Minutes

The Town Council met in regular session on Monday, December 17, 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 Reverend Mary Katherine Morn, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 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 DECEMBER 3, 2007.

It was moved for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Town Council Meeting of December 3, 2007.

Motion: Cole
Second: Lovelace
Carried unanimously


RECEIPT OF PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.

None


PRESENTATIONS

At this time Mayor Seeman along with Director of Parks & Recreation, Mrs. Cathy Salgado, presented Beauty Spot Awards to Todd and Kathleen Coles of 326 Adahi Road, S.E.; and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, 400 Center Street, S.



REPORT AND INQUIRIES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS

Councilman Dellinger reported that he had attended the interment of Mrs. Cordelia Sansone, a long time resident of the Town, at Arlington National Cemetery. He further commented the service was well attended and conducted at the Old Fort Myer Chapel and interment was in Section 66, where she rests with her husband.

Councilwoman Robinson stated she had been impressed with the Standard & Poor’s financial analysis of the Town, and felt it represented a good stewardship of the Town Manager and Director of Finance.

Councilwoman Robinson spoke on remarks that had been made sometime ago by a citizen of the Town about Dick DeAngeles, who lived for many years on West Street; and who had performed meticulous research on all the dwellings on the hill, which comprise the Historic District. The remarks that had been made referred to Mr. DeAngeles as a “mere meteorologist with no credibility in the process he had performed for the Town of Vienna on his own time. Councilwoman Robinson further stated that Mr. & Mrs. DeAngeles had moved to Snow Hill, Maryland, which the Maryland Historical Trust has called the most historically intact Town in Maryland. Mr. DeAngeles spent endless hours developing material for a comprehensive walking tour, and is currently the Chairman, of the Preservation Commission, which has been charged with establishing the guidelines to protect the historic nature of the Town. Due to his efforts the Preservation Commission has received a grant of $15,000.00 from the Maryland Historical Trust to fund the cost of the project. Councilwoman Robinson stated that she felt his accomplishments in Maryland validate his competence and dedication which he had given to the Town of Vienna.

Councilman Lovelace stated that as the Town’s representative to the Community Appearance Alliance, announced that the Alliance was looking into legislation regarding litter on VDOT property, such as political signs, etc. The program being developed, Adopt a Highway, which will authorize community members to remove litter from the VDOT property.

Mayor Seeman indicated she felt this was a worthwhile program and hoped it would pass in the upcoming General Assembly Session.

Councilwoman Kelleher expressed congratulation to the Department of Public Works for the completion of the McHenry Street sidewalk project. She discussed with the Town Manager the status of the Talahi Road project.

Ms. Heather Diez indicated the project was scheduled for the spring of 2008; the funds are in place and the Town is still working with Virginia Power relative to placement of the poles; further it is planned to use the Town’s on-call contractor, Sagres Construction to complete the work.

Councilman Dellinger questioned the status of obtaining additional Federal Transportation funds, to which the Mayor indicated the appropriation bill was still being considered.


REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER.

Mr. Schoeberlein spoke on the bond rating upgrade awarded to the Town of Vienna, from a double-a minus to a double-a by Standard & Poor’s. He stated that he and the Director of Finance had worked with the analysts who went over the Town’s financial records with a fine-tooth comb, and felt the bond rating upgrade was an accomplishment and says a lot for the Town, especially during this time since most are being downgraded. Mr. Schoeberlein indicated he would like to give a great deal of credit to Phil Grant, as this upgrade will mean a lot to the Town in the future and save quite a lot of money; and also every bond the Town now has in existence has been upgraded to the double-a rating.


REPORT OF THE MAYOR.

Mayor Seeman reported on attending the latest Towns of Northern Virginia Association meeting, along with the Town Manager. She
stated the Association members had shared legislation programs and agreed to go to Richmond in January as an organization to meet with the various Legislators on the various Town issues; this will be in addition to the VML Legislative Day in February. She further stated the Association also agreed to invite the Virginia Municipal League to attend the next meeting to discuss issues impacting the jurisdictions which they may not be aware. Further they agreed their one uniting principle was that Town’s rights should not be usurped by the Commonwealth; that concerns relative to non-representation on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority should be pursued, and lastly, that the Mayor of Herndon will act in the capacity of the official spokes person for the Association at this time. Mayor Seeman commented she felt the meeting had been very successful and worthwhile.

Mayor Seeman spoke on attending the Northern Virginia Regional Commission’s 60th Anniversary Celebration luncheon where she accepted an award for the Town; the Regional Partnership Award for Northern Virginia Clean Water Partner’s Storm Water Education Campaign. The Mayor then presented this award to Ms. Holly Chu, Director of Public Works, recognizing all the time and effort of the Department on the Storm Water Campaign.

Mayor Seeman spoke on the Town’s Mayor and Town Council Holiday Reception, and that the Mayor and three Members of the Town Council of Herndon had attended, along with VDOT representatives, members of the Town’s Boards and Commissions, citizens and staff. She conveyed her appreciation to all those members of staff who had assisted in the event.

Mayor Seeman stated she had the honor of participating with CHO the previous Saturday, in distributing the Holiday Gifts for Children and Families. She indicated there had been 96 families and 216 children who received gifts, coats, hats, gloves, and bicycles. She stated the bicycles are referred to as “gently used” and volunteers assist in fixing the bicycles, John Brunow of Bikes of Vienna, being one of the volunteers who helps with some of the repairs. In addition, Spokes Bicycles supplied bicycle helmets for all the children receiving bicycles; no child receives a bicycle without receiving a helmet. The Mayor stated many good citizens and business owners assist in this project, which demonstrates the joy of the season and the generosity of this Community.



PROPOSAL TO ADD ITEMS.

None


PUBLIC HEARING ON A REVISED SITE PLAN IN THE PR-PARK & RECREATIONAL ZONE, AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 18-126.10 OF THE VIENNA TOWN CODE AND ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONS TO AND RENOVATION OF VIENNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 128 CENTER STREET, S., FILED BY JOHN SOUSER, PE, ADTEK ENGINEERS, AGENT FOR FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL, FOR THE TOWN OF VIENNA, OWNERS.

See Official Minutes attached.

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A REVISED SITE PLAN AND A NUMBER OF SITE PLAN MODIFICATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH TEMPORARY BUILDING PLACEMENT, ENTRANCE WIDTH, PARKING AND LOADING SPACE REQUIREMENTS, ALL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONS TO AND THE RENOVATION OF VIENNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 128 CENTER STREET, SOUTH, IN THE RM-2 MULTI-FAMILY, LOW DENSITY, AND C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONES, FILED BY JOHN SOUSER PE, ADTEK ENGINEERS, AGENT FOR FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE TOWN OF VIENNA, OWNERS.

(See Official Minutes of Public Hearing this date, Agenda Item #5, Revised Site Plan for the PR-Park & Recreational Zone.)

It was moved for the approval of the Revised Site Plan, and a number of Site Plan Modifications, including those associated with temporary building placement, entrance width, parking and loading space requirements, all in conjunction with the construction of addition to and the renovation of Vienna Elementary School, 128 Center Street, South, in the RM-2 Multi-Family, Low Density and C-2 General Commercial Zones, and as filed by John Souser, PE, Adtek Engineers, agent for Fairfax Count Public Schools and the Mayor and Town Council for the Town of Vienna, owners.

Motion: Polychrones
Second: Kelleher
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

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


REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A FINAL PLAT FOR THE RESUBDIVISION OF FAIRFAX COUNTY TAX MAP PARCEL E8-2((2)) 24A, LOCATED AT 201 CHARLES STREET, S.E., NEW ADDRESSES TO BE 305 LOCUST STREET, S.E. AND 201 CHARLES STREET, S.E., AND IN THE RS-10 SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED RESIDENTIAL ZONE, FILED BY WILLIAM C. BLACKWELL, AGENT FOR OAK STREET DEVELOPMENT, OWNER.

Mr. William C. Blackwell, agent for Oak Street Development, owner, addressed Council and stated it was the owner’s desire to subdivide the parcel into two lots, one enclosing 13,457 square feet and the other enclosing 11,537 square feet; the existing improvements, being the one-story dwelling, detached garage and gazebo are to be removed and two new residences will be constructed. Proposed lot coverage for new Lot 24A-1 will be 24.2 percent and 23.8 percent for new Lot 24A-2; tree canopy calculations show that the minimum twenty percent tree canopy will be met in accordance with Town Code; both houses will front onto Locust Street however, the existing address would survive by virtue of the proposed driveway placement onto Charles Street and the Fire Marshal’s strong desire for addresses to reflect driveway location.

Mayor Seeman entered into the record the Planning Commission recommendation Memorandum dated October 30, 2007 into the record. (Copy attached to Official Minutes.)

Mayor Seeman verified with Mr. Blackwell that the six requests as suggested by the Planning Commission had been met by the applicant. Mr. Blackwell stated that when meeting with the neighbors, they had expressed appreciation for the sidewalk installation, which would allow the children to walk on Charles Street to the bus stop.

Mr. Blackwell indicated that a storm water trench had been proposed to carry the flow which runs to the west towards Locust Street. He further spoke on the height of the structures, which will be under thirty-three feet, and that no fill dirt will be brought onto the property. He further indicated that the gazebo will be retained and moved to a neighbor’s property, at their request, by the builder.

Mayor Seeman inquired if anyone in the audience desired to speak on the Final Plat. Noted for the record there were none.

Mayor Seeman and Mr. Blackwell discussed the location of the swale, which had been noted on the plat as requested by the Planning Commission.

Councilwoman Cole inquired if any waivers were required for this project, to which Mr. Blackwell noted none were needed.

It was moved for approval of the Final Plat of the resubdivision of Fairfax County Tax Map Parcel 38-2((2)) 24A, located at 201 Charles Street, SE new addresses to be 305 Locust Street SE and 201 Charles Street, SE, and in the RS-10 Single-Family Detached Residential zone and as filed by William C. Blackwell, agent for Oak Street Development, Owner.

Motion: Cole
Second: Polychrones
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

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


Councilman Lovelace spoke on his appreciation that this developer had not brought-in in-fill dirt when measuring the height of the structure; that he had provided a true measurement and had been respectful of the surrounding neighborhood.

Councilman Dellinger noted that maintenance of the infiltration swale was the responsibility of the homeowner and that this should be noted on the plat and the deed, to which Mr. Hembree indicated that this was duly noted, and also would appear on the Certificate of occupancy.



AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT IFB 08-02 MANHOLE RISER RINGS, TO MANHOLE SYSTEMS, INC OF HUDSON, OHIO, IN AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $10,844.00.

It was moved for approval to award Contract IFB 08-02 Manhole Riser Rings, to Manhole Systems, Inc. of Hudson, Ohio, and to expend Fiscal Year 2007-2008 budgeted funds with an estimated cost of $10,844.00.

Motion: Lovelace
Second: Dellinger
Carried unanimously- Poll vote

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



ADOPTION OF PROPOSED REVISIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBIC WORKS’ FEES INCLUDING BOND FEES, RESIDENTIAL WATER AND SEWER FEES, WATER METER FEES AND HYDRANT METER DEPOSIT FEES THAT ARE CURRENTLY BELOW AVERAGE WHEN COMPARED TO AVERAGE FEES IN THIS AREA.

It was moved for adoption of the proposed revisions to the Bond fees, Residential Water and Sewer fees, Water Meter fees and Hydrant Meter Deposits, as presented. It was further moved that the Town Clerk be directed to advertise a Notice of Adoption.

Motion: Robinson
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

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



Mayor Seeman spoke on the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the completion of sidewalk projects, and stated a citizen on McHenry Street and made the suggestion, and felt this provided positive public relations attention to the sidewalk program and works of the Town. She thanked Ms. Heather Diez of the Department of Public Works for all the planning and implementation of the program.

Councilman Lovelace acknowledged the amount of work the Mayor performs in representing the Town at so many activities. He wanted to express a big thank-you for all her efforts; that she seems to enjoy it, and he felt she should be recognized for all she does.

It was moved to adjourn.

Motion: Robinson
Second: Cole
Carried unanimously


The Regular Meeting of Council adjourned at 9:25 P.M.




PUBLIC HEARING

REVISED SITE PLAN IN THE PR-PARK & RECREATIONAL ZONE, AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 18-126.10 OF THE VIENNA TOWN CODE, AND ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONS TO AND RENOVATION OF VIENNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 128 CENTER STREET, S., FILED BY JOHN SOUSER, PE., ADTEK ENGINEERS, AGENT FOR FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE TOWN OF VIENNA, OWNERS.


December 17, 2007


The Town Council held a duly advertised public hearing on the above cited matter, on Monday, December 17, 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.

Mayor Seeman indicated that it had been suggested that the public hearing also include the next agenda item which was a request for a revised site plan approval on the same property therefore, all testimony would include aspects of both items.

Mr. Gregory Hembree, Director of Planning and Zoning, stated the Town Code requirements necessitate the division of the proposed additions and renovations in the Vienna Elementary School into three separate agenda items, site plan public hearing, site plan modifications and conditional use permit. Consideration of any revision to the current site plan within the PR zone requires a public hearing in accordance with Section 18-126.10 of the Town Code. He continued by stating the Planning Commission reviewed the consolidated site plan and after considerable discussion on the various elements of the renovation project, recommends approval of the site plan revisions for the PR zoned portion of the Vienna Elementary School property.

Mr. John McGranahan, Attorney, representing Fairfax County Public Schools, was present on behalf of the applicant. He stated the school has been operating since 1872 with the most recent renovation being in 1986; the Fairfax County School Board proposes the construction of a one and two story brick and mortar addition expansion and reconfiguration of existing parking areas and the placement of two temporary quad classrooms on the existing basketball courts to assist during the transition. The administrative, library, music stage and corridor additions will add 15,629 square feet to the existing 56,978 square foot elementary school building; a courtyard addition would be created within the interior of the oldest portion of the existing school. Thereafter, with the assistance of Mr. John Souser, Engineer, outlined on the site plan exhibit, the entire renovation project. Also depicted were the parking areas, bus loading and unloading areas, along with the location of the temporary quad trailers to be used during the construction period. Discussion also took place relative to the lot coverage contained on-site both in the PR zone and the RM zone. Upon inquiry, Mr. McGranahan stated the anticipated completion date is 2010; there is no anticipated increased enrollment at the school.

Mayor Seeman entered into the record the recommendation Memorandum dated November 23, 2007 received from the Planning Commission. (Copy attached to Official Minutes.)

Mr. McGranahan stated that he would like to address the issue of the Locust Street right-of-way and ownership of both the school property and the right-of-way. He stated there is a memorandum of understanding that has been worked out with the Town Attorney and Town Council that puts control and use with the Town of Caffi and Waters ball fields, and has been the case for a long time. He thereafter, depicted on an exhibit board, the concept of including the right-of-way in the lot coverage calculations which would provide the School Board to meet Town Code requirements; ownership of the parcel would remain with the Town of Vienna, and the adjacent school property and ball field ownership would remain with Fairfax County; the right-of-way to continue to be used for parking.

Upon question of Councilman Dellinger, Mr. Souser explained the flow of water to the rear of the property towards the stream, along with the depth of the streambed and shallow outfall. Further review of the Town requirements relative to lot coverage, ownership of the properties and anticipated enrollment capacity.

Council Members Lovelace, and Kelleher discussed potential impact upon Town drainage system, and calculations of post-development runoff, with Ms. Chu, Director of Public Works.

Councilman Dellinger spoke of the areas along the trail which could be considered wetlands and voiced concern relative to potential impact.

Councilwoman Cole spoke of her concern regarding the process being considered relative to the site plan process.

The Town Attorney spoke of the various considerations which had taken place to develop an acceptable plan for benefit of the Town and the school; that the plan before Council was not a means to “get around anything.” He addressed the concerns of the School Board relative to the current bus drop-off and pick-up area and parental drop-off area, which are not standard and are unsafe; this was one of the key considerations in the development of the renovation project, and the usage of the Locust Street right-of-way which has been used for parking, was the best available alternative.

Councilwoman Robinson stated the area behind the school along the Trail has historically been a wet area; that many areas in this section of Town have been wet swamp area, and in the 1950’s Cottage Street was a free-running creek which was filled-in; the entire south side of the Town has always contained wet areas with underground springs. She felt the school building was part of the governmental core of the Town and would provide for a decent mortar and brick structure and compliment the library, Town Hall, Community Center, etc.

Mayor Seeman called for anyone in the audience desiring to speak on the proposed project. Noted for the record there were none.


It was moved to close the Public Hearing.

Motion: Polychrones
Second: Kelleher
Carried unanimously – Poll vote

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


It was moved for approval of the Revised Site Plan in the PR-Park & Recreational Zone, as specified in Section 18-126.10 of the Vienna Town Code, and associated with the construction of additions to and the renovation of Vienna Elementary School, 128 Center Street, South, filed by John Souser, PE Adtek Engineers, agent for Fairfax County Public Schools and the Mayor and Town Council for the Town of Vienna, owners.

Motion: Polychrones
Second: Robinson
Motion carried: 6/1 – Poll vote

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




The Public Hearing adjourned at 9:10 P.M.

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