Office of the City Clerk
April 30, 1998
The National Youth Services Day Award
Ceremony will be held in the Council Chamber
at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Reception at 6:30 p.m.
in Room 2000.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 1998 - - 7:30 p.m.
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OPENING
1. Calling the Roll.
The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Invocation was pronounced by Reverend Timothy J. Mabbott, Pastor, First Christian Church.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meetings of City Council:
(a) The Regular Meeting of April 14, 1998.
City Council approved the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of April 14, 1998, as submitted.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
4. Report of the City Clerk.
City Council received the report of the City Clerk.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
5. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the National Association of Letter Carriers' Food Drive on Saturday, May 9, 1998. (Mayor Donley)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
6. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring May 9, 1998 as Homeownership Fair Day in the City of Alexandria.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
7. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Alexandria.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
New Business Item No. 1: Vice Mayor Euille welcomed a delegation of officials from Romania. Mayor Donley was presented with a seal.
New Business Item No. 2: Mayor Donley recognized Susan Abraham and Dibby Smith for their work on behalf of the Arlandria Health Center for Women & Children which recently receive an Award of Excellence from the Washington Public Health Association.
New Business Item No. 3: Councilwoman Pepper spoke to the recent actions of vandals who painted anti-gay slurs on an Alexandria town house and on a fence shared by several homes Sunday morning. She stressed the City's outrage for this senseless act and indicated that this is unacceptable and intolerable behavior.
Members of City Council concurred with Councilwoman Pepper's remarks.
Myles Jaffe, a neighbor of the victim, requested that the comments made by Council tonight be taken to the schools and be told as stories to the students to get the message through to them that these type of actions are intolerable, unacceptable and will not go unpunished.
Mayor Donley indicated that this will be discussed at the next City/School meeting. He indicated that this may be an item also for the legislative session in the fall with respect to criminal sanctions.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (8 - 18)
WITHOUT OBJECTION, City Council removed docket item nos. 16 and 17 from the consent calendar and considered them under separate motions.
8. Receipt of Resignations from Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association
Board of Governors
Gary Jutz
(b) Alexandria Fair Share Task Force
John M. Hartung
(c) Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
William Dickinson
(d) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
William Harris
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
9. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Human Rights Commission
1 Representative From the Alexandria Economic
Opportunities Commission
(b) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Citizen Member
10. Consideration of the Renewal of the Contract Between the Office of Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
11. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for Funding for the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program.
12. Consideration of Application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for Funding to Continue the Alexandria Community Corrections Program (ACCP) Under the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act and Pretrial Services.
13. Consideration of a Renewal Application to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for Funding for an Aggressive Driving Interdiction Program.
14. Consideration of Application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Funding for the Summer Food Service Program for Children.
15. Consideration of Application for a Renewal Grant to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for FY 1999 Pass-Through Funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Alexandria Health Department Office of Environmental Quality, Air Pollution Control Program.
16. Receipt of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending March 31, 1998.
17. Receipt of Fiscal Year 1997 Annual Report from the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission.
18. Consideration of Grant Application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Federal Fiscal Year 1999 and Federal Fiscal Year 2000 Funding Under the Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking Grants Program.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of docket item nos. 16 and 17 which were considered under separate motions. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
8. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Gary Jutz from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors; (b) John M. Hartung from the Alexandria Fair Share Task Force; (c) William Dickinson from the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission; and (d) William Harris from the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board; requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
9. City Council (a) appointed Arthur Mosley as a Representative From the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission; and (b) appointed Julian Haley as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.
10. City Council authorized the City Manager to submit a renewal contract to the EEOC for funding in the amount of $46,200, for the Alexandria Office of Human Rights to continue as a Fair Employment Practice Agency (FEPA).
11. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for funding in the amount of $218,259, for continued funding for the Victim/Witness Assistance Program. Due to the short turn around time provided by DCJS, the grant application was forwarded to DCJS in accordance with the April 17 deadline, contingent upon City Council's approval at its April 28 legislative session; (2) approve the continuation of the three full-time grant-funded positions (one Clerk Typist II position, one Victim-Witness Specialist I position and one Victim-Witness Specialist II position) covered by the Victim/Witness Assistance Grant, and contingent upon the award of the grant in the amount requested, approve the establishment of two new full-time (2.0) grant-funded positions which are requested to adequately provide services to victims of crime based on the State's staffing needs assessment. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individuals who are to fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment at the time that they are hired and would sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition. It should be noted that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds are expended; and (3) execute all necessary documents that may be required.
12. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for funding in the amount of $156,674 under the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act (CCCA). Due to the short turn around time provided by DCJS, the grant application was forwarded to DCJS in accordance with the April 24 deadline, contingent upon City Council's approval at its April 28 legislative session; (2) approve the continuation of the two full-time grant-funded positions, previously funded under the grant, and contingent upon the award of the grant in the full amount requested, approve the establishment of one full-time, grant-funded caseworker position effective November 1, 1998. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individuals filling or who may fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment and would sign the agreement of understanding with regard to this condition; and (3) execute all documents that may be required.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
13. City Council authorized the City Manager to (1) submit a renewal grant application to the Department of Motor Vehicles for funding, in the amount of $15,900, which would provide overtime funds to the Police Department to conduct DWI checkpoints and operate an aggressive driving interdiction program in the City; and (2) execute all necessary documents that may be required. Because staff did not receive the renewal application form for the DMV grant program until late March, staff was unable to bring the grant application to City Council before the application deadline of April 15, 1998. Therefore, the application was submitted to the State with the notification that this grant application is contingent upon City Council's approval on April 28, 1998.
14. City Council authorized the City Manager to (1) submit the grant application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for continuation funding, in the amount of $105,000, in estimated program income; and (2) execute all necessary 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.
15. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit a renewal grant application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for FY 1999 pass-through funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in the amount of $40,870, for the Alexandria Health Department Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) Air Pollution Control Program; (2) approve the continuation of three full-time grant-funded positions in the Alexandria Health Department Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) Air Pollution Control Program to administer the grant-funded activities should the grant be awarded. These grant-funded positions would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the individuals who fill these positions would be notified of this condition of employment at the time their employment is renewed and would sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition. It was noted that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once the grant funds are expended; and (3) execute all documents that may be required.
16. City Council (1) received the Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 1998; (2) authorized the capital project allocation and planned expenditure for the capital project as detailed in the Capital Improvement Program Planned Expenditure Summary; and (3) delegated to the City Manager, or her designee, authority to award contracts for the construction of a playground at Simpson Stadium and a contract for construction of a multi-purpose court at Four Mile Run Park to the lowest responsive bidders. Monies for these capital projects were allocated in January 1997 (Simpson Stadium) and October 1997 (Four Mile Run Park). (Separate motion)
17. Tom Tyler, chair, Environmental Policy Commission, spoke briefly to the report and the upcoming Quality of Life Summit.
Mayor Donley noted that an Ad Hoc Chesapeake Bay Task Force was created by the Council of Governments. Council Member Lois Walker will be the City's representative to this Task Force.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
Mayor Donley requested the Executive Secretary for Boards and Commissions Boyd to write to the Chamber of Commerce requesting that they nominate a Chamber Representative to the Environmental Policy Commission. Chair Tyler indicated that this has been vacant for some time.
City Council received the Annual Report from the Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission and thanked the Commission for its efforts on behalf of the City. (Separate motion)
18. City Council authorized the City Manager to: (1) submit the grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for up to $600,000 in funding over the two-year period (Federal Fiscal Year 1999 and Federal Fiscal Year 2000) under the EMPACT program, with the Alexandria Health Department Office of Environmental Quality serving as the lead agent in cooperation with the Departments of Transportation and Environmental Services, Planning and Zoning, and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities, and in partnership with George Mason University, the Northern Virginia Planning District Commission, and the Alexandria Sanitation Authority; (2) approved the establishment of one full-time Environmental Specialist position in the Alexandria Health Department Office of Environmental Quality (the lead agent for the City) to administer the grant-funded activities should the grant be awarded. The grant-funded position would terminate upon the expiration of the grant and the person who fills this position would be notified of this condition of employment at the time of hiring and would sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition. It should be noted that there are no funds available in the City budget to continue these activities once grant funds are expended; and (3) execute all documents that may be required.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
19. Consideration of City Council Policy on Naming City Facilities. (Mayor Donley and Councilwoman Pepper)
City Council (1) approved the policy governing the naming of major City facilities including a naming process and guidelines for naming new and existing City facilities; (2) created a standing committee of City Council, consisting of Councilman Speck, Councilwoman Pepper and the City Manager, or her designee, to be known as the City Facilities Naming Committee, to consider new and existing City facilities appropriate for naming; and referred recommendation (3) the naming of the new central library in honor of former Mayor Charles E. Beatley, Jr., and the naming of the new 52-acre east end park at Cameron Station in honor of the late Col. Ben Brenman (USA-retired), back to the new Committee for further consideration.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
20. Consideration of Staff Recommendations to Control Gypsy Moths on Infested Trees Located on Public Property.
City Council approved the proposed gypsy moth suppression program for 1998, which shall include the following: (a) approved the ground spray application of appropriate insecticides to the two susceptible trees on public properties in Northridge as shown in Attachment I of the memo, which are located in areas that are expected to have elevated levels of gypsy moth infestation in the spring of 1998. Appropriate insecticides shall include Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) or other similar organic insecticides. All properties within 200 feet of any public area to be treated shall be notified of the date and general time period when ground spray applications of insecticides are to be made. We expect that this will occur in May; (b) notify all private property owners and residents within the area in Northridge and Seminary Hills specified in Attachments 1 and 2 of the memo, that the level of gypsy moth infestation is expected to rise this year, and that a careful review by them of their properties for egg masses and monitoring of larvae through burlap banding is recommended to protect their trees. Staff is not recommending City-sponsored application of insecticides on private property; (c) request staff to continue to sponsor programs which encourage citizen participation in the monitoring and suppression of the gypsy moths, such as the distribution of burlap for banding trees, and educational materials; and (d) request staff to continue participation in the Virginia Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture Consumer Services, which provides support for annual gypsy moth egg mass surveys and aerial defoliation surveys.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
21. Consideration of a Proposed Regulations for Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) and Automatic Vending Machines (AVM's) in the Old and Historic Alexandria District and the Parker-Gray Historic District.
City Council (1) considered the compromise set of regulations for ATMs and AVMs in the historic districts; (2) noted that no building will have more than one machine, i.e., either one ATM or one AVM, expressed concern about what may be vended, and the desire to have non-offensive machines; and (3) referred the issue to the Planning Commission for preparation of a text amendment.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
22. Consideration of Agreement Establishing the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy as a Legal Entity and Approval of Deed, Sublease and Assignment of Rights Under the Financing Lease for the Academy Facility.
City Council adopted the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the following documents; (a) the agreement (attachment 1 to the resolution) establishing the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy (NVCJTA) as a legal entity; (b) the deed (attachment 2 to the resolution) conveying to NVCJTA the interests of Arlington County, Loudoun County, and the Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax in certain real property in Prince William County; (c) the assignment of rights under the financing lease (attachment 3 to the resolution) designating NVCJTA as the entity to which the property in Loudoun County on which the Academy is now located is to be conveyed by the Loudoun County Industrial Development Authority once the bonds, issued by the IDA to finance the property's acquisition, are paid off (on or before the year 2015); and (d) the sublease (attachment 4 to the resolution) between Arlington County, Loudoun
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
22. (continued) County and the City of Alexandria and NVCJTA, pursuant to which the three jurisdictions, which now lease the Loudoun County property from the Loudoun County Industrial Development Authority, will sublease that property to the NVCJTA. The governing bodies of the participating jurisdictions have approved the documents that relate to each of them. RES. NO. 1867
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Vice Mayor Euille spoke to a report received from the Alexandria Task Force on AIDS requesting a work session with respect to a needle exchange program.
It was suggested that a dialogue be held between the Anti-Drug Task Force, the Community Services Board, and the Task Force on AIDS.
Legislative Director Caton was requested to get the sentiments of our legislative delegation.
Council Member Rich suggested that civic associations, churches and synagogues be invited to provide input.
Mayor Donley asked that Special Assistant to the City Manager Ransom be requested to discuss with the Interfaith Association.
Mayor Donley requested the City Manager to get the comments of the interested commissions and interested groups and then have a work session to decide if there should be a public hearing on this issue.
City Manager Lawson stated this would occur after the discussion between the Anti-Drug Task Force and interested parties.
(b) Councilwoman Pepper spoke to the City's 250th Anniversary logo. Phil Brooks, chair of the 250th Celebration Committee handed out lapel pins with the logo. Director of Historic Alexandria stated that the Committee is selling the pins to raise funds, and indicated that a fund-raiser will be held on November 13.
(c) Councilwoman Pepper noted that she and Senator Ticer met with representatives of Clyde's at the new restaurant on North Beauregard Street.
(d) Councilwoman Pepper spoke to "Take Your Daughter To Work Day" which was last week on April 23. She spent the day with a bright young woman named Sheen Jones.
(e) Council Member Walker presented Council with a copy of COG Transportation Planning Board's draft vision for the National Capital Region. Public comment is critical to the success of this "Roadmap for the Future." Copies of the publication are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(f) Council Member Rich spoke to a random act of kindness by a lady who picks his newspaper up from his front yard and places it at his doorstep during her morning walk.
(g) Councilman Cleveland thanked Members of City Council for helping out with Christmas in April, and hoped they enjoyed the picnic.
Councilman Speck noted the staff coordination of this effort, and especially thanked Nancy Coats and her husband, Larry, for heading up this project. He requested the City Clerk to communicate Council's appreciation for their efforts, and acknowledging the good work of the police and fire departments, and all the staff who participated.
(h) Councilman Speck indicated that he had met with the Coalition for a Sensible Bridge. The Coalition requested that he tell them exactly what he is for with respect to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge project. A copy of his statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
(i) Mayor Donley noted that this year's senior play at T.C. Williams will be "Leader of the Pack". It will be held on Thursday, May 7, through Saturday, May 9.
(j) Mayor Donley recognized Fiscal and Information Technology Services Director Gitajn to respond to Councilman Cleveland's earlier question about the 1.5 million dollar increase in other local taxes. The answer to the question is that the increase is attributable to the motor vehicle license due date change from May 1- FY 97, to October 6 - FY 98, as part of the one date/one payment program that Council approved.
(k) Mayor Donley noted that a new Alexandria business, the American Society for Industrial Security, has new headquarters located at 1625 Prince Street. It has built a park in an undeveloped site adjacent to its building. Included in the park is a mural commissioned by Bryan King of Artiface, Inc. to design and paint a trompe l'oeil which portrays an arcade exhibiting the Masonic Temple in the background. Mayor Donley encouraged citizens to stop by the park to enjoy this new public art project.
(l) Mayor Donley stated that he was approached by the Petersen Companies, HP Companies, who are developing the area around the King Street Metro Station. They were questioning the $1.10 per square foot that the City assesses for public improvements in the King Street Metro area. In the course of the discussion, Mayor Donley recommended that they consider taking down "the hill" at Jefferson-Houston in lieu of the $1.10 per square foot. They met with the School and City staffs concerning a proposal. The HP Companies as part of their $1.10 per square foot will take down the hill, the fill and additional fill will be trucked in at no cost of the City to the west end park at Cameron Station. The area behind the school will be effectively leveled, will be seeded, and hopefully will be ready for soccer play and school use in the fall. He indicated that some details need to be worked out and permits, etc., but it is hoped that work will begin shortly after the close of school. It will take approximately three weeks to remove "the hill".
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(m) City Attorney Sunderland spoke to the telecommunications rights-of-way use fee authorized by recent legislation. He will bring forward in June an ordinance that adopts it which will be effective July 1, which is the day that the state legislation is effective.
City Council approved the sending on April 29, the notice giving the ninety-day notice for the beginning of collection of the right-of-way fee relative to the telecommunication fee legislation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
23. Consideration of Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds by the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Alexandria for the Young Men's Christian Association of Metropolitan Washington Facility at 420 East Monroe Avenue. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council adopted the resolution as recommended by the AIDA at its meeting on April 21, 1998. RES. NO. 1868
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
24. Consideration of a Resolution Providing for the Amendment of the City's Swimming Pool Regulations. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council adopted the resolution, which approves the establishment of examination requirements and new procedures for the issuance of an individual pool operator's certificate, increases the fee for such certificates, and establishes a procedure under which the issuance of swimming pool operators' certificates could be delegated to a private contractor. Regulation of and routine inspection of swimming pools and health spas will continue to be performed by Health Department staff. Arlington and Fairfax Counties have approved similar regulations. RES. NO. 1869
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OTHER
25. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
City Council received the updated Council Calendar.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
26. Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
1 Citizen Member
City Council waived the residency requirement and reappointed Dean Shahinian as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS (continued)
27. Alexandria Commission for the Arts
2 Members Who Represent Arts Education or
Business Expertise Relative to Arts and Cultural
Development, Including such Perspectives as
Marketing, Finance/Funding, Tourism Promotion and
Organizational Development
City Council reappointed Tiffany Larbalestier and James Wilhoit as Members Who Represent Arts Education or Business Expertise Relative to Arts and Cultural Development, Including Such Perspectives as Marketing, Finance/Funding, Tourism Promotion and Organizational Development to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
28. Alexandria Commission on Information Technology
1 Citizen-At-Large
City Council appointed John McBride as a Citizen-At-Large to the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
29. Alexandria Human Rights Commission
3 Citizen Members
City Council reappointed Linda Schaefer and appointed Sherry deVries and Fred Martin as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
30. Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
3 Citizen Members
City Council reappointed Anthony Norwood and appointed Christopher Hamilton and C. Peter Schumaier as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.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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