Minutes

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 4, 2007


The Town Council met in regular session on Monday, June 4, 2007, in the Council Room of the Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South. Mayor M. Jane Seeman, called the meeting to order with the following members of Council present: Laurie G. Cole, Daniel M. Dellinger, Edythe F. Kelleher, George E. Lovelace, Michael J. Polychrones, and Maud F. Robinson. Also present were John H. Schoeberlein, Town Manager; Steven D. Briglia, Town Attorney; and Carol A. Orndorff, Town Clerk.

The invocation was offered by Councilman Michael J. Polychrones; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.


APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 21, 2007.

It was moved for the approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 21, 2007.

Motion: Cole
Second: Dellinger Motion carried unanimously




RECEIPT OF PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mr. Edgar Adamson, 230 Beulah Road, N.E., addressed Council regarding the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Beulah Road improvement project. He stated that he has been involved with the project since 1990 when the original plans for the project were found to be unacceptable to the community. As VDOT revised their plans, the North East Vienna Citizens Association (NEVCA) was established and continued to work with the Town Government and VDOT over the years to obtain a plan that was acceptable. Mr. Adamson stated that in 1999, based on the revision made by VDOT at that time, he found the plan would allow him to retain the trees in the front of the property along Beulah Road; the foliage provides privacy and shields his family from the noise and pollution of the 15,000 cars and trucks that pass within fifty feet of his front windows. In January 2003 VDOT issued another set of plans that had the large trees bordering his and his neighbors’ property being cut, and in a letter from the Beulah Road Committee (NEVCA) it was demonstrated that with a slight realignment the trees would be saved. It was his impression at that time the trees would remain and would not be cut. When the project began last month the large healthy tree that protected his home was cut and VDOT’s response was that it was not his tree as it was located in the Town’s right-of-way. Based on VDOT’s decision to spare the trees bordering his neighbor’s property he now wonders if it was really necessary to cut down the tree bordering his property. Mr. Adamson stated the Town Government should not have shirked its responsibility, its stewardship and allowed this to happen; and that the Budget being adopted this evening should contain sufficient monies to replace foliage it allowed VDOT to destroy; or at least obtain compensation from VDOT for replacement. Mr. Adamson entered his statement into the record. (Copy attached to Official Minutes.)

Mr. Dan Mulville, 200 Church Street, N.E., President of NEVCA, addressed Council and indicated he supported the statements and request of Mr. Adamson; that the Town should replace some of the trees along Beulah Road.

Mr. Michael Bosworth, 357 Ayr Hill Avenue, N.E. stated his support of Mr. Adamson’s request and thereafter, spoke of the trees which had been miss-marked for destruction.

Mr. George Creed, 217 Audrey’s Court, S.E., spoke of the Rotary Club sponsorship of Viva! Vienna! and the success of the festival this year. He thanked the personnel from the various Town Department’s who had worked so hard with the Rotary and assisted in the success of the Viva! Vienna! Festival.

Mayor Seeman expressed her appreciation to Mr. Creed and the members of the Rotary for providing a wonderful and fun event. She asked Mr. Creed to have the Rotary Club prepare and make public the amount raised and “where” it is donated for the public good.

Two young ladies, Misses Ebersole and Williams, spoke to Council and requested that the potholes and cracks on Holloway Court be repaired so that they could ride their bicycles without falling.

Mayor Seeman stated that in the 2007-2008 Budget, funds have been allocated for asphalting of Holloway Court.

Mrs. Linda Ebersole, 401 Holloway Court, N.W., spoke in support of Mr. Adamson’s request and thereafter, read a flyer which had been sent from the Principal of Westbriar Elementary School to the parents regarding the attempted abduction of one of the children.

Mayor Seeman stated the Chief of Police had been apprised of the incident however, the case was being handled by Fairfax County, but the Town was being kept up to date.

Mr. Doug Francis, 413 McArthur Avenue, N.W., indicated that it has now been reported in the news that the incident may not be an attempted abduction.



REPORT AND INQUIRIES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS

Councilwoman Cole spoke on the adverse publicity the Town has been receiving in the news media relative to the Town Election conducted on May 1, 2007. She felt it was important that voters have confidence in the integrity of the electoral process and the Council’s commitment to the integrity of that process. Councilwoman Cole stated she expected the County Board of Elections would conduct its inquiry and apprise the Town of its progress and findings; while the Town has not heard directly from the County it appears from the published reports in the local press that a report might not be forthcoming. The Town is not the party to investigate any complaints about the Election, as it falls to the Board of Elections, however, she felt the Town should examine the circumstances surrounding the May 1st Election that caused citizen concern.

Upon discussion with the Mayor and other Council Members regarding the Election and the various news articles, with Councilwoman Cole suggesting areas of investigation, it was the consensus of Council to request the Town Attorney to conduct an investigation and provide a report on the circumstances and procedures of the Town Election process.

Councilwoman Robinson spoke on the Branch Road project and the impact upon the business owners in the adjacent shopping center. She requested that an article be placed in the Town Newsletter encouraging support of the businesses particularly during the reconstruction period.

Mayor Seeman spoke on the Town/Business Liaison Committee taking a pro-active role in the matter and suggested that perhaps the Committee could assist in working with the business owners with update information; and also informing them that the project would be completed in November.


Councilwoman Kelleher spoke on a proposed rezoning application at 9318 Old Courthouse Road, adjacent to Wolf Trails Park, being heard by the Hunter Mill Land Use Advisory Committee. She stated the proposal was to rezone the parcel from R1 to R2 Cluster, for three lots with a shared driveway. The application is scheduled to be heard by the County Planning Commission on July 19, 2007; the Hunter Mill Land Use Committee will be hearing the proposal at its June and July meetings should anyone be interested in attending.

Councilman Dellinger spoke on attending both Viva! Vienna! and the American Legion Ceremony on Memorial Day and encouraged citizens to attend these activities, as they represented what a great place Vienna really is, despite the inconvenience of the Beulah Road and Branch Road projects.



REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER

Mr. Schoeberlein expressed his appreciation to Mr. Creed and the members of the Rotary Club for the excellent Viva! Vienna! Festival.



REPORT OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Seeman presented a Resolution which had been passed by the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate commending the Town of Vienna for being named one of the best places to live in the United States in 2006.

Mayor Seeman reported on the formation of the Town’s Association of Northern Virginia, as a result of their interest in the Northern Virginia Transportation Association and the monies being spent in this area on transportation issues. She stated those Towns comprising the new Association are Clifton, Dumfries, Haymarket, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Occoquan, Purcellville, Round Hill, Vienna and Herndon. The Mayor indicated that Herndon sponsored the first meeting with Mayors and Town Managers being present. There are a number of issues the Town’s can ban together in a collective voice to achieve increased influence and recognition. The Mayor stated that the next meeting will be held in Clifton in September and all attendees will bring various legislative issues for consideration of the General Assembly at the next session.

Mayor Seeman stated the Washington Post named their “Players of the Year” and she was happy that the Coach of the Year Award went to Billy Emerson, a Town resident; and Jason Farley of James Madison High School was named a Player of the Year. The Mayor suggested that Billy Emerson be invited to the next meeting to receive the Town’s appreciation for his achievement.

The Mayor spoke of receiving a complaint from a citizen regarding the noise ordinance and the commercial mowers beginning the mowing at 7:00 A.M. on Memorial Day. Mayor Seeman suggested the Town Council consider the matter at the next Work Session for possible amendment to provide a change in start-up time for commercial mowing on holidays and weekends.

Mayor Seeman stated that five (5) Town’s have been included on the Planning Coordination Advisory Committee of the Northern Virginia Transportation Committee.



PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO THE AGENDA

Councilman Polychrones requested to add as Item #20, discussion of the proposed ordinance regulating bicyclists on sidewalks, as proposed by the Town Attorney.

Councilwoman Kelleher indicated that she would suggest that Item #19, Adoption of the Budget be considered after Item #8, as many of the bid awards are contingent upon the budget adoption.

It was moved to consider the adoption of the Proposed 2007-2008 Budget after Item #8 of the Agenda.

Motion: Kelleher
Second: Lovelace
Carried unanimously



PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2007.

See Official Minutes attached.



REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PROJECT AND FUNDING FOR THE TOWN/BUSINESS LIAISON COMMITTEE’S RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES FOR NEW BUSINESSES IN TOWN.

Mr. William Harrison, Chairman, Town/Business Liaison Committee, (T/BLC), stated he was present before Council to request funds to aid in obtaining needed supplies by the Committee in their new project. He indicated that the Committee seeks to welcome and publicize new businesses to the Town by offering a ribbon-cutting ceremony and complimentary photograph at the opening of each new business. The Committee will make available a photograph and brief write-up of each event for publication in the Town Newsletter and online by the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce; the photographs will be provided pro-bono by a local photographer. Mr. Harrison stated the Committee requests Council approval of the program and funding of $100.00 to cover cost of a year’s supply of ribbon and the purchase of a large pair of scissors.

Upon discussion of the program it was learned that the Department of Parks & Recreation had a pair of large scissors which are used for such events, which the Committee could use.

Councilwoman Cole indicated that the program should proceed however, it should be noted that approval was with the understanding that it did not apply to home occupations.

It was moved for the approval of the Town/Business Liaison Committee ribbon-cutting program and funding of $100.00 from Account Number #10111-46019 to cover the cost of supplies for ribbon cutting ceremonies and other activities of the Commission.

Motion: Cole
Second: Robinson
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



APPROVAL OF TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND DONATION TO JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SYNTHETIC TURF FIELD.

It was moved for approval of a transfer of funds in the amount of $1,500.00 from the General Fund Contingency Account #10914-49900, to the Donations and Contribution Budget Account number to be determined by the Director of Finance.

Motion: Lovelace
Second: Dellinger
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman


It was moved that the Town of Vienna donate $1,500.00 to the project to construct a synthetic turf field at James Madison High School.

Motion: Lovelace
Second: Dellinger
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman


AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND IFB 05-10, ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR GENERAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES WITH SAGRES CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION FOR THE SECOND OF FOUR POSSIBLE ONE-YEAR EXTENSIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT WITH AN ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF $4,471,434.00 OVER THE LIFE OF THE CONTRACT, IF CONTINUED FOR ALL FOUR YEARS.

It was moved for approval to extend IFB 05-10, Annual Contract for General Construction Services, with Sagres Construction Corporation for the second of four possible one-year extensions, with an estimated cost over the life of the contract of $4,471,434.00.

Motion: Kelleher
Second: Robinson
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



ADOPTION OF TOWN OF VIENNA 2007-2008 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET.

It was moved for the adoption of the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year Town of Vienna budget, as amended, as presented by the Town Manager in the total amount of $29,090,310.00. I further move that $19,706,457.00 be appropriated for General Fund expenditures; $2,851,372.00 be appropriated for Debt Service expenditures; and $6,532,271.00 be appropriated for Water and Sewer Fund expenditures during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008. I further move for the appropriation of funds for the various Town Departments itemized in the budget document. I further move for the approval of a Resolution establishing the real estate, bank net capital and utility tax rates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007. I further move that a public hearing be set for June 18, 2007 for the purpose of increasing the cigarette tax rate from fifty cents to seventy-five cents per pack.

Motion: Polychrones
Second: Dellinger
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT FROM A SOLE SOURCE SUPPLIER, J.O. HERBERT COMPANY, INC., AND TO EXPEND FISCAL 2007-2008 BUDGETED FUNDS IN AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $25,000.00.

It was moved for approval to purchase Peek traffic equipment from a sole source supplier, J.O. Herbert Company, Inc and to expend FY 2007-2008 budgeted funds in an estimated amount of $25,000.00.

Motion: Cole
Second: Lovelace
Carried unanimously – Poll vote
Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE PRECISION SOLAR TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT FROM A SOLE SOURCE SUPPLIER, ATLANTIC TECHNICAL SALES, AND TO EXPEND FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 BUDGETED FUNDS.

It was moved for approval to purchase solar traffic signal equipment from a sole source supplier, Atlantic Technical Sales, and to expend FY 2007-2008 budgeted funds, with an estimated cost of $25,000.00.

Motion: Robinson
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously- Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



AUTHORIZATION TO CONTINUE USING ACE TEMPORARIES, INC. AS A SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER FOR TEMPORARY LABORERS FOR THE SANITATION DEPARTMENT AND AUTHORIZATION TO EXPEND APPROVED FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 BUDGETED FUNDS.

It was moved for approval to continue using Ace Temporaries, Inc., as a sole source provider to supplement manpower for the Sanitation Department as needed, at a rate of $13.95 per hour and to expend approved FY 2007-2008 budgeted funds in an estimated cost of $20,000.00.

Motion: Dellinger
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR ADDITIONAL APPROVED FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 BUDGETED FUNDS WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $4,236.78 TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA SUPPLY, INC. UNDER FAIRFAX COUNTY CONTRACT BL05-742702-23B, LUBRICANTS, OILS AND GREASES, AND BL03-621219-23F EMERGENCY VEHICLE LIGHTING SUPPLIES, ETC.

It was moved for approval to expend additional approved BY 2006-2007 budgeted General Funds in an estimated amount of $4,236.78 under two Fairfax County contracts to purchase transmission fluid for all vehicles, equipment as needed and replacement lights on vehicles, from Northern Virginia Supply, Inc.

Motion: Polychrones
Second: Kelleher
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR ADDITIONAL APPROVED FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 BUDGETED FUNDS WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,000.00 FOR Hot/Cold ASPHALT MIX, FROM SUPERIOR PAVING CORPORATION.

It was moved for approval to expend additional approved FY 2006-2007 budgeted funds with an estimated cost of $3,000.00 to Superior Asphalt Corporation for repairs to streets, potholes, etc.

Motion: Dellinger
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



REQUEST TO RENEW IFB 06-05 WITH SILVER COMMUNICATIONS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,660.00 FOR THE VIENNA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION QUARTERLY BROCHURE.

It was moved for approval to award IFB 06-05, Vienna Parks and Recreation Quarterly Brochure to Silver Communications Corporation for FY 2007-2008, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00 from Account Number #10711-43501, with an option for renewal up to two additional years.

Motion: Robinson
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



REQUEST TO RENEW IFB 04-08 WITH QUALITY TREE CARE, FOR TREE MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000.00 FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING July 1, 2007.

It was moved for approval to renew IFB 04-08 with Quality Tree Care, Inc., for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00 from Account Number #10713-43307.

Motion: Lovelace
Second: Dellinger
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



CONSENT AGENDA: RENEWALS OF EXISTING CONTRACTS AND REQUESTS TO EXPEND FUNDS FOR ROUTINE GOODS AND SERVICES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Mayor Seeman entered into the record an e-mail received from Mrs. Mary Ellen Larkins regarding Item #16-5, large trucks traversing on streets marked no-trucks. (Copy attached to Official Minutes.)

It was moved for approval of items as presented by the Department of Public Works and contained in the Consent Agenda and designated as Items Numbered 16-1, 16-2,16-3, 16-4, 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-8, 16-9, 16-10, 16-11, and 16-12.

#16-1: Aftermarket Automotive Parts and General Repair Services, under Fairfax County COG contract in the amount of $16,000.00 with Fairfax Auto Parts, Inc.

#16-2: Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for parts, service and warranty work, under Fairfax County COG contract in the estimated amount of $23,000.00.

#16-3: Department of Transportation Traffic Signs, Sheeting, Barricades, Cones, Sign Machine, under Fairfax County COG contract in the estimated amount of $15,000.00.

#16-4: Gravel, Stone and Sand under Fairfax County COG contract in the amount of 22,000.00.

#16-5: Commercial Trash Service for condominium units, under an approved contract issued November, 2006, to American Disposal Service, in an estimated amount of $16,582.00.

#16-6: Recyclable Material Processing, under IFB 03-10, with Recycle America Alliance for the fourth year of a four year one year extensions. (Estimated return to Town for recycling is $42,200.00 over a five year period.)

#16-7: Janitorial Services for Town Hall and Police Station, under IFB 06-13 to Blue Chip Service, Inc., in an estimated cost of $39,784.24.

#16-8: Industrial Supplies, HVAC Supplies and Lamps, under Commonwealth of Virginia Contract, with an estimated cost of $16,750.00.

#16-9: Uniforms, Clothing and Accessories, under Commonwealth of Virginia COG contract in the estimated amount of $16,539.00.

#16-10: Uniform Rental and Laundering Services and Walk-off Mats, under City of Chesapeake, Virginia, contract, in the estimated amount of $25,424.00.

#16-11: Underground Utility Marking, under Arlington County, Virginia COG contract in the $78,800.00.

#16-12: Unleaded Gasoline, under Montgomery County, Maryland, COG contract, in an estimated amount of $160,000.00.

Motion: Cole
Second: Kelleher
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman



SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM C-1, LOCAL COMMERCIAL ZONE TO RS-12.5 SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED RESIDENTIAL ZONE, FOR A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 223 TAPAWINGO ROAD, S.E. AND FILED BY LYNNE STROBEL OF WALSH, COLUCCI, LUBELEY, EMRICH & WALSH, P.C., AGENT FOR WEDDERBURN HOMES, LC, OWNER.

It was moved for approval to set the date of September 10, 2007, for conducting a public hearing on a request for a proposed change in zoning from C-1, Local Commercial zone to Rs-12.5, Single-Family Detached Residential zone for a single-family residence on Fairfax County Tax Map Parcel 38-4((19))(8) 16 and located at 223 Tapawingo Road, S.E., and filed by Lynne J. Strobel of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich & Walsh, P.C. agent for Wedderburn Homes, LC, owner.

Motion: Kelleher
Second: Robinson
Carried unanimously



SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEAR ON A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM RS-16, SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED RESIDENTIAL ZONE, TO RM-2, MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE, FOR TWO PROPOSED CONDOMINIUM BUILDINGS ON WHAT IS NOW 117 EAST STREET, S.E. AND 116 BERRY STREET, S.E., FILED BY LYNN STROBEL OF WALSH, COLUCCI, LUBELEY, EMRICH & WALSH P.C.

It was moved for approval to set the date of September 10, 2007, for conducting a public hearing on a request for a proposed change in zoning from Rs-16 Single-Family Detached Residential zone to RM-2, Multi-Family Residential zone for Fairfax County Tax Map Parcels 38-2((9)) 106 and 38-2((9)) 107, and located at 117 East Street, S.E., and 116 Berry Street, KS.E., respectively, as filed by Lynne J. Strobel of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich & Walsh, P.C., agent for Ayrhill Homes, LLC, owner.

Motion: Kelleher
Second: Mayor Seeman
Carried unanimously



PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 21.10, RIDING OF BICYCLES ON SIDEWALKS AND BIKEPATHS.

It was moved that Proposed Ordinance amending Section 21.10 of the Code of the Town of Vienna, be referred to the Transportation Safety Commission for review and recommendation.

Motion: Polychrones
Second: Dellinger
Carried unanimously


It was moved to adjourn.

Motion: Robinson
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously


The Regular Meeting of Council adjourned at 9:55 P.M.



PUBLIC HEARING

PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2007

June 4, 2007


The Town Council held a duly advertised Public Hearing on the Proposed Increase in the Water and Sewer Rates for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2007, on Monday, June 4, 2007, in the Council Room of the Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South. Mayor M. Jane Seeman, called the hearing to order with the following members of Council present: Laurie G. Cole, Daniel M. Dellinger, Edythe F. Kelleher, George E. Lovelace, Michael J. Polychrones, and Maud F. Robinson. Also present were John H. Schoeberlein, Town Manager; Steven D. Briglia, Town Attorney; and Carol A. Orndorff, Town Clerk.

Mr. Philip Grant, Director of Finance stated the proposed Fiscal Year 2007-2008 budget requires that the Town increase the water and sewer rates. The water rate will increase from $3.44 to $3.99 per 1000 gallons for in-Town customers, which represents an increase of $.55 per 1000 gallons; for out-of-Town customers the rate will go from $3.82 to $4.37 per 1000 gallons, which is an increase of $.55 per 1000 gallons. The sewer rate for all customers will increase from $4.54 to $4.77 per 1000 gallons for an increase of $.23 per 1000 gallons. Mr. Grant indicated on a combined basis the change in rates will result for the in-Town customer is an annual increase of $59.28 for the average customer. Mr. Grant stated the reason for the proposed increase is straight forward, that in order to moderate past increases, the Town has used over 2.7 Million Dollars worth of water and sewer fund balances over the past several years to support the water and sewer fund budget; this has reduced the water and sewer balance to less than $721,000 last year and a further decline is likely by the end of the current year. He continued by stating that should the trend continue into Fiscal Year 2008 it will draw down fund balance to a level that will adversely affect the Town’s bond rating; accordingly the rate increases have been proposed to reverse the trend.

Councilman Dellinger questioned where the Town purchased the majority of its water, with Mr. Grant indicating it was from the City of Falls Church. Councilman Dellinger discussed with Mr. Grant the time frame for the current rates and the consideration of rates for the Fiscal Year 2008-2009.

Mayor Seeman inquired if anyone in the public would like to speak on the proposed water and sewer rates.

Mr. George Creed, 217 Audrey’s Court, S.E., spoke of the increase in the rates over the years and the rates being charged by Falls Church and Fairfax County to its customers, along with the rates by these two entities being charged to the Town for purchase of, water. He also spoke of the various methods of paying water bills with Fairfax County and the limited methods offered by the Town. Mr. Creed also addressed the change in the meter caps, which he was told could be read from a distance, which he felt indicated the Town did not need the number of meter readers as currently employed.

Mr. Schoeberlein stated the new caps cannot be read from a distance; the caps are touch-read only which still requires that the meter reader must physically place his reader on the cap to get the reading. He states the Town is replacing the mechanical meter with electronic meters, which will provide for a more accurate reading. Mr. Schoeberlein further spoke of current negotiations with Fairfax County to purchase the necessary water connections and if successful, will allow the Town to become a wholesale purchaser which will lower the rates.

Councilwoman Robinson indicated that also out of the Water and Sewer funds, the Town must pay the Blue Plains Sewage Treatment Plant charges, along with the County’s Lower Potomac Treatment facility.

Councilman Polychrones questioned Mr. Grant if the Town was still paying the debt service of $l.5 Million for the upgrade of the Lower Potomac Treatment facility. Mr. Grant indicated in the affirmative, stating it amounted to approximately $104,000 per year.

Mr. Schoeberlein for informational purposes reviewed the various water rates being charged in the State of Virginia, with the average rate based on 5000 gallons per month was $19.24 for water and $22.83 for sewer.

Mr. Grant indicated for the record the Town did provide for payment of water and sewer bills on line going through the Town’s web-site; with availability of utilizing a swipe card by the end of the year.

It was moved to close the Public Hearing.

Motion: Lovelace
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Kelleher, Lovelace, Polychrones,
Robinson, Mayor Seeman


It was moved for the adoption of an Ordinance setting water and sewer rates for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2007, as proposed.

Motion: Mayor Seeman
Second: Cole
Motion carried: 6/1

Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Lovelace, Polychrones, Robinson,
Mayor Seeman
Voting Nay: Kelleher

*Noted for the record, copy of the Ordinance attached to the Official Minutes.

The Public Hearing adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

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