A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Manassas, Virginia was held in Council Chambers, City Hall, on the above date with the following present: Mayor Harry J. Parrish II, Vice Mayor Jonathan L. Way, Council Members Marc T. Aveni, Sheryl L. Bass, Ken D. Elston, Ian T. Lovejoy and Mark D. Wolfe; City Manager W. Patrick Pate, City Attorney Martin R. Crim, Deputy City Attorney Michael Vanderpool, Deputy Director of Water and Sewer Tony Dawood, Deputy Director of Public Works Bruce Goudarzi, Assistant Public Works Director Patrick Moore, Neighborhood Services Coordinator Christen Zenich, Deputy City Clerk Antoinette M. Elgart, Chief of Police Douglas W. Keen, Police Captain Tina Laguna, Development Services Manager Jamie S. Collins, Economic Development Director Patrick Small, Finance and Administration Director Paul York, and Public Affairs Specialist Patty Prince. Mayor Parrish called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. giving the invocation and leading those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. City Attorney Report Mr. Crim reported that he sent the panhandling ordinance draft to the Police Department and that it would be presented to Council in the near future. City Manager Report Mr. Pate reported that last week the City s Utilities Department hosted delegates from Brazil who are in the U.S. as part of a reverse trade mission. The group learned about AMI and asked many questions about the City s SCADA system. Mr. Pate reminded everyone about the 21st Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival on June 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He stated that there would be train rides, live entertainment, great food, train memorabilia, model trains and a Steam Train 611 would be coming through town. Mr. Pate again congratulated Doug Horhota, the Programs Coordinator for the Manassas Museum, for being awarded the Stellar Service Award at the Discover Prince William & Manassas Tourism Week event. Mr. Pate reminded everyone that there is a primary election on June 9th and that the last day to vote absentee in person is June 6th. Mr. Pate congratulated Whitt s Harley Davidson on its 30 th Anniversary that it would be celebrating later this week. Mr. Pate reported that at a recent Utility Commission meeting Tony Dawood and the Utilities Department were recognized as recipients of a Water Quality Award. (Following the City Manager s comments the award was presented to Tony Dawood by Mayor Parrish.) Chief of Police Report Chief Keen reminded everyone that there will be a lot of traffic in town on June 6th because of the Railway Festival and to stay alert. Chief Keen thanked the City Manager and Council for its support of National Law Enforcement Week and reminded everyone that the City of Manassas has one fallen officer and that the County has several. Council Time Vice Mayor Way invited everyone to attend the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25 th at 8:30 a.m. at the War Memorial on Main Street for a brief ceremony. Vice Mayor Way reported that the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has twenty new locomotives that are being named for individuals who were instrumental in initiating the VRE and that one locomotive will be named for James Hugh Payne, Sr., from Manassas City who will have his name on the
front of one of the new locomotives in his honor. Vice Mayor Way reported that ten year old Timmy Tyrell, who has a passion for miniature Nascar racing, has been able to collect donations in the amount of approximately $250,000 on behalf of pediatric cancer and should be commended for his efforts. Vice Mayor Way informed the audience that the VRE is in the process of implementing Positive Train Control in an effort to avoid any future incidents like the one that occurred recently in Philadelphia by the end of 2015 and that testing of the system would begin in 2016. Council Member Bass reported that Senator Colgan was recently honored at the Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast she attended and that it was decided that the Commonwealth would soon have a new state song entitled Our Great Virginia and a new popular song entitled Sweet Virginia Breeze. Council Member Bass stated that a proper ceremony would be held in the near future for the adoption of these two new songs. Council Member Elston also commended Timmy Tyrell for all his accomplishments and reported that Timmy was an honorary Grand Marshal for one of the past Christmas Parades in Manassas. Council Member Elston reminded everyone to remember our teachers as May is Teacher Appreciation Month. Mayor Time Mayor Parrish called on Nadia Pederson, Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Manassas, and her daughter Lena. Ms. Pederson and her daughter presented to Mayor and Council a framed photo of City Council and members of the Boys and Girls Club when they recently visited City Hall. Mayor Parrish stated that he would like to see such visits become an annual event. Consent Agenda Item 1. Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 11, 2015. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 11, 2015 be approved. Seconded by Council Member Lovejoy. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 2. Consideration of Proclamation Designating May 2 ~ 10, 2015 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Manassas. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that the Proclamation designating May 2 ~ 10, 2015 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Manassas be approved. Seconded by Council Member Lovejoy. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 3. Consideration of Resolution 2015 16 R Amending the FY 2015 Budget by Budgeting and Appropriating: (A) (B) $35,911 Insurance Reimbursement and $5,000 from Building Maintenance Fund Balance for Water Damage at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Building. $181,000 of Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Revenue for a Vehicle Monitoring System. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Resolution 2015 16 R Amending the FY 2015 Budget by budgeting and Appropriating $35,911 Insurance Reimbursement and $5,000 from Building Maintenance Fund Balance for Water Damage at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Building and $181,000 of Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) revenue for a Vehicle Monitoring System be approved. Seconded by Council Member Lovejoy. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED.
Item 4. Consideration of Resolution #R 2015 42 Authorizing Purchase of a Replacement Dry Transformer. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Resolution #R 2015 42 authorizing purchase of a replacement dry transformer be approved. Seconded by Council Member Lovejoy. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 5. Second Reading of Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 28 Establishing the Manassas Regional Airport Fee and Rent Schedule Effective July 1, 2015. The Deputy City Clerk read for the second time Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 28, Establishing the Manassas Regional Airport Fee and Rent Schedule Effective July 1, 2015. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that the Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 28 establishing the Manassas Regional Airport Fee and Rent Schedule effective July 1, 2015 be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Lovejoy. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 6. Second Reading of Ordinance #O 2015 29 Amending and Reenacting the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as Amended, by Adding Section 46 5, Relating to Court Fees. The Deputy City Clerk read for the second time Ordinance #O 2015 29, Amending and Reenacting the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), As Amended by Adding Section 46 5, Relating to Court Fees. The second reading of the Ordinance as just read by the Deputy City Clerk was exactly the same as the first. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Ordinance #O 2015 29 amending and reenacting the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as amended by adding Section 46 5, relating to Court Fees be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Lovejoy. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 7 was reserved for changes to the Consent Agenda. Item 8 of the Agenda. Second Reading of Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 24 Setting the Real Estate Tax Rates for Tax Year 2016. The Deputy City Clerk read for the second time Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 24, Setting the Real Estate Tax Rates for Tax Year 2016. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 24 Setting the Real Estate Tax Rates for Tax Year 2016 be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Bass. Roll call vote: AYES Bass, Elston, Way and Wolfe. NAYS Aveni and Lovejoy. MOTION CARRIED. Item 9 of the Agenda. Second Reading of Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 25 Setting the Personal Property Tax Rate for Tax Year 2016.
The Deputy City Clerk read for the second time Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 25, Setting the Personal Property Tax Rate for Tax Year 2016. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 25, Setting the Personal Property Tax Rate for Tax Year 2016 be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Bass. Roll call vote: AYES Bass, Elston, Way and Wolfe. NAYS Aveni and Lovejoy. MOTION CARRIED. Item 10. Second Reading of Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 26 Setting the Water, Sewer and Electric Utility Rates in the City of Manassas for Fiscal Year 2016. The Deputy City Clerk read for the second time Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 26 Setting the Water, Sewer and Electric Utility Rates in the City of Manassas for Fiscal Year 2016. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 26, Setting the Water, Sewer and Electric Utility Rates in the City of Manassas for Fiscal Year 2016 be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Bass. Roll call vote: AYES Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. NAYS Aveni. MOTION CARRIED. Item 11. Second Reading of Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 27 Setting the Solid Waste Collection and Courtesy Truck Fees. The Deputy City Clerk read for the second time Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 27 Setting the Solid Waste Collection and Courtesy Truck Fees. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Uncodified Ordinance #O 2015 27 Setting the Solid Waste Collection and Courtesy Truck Fees be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Bass. Roll call vote: AYES Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. NAYS Aveni. MOTION CARRIED. Item 12 of the Agenda was reserved for changes from the Consent Agenda. Item 13 of the Agenda was reserved for changes from the Consent Agenda. Item 14 of the Agenda was reserved for changes from the Consent Agenda. Item 15 of the Agenda was reserved for changes from the Consent Agenda.
Item 16 of the Agenda: Presentation to Council by the Alzheimer s Association. Members of the Alzheimer s Association National Capital Area Chapter and Participants in the Walk presented to the Mayor and Council a framed photo of the Walk s participants when it occurred in Manassas. Item 17 of the Agenda: Presentation of Proclamation Designating the Week of May 2 ~ 10, 2015 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Manassas. The Mayor presented proclamations designating the week of May 2 ~ 10, 2015 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Manassas to Debbie Haight, Executive Director of HMI, and to Mark Kowalewski, Director of Sales for Prince William County/Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau. Item 18 of the Agenda: Citizens Time Andrew Harrover announced the formation of EDGE: MANASSAS, a business led initiative to identify effective strategies to raise the City s profile and bring private resources to bear on their implementation. He introduced the entities involved: Weber Rector Commercial Real Estate, Didlake, Micron, Matrix Computer Consulting, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, George Mason University, Apple Federal Credit Union, BAE Systems, and Novant Health. Mr. Harrover also described one initiative that would start this summer and fall called Footsteps to Brilliance, a Pre K initiative that leverages technology to help young children and their parents learn to read and write English. He stated that this was truly an exciting time to live and work in the City and that EDGE: MANASSAS looked forward to lending expertise of the business community to support our schools. Mayor Parrish thanked EDGE: MANASSAS and said that it was great to see the businesses assisting with the schools. Mark E. Rabatin, President of Sumner Lake HOA, distributed to council photos of the lake and the drainage situation at the lake. He stated that although the algae problem is under control, there is still a storm drainage issue. He stated that the water is eroding the pathway and fencing around the lake. Mr. Rabatin stated the situation was dangerous and requested that the City build a stone wall around the embankment to correct the situation like the one that exists on Hasting Drive. He reported that there is considerable trash on the pathway as a result of the drainage into the lake. Gary Harmon, also a Sumner Lake resident, stated that he was one of the original owners and on the Board of Directors of the HOA. He stated that the Board is responsible for the area near the lake and has had trees planted to control the erosion and that the HOA is setting aside money for path repairs but cannot keep up with the repairs when the pathway continues to erode from the runoff from the lake caused by the drainage issue. John Grady stated that he too is an original owner at Sumner Lake and that constantly there is trash in the lake. He stated that when it rains trash accumulates in the lake from the Liberia corridor. He stated that cleanup by the city of the lake is sporadic and that the residents constantly complain about trash. He stated that the individuals who live in the area specifically with lake views pay high taxes to have that lake view yet must deal with the bad conditions of the lake on a regular basis. Michael Rosas, Vice President of the Sumner Lake HOA and another original owner, stated that the HOA is not asking for a handout. He stated that the HOA is trying to keep its dues down and that it has a capital plan. He reported that the pavement needs to be replaced and that there are funds to repair the pavement but that they are concerned that the pavement would continue to crumble from erosion if nothing is done regarding the lake. He requested that the City consider a wall similar to the one in place on Hastings to control erosion and flooding.
Public Hearing Mayor Parrish read an affidavit of publication that was before him signed by an authorized agent of the Prince William Times newspaper certifying that the Public Hearings listed on the evening s agenda were published in conformance with Virginia law and City ordinances. Item 19 of the Agenda. Public Hearing on the Georgetown South Parking District. Deputy Director of Public Works Bruce Goudarzi reported that the Georgetown South Parking District was established in 1997 and that the parking district policy adopted by the City Council in July 2014 allows HOAs to request the creation or elimination of parking districts. In March 2015 a petition was signed and submitted to the City by the Georgetown South Board of Trustees requesting the parking district be eliminated for the entire subdivision. Mayor Parrish opened the Public Hearing. Mayor Parrish invited anyone wishing to speak in support of or in opposition to the elimination of the parking district for Georgetown South to come forward to the podium. The following individuals spoke in favor of eliminating the parking district: Hannah Senft Sandra Clarke Meg Carroll The following individuals spoke in opposition of eliminating the parking district: Marvin Valladares Conrad Runion COUNCIL MEMBER AVENI MOVED that the Public Hearing be closed and further action be scheduled for June 15, 2015; seconded by Vice Mayor Way and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Public Hearing was closed at 8:10 p.m. Closed Session Item 20 of the Agenda: Consideration of a Motion Authorizing a Closed Meeting on Subjects in Accordance with the Amended Freedom of Information Act. COUNCIL MEMBER AVENI MOVED that the City Council convene in closed session to discuss contracts with the Virginia Railway Express and with Prince William County involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of bidders or offerors, and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, as permitted by Virginia Code 2.2 3711 Paragraph A (29), for which the Virginia Freedom of Information Act permits discussion in closed session. Seconded by Council Member Way. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Parrish announced that the Mayor and City Council, the City Attorney, the City Deputy Attorney and the City Manager would be included in the closed meeting discussion. Council retired to the closed meeting at 5:53 p.m. Council Member Elston was excused from the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
Item 21 of the Agenda: Consideration of a Motion Certifying That the Closed Meeting was Conducted in Conformity with Virginia Law. COUNCIL MEMBER AVENI MOVED that the City Council certify that, in the closed meeting just concluded, nothing was discussed except the matters specifically identified in the motion to convene in closed meeting and lawfully permitted to be discussed under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act cited in the motion. Seconded by Council Member Bass. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. ABSENT Elston. MOTION CARRIED. Council returned from the closed meeting at 7:15 p.m. Motion was duly made, seconded and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting. Mayor Parrish declared the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. MAYOR DEPUTY CITY CLERK DATE APPROVED