CLERK'S BOARD SUMMARY  

REPORT OF ACTIONS OF THE

FAIRFAX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

MONDAY

February 6, 2006

 

 

This does not represent a verbatim transcript of the Board Meeting and is subject to minor change.  For the most up-to-date version, check the website http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/main.htm.  This document will be made available in an alternative format upon request.  Please call 703-324-3151 (VOICE), 703‑324-3903 (TTY).

 

 

KMD:kmd

 

 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County, Virginia, held in the Board Auditorium of the Government Center at Fairfax, Virginia, on Monday, February 6, 2006, at 9:36 a.m., there were present:

 

·        Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, presiding

 

·        Supervisor Sharon Bulova, Braddock District

 

·        Supervisor Michael Frey, Sully District

 

·        Supervisor Penelope A. Gross, Mason District

 

·        Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins, Hunter Mill District

 

·        Supervisor Gerald W. Hyland, Mount Vernon District

 

·        Supervisor Elaine McConnell, Springfield District

 

·        Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth, Providence District

 

                        Supervisor Dana Kauffman, Lee District, arrived at 9:40 a.m.

 

Supervisor Joan M. DuBois, Dranesville District, arrived at 9:45 a.m.

 

Others present during the meeting were Anthony H. Griffin, County Executive; David P. Bobzien, County Attorney; Catherine A. Chianese, Assistant to the County Executive; Regina Thorn Corbett, Administrative Assistant, Office of the County Executive; Nancy Vehrs, Clerk to the Board of Supervisors; and Patti M. Hicks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board of Supervisors.

BOARD MATTERS

 

1.                     MOMENT OF SILENCE  (9:36 a.m.)

                       

                        Chairman Connolly asked that everyone keep in thoughts the miners from West Virginia who recently lost their lives.

 

                        Chairman Connolly asked that everyone keep in thoughts the victims of the ferry tragedy in Egypt.

 

                        Supervisor Hudgins asked that everyone keep in thoughts the family of Coretta Scott King who died January 31. Supervisor Hudgins noted the tremendous contributions Mrs. King, and her husband Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made to the world.

 

                        Chairman Connolly asked that everyone keep in thoughts the family of John F. "Jack" Herrity, former Chairman of the Board, who died February 1.   Board Members shared memories of Mr. Herrity.

 

                        Supervisor Smyth asked that everyone keep in thoughts the family Mr. Tom Biesiadny.  His father died unexpectedly.  Mr. Biesiadny is an employee in the Department of Transportation.

 

AGENDA ITEMS

 

2.                     PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 12–18, 2006, AS “CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK” IN FAIRFAX COUNTY  (9:43 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Bulova moved approval of the Proclamation to designate February 12–18, 2006, as “Child Passenger Safety Week” in Fairfax County.  Supervisor Hudgins seconded the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor DuBois not yet having arrived. 

 

3.                     CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO MR. CARL BOUCHARD  (9:49 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Bulova moved approval of the Certificate of Recognition presented to Mr. Carl Bouchard for his years of service to the County.  Supervisor Hyland seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote.

 

DS:ds

 

4.                     10 A.M. – REPORT ON GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTIVITIES  (9:55 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly briefed the Board on the status of several bills and the 2006 Legislative Report Number Two.

 

Supervisor Gross called the Board’s attention to proposed Senate Bill 706/House Bill 1404 which would repeal Virginia Code Section 15.2-2108 that established local authority to franchise and regulate cable television systems and will abolish the County’s authority over cable system construction once the bill is enacted.  She noted an item on the agenda, Admin 13 – Authorization to File Comments Supporting the County’s Existing Cable Franchising Authority Communications Commission Rulemaking Relating to Awards of Competitive Franchises (MB Docket Number 05‑311), and questioned why comments were being filed when it looks like the State is going to eliminate the County’s authority to enter into competitive cable franchise agreements.

 

Discussion ensued, with input from Erin Ward, Assistant County Attorney, regarding clarification of State versus Federal authority on this issue.

 

Chairman Connolly urged Board Members to talk to members of the General Assembly regarding this issue.

 

Supervisor Hudgins noted that negotiations with the provider for the Verizon franchise was done in record time last year.

 

Chairman Connolly noted that this bill would damage public, education, and government (PEG) Channels and PEG support; as well as eliminate the ability, in terms of competition, to require a level playing field, and do serious damage to the ability of consumers to seek redress.

 

Chairman Connolly recognized the presence of media and suggested they review the comparison and report it to their readers and viewers because the more that this is brought to light, the more accountability there is on how Richmond votes as well as the Board.

 

Supervisor Gross noted that under the new rules, if adopted, the cable build out requirements would drop.  The current franchise agreement for build out requires that it must serve 85 percent of the County.  Under the new rule it would only have to serve 65 percent.  She said that there are areas in the County where people have been pleading for cable service over the years.

 

Discussion ensued, with input from Ms. Ward, regarding the franchise agreement issues.

 

Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to provide copies of the handout regarding SB 706/HB 1404 to Board Members so they can distribute copies to colleagues at the VACo meeting scheduled for February 9, 2006.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

(NOTE:  Later in the meeting, staff provided copies.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#61.)

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

Chairman Connolly noted that former Governor Warner provided additional money for education in the proposed budget.  Governor Kaine added to that, and, if his amendment becomes law, the County will receive $1.3 million more for teacher compensation, which is NOT included in the Superintendent’s budget.

 

Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and moved adoption of the Legislative Report dated February 6, 2006.  Supervisor Hyland seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote.

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

DET:det

 

5.                     ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS   (10:10 a.m.)

 

                        Supervisor Gross moved approval of the Administrative Items.  Supervisor Hyland seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote, Supervisor Bulova, Supervisor DuBois, Supervisor Frey, Supervisor Gross, Supervisor Hudgins, Supervisor Hyland, Supervisor Kauffman, Supervisor McConnell, Supervisor Smyth, and Chairman Connolly voting “AYE.”

 

                        (NOTE:  Later in the meeting, additional action was taken regarding administrative items.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#6.)

 

ADMIN 1 – EXTENSION OF REVIEW PERIOD FOR 2232 PUBLIC FACILITIES REVIEW APPLICATIONS (BRADDOCK, HUNTER MILL, MASON, MOUNT VERNON, AND SPRINGFIELD DISTRICTS)

 

Approved an extension of review period for the following 2232 Public Facilities Review Applications:

 

Application Number	Description	New Date
2232-V05-22	Omnipoint Communications CAP Operations, LLC (T-Mobile) 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road (Mount Vernon High School) Mount Vernon District	April 20, 2006
FSA-H02-15-1	Omnipoint Communications CAP Operations, LLC (T-Mobile) Antenna co-location on existing 299‑foot tall tower 4608 West Ox Road Springfield District	April 20, 2006
FS-S05-38	Omnipoint Communications CAP Operations, LLC (T-Mobile) Antenna co-location on existing 150‑foot tall treepole 7212 Early Street Mason District	April 27, 2006
FS-M05-39	City of Fairfax Relocation of existing uses to accommodate a public street on site 10514 School Street (Eleven Oaks Administrative Center) Braddock District	April 27, 2006
FS-B05-41	Omnipoint Communications CAP Operations, LLC (T-Mobile) Relocation of existing rooftop antennas to new position 13865 Sunrise Valley Drive Hunter Mill District	May 1, 2006

 

ADMIN 2 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN LAND RIGHTS NECESSARY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STONE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (SULLY DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. to consider the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of Project 008801, Stone Road, in Fund 301, Contributed Roadway Improvement Fund.

 

ADMIN 3 – INSTALLATION OF A MULTI-WAY STOP AT BIRNAM WOOD DRIVE AND MACBETH STREET AS PART OF THE RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM (R-TAP) (DRANESVILLE DISTRICT)

 

·        Endorsed the installation of a multi-way stop as part of the R-TAP at Birnam Wood Drive and MacBeth Street (Dranesville District).

 

·        Directed staff to request the Virginia Department of Transportation to install the necessary signs at the earliest possible date.

 

ADMIN 4 – RESOLUTION TO INSTALL A "WATCH FOR CHILDREN" SIGN ON FLAMBOROUGH ROAD AS PART OF THE RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM (R-TAP) (SULLY DISTRICT)

 

(R)

·        Adopted the Resolution endorsing the installation of a “Watch for Children” sign on Flamborough Road (Sully District) as part of the Department of Transportation’s R-TAP.   ·        Directed staff to request the Virginia Department of Transportation to install the necessary signs at the earliest possible date.

 

                        ADMIN 5 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF FAIRFAX, APPENDIX M, TO EXPAND THE FAIR OAKS/FAIR WOODS COMMUNITY PARKING DISTRICT (CPD) (SULLY DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Appendix M, to expand the Fair Oaks/Fair Woods CPD, in accordance with current CPD restrictions.

 

                        ADMIN 6 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF FAIRFAX, APPENDIX M, TO EXPAND THE KINGSTOWNE COMMUNITY PARKING DISTRICT (CPD) (LEE DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Appendix M, to expand the Kingstowne CPD, in accordance with current CPD restrictions.

ADMIN 7 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF FAIRFAX, APPENDIX M, TO ESTABLISH THE HILLSIDE COMMUNITY PARKING DISTRICT (CPD) (SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Appendix M, to establish the Hillside CPD, in accordance with current CPD restrictions.

ADMIN 8 – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION (SAR) AS 06055 FOR FAIRFAX COUNTY TO ACCEPT A DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY URBAN AREAS SECURITY INITIATIVE SUB-GRANT AWARD FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND JUSTICE

 

                        (NOTE:  Later in the meeting, the Board took additional action regarding this item.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#6.)

 

(SAR)              Approved SAR AS 06055 in the amount of $124,989 for the County to accept funding from the DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice to continue funding for the National Capital Region Training and Exercise Support Program and one grant position within the Office of Emergency Management.  No local cash match is required.

 

                        ADMIN 9 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED PLAN ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2007

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. on the Proposed Consolidated Plan One-Year Action Plan for FY 2007 as prepared by the Consolidated Community Funding Advisory Committee.

 

ADMIN 10 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPOT BLIGHT ABATEMENT ORDINANCE FOR 11717 LEE HIGHWAY (SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. to consider adoption of a Spot Blight Abatement Ordinance for 11717 Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia [Tax Map Number 056-2-((01))-0066].

 

ADMIN 11 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPOT BLIGHT ABATEMENT ORDINANCE FOR 7376 McWHORTER PLACE (BRADDOCK DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. to consider adoption of a Spot Blight Abatement Ordinance for 7376 McWhorter Place, Annandale, Virginia [Tax Map Number 071-1-((01))-0028].

 

ADMIN 12 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE LEASING OF A PORTION OF COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 9751 OX ROAD, LORTON, VIRGINIA TO T-MOBILE NORTHEAST LLC (MOUNT VERNON DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 13, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. to consider the proposed leasing of a portion of County-owned property at 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, Virginia (Tax Map Number 113-1-01-0015) to T-Mobile Northeast LLC for the purpose of installing a telecommunications base station.

 

ADMIN 13 – AUTHORIZATION TO FILE COMMENTS SUPPORTING THE COUNTY’S EXISTING CABLE FRANCHISING AUTHORITY IN A FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RULEMAKING RELATING TO AWARDS OF COMPETITIVE FRANCHISES (MB DOCKET NUMBER 05‑311)

 

(NOTE:  Earlier in the meeting, additional action was taken regarding this item.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#4.)

 

Authorized staff to file comments with the Federal Communications Commission that support the County’s existing authority to enter into competitive cable franchise agreements and opposing any new federal restriction of the County’s franchising authority.

 

ADMIN 14 – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION (SAR) AS 06059 FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ACCEPT A SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT AWARD FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE FOR BIOTERRORISM PROGRAM

 

(SAR)              Approved SAR AS 06059 for the Health Department to accept funding in the amount of $174,912 from the Virginia Department of Health to provide funding that will enhance the Health Department’s emergency preparedness and response capability.

 

6.                     ADDITIONAL ACTION ON ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS  (10:11 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Hudgins called the Board’s attention to Admin 8 – Supplemental Appropriation Resolution AS 06055 for Fairfax County to Accept a Department of Homeland Security Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Sub-Grant Award from the District of Columbia, Executive Office of the Mayor, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice.  Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and, jointly with Supervisor Hudgins, asked unanimous consent that the Board direct the County Executive to provide more information on the history of UASI grants.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

                        Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

7.                     A-1 – CHARTER AND BYLAWS FOR THE COUNTYWIDE NON‑MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION (TRAILS) COMMITTEE  (10:11 a.m.)

 

(BACs)            Supervisor Hudgins moved that the Board concur in the recommendation of staff and adopt the revised charter and new bylaws for the Countywide Non-motorized Transportation (Trails) Committee.  Supervisor Bulova seconded the motion.

 

Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and moved to amend the motion to formally rename the Countywide Non-motorized Transportation (Trails) Committee the “Trails and Sidewalk Committee” or the “Sidewalk and Trails Committee”, and this was accepted. 

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the change of the name of the committee.

 

Supervisor Gross called the Board’s attention to the bylaw provisions and stated that there was no place in the bylaws which governed the operating procedures of the committee.  Supervisor Gross asked to amend the motion to add handwritten page 4, under “C – Meetings:”

 

·        Number 2: Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the operational document for meetings and decision making.

 

This was accepted.

 

Supervisor Bulova asked unanimous consent that the Board direct the committee to review where it is using the words “facilities” and “non-motorized facilities,” and that the committee review whether it should change those words to fit with the new name.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The question was called on the motion, as amended, and it carried by unanimous vote.

8.                     I-1 – CONTRACT AWARD – NORTH RIVER STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT (DRANESVILLE DISTRICT)  (10:16 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated February 6, 2006, requesting authorization for staff to award a contract to Omni Excavators, Incorporated, in the amount of $537,619.75 for the construction of North River Street Drainage Improvement, in Fund 310, Storm Drainage Bond Construction, Project X00094, Storm Drainage Structural Protection.

 

                        The staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

 

9.                     I-2 – CONTRACT AWARD – ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR STORM SEWER REPAIRS USING CURED-IN-PLACE PIPE (CIPP) METHOD  (10:16 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated February 6, 2006, requesting authorization for staff to award a contract to AM‑Liner East, Incorporated, in the amount of $4,649,400 for the rehabilitation of storm sewer lines in sizes 15” or greater using the CIPP method.

 

                        Following discussion, concerning the CIPP method, with input from Anthony H. Griffin, County Executive, and Jimmie D. Jenkins, Director, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

 

10.                   I-3 – CONTRACT AWARD – KATHERINE K. HANLEY FAMILY SHELTER (SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT)  (10:18 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated February 6, 2006, requesting authorization for staff to award a contract to Brechbill and Helman Construction Company, Incorporated, in the amount of $4,686,000 for the construction of the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter, Project 009464 in Fund 303, County Construction.

 

                        The staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

 

11.                   I-4 – CONTRACT AWARD – DESIGN SERVICES FOR “THE OBSERVATORY PARK” AT THE TURNER FARM (DRANESVILLE DISTRICT)  (10:18 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated February 6, 2006, requesting authorization for staff to award a contract to Technology WorX, LLC of Ashburn, Virginia, in the amount of $189,542 for phase one design and related services for features in The Turner Farm Conceptual Development Plan approved July 26, 2000.

 

                        The staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

12.                   I-5 – NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK, FEBRUARY 6–10, 2006, SUMMARY OF EVENTS SCHEDULED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CABLE COMMUNICATIONS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION  (10:18 a.m.)

 

The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated February 6, 2006, regarding the summary of events scheduled for National Consumer Protection Week, February 6–10, 2006.

 

ADDITIONAL BOARD MATTERS

 

NV:nv

 

13.                   STATE OF THE COUNTY MESSAGE  (10:19 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly announced that he would be presenting his third annual State of the County on February 13.  He said that he would provide an advance copy to all Board Members.

 

14.                   SUMMIT AND TOWN MEETING ON PANDEMIC FLU  (10:19 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly announced that this was a joint Board Matter with Supervisor McConnell.  He reminded everyone that an influenza pandemic would have a significant impact on all age groups, the economy, and society.  He said that businesses, schools, colleges, faith-based and community groups, individuals, and the government can and should prepare now. 

 

Chairman Connolly said that the County is working on a coordinated local strategy to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic, which would supplement the state and federal plans.  Because there is much public and business concern regarding the possibility of such an epidemic, he asserted that it is essential that the public be adequately educated and has the opportunity to ask questions.

 

Therefore, Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and, jointly with Supervisor McConnell, moved that the Board direct staff to:

 

·        Coordinate both a business summit and a town meeting.  The town meeting should follow the model used to address West Nile virus in which citizens could either attend or call-in to the televised event and receive a briefing on the County’s plan of action in an interactive way.

 

·        Include the County Executive, the Director of the Health Department, the Chief of Police, the Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, the Director of Public Affairs, and all other appropriate parties in both of these events.

 

Supervisor McConnell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.

 

(NOTE: Later in the meeting, Chairman Connolly distributed a newspaper article related to the flu.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#21.)

 

15.                   NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK  (10:21 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly moved that the Board proclaim February 19-25, 2006, as  “Engineers Week”  in Fairfax County and direct staff to invite the appropriate representatives from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and other engineering representatives to receive the proclamation at the February 27 Board meeting.  Supervisor McConnell seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.

 

16.                   PUBLIC WORKS WEEK  (10:21 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly asked unanimous consent that the Board proclaim May 14-20 as “Public Works Week” in Fairfax County and direct staff to invite representatives from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to be recognized for their hard work on the behalf of citizens with a proclamation at the May 15 Board meeting. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

17.                   MEDIATION MONTH  (10:22 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly noted that March is traditionally recognized as Mediation Month.  Therefore, he asked unanimous consent that the Board proclaim March 2006 as “Mediation Month” in Fairfax County and direct staff to invite the appropriate representatives from the County’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Office as well as the applicable School Division office to receive the proclamation at the February 27 Board meeting. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Supervisor Frey noted that George Mason University (GMU) also has a conflict resolution program.

 

Accordingly, Chairman Connolly asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to invite representatives from GMU also.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

18.                   NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK  (10:22 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly asked unanimous consent that the Board proclaim April 2-8, as “National Public Health Week” in Fairfax County and direct staff to invite appropriate representatives from the Health Department and the Health Care Advisory Board to receive the proclamation at the April 3 Board meeting. 

 

19.                   LAND USE INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY GROUP  (10:23 a.m.)

 

(BACs)            Chairman Connolly said that at the Board’s last meeting (January 23), the Board  approved the creation of a Land Use Information Accessibility Advisory Group to work with the County Executive and appropriate County staff to overhaul how land use information is made available to the public.  He suggested that this Advisory Group should consist of representatives from various citizen and business organizations, including the League of Women Voters, the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, the Environmental Quality Advisory Council, the Planning Commission, and the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations.

 

Chairman Connolly moved the appointment of Walter Alcorn, At-Large Chairman’s Representative to the Planning Commission, to chair this advisory group.  Supervisor Smyth seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.

 

Following discussion regarding the appointment of citizens, Chairman Connolly stated that those nominations should be forwarded to the Clerk to the Board.  He expressed the desire to keep this a relatively small working group.

 

Following further discussion regarding district land use committees, Chairman Connolly clarified that the advisory group is created for a technology effort, not for actual land use.

 

Supervisor Frey asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to seek representatives from the Information Technology Policy Advisory Committee and the Northern Virginia Technology Council.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Following further discussion regarding input from district land use committees, Chairman Connolly noted that Board Members may appoint representatives as appropriate.

 

20.                   COMMISSION ON ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION BEST PRACTICES  (10:25 a.m.)

 

(BACs)            Chairman Connolly called the Board’s attention to a paper he received from Michael Zak, Chairman of the Commission on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, outlining its views on the best practices for the adoption of living organ donor personnel policies for public and private entities.  This was in response to questions that Chairman Connolly raised with the commission.  Living donors, who make this decision in an act of altruism, are becoming an important part of organ donation.  The commission believes that removing
barriers in the workplace is consistent with existing law and “makes good sense.”  Chairman Connolly expressed appreciation to the commission for its continued dedication and commended the referenced paper to the Board for its perusal.

 

                        A brief discussion ensued regarding personnel policies for donors.

 

21.                   NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE ON BIRD FLU READINESS  (10:27 a.m.)

 

(NOTE: Earlier in the meeting, the Board took action regarding a summit and town meeting on the subject of a pandemic flu.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#14.)

 

Chairman Connolly distributed copies of an article entitled “State and Cities Lag in Bird Flu Readiness” from today’s edition of The New York Times.

 

22.                   ORDERS OF THE DAY  (10:28 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly stated that the Board would have a major announcement with respect to the preservation of housing immediately following closed session.  There will be a short press briefing at that time.

 

(NOTE: Later in the meeting, the Board made this announcement.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#51.)

 

23.                   COMMENDATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TAX ADMINISTRATION (DTA)  (10:28 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Hudgins shared a recent letter she received from a new Reston resident commending staff of DTA for outstanding customer service.  Accordingly, Supervisor Hudgins moved that the Board:

 

·        Acknowledge the hard work of DTA, its director Kevin Greenlief; the staff member who assisted the constituent, Tina Crabtree; and all the others who wear the face of the County when residents least want to appreciate their hard work, at tax payment time.

 

·        Direct staff to place a letter in the personnel files of Ms. Crabtree and Mr. Greenlief, acknowledging the Board’s appreciation for their outstanding customer service continuously provided in DTA.

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova seconded the motion and noted the receipt of similar complimentary letters she has received from constituents.

 

The question was called on the motion, which carried by a vote of nine, Chairman Connolly being out of the room.

 

24.                   RECOGNITION OF HYPOTHERMIA RESPONSE PROGRAM  (10:30 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Hudgins stated that 18 Faith Partner Communities, in partnership with the Fairfax Area Christian Emergency and Transitional Services, Incorporated (FACETS), the County, and the Lamb Center, provide a winter Hypothermia Response Program to transport, shelter, feed, entertain, and assist homeless citizens.  Beginning December 1, 2005, and scheduled to end April 1, 2006, these 18 Faith Partner venues and the County’s James Lee Center, with hundreds of volunteers, have assisted 50 to 85 of the area’s homeless citizens on a nightly basis with a myriad of services.

 

Accordingly, Supervisor Hudgins moved that the Board direct staff to invite the Council on Homelessness and representatives from these Faith Partners, FACETS, and the Lamb Center to appear before the Board to be recognized for the Hypothermia Response Program and for remarkable and outstanding service to some of the County’s most vulnerable citizens.  Supervisor McConnell and Supervisor Smyth jointly seconded the motion.

 

Following discussion regarding similar efforts by churches in the southeastern part of the County, Vice-Chairman Bulova clarified that Supervisor Hudgins’ motion would invite members of the faith communities throughout the County that participate in this program.

 

The question was called on the motion, as clarified, which carried by a vote of nine, Chairman Connolly being out of the room.

 

25.                   HIGH RISE AFFORDABILITY PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS  (10:33 a.m.)

 

(P)                   Supervisor Hudgins reminded the Board that at its October 17, 2005, meeting, it agreed in principle that, where feasible, the provision of affordable/workforce housing throughout the County is highly desirable and in the public interest.  The Board directed staff to expeditiously review and research an analysis presented at the previous Housing and Community Development Committee meeting, and it further agreed that an expert panel would work with staff to develop a policy statement and guidelines to be forwarded to the Board for approval pertaining to the affordability of high rise and workforce housing development in the County.  At the meeting of the Housing and Community Development Committee held earlier in the morning, staff presented a unanimous recommendation on behalf of the panel.

 

Supervisor Hudgins moved that the Board accept and adopt the High Rise Affordability Panel’s Policy Statement and Guidelines and proceed with the following recommendations:

 

·        That the County establish a Policy that supports affordable/workforce housing for a range of moderate income families with incomes up to 120 percent of the Area Median Income.

 

·        That the County may consider a variety of options to encourage the development and preservation of affordable/workforce housing, including amending the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and including the use of density bonuses.

 

·        That the County will actively participate, as appropriate, in the development of affordable/workforce housing, potentially by providing and facilitating public/private financing and the granting or leasing of County-owned and other available land.

 

·        That the County may consider a variety of regulatory changes to foster affordable/workforce housing, such as potentially the reduction of development and operating costs, and increased flexibility in development requirements.

 

·        That the County will actively work to implement long-term affordable/workforce housing for rental and home ownership.

 

Supervisor Hudgins further moved that the Board direct the panel to continue its deliberations to develop a series of more specific recommended actions to be presented to the Board for consideration no later than June 30, 2006; and further, that should the panel require expansion to accommodate necessary insight and input from desired segments of the industry, that it be expanded as needed.  Names of those individuals will be submitted to the Board for appointment.  Supervisor Hyland seconded the motion

 

Following a brief discussion regarding affordable housing, homelessness, and workforce housing, the question was called on the motion, which carried by unanimous vote.

 

26.                   MASTER GARDENER DAY  (10:38 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Smyth noted that the Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization of volunteers who receive training under the auspices of Virginia and Fairfax County Cooperative Extension offices.  The first class of Fairfax County Master Gardeners graduated on March 25, 1976, nearly 30 years ago.  She described the services they offer.

 

Accordingly, Supervisor Smyth asked unanimous consent that the Board proclaim March 25 as “Master Gardener Day” in Fairfax County and direct staff to invite Master Gardeners to the March 13 Board meeting to be recognized for their service to the community.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

27.                   SENIOR CITIZEN ISSUES MEETING (PROVIDENCE DISTRICT)  (10:40 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Smyth announced that the Mantua Civic Association and her office are co-sponsoring a Senior Citizens Issues meeting on Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mantua Elementary School cafeteria, 9107 Horner Court in Fairfax.  The meeting will begin with opening remarks and a welcome as well as a presentation from Chairman Connolly on tax breaks for seniors.  This will be followed by panel presentations on transportation for seniors, affordable senior housing, community-based senior services, and Medicare Part D.  There will also be a question-and-answer session and a resource fair.  The meeting should be of interest to the many residents who are seniors or those who provide care, advice, or assistance to seniors.

 

More information about this meeting is available by calling Supervisor Smyth’s office at 703-560-6946, TTY 711.

 

Supervisor Smyth asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff in the Office of Public Affairs to publicize this meeting.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

28.                   ANNANDALE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (BRADDOCK DISTRICT)  (10:41 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Bulova said that two years ago her office, in partnership with Braddock District School Board Member Tessie Wilson, hosted a six month Community Dialog to determine ways to address the emergence of gang activity in the Heritage/Annandale area.  She distributed to the Board copies of the slate of recommendations resulting from the Dialog.

 

Supervisor Bulova said that two of the recommendations called for the following:

 

·        Establishment of a stronger school-community partnership.

 

·        Coordination of communication and outreach to the Heritage/Annandale community for providing information about the presence of gang activity and intervention and prevention resources that are available to assist families and neighbors with any kind of problems in that community.

 

Supervisor Bulova said that as a follow up to the Community Dialog, its participants believed that a good way to implement those recommendations would be to establish an Annandale Family Resource Center.  Officers from the West Springfield Police Station, representa