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 24, 2025 7:30 PM Charles Robinson Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center St. South Invocation: Councilmember Ray Brill Mayor Colbert called on Council Member Ray Brill, 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: 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. Maryam Dadkhah, 8321 Old Courthouse Rd. I have lived in the Town of Vienna for the last four years. I am sure you have heard me many times advocating for environmental causes, especially deer. Today I’d like to speak on a different topic, one that a friend of mine cares deeply. Avril Garland advocates for eliminating gas powered leaf blowers. If you spend time attending different events you will see how passionate she is about this cause – carrying door hangers everywhere she goes. She advocated for banning gas powered leaf blowers at the 2025 General Assembly, at the Fairfax County level and at different municipalities in Northern Virginia. Over 200 municipalities across the United States have completely banned, or considered restricting, the use of gas powered leaf blowers, including Fairfax County, Montgomery County, the City of Alexandria and Washington DC. This equipment is an existential threat to human health, environment and wildlife. The noise level it creates, as well as its low frequency noise, is harmful to our hearing, sleep, stress level and exacerbates many chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If any of my neighbors operate one I definitely must come indoors and make certain the doors and windows are closed. Gas powered leaf blowers produce toxic fumes that can cause cancer, contribute to lung disease, greenhouse gases and air pollution. It is also a wildlife nuisance. They are a detriment to wildlife that uses sound to communicate. If the wildlife can’t hear each other they can’t defend themselves against predators, find food or reproduce and will be hindered from the daily activity necessary to thrive. These leaf blowers are also a pollinator habitat disruptor. The Town of Vienna is known as a community advocating for native plants and wildlife habitats. I ask the honorable Council Members to consider banning gas powered leaf blowers in our area to help us keep our reputation as an environmentally savvy Town. Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Thomas Ahli, 1820 Prelude Dr. As Metro has concluded the development of a better bus plan, the Town of Vienna allowed them to remove one of its bus routes from Maple Avenue. These bus routes would have traversed the entirety of Maple Avenue from McLean all the way to Nutley where it continues to the Vienna Metro Station. This plan had been in place for several years but at the final moment, it was cut. I would like to know if the Town intends to work with Metro to try to get this reinstated as part of a final project. Despite being bordered by two Metro lines, Vienna’s bus service remains incredibly suboptimal. Especially given that there is only one thirteen minute route that actually traverses the entire Town. For a Town that is meant to be moving into the modern era beyond the automobile, this has been disappointing, this lack of initative when it comes to transit access. A Town of this size in other parts of the DMV has twice as much bus service. Especially as Maple Avenue has suffocating traffic, it would seem obvious to have improved alternatives. I would like the Town to be bolder with its transit initiatives and contact Metro directly to get the F64 route reinstated. Thank you. Farah Hickman, 147 East St., NE My concern is about the water. I would like to propose, for senior citizens, a discount or some type of reduction on their service charge. At the moment, my water usage bill is $28 but I pay a $45 service charge. It makes no sense that I pay twice as much in service fees than I do for the water itself. When I came to the Town to inquire, the new Finance Director told me I pay the exact same amount as every other citizen in Vienna. So that person with a $1M home spending $400 for water usage is only paying $45 in service fees. It makes no sense. Please check into this. If there is nothing else you can do, at least consider helping the senior citizens. Thank you. Stephen Bradley, 907 Hillcrest Dr. I’m here to speak on behalf of Avril Garland, but I also believe in this issue. I am here to speak about potential regulations on gas powered leaf blowers, especially over the summer months. I understand that the Dillon Rule prevents us from writing broad legislation regarding these types of regulations but I also understand that we do have some power in our municipality to pass regulations. I would ask Council to think of this as a health and safety issue as well as an environmental issue. I know that this has been presented to you before and would like to add my voice to the supporters behind the movement. I would like to remind everyone that rakes do exist. Raking will not give anyone asthma, it won’t blow high powered winds to disturb birds and insect, and it can make your yard look neat. Thank you for allowing me to speak. With no additional speaker from the public, Mayor Colbert recognized the Boy Scout in attendance. 4. Reports/Presentations A. 25-4966 Arbor Day Proclamation Mayor Colbert read into the record a proclamation declaring April 25, 2025 as Arbor Day. She called on Leslie Herman, Director, Parks and Recreation, to share the schedule of events. A Commemorative Program will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at Moorefield Park beginning at 5:00 PM and a tree planting will take place at the same location on Saturday, April 26, 2025 beginning at 9:00 PM. Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 A. Report and Inquiries of Council Members Council Member Allen remarked on the planned closure of the Pimmit Hills Senior Center in McLean. One hundred thirty residents of Vienna make use of this Center. She asked Vienna residents and Council Members to reach out to County Supervisors regarding this matter. Council Member Springsteen thanked Staff for the well prepared and presented budget session. Council Member Brill shared an anecdotal story. B. Report of the Town Manager Town Manager Payton thanked Steven Barlow, Director, Finance and the Budget Committee, for leading the budget process. C. Report of the Mayor Mayor Colbert noted the following upcoming events: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Community Meeting will be held March 27, 2025 at the Community Center starting at 6:00 PM. Historic Vienna annual meeting will be held March 27, 2025 at the Community Center starting at 7:00 PM. Residents will showcase their personal collections. James Madison High School will host a baseball game on Friday, March 28, 2025. Patrick Henry Library will host a farewell celebration March 29, 2025 at 11:30 PM as the old library is torn down to be reconstructed and expanded under a new name, Vienna Carter Library. Delegate Holly Seibold will host a Town Hall Meeting March 29, 2025. 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 March 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. 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 March 24, 2025 at the conclusion of the Regular meeting in accordance with Virginia Code, Section 2.2-3711, a(7) & a(3) for discussion or consideration of potential litigation and property acquisition. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved that Preeti Penati be reappointed to the Town Business Liaison Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Committee for a two-year term. Said term shall be retroactively effective 3/10, 2025 and expire 3/10/ 2027. It was moved that Ken Barry be reappointed to the Bicycle Advisory Committee for a two-year term. Said term shall be effective 3/24/2025 and expire 3/24/2027. Motion, Council Member Ramakis; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. E. Closed Session Report Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 5. Consent Agenda It was moved that the Consent Agenda Items A through C be accepted. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second Council Member Ramakis. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Howard J. Springsteen, seconded by Jessica Ramakis, that this was approved on the Consent Agenda.. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert A. 25-4967 Request to Set a Public Hearing for April 7, 2025, regarding the FY2025-26 Operating Budget B. 25-4968 Request to Set a Public Hearing for April 7, 2025 regarding the FY2025-26 Water and Sewer Rates C. 25-4969 Request to Set a Public Hearing for April 28, 2025 regarding the FY2025-26 Real Estate Tax Rate 6. Regular Business A. 25-4888 Request approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Vienna and Vienna Business Association for 2025 Oktoberfest. Mayor Colbert called on Lily Widman, Superintendent, Events and Programs to present the Item for consideration. Ashley Curtis, Marketing and Business Engagement Specialist, Economic Development, noted changes to the agreement that will allow businesses in the impact zone to utilize parking lots during Town events . It was moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the attached MOU between the Town and Vienna Business Association for the 2025 Oktoberfest. Motion, Council Member Anderson; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. 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 Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 B. 25-4889 Request approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Town of Vienna and Rotary Club of Vienna for 2025 Viva! Vienna! Festival and Brewfest Mayor Colbert called on Lily Widman, Superintendent, Events and Programs to present the Item for consideration. It was moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the attached MOU between the Town and Rotary Club of Vienna for the 2025 Viva! Vienna! Festival and Brewfest. Motion, Council Member Baldwin; second, Council Member Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Baldwin, 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. 25-4953 Approval Request for the Sale of Certain Land Rights on Town of Vienna Property, Necessary for the Construction of Fairfax County Project WW-000032-007, Accotink Gravity Sewer Improvements. Mayor Colbert called on Brad Baer, Director, Public Works to present the Item for consideration. Comments from Council included the following: • Reiterate that the Town will continue to own the land; • Original offer of $750 was rescinded in favor of final offer of $107,224; • Valuation was based largely on loss of trees. It was moved to grant certain land rights to Fairfax County for a sanitary sewer easement as described in this report and attachments 1- 5 and accept the proposed sum of $107,224 as total compensation for the proposed easement, which includes compensation to plant trees in the Town of Vienna. Motion, Council Member Baldwin; second, Council Member Ramakis. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Baldwin, seconded by Ramakis, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert D. 25-4957 Approval Request to Award Design Contract for the Locust Street Trail Improvements (Shared-Use Path) Project. ..Body DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE: Oct. 2, 2023 - Council approved the request to utilize VDOT Transportation Alternative funds for design and construction of Locust Street Trail Improvements. This request/approval was required by VDOT for the funding application. Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY: The Department of Public Works (DPW) is seeking Town Council approval to award a professional services and design contract to Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA), in the amount of $447,356 for the Locust Street Trail Improvements (Shared-Use Path) Project. The proposed project involves upgrading the existing sidewalk and non-standard asphalt trail from the Locust and Center Street, SW, intersection to the W&OD Trail. The upgrades include widening the sidewalk and asphalt trail to meet Shared-Use Path (SUP) standards along with drainage improvements. The design and construction of this project is funded by VDOT/FHWA Transportation Alternatives funds with the local match requirement being funded utilizing the Town’s NVTA 30 funds. Project Details: The existing trail is the combination of a sidewalk (5 feet wide - next to the school parking lot) and a non-standard asphalt trail (6 feet wide) that connects Locust and Center streets with the W&OD Trail. The existing conditions create a standing water situation with any typical rain event and the area becomes unusable for pedestrians and some cyclists. The proposed project will widen the trail (10-foot SUP), and the existing sidewalk section, and address the drainage challenges in the project area. The proposed improvements also include a wider crossing (utilizing a culvert) across the creek near the W&OD Trail end of the project (to accommodate the proposed wider path). The contract (Attachment 1) includes the following items: · Preliminary and final design - full construction plans · Right-of-Way services (required for federal/state funded projects) · Coordination with Fairfax County Schools and NOVA Parks · Addressing the full VDOT process requirements · Environmental and Hydraulics design/review · Public engagement/meeting · Construction cost estimates · Bid assistance This improvement was a recommendation from the Maple Avenue Multimodal Study that concluded in 2020. See Attachment 2 for the conceptual design that was developed during the funding application process. Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Approval is recommended to be made in the amount of $447,356 to: Rinker Design Associates (RDA) 11100 Endeavor Court, Suite 200 Manassas VA, 20109 Next Steps: If approved, award the contract and begin the design phase. Expected Completion Time Frame: Estimated design completion is in 2026, followed by construction in 2027. Strategic Plan Initiative: Efficiently Mobile Community Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval. Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval. Purchasing Recommendation: Recommend approval. Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town has a contract for professional services with Rinker Design Associates, and the Town Council may approve the proposed professional services and design contract and expenditure of funds in its discretion. Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the professional services and design contract for the Locust Street Trail Improvements Project, as presented. Cost and Financing: $447,356 Project Account VDTLOCSTRL-DESIGN-ENGINEER - (Locust St SW Trail Widening) GL Account: 300-VDT-1041-39445-48801 - Prior Funding Approval: N/A Decision Needed by This date: March 24, 2025 PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION Mayor Colbert recognized Brad Baer, Director, Public Works, to present the Item for Council consideration. Comments from Council included the following: • Recommendation from original Maple Avenue Multi Modal Traffic Study; • Existing bridge not wide enough for shared use - will be replaced; • Utilized procurement process to determine vendor; • Project will correct water pooling issues; • Currently coordinating with Parks and Recreation regarding water issues effecting Waters Field; Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 • Heavily trafficked trail anticipated to grow in usage with expansion of W&OD Trail; Not a facelift but full replacement; • Trail is integral to moving from auto dependency to alternate mode of transportation; • Must assure that Council doesn’t approve building something only to be torn down to accommodate another project; • Request follow up on age of sidewalk near Vienna Elementary. A motion was made to approve the professional services and design contract for the Locust St Trail Improvements (Shared-Use Path) Project, in an amount not to exceed $447,356. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Anderson. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Anderson, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert E. 25-4959 Request approval of the Transportation Safety Commission’s motion to create a Sidewalk Shoveling Awareness Campaign, focusing on the positive aspects of sidewalk shoveling. Mayor Colbert recognized Beth Eachus, 702 Marshal Rd., Chairman, Transportation Safety Commission to present the Item. Comments from Council included the following: • Past awareness campaigns have been effective; • Must leverage media presence; • Work with other channels to develop and share information; • Suggest including information on health considerations; • May wish to consider ordinance in the future. A motion was made to approve the Town’s Transportation Safety Commission motion to create a sidewalk shoveling awareness campaign, focusing on the positive aspects of sidewalk shoveling. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Baldwin. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Baldwin, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert F. 25-4961 Request for Approval of a Site Plan for Meadow Lane Park, on Lot 0384 08C, Located At 400 Courthouse Road, SW, In The PR Parks and Recreation Zoning District. Mayor Colbert recognized Kelly O’Brien, Deputy Director, Planning and Zoning to present the Item for Council consideration. Comments from Council are summarized as follows: • Restrooms manually locked at sundown; Auto locks are being considered; Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 • Overhang incorporated into current design plan; • Suggest including one handed push operation on restroom door for better-handicapped access; • Current drainage issues will be addressed; • Water fountain has both a bottle filler and child access; • Bike rakes in place; • Work will be completed according to ADA guidelines. A motion was made to approve the site plan for new restroom facilities at Meadow Lane Park, on parcel 0384 08C, at 400 Courthouse Road, SW, in the Parks and Recreational zoning district. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second Council Member Ramakis. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Ramakis, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert G. 25-4970 Approve Changes and Direct The Town Clerk Advertise a Notice of Intent to Adopt Zoning Changes, Location of Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs Mayor Colbert called on David Levy, Director, Planning and Zoning to present the Item for consideration by Council. A brief discussion was held regarding definition of swimming pools, hot tubs and spas in the Town Code. Spa could potentially be defined as a solid structure with walls. Suggest language referencing “water spa”. A motion was made to approve the changes as drafted to Section 18-407 of the Town of Vienna Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, as reflected in Attachment 1, and direct the Town Clerk to Advertise a Notice of Intent to adopt said zoning changes on April 7, 2025, with an effective date 10 days after the publication of the Notice of Adoption. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Baldwin. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Baldwin, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert H. 25-4992 Resolution of the Town of Vienna, Virginia Town Council Approving Support Of Protecting The Natural Environment Along The W&OD Trail Mayor Colbert read into the record the proposed resolution. A motion was made to approve the Resolution Approving Support of Protecting the Natural Environment Along the W&OD Trail. Motion, Council Member Springsteen; second, Council Member Anderson. Motion carried unanimously. Council moved into Closed Session at 9:13 PM. Town of Vienna Page 9 Printed on 5/21/2025 Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 A motion was made by Springsteen, seconded by Baldwin, that the Action Item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 25-5005 Second Closed Session Mayor Colbert called the meeting back into order at 9:15 PM. It was moved that a second closed session was held on March 24, 2025 after close of the Regular Council Meeting in accordance with Virginia Code, Section 2.2-3711, a(7) & a(3) for discussion or consideration of potential litigation and property acquisition. 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 April 7, 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 Springsteen. Motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Ramakis, seconded by Anderson, that the Resolution be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 7- Allen, Anderson, Baldwin, Brill, Ramakis, Springsteen and Colbert 7. Meeting Adjournment Mayor Colbert called for a motion to adjourn at 9:16 PM. Motion, Council Member Anderson A motion was made by Chuck Anderson 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 10 Printed on 5/21/2025