Alexandria City Council Calendar

February

Feb. 15- All Major Outdoor George Washington Birthday Celebration Events have been CANCELLED

Feb. 16- 5:30 p.m. City Council Work Session on Potomac Yard (City Hall: City Council Workroom)

Feb. 16- 7:00 p.m. City Council Legislative Meeting (City Hall:Council Chambers)

Feb. 16- 9:00 p.m. City Council Work Session: Budget Personnel/Compensation (City Hall:Council Workroom)

Feb. 18- 6:15 p.m. First Responder's Night (George Washington Masoni Temple)
 

 


 
 
 
 
 


New Bid for BID
 After a failed attempt in 2005, business leaders decide to reconsider Business Improvement District.
by Michael Pope, Alexandria Gazette
Thursday, July 30, 2009

CHAMBER LEADERS were clear that they are not necessarily advocating the creation of a district, although they organized a breakfast discussion of the idea this week. The meeting was purposefully located in one of the many vacated retail spaces on King Street, highlighting the economic stark problems facing the city. Organizers said they were open to exploring a number of different possibilities for how such an organization could be created and maintained, including where such a district might be located.

"Old Town is the natural focus," said Cathy Pusker, chairwoman of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. "But there are other areas of opportunity, including Del Ray or the West End or Carlyle."

No formalized plans exist yet, although opposition is already mounting against the idea of forcing higher taxes on business owners. The Crystal City BID, for example, adds 4.3 cents to the existing commercial property tax rate. Some who opposed the 2005 BID attempt in Alexandria say that kind of plan would likely face an opposition campaign that would resurrect the old stop-sign placards.

"If they propose an involuntary tax, we’ll probably have those stop signs up within 72 hours," said Bud Miller, president of Alexandria Taxpayers United. "The worst thing you could do to a business in this environment is raise taxes."

Chamber leaders were clear that they were more interested in finding out what level of interest the idea had rather than discussing the mechanics of how the operation might work. Yet the details of how revenue is collected, how much money is involved and who is granted oversight are certain to frame any discussion of what an Alexandria BID might look like. Although building a consensus behind an involuntary tax might be difficult, a voluntary association of merchants might be an easier sell.

"It can’t be a mandate," said Councilman Frank Fannon. "It would definitely have to be a voluntary program."

To read the entire piece, click here.


When Swearing is Allowed

by David Sachs, Alexandria Times



Three new City Council members were installed Wednesday, including new Vice Mayor Kerry Donley (a former mayor of the city), Councilman Frank Fannon and Councilwoman Alicia Hughes.

To read the entire piece, click here.
 

City Elections Rescheduled

by Michael Lee Pope, Alexandria Gazette Packet

"By the time City Council members were ready to cast a final ballot Saturday evening, they heard hours of speakers opposing the plan by a three-to-one-margin. They received a formal report from a commission appointed by the mayor to investigate the idea, which recommended against making the change. And they heard from a number of voters who suggested that a lame-duck council approving such a dramatic change would be perceived as suspect. Nevertheless, a five-to-two majority approved an ordinance that was introduced the week after the election.

"I took the oath of office to represent all Alexandrians, not just the folks who show up here," said Councilman Justin Wilson, a leading advocate of the proposal. "Our system is not working."

Since the 18th century, Alexandria has held separate elections for local offices. Some of the earliest city records from the 1750s show that municipal elections were held in February. By the early 1800s, they were moved to the second Tuesday in March. After the Civil War, they were scheduled for the second Tuesday in June. From 1973 to 2009, local campaigns were held in May. Now that the City Council has taken action, the next elections for City Council and School Board are scheduled for November 2012.

"It’s really disappointing that the City Council would disregard the public speakers who overwhelmingly opposed this," said Councilman-elect Frank Fannon. "They should have held a referendum to find out what the people think rather than a five-vote majority dictating what they think is best."

To read the entire article, click here.