Office of the City Clerk
March 24, 1999
There was a Work Session with the
Planning Commission to Discuss Master
Plan Issues at 6:00 p.m. in the Council
Workroom.
There was not an Executive Session at the
Close of this Meeting. Please see Docket
Item No. 30.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 23, 1999 - - 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 Rabbi Arnold G. Fink, Senior Rabbi of Beth El Hebrew Congregation.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meetings of City Council:
(a) the Special Meeting of March 12, 1999 (held in lieu of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 1999); and
(b) the Public Hearing Meeting of March 13, 1999.
City Council approved the Minutes of (a) the Special Meeting of March 12, 1999 (held in lieu of the Regular Meeting of March 9, 1999); and (b) the Public Hearing Meeting of March 13, 1999, 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 Honoring George Caddy for His Service to the City of Alexandria. (Mayor Donley)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
6. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming Saturday, April 3, 1999, as National Tartan Day in the City of Alexandria. (Councilwoman Pepper)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
At this point, City Council considered Docket Item No. 31.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (7-15) (23-26)
7. Receipt of the Following Resignations from Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
Anna Leider
(b) Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Diane Crawford-Batt
(c) Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team
Katherine L. Morrison
(d) Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission
Larry A. Hesterberg
(e) Alexandria Task Force on AIDS
Gregory Reid
8. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
1 Builder
(b) Alexandria Archaeological Commission
1 Member From the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology
(c) Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
1 Member Designated by Councilwoman Redella S. Pepper
(d) Alexandria Commission on Employment
2 Citizen Members
(e) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Citizen Member
9. Receipt of the 1997-1998 Annual Report from the Alexandria Waterfront Committee.
10. Receipt of the Fiscal Year 1998 Annual Report of the Affordable Housing Committee.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
11. Consideration of Renewal of the Contract Between the Office of Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
12. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for Funding for Archival Research for Historic Structures.
13. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Department of Conservation and Recreation of the Commonwealth of Virginia for Funding a Trail Enhancement Project for Chinquapin Park Through the Virginia Recreation Trails Fund Program.
14. Consideration of a Grant Application to the Department of Health and Human Services' Head Start Bureau for FY 2000 Program Improvement Funds for Two New Head Start Classrooms in the Cameron Station Elementary School.
15. Receipt of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending February 28, 1999.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council approved the Consent Calendar with the exception of docket item nos. 10, 25, and 26, which were considered under separate motions. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
7. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Anna Leider from the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission; (b) Diane Crawford-Batt from the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (c) Katherine L. Morrison from the Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team; (d) Larry A. Hesterberg from the Alexandria Public Records Advisory Commission; and (e) Gregory Reid from the Alexandria Task Force on AIDS; and requested the Executive Secretary to send the appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
8. City Council (a) reappointed Daniel Abramson as a Builder to the Alexandria Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; (b) appointed Esther White as a Member From the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology to the Alexandria Archaeological Commission; (c) appointed Anna Leider as a Member Designated by Councilwoman Redella S. Pepper to the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (d) appointed Kaprice Gettemy-Chambers and Roselyn Rosenfeld as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Commission on Employment; and (e) appointed Lori Cole as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.
9. City Council received the Annual Report from the Alexandria Waterfront Committee and thanked the Committee members for their efforts on behalf of the City.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
10. Vice Mayor Euille questioned why no loans have been made with respect to the Homeownership Assistance Program for Alexandria Law Enforcement Personnel.
Director of Housing Davis responded that they have received inquiries about this program, but no applications were filed.
Vice Mayor Euille wanted a budget memo on this subject so that it can be discussed during the budget process.
Vice Mayor Euille announced that the City's Annual Homeownership Fair will be held on Saturday, April 10, at T.C. Williams High School starting at 9:30 a.m.
Councilwoman Pepper asked the status of the homes on Stevenson Avenue, the Robert Pierre Johnson development.
Director of Housing Davis responded that twelve of those units have gone to settlement and three more should be going to settlement in the near future.
City Council received the report. (Separate motion)
11. City Council authorized the City Manager to extend the term of the contract with the EEOC for funding in the amount of $44,700 for the Alexandria Office of Human Rights to continue as a Fair Employment Practice Agency (FEPA).
12. City Council authorized the City Manager to submit the grant application to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources; and submit all necessary documents that may be required.
13. City Council authorized the City Manager to (1) submit a grant application to the Department of Conservation & Recreation of the Commonwealth of Virginia for $60,000 to cover 80% of the costs for a Trail Enhancement Project for Chinquapin Park, through the Virginia Recreational Trail Fund Program; and (2) execute all necessary documents that may be required.
14. City Council authorized the City Manager to (1) submit the grant application to the DHHS Head Start Bureau requesting $114,921 for construction of two new Head Start classrooms in the Cameron Station Elementary School; and (2) execute all documents that may be required.
15. City Council received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending February 28, 1999.
23. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing on April 20, 1999, and Second Reading and Final Passage on May 5, 1999.
24. City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing on April 20, 1999, and Second Reading and Final Passage on May 5, 1999.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
25. Councilman Cleveland directed questions to City Manager Lawson regarding the purpose of this ordinance. He indicated that BFAAC is doing a report that will be coming to Council about diversifying our funds that are out there so that we won't have so much of a levy in one way, and suggested that this ordinance should be delayed until Council gets the report from BFAAC.
City Manager Lawson responded to Councilman Cleveland's concerns.
City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing on April 20, 1999, and Second Reading and Final Passage on May 5, 1999. (Separate motion)
26. Councilman Cleveland expressed concern about this ordinance with respect to the significant increase and its effect on the elderly and those who can't afford to pay.
City Manager Lawson and Fire Chief Hawkins spoke to his concern.
Council Member Rich questioned why we were not increasing it to cover the full cost since we were basically relying on insurance to cover the costs.
Fire Chief Hawkins stated that it is preferable to do it incrementally over a few years.
City Manager Lawson responded that staff certainly plans on bringing the fees back in the context of the budget every year. She stated she will have OMB check to see that it may be that the real cost is above what the insurance carriers will pay. She suggested to do it incrementally.
City Council introduced and passed the Ordinance on its First Reading; set it for Public Hearing on April 20, 1999, and Second Reading and Final Passage on May 5, 1999. (Separate motion)
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
16. Consideration of the Recommendation of the City Facilities Naming Committee. (Councilwoman Pepper, Councilman Speck and City Manager Lawson)
Councilman Speck spoke to this item.
City Council approved the following recommendations of the City Facilities Naming Committee: (1) the Consolidated Park Area, which includes the parcels known as Pommander Park, Potomac View Park, the Gibbon and Wilkes Street Ends, and the Old Town Yacht Basin site, be named Windmill Hill Park; (2) the area in front of the Rivergate townhomes be named the Rivergate City Park; and (3) the installation of appropriate signage at the two sites, in accordance with City Council's adopted Policy on Naming of City Facilities.
Councilman Speck indicated that the naming committee has another recommendation. It would like to recognize someone who has been very important to this City, and to this Council for many, many years. In recognition of the significant contributions that have been made to this community, to this Council and to this City, and also in recognition of Council's appreciation for all of the efforts that have occurred on its behalf and on behalf of this community, we recommend that the lobby of the Cameron Street side of City Hall, which is where we have a number of exhibits as well as events occasionally, be renamed the "Vola Lawson Lobby." This is Council's way of saying to Vola how much it appreciates all of the efforts that she has and continues to make to this City.
City Council renamed the lobby of the Cameron Street side of City Hall the "Vola Lawson Lobby."
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
17. Consideration of Renewal of a Lease for 720 North Saint Asaph Street to be Used as Offices for the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse.
Members of Council directed questions to City Manager Lawson and Director of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Claiborn.
City Council approved a ten-year lease renewal from November 1, 1999 to October 31, 2009, for the 24,552-square-foot building located at 720 North St. Asaph Street. The first year's lease will total $352,178.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
18. Receipt of the Fair Share Task Force Report.
Council Member Rich and Vice Mayor Euille spoke to the report.
City Council (1) received the Fair Share Task Force Report; (2) set the Report for public hearing on May 15, 1999, and requested staff to disseminate the docket memorandum and the Report to interested groups and organizations throughout the City in preparation for the public hearing, as well as to affected departments for a review of cost and staffing implications; and (3) following the public hearing, decide how it wishes to proceed.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
19. Consideration of a Permanent Change in the Route for the Scottish Christmas Walk.
Mayor Donley questioned staff whether or not the Old Town Civic Association and the neighborhood know that this route is a permanent change.
City Council deferred this item until the second Legislative Meeting in April so that staff can contact residents of this neighborhood, the Old Town Civic Association, and the Old Town Business Association, to assure that everybody understands that this will be a permanent route for the Scottish Christmas Walk.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
20. Consideration to Use City Facilities and Personnel for the Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival on June 11, June 12, and June 13, and Consideration of a 10-K Foot Race in Old Town, Placement of Signage on Street Medians, and Lifting of Requirement of a Two-Hour Dry Period.
Members of City Council, Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane, and City Manager Lawson participated in a discussion on this item. Virginia Power has only approved the use of 250th banners on the poles on Washington Street.
City Council (1) approved the use of City facilities and personnel for the 18th Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival on June 11, 12, and 13, 1999; (2) did not approve a 10-K foot race in Old Town, for the reasons discussed in the memorandum; (3) approved the lifting of a two-hour dry period on Saturday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.; and (4) did not approve the placement of signage promoting the festival along street medians (Zoning regulations prohibit signs on the public right-of-way), with a request for an opinion from the City Attorney whether banner-type signs attached to the light poles can be allowed this year and in succeeding years for special events held in the City, and that staff develop an acceptable policy with rules or guidelines. (Please see the City Manager's memorandum dated March 11, 1999, for detailed recommendations.)
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
21. Consideration of Proposed City Testimony for the Commonwealth Transportation Board 1999 Preallocation Hearing.
Transportation and Environmental Services Director O'Kane spoke to this testimony and responded to queries of City Council.
Mayor Donley noted that a Bluestone Connector to Duke Street is not an option to consider.
Council Member Walker wanted to make sure that the Eisenhower Avenue Interchange from the Beltway is on our list. Mr. O'Kane stated that he will reword this item that appears on page 6 of his report with what is in the Woodrow Wilson Bridge plan.
Council Member Walker requested that the study be started to add transit to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Mr. O'Kane spoke to this as an operational bus service on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and to begin some analysis, and requested some wording to be added to the package. Council Member Walker stated that it should go into one of the mitigation measures almost immediately.
Council Member Walker also stated that we have agreed to support the high-speed rail system from D.C. to Richmond and asked that that be included.
Council Member Rich spoke to the Beauregard Street/King Street Intersection item in the report.
City Council (1) approved the projects discussed in the City Manager's memorandum for presentation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) at the Preallocation Hearing for the Northern Virginia District; and (2) authorized staff to transmit the City's list of priorities by letters to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDR&PT), as appropriate.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
Traffic and Parking Board
22. Consideration of Traffic Calming Measures at the Intersection of West and Oronoco Streets. (#21 3/13/99) (Councilman Speck)
City Council approved the installation of a four-way stop at this intersection based on the testimony from the public hearing on March 13.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Councilman Cleveland requested staff to look at putting neighborhood signs designating the various sections of the City.
(b) Councilwoman Pepper noted that Anna Leider had been appointed tonight as her representative on BFAAC, replacing Don Casey. She stated that Mr. Casey was an outstanding representative to BFAAC and thanked him for his many years of service.
(c) Councilwoman Pepper announced that on Sunday, March 28, 1999, at the Charles Houston Center, there will be a tribute to City Manager Lawson in recognition of National Women's History Month sponsored by the Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage, the Parker-Gray High School Alumni Association, and the Alexandria Black History Resource Center. It is open to the public and is free.
(d) Councilwoman Pepper spoke to the recent Agenda Alexandria meeting on open space opportunities in an urban setting which was an outstanding discussion. This will be re-broadcast on Channel 10 on Wednesday, March 24 at 9:00 p.m., again on Friday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m.
(e) Councilwoman Pepper noted that she participated in something called the "Reality Story" which was held at Minnie Howard School. It was sponsored by the Alexandria Business and Professional Women. It was an opportunity for students to come and learn a little bit about life as it really is.
(f) Councilman Speck noted that Agenda Alexandria received the Chamber's first award for Communication recognizing their efforts to broaden and foster non-partisan educational discussion and debate.
(g) Councilman Speck spoke to the press release that was issued by the Office of Historic Alexandria following up on a discussion last spring about developing a photographic collection of Alexandria's seventy-one Mayors and fourteen City Managers.
(h) Councilman Speck served as a judge in the Cora Kelly Science Fair which he enjoyed immensely. It was another opportunity for everyone to see how impressive it is to see the kids, their projects, their thinking, their knowledge, and their way of presenting it.
(i) Council Member Walker spoke to the debut of the opera "Torpedo" which was written, directed and performed by the students at John Adams. They are going to perform the opera once again on April 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, at the same time as the book called Torpedo written by Marian Van Landingham will be launched.
(j) Vice Mayor Euille reminded citizens that the annual Christmas in April home renovation project will occur on Saturday, April 24. He noted that in the past, the City Council and the City Manager's Office and other departments have gone in together to sponsor a house for a renovation, but he understands this year that may not happen. He indicated that he will sponsor the House for Council, and the City Council, City Manager's Office and other departments are encouraged to participate.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(k) Vice Mayor Euille noted that there is only one board appointment on tonight's docket; however, he announced that on March 12, the City advertised for approximately 27 boards and commissions with vacancies. Vice Mayor Euille indicated the deadline to apply for one of the positions is Friday, April 2, and he encouraged persons to do so.
(l) Mayor Donley spoke to a recent article in the Washington Post on Sunday, March 21, regarding our schools. He would like to see a focus on more positive reporting.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR (23-26)
23. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to establish the real estate and personal property tax rates for calendar year 1999.
24. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to reduce the transient lodging tax rate from 5.65%, to 5.50%, of the total amount paid for transient lodging, and to levy an additional transient lodging tax of $1.00 for each day of such lodging.
25. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to levy an admission tax of 5% on the gross admission fee paid to gain entry to events held within the city, with an effective date of September 1, 1999.
26. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of AN ORDINANCE to amend the city code to increase the ambulance transport fee to $200 for city residents and $250 for non-residents.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council introduced the ordinances; set them for Public Hearing on April 20, 1999, and Second Reading and Final Passage on May 5, 1999.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
27. Public Hearing. Second Reading and Final Passage of AN ORDINANCE to revise the City's regulations governing discharges into the sanitary sewer system and ultimately into the wastewater treatment facility operated by the Alexandria Sanitation Authority, and the treatment of such discharges before their entry into the sewer system. (#17 3/12/99) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council finally passed the substitute ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4035
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OTHER
28. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
Council Member Rich suggested that Council eliminate some of its budget work sessions.
City Council (1) scheduled a work session on Tuesday, April 27, 1999, at 6:00 p.m. on the After School Drop-in Program in the Council Workroom, before Council's regular legislative meeting; (2) scheduled a work session on Potomac Yard on Thursday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at a location to be determined; (3) scheduled the Economic Summit on Saturday, June 5, with registration and continental breakfast at 8:00 a.m., and the program from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Sheraton Suites, located at 801 North St. Asaph Street; and (4) added to the Council Calendar: Friday, April 30, Alexandria's Birthday Cake Party from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 625 First Street; Wednesday, May 5, Pride of Baltimore II Ship Arrival Ceremony at noon at the T Dock at Founder's Park; Friday, May 7, Party honoring the crew of the Pride of Baltimore II, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Old Dominion Boat Club; and Saturday, July 10, premier of the musical piece commissioned for the celebration of Alexandria's 250th anniversary at 3:00 p.m. at the Lyceum.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
29. Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Mark Allen as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
EXECUTIVE SESSION
30. Consideration of Convening of an Executive Session to Consult with Legal Counsel Pertaining to Pending Litigation that Involves the City of Alexandria, Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.1-344(A)(7).
It was not necessary to have an executive session.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
31. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing the T.C. Williams High School Track Relay Team. (Mayor Donley)
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Meeting was adjourned 10:25 p.m.
This docket is subject to change.
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Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council. Meeting materials are also available on-line at https://alexandriava.gov/council.
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Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500 (TTY/TDD 838-5056). We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.
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Public Notice
There will be a City Council Work Session on the Proposed Budget on Wednesday, March 24, 1999, at 7:30 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.
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