CLERK'S BOARD SUMMARY

REPORT OF ACTIONS OF THE

FAIRFAX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

MONDAY

March 13, 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).

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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, March 13, 2006, at 9:47 a.m., there were present:

· Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, presiding

· Supervisor Sharon Bulova, Braddock District

· Supervisor Joan M. DuBois, Dranesville 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 9:48 a.m.

 

Supervisor Michael Frey, Sully District, arrived at 9:48 a.m.

 

Others present during the meeting were Anthony H. Griffin, County Executive; David P. Bobzien, County Attorney; J. Patrick Taves, Deputy 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  (9:47 a.m.)

                       

                        Chairman Connolly asked that everyone keep in thoughts the family of Tom Fox, a Virginia resident and former County resident.  Mr. Fox was being held hostage with fellow peace activists in Iraq and was recently found dead.

 

Supervisor DuBois asked that everyone keep in thoughts the family of US Army Specialist Felipe Garcia-Villareal who died of injuries sustained while he was stationed in  Iraq.  He was a graduate of Herndon High School and a resident of THE County. 

 

Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to fly County flags at half staff and assist the family with police escort for the funeral, if necessary.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

Supervisor Bulova asked that everyone keep in thoughts the family of Aaron Brown, the college student from North Springfield who was fatally shot by an off-duty Alexandria police officer.

 

Supervisor Hyland asked that everyone keep in thoughts the family of Mr. Gene Ball, a long time resident of Alexandria and active member of the community, who died recently.  Mr. Ball was a retired US Army Major, the former Chairman of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union, and a founding member of the Lupus Foundation of Greater Washington, DC.  Supervisor Hyland noted that he would be attending his funeral later this morning.

 

2.                     SUPERVISOR FREY TO SHAVE HIS HEAD FOR SAINT BALDRICK’S  DAY CHARITY (SULLY DISTRICT)  (9:50 a.m.)

 

                        Chairman Connolly noted that this would be the last Board meeting before Supervisor Frey shaves his head for a charity event held by Saint Baldrick’s.  This charity event will take place on March 17, 2006, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Fast Eddie’s in Centreville.  Supervisor Frey, along with other community members, will shave his head in support of the charity for children suffering from cancer.  Additional information on this charity can be found at:  http://www.stbaldricks.org/default.asp

 

(NOTE:  Later in the meeting, there was additional discussion regarding this matter.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#46.)

 

AGENDA ITEMS

 

3.                     CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO MR. BRUCE ARENA  (9:55 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and moved approval of the Certificate of Recognition presented to Mr. Bruce Arena for his leadership as a soccer coach.  Supervisor Frey and Supervisor McConnell jointly seconded the motion and it carried by unanimous vote.

 

4.                     PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF MARCH 13–17, 2006, AS “MS AWARENESS WEEK” IN FAIRFAX COUNTY  (9:58 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly moved approval of the Proclamation to designate the week of March 13–17, 2006, as “MS Awareness Week” in Fairfax County.  Supervisor DuBois and Supervisor Hudgins jointly seconded the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly. 

 

5.                     PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 25, 2006, AS “MASTER GARDENER DAY” IN FAIRFAX COUNTY AND CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO MASTER GARDENERS  (10:01 a.m.)

 

Supervisor Smyth moved approval of the Proclamation to designate March 25, 2006, as “Master Gardener Day” in Fairfax County and the Certificate of Recognition presented to master gardeners for their service to the community.  Supervisor Gross seconded the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room. 

 

6.                     PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 24, 2006, AS “TUBERCULOSIS AWARENESS DAY” IN FAIRFAX COUNTY  (10:07 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and moved approval of the Proclamation to designate March 24, 2006, as “Tuberculosis Awareness Day” in Fairfax County.  Supervisor Smyth seconded the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room. 

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

7.                     PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH 2006 AS “PURCHASING MONTH” IN FAIRFAX COUNTY  (10:14 a.m.)

 

(NOTE:  Earlier in the meeting, Supervisor Hyland announced that he would be attending a funeral.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#1.)

 

Chairman Connolly noted that Supervisor Hyland had left the Board meeting to attend Mr. Gene Bell’s funeral.  Therefore, on behalf of Supervisor Hyland, Supervisor Bulova moved approval of the Proclamation to designate March 2006 as “Purchasing Month” in Fairfax County.  Supervisor Smyth seconded the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

8.                     10 A.M. – PRESENTATION OF THE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT  (10:22 a.m.)

 

(BACs)            Tim Fleming, Chairman, Volunteer Fire Commission, presented its annual report.

 

A brief discussion ensued regarding recruitment.

 

Supervisor Gross asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to provide additional information in the final report on the effect, if any, of the implementation of the ambulance fee on fundraising.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Supervisor Kauffman asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to assist the fire chiefs in publicizing volunteer opportunities.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Additional discussion ensued regarding the Ludwig Study and the inclusion of the volunteer assessment in the final report.

 

9.                     10:15 A.M. – PRESENTATION OF THE FAIRFAX-FALLS CHURCH COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD (CSB) ANNUAL REPORT  (10:39 a.m.)

 

(BACs)            Renee Alberts, At-Large Representative, CSB, presented its annual report.

 

Discussion ensued with input from James A. Thur, Executive Director, CSB; Mary W. Kudless, Deputy Director, CSB; and John F. DeFee, Ph.D., Director, Mental Health Services; regarding:

 

·        Percentage of contribution by the County in comparison with neighboring counties and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

·        Detoxification diversion outreach teams.

 

·        Contract agencies for the Alcohol and Drug Services.

 

·        Mental Health Services’ Jail Diversion Program.

 

·        Adult assessment waiting list for mental health services and staffing of those services.

 

Supervisor Gross moved that the Board direct staff to report within 90 days, or by the June 19, 2006, Board meeting, with an analysis of the issue of the staffing problems with the adult mental health assessment waiting period and recommendations on how to remedy the problem.  Chairman Connolly seconded the motion.

 

Supervisor Hudgins asked to amend the motion to include youth assessment in the analysis, and this was accepted.

 

The question was called on the motion, as amended, and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

Supervisor Gross asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to provide additional information regarding the trend indicating an increase in the number of consumers for mental retardation services before the budget process.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to provide, in the future, per person and per unit cost and the number of people served.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

Chairman Connolly recognized the presence of other members of the CSB in the audience.

 

Additional discussion ensued regarding the Leadership and Resiliency Program.

 

DS:ds

 

10.                   10:30 A.M. – REPORT ON GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTIVITIES  (11:18 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly briefed the Board on General Assembly activities, noting that

the General Assembly failed to adopt a budget and a transportation program.

 

Chairman Connolly called the Board’s attention to a Board matter, which he distributed, regarding House Bill (HB) 1290 and Senate Bill 260, which pertain to local personal property taxation of machinery and tools used by manufacturers and will come before the Governor shortly for signature.  As passed, these bills create a new definition of “idle machinery,” which is exempt from taxation.  The new definition is difficult to verify, thus creating a loophole in assessing fair market value of personal property.  Machinery and Tools taxation produces $3.9 million in personal property tax revenue in the County; although not all of this revenue would be jeopardized, the assumption that certain tangible personal property shall be exempt from taxation because it is temporarily idle creates a troubling precedent for other local taxation.

 

Chairman Connolly stated that a possible alternative is already included in the legislation.  Language in HB 1290 mandates that a working group be convened to study certain manufacturing issues, including a uniform methodology for taxing idle machinery.  The exemption for idle machinery should be stricken from the proposed legislation to allow the study mandated by HB 1290 to be completed by all interested parties.

 

Therefore, Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and moved that the Board endorse a letter, signed by the Chair, to Governor Timothy Kaine, requesting him to amend this legislation accordingly.  Supervisor Kauffman seconded the motion.

 

Discussion ensued, with input from Susan E. Mittereder, Legislative Director, and Tom Biesiadny, Chief, Coordination and Funding Section, Department of Transportation, regarding transportation issues.

 

The question was called on the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

Chairman Connolly further moved:

 

·        Adoption of the Legislative Report on General Assembly Activities dated March 13, 2006.

 

·        That the Board commend staff for their efforts, on behalf of the Board, in Richmond.

 

Supervisor DuBois and Supervisor Smyth jointly seconded the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

Vice-Chairman Bulova returned the gavel to Chairman Connolly.

 

11.                   ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS   (11:25 a.m.)

 

                        Supervisor Gross moved approval of the Administrative Items.  Supervisor Bulova seconded the motion.

 

                        Supervisor Hudgins asked to amend the motion to consider Admin 11 separately, and this was accepted.

 

Supervisor Smyth called the Board’s attention to Admin 6 – Additional Time to Commence Construction for Special Exception Application SE 2003-PR-005, Riggs Bank, NA (Providence District) and asked to amend the motion to approve 3 months of additional time to commence construction, instead of the requested 12 months.  This was accepted.

                       

                        Supervisor Kauffman called the Board’s attention to Admin 7 – Additional Time to Commence Construction for Special Exception Amendment application SEA 91-L-053-4, Springfield East LC (Lee District) and asked to amend the motion to approve 12 months of additional time to commence construction, instead of the requested 24 months.  This was accepted.

 

The question was called on the motion, as amended, to approve the Administrative Items, with the exception of Admin 11, and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Bulova, Supervisor DuBois, Supervisor Frey, Supervisor Gross, Supervisor Hudgins, Supervisor Kauffman, Supervisor McConnell, Supervisor Smyth, and Chairman Connolly voting “AYE,” Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

                        ADMIN 1 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF FAIRFAX, CHAPTER 7 (ELECTIONS)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 27, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Chapter 7 (Elections) to:

 

·        Relocate the polling place for the Frying Pan precinct.

 

·        Rename the polling place facility for the Franconia precinct.

 

·        Relocate the polling place for the Lorton Center precinct.

 

·        Divide the Lorton precinct to create a new precinct and relocate its polling place.

 

·        Update the polling place address for the Leehigh precinct.

 

·        Establish the hours and dates of operation for the absentee voting satellites for the November 7, 2006, general election.

 

ADMIN 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION (SAR) AS 06068 FOR THE FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT (FCPD) TO ACCEPT VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY  MANAGEMENT (VDEM) GRANT FUNDING FOR THE STATE HOMELAND SECURITY BUFFER ZONE PROTECTION PROGRAM

 

(SAR)              Approved SAR AS 06068 for FCPD to accept a VDEM grant in the amount of $149,984 for Fiscal Year 2006 under the State Homeland Security Buffer Zone Protection Program.  This grant will support the acquisition of tools necessary for the protection and security of critical infrastructure within the County.  No local cash match is required.

 

ADMIN 3 – EXTENSION OF REVIEW PERIODS FOR 2232 PUBLIC FACILITIES REVIEW APPLICATIONS (HUNTER MILL, MASON, AND SULLY DISTRICTS)

 

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

 

Application Number	Description	New Date
FS-H05-42	Nextel Communications of the Mid-Atlantic, Incorporated Rooftop antennas 1760 Reston Parkway (Hunter Mill District)	May 21, 2006
FS-M05-43	Cingular Wireless Antenna co-location on existing 110-foot tall tree monopole 3435 Sleepy Hollow Road (Mason District)	May 21, 2006
FS-Y06-5	Fairfax Water 1200 feet of 24-inch water main Centreville Road, from Metrotech Drive to Skyhawk Drive (Sully District)	July 31, 2006

 

ADMIN 4 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF FAIRFAX, APPENDIX M, TO EXPAND THE SOUTHRUN COMMUNITY PARKING DISTRICT (CPD) (MOUNT VERNON DISTRICT)

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on April 3, 2006, at 4 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Appendix M, to expand the Southrun CPD.

 

ADMIN 5 – ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION AMENDMENT APPLICATION SEA 97‑Y‑035, FAIRFAX NURSING CENTER (SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT)

 

(AT)                 Approved the request for six months of additional time to commence construction for Special Exception Amendment Application SEA 97-Y-035 to August 28, 2006, pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-015 of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

ADMIN 6 – ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION SE 2003-PR-005, RIGGS BANK, N.A. (PROVIDENCE DISTRICT)

 

(AT)                 (NOTE:  Earlier in the meeting, action was taken regarding this item.  See page 7.)

 

Approved 3 months, instead of the requested 12 months, of additional time to commence construction for Special Exception Application SE 2003-PR-005 to June 13, 2006, pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-015 of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

ADMIN 7 – ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION AMENDMENT APPLICATION SEA 91‑L‑053-4, SPRINGFIELD EAST L.C. (LEE DISTRICT)

 

(AT)                 (NOTE:  Earlier in the meeting, action was taken regarding this item.  See page 7.)

 

Approved 12 months, instead of the requested 24 months, of additional time to commence construction for Special Exception Amendment Application SEA 91‑L-053-4 to October 28, 2006, pursuant to the provisions of Section 9‑015 of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

                       

ADMIN 8 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND THE CURRENT APPROPRIATION LEVEL IN THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2006 REVISED BUDGET PLAN

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on April 3, 4, and 5, 2006, at 7 p.m. to consider increasing the FY 2006 appropriation level (“Third Quarter Review”).

 

ADMIN 9 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE PUBLICATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2007 BUDGET AND REQUIRED TAX RATES

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of the following items, which are included in the proposed FY 2007 Budget:

 

·        A brief synopsis of the FY 2007 Budget and a notice of proposed adoption of a Resolution appropriating funds for FY 2007 to be advertised during the week ending March 23, 2006.  The proposed budget includes a real estate tax rate of $0.93 per $100 of assessed value.  This represents a $0.07 reduction per $100 of assessed value from the current real estate tax rate for FY 2006 of $1.00 per $100 of assessed value.

 

·        The notice required by Virginia Code Section 58.1-3321.

 

·        Public hearings on the proposed Advertised Capital Improvement Program for FYs 2007 – 2011 (with Future FYs to 2016).

 

·        Public hearing on the FY 2007 Effective Tax Rate – April 3, 2006.

 

ADMIN 10 – AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE BOARD MEMBERS’ ANNUAL SALARIES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008

 

(A)                   Authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on April 3, 2006, at 3:30 p.m. to consider increasing Board Members’ annual salary from $59,000 to $75,000 beginning with the next elected Board in January 2008.

 

ADMIN 11 – BOARD AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE BOUNDARY OF SMALL DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE (DRANESVILLE, HUNTER MILL, AND SULLY DISTRICTS)

 

(NOTE:  Earlier in the meeting, the Board deferred action on this item.  See page 6.)

 

(NOTE:  Later in the meeting, action was taken regarding this item.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#12.)

 

12.                   ADMIN 11 – BOARD AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE BOUNDARY OF SMALL DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE (DRANESVILLE, HUNTER MILL, AND SULLY DISTRICTS)  (11:27 a.m.)

 

(A)                   (NOTE:  Earlier in the meeting, the Board deferred action on this item.  See Clerk’s Summary Item CL#11.)

 

Supervisor Gross moved that the Board authorize the advertisement of a public hearing to be held before the Board on March 27, 2006, at 5 p.m. to consider adoption of a Resolution to revise the boundary of Small District Number 5, the special tax district that was formed to support the Reston Community Center and its activities.  Supervisor Hudgins seconded the motion.

 

Discussion ensued, with input from Michael Long, Senior Assistant County Attorney, regarding the map showing the boundaries, the Reston Master Plan, and Board Policy.

 

Supervisor Frey moved to amend the motion to add a Policy which states that only those members that were duly selected by the residents in the preference poll, and subsequently appointed by the Board, serve the remainder of his/her, term.  This motion died for lack of a second.

 

Chairman Connolly stated that it would be useful to have last minute Board Agenda Items paginated.

 

Additional discussion ensued, with input from Mr. Long and Kevin Greenlief, Director, Department of Tax Administration, regarding the real property tax billing date.

 

The question was called on the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

13.                   A-1 – AUTHORIZATION TO ALLOW THE FAIRFAX COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY (FCRHA) TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A 15.2-2232 DETERMINATION AS AGENT FOR THE BOARD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAGNET HOUSING FACILITY ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE BOARD AND NOTIFICATION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENTS FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAGNET HOUSING FACILITY (SULLY DISTRICT)  (11:38 a.m.)

 

On motion of Supervisor Frey, seconded by Supervisor Bulova, and carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room, the Board concurred in the recommendation of staff and authorized FCRHA, as agent for the Board, to submit an application for a determination pursuant to Section 15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia and inform the Board of the contract amendments for architectural and engineering services to implement the design and development of the Magnet Housing facility.

 

14.                   I-1 – LOCAL COMMENT LETTERS TO THE VIRGINIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (VHDA) ON CREVENNA OAKS APARTMENTS, SUMMIT OAKS APARTMENTS, AND WESTMINSTER OAKS APARTMENTS (BRADDOCK AND MOUNT VERNON DISTRICTS)  (11:39 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated March 13, 2006, requesting authorization for the County Executive to sign the letters of support for Crevenna Oaks, Summit Oaks, and Westminster Oaks Apartments and forward them to VHDA for consideration with the tax credit application.

 

                        The staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

 

15.                   I-2 – LOCAL COMMENT LETTER TO THE VIRGINIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (VHDA) ON SUNSET PARK APARTMENTS (MASON DISTRICT)  (11:39 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated March 13, 2006, requesting authorization for the County Executive to sign a letter of support for Sunset Park Apartments and forward it to VHDA for consideration with the tax credit application.

 

                        The staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

 

16.                   I-3 – LOCAL COMMENT LETTERS TO THE VIRGINIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (VHDA) ON JANNA LEE VILLAGE APARTMENTS, PHASE I AND PHASE II (LEE DISTRICT)  (11:39 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated March 13, 2006, requesting authorization for the County Executive to sign letters of support for Janna Lee Village Apartments, Phase I and Janna Lee Village Apartments, Phase II and forward them to VHDA for consideration with the tax credit application.

 

                        The staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

 

17.                   I-4 – LOCAL COMMENT LETTER TO THE VIRGINIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (VHDA) ON LITTLE RIVER GLEN III (BRADDOCK DISTRICT)  (11:39 a.m.)

 

                        The Board next considered an item contained in the Board Agenda dated March 13, 2006, requesting authorization for the County Executive to sign a letter of support for the Little River Glen III project and forward it to VHDA for consideration with the tax credit application.

 

                        With relation to I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-4, discussion ensued, with input from Louise Milder, Associate Director, Real Estate Finance and Grants Management Division, Department of Housing and Community Development, regarding the number of affordable housing units.

 

                        The staff was directed administratively to proceed as proposed.

 

ADDITIONAL BOARD MATTERS

 

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18.                   INITIATIVE ON THE ARTS  (11:41 a.m.)

 

(BACs)            Chairman Connolly said that his first Board Matter was presented jointly with Supervisor Gross to create an initiative on the arts.  He noted that the arts, “enlighten us, soothe us, and provide culture and aesthetics, and there’s not enough of them.”  Therefore, Chairman Connolly relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chairman Bulova and, jointly with Supervisor Gross, moved a Consideration Item of $1.1 million to be provided to the Council on the Arts to create a community funding pool, structured and administered similar to the community funding pool process in human services.  Grants provided from this pool would be awarded on a challenge grant basis of at least two for one.  The prospective recipient must demonstrate that it has attracted two net new dollars for every one awarded through the arts funding pool.  The purpose is to leverage tax dollars and encourage more private sector funding of the arts.  Supervisor Gross seconded the motion.

 

Discussion ensued regarding tourism, hospitality fees, the allocation of $100,000 of the $1.1 million for administration, an auditorium, and the fact that this initiative is for both performing as well as fine arts, with input from Anthony H. Griffin, County Executive.

 

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

 

Jointly with Supervisor Gross, Chairman Connolly moved that the Board create a Commission on the Future of the Arts to provide the County with a comprehensive examination of “whither the arts in our community.”  Such an examination should include, but not be limited to, the issues of the location and construction of a center for the arts in the County, the need for public art in public spaces, the promotion of local arts, the creation and maintenance of a Countywide arts directory, the integration of the arts with the growing diversity of the community, the role and relationship of arts and education, K-16 and beyond, the role and relationship of the arts to economic development and the business community, and the role and relationship of the arts to the government.

 

Membership on this commission should include academic leaders, representatives of the business community, and the Arts Council.  The County Executive is hereby requested to provide the Board with his recommendations on the final composition of the commission and its scope of work.  The final report and recommendations of the commission should be provided to the Board by its first meeting in January 2007.  Funding for the commission will be solicited from the private sector.  Supervisor Gross seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

19.                   METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY (MWAA) PROPOSAL FOR THE DULLES TOLL ROAD  (11:49 a.m.)

 

Chairman Connolly announced that this Board Matter was presented jointly with Supervisor DuBois, Supervisor Hudgins, and Supervisor Smyth.  He said that the MWAA recently submitted a proposal to take over operation of the Dulles Toll Road from the Virginia Department of Transportation.  This proposal would allow the second phase of the extension of Metrorail in the Dulles Corridor to proceed in a more timely fashion than currently proposed.  MWAA’s proposal is currently being evaluated by the Commonwealth of Virginia, along with other proposals which would transfer the ownership and operation of the Dulles Toll Road to private parties.  The proposal by the Airports Authority, however, holds significant and unique promise due to MWAA’s stake in the project, its history and track record of managing major construction projects, and the promise of completing Phase II of the Dulles Corridor well ahead of the current timeline.   However, as the Dulles Toll Road is currently a major public asset, the Board must ensure that the public continues to have a voice in its operation and management.

 

Accordingly, on behalf of Supervisor DuBois, Supervisor Hudgins, and Supervisor Smyth, Chairman Connolly moved that the Board:

 

·        Endorse the MWAA proposal, in concept, provided that the County and MWAA reach agreement on the creation of an inter-jurisdictional advisory body, pursuant to the draft resolution and memorandum of understanding (MOU) that he distributed to the Board. 

 

·        Direct staff to provide copies of this motion, the resolution, and the MOU to the executive director and chairman of MWAA, the Secretary of Transportation, the acting head of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and members of the County’s delegation to the General Assembly. 

 

Supervisor Smyth seconded the motion.

 

Discussion ensued, with input from Anthony H. Griffin, County Executive, regarding this important proposal including its timing and briefings, as well as public hearings that will be scheduled.

 

Supervisor Hudgins asked unanimous consent that the Board direct the County Executive to provide a mechanism for regular updates to the Board on this project.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The question was called on the motion, which CARRIED by a recorded vote of eight, Supervisor Frey abstaining, Supervisor Hyland being out of the room.

 

20.                   REQUEST TO DELAY THE MEDICARE PART D PREMIUM PENALTY

(12:10 p.m.)

 

                        Chairman Connolly reminded the Board that the federal government recently established a prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients.  Last year the Board instituted a Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit for County government retirees.  According to a letter he received from Robert Gehring, Chair of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, Chairman Connolly said that the decision on which Medicare Part D plan that the federal government has instituted is highly complex and confusing.  Additionally, that decision must be made by all retirees, including County retirees, looking to take advantage this program by May 15, 2006, or they will start to accrue a late enrollment penalty of one percent a month, for every month until they are able to make the decision on which plan to enroll in.  Once any retiree does enroll in a program, the level of penalties that they have been assessed will remain with them, for every year that they are in the program.

 

                        Therefore, Chairman Connolly moved that the Board direct staff to draft a letter for his signature to the County’s Congressional Delegation, asking for a delay of the premium penalty for the first full year of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit program so that all retirees have more time to try to understand this important and complex decision.  Supervisor Gross and Supervisor McConnell jointly seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor DuBois being out of the room.

 

21.                   COLUMBIA PIKE TRANSIT ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS (MASON DISTRICT)  (12:11 p.m.)

 

            Jointly with Supervisor Gross, Chairman Connolly said that a