COMMUNITY COMMENT: City Must Not Follow Path of Nassau County

By IRA KAYLIN

April 22, 2011

In the April 18 edition of Bloomberg Business Week there is an article entitled ‘The Real Deficits of Nassau County, which explains how one of the nation’s wealthiest counties went broke.

Nassau County is the richest county in New York State with a population of 1.3 million residents and a median income of almost $95,000.  Property taxes are close to $9,000 on average, the second highest in the United States after New York’s Westchester County.

It is also broke.

On January 26 the six members of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), a non-partisan state appointed commission, announced it would take control of the county’s finances.  The article went on to indicate that the top County elected official insisted right up until the end that everything would be just fine.  The county sued the NIFA in New York State Supreme Court and lost.

According to an official of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, “Elected officials don’t want to make tough decisions anymore and they are flat-out refusing to do so.”

Sixty five percent of the county’s property taxes go to the public schools that set their own tax rates, budgets and salaries.  Another large portion of its expenses go to police and fire departments.  In effect, Nassau County exists largely to cover the costs of the schools and public safety.

How does this relate to Falls Church?

In most respects the Nassau situation and ours are not comparable.  For example, a Virginia jurisdiction can not “go broke;”  rather the tax rate goes so high that citizens are unwilling or unable to pay.  That said, there are striking similarities.

Specifically, we are in denial about our fiscal situation and have shown little appetite to make tough decisions.  Roughly a year ago there was a vibrant discussion regarding the City’s long term sustainability.  The conversation has died down, but the underlying threats to our independence remain.

An increase in revenues related to an increase in home prices is touted by the city manager as an unambiguous benefit to the City.  Most of the increase was in the assessed values of single family homes.  However, this is actually a two-edged sword. 

Single family housing prices, if current demographic trends continue, never will increase sufficiently to cover increased public service costs.  Nonetheless, an increase in assessments is presented as the cure to our financial challenges.  It should be noted that commercial real estate assessments, whose revenues do directly benefit our “bottom line”, declined more slowly in FY11.

The two largest components of the proposed FY12 budget expenditures are Schools and Public Safety (including Judicial Services) which together comprises 60% of total expenditures, not including debt service related to these two services.

There is reason to be optimistic about future economic development related to our excellent location and an emphasis on commercial development.  However, that development is still years away and its significant impact likely will begin to occur only after the projection period.  It is a long process.

How did we get here?

Unlike Nassau, it is not our current mayor who has been claiming that all is well.  Rather the city manager has taken on that mantle.  In the first FY 12 budget presentation to the School Board, a more optimistic view of the City’s financial situation was painted than was justified. 

What followed was to have been expected:

—  Those members of the School Board, who believed that the salary increases were essential, insisted, given the vastly improved budgetary situation, that a salary increase component needed to be included, whose impact would be fully incorporated in the FY13 budget.

—  The request for a salary increase set the stage for a Council/School disagreement, as it was left to the Council to deal with the future budgetary pressures.

—  The city manager then included a $1,300 salary increase for City employees, ostensibly to compensate employees for the increase in pension contributions, but whose approval would be largely determined by the School Board’s ability to receive, what was in effect a pre-approval by the Council, for a full 3% increase in salaries for FY13.

By accident or design, the city manager has ensured a substantial increase in compensation for City employees by letting the School Board do the heavy lifting.

Where are we?

First, it may be useful to explain the budgetary impact difference between a salary increase and a bonus.  Pension benefits are based on salary levels, so an increase in salary levels increases pension costs.  For example, $1 of salary increases cost $2 in future pension benefit obligations.   A one time bonus, on the other hand, does not increase salary levels; as such it does not generate future pension benefit obligations.

As it now stands the School Board’s pensionable salary increase will go forward over the objections of a couple of Council members.  The City staff will receive a $1,800 bonus.  Though the bonus is quite substantial it is not pensionable, since the base rate over which pensions are calculated remains constant.  Thus the unequal treatment differentiates between teachers and City staff at the expense of City staff. 

The tax rate will increase by 3 cents.

Non-users of the schools will be expected to pay more in taxes and receive fewer City services over time.

Where will we end up?

Notwithstanding the above, and though counter intuitive to the comments made above, I believe (depending on information updates) that the increase of 3 cents may not be adequate due to projected FY13 shortfalls. Pension increases alone will chew up most of the additional revenue.  Thus the stage may very well be set for additional tax increases in FY13.

The city manager has already planned on a 5–6 % increase in City staff salaries, having taken the proposed bonus and included the $1,800 as the base rate over which a 3% salary increase is to be calculated. Personally, I find this assumption outrageous and a further indication of a city manager in full denial.

If next year’s proposed tax is increase is not acceptable to the citizens, the only option would to be to reduce expenditures.  In that case, the likely result would be City furloughs and/or staff reductions.

The School Board would be within its rights to believe that the financial situation is better than the numbers indicate, given the explosive salary request assumed by the city manager, even if, ostensibly, only for planning purposes.

Again the city manager, either by accident or design, will have set the stage for another tough round of discussions between the Council and School Board.

My position

The vicious cycle must be broken.  We need to limit this year’s compensation increases to bonuses.  The City’s financial situation is far too fragile to commit to such further salary expenses that, once agreed to, cannot be changed.

I do not agree with the differentiation of compensation between School and City staffs.  I believe it is inequitable.

There is a further social differentiation which is more subtle, but just as important.  That differentiation lies between the parents whose children are just entering the school system and those who are close to graduation. 

Specifically, as the tax rate increases and services to non-school users are cut, the willingness to support tax increases will erode.  Eventually, school transfers will be impacted, that is, reduced.  No one can predict when or at what tax rate will represent an upward limit, given the many factors involved.  Nonetheless, the outcome is certain.

It would be unfortunate that the parents who moved here with small children later find that resources may be more difficult to secure as their children move through the school system.  Moreover, parents themselves may find that they might not be able to afford continued tax increases.

There needs to be a combination of expenditure reductions and tax increases that establish a viable financial path until the necessary economic development comes is achieved.

A recommendation to decrease the school transfer amount by the amount of the salary increase, though symbolic, would be an important first step towards fiscal stabilization.

Final thoughts

Given our reluctance to confront the financial challenges facing us and our inability to make tough choices, we are at risk of becoming more like Nassau County than we might like to admit.

Councilman Kaylin delivered these remarks to the Falls Church City Council at its FY12 budget work session Thursday evening. 

COMMUNITY COMMENTS are welcome on any subject relevant to the City of Falls Church.  They may be submitted to contact@fallschurchtimes.com.  Shorter submissions may be published as a Letter to the Editor.

City Council Leans Toward $1.27 Tax Rate

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

April 22, 2011

Yesterday evening’s budget work session concluded with four Falls Church City Council members favoring a property tax rate of $1.27 for each $100 of assessed value.   If formally approved on Monday, the rate for FY12 will be two cents higher than that proposed last month by City Manager Wyatt Shields.   

The increase will be far lower than the 17 cent jump imposed for FY11.  According to CFO Richard La Condré, each cent on the tax rate equates to $310,000 of revenue.

Mayor Nader Baroukh and Councilmen Lawrence Webb and Ron Peppe favored the $1.27 rate, with Vice Mayor Dave Snyder, who initially held out for a penny less, subsequently joining them.  Councilwoman Robin Gardner preferred $1.26.  Johannah Barry and Ira Kaylin, participating in their first budget cycle along with Mr. Peppe, favored $1.28.   

Mr. Shields originally advertised a rate of $1.28, though he submitted a budget calling for $1.25.  However, last night he recommended the Council adopt the higher rate, stressing the need for fund balance restoration and the likelihood of greater fiscal demands in FY13. 

In advocating a lower rate, which would add less to restoring the City’s fund balance, Ms. Gardner stated that “we should allow our citizens to hold on to their money until we deem we need it.” 

However, Mr. Kaylin cautioned that the City faced serious risks if it did not confront its financial challenges and make tough choices.  His full statement to the Council has been published in the Times as a Community Comment.

The rate may well be higher next year.  Mr. La Condré presented a chart showing a million dollar gap for next year and a $5.5 million shortfall by FY16, assuming a rate of $1.26 and a 2% increase in assessed values.  A penny extra in FY12 will mean the gap would be slightly lower, but Mr. Peppe called the projections “pretty scary” and questioned the adequacy of the City’s $300,000 contingency fund.

THURSDAY 4/21: Grover Norquist to address monthly FCCRC Meeting

Conservative Author Grover Norquist Speaks to Falls Church City Republicans on Thursday.

Nationally-known Conservative author and columnist Grover G. Norquist will speak to a meeting of the Falls Church City Republican Committee on Thursday night, April 21 at the American Legion Hall at 400 Oak Street in Falls Church.

According to FCCRC Chairman Bruce Swenson, the meeting is open to the public and starts at 7:30 PM. Swenson said the committee members will also make plans for their entry in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and will introduce any elected public officials or GOP officers who may be present. Light refreshments will be served to give neighbors a chance to get acquainted before and after the meeting. The May speaker will be Mr. Morton Blackwell who is the Republican National Committeeman for The Commonwealth of Virginia. Meetings of the FCCRC are normally held on the third Thursday of each month. Mr. Blackwell will speak on May 19 also at The American Legion Hall. For more information about Republican Party events in or near Falls Church City, please visit our web site at www.fallschurchvagop.org

Mr. Norquist is president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), a taxpayer advocacy group he founded in 1985 at President Reagan’s request.

Crime Report for April 12 – 18

By FALLS CHURCH POLICE DEPARTMENT

April 19, 2011

Public Drunkenness, 6700 block Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On Apr. 12, 2:11 a.m., officers observed an intoxicated man inside a parked vehicle.  The 37 year old  Frederick, MD man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.  Two outstanding warrants were also served on him for failure to appear in Falls Church and Fairfax General District Courts to answer to charges of Driving Under the Influence.

Public Drunkenness, 1000 block N. Roosevelt St. On Apr. 12, 3:02 a.m., an officer observed three intoxicated men walking unsteadily on their feet.   A 39 year old  Frederick, MD resident, a 34 year old Hagerstown, MD resident, an a 29 year old Glen Allen, VA resident were arrested for Public Drunkenness. 

Public Drunkenness, 435 S. Washington St. (Coleman PowerSports).  On Apr. 12, 8:52 p.m., an officer observed an intoxicated man in a parking lot.  A 38 year old Herndon man was arrested for Public Drunkenness. 

Smoking in a Non-Designated Area and Permitting Smoking Where Prohibited, 6757 Wilson Blvd. #17 (Hoa Vien Quan).  On Apr. 14, 12:08 a.m., officers observed a 31 year old Annandale man smoking tobacco products in the restaurant.  He was arrested for Smoking in a Non-Designated Area.  A 40 year old Fairfax man was arrested for Permitting Smoking Where Prohibited.

Larceny from Building, 7124 Leesburg Pike (George Mason High School).  On Apr. 14, 3:45 p.m., the victim reported an iPod and a wallet containing cash were stolen from her backpack left in the band room on Apr. 8.

Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to Breath or Blood Test, Possession of a Fictitious License, and Driving without a Valid License, 300 block S. West St.  On Apr. 15, 1:57 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  A 31 year old Fairfax man was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to Breath or Blood Test, Possession of a Fictitious License, and Driving without a Valid License.

Larceny from Building, 1057 W. Broad St. (Bikram Yoga).  On Apr. 15, 12:24 p.m., officers responded to the victim business for a report of a larceny which had just occurred.  The witnesses reported an unknown male wearing a jacket stole cash from its register.

Larceny from Building, 410 S. Maple St. (Pearson Square).  On Apr. 15, 4:51 p.m., the victim reported the lock to his bicycle was cut and his bicycle was stolen sometime between Apr. 5 and Apr. 15.

Trespassing, 6757 Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On Apr. 15, 10:34 p.m., an officer responded to a report of a suspicious person.  The suspicious person was identified as a banned individual from the Eden Center.  A 31 year old Silver Spring, MD man was arrested for Trespassing.

Narcotics Violation, 200 block N. Washington St.  On Apr. 16, 12:39 a.m. an officer observed a two-vehicle accident.  The driver and passenger of one of the vehicles were in possession of marijuana.  The driver, a 24 year old woman and the passenger, a 30 year old woman, both of Roanoke, were arrested for Possession of Marijuana.

Vandalism, 100 N Washington St. (Direct Jewelry).  On Apr. 16, 9:33 a.m., the victim business reported a glass window which does not access the building was smashed.

Destruction of Property, 312 S Washington St. (Meat In A Box).  On Apr. 16, 7:39 p.m., the victim business reported its telephone line cut sometime on Apr 15.

CITY MEETINGS: April 18 – 22

Click on [Read More] to access links.

Monday 4/18: City Council Work Session.  CANCELLED.  

Planning Commission.  CANCELLED.

Tuesday 4/19: No meetings scheduled. 

Wednesday 4/20: Library Board of Trustees.  Mary Riley Styles Library, 7:30 pm.

Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation.  Planning Conference Room, 7:30 pm.

Thursday 4/21: City Council Work Session.  Council Chamber, 7:30 pm.

Long Range Financial Working Group.  Magnolia Room, 7:30 pm.

Environmental Services Commission.  Birch Room, 7:30 pm.

Human Services Advisory Commission.  CANCELLED.  

Friday 4/22: City Council Economic Development Committee. Oak Room, 7:30 am.

Meeting notices are obtained from the City and School Board on-line calendars and from the notice board at the east entrance of City Hall. Meetings may be subject to re-scheduling or cancellation. Meetings are held in City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Pan Coming to Falls Church

 

Take a high-flying adventure to Never Never Land with The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet’s production of Peter Pan, a swashbuckling coming of age tale that pits Peter and the Lost Boys against Captain Hook and his outrageous band of pirates.  A whimsical adventure told through vibrant dancing, Peter Pan is the story about growing up that never seems to grow old.  Performances are Saturday, May 21 at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sunday, May 22 at 2 pm at the George Mason High School Auditorium, 7124 Leesburg Pike.  Tickets are $25 at the door.  Contact Carolanne O’Neil at coneil@westassoc1.com or703-893-0404 ext. 217 or visit www.kintzmejiaballet.com for more information.

Celebrate Arbor Day and Meet the New Arborist

By GINGER PINHOLSTER

April 14, 2011

He’s not Canadian, unlike some prior Falls Church City arborists, but new hire Ben Thompson has been an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist since 1999. He holds a Master’s of Science degree in Forest Resources and Conservation, he earned a certificate from the competitive Municipal Forester Institute, and he’s an expert in urban forestry, commercial tree care, landscaping, and ecological restoration.

Read the interview with Thompson, below, to learn about his favorite tree, or meet him in person at the 119^th anniversary of the first Arbor Day in Virginia.

This year’s event will be celebrated Saturday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. in the Falls Church City Community Center. The program will include a recollection of the 1892 Arbor Day, plus a performance by the award-winning Fairfax Jubli-Aires, an a cappella male chorus. The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

A Tuliptree—the city’s “tree of the year”—was planted in Roberts Park earlier this month in conjunction with the Neighborhood Tree Program to further commemorate Arbor Day. (A tuliptree at Fulton Avenue and North Lee streets is shown at left.)

In his new role, Thompson will hold “an array of responsibilities that may well go unnoticed by the general public,” said Bill Hicks, the city’s director of Engineering and Construction. The arborist’s duties focus on managing the urban forest. That encompasses working with the city’s Urban Forestry Field crew to oversee the health of the urban forest as well as reviewing private development plans and modifications to commercial sites.

“This two-pronged approach ensures that the urban forest, whether held on private lands or public properties, works in concert to provide significant habitat, stormwater, and aesthetic benefits to our community,” Hicks said.

On any given day, Thompson also may be in the field inspecting tree health, planning for new plant installations, working with volunteers on invasive species removal, or meeting with local students to discuss the merits of planting a tree.

“We are very pleased with Ben’s abilities and easy-going demeanor,” Hicks said. “I’m sure that he will prove very successful in this position.”

Q&A WITH BEN THOMPSON, FALLS CHURCH ARBORIST

The new arborist recently took time to answer a few questions related to his background and interests. His answers are provided below.

Q: Are you from Canada? (It seems as though a number of prior Falls Church City arborists have been Canadian.)

No, but I have lived in two states that border Canada (Maine and Washington).

Q: Where are you from originally?

Oxford, Connecticut.

Q: What’s your favorite tree, and why?

That’s probably the hardest question you could ask me, as an arborist. It’s difficult to pick one favorite, but I’m extremely fond of the Shagbark Hickory (shown at left, and at top). There was a big one in front of my grandmother’s house in Connecticut. I have lots of good memories associated with my grandmother, her house, and her property, and the Shagbark Hickory is especially symbolic for me of all those good days past. The American Beech, Ponderosa Pine, Longleaf Pine, and Swamp White Oak probably round out my top five.

Q: Where did you go to school? Please tell me about your degrees, certification, and training.

I have been an ISA Certified Arborist since 1999. I completed my Bachelor’s of Science degree in 2000 in Urban and Community Forestry from Unity College in Maine. That’s a small college specializing in environmental sciences. It’s known as “America’s Environmental College.” In 2007, I earned a certificate from the Municipal Forester Institute, which is an advanced leadership training program for municipal foresters and arborists. I completed my Master’s of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation degree, with a minor in Geography, in 2009 from the University of Florida.

Q: Did you come to Falls Church straight from school, or did you work somewhere else before this? Where, and what were you doing?

Prior to Falls Church, I was working as the Assistant Land Manager for Alachua Conservation Trust, a non-profit land conservation organization in Alachua County, Florida. Before that, I was a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Florida, and earlier, I was the Community Assistance Forester for five years for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program. I’ve also done commercial tree care, landscaping, and ecological restoration work throughout my career.

I grew up in a green industry, working for a family-run landscaping company.

Q: Why did you become an arborist?

Even from my earliest memories, I have always loved to climb things and I’ve always loved to play outside. There were lots and lots of trees where I grew up in Connecticut, and as soon as I discovered in high school that there were jobs out there that would pay me to climb trees, I was sold!

Q: What do you see as some of the primary responsibilities and/or challenges for the FCC arborist?

My primary responsibilities are to review development plans to ensure compliance with the FCC tree ordinances, and to oversee the management of trees on rights-of-way and other city properties such as parks. These two primary responsibilities require a lot of time and attention, and therefore the biggest challenges, as the FCC arborist, are incorporating new projects and balancing the other smaller, but equally important responsibilities of the job.

Q: Have you identified any key issues you’d like to try and address in your new role?

I’m interested in pursuing the idea of an electronic database, or “Tree Inventory” system. Conducting an inventory of our trees will obligate us to keep that information updated on a routine basis, so the first steps are to ask questions such as, “How will we be using the information?” and “What information is most important to collect, and why?” and “How is this information going to help us improve upon the work we’re doing?”

Q: Is part of the job about helping to ensure public safety, too?

Yes. Overseeing the management of city trees includes trees of high risk and making sure we’re mitigating those risks to the extent possible.

Q: What would you want citizens to know about you as you start this new job, and how can they best support you?

As a public servant, I’m more interested in learning how I can support them. I want them to know that upholding the legacy of tree management and environmental stewardship in Falls Church is a big responsibility, and I take that responsibility very seriously. The best thing Falls Church citizens can do is call me if they have questions about how trees are regulated under the city code. (Contact Thompson at 703-248-5183 or bthompson@fallschurchva.gov.)

Q: Falls Church is a Tree City USA. Is that designation important to you?

Absolutely. I was the coordinator of the Tree City USA program for the State of Washington in the five years I worked there as Community Assistance Forester. I believe the Tree City USA designation has tremendous value to our community and I consider it an honor to be the City Arborist for the oldest Tree City USA in the State of Virginia.

Q: How much of a threat is the emerald ash borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) indiscriminately kills Ash trees of all species and sizes. The fact that it could decimate our Ash tree population classifies it as a significant threat in Falls Church. That being said, we are fortunate to have an extremely diverse urban forest. All of our Oaks, Maples, Tulip trees, Magnolias, Walnuts, Hickories, or any other native trees—meaning most of our urban forests—will remain unharmed by the presence of EAB.

FOOD: Your Spring Fragrance Test

BY Christianna Sargent

Special to the Falls Church Times

April 15, 2011

When speaking of aromas, wine blesses us with a myriad of fragrant bouquets. How to interpret these smells and identify them with savvy wine speak remains the elusive gift that wine enthusiasts spend a lifetime mastering. So, what is in a nose of wine? What does that really mean? Why do wine critics write florid descriptions in wine reviews that read to the tune of: soft, velvety, rich in chocolate, blackberry and smoky oak flavor? How does wine, an alcoholic beverage, exhibit flavors of fruit, spice, wood, herbs, and flowers?

First, let’s start with the primary organ of taste, your tongue. The human tongue detects five primary tastes—acidity, bitterness, saltiness, sweetness, and umami, or savoryness. When molecules from food or wine touch the palette, they bind to receptors specific to each taste. Acids set off sour receptors, sugars trigger sweet receptors, etc. With the survival of the fittest in mind, humans have evolved to like sweet tastes, since sugars/starches provide primary sources of calories. On the other hand, poisons taste bitter, so humans harbor distaste towards bitter flavors. Perceptions can be altered, though, and tastes can be acquired; the very phenomenon that occurs when an adolescent sips coffee or wine for the first time. Over time, as a youth matures and repeatedly exposes his or her palate to certain flavors, acquired tastes are born.

The tongue supplies only part of the story, the nose completes the picture with the sense of smell. Taste buds determine the degree to which something is salty, sweet, sour, bitter, or umami; but, the nose assesses thousands of smells the brain computes into words. Molecules giving rise to flavors and aromas are volatile, meaning they pass easily into the gas state. When you sniff or sip a wine, the volatile molecules waft through your nasal passages to the olfactory bulb where they are interpreted. A wine becomes one dimensional if your sense of smell is incapacitated, like when you have a stuffy nose.

Putting the technical talk aside, this process fails to explain why aromas of chocolate, cherries and blueberries spill forth from a glass of Malbec. Little attention do we pay to the thousands of aromas we “visually” memorize. A vanilla bean smells like vanilla because an ester molecule called “vanillin” gives the bean its characteristic smell. When considering wines, aromas originate from the grape varietal, yeast fermentation and the chemical reactions incurred while wine ages in a bottle. The resulting aromas are the same compounds found throughout nature, they are just out of context. Pass a blueberry plate under your nose before sniffing Malbec, your chances of identifying hues of blueberries will increase. When tasting Malbec without blueberries, the scent is present just out of our vernacular reach.

Aroma molecules in wine span the families of fruit, spices, herbs, flowers, minerals, earth, and more. Consider Sauvignon Blanc. This white wine commonly exhibits ester molecules that dominate the following organic forms: bell pepper, tomato leaf, asparagus, grapefruit, gooseberry and passion fruit. How to train your brain to identify aromas present in your glass remains the ultimate talent. Common aroma groups can be associated each grape varietal. Merlot gives plum, Cabernet Sauvignon boasts currants, Pinotage reveals tar, and Pinot Noir renders mushrooms and cherries. This month at Red, White and Bleu Wine Shop in Falls Church, I host the first aroma class of a series: Le Nez du Vin. Thursday evening April 21^st feel free to attend the Spring Series. We pair every one off and blind you to taste foods you cannot visualize. Then you sniff numerous aromas in their natural states, followed by a tasting of wines which exhibit the selected scents. Aroma education proves humbling, but great fun is definite!

Feel free to email me for further details oenophile81@gmail.com or visit my blog’s Event page: talesofasommelier.blogspot.com.

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