Minutes

TOWN BUSINESS LIAISON COMMITTEE

MINUTES

January 8, 2009

The Vienna Town Business Liaison Committee (T/BLC) held a meeting at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Vienna Town Hall. Present were Chairman William Harrison, Chris Brunjes, Mark Uhron, Deborah Brehony, Orlene Grant, and Bindy Lichtenfels (7:11). Also present were Julie A. Morris, Planner, and Jennifer M. Murphy, Committee Clerk. Bindy Lichtenfels is absent

Roll Call:

Ms. Murphy called roll. Ms. Lichtenfels was called as absent arriving at 7:11.

AGENDA:

Chairman Harrison asked for corrections or additions to the agenda. There being none a motion was in order.

Ms. Brehony made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Mr. Brunjes seconded the motion.
Motion: Brehony
Second: Brunjes
Carried: 5-0


MINUTES:

Chairman Harrison asked that a correction be made to the minutes from the November 13, 2008, meeting. He stated that on page 2, paragraph 1, it should read, “…Family First Psychological Services…” rather than “…Fairfax Psychological Services…”

There being no further corrections a motion was in order.

Ms. Grant made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 13, 2008, meeting as corrected. Mr. Uhron seconded the motion.

Motion: Grant
Second: Uhron
Carried: 5-0


OLD BUSINESS:

1. Discuss Ribbon Cutting ceremonies and new business contacts

Chairman Harrison stated that there are currently no Ribbon Cutting ceremonies scheduled. He asked Mr. Brunjes if he had an opportunity to speak to someone from Applegate Gallery and Custom Framing. Mr. Brunjes answered yes, stating that they are new to the Town and are open to holding a Grand Opening. He stated that he will contact them again to discuss scheduling.

Ms. Brehony stated that she had recently visited a new business called the Soundry located on Dominion Road, NE. They held a Grand Opening in December. She stated that it is a really fascinating business that is in line with the revitalization concepts they discussed for the old Dominion industrial area. She explained that the Soundry is an arts center where you can pay $99 dollars a month to rent space. Once you are a member you can go there at any time to participate or facilitate classes in music and the arts.

Chairman Harrison asked if they should be in contact to offer a Town Grand Opening. Ms. Brehony stated that a Grand Opening was held on December 13th, with the Mayor in attendance. She recommended that everyone stop by to take a look when they have the time. She would like to promote the business in any way that they could as it is such an interesting business. Additional discussion followed and was determined that Ms. Grant would write a feature article on the Soundry for the Town’s newsletter.

Ms. Morris explained, with respect to the new business list, she did not have an updated list. If she receives a list before the next meeting she will email it out to the Committee members.


2. Report on meeting with Planning and Zoning Director


Chairman Harrison stated that he met with the Director, Mr. Greg Hembree, of the Department of Planning & Zoning to discuss Committee issues. He stated that it was a good discussion and passed around a report on the meeting to the Committee members. He stated that Mr. Hembree informed him that all in office applications have been updated with email and website contact requests. With respect to compiling that information into a common database he was told that would require additional organization as it cuts across the different departments. There is limited staff to do so. It was suggested that they continue their discussions about creating a Town wide database for electronic contacts with the Town Manager and Mayor Seeman.

Chairman Harrison stated that they discussed the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hembree explained to him the it will be updated in 2011 so they can obtain the latest results from the 2010 census but actual planning would begin well before that. He thought that some of the beginning phases of planning would begin by the end of 2009. They also discussed how some of the recommendations from the Maple Avenue Vision Committee are being considered by the Planning Commission on a piece meal basis. He stated that it was a good discussion and that Mr. Hembree had wanted the Committee to know that he would be happy to assist the Committee in any way that he could. He also invited them to contact him if they needed anything.

Ms. Grant stated that it sounded like a successful meeting. They should proceed forward in discussions with Mayor Seeman and the Town Manager on their proposal for an electronic database. Mr. Brunjes agreed, stating that it does not make sense to complete the process of gathering email and websites if it won’t be utilized. Ms. Brehony stated that she cannot stress the importance of having the information. She stated that it is as important as having a phone number or address. She encouraged Chairman Harrison to speak to whomever they need to talk to. With respect to comments about the Planning Commission utilizing portions of the Maple Avenue Vision, she wondered what specifically they are reviewing.

Chairman Harrison asked Ms. Morris if she could obtain that information from Mr. Hembree. Mr. Morris agreed. Chairman Harrison noted that the Planning Commission Minutes are posted online for anyone to review. He stated that it would be instructive to see the kinds of things discussed and reviewed before the Commission.


3. Report on contact with Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (Mark Uhron)

Chairman Harrison asked Mr. Uhron for a status update. Mr. Uhron stated that he had made a new contact that was very helpful. He stated that in 2007, Fairfax County established the Office for Community Revitalization and Reinvestment (OCRR.) They have a full time staff of 6 people and a website: www.fcrevit.org. They are an offshoot of the County Board of Supervisors and their permanent staff. Currently they are working in seven locations among which include Mclean and Merrifield. The website has a newsletter that they update periodically. Another ordinance was adopted to permit the County to consider petition for the creation of Community Development Authorities or CDA’s. He explained that a petition has to be signed by 51% of the landowners or population of the area requesting to be a community development authority. The County has established an office of Revitalization or Redevelopment that maybe the Town would like to liaise with. They typically work with specified geographic areas in order to revitalize them to work in accordance with the Town’s Vision or Comprehensive Plan. He stated overall it had been a good conversation.

Ms. Grant asked how the OCRR ended up working in Merrifield and Mclean. Mr. Uhron answered that the locations requested the OCRR to work with them. He stated that Merrifield and Mclean are both unincorporated areas of the County and had asked if there would be an issue because they are a Town. He was told that they should be able to receive the same services. With respect to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), he was told again that their priority is to fill office space and not retail or restaurants. The OCRR might be the better route to go to work with.

Mr. Brunjes stated that the FCEDA works with a lot of office space located around the Town. He stated that they still need support services in order to make office space attractive, noting that there is definitely value in moving forward. Ms. Brehony stated that they could request a representative from the Department of Planning & Zoning and the OCRR to come in to talk with them. Additional discussion followed. It was determined that the Committee would move on to discuss Item no. 4 to determine if they should proceed with the OCRR.


4. Continue discussion of the Town Comprehensive Plan and Maple Avenue Vision

Ms. Lichtenfels stated that she read over the Maple Avenue Vision. It seemed to her that there were some bright individuals on the Committee who presented a thorough document. No action taken on it and they need to consider how not to be redundant in their efforts. Chairman Harrison stated that if they want to make recommendations they would need a compelling case. He stated that with respect to his previous comments that the Planning Commission was considering portions of the Maple Avenue Vision, he noted that he misspoke. He stated that it was his understanding that they were considering some of the recommendations but not in a formal sense. Even though the Maple Avenue Vision was not adopted some of the concepts have become a part of the Town dialogue. The notion of formative zoning is beginning to take hold without formative action. That is how he meant that the Planning Commission is considering some of those ideas. He asked Ms. Morris if she could inform them further as she finds out additional information. Ms. Morris agreed.

Ms. Brehony stated, going back to discussions regarding email contacts, she received an emergency notification registry form from the Police Department. It does not request any type of email contact. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the Department of Planning & Zoning updated their in office forms to include requests for email contact information. The Police Department falls outside of those changes. Chairman Harrison will be in contact with the Town Manager and Mayor Seeman to discuss options.

Ms. Brehony passed around a report detailing her discussions with two former Maple Avenue Vision Committee members. She stated that they both felt that the Committee had worked very hard and were at a loss as to why the plan was rejected in total. They were disappointed that it had not moved forward at all. She stated that they were excited at being approached about the issue and where hopeful of a possible resurrection of the plan. Things are currently moving forward, slowly on the Church Street Vision Plan. Another building was recently approved for new construction at the December 15, 2008, Town Council meeting. She agreed with Chairman Harrison’s comments that things seem to be coalescing in an informal way however they need to be careful that there be some structure as to how it should happen.

Ms. Lichtenfels stated that it is clear that the Mayor and Town Council are aware of help that is available for economic development but no action was taken to go in that direction. She stated that they need to look into why the Town Council does not want any action. Chairman Harrison stated that they did give their decision which was that they did not want to move forward with it. He stated that a part of the recommendation included plans to hire a consultant, which was at a starting cost of $50,000.00. That could have been a major consideration. He stated that he also sensed a difference of opinion amongst the Town Council members with regard to the proposed Zoning categories.

Ms. Grant stated that it seemed important question why the Town shelved the plan. Mr. Brunjes agreed, stating that they maybe want to utilize the OCRR for assistance. Additional discussion followed.

Chairman Harrison asked for feedback as to what the Committee would like to gain from discussions regarding the Maple Avenue Vision. Mr. Brunjes stated that it is not for the T/BLC to go through the plan pulling out what they would like to see happen. They would like to see some action take place.

Chairman Harrison stated that they may be asked if it is something that the Town business community wants. Ms. Lichtenfels stated that the Maple Avenue Vision clearly states that it is something that the local property owners and citizens were in support of. Based upon survey results it had been determined that it was something that the citizens wanted done. Ms. Brehony read aloud a portion of the Maple Avenue Vision for the record that supported Ms. Litenfel’s comments.

Chairman Harrison stated that he also feels that the T/BLC acts as a representative of the business community. He stated that it would be good to maintain contact with as many persons in the business community as they can. He asked for the next steps to take with respect to Fairfax County. Mr. Brunjes stated that they may want to have another conversation with them to let them know that they feel that they would be beneficial to the Town and to make sure that they have the man-power and desire to work with the Town before moving forward. Additional discussion followed and was determined that Mr. Uhron will contact the OCRR for follow-up questions.

Mr. George Bernhard of 609 Delano Drive, SE, came forward to speak. Mr. Bernhard stated that he had been listening to the discussion and wanted to share his experience working with both the Town and Fairfax County on a stream restoration project. It had been his experience that although there were only a couple of citizens who were against the project they voiced their concerns louder and more often than the many citizens who were in support of the project. As a result those citizens had more say in how the project was managed. Fairfax County was only concerned with the concerns of the citizens who were the most vocal no matter how few they were.
Chairman Harrison thanked Mr. Bernhard for his comments. There being no further questions, Mr. Bernhard was seated.

5. Report on business outreach efforts

Chairman Harrison asked for a status update on committee efforts for updating the email listing. Ms. Morris answered that she has received listings from Ms. Brehony along with a handful back from the business community on the certificate of occupancy applications. Chairman Harrison stated that they are also trying to gather information for updating the online retail guide.

Ms. Grant asked if they should set a deadline. Ms. Lichtenfels agreed. Additional discussion followed and was determined that they could revisit the look to see where they are at the next scheduled meeting. They could then divvy up the remaining list amongst the committee.


NEW BUSINESS

1. Discuss plans for the 2009 Carole Wolfand Annual Community Service Award

Chairman Harrison asked staff if they have received any nominations. Ms. Morris answered no, explaining that she has posted information on the Town’s website, ran an advertisement in the Town’s newsletter, emailed a notice to the list of business contacts that she had and has not heard anything back. She discussed the situation with Mayor Seeman who made the suggestion for Mr. John Brunow of Bikes @ Vienna. Chairman Harrison stated that he is familiar with Mr. Brunow as he wrote a feature article about him. He is very active in the Town. Bikes @Vienna has a program for fixing up bikes for those who cannot afford to purchase new ones. He is also a member of the Town’s Planning Commission. Mr. Brunjes noted that Mr. Brunow is also very active in putting together ViVa Vienna. Ms. Lichtenfels agreed stating that he is the President of the Town’s Rotary Club who is responsible for putting on ViVa Vienna. They typically raise $85,000 to $90,000 dollars in non-profits for the Town. Ms. Grant stated that she also served with him on the Town’s Community Enhancement Committee. She stated that he has always been very serious about giving back to the community. Additional discussion followed.

Chairman Harrison stated that Mr. Brunow is a great suggestion and encouraged everyone to consider additional nominations. He asked if they want to consider pushing the vote back to the end of February. Mr. Brunjes stated that they could vote on it at their next meeting keeping the deadline at the end of January. Ms. Brehony stated concern that they had the same issue of collecting nominations for the last award given. Additional discussion followed.
Mr. Brunjes made a motion that the Committee extends its deadline for receiving nominations for the 2009 Carol Wolfand Annual Community Service Award by a week. The committee will vote on the award at the February 12th meeting.

Additional discussion followed and Mr. Brunjes withdrew his motion.

Chairman Harrison asked, with respect to the actual given award, if they should try to get another artist to recreate the photo montage or is there another option for an award. Ms. Brehony stated that a certificate of appreciation would be fine. Ms. Grant stated that a plaque and photo-op is good. Mr. Uhron suggested a photo engraved copy of a letter onto a plaque. Chairman Harrison asked Ms. Lichtenfels if she could take care of a suitable award. Ms. Lichtenfels agreed. Chairman Harrison will contact the service clubs in Town to request possible nominations.

2. Discuss questions for web survey

Mr. Brunjes asked if they could table Item No. 2 to the February meeting. He stated that if they don’t currently have email addresses then they cannot move forward for a web survey. There being no further discussion a motion was in order.

Mr. Brunjes made a motion to table Item no. 2 for discussion to the February 12, 2009, meeting. Ms. Lichtenfels seconded the motion.

Motion: Brunjes
Second: Lichtenfels
Carried: 5-0


3. Election of officers

Chairman Harrison asked for nominations for Chair. Ms. Grant nominated Mr. Uhron. Mr. Uhron respectfully declined the nomination.

Mr. Uhron nominated Mr. Harrison to serve an additional term. There being no further nominations Mr. Harrison will remain as chair.

Mr. Harrison asked for nominations for vice-chair. Mr. Brunjes nominated Mr. Uhron for vice-chair. Ms. Brehony seconded. There being no further nominations Mr. Uhron will be vice-chair.
Ms. Brehony asked if there was a status update regarding the vacancy on the Committee. Mr. Harrison stated that the Mayor and Town Council will be considering the issue this month.




4. Update the T/BLC Work Plan

Chairman Harrison asked that they update the Committee work plan at the end of every meeting. He stated that nothing was added to it over the course of this meeting so it will remain as it stands.

5. Discuss any new issues from the business community

Ms. Lichtenfels asked if there are any tax incentives for green alternatives for building and recycling for commercial businesses. She stated that Fairfax County does have an incentive program and wondered if that is something that they could look into at the next meeting.

There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.


Respectfully Submitted,


Jennifer M. Murphy
Committee Clerk

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