May 7, 1974 – When Turnout Peaked in Falls Church City

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

November 8, 2011

Much of the recent debate over when to hold Falls Church City’s elections has focused on declining turnout.  For various reasons, fewer and fewer citizens choose not to vote, even in contested elections.  This trend, which seems counter to the City’s long-established reputation for civic activism, has continued for 20 years.

Those who advocate moving the local election believe that the turnout will be higher if polling moves from May to November.  It almost certainly would, but the level still might not reach that achieved on May 7, 1974, when over 55% of the voters went to the polls, a turnout not approached again until 1988-90 and more than double that of 2010.

In 1974 the Citizens for a Better City (CBC) was the major political organization in Falls Church, just as it is today.  However, CBC did not hold a majority of the seats on the City Council.  An opposition group, who referred to themselves as the Independents, was determined to extend their control.  Well financed, they published several issues of their own campaign newspaper. 

A Washington Post story saw the City’s election as pitting those who favored the residential character of the town versus those eager to entice new businesses and offices into what they termed the City’s dying central business district.  The now long-defunct Northern Virginia Sun described the Independents as calling “for positive actions versus negative inaction” and CBC’s position as “in favor of moderate growth versus rampant development.”

CBC’s online history recounts a crucial Council meeting that surely had a major impact on the election.  Members had voted to adopt what was known as a Planned Unit Development ordinance, which was supported by CBC members as a device for planning and development of the City’s commercial areas.  The ordinance did not control density, which was to be done by assigning Land Use Intensity ratings (LUIs) to various areas.

The night the ordinance passed and after most of the audience had gone home, without public notice or hearing, the majority adopted a resolution which assigned interim LUIs for most of the City’s business and residential areas.  If retained, this would have opened certain areas to highly intensive development, such as Winter Hill (then Tyler Gardens) and the tract now occupied by the Oakwood Apartments.  Subsequent public outrage forced the Council to modify these actions.

In a May 4 letter to the Sun, CBC president Hirst Sutton summed up his party’s vision:

“The City needs a Council which will look to the development of Falls Church in the manner desired by most of its citizens and which will reject high-density, high-rise development that would only add to the traffic congestion and other environmental problems, increase governmental costs, and fail to maintain Falls Church as the desirable residential community in which most of us wish to live.”

Most voters agreed, as CBC went on to an overwhelming victory, sweeping all four Council seats at stake.  The party’s candidates won a total of 7,790 votes, while the four Independents garnered only 2,527.  Two other candidates trailed far behind.  Leading vote getter Harold Sliverstein won 2,005 votes, more than twice the 998 votes Ron Peppe received when he led the list in 2010.

Among those elected were Carol DeLong and Ed Strait.  Ms. DeLong, who later became mayor, went on to serve 16 years on the Council, Mr. Strait for 12.  Both have remained active in civic affairs.  Also elected was John Enright, now of Camden, Maine, who served one term.

Passions certainly were high in 2010 and likely will be so again next May.  If the election date is moved, November elections probably will be as contentious.  However, due to massive demographic changes, it seems unlikely that the City will ever achieve an election as intense as that of 1974 or an outcome as decisive.

In the mid-70s Falls Church was still very much a traditional bedroom community, consisting predominately of single family homes, many occupied by long-term residents.  By the 21st Century, the News-Press would accurately call Falls Church ”a city of new arrivals.”

In 2001 researchers determined that 43% of the City’s residents had arrived in the last five years and that nearly two-thirds of them had come to Falls Church since 1990.  That year over one-third of the homes in Falls Church were occupied by residents who had lived there 20 years or longer.  The proportion in 1974 probably was much higher.  By 2001 it had dropped to 11.4%.

Hundreds of condominium units have been added during the last decade.  Many remain unoccupied, but over one-third have been converted to rentals, which have a much higher turnover rate.  New projects such as the Northgate and the Gateway virtually insure that the trends of the last 20 years will continue.

Due to these changes, fewer residents are as settled as those in the 1970s, or as likely to consider themselves stakeholders in the community.  Some may change their perspective, but others will have moved on before developing any strong ties to the City or participating in its political process.

Voters in 1974 clearly held strong opinions about the future of Falls Church.  Future voters may be as opinionated, but even if turnout soars it will be very hard for them to deliver a message as emphatic as the one citizens sent 37 years ago.

The City now is denser, more transient, and somewhat more diverse.  These factors make consensus harder to achieve, resulting in greater demands on elected officials.  However, the ultimate responsibility for the future of Falls Church is in the hands of its people.  Whatever their numbers, whether they choose to live here four years or four decades, they must take that duty as seriously as citizens did on May 7, 1974.

The author wishes to thank Marshall Webster and other staff members of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library for their assistance in the preparation of this article.

Election Date Issue to be Resolved Tuesday

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

November 7, 2011

The question may be at the bottom of the ballot, but it will be foremost in the minds of many Falls Church City voters who go to the polls tomorrow.  After weeks of discussion and spirited debate, citizens will determine via referendum whether municipal elections, long held in May, will move to November in 2013.  A “Yes” vote endorses the switch.  A “No” vote rejects it.

Those advocating the move to November cite higher turnout, which they believe is more representative, and reduced costs as benefits.  Opponents warn that fall elections may lead to increased partisanship and less focus on local issues.

May elections traditionally have been non-partisan.  Both the local Democratic and Republican committees have stated they have no intention of endorsing candidates for the City Council or the School Board.  However, both committees have staked out positions on the issue.  The Republicans oppose the move while Democrats favor it.

Democratic Senator Richard Saslaw, who leads the local ballot, has called for passage of the referendum.  His campaign and that of Delegate Jim Scott together contributed $1,200 to Falls Church Votes, an independent group asking for a “Yes” vote on Tuesday.  The group is chaired by City Treasurer Cathy Kaye, a Democrat.  There is no comparable opposition group, though Vice Mayor Dave Snyder and his son bought yard signs calling for a “No” vote.

A majority vote to approve the referendum does not automatically move future election dates.  Specifically, the question calls for amendment of the City Charter.  Like all Charter amendments, however, it is not self-executing.  If the referendum question passes, to effectively change the Charter the proposed amendment must be sent to the General Assembly for approval, as is required for all such amendments.

Saslaw, who is the Senate majority leader, is seeking election in the 35th District as a result of re-districting.  He is opposed by Republican Robert Sarvis and Independent Green Katherine Ann Pettigrew.  Delegate Scott is unopposed for re-election in the 53rd District, which he has represented for nearly a decade.  Theo Stamos, candidate for Commonwealth’s Attorney, also is unopposed.  Stamos is a Democrat, but under Virginia law her party affiliation cannot appear on the ballot.

Tuesday’s polls will open at 6:00 am and close at 7:00 pm.

Further information on the candidates is available in the Voters’ Guide provided by the Falls Church League of Women Voters.  The League also offers a Pro/Con Fact Sheet on the May/November issue..

City Council Extends CDC Lease for Two Years,
Continues Review of Stormwater Problems

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

October 24, 2011

The Falls Church City Council this evening approved a resolution authorizing a two year extension of the lease for the Child Development Center (CDC).  The new term will extend until November 30, 2013 at a rate of $3,000 per month.

The Council’s debate followed a 40 minute closed session, during which members thrashed out unresolved issues concerning the lease.  Draft documents issued to the media prior to the meeting had indicated that the rent would be much higher.

The City-owned facility has been leased to Easter Seals for $1.00 per year since 1961.  The current 25 year term ends on November 11.  At several prior Council meetings many parents of children attending the CDC had implored officials to extend the lease, since there are few other options for day care in the area.

After brief discussion, the resolution passed, 4-1, with Councilmen Gardner and Peppe absent.  Councilman Ira Kaylin cast the sole negative vote.

Kaylin, who spent many years of his federal career in risk management, said that the relationship between Easter Seals of the Greater Washington-Baltimore region and the CDC is not transparent.  “I have never agreed to a financial proposal until I have understood it,” said Kaylin.  “This is going to be voted on, and no doubt approved, prior to us having a clear understanding of where and how the money flows and I find that extremely difficult to go along with.”

CDC parents expressed their appreciation when it became clear that the Council was leaning toward extending the lease.  ”It seems like the City has been taking a lot of lumps lately,” said Stuart Rubin.  “I feel a vote in favor [of the extension] is a win for the City, the Council, and CDC.”

Mayor Nader Baroukh said the process had been arduous and that the terms of the lease are not necessarily ideal, but that both sides had worked very hard to find a middle ground.  “There are a variety of things that we have to balance,” said the mayor.  “I want to be clear the schools have an interest in the property.  I hope we will have a resolution during our budget and CIP process.”

City Manager Wyatt Shields confirmed that the school system has formally expressed their continued interest in the CDC, as recently as last weekend.

Response to Stormwater Town Hall Meeting

Shields encouraged all residents to view the entire video of the October 17 town hall, which is available on the City website.

The city manager described the problem as having two tracks.  One is the issue of the stormwater backflow into the sanitary sewer, which should not be happening.  He said that the City needs to identify where this occurs and take measures to prevent it.

Shields termed the other issue as “classic stormwater management”; i.e., systemic problems not involving the sewers,.  He said that the good news is that the City is well advanced on its watershed management plan, which should be ready by December.  However, a major unresolved policy question is the impact of federal mandates regarding Chesapeake Bay, which he termed a huge state and region-wide issue.

As more data is necessary a survey is being developed for residents to report problems they encountered during the September 8 flood.

Shields and the Council agreed that solutions to Falls Church’s stormwater problems will be expensive.  He said that a higher property tax or a dedicated funding stream through a stormwater utility would be required.  The councilmen leaned toward the second alternative.

The only funds immediately available for stormwater improvements are through a $1.7 million federal grant for improvements on the Pearson and Coe branches of Tripps Run.  Shields said such work should help some of the residents on Sherrow Avenue.

Other Business

The city manager advised that leaf collection is now underway.  Crews currently are working north of Broad St. and will shift to the south side next week.  There are three pickups for each side of town.  The full schedule is available on the City’s website.  He asked that residents keep brush away from the leaf piles.

Shields endorsed the City’s mentoring program, noting that adults can work with youth who could use additional support.   Those interested should contac Jessica Reyes at 703-219-2106.

At the city manager’s request the Council voted unanimously to defer action on a resolution to adopt the Northern Virginia Regional Water Supply Plan, the primary purpose of which is to ensure adequate and safe drinking water.  Shields suggested the Council wait until November 28 to allow time to review the final draft of the plan.  Vice Mayor Dave Snyder asked that the staff determine how many hours were devoted to responding to what he termed ” a classic no compensation mandate that makes absolutely no sense, considering the condition of the region.”

Consent Items

The Council passed a motion authorizing the city manager to award a contract to National Asphalt Manufacturing Corporation for the purchase of liquid asphalt hot mix as required for road repairs and maintenance.  The total FY 2012 expenditures will not exceed $200,000.

The Council approved the following appointments:

Andrew Curtin to the Falls Church Cable Access Advisory Board to a term ending October 31, 2014.
Lori LaFave to an unexpired term on the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board ending August 31, 2014.
Addison Heard to an unexpired term on the  Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation ending Jaunary 31, 2012.

The following persons were reappointed to their respective positions:

Jerome Barrett to the City Employee Review Board to a term ending October 31, 2014.
Justin Berg to the Economic Development Authority to a term ending November 30, 2014.

City Election Date Referendum Discussed at LWV Forum

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

October 21, 2011

Should Falls Church City elections be held in May or November?  The controversial question, which will be resolved through next month’s referendum, was the subject of a panel discussion yesterday evening at a League of Women Voters forum at the Community Center.

State Board of Elections (SBE) analyst Martha Brissette, City Electoral Board Secretary Renee Andrews, and Manassas Park Vice Mayor Brian Polk (I) discussed the issue and responded to audience questions posed by moderator Edith Snyder.

Brissette said that the SBE favors consolidation of elections for reasons of efficiency.  “The public expects elections in November, but we will administer whatever the people decided.” she said.

Andrews, who also is a member of the local Democratic committee, reviewed many of the pros and cons of each option.  She said turnout would be higher and the City would save around $18,000 by moving the election to November.  Partisanship might then be more of a risk, but Andrews said at this point neither local party wants to become involved.

“There’s no wrong or right answer,” said Andrews.  “I hope people come out in large numbers and make informed choices.”

Polk said that his city’s council made the change to November and received little “negative feedback.”  He estimated that turnout in Manassas Park was around 10% in May elections, a level well below that achieved in Falls Church, but increased to 30% in 2010 and 60% in 2008.

“I don’t regret it.  If I had to do it again I might not champion it,” said Polk.  He added that he felt there was less risk of partisanship when the elections are on the odd year cycle.

Manassas Park’s elections, which are partisan, now are on the even year cycle, coinciding with presidential and congressional elections.  If the referendum is approved, Falls Church’s will be on the odd year cycle, with elections for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general every four years, and the General Assembly every two years.

The panel passed on the question of why Falls Church’s turnout has declined, despite its highly educated electorate.  “It’s a mystery,” said League president Ellen Salsbury.  “We all lead busy lives.”

Around 50 residents attended Thursday’s event, including five councilmen.  Virginia Senator Richard Saslaw (D) and Democratic candidate for Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos spoke briefly before the panel discussion, then departed.  Saslaw said he favored passage of the referendum.  Stamos did not take a position.  Republican and Green party candidates did not attend, but were invited, according to a League official.

The last page of the League’s voter’s guide provides the full text of the referendum and a comprehensive list of the pros and cons for May and November.  The League has never taken a position on the issue of changing the election date.

Virginia municipal elections have been held in the spring since the late 19th Century.  Since 2000, cities and towns have had the option of moving their elections to November.  About half of the cities have made the switch, but less than 20% of the towns.

In January 2010 the Council passed an ordinance  to move the election to the fall.  The following November a new Council voted to repeal the ordinance and also approved the upcoming referendum.  If voters approve the November referendum question, and the proposed Charter amendment is approved by the General Assembly, the election date will change and the following City election will be held in November 2013.

The Citizens for a Better City and the Village Preservation and Improvement Society jointly will sponsor a conversation on the referendum on Tuesday, October 25, at 7:30 pm at the George Mason High School Library.

Frustrated Residents Call for Action on Stormwater Problems

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

October 18, 2011

Yesterday evening’s town hall on stormwater issues revealed many problems far removed from Falls Church’s two flood plains.

The meeting, which drew a large crowd at the Community Center, had been called primarily due to a tropical storm on September 8 that left many flood plain houses with flooded basements.  However, most of the homeowners who vented their frustrations to City officials came from neighborhoods distant from Tripps and Four Mile Runs and recounted problems that in some cases have persisted for decades.

Many residents reported both storm and sewer water flooding their homes and standing water on or near their properties.

Joan Nieman of Hillwood Avenue said she had 18″ of black sewer water in her basement and can still smell it

“We are in jeopardy,” she said.  “Stonewalling brought us here.  We’ve had this problem for years.  I want it fixed.  I want it fixed now.”

Flooding problems are not confined to homes.  Ed Bouchard, who has a business on Douglas Avenue, said he has experienced flooding for the last six or seven years.  “It comes over the street, over the curb, under our door,” Bouchard said.  “Every time there’s significant rain our office floods.  I’d like to know what the City plans to do.”  He said that the problems began after the Whittier tract was completed along Hillwood Avenue.

Nieman’s home and Bouchard’s business are not on a flood plain.  Susan Douglas’ home on Cameron Road is.

“They say this is ‘The Little City’ that could.  I’d like to see it proved,” she said.  She has learned that her $20,000 in losses are not covered by the flood insurance that she was obliged to purchase because the City redesignated the house as being on a flood plain in 2004.

“Somebody asked me if I have a lawyer,” said Douglas.  “I think I have a lot of company here that would be interested in having someone take a look at what’s going on in Falls Church.”

Revenue commissioner Tom Clinton, another Hillwood resident, said had he had two feet of water in his basement on September 8 and that he has experienced frequent flooding since the completion of a City project several years ago.

“Their problem became our problem,” he said.  “I’ve brought it to the City’s attention and nothing’s been done.  This is not the city I grew up in.  I consider it a quality of life issue. If it costs more taxes I’m willing to pay some, let’s get this thing solved,” Clinton said to applause.

In response to these and many other complaints, City Public Works Director Bill Hicks and City Manager Wyatt Shields said that they were aware of many of the problems but that there were no quick answers.

Concerning sewer backups, Shields said that prior to the late 70s houses could have stormwater drains that connected to the sanitary sewer.  Anywhere from 40 to 60% of the City’s homes have storm drains connecting to the sewer system, according to City utility engineer Rodney Collins.

“It’s about levels of service,” said Shields, regarding the overall problem.  “September 8 exceeded our standards.  In some respects it’s the wrong context in which to talk about the stormwater management issues.  The good news is we have an effort well under way to take a comprehensive look a look at our stormwater systems.  That’s not just starting, it’s in the homestretch.”

At the end of the meeting Mayor Nader Baroukh thanked the citizens for their comments and cited four topics for future discussion.

1)  The pros and cons of an ordinance that would require severing the connections between the stormwater system and the sewers.  This would include a review of the possible legal constraints against such action.

2)  Requiring that developers pay a pro-rata share for stormwater management.  The City would research how other jurisdictions have approached the issue.

3)  Identifying where the major problems are, in addition to those referenced in the meeting, and re-evaluating the City’s standards for stormwater system capacity.

4)  How implementing major stormwater improvements would impact the budget and the Capital improvements Program, including the possibility of a holding a referendum.

Prior to the discussion Hicks briefed the attendees on the recent flooding and the City’s ongoing efforts to control stormwater.  He said that the frequently used phrase ”100 year event” to describe September 8 does not mean that such a severe flood will occur only once in a century, rather that there is a 1% chance of it happening every year.

The City’s system is designed to cope with an event that would have a 10% chance of happening in a given year.  Falls Church has had more than its share of major storms since 2000, having experienced four severe events during the past decade.

Hicks said that the City has received a $1.7 million grant for stream improvements on the Pearson and Coe Branches of Tripps Run and plans to spend $8 million on implementing 21 projects in its watershed management plan over the next eight years.  He noted that Falls Church also works constantly to maintain the existing system, but added that homeowners should maintain proper drainage systems on their property.

Hicks’ Powerpoint presentation is available on the City’s Stormwater and Floodplain Management page.

A video of the nearly two hour meeting is available here under “City Webcasts.”

Council Work Sessions -  After the town hall the City Council held two work sessions, one public, one closed.

During the open session the members first discussed a resolution to adopt the Northern Virginia Regional Water Supply Plan, the primary purpose of which is ensure adequate and safe drinking water.  The city manager advised the Council that the City’s supply is in good shape, due to improvements in plumbing fixtures that have resulted in less water usage.  The city manager said that the Washington Aqueduct, which supplies Falls Church’s water, had its peak day in the 1970s.

City CFO Richard La Condré then briefed the Council on the first quarter financial report for FY 2012.  While some revenues are exceeding estimates, La Condré said it is too early to identify any trend.  Personal property taxes are $325,000 higher than budgeted, due in part to a higher rate.  Sales taxes are $12,000 ahead of last year’s collections.  Expenditures show an underspending for the first quarter.  The CFO estimated that the City has $500,000 in additional revenue, as of Monday.

The closed session concerned the Child Development Center question and issues relating to the City’s water system.

Parents Ask City Council to Extend CDC Lease

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

October 12, 2011

A dozen parents implored the Falls Church City Council last night to extend the Easter Seals’ lease at the Child Development Center, which expires in November.  Council members were sympathetic to the parents’ concerns, but gave no assurances before going into a closed session to continue their discussion of the matter.

Many of the parents said that it would be very difficult for them to find another day care provider on short notice, as most facilities have long waiting lists.  Others had high praise for the quality of care provided and noted that CDC staff members would be in a difficult position in the event of an abrupt closure.

Vice Mayor Dave Snyder said that if he were in the parents’ shoes he would be doing the same thing, but he maintained that Easter Seals had not presented a serious counter offer to the City.  “It’s a little hard to negotiate when there’s nobody sitting at the other side of the table.  We need them to negotiate with us to get a win-win,” he said.

Regarding the CDC rent, Snyder was firm.  “The notion that a dollar a day for a facility that is part of the Easter Seals, which is part of a $1.2 billion dollar annual operation, strikes me that there’s something that needs to be negotiated,” he said.  Snyder also noted that City schools have expressed an interest in the site because of equally important social and educational obligations.

Mayor Nader Baroukh said the Council has a responsibility to parents, but also to Falls Church taxpayers and the school community.  “The City has been clear that there has to be some type of return for the City,” said the mayor.  “Easter Seals were made aware of that from the beginning.”  He said that he was glad to hear there had been some recent movement in the negotiating process, but that dialog takes two parties.

For nearly 50 years the facility has been leased to Easter Seals, who would prefer an extension until at least the summer of 2013.  In August the Council passed a motion authorizing City Manager Wyatt Shields to work with Easter Seals on a one year lease extension at fair market rent, with the possibility of an extension.

In June, Easter Seals reportedly indicated they would be willing to pay $50,000 annually for the space.  According to a WRC-TV report yesterday evening, the City is seeking a rent of $120,000 per year.

Later in the meeting the Council approved (6-0, with Mr. Peppe absent) a resolution amending the pension plans for City employees and police hired on or after January 1, 2012.  The revisions raise the City retirement age from 62 to 67.  The police retirement age remains at 55.  Mayor Baroukh said that the plans would be reviewed again in conjunction with the budget process next February.

The closed session which followed the public meeting involved discussion of water system issues, in addition to the CDC matter.

Council Briefed on Pension Plans, Emergency Preparedness; Storm Water Town Hall Scheduled for 10/17

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

October 4, 2011

Falls Church’s pension plans and its emergency readiness were the primary topics at yesterday evening’s City Council work session.  The officials also scheduled a town hall meeting to discuss the response to the recent flooding and the need for better storm water management.

Connie Rydberg, a pension actuary and chair of the Retirement Board, presented recommendations for changes to the City’s pension plans.  The biggest change would be to raise the retirement age for City employees hired after 2011 from 62 to 67.  Police retirement age would remain at 55.  Employee contributions would stay at 5% for the basic plan and 7% for the police plan.  The current cost of living adjustment also would remain unchanged.  If approved, the recommendations eventually would save around $450,000 annually.

City human resources director Richard Parker estimated that the assets in the City’s pension plans declined 11% in the quarter that ended last Friday.  However, Rydberg said that the plans are in better shape than in mid-2010, when they were only 76% funded.  With the downturn, the plans now are approximately 82% funded.

The Council members concurred with the Board’s recommendations, though Mayor Nader Baroukh said that he would like to see the City move in the direction of giving employees more choices, perhaps a hybrid of a 401K and a defined benefits plan.

“It’s a very good proposal, but it doesn’t get to the heart of the pension issue.  I don’t see it as thinking outside the box,” he said.  But Councilman Ira Kaylin called pension planning a complex issue and cautioned that the average person does not have the time or information available to the typical funds manager.

The mayor said that further discussion of the plans should be tied to the overall issue of compensation.  Any Council action on the proposal most likely would occur during budget deliberations in February 2012.

Emergency Preparedness

Fire Marshall and Emergency Manager Tom Polera advised the Council that the City’s emergency operations plan is in dire need of review.  “With reductions in staff there are capabilities [in the plan] that we just cannot perform,” Polera said.  “We may be only at one shift to perform [a service], so anything extending to a moderate to long term event would be critical for the City.”

Police Chief Harry Rietz agreed.  “The potential for our resources to be overwhelmed quickly in a very serious emergency is very real, simply because of the reduction of staffing,” he said.

Vice Mayor Dave Snyder suggested that if the city doesn’t have the staffing then it would have to look for citizens to work effectively with the staff that it has.  However, Polera said that the City’s CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) numbers have declined dramatically, from 20 t0 7 in the past year.  He added that the numbers also appear to be down in neighboring jurisdictions.

Snyder criticized the public information available following the August 23 earthquake.  “It’s not that the local governments aren’t doing their best, there’s no central point for message generation,” he said.   The chief responded that there was a grant funded regional effort underway to develop a Northern Virginia emergency response system.

The preparedness briefing gradually segued into a discussion of the September 8 flooding and the City’s response.  The Council agreed to schedule a town hall meeting on the topic of storm water management and emergency preparedness for Monday, October 17 at the Community Center at 7:00 pm.

Vice Mayor Snyder pointed out that there could be a significant cost for storm water improvements.  “If we want a higher level of performance it’s only fair to tell our citizens what it’s going to cost to get there and if people want to move more rapidly there’s a cost for that,” he said.   The mayor agreed that a community conversation was necessary.

Closed Session

The Council briefly discussed the budget calendar for FY 2013, then went into closed session on Child Development Center issues.

Video

The entire public work session can be viewd on the City website.

Council Divided on Proposal to Reduce Number of Wards

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

September 26, 2011

The Falls Church City Council this evening approved the first reading of an ordinance that would reduce the number of voting wards from five to three, but the vote was not unanimous.  Both Mayor Nader Baroukh and Councilwoman Robin Gardner opposed the measure, though for different reasons.

Ms. Gardner linked the matter to the issue of changing city election dates, which the Council first approved, then later reversed itself and called for the question to be resolved via a public referendum.

“I completely support the idea of what we’re trying to do here, but just because we have the ability to consolidate the wards doesn’t mean we have the right to,” she said.”  I don’t think it’s up to me, based on the decision of Council previously with regards to the election date.  I think this is something we should put out to the citizens of the community.”

Mayor Baroukh said the plan to improve service to voters was a worthwhile effort and complimented Registrar David Bjerke and the Electoral Board, but he questioned whether the action was a priority, given other pressing matters such as zoning, storm water management, and economic development.

“I’ve heard very loudly about other issues that the community feels that need to be resolved,” he said.  “This is extremely important and has to have a lot of education going forward, but the question is does it have to happen now, based on all our other priorities?  I’m not hearing that this is an issue for our voters right now.  This particular item is going to need a vast amount of education and effort.  Do we have the bandwith to do it?  I’m not sure.”

The other four members present had few reservations.

Councilman Ira Kaylin said he saw the matter as administrative, rather than political.  “I just don’t see this as such a colossal issue” he said.  “Falls Church has one of the most highly educated populations in the country.  Surely this isn’t going to overburden the citizenry to figure out that they have to go to a different polling place.”

Councilman Ron Peppe agreed.  “Changing the election date was fraught with all sorts of political considerations.  I don’t see how that compares to ‘Does somebody vote here or does somebody vote three blocks away?’ in a city that’s two miles wide.”

Councilwoman Johannah Barry called the proposal purely apolitical and said it would offer greater efficiency and effectiveness.  Councilman Lawrence Webb said he was supporting the measure on first reading, with the caveat that the officials provide a better rollout plan prior to the second vote.

If adopted on second reading, the ordinance would impact about half of the City’s voters.  Wards Three (Scout House) and Five (American Legion Hall) would be eliminated.  The plan would create three wards with nearly equal numbers of registered voters.

Other Business

The Council approved, 5-1, the first reading of a budget amendment that would use $36,000 of seized assets to purchase a police motorcycle, storage shed, and equipment.  Ms. Gardner opposed the ordinance, citing questions concerning future costs for operating the motorcycle.

The Council unanimously approved a resolution granting City employees an additional half day of holiday time the day before Thanksgiving, and an additional half day of holiday time for Christmas Eve, which will be taken on Friday, December 23.

Consent Items

The Council authorized the city manager to purchase of up to $150,000 in biodiesel fuel and to expend up to $185,000 to purchase water system meters and related equipment.

The following citizens were appointed to City or regional boards:

Kathryn Chandler to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board – 09/01/11 – 08/31/14
Hunter Kimble to the Post-Employment Benefits Finance Board – 07/01/11 – 06/30/13
Jeffrey Tarbert to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority – 10/01/11 – 09/30/15
Kieran Sharpe to the Fairfax Partnership for Youth – 07/01/11 – 06/30/13

City Manager’s Report

Mr. Shields said that he and Mr. Webb would attend the annual Municipal League conference next week.  Falls Church has won a Green Government Challenge Award for the fourth year in a row.  The award, which will be presented at the conference, cites the City’s excess trash collection and green fleet policies, its bio-fuel purchases, and walk-able schools initiatives.

The Property Yard Open House will be held on Saturday, October 1, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

The City’s 23rd annual Fall Cleanup Day also will be held Saturday.  Citizens who have registered should report to the Community Center at 10:30 am.

Closed Session

At the end of the public meeting the Council entered into a closed session to discuss water system issues.

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