Town Council Meeting

Town of Vienna Charles A. Robinson Jr. Town Hall 127 Center Street South Vienna VA, 22180 Meeting Minutes Town Council Meeting Monday, March 9, 2020 8:00 PM Charles A. Robinson, Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South Regular Meeting Invocation: Town Manager Mercury Payton Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America 1. Roll Call Present: 7- Council Member Linda Colbert, Council Member Pasha Majdi, Council Member Douglas Noble, Council Member Nisha Patel, Council Member Steve Potter, Council Member Howard J. Springsteen and Mayor Laurie DiRocco 2. Approval of the Minutes: A. Acceptance of the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2020. The minutes were accepted as presented by the following vote: Aye: 7- Council Member Colbert, Council Member Majdi, Council Member Noble, Council Member Patel, Council Member Potter, Council Member Springsteen and Mayor DiRocco 3. Receipt of petitions and communications from the Public that are not on the Agenda. (Limited to 5 minutes per issue and no formal action can be taken this evening) Mayor DiRocco recognized Mary Jean Andres, 305 Locust St., SE. Ms. Andres wished to express concern regarding traffic speeding along a section of road from Branch Ave. to Cabin Dr., to Glyndon St. Noting that this strip has become a major cut through, especially during the afternoon hours, she raised the issue of citizen and pedestrian safety. Ms. Andres requested additional monitoring by police especially during the hours of 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Ms. Andres also raised concerns about the degradation of the streets over the last twenty years. Suggesting that street maintenance should be a basic Town service, she lamented the especially poor condition of Glyndon St., Tapawingo Rd. and Dominion. Finally, Ms. Andres wished to request a later spring start for street sweeping, noting that the early start misses the later significant blossom drop. Mike Gallagher, Director of Public Works explained that street sweeping season will begin on March 16 and continue until the equipment is winterized in the late Fall. Neighborhoods are generally cleaned more than once throughout the season. He noted that the newly purchased street sweeper should be more effective. Mayor DiRocco recognized Bob McCahill, 429 Center St. N. Mr. McCahill stated that Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 4/28/2020 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 9, 2020 as President of the NE Vienna Citizens Association he has sent petitions to the TSC regarding the speeding traffic in the area. As a response, stripes were painted along the street sides which have been proven to slow traffic by 5 MPH. However, the area continues to be a major cut through. He has, on several occasions, requested greater police enforcement but, in his opinion, there has been very little response. He is requesting greater enforcement along this route. Regarding street sweeping, Mr. McCahill indicated that he does see sweepers quite often and expressed his appreciation for the early spring season start. Mr. McCahill also requested an update on the recent gun store burglaries in Vienna. He specifically wished to know what security is required by gun shop owners and who is responsible for checking to assure that this extra security is in place. Mayor DiRocco replied that she and the Police understand his concern and that updates will be made to the public. 4. Reports/Presentations A. Proclamation for National Athletic Trainer Month Mayor DiRocco read a Proclamation designating March as National Athletic Trainer month. B. VDOT Presentation on Transform I-66 Project updates Mayor DiRocco called on Director Gallagher who provided an update on the I-66 Transformation Project, noting especially the effort to assure strong outgoing messaging. Susan Shaw, VDOT and Nancy Smith, fam Construction, LLC., reviewed the impacts to the Town, notably the impending closure of the Cedar Lane bridge. A. Report and Inquiries of Council Members Mayor DiRocco called upon Council for comments. Council Member Springsteen, noting citizen inquiries, requested an update on the pending lawsuits against the Town. Town Attorney Steve Briglia reviewed both suits and indicated that both have been dismissed. Council Member Majdi requested updates on his suggestion of speed humps with cut outs as a traffic calming measure, as well as the Micro Transit Grant application. Town Manager Mercury Payton stated that he has asked Director Gallagher to follow up on the speed humps and information should be available by the next Council meeting. The grant application has been received with support from the County Board of Supervisors. Council Member Potter stated appreciation for the improvements to the sharp corner on Glen Avenue as well as for the early start of the street sweeping season. He further expressed hope that the sweepers work year around, if possible, to prevent storm water drain blockage. Council Member Colbert wished thank Lynn Coan, Communications and Marketing Director, for the addition of recycling information on the Town website. Council Member Patel thanked those who attended that Monday evening Community Conversation. She also noted that the online survey was not available on certain devices for two days. As compensation she requested that it remain up for Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 4/28/2020 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 9, 2020 two additional days. Town Manager Payton stated that he would instruct staff to complete this request. Council Member Noble reported numerous citizen inquiry regarding the temporary road patch in front of Vienna Tire and Auto on Maple Ave. He requested replacement with a permanent patch. He also requested additional information on the local firearms theft. Dan Janickey, Deputy Chief of Police, stressed that the Town Police are working with the business owner and the ATF to gather as much information as possible. He further reported that there are no current standards for gun shop security. He did note that the affected business had security measures in the form of alarms, cameras and metal window bars. Council Member Noble recognized the Madison High School Girls Basketball team, who will be playing in the State semifinals on March 10. B. Report of the Town Manager Town Manager Payton reminded the Council of the Bond sale tomorrow, March 10, at 12:30pm in Town Hall. He also noted the schedule for the budget sessions beginning with a virtual session on March 14 at 9:30 am in Town Hall. Additional meetings are scheduled through the months of March and April. He reported that the communications project is nearly ready for Council dissemination. Town Manager Payton called on Deputy Chief Janickey to provide an update on the Coronavirus. Deputy Chief Janickey reviewed the Town reporting procedure pointing to the information on the Town website. Maggie Kain, Director of Human Resources, indicated that essential functions have been identified and laptops have been prepared to ensure the continuation of essential Town business should the spread of the virus necessitate this action. Lynne Coan, Communications and Marketing Manager, reminded Council that current information and updates regarding the virus is available on the Town website. Town Manager Payton further noted that he continues to keep in touch with neighboring municipalities for updates. C. Report of the Mayor Mayor DiRocco wished to thank staff for their assistance in the renewal of the Town’s AAA Bond Rating with both Moodies and Stand and Poors. She recognized that the Town’s unassigned fund balance was a contributing factor and urged the consideration of an increase from 15% to 17%, with plans to reach a 20% threshold. D. Proposals for Additional Items to the Agenda There were no additional items proposed. E. Closed Session It was moved that the members of the Vienna Town Council be polled to affirm that during the Closed Session convened this date, Monday, March 9, 2020, the Town Council met for discussion of personnel matters, specifically the interviewing of individuals for consideration of appointment and/or re-appointment to Town Boards and Commissions. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 4/28/2020 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 9, 2020 It was further moved that the Certification Resolution be adopted in accordance with State Statutes, and that the Town Clerk is authorized to execute the Certification Resolution. And it was further moved that the Closed Session be continued to later this date Monday, March 9, 2020 at the conclusion of the regular Council Meeting in accordance with Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711.A.(1) and (3) for discussion or consideration of personnel matters, and the potential acquisition of real estate property for a public purpose. Motion: Councilmember Colbert Second: Councilmember Springsteen Carried unanimously. It was moved that Steve Kenney be reappointed to the Planning Commission for a two-year term. Said term shall be effective from March 1, 2020 to March 1, 2022. It was further moved that Jennifer Kiefhaber be appointed to the Town Business Liaison Committee for a two-year term. Said term shall be effective from March 10, 2020 to March 10, 2022. It was moved that Dan Nash be appointed to the Vienna Public Arts Commission as a student member for a one year term. Said term shall be effective ffrom March 10, 2020 to March 10, 2022. It was moved that Kate Monacella be appointed to the Conservation Sustainability Committee as a student member for atwo year term. Said term shall be retroactibely effective from February 25, 2020 to JUne 30, 2022. Motion: Councilmember Colbert Second: Councilmember Springsteen Carried unanimously. The item was approved as shown above. Aye: 7- Council Member Colbert, Council Member Majdi, Council Member Noble, Council Member Patel, Council Member Potter, Council Member Springsteen and Mayor DiRocco 5. Consent Agenda It was moved to accept the consent agenda as presented. A motion was made by Council Member Nisha Patel, seconded by Council Member Linda Colbert, that the consent agenda be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Council Member Colbert, Council Member Majdi, Council Member Noble, Council Member Patel, Council Member Potter, Council Member Springsteen and Mayor DiRocco A. Request additional FY spending with National Asphalt/Superior Paving B. Request additional FY20 spending with Broad Run Recycling for construction and demolition debris disposal Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 4/28/2020 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 9, 2020 C. Request to set a public hearing for April 13, 2020 regarding the FY 2020-21 operating budget D. Request to set a public hearing for April 27, 2020 regarding the FY 2020-21 real estate tax rate E. Request to set a public hearing for April 13, 2020 regarding proposed FY 2020-21 Water and Sewer rates Second Closed Session It was moved that the members of the Vienna Town Council be polled to affirm that during the second Closed Session convened this date, Monday, March 9, 2020, the Town Council met for discussion and consideration of personnel matters, and the potential acquisition of real estate property for a public purpose. It was further moved that the Certification Resolution be adopted in accordance with State Statutes, and that the Town Clerk is authorized to execute the Certification Resolution. And it was further moved that the Closed Session be continued to Monday, March 23, 2020 at 7:00 pm in accordance with Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711.A.(1) for discussion or consideration of personnel matters, specifically the interviewing of individuals for consideration of appointment and/or re-appointment to Town Boards and Commissions. A motion was made by Council Member Colbert, seconded by Council Member Springsteen, that the Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Council Member Colbert, Council Member Majdi, Council Member Noble, Council Member Patel, Council Member Potter, Council Member Springsteen and Mayor DiRocco 6. Meeting Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 11:13pm. THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 4/28/2020