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, February 3, 2025 7:30 PM Charles Robinson Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center St. South Invocation: Mayor Colbert called on Mercury Payton, Town Manager, to provide the evening’s invocation. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America 1. Roll Call Present: 6- Sandra Allen, Roy Baldwin, Ray Brill Jr., Jessica Ramakis, Howard J. Springsteen and Linda Colbert Absent: 1- Chuck Anderson 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. Farah Hickman, 147 East St., NE I have no choice but to bring this situation to your attention. I have a case number with the police. I am a single mother and a minority. I love the Town of Vienna and have tried to endure as much as I can in my neighborhood because I am a 24/7 caretaker for my adult son. So with all of this in mind, the last thing I want is any encounter with people. I was born in a culture where I was encouraged to respect and care about my neighbors, almost more so than my own blood relations. So with that in mind I have not been engaged in any verbal or disrespectful behavior. Unfortunately, the HOA president has made life difficult. Every now and then he gets into a rage. I will show you the notes that I found on my windshield. [I have even had] peanut butter on my car door. This is not the way you would think people should treat their neighbors. 4. Reports/Presentations A. Report and Inquiries of Council Members Council Member Springsteen noted that the Fire Department Annual Installation dinner is scheduled for the first week in March 2025. He further recognized comments received regarding snow removal in the Town. While it is impossible to clear all the sidewalks, the Town is working on a new game plan to better serve the public and Town owned properties. Council Member Brill noted the tragedies of the two recent plane crashes, and lives Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025 lost. He also reminded residents that future forecasts indicate additional snow. And finally he remarked on the talented Town residents who are stepping forward to volunteer for Town Commissions and Committees. Council Member Baldwin reported on the meetings held during the Virginia Municipal League (VML) visit to the State Legislature. As the Casino Bill continues to move forward, he encourages anyone in opposition to redouble his or her efforts. He also noted that Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Meadow Lark Garden will hold a commemoration of the 1944 Howard University women who challenged the Jim Crow laws. Council Member Ramakis remarked on the reduction of trees and shrubs along the W&OD Trail. While efforts are in place to encourage Dominion Power to replant, she urged that the Town consider if there is more that can be done to expedite this effort. Council Member Allen addressed the perceived racial discrimination in the Town of Vienna. The reality is that most effected do not come forward to address the problem for fear of retaliation. Council has the power to change this through inclusion. B. Report of the Town Manager Town Manager Payton thanked Town Attorney, Steve Briglia for his guidance throughout the VML meetings in Richmond. He further thanked Town Clerk, Melanie Clark for her work organizing the meetings for the day. He thanked Paul Gilbert, Director, NOVA Parks for extending the invitation to the Commemoration at Meadow Lark Gardens. The Work Session Agenda of February 10, 2025 contains more Items than usual. It is suggested that Council break at 10:00 PM to determine the need to push Agenda Items as yet unaddressed. C. Report of the Mayor Mayor Colbert noted success of the VML trip to the State Legislature. The Council worked as a team and spoke with many delegates. Mayor Colbert reported on conversations with both the Lieutenant Governor and the advisor to the Governor regarding the casino bill. Saturday, February 8, 2025, Delegate Siebold and Senator Salem will host a Town Hall meeting from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM at the Vienna Town Hall. D. Proposals for Additional Items to the Agenda E. Closed Session Report A. 25-4875 Closed Session Certification Motion It was moved that the members of the Vienna Town Council be polled to affirm that a Closed Session was held on February 3, 2025 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. Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025 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 evening, Monday February 3, 2025 following the Regular Council meeting in accordance with Virginia Code, Section 2.2-3711, a(3) and (7) for discussion or consideration of the disposition of real property and negotiating strategy. Motion, Council Member Baldwin; second, Council member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. Absent, Council Member Anderson. It was moved that Allen Shelly be appointed to the Board of Architectural Review for a two-year term. Said term shall commence February 4, 2025 and expire February 4, 2027. It was further moved that S. Gulu Gambhir be appointed to the Bicycle Advisory Committee for a two-year term. Said term shall commence February 4, 2025 and expire February 4, 2027. Motion, Council Member Baldwin; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. Absent, Council Member Anderson. A motion was made by Baldwin, seconded by Springsteen, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Allen, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Absent: 1- Anderson 5. Public Hearings 6. Regular Business A. 25-4857 7:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. - Set Public Hearing to Issue Vehicle Replacement Program Debt and Notice of Intent to Adopt an Ordinance Mayor Colbert called on Steven Barlow, Director, Finance to present the Item for consideration. A motion was made that a Public Hearing on a Proposed Ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation debt or other forms of indebtedness by the Town of Vienna, Virginia, in an aggregate principal amount up to $1,675,000, in one or more series, which may be tax-exempt or taxable, for the purpose of financing, among other things, public use vehicle replacement, described in the Town’s vehicle replacement program, be scheduled at regular Council Meeting of Feb. 24, 2025. It was further moved that the Town Clerk be authorized to advertise a Notice of the Public Hearing and Notice of the Council’s Intention to Adopt such Ordinance at such meeting. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Baldwin. Motion passed unanimously. Absent, Council Member Anderson. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025 A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Brill, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Allen, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Absent: 1- Anderson B. 25-4862 8:15 p.m.- 8:45 p.m. - Request for approval of a final plat for the lot consolidation of parcels 0391 12 0049A and 0391 12 0050 at 244 Old Courthouse Road, NE, into a single lot in the Residential - Single-Unit, 16,000 sq. ft. (RS-16) zoning district. Mayor Colbert recognized David Levy, Director, Planning and Zoning. Director Levy introduced Lindsey Cloustre, Principal Planner, to present the Item for consideration. A motion was made to approve the lot consolidation of parcels 0391 12 0049A and 0391 12 0050, which is known as 244 Old Courthouse Road, NE, to become a new and larger parcel that will be known as 244 Old Courthouse Road, NE. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Baldwin. Motion carried unanimously. Absent, Council Member Anderson. Mayor Colbert called for recess into the second closed session at 8:40 PM. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Baldwin, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Allen, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Absent: 1- Anderson 7. Second Closed Session Report A. 25-4877 Second Closed Session Certification Motion Mayor Colbert called the meeting back into order at 8:43 PM. It was moved that a second closed session was held on February 3, 2025 after close of the Regular Council meeting in accordance with Virginia Code, Section 2.2-3711, a(3) and (7) for discussion or consideration of the disposition of real property and negotiating strategy. 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 February 24, 2025 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. Motion, Council Member Baldwin; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. Absent, Council Member Anderson. A motion was made by Baldwin, seconded by Springsteen, that the Action Item be approved. Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025 The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Allen, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Absent: 1- Anderson 8. Meeting Adjournment Mayor Colbert called for a motion to adjourn at 8:15 PM. Motion, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. Absent, Council Member Anderson. 8. Meeting Adjournment Aye: 6- Allen, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert Absent: 1- Anderson 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 5/21/2025