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 Member 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, City Clerk Andrea P. Madden, Chief of Police Doug Keen, Fire and Rescue Chief Brett R. Bowman, Battalion Chief Kevin Franzello, Administrative Assistant Melissa Heiderman, Community Development Director Elizabeth S. Via Gossman, Planning and Zoning Services Manager Matthew Arcieri, Senior Planner Kelly Davis, Airport Director Juan Rivera, Finance and Administration Director Paul York, Public Affairs Specialist Patty Prince, and Human Resources Manager Darla Hicks. 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 The City Attorney reported on the following items: 1. Mr. Crim reported that the DC Diamond Tax Appeal case had concluded and the Circuit Court entered its final orders. 2. Mr. Crim stated that the closing on the Redoubt Road property was scheduled for earlier in the afternoon. City Manager Report The City Manager reported on the following items: 1. Mr. Pate encouraged the public to visit Historic Manassas on Friday, February 6 for First Friday. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on February 6, City restaurants will pair up with downtown merchants to offer a soup sampling. Five dollar wristbands will allow participants to sample the soups from each location and vote to name a champion of the Souper Bowl. 2. Mr. Pate noted that winter weather was expected to move into the area; City crews are working to prepare the streets and make conditions as safe as possible. 3. Mr. Pate thanked the City Council for participating in the Retreat that occurred earlier in the month. City staff will work to prepare action plans designed to reach the goals and vision established during the two day meeting. Chief of Police Report The Chief of Police reported on the following items: 1. Chief Keen reported that a pedestrian was struck by a train in the early morning hours of January 22, 2015 and encouraged the public to obey traffic signs and not risk their safety near the railroad tracks. 2. Chief Keen stated that he and Mayor Parrish attended a productive and positive community meeting in Gainesville earlier in the month to discuss and build relationships with the African American community. Council Time Vice Mayor Way announced that Weems Elementary is one of 22 schools in the United States selected as a finalist for the 2015 National Excellence in Urban Education Award. Vice Mayor Way stated that the schools are improving and thanked all those who persistently work to help each student succeed.
Council Member Bass thanked HMI for hosting the Virginia Main Street Managers Retreat and stated she enjoyed meeting so many people from around the state at the evening reception. Council Member Bass encouraged the public to attend Osbourn High School s production of Much Ado About Nothing this weekend. Council Member Elston welcomed the members of the Christmas Parade Committee. Mayor Time Mayor Parrish presented a Commendation to John Martin, thanking him for all his volunteer work in the community and his leadership in organizing the Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. Mayor Parrish joined John Martin and Mark Olsen in congratulating the Christmas Parade Award Winners. Mayor Parrish announced that due to inclement weather, the presentation of the Black History Month Proclamation has been rescheduled for February 9, 2015. Consent Agenda Item 1. Approve Minutes of Special Meetings of January 10 and January 16 17, 2015 and Regular Meeting of January 12, 2015. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 12, 2015 AND Special Meetings of January 10 and January 16 17, 2015 be approved. Seconded by Council Member Aveni. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 2. Consideration of the Annual Limited Express License for the Use of the E.G. Smith Baseball Complex by the Greater Manassas Baseball League. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that the Annual Limited Express License for the use of the E.G. Smith Baseball Complex by the Greater Manassas Baseball League be approved. Seconded by Council Member Aveni. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 3. Consideration of Proclamation Designating the Month of February 2015 as Black History Month in the City of Manassas. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that the Proclamation designating the Month of February 2015 as Black History Month in the City of Manassas be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting of February 9, 2015. Seconded by Council Member Aveni. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 4. Consideration of Resolution 2015 09 R Amending the FY 2015 Budget by: A. Budgeting and Appropriating $109,007 from Fund Balance / Net Assets for Replacing the Airfield Lighting Control System at the Airport. B. Budgeting and Appropriating $125,000 for the FY 2014 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Subgrant Sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS.) C. Budgeting an Appropriating $17,500 for the 2014 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Citizen Corps Grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to Support the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Resolution 2015 09 R Amending the FY Budget as presented be approved. Seconded by Council Member Aveni. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 5 of the Agenda: Second Reading of Ordinance #O 2015 16 Amending Section 110 82 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as Amended, Relating to Tax Relief for Elderly and Handicapped. The City Clerk read for the second time Ordinance #O 2015 16 to Amend Section 110 82 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as Amended, relating to Tax Relief for the Elderly and Handicapped. The second reading of the Ordinance as just read by the City Clerk was exactly the same as the first. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Ordinance #O 2015 16 to Amend Section 110 82 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as Amended, relating to Tax Relief for the Elderly and Handicapped be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Aveni. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 6 of the Agenda: Second Reading of Ordinance #O 2015 17 Amending Section 110 32 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as Amended Relating to Personal Property Tax Classification (Other Classifications of Tangible Personal Property for Taxation to Include Provision for Classifying Certain Property Belonging to Members of the Virginia Defense Force as a Separate Category). The City Clerk read for the second time Ordinance #O 2015 17 Amending Section 110 32 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as Amended Relating to Personal Property Tax Classification (Other Classifications of Tangible Personal Property for Taxation to Include Provision for Classifying Certain Property Belonging to Members of the Virginia Defense Force as a Separate Category). The second reading of the Ordinance as just read by the City Clerk was exactly the same as the first. COUNCIL MEMBER WOLFE MOVED that Ordinance #O 2015 17 Amending Section 110 32 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Manassas, Virginia (2002), as Amended Relating to Personal Property Tax Classification (Other Classifications of Tangible Personal Property for Taxation to Include Provision for Classifying Certain Property Belonging to Members of the Virginia Defense Force as a Separate Category) be approved and enacted on second reading. Seconded by Council Member Aveni. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Item 7 was reserved for changes to the Consent Agenda. Items 8, 9 and 10 were reserved for changes to the Agenda. Item 11 of the Agenda: Presentation of the FY 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Auditor s Findings for the Year Ended June 30, 2014 by Auditors, Robinson, Farmer Cox Associates. Andrew Grossnickle with Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates presented the FY 2014 CAFR and Auditor s Findings for the Year Ended June 30, 2014. Item 12 of the Agenda: Presentation of the 2014 Fire and Rescue Annual Report. Fire and Rescue Chief Brett R. Bowman presented to City Council the 2014 Fire and Rescue Annual Report, highlighting the successes and challenges faced by the system.
Item 13 of the Agenda: Human Resources Manager Darla Hicks presented to City Council the 2014 Human Resources Annual Report. Item 14 was reserved for changes to the Agenda. Item 15 of the Agenda: Presentation of Proclamation Designating the Month of February 2015 as Black History Month in the City of Manassas. Due to possible inclement weather, the presentation of the Black History Month Proclamation was rescheduled for February 9, 2015. Item 16 was reserved for changes to the Agenda. Item 17 of the Agenda: Citizens Time There were no speakers during Citizen s Time. Public Hearings 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 18 of the Agenda: Public Hearing on Updates to the Manassas Regional Airport Rules and Regulations. Airport Director Juan Rivera explained that the Manassas Regional Airport Commission and Airport staff have completed a revision of the Airport Rules and Regulations. The revision incorporates staff recommendations and comments from airport tenants. The draft Rules and Regulations were submitted to the FAA for review and comments received were also included in the draft. Mayor Parrish opened the Public Hearing. Mayor Parrish invited anyone wishing to speak in support of or in opposition to the Updates to the Manassas Regional Airport Rules and Regulations to come forward to the podium. There were no speakers in favor of or in opposition to the matter. COUNCIL MEMBER AVENI MOVED that the Public Hearing be closed and further action be scheduled for February 9, 2015; seconded by Vice Mayor Way and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:40 p.m. Item 19 of the Agenda: Public Hearing on SUP #2015 02: Stonewall Park Telecommunication Tower, 8351 Stonewall Road. Planning and Zoning Services Manager Matthew Arcieri explained that Milestone Communications is requesting a special use permit to construct a telecommunications structure and associated equipment pursuant to 130 341 of the Manassas City zoning ordinance. The tower will have a total height of 115 feet and will be placed at Stonewall Park, 8351 Stonewall Road, on the east side of the parking lot and north of the soccer field adjacent to the walking trail. Mr. Arcieri stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request, as conditioned, at its December 3, 2014 meeting.
A representative of the applicant made a brief presentation and provided photographs with the proposed pole inserted. Mayor Parrish opened the Public Hearing. Mayor Parrish invited anyone wishing to speak in support of or in opposition to the special use permit to come forward to the podium. There were no speakers in favor of or in opposition to the matter. COUNCIL MEMBER AVENI MOVED that the Public Hearing be closed and further action be scheduled for February 9, 2015; seconded by Vice Mayor Way and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:57 p.m. Item 20 of the Agenda: Public Hearing on SUP #2015 03: Seton School Sign, 9314 Maple Street and 8907 Quarry Road. Planning and Zoning Services Manager Matthew Arcieri explained that Lynn O Neill, a parent of a student at Seton, is requesting a special use permit to amend the conditions of SUP #2013 09 to allow a 32 square foot LED changeable message sign located over the door on Seton s gymnasium wall. The sign is intended to notify parents who are dropping off children of events at the school, upcoming important dates, and other daily reminders. Mr. Arcieri stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request, as conditioned, at its December 3, 2014 meeting. Ms. Lynn O Neill briefly discussed the need for and purpose of the proposed sign at the school. Ms. O Neill explained that parents are often extremely busy and the LED sign would allow school staff to alert parents quickly of important dates and events as they are dropping off or picking up their children. Mayor Parrish opened the Public Hearing. Mayor Parrish invited anyone wishing to speak in support of or in opposition to the special use permit to come forward to the podium. There were no speakers in favor of or in opposition to the matter. COUNCIL MEMBER AVENI MOVED that the Public Hearing be closed and further action be scheduled for February 9, 2015; seconded by Vice Mayor Way and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Public Hearing was closed at 8:07 p.m. Closed Session Item 21 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 appointments to Boards, Committees and Commissions, as permitted by Virginia Code 2.2 3711 Paragraphs A (1), for which the Virginia Freedom of Information Act permits discussion in closed session. Seconded by Vice Mayor Way. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Parrish announced that the Mayor and City Council would be included in the closed meeting discussion regarding appointments.
Council retired to the closed meeting at 6:50 p.m. Item 17 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 Wolfe. Roll call vote: AYES Aveni, Bass, Elston, Lovejoy, Way and Wolfe. MOTION CARRIED. Council returned from the closed meeting at 7:32 p.m. Item 23 of the Agenda: Committees and Commissions. (ADDED) Consideration of Appointments to Boards, COUNCIL MEMBER LOVEJOY MOVED that the following appointments be approved: Dr. James White, to the Northern Virginia Community College Board to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2016; Joseph Hanlin, to the Traffic Safety Commission to fill an unexpired term ending February 14, 2016; Zuzanna Steen, to the Workforce Investment Board to fill an unexpired term ending August 15, 2017; and Thomas Flynn, to the Manassas Regional Airport Commission as the Prince William County Board of Supervisors representative, to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2018. AND that the following reappointments be approved: Mark Olsen, to the Manassas Historic Resources Board, for a four year term ending January 30, 2019; Steven F. Thomas, to the Manassas Historic Resources Board, for a four year term ending January 30, 2019; Don Wilson, to the Manassas Historic Resources Board, for a four year term ending January 30, 2019; Ryan Myers, to the Economic Development Authority, for a four year term ending January 24, 2019; and James C. Schornick, to the Utility Commission, for a four year term ending January 22, 2019. Seconded by Council Member Aveni and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion was duly made, seconded and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting.
Mayor Parrish declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. MAYOR CITY CLERK DATE APPROVED