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 24, 2025 7:30 PM Charles Robinson Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center St. South Invocation: Mercury Payton, Town Manager 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: 7- Sandra Allen, Chuck Anderson, Roy Baldwin, Ray Brill Jr., Jessica Ramakis, Howard J. Springsteen and Linda Colbert 2. Acceptance of the Minutes: A. 25-4935 Acceptance of the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2025, February 3, 2025 and the Work Session Minutes of February 10, 2025 The Regular Council Meeting minutes of January 27, 2025 and February 3, 2025 and the Work Session minutes of February 10, 2025 were accepted as presented. A motion was made that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 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. Patricia Esswein, Chairman, Conservation and Sustainability Commission (CSC) Mala Persaud, Committee Member We’d like to express appreciation for the composting pilot program during the farmers market at the community center this past year. This first attempt was well received and very successful. Over 26 weeks hundreds of community members took advantage of the opportunity to drop off food scraps to be turned into nutrient rich soil. It is most important to keep these scraps from ending up in the Town’s waste stream. The pilot program diverted more than 13,000 lbs. of scraps from the incinerator, which, in the end, saved Town taxpayers considerable tipping fees. The CSC advocates for a permanent drop off program. Our counterparts in Fairfax City and Falls Church have similar programs and it’s time to catch up with them. The CSC has identified suitable vendors who could implement a well-rounded, cost effective operation. The Town has two viable sites – one near the Mill St. purple bin and another at the Northside property yard where the Department of Public Works (DPW) could monitor. Reducing the volume of solid waste collected through food Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 waste composting is a part of both the Town Strategic Plan and the Comprehensive Plan. This initiative will help fulfill those goals with minimal expense of under $10,000 annually and promote a sustainable solution. CSC and DPW have received numerous emails and calls in support of the program. With the success and conclusion of the pilot effort, now is the time to implement a permanent solution while we have the momentum and proven interest from the residents. CSC and DPW have identified contractor, Monster Organics, who can wash out the empty bins weekly, thereby eliminating concerns about pests, odors and so on. The cost to collect ten 65 gallon bins would be $9,100/year. With the Town paying $79/ton in tipping fees, a substantial amount of the cost of the composting program can save just over $3,000/year even if the bins are only half-full when collected. The environmental benefits of composting are well documented and the community is ready. We hope you will leverage the positive momentum and fund this initiative. Thank you for listening. Terry Uman, 114 Wilmar Place NW I would like the Town to revisit the request for commercial properties to clear snow following a storm. This came before Council approximately ten years ago and did not pass at that time. Pedestrian numbers have significantly increased since then and following COVID there appears to be much more foot traffic throughout the Town. Neighboring jurisdictions have this requirement so I feel that consistency would be good. I thought this might be an appropriate time to address the issue since this year has been a reminder of just how hard it can be to get around when there is uncleared snow. While it is fresh in your minds, I think it should be placed on the agenda for exploration. Edward Maillett, 214 Nutley St., NW I wanted to ask for assistance. Our little neighborhood is experiencing abnormal stress that is unique. The issue I’d like to address is commercial parking on Nutley St., especially on the weekends. We have people (commercial businesses) telling their workers that they can park all day on our street and it is blocking access to our homes. This is a particular problem for my elderly neighbor and myself. We both live on nonconforming lots. We essentially have no front yard and then have virtually no driveway space and limited visibility. We also depend on street parking in lieu of the driveway space lost. We are not hooked up to utilities, so we get oil and gas deliveries and they need access to the front of our homes. My neighbor also requires elder care, which necessitates access. So if you could find someone in the Town to come work with us on this issue [it would be appreciated]. This will not get any better in time, so we are seeking your help. I will carry this for our neighborhood, so you can reach out to me. Thank you! Aaron Allen, 913 DeSale St., SW I’m here because I want to bring to your attention things happening at this particular residence. This is outside of the norm of my nature. I am not a complainer; I am a problem solver. I am currently renting at this address. Unfortunately I’ve run into a problem with the three other lease holders. I spend most of my time in my office. I moved to this address September 1, 2024. I’ve been attending these Council meetings, which has given me insight on ordinances, etc. I do not discriminate but I must address the elephant in my room. The other residents have informed me that they are among the LBGTQ community. I bring this up because I am noticing that they are working together to push me out. Shane Evert Palmer, one of the residents, is someone who has shown [questionable] conduct. He was fired from his work with a Congressman, which appeared to instgate the problems. He is in a relationship with one of the other roommates. Following an Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 incident where the fence caught fire….(Stopped due to time limit. Written comments submitted). 4. Reports/Presentations A. Report and Inquiries of Council Members Council Member Baldwin welcomed the return of Council Member Ramakis. He further noted his intention to nominate Maude Robinson for the Special Gratitude Award presented by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Association. Council Member Anderson reported that the Casino Bill died in Committee. He thanked those who worked to defeat this bill, most especially Bill Comerford, Tracy McCarty, Mayor Colbert, The Reston Citizens Association, Rescue Reston, the McLean Citizens Association, the Greater Tysons Citizen Council, Supervisors Alcorn, Bierman and Lusk and notably Senator Jennifer Boysco. Efforts will continue, as the Item is expected to brought forth again in the future. Council Member Anderson also brought forward a request to consider incremental changes to the noise ordinance as follows: 1) Extend the ban on commercial land maintenance to include holidays; 2) Ban multiple gas blowers operating between 5:00 PM and 8:30 AM. Council agreed, through a show of hands, to take this under consideration. The Item will be place on a future Work Session agenda. Council Member Springsteen noted that the issue of school crossing guards has come up again with the County. He urged the Mayor to reach out to County Supervisors to reiterate that the responsibility does not rest with the Town. Activity has begun at the 440 Maple Avenue construction site. The Town must be proactive is establishing restricted parking along the site. Council Member Springsteen urged that the Town clearly convey to residents that deer trapping and transport is not an option for deer maintenance. He also suggested that snow removal requirements should continue to be addressed. The recently installed Robinson sidewalks have begun to show areas of deterioration. He requested feedback on this issue. Council Member Allen remarked on the number of empty commercial properties around Town and questioned their suitability for affordable housing. She specifically noted property at 901 Follin Lane. Town Manager Payton noted that the Item of Affordable Housing is currently on the Work Session agenda of April 21, 2025. A brief discussion followed with regard to zoning of many of these available properties and the need for the zoning to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, which is currently under revision. Council Member Brill expressed his pleasure in the results of the Casino Bill, thanking all those involved with its defeat. He also reminded businesses along Mill St. of the 6:00 AM start time. Council Member Ramakis commented about the destruction of the vegetation along the W&OD Trail following the Dominion Power improvement project. She requested comments from residents who are concerned about this issue. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 B. Report of the Town Manager Town Manager Payton stated that he along with David Levy, Director, Planning and Zoning and Nicole Toulouse, Director, Economic Development are looking at the 901 Follin Lane property. C. Report of the Mayor Mayor Colbert expressed appreciation for all those who worked to defeat the Casino Bill. The annual Mayor’s Volunteer Reception will be held in April 22, 2025 with nomination forms available in the March Vienna Voice as well as on the website. Mayor Colbert will be meeting with representative from NOVA Parks and Dominion Power to explore ways to rectify the situation along the W&OD Trail, specifically the planting of trees. Mayor Colbert called for a break at 8:30 PM. Meeting reconvened at 8:38 PM. D. Proposals for Additional Items to the Agenda 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 February 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM in accordance with Virginia Code, Section 2.2-3711, a(1), for discussion or consideration of personnel matters, specifically the annual evaluation of the Town Manager. 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 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. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second, Council member Baldwin. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Jessica Ramakis, seconded by Roy Baldwin, that this was approved.. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 5. Public Hearings Mayor Colbert called the Public Hearing to Order at 8:40 PM. All Council Members were present. A. 25-4895 Public Hearing for Authorization of Vehicle Financing Mayor Colbert recognized Steven Barlow, Director, Finance to present the Item. Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 In accordance with the Vienna Town Council's review and approval of the fiscal year 2024-25 Operating Budget on May 20, 2024, the Town plans to secure financing in March of 2025 for equipment and vehicle replacements, in an amount not to exceed $1,675,000. Financing for fiscal year 2024-25 equipment and vehicles has not occurred until now due to delayed vehicle delivery times and available cash on hand from prior borrowings. With no speakers from the public, Mayor Colbert opened the floor for comment from Council. Council Member Springsteen commented that the Town has a good replacement program that prevents the need to micromanage this process. Council Member Allen requested updates on the delivery of delayed vehicles. Director Barlow indicated that he would provide a periodic update as these vehicles are received. With no further comments, Mayor Colbert called for a motion to close the public hearing at 8:48 PM. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Baldwin. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made for Council approval of the bond ordinance entitled "Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds, Notes or Other Forms of Indebtedness of the Town of Vienna, Virginia; Providing for Reimbursement to the Town of Vienna, Virginia from Bond Proceeds; and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Certain Documents Related Thereto." It was further moved that the Town Clerk and Bond Counsel be authorized to advertise notice of the adoption of such bond ordinance. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Baldwin. Motion carried unanimously. Town Attorney Briglia thanked the representatives from McGuire Woods, Bond Council and Davenport Financial Advisors for their continued excellent work on behalf of the Town. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Brill, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 6. Consent Agenda A motion was made to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Brill. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Howard J. Springsteen, seconded by Roy Baldwin, that this was approved.. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert A. 25-4887 Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 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. 25-4890 Request approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Vienna and Vienna Business Association for 2025 Halloween Parade C. 25-4891 Request approval of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna and Town of Vienna for use of the Vienna Community Center parking lot for the 2025 Vienna Farmers Market 7. Regular Business A. 25-4892 Intent to Adopt Amendments to Chapter 18 of the Town Code Mayor Colbert called on David Levy, Director, Planning and Zoning to present the Item for consideration. It was moved to adopt the draft amendments to Chapter 18 of the Town Code that are indicated in Attachment 1, with an effective date of March 6, 2025, and direct the Town Clerk to advertise the Notice of Adoption. Motion, Council Member Anderson; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. Director Levy thanked Andrea West, Zoning Administrator, for her work on the project. Next steps in the amendments process include the following: • March 10, 2025 work session on swimming pools; • March 24, 2025 adoption of amendments; • March 3, 2025 work session on parking with consultant in attendance; • April, 2025 work session on outdoor lighting; • Later in 2025 work session on additional pinned items and items brought forth by residents; • 2026 work sessions to address zoning changes resulting from Comprehensive Plan Update. A motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Springsteen, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert C. 25-4937 Town Council Top Priorities For 2025 Mayor Colbert thanked Council Member Brill for initiating this process. She also suggested that while the priorities have been set, consideration should be given to the deterioration of the cross walks on Maple Avenue and Church St. A motion was made to set the Town Council 2025 priorities as follows: 1. Parks Master Plan including Annex; 2. Update Communications; 3. Light Synchronization; 4. Complete overhaul of land use environment including Comprehensive Plan and Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 Housing Diversity. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Ramakis, seconded by Springsteen, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 8. Meeting Adjournment With no further business, Mayor Colbert called for a motion to adjourn at 9:05 PM. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Anderson. 8. Meeting Adjournment 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 7 Printed on 5/21/2025