Office of the City Clerk
October 28, 1998
The Summer Jobs for Alexandria
Youth Employer Recognition Ceremony
was held in Room 2000, from 5:30 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m.
There was a City Council Work Session at
6:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom to Discuss
the Department of Human Services JobLink
Program.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 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 Deputy City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Invocation was pronounced by Reverend Douglas P. Cross, Pastor of Alexandria Free Methodist Church.
2. Invocation. By:_________________________________________________________
New Business Item No. 1. Mayor Donley congratulated Councilman David Speck upon his personal accomplishment of competing and finishing the Marine Corps Marathon. He was taking pledges for contributions toward the new community playground at Polk Elementary School.
New Business Item No. 2. The Education Association of Alexandria presented certificates of appreciation to City Council for declaring October 3, 1998, "Read to Me Alexandria Day." Vice Mayor Euille stated that this was a successful program and is only the beginning; the efforts of the Read to Me Alexandria program will be continuing throughout the year.
3. Reading and Acting Upon the Minutes of the Following Meeting of City Council:
(a) The Special Meeting of October 14, 1998 (in lieu of the Regular Meeting of October 13, 1998).
City Council approved the Minutes for (a) the Special Meeting of October 14, 1998 (in lieu of the Regular Meeting of October 13, 1998), as submitted.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
4. Report of the City Clerk.
City Council received the report of the City Clerk.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OPENING (continued)
5. Introduction of Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, New President of Northern Virginia Community College. (Councilwoman Pepper)
Councilwoman Pepper introduced Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, New President of Northern Virginia Community College. Dr. Wheelan distributed some statistics of
Alexandria residents at NVCC.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
6. Presentation of Proclamation in Memory of Edward Heatwole, Former City Manager of the City of Alexandria.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Councilman Speck had requested the City Manager to look into finding some way to memorialize those who have served as both Managers and Mayors of the City and asked for a status report.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
7. Presentation of Proclamation Announcing the November 8 Call to Community Kickoff Event to be Held at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial. (Vice Mayor Euille and Council Member Rich)
City Council endorsed the proclamation. The Kickoff will begin at 7 p.m.
Mayor Donley commended Vice Mayor Euille and Council Member Rich for coming up with this idea and for following through on it.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
8. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming November 1998 as Alexandria United Way Campaign Month.
City Council endorsed the proclamation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER
CONSENT CALENDAR (9 - 12)
9. Receipt of the Following Resignations From Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee
Pamela Schiffleger
(b) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
Ruth Lincoln Kaye
10. Uncontested Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees:
(a) Ad Hoc Alexandria Year 2000 Census Complete Count Committee
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Transit Company
1 Member Nominated by the Del Ray Citizens Association
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
(a) (continued)
1 Member Nominated by the Hume Springs Citizens Association
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau
1 Member Nominated by the Senior Citizens Employment and Services
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Police Department
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Department of
Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse
1 Member Nominated by the Department of Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Activities
The Registrar of Voters
(b) Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Commission for Women
1 Member Designated by the "Call to Community" Organization
(c) Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
(d) Alexandria Commission on Aging
1 Citizen Member
(e) Alexandria Early Childhood Commission
1 Representative of the Alexandria Chapter of the
Northern Virginia Family Day Care Association
(f) Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
1 Member From Planning District III
1 Member-at-Large
(g) Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission
1 Member From Planning District I
(h) Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board
1 Citizen Member
11. Consideration of Approval of a Grant Award from the Northern Virginia Regional Partnership for Information Technology Training for Dislocated Workers.
12. Receipt of the Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending September 30, 1998.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
City Council approved the Consent Calendar as presented with the exception of docket item no. 12, which was considered under a separate motion. The City Manager's recommendations are as follows:
9. City Council received the following resignations with regret: (a) Pamela Schiffleger from the Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee; and (b) Ruth Lincoln Kaye from the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; requested the Executive Secretary to send appropriate letters of appreciation and to advertise the vacancies in the usual manner.
10. City Council (a) appointed Paul Hopstock as a Member Nominated by the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations, C. Peter Schumaier as a Member Nominated by the Alexandria Transit Company, Loraine West as a Member Nominated by the Del Ray Citizens Association, Robert Dores as a Member Nominated by the Hume Springs Citizens Association, Kimberly O'Donnell as a Member Nominated by the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, Mary Ann Ormes as a Member Nominated by the Senior Citizens Employment and Services, Jennifer Marek as a Member Nominated by the Alexandria Police Department, Robert Buckley as a Member Nominated by the Alexandria Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse, William Dwyer as a Member Nominated by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, and Beverly Beidler as the Registrar of Voters; (b) reappointed Susan Butler as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Commission for Women and appointed Reverend George Pera as a Member Designated by the "Call to Community" Organization to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission; (c) reappointed Eileen Taylor as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to the Alexandria Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee; (d) appointed F. Jane Cotton as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Commission on Aging; (e) reappointed Tiffany Ashby as a Representative of the Alexandria Chapter of the Northern Virginia Family Day Care Association to the Alexandria Early Childhood Commission; (f) reappointed Philip C. Brooks, Jr. as a Member from Planning District III and Mary Ellen Henry as a Member-at-Large to the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission; (g) appointed Samuel Longstreet as a Member from Planning District I to the Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission; and (h) appointed Ryan Wagener as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board.
11. City Council approved the grant award for information technology training for dislocated workers, and authorized the City Manager to execute all documents that may be required.
12. City Council (1) received the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending September 30, 1998; and (2) authorized the capital project allocations and planned expenditures for the capital projects as detailed in the Capital Improvement Program Planned Expenditures Summary. (Separate Motion)
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
13. Receipt of the Proposed City Legislative Package for the 1999 General Assembly Session and Setting It for Public Hearing on Saturday, November 14, 1998.
Vice Mayor Euille asked staff to provide the Council with whatever plans the Library Board is currently considering with regards to the relocation of the Lloyd House collection to the Kate Waller Barrett branch on Queen Street.
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER (continued)
13. (continued) Councilman Speck (1) noted concerns about the FOIA; (2) He would like the City to pursue some modifications to current legislation regarding the restrictions on red light camera surveillance in light of the City's full year of experience. We probably need to increase the fine as a deterrent element and join with other jurisdictions to look at it. Legislative Director Caton will check with Arlington County, Fairfax City and Fairfax County to see what kind of support we might get from them and report back either at the November 17 public hearing or at the November 24 work session. Councilman Speck's remarks will be made part of the package so that the public can comment on them.
Council Member Walker urged that our legislation for revising Virginia's hate crimes laws coordinate with Arlington's legislation, and Legislative Director Caton will continue to stay in touch with them.
City Council: (1) received the proposals for the City's 1999 legislative package; (2) scheduled the proposed legislative package (including Charter amendments), to include Councilman Speck's comments regarding increased red light camera surveillance, for public hearing on Saturday, November 14, 1998; and (3) scheduled adoption of the legislative package (including Charter amendments) for November 24, 1998, following Council's work session with the General Assembly delegation.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
None
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
(a) Mayor Donley explained that he was awarded his Jefferson Houston sweatshirt along with School Board Member Digilio and Melissa Luby by the Jefferson Houston PTA in recognition of the destruction of The Hill. It ultimately will be a playing field, and there will be a big event for Council this spring.
(b) Mayor Donley announced the November 28 blood drive at Virginia Commerce Bank at 5140 Duke Street, 2 until 7 p.m. and he invited the Council Members to drop by to give blood. This drive is sponsored by INOVA Alexandria Hospital and the blood donated at this particular blood drive goes right to the hospital to be used by patients there.
(c) Mayor Donley noted that our City Clerk Beverly Jett is not here tonight. Her father, John Isaly, passed away a few nights ago, and his services will be tomorrow. Council's condolences go out to Mrs. Jett and her family at their loss.
(d) Mayor Donley recognized the passing of a good friend and Alexandrian in Bill Noonan who passed away last week. He was a former recipient of the Alexandria of the Year award given by the United Way, former recipient of one of the Washingtonian of the Year Awards given by Washingtonian Magazine. He served the City as a member of the Ad Hoc Task Force on Homelessness appointed by then-Mayor Moran in 1985. He was a tireless worker at ALIVE! He initiated the first homeless shelter in the City in the basement of Blessed Sacrament Church. He was on the board at Carpenter's Shelter and was active in the Brookville-Seminary Valley area of the City as well. We are a better community because of him. Our condolences go to his wife, Ruth, and their family.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(e) Councilwoman Pepper noted that Bill Noonan was chairing RSVP and will sorely be missed there among other places.
(f) Councilwoman Pepper pointed out that Election Day is November 3, and there are five amendments to vote on in addition to the candidates. You can get information about them from the Registrar's Office, the libraries, the recreation department and the City Clerk's office and Citizen Assistance Office. It is also available on the City's web page at http://ci.Alexandria.va.us. She encouraged everyone to vote. The Alexandria Journal's October 20 edition has a discussion of the candidates and amendments.
(g) Councilwoman Pepper described a wonderful Public Art bus tour last Saturday. The DASH buses had the handicap facilities so that a person in a wheelchair could easily be lifted in and out so everything was handicap-accessible. It was so popular that they may have another tour.
(h) Councilwoman Pepper reminded everybody that the Environmental Summit will be held this Saturday, October 31, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn on First Street.
(i) Council Member Walker reported on the last meeting of "Agenda Alexandria" which went through some of the demographics in the City. It was broadcast by Jones Communications and they will cover future meetings. The October meeting will be rebroadcast on November 11 at 9 p.m. and November 13 at 5 p.m. The next meeting is a follow-up to this one with Lori Godwin talking about how some of these demographics really affect the City, and Stephen Fuller from George Mason University and Frank Shafroth from the National League of Cities will participate.
(j) Council Member Walker announced that last week at the Transportation Planning Board meeting, the TPB passed a vision statement for transportation very well into the next century. We are actually working on an implementation plan so that many of the transportation vision ideas will be actually implemented, and she will be working on that with other members of the COG community, and the Metropolitan Planning Committee, to see if we can work together with land use planning and transportation.
(k) Council Member Walker announced that people from the City of Alexandria will be getting an award tomorrow morning from the Northern Virginia Coalition of Non-profits Human Services Agencies. Those include the Northern Virginia Family Service which has its office in Alexandria on Duke Street. Delegate Marian VanLandingham from Alexandria, and the American Physical Therapy Association which is located in Alexandria. She congratulated people for their upcoming awards.
(l) Councilman Cleveland announced that at the October 10 Council Retreat, when asked who were the party animals, he and Vice Mayor Euille raised their hands. They were the recipients of $100 to plan a fun Council activity together. They have decided to play pool at the Radisson Hotel and they have a small private room if we want to have dinner. Council discussed potential dates.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL (continued)
(m) Vice Mayor Euille thanked Council, City staff and City employees and citizens that participated in the "Make A Difference Day" project here at City Hall by donating canned goods, gloves, scarves, hats, and other items that will be distributed to the needy here in Alexandria in the homeless shelters. He also congratulated the ten nonprofit organizations in the City that responded to his initiative to take him up in his offer to share in $10,000 from his foundation to encourage them to participate in the "Make a Difference Day" efforts last Saturday, October 24. Many of those organizations did some very nice projects, and we'll be hearing about those in weeks to come.
(n) Vice Mayor Euille announced the Halloween Parade which will take place on Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray section on Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. and will last maybe 45 minutes. Around 5:00 p.m. at the Farmers Market site at Mount Vernon and East Oxford, there will be an award ceremony to crown those that are appropriately dressed in Halloween costumes for their gaudy costumes and their beauty.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
14. Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading and Second Reading of AN ORDINANCE to adopt Supplement 54 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
City Council introduced and passed the ordinance on its First and Second Readings. ORD. NO. 4024
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
OTHER
15. Consideration of City Council Schedule.
City Council received the updated Council Schedule, with the changes as noted; adopted the following schedule for consideration of the FY 2000 Budget:
Tuesday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. Budget Presentation
Wednesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. Budget Work Session
Monday, April 12, 7:30 p.m. Budget Work Session
Thursday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. Budget Work Session
Wednesday, April 28, 7:30 p.m. Budget Work Session
Wednesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. Budget Work Session
Wednesday, May 5, 7:30 p.m. Budget Adoption;
Staff will poll the Members of City Council and at the next meeting Council will set an alternative date and starting time for the April 15 Budget Public Hearing Meeting; and Council's Pool Day will be Thursday, November 19 at the Radisson Hotel at 6:00 p.m.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
16. Ad Hoc Alexandria Year 2000 Census Complete Count Committee
1 Member Nominated by the Alexandria Health Department
1 Member Nominated by the Department of Human Services
City Council waived the residency requirements and appointed Jan Gurtner as a Member Nominated by the Alexandria Health Department and Ricardo Drumond as a Member Nominated by the Department of Human Services to the Ad Hoc Alexandria Year 2000 Census Complete Count Committee.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
17. Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission
1 Member Designated by the Alexandria Interfaith Association
City Council waived the residency requirement and appointed Reverend Lowell Williams as a Member Designated by the Alexandria Interfaith Association to the Ad Hoc City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
18. Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals
1 Citizen Member
City Council appointed Joseph Lee as a Citizen Member to the Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals. Council Member Rich mentioned the number of good applicants and encouraged them to apply again for this or a similar board.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
19. Alexandria Commission for the Arts
1 Member Who Represents 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 appointed Alisa Carrel as a Member Who Represents 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.
Councilwoman Pepper encouraged Donna Carter to apply for the next vacancy. She had an excellent application and would be really perfect for this job.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
20. Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
2 Citizen Members
City Council reappointed Murray Bonitt and Antoine Cobb as Citizen Members to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
21. Alexandria Youth Policy Commission
1 Member of A Profession Which Requires
Special Training or Knowledge In Issues Affecting Youth
City Council reappointed Marvin Wagner as a Member of a Profession Which Requires Special Training or Knowledge in Issues Affecting Youth to the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission.
Council Action:_______________________________________________________________
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:37 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
The Joint Working Group For a Cameron Station Community Center (JWG) which includes members of the Commissions on Aging and Park and Recreation and other members at-large, is holding a summit meeting on October 29, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia, to discuss its draft final report to define a "community center" project at Cameron Station.
It is anticipated that more than two Council Members will be in attendance.
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Public Notice
City Council will hold a Work Session to discuss School issues on Wednesday, November 4, 1998, at 6:30 p.m., in the 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.* * * * *
Public Notice
The Alexandria Call to Community Kick-Off Event will be held on Sunday, November 8, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia. The Keynote Speaker will be The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, United States House of Representatives. There will be a Panel Discussion on Community Perspectives.
It is anticipated that more than two Council Members will be in attendance.* * * * *