Town Council Meeting

Charles A. Robinson Jr. Town Town of Vienna Hall 127 Center Street South Vienna VA, 22180 Meeting Minutes Town Council Meeting Monday, March 4, 2024 7:30 PM Charles Robinson Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center St. South Invocation: Ms. Sharon Miller, Baha'i Community of Vienna Mayor Colbert called on Sharon Miller, Baha'i Community of Vienna, to provide the evening’s invocation. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America 1. Roll Call Present: 7- Sandra Allen, Chuck Anderson, Roy Baldwin, Ray Brill Jr., Jessica Ramakis, Howard J. Springsteen and Linda Colbert 2. Acceptance of the Minutes: None 3. Receipt of petitions and communications from the Public that are not on the Agenda. (Limited to 3 minutes per issue and no formal action can be taken this evening) Mayor Colbert opened the floor for comments from the public. Mark Smith, 216 Tapawingo Rd., SE I would prefer to speak tonight about the Traffic Safety Commissions (TSC) recommendation for the intersection of Tapawingo Rd. and Glyndon St. but I received correspondence from the Town that I can watch these proceedings but I cannot speak. I can be seen but I cannot be heard. This correspondence stated that I can email the Council and the Mayor. Thank you to Madam Mayor for her response but I consider private email chat a poor substitute for public discourse. Twice I have publicly spoken to TSC on this topic but they are not elected officials. I voted for each one of you yet I’m not allowed to speak to you. The public can speak to unelected officials but not the elected officials, or put another way, the unelected officials will listen to the public but the Mayor and the Council will not. I suggest you reexamine the reason for this policy and change it. Tracy McCarty, 111 Kingsley Rd., SE. I live between Park St and DeSale St and would like to address the proposed sidewalk for the south side of our block. For context, our block of Kingsley has the daycare on the corner of Park St. and the back entrance of the Vienna Woods Pool and Tennis Club at DeSale St. There is a four way stop at Kinsley Rd. and DeSale. Our block has been identified to receive a sidewalk as part of the Robinson Trust. I am fully supportive of a sidewalk [as proposed] even though there is already a sidewalk on the opposite side. As a resident in the middle of the block, my young son, my husband and I have been crossing the street in the middle of the block for many years. During the morning commute and beginning again in the midafternoon through late evening, there is a high volume of traffic on Kingsley that often moves at a much faster rate than 25 miles per hour. A sidewalk will make crossing safer because people can walk to the crosswalk at either end of the block and cross safely. Currently, the proposed sidewalk will be built in the seven-foot easement. I am Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 4/2/2024 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 requesting that instead of building in the easement that Kingsley be narrowed between Park and DeSale and that the sidewalk be built adjacent to the current easement. I request this for the following reasons: 1. According to the generally accepted traffic calming measures and the Town of Vienna’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee, narrower street lead to slower traffic. The Vienna Police Department (VPD) has placed movable speed detector signs in the block many times due to the high rate of speed on Kingsley. The rate of speed also leads to the running of the stop sign on the corner of Kingsley and DeSale. In fact, during one of the Mayor’s monthly walks, as we were speaking of this issue, we all watched a car run that stop sign. Narrowing the street with a sidewalk will slow traffic and make it safer for everyone. 2. The newly approved sidewalk for Kingsley Rd., SW in the adjacent block between DeSale and Cottage will be built adjacent to the easement and will narrow Kingsley. The two blocks should be designed consistently. I have emailed you a petition signed by all the residents of Kingsley Rd., SE who will be impacted by the new sidewalk requesting that it be located adjacent to the easement. Stephanie Paduano, 118 Kingsley Rd., SE I’d also like to speak on behalf of my mother who lives at 109 Kingsley Rd. SE. I agree with all that Tracy just said but would like to add my dislike for the six-foot sidewalk that abuts the edge of the street [as seen around Town]. Many recent sidewalk installations do not have the large utility strip or verge [that has been included earlier installations]. [These verge less sidewalks] are ugly, unwelcoming and unsafe. They have an unwelcome appearance of prioritizing pavement over flora. They are impractical because they restrict installation of mailboxes, parking and roadway signage and they are not as safe as those with a verge. Just as narrowing a street forces cars to slow down, so does narrowing a sidewalk. Our children ride their bicycles on these sidewalks and the wider they are the more likely they will hit utility poles due to the lack of visual demarcations from the curb. I attended the February 14, 2024 sidewalk planning meeting where I was told that because of the seven-foot easement on Kingsley Rd., they were planning for a six-foot sidewalk. I suggested a five-foot sidewalk with a 24” verge but was told no because “there are standards”. I also talked with John Sergent, Town Engineer, who said that the Town prefers a minimum of three feet for a verge because then they can drop water meter boxes in the space. They would prefer even wider to allow for the planting of street trees. While I support this, eliminating the verge completely simply because you can’t get a three-foot verge is impractical. While I support the sidewalk planned for Kingsley Rd. I also urge that you return to including a verge. Dr. Mariam Dodkhah, 609 Alma St., SE., but On 12/20/2023 there appeared an article in the DCist entitled “Local Forests Are Failing to Produce the Next Generation of Trees”. Over the last year you’ve worked hard to establish a tree commission, etc. But I would like to ask that you do something about the Public Parks as well. The article referenced that between invasive plants and deer, we have no hope for survival of our public park forests. These parks are very important to help reduce temperature, to feed our wildlife, etc. I’ve talked to both Leslie Herman, Director, Parks and Recreation and Jeremy Edwards, Parks Maintenance Superintendent, but it is up to Council to take action that will give the Town authority to use pesticides on the invasive species when there are no other means available. In a healthy ecosystem we should have 10-15 deer per sq. mile; in our Town in areas such a Holy Comforter, we have 1200-1400 per sq. mile. I would really like Council to bring to vote a motion to do something about the invasive plants and the deer in this Town, otherwise [our trees and parks cannot survive]. I am volunteering every week as are many others, but we need your Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 4/2/2024 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 support to save what we have. Avril Garland, 917 Hillcrest Dr. I would like to support what was just said by Dr. Dodkah and speak also about the alarming damage being done to Town parks by the deer. The canopy looks great with lovely tall Maples, Oaks, Tulips and Sycamore but if you look at the understory, except for the American Holly, Spice Bush and lots of other invasive plants, there are no new trees coming up. So when the mature tree falls they are not being replaced. We are losing our forests. Tree planting in cages is costly and it is not a sustainable solution. Fencing entire parks might work but that too is costly and would leave back yards vulnerable. Fairfax County has an active deer culling program. As a result, deer congregate in parks which can lead to disease. As our parks are too small for archers, please consider sharpshooting. It can be done at night and according to Alphonso Abugattas, Natural Resources Manager, Arlington Park, it has an excellent safety record in Virginia, if done in small areas. Some would object to culling in favor of doe sterilization, as has been done in Fairfax City, the cost, however, is prohibitive and it has shown to be lacking in effectiveness beyond an isolated deer population. Our woods are dying; deer are eating them before our eyes. Lee Giovanniello, 317 Broadleaf Dr., NE [Ms. Giovanniello provided a list of all the native species present at Northside Park]. I am here to ask for help regarding these invasive species. I am seeking resources to allow citizen volunteers to work this problem. The growing season is starting and we need to get on this now. It is eight months since I made my initial request. I’m here asking again for your support. 4. Reports/Presentations A. Report and Inquiries of Council Members Mayor Colbert opened the floor for Council comments. Council Member Baldwin asked Council to remember Trevor Brown, Sterling Virginia volunteer firefighter whose life is celebrated today. Council Member Baldwin expressed great appreciation for all first responders. Council Member Allen wished to discuss the relationship between the business community and Town residents. She pointed out the failure of some businesses to keep their property clean and to work with concerned neighbors. Council Member Allen also remarked on the problem of builder nails in the roadway noting that this is symptomatic of the greater problem of businesses not working within the best interest of residents. Council Member Anderson noted that he has heard the residents’ concerns regarding invasive species in Town Parks as well as the proliferation of deer throughout Town. He suggested that the Town Manager survey Council to determine the interest in a Work Session regarding these issues. Town Attorney Briglia asked Police Chief Morris to gather information on County programs designed to address the problem. He also noted that the Director of Parks and Recreation has the authority to utilize volunteers under proper supervision. Mayor Colbert remarked that the Town currently works with student volunteers to address the problem in other Town Parks. Council Member Brill urged that the Town prioritize Beulah Rd. Park. He further suggested that Parks and Recreation Staff provide a timetable for addressing the Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 4/2/2024 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 deer problem; specifically, what need to done, what actually can be done, how it can be done and when. Council Member Ramakis pointed out that this is Restaurant Week in Vienna and thanked the Staff of Economic Development for their hard work to make it happen. A kickoff is scheduled on the Town Green, March 5, 2024 at 4:00 PM. Also on March 5, 2024 the Vienna Little League will host a fundraiser at the Vienna Inn from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM. B. Report of the Town Manager Town Manager Payton followed up on comments from Council Member Allen regarding the issue of trash and debris in the Commercial Zone. David Levy, Director, Planning and Zoning noted that Staff are actively working on the problem. Council was reminded that contract trash companies will only pick up trash that is in the dumpster; overcapacity must be dealt with by the owner/manager. The Pancakes with the Planning Commission event was well attended as a first effort in the Comprehensive Plan Update to gather residents vision for Vienna. The Strategic Plan meeting is scheduled for March 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the Community Center. Council should expect the 2024-25 proposed budget by March 6, 2024. Work Session Departmental Budget presentations are scheduled for March 11, 2024 and March 16, 2024 and public hearings for April 8, 2024 and April 29, 2024. C. Report of the Mayor Mayor Colbert reminded Council of the Mayor’s Volunteer Reception scheduled for April 16, 2024 at the Fire Station. The event will start at 7:00 PM. Applications are due by April 1, 2024. D. Proposals for Additional Items to the Agenda A motion was made to add consideration of the use of Maude Robinson Trust to Initiate Final Design on the odd numbered addresses (west side) of Johnson Street SW from Glen Ave to End of street. The Item will appear as Regular Business Item 6E in the Agenda. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second Council Member Brill. Motion carried in a 5-2 vote E. Closed Session Report It was moved that the members of the Vienna Town Council be polled to affirm that a Closed Session was held on March 4, 2024 at 6:30 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 reappointment to Town Boards and Commissions. 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 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM in accordance with Virginia Code, Section 2.2-3711, a(1) for Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 4/2/2024 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 discussion or consideration of personnel matters, specifically the interviewing of individuals for consideration of appointment and/or reappointment to Town Boards and Commissions. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved to recommend Michael Redinger to the Fairfax County Circuit Court for appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals to replace Robert Dowler. It was moved that Steve Kenny be reappointed to the Planning Commission for a two-year term. Said term to be effective 3/21/2024 and expire 3/21/2026. It was moved that Sylvia Taylor be reappointed to Historic Vienna, Inc. for a two-year term. Said term to be effective 3/21/2024 and expire 3/21/2026. And it was further moved that Najee Davis be appointed to the Town Business Liaison Committee as a business member, for a two-year term. Said term to be effective 3/5/24 and expire 3/5/2026. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Jessica Ramakis, seconded by Howard J. Springsteen, that this was approved.. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 5. Consent Agenda 7:45 p.m. - 7:50 p.m. A motion was made to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion, Council Member Anderson; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried in a 6-1 vote. A motion was made by Chuck Anderson, seconded by Howard J. Springsteen, that this was approved.. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Nay: 1- Allen A. 24-4285 Request approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Vienna Little League and Town of Vienna for use of Yeonas Park during the Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show. B. 24-4283 Request approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Vienna and Vienna Business Association for 2024 Oktoberfest. C. 24-4284 Request approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Vienna and Vienna Business Association for 2024 Halloween Parade 6. Regular Business A. 24-4253 7:50 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Request approval of Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) motion for Glyndon Street, SE, and Tapawingo Road, SE, Safety Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 4/2/2024 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 Improvements. Mayor Colbert recognized Brad Baer, Director, Public Works, to present the Item for consideration. Council discussed the installation of a four way stop sign at the intersection under consideration. The Department of Public Works adheres to federal guidelines, but does have flexibility on residential streets. There are currently no local standards. Town Attorney Briglia reminded Council that caution must be followed to avoid jeopardizing VDOT maintenance funds. Council comments included the following: • Past decisions for installation of four way stops were made with consistency in mind; • Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) recommended approval of a crosswalk and signage at the intersection of Tapawingo Road and Glyndon Street and the addition of no parking signs along the frontage of 901 Glyndon St., SE.; • Suggest reconsideration of a four way stop sign; TSC has given too much deference to federal mandate; • Four way stop signs must be evaluated with both safety and efficiency in mind; • Unwarranted stop signage can be dangerous as drivers tend to ignore them; • Visibility is a crucial factor; TSC recommendation addresses this problem. Mayor Colbert, in response to a work session request for development of local standards, directed the Town Manager to send the necessary forms to the applicable department. Once received by Council, a decision will be made regarding completion of the request. A motion was made to approve the TSC’s recommendation for Glyndon St SE and Tapawingo Rd SE Safety Improvements. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Anderson. Motion carried in a 5-2 vote. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Anderson, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Anderson, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Nay: 2- Allen and Baldwin B. 24-4255 8:00 p.m. - 8:20 p.m. Request approval of Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) motion for Ayr Hill Avenue, NW, traffic calming. Mayor Colbert recognized Brad Baer, Director, Public Works to present the Item. A motion was made to approve the Transportation Safety Commission recommendation for Ayr Hill Avenue, NW, traffic calming. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Ramakis. Discussion comments are summarized as follows: • Upon completion, check the speed reduction at the next two intersections; • Propose assessing Ayr Hill Avenue as a candidate for a one-way street; Consider that the application of one-way street often results in pushing cut through traffic to the neighboring street; Must consider restrictions imposed on residents Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 4/2/2024 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 living on the one-way street; • Consider reducing speed limit. Mayor Colbert called for a vote for the motion on the floor. Motion passed in a 6-1 vote. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Ramakis, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Nay: 1- Allen D. 24-4287 8:20 p.m. - 8:40 p.m. Request $50,000 of funding from the Maud Robinson Trust to be used for the planting of new trees. Mayor Colbert called on Leslie Herman, Director, Parks and Recreation to present the Item. She was joined by Matt Fuller, Town Arborist. An Arbor Day celebration will be held Friday April 26, 2024 at East Creek Trail. The event will begin at 5:00 PM. A kick off volunteer tree planting event will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024 also at East Creek Trail. A motion was made to request Maud Robinson Trust funds for tree planting and to authorize $50,000 of funding received from the Maud Robinson Trust to be used for municipal beautification, specifically the planting of new trees within the Town of Vienna. Motion, Council Member Springsteen second, Council Member Allen. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Allen, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert C. 24-4286 8:40 p.m. - 9:10 p.m. Request approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Town of Vienna and Rotary Club of Vienna for 2024 Viva! Vienna! Festival and Brewfest Mayor Colbert again called on Leslie Herman, Director, Parks and Recreation to present the Item. Also present were Lily Widman, Special Events Coordinator and Gunner Spafford, General Chairman, Viva! Vienna! Council comments included the following: • Concern expressed by one Council Member over the increased brew fest hours; Brew fest is a separate event from Viva! Vienna!, which is committed to the concept of a family friendly event; • Brew fest is in its’ third year with no issues; • Other Town events that include the sale of alcohol include Chillin on Church and Octoberfest. It was moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the attached MOU between the Town and Rotary Club of Vienna for the 2024 Viva! Vienna! Festival and Brew fest. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Bladwin. Motion carried in a 6-1 vote. Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 4/2/2024 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024 A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Baldwin, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Nay: 1- Allen E. 24-4317 E. Motion to reconsider Johnson street sidewalk Mayor Colbert called on Council Member Ramakis to present the Item. It was moved to authorize the Town Manager to apply to the Maud Robinson Trust to Initiate Final Design of Robinson Sidewalk Projects on the odd numbered addresses (west side) of Johnson Street SW from Glen Ave to End of street; and to approve the necessary spending with Urban, Ltd to prepare the Final Design of the subject project. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second, Council Member Anderson. Discussion on the motion included the following: • Council must listen to constituents; • Robinsons loved the Town of Vienna; Desired that every person, regardless of circumstances, be able to walk safely throughout the Town; • Comprehensive Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan both call for sidewalks, either on one or both sides of the street; These documents should be repealed/revised if Council does not want to follow the recommendations. Mayor Colbert called for a vote for the motion on the floor. Motion passed in a 5-2 vote. A motion was made by Ramakis, seconded by Anderson, that the Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Anderson, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Nay: 2- Allen and Baldwin 7. Meeting Adjournment Mayor Colbert called for a motion to adjourn at 9:18 PM. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Baldwin. A motion was made by Howard J. Springsteen, seconded by Roy Baldwin, that this was adjourned.. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 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 8 Printed on 4/2/2024