on behalf of the City. The voting was as follows:
Speck "aye" Euille "aye"
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Donley "aye" Rich out of room
Walker "aye"
The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION N0. 1866
WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria, Virginia, desires to acquire 1,739 square feet of land, more or less, commonly known as 329½ North Henry Street, together with all improvements thereon, located within the City of Alexandria, for blight removal purposes, the said land being shown on a plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, and being more particularly described below;
WHEREAS, the City Council of Alexandria is of the opinion that a public necessity exists for the immediate acquisition by the City of Alexandria of the said land and improvements for blight removal purposes, and so finds;
WHEREAS, the land records of the City of Alexandria indicate that the owners of the said land and improvements are Leo R. and James Valentine;
WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria is empowered by chapter 2 of its charter to acquire by condemnation real property in the city which is blighted, deteriorated, deteriorating, a blighting influence on the neighborhood, or in nonconformance with the city's zoning code or master land use plan, to clear, demolish or rehabilitate any such real property, and to dispose of any such real property by lease or sale to any person;
WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria is empowered by chapter 13 of its charter to acquire private property by condemnation for the purpose of carrying out its powers and duties whenever, in the opinion of city council, a public necessity exists therefor; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria has made a bona fide effort to purchase the said land and improvements from the owners, but cannot reach an agreement with them on the terms of purchase or settlement because of an inability to agree on the compensation to be paid and/or on other terms of purchase or settlement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA:
1. That, pursuant to the provisions of chapters 2 and 13 of the Charter of the City of Alexandria, the city council authorizes and directs the city attorney, or such other attorney or attorneys as the city may retain, to acquire, by "quick take," the land described below in Section 2 and the title to such land for the City of Alexandria, together with all improvements located thereon, by the institution of condemnation proceedings under § 2.04.2(b) and § 13.03 of the city charter, in the Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria, and to take any and all actions necessary and proper to conduct those proceedings to their conclusion;
2. That the real property to be acquired pursuant to the authorization contained in this resolution is commonly known as 329½ North Henry Street and is described as follows:
Beginning at the point of intersection of the southerly right-of-way line of Princess Street (66 feet wide) and the easterly right-of-way line of North Henry Street (66 feet wide); thence with North Henry Street south 09°30'00" west, 35.00 feet to a point being the southwesterly corner of Tax Map Parcel 64.01-14-27, also being the point of true beginning; thence departing said point and continuing with the southerly line of said parcel south 80°40'00" east, 115.92 feet to a point being its southeasterly corner and lying on the westerly line of a 15 foot alley; thence with the westerly line of said alley south 09°30'00" west, 15.00 feet to a point being the northeasterly corner of Tax Map Parcel 64.01-14-25; thence with said parcel north 80°40'00" west, 115.92 feet to a point being its northwesterly corner and lying on the easterly right-of-way line of the aforementioned North Henry Street; thence with the easterly right-of-way line of said street north 09°30'00" east, 15.00 feet to the point of true beginning.
3. That, based upon an appraisal by a qualified real estate appraiser of the real property described in Section 2, the city council estimates that $36,000 is the amount necessary to justly compensate the owners of said property, and directs that this amount be deposited, upon the institution of the condemnation proceedings, for the acquisition of the property in a bank within the City of Alexandria to the credit of the Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria.
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OTHER
24. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
(A copy of the City Manager's memorandum dated April 3, 1998, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 24; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Councilman Cleveland and carried unanimously, City Council approved the City Council Schedule and added the following events: (1) the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Community Library on Duke Street at 8:30 a.m., before Council's Saturday, April 18 public hearing meeting; and (2) a basketball game to raise funds for City Council's Christmas in April project, on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m., at T.C. Williams High School. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Euille "aye"
Cleveland "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
25. Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
3 Citizen Members
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Patrick Butler, III*
Kristin Conklin
Michael Oliver*
Elsie Thomas*
*Incumbent
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointments is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 25; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Mayor Donley asked Rose Boyd whether or not the position designated for a representative of Bienvenidos has been filled. Ms. Boyd indicated that numerous communications have been sent; however, they have never come forward with a nominee.
Mayor Donley noted that this Commission has been very active and indicated that the applicant, Kristin Conklin, was not appointed and is very qualified and wants to be involved and serve. He indicated that this position has been vacant and asked if this slot could be redesignated as a citizen-at-large position. Ms. Boyd stated that the resolution would need to be amended to delete the Bienvenidos slot and add a fourth citizen slot. She also stated that it would be good to have some diversity on that commission.
Mayor Donley requested Ms. Boyd to get back to Council with a recommendation either to redesignate or readvertise and make it a citizen-at-large position because the empty seat is not diverse as well.
Ms. Boyd pointed out that there is also a committee seeking volunteers to assist the Council-appointed commission with all of the activities that they have, and if people are interested in serving as a volunteer, because volunteers are a part of each of the standing subcommittees in planning the activities, that they can call either she or Jean Federico. Mayor Donley indicated that this is a good suggestion and requested that the chair of the committee contact Ms. Conklin personally.
City Manager Lawson suggested that Ms. Boyd contact Ricardo Drummond since he is very active doing outreach in the Hispanic community.
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following results: City Council reappointed Patrick Butler, III, Michael Oliver and Elsie Thomas as Citizen Members to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Butler, Oliver, Thomas
Euille - Butler, Oliver, Thomas
Cleveland - Butler, Oliver, Thomas
Pepper - Butler, Oliver, Thomas
Rich - Butler, Oliver, Thomas
Speck - Butler, Oliver, Thomas
Walker - Butler, Oliver, Thomas
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26. Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors
1 Retail Business Owner/Manager Representative
(The following person volunteered for appointment to the above Board of Governors:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Nita Whitesel
(Residency Waiver Required)
*Incumbent
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 26; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Nita Whitesel as a Retail Business Owner/Manager Representative to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Whitesel
Euille - Whitesel
Cleveland - Whitesel
Pepper - Whitesel
Rich - Whitesel
Speck - Whitesel
Walker - Whitesel
* * * * *
27. Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission
1 Citizen Member
(The following persons volunteered for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Thomas Bruno
Thomas Fryer
John Koch
Elizabeth Lahey
Kenyon Larsen
Patrick McLaughlin
Matthew Natale
John Ray
Edward Raynolds
* * * * *
(Material pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 27; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council appointed Edward Raynolds as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Koch
Euille - Raynolds
Cleveland - Raynolds
Pepper - Raynolds
Rich - Fryer
Speck - Raynolds
Walker - Raynolds
* * * * *
28. Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission
1 Representative of the Alexandria Medical Society
(The following person volunteered and was recommended for appointment to the above Commission:)
NAME ENDORSED BY:
Sebastian Dispenza* Alexandria Medical Society
*Residency Waiver Required
* * * * *
(Material Pertaining to the above appointment is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked collectively as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 28; 4/14/98, and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.)
Whereupon, ballots were distributed, tellers were appointed and the ballots tallied with the following result: City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Sebastian Dispenza as a Representative of the Alexandria Medical Society to the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission. The voting was as follows:
Donley - Dispenza
Euille - Dispenza
Cleveland - Dispenza
Pepper - Dispenza
Rich - Dispenza
Speck - Dispenza
Walker - Dispenza
* * * * *
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED, upon motion by Councilwoman Pepper, seconded by Vice Mayor Euille and carried unanimously, at 9:20 p.m., the Regular Meeting of Tuesday, April 14, 1998, was adjourned. The voting was as follows:
Pepper "aye" Cleveland "aye"
Euille "aye" Rich "aye"
Donley "aye" Speck "aye"
Walker "aye"
* * * * *
APPROVED BY:
__________________________________________
KERRY J. DONLEY MAYOR
ATTEST:
_____________________________________________
Beverly I. Jett, CMC City Clerk
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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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Public Notice
There will be a City Council Work Session on the Proposed Budget on Thursday, April 16, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Workroom, Room 2420, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.
Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to attend the City Council Work Session 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.