Falls Church public meetings in 2021
222 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Falls Church Environmental Sustainability Council is meeting virtually to discuss updates on its priority actions, including green buildings, stormwater, bikeability, parking and transit, carbon-neutral government, green infrastructure, and diversity/equity/inclusion. The council will also review the Climate Change Mitigation Energy Action Plan status and next steps, and will vote on an electronic participation policy update and appointment of a new chair. Public comments can be submitted by email until 7:00 p.m. on the meeting date.
- Vote required on Electronic Participation Policy Update
- Vote required on Appointment of New Chair
- Climate Change Mitigation Energy Action Plan – status & next steps
- Priority action updates: Green Buildings, Stormwater, Bikeable City, Parking & Transit, Carbon-neutral government, Green infrastructure, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion
- Review & approval of November 18, 2021 minutes
The Environmental Sustainability Council elected Joseph Schiarizzi as its new chair, replacing Andy Young, and unanimously approved an updated electronic participation policy. The council also discussed progress on green building policies, carbon neutrality, and the Climate Change Mitigation Energy Action Plan, but no formal votes were taken on these items.
- Approved updated electronic participation policy (unanimous)
- Elected Joseph Schiarizzi as new ESC Chair (unanimous)
- Approved November 18, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
City Council Committee: Government Operations
The City Council Government Operations Committee will meet at noon on December 16, 2021. The single agenda item is a meeting with staff from the Racial Equity Action Team.
- Meeting with staff Racial Equity Action Team
Library Board of Trustees
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees will meet to review and discuss a draft collection management policy for the Falls Church History Room, along with a new deed of gift form. They will also consider draft meeting minutes, a thank-you letter to staff, and various statistics reports. The meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2021, at the library's upper floor conference room.
- First reading of draft LH-1 Falls Church History Room Collection Management Policy
- First reading of draft Falls Church History Room Deed of Gift & Donation Form
- Review of current LH-1 Local History Room Mission, Scope, and Donation Policy
- Approval of draft meeting minutes from November 17, 2021
- Review of collection, circulation, and book sale statistics
The Library Board approved the first reading of the Falls Church History Room Collection Management policy with minor changes, including an equity statement. They also approved sending a thank-you letter to the project manager, library director, and staff. The board agreed to move its February meeting to February 9 to accommodate budget work.
- Approved November 17, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved sending gratitude letter to City Council for Lionel Millard, Jenny Carroll, and Library Staff (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of Falls Church History Room Collection Management policy with changes (unanimous)
- Agreed to move February 2022 meeting to February 9
Urban Forestry Commission
The Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss routine business, including approval of November minutes, public comments, and staff updates. Key items include the status of the 44th Tree City USA application, a city code review, and a memorial tree and plaque for Dan Sze. The meeting is open to the public via Microsoft Teams.
- Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque
- 44th Tree City USA Application Status
- City Code Review Status
- Climate Change Mitigation Energy Action Plan
- UFC Officer Election
The Urban Forestry Commission approved the November minutes and elected Amy Crumpton as Chair and Stephanie Lamore as Vice Chair after Kathy Philpott Costa stepped down. The commission discussed staff updates, including the Tree City USA application and a potential Tree City of the World designation, and planned its annual report with a request for a commercial Tree Canopy Fund. No formal votes were taken on policy items.
- Approved November meeting minutes
- Elected Amy Crumpton as Chair
- Elected Stephanie Lamore as Vice Chair
- Retained David DeCoste as Secretary
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss affordable housing goals, review a request for the Affordable Housing Fund, and receive updates on The Fields Apartments and Amazon grants. The agenda also includes planning a Housing Equity Workshop for February and recruiting a new commission member.
- Housing Equity Workshop planning for February
- The Fields Apartments follow-up discussion
- Amazon grants update
- Affordable Housing Goals discussion continuation
- Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) request
The Commission received official notice of a $3.75 million acquisition strike fund from Virginia Housing for Virginia Village, with a cooperative agreement between NHP and the City. They also discussed setting a new affordable housing goal for 2032, noting that the 2021 goal was missed by 309 units. The meeting included updates on a housing equity workshop, refugee resettlement efforts, and The Fields Apartments mold repairs.
- Approved minutes from November 9, 2021 meeting
- Received $3.75M acquisition strike fund for Virginia Village from Virginia Housing
- Discussed setting new affordable housing goal for 2032, with working group to address technical issues
- Noted 2021 affordable housing goal missed by 309 units
- Received update on The Fields Apartments mold repairs, with no new complaints
- Heard presentation on February housing equity workshop
- Discussed refugee resettlement initiative with landlords
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church Economic Development Committee meets virtually to hear updates and discuss commercial leasing at Founders Row, key points in the One City Center application, and the City's policy on business parking in residential zones. Staff will also report on new business openings, transitional zoning, the net fiscal impact model, and code enforcement at The Fields. Public comments may be submitted by email.
- Update from Mill Creek on commercial leasing at Founders Row
- Discussion with Atlantic on key points in One City Center application
- Overview of City policy on business parking in residential zones
- Staff report on commercial leasing and anticipated new business openings
- Update on Council review of transitional zoning/infill development policy
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation is meeting to discuss and review several transportation items, including an update on the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program and a staff report on the Seven Corners Ring Road. The agenda includes draft minutes from the previous meeting and a program update document. No final decisions are indicated; the committee is reviewing these items for discussion.
- Review of Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program update
- Staff report on Seven Corners Ring Road
- Draft minutes from November 10, 2021 meeting
The committee discussed potential revisions to the Neighborhood Traffic Calming program, including streamlining the approval process and incorporating tactical urbanism. They also identified suggested pedestrian improvements for CIP/ARPA funds, such as segments on Great Falls Street and Lincoln Avenue. No formal votes were taken on these discussion items.
- Approved November meeting minutes (no changes)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee is reviewing several new applicants and reappointment requests for various city boards and commissions. The meeting includes interviews for the Housing Commission and the Northern Virginia Community College Board.
- New applicant Hannah Jordan for the Housing Commission
- Exit interview for Pete Davis of the Housing Commission
- New applicant Tommy Goodwin for the Northern Virginia Community College Board
- Reappointment request for Jonathan Ross to the Historical Commission
- Reappointment requests for the Historic Architectural Review Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and City Employee Review Board
The Appointments Committee met to interview and discuss candidates for various boards and commissions. They interviewed new applicants Hannah Jordan and Tommy Goodwin, conducted an exit interview with Pete Davis, and reviewed reappointment requests for Jonathan Ross, Linda Valentino, David Calabrese, and Leanne Berthiaume. No formal decisions were made during the meeting.
- Interviewed Hannah Jordan for Housing Commission
- Conducted exit interview with Pete Davis (Housing Commission)
- Interviewed Tommy Goodwin for NVCC Board (unexpired term)
- Reviewed reappointment request for Jonathan Ross (Historical Commission)
- Reviewed reappointment request for Linda Valentino (Historic Architectural Review Board)
- Reviewed reappointment request for David Calabrese (Board of Zoning Appeals)
- Reviewed reappointment request for Leanne Berthiaume (City Employee Review Board)
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority will meet virtually to approve November meeting minutes, review and potentially approve an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) submission, and receive updates on marketing/tourism and wayfinding projects. Public comments can be submitted by email until December 6 at 8 pm. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions beyond the ARPA update and approvals.
- Approval of November 2021 meeting minutes
- ARPA submission update and approval (link to document dated 11/18/21)
- Marketing/Tourism update from Jim Snyder
- Wayfinding update
The Economic Development Authority unanimously approved the draft ARPA submission as presented by staff, which allocates overall annual funding amounts and general programs, with specific grant details to be determined later. The EDA also discussed parking issues around La Tingeria, expressing support for revoking the revocation letter sent to the business and for reviewing City Code to prevent future conflicts. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting included updates on marketing and wayfinding.
- Approved the November meeting minutes unanimously.
- Approved the ARPA submission as presented, with unanimous approval.
- Supported revoking the revocation letter sent to La Tingeria regarding parking.
- Requested re-review of City Code to address parking issues in residential areas.
City Council
The Falls Church City Council and School Board are holding a joint work session to discuss objectives and budget considerations for fiscal year 2023. Presentations will cover school objectives and budget, general government objectives, revenue forecast, and an update on the West Falls Project. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion and information-sharing session.
- FY23 School Objectives and Budget Considerations presentation
- FY23 General Government Objectives and Revenue Forecast presentation
- Update on West Falls Project
- FY23 Budget Guidance Staff Report attachment
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board is meeting virtually to approve prior minutes, hear a director's report, and continue reviewing the draft Master Park Plan for the Fellows Property, including plans for a community review meeting. The agenda is largely routine, with the park plan review as the main substantive item.
- Continue review of draft Master Park Plan for Fellows Property
- Plans for community review meeting on the park plan
- Approval of November 3, 2021 meeting minutes
- Recreation Director's report
- Public comments accepted via email until 7:00 P.M.
City Council Committee: Budget & Finance
The Falls Church City Council Budget & Finance Committee meets virtually to discuss a year-end and ARPA budget amendment, review FY2022 first quarter results, and receive updates on the George Mason High School and West Falls Church development projects. Public comments may be submitted by email.
- Year-end and ARPA Budget Amendment
- FY2022 First Quarter Results
- George Mason High School Project Update
- West Falls Church Development Project Update
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council is meeting to discuss the Founders Row II project and proposed input for the FCCPS Strategic Plan. The body will also receive updates on action priorities including green buildings, stormwater, and carbon-neutral government.
- Review of Founders Row II schedule and discussion
- Proposed ESC input to FCCPS Strategic Plan
- Updates on Green Buildings, Stormwater, and Bikeable City priorities
- Updates on Parking & Transit and Carbon-neutral government priorities
- Review and approval of October 21st, 2021 minutes
The Environmental Sustainability Council heard a presentation on the Founders Row II development and agreed to submit comments by November 24. Joseph Schiarizzi will draft a letter for ESC review, and he and Stacey Evers will begin examining city-wide parking ratios. The council also discussed incorporating sustainability into the FCCPS Strategic Plan and approved the October minutes unanimously.
- Approved October 2021 ESC minutes unanimously.
- Action: Joseph Schiarizzi will draft a letter on Founders Row II for ESC review by November 24.
- Action: Joseph and Stacey will begin examining city-wide parking ratios and zoning issues.
- Action: Jon Ward will share proposed language on shared equipment and expertise for FCCPS Strategic Plan submission.
Retirement Board
The Falls Church Retirement Board meets virtually to review the June 30, 2021 actuarial valuation for the Basic and Police pension plans and OPEB, and to hear the third-quarter 2021 investment performance review. The board will also take action on the 2022 meeting calendar, work plan, CFC administrative fee budget, and OPEB legal structure phases, including a closed session for contract award discussion. Several items are deferred to 2022, including plan amendments and policy updates.
- Actuarial valuation presentation by Segal Consulting for Basic, Police, OPEB plans
- Third quarter 2021 investment performance review by AndCo Consulting
- Asset allocation study action item
- OPEB legal structure Phase 2 vendor award recommendation, including closed session
- 2022 meeting calendar with dates: Feb 10, May 12, Sep 8, Oct 20 (fiduciary training), Nov 10
The Falls Church Retirement Board accepted the June 30, 2021 actuarial valuation reports for the Basic, Police, and OPEB plans, and approved the FY23 administrative fee of $36,050. The Board also accepted the asset allocation study, approved the 2022 meeting calendar and work plan, and awarded an OPEB legal structure contract to Segal Consulting. All motions passed 6-0-1 with Richard Campbell absent, except the OPEB contract award which passed 4-2-1.
- Approved minutes of September 9, 2021 meeting (6-0-1)
- Accepted June 30, 2021 actuarial valuation reports for Basic, Police, and OPEB plans (6-0-1)
- Accepted asset allocation study recommendation from AndCo (6-0-1)
- Accepted 2022 quarterly meeting and fiduciary training dates (6-0-1)
- Accepted 2022 Retirement Board Work Plan (6-0-1)
- Approved FY23 administrative fee of $36,050 (6-0-1)
- Awarded OPEB Legal Structure Phase 2 project to Segal Consulting, cost not to exceed $11,250 (4-2-1)
- Authorized amendment to OPEB contract for additional tasks (6-0-1)
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council will meet to discuss the application process for the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Services Fund and review Department of Family Services caseload data. The body will also address the proposed Founders Row II development and social equity community training.
- Community Services Fund application process for Fiscal Year 2023
- Review of Department of Family Services caseload data
- Founders Row II proposed development
- Social equity community training
The Human Services Advisory Council heard a presentation on the proposed Founders Row Phase II development, which includes 280 homes with 12% affordable units and a community benefit package of $41,400 per home. Members discussed increasing affordable housing and green space but took no formal action. The council also approved the October 21, 2021 meeting minutes and received updates on social equity training, the Community Services Fund, and caseload data.
- Approved the minutes from the October 21, 2021 meeting.
- Heard a presentation on Founders Row II development (no action taken).
- Discussed social equity community training (no action taken).
- Received information on the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Services Fund process.
- Reviewed caseload data for the Department of Family Services.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to consider a special use permit for a daycare at 128 South Spring Street and a variance for a generator at 601 N West Street. One variance application for a parking garage at 100 N. Washington Street has been withdrawn. The board will also approve minutes from its September 16, 2021 meeting.
- Special Use Permit U1623-21 for daycare at 128 South Spring Street (R-1A zone)
- Variance V1628-21 for generator in front yard at 601 N West Street (R-1B zone)
- Variance V1629-21 withdrawn for parking garage at 100 N. Washington Street (B-2 zone)
- Approval of September 16, 2021 meeting minutes
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church is holding a routine virtual meeting. The agenda includes approving the November minutes, reviewing the council's strategic plan under old business, and a roundtable conversation. No major decisions or public hearings are listed; the meeting is largely procedural with a strategic plan review as the main substantive item.
- Approval of November minutes
- Review of Arts & Humanities Council Strategic Plan
- Public comments accepted until 9:30 am on Nov 18 via email
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
The Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church approved its October minutes and discussed a strategic plan review, including re-examining goals post-COVID, creating a vision statement, and clarifying its relationship with CATCH Foundation. No new business was conducted, and the strategic plan conversation will continue at a future meeting.
- Approved October minutes
- Discussed strategic plan review, including vision statement and goals
- Noted need to clarify AHC-CATCH Foundation relationship
- Agreed to continue strategic plan conversation at future meeting
- Heard roundtable updates from local organizations
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed. The meeting is open to the public because more than two Council members will attend.
- Review of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Urban Forestry Commission
The Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss routine business including approval of October minutes, public comments, and staff updates. Key items include the Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque, the Yates Appeal Decision, and the Fall Neighborhood Tree Program plantings. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions listed.
- Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque
- Yates Appeal Decision
- Fall Neighborhood Tree Program Plantings
- Tree City USA and legislative agenda update
- Public comments accepted until 6:00 PM on November 17
The Urban Forestry Commission approved the October meeting minutes. They discussed several ongoing items including the Yates appeal fine reduction to $700, Tree City USA application status, and the Fall Neighborhood Tree Program. The commission also reviewed comments for the One City Center and Founders II developments, and discussed officer transitions.
- Approved October meeting minutes
- Reduced Yates appeal fine to $700 for tree improvements in Seaton Lane area
- Agreed to submit One City Center comments next month
- Agreed to recommend Amy Crumpton as chair and Stephanie Lamore as vice chair (vote at next meeting)
- Supported proposed street names for West Falls Church, including Magnolia replacing Meridian
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss and potentially act on several items, including a draft 2022 legislative agenda and a draft letter regarding voluntary concessions for the Founders Row 2 development. The board will also review meeting minutes and various statistics reports. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.
- Draft 2022 Legislative Agenda
- Draft letter on Founders Row 2 Library Voluntary Concessions
- Approval of October 20, 2021 meeting minutes
- Collection, circulation, and book sale/memorial statistics reports
The Library Board approved the Safe Child (Unattended Children) policy on first reading, with changes to align with Fairfax County guidelines and clarify the supervision chart. The board also approved the July 21 and August 18, 2021 meeting minutes. No other formal decisions were made; other items were informational or discussions.
- Approved the July 21, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous).
- Approved the August 18, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous).
- Approved the Safe Child (Unattended Children) policy on first reading with recommended changes (unanimous).
- Agreed to have Mr. Peterson draft a letter to Council regarding voluntary concessions for the library, to be discussed next month.
- Agreed to review meeting room terms and conditions as a procedure, with changes discussed.
Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee
The committee is meeting to discuss the budget process between Arlington and Falls Church and the needs of Aurora House residents. Members will also review meeting rules and consider a potential summer internship program.
- Election of new Chair
- Budget process between Arlington and Falls Church
- Fundraising needs
- Potential summer internship program
- Activities and needs of Aurora House residents
The committee approved the July 13, 2021 minutes and unanimously elected Christina Goodwin as the new Chair. Members discussed the budget process, resident needs, fundraising, and a potential paid summer internship program with Arlington County. No formal votes were taken on these items, which were only discussed.
- Approved July 13, 2021 meeting minutes
- Elected Christina Goodwin as Chair (unanimous)
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) is meeting to review and discuss several items, including draft minutes from the previous meeting, a report on the S. Lee-S. Oak project, and final draft comments on the proposed Founders Row II development. The committee will likely vote on or finalize these comments.
- Review of draft minutes from October 13, 2021 meeting
- Report on S. Lee-S. Oak project
- Final draft comments on proposed Founders Row II development
The committee approved the heavy traffic calming plan for S Lee/S Oak St, including speed humps, with a possible 3-way stop sign to be confirmed by the working group. It also approved comments on Founders Row II for City Council, adding an executive summary. No public comments were received, and other items were discussed but not decided.
- Approved heavy traffic calming plan for S Lee/S Oak St with speed humps and optional 3-way stop sign (4-0)
- Approved Founders Row II comments to Council with executive summary (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee is meeting to interview and review candidates for vacancies and reappointments. This includes evaluating two applicants for one term on the Economic Development Authority.
- Economic Development Authority: Reappointment request for James Coyle and application from Carolyn Welch
- Board of Zoning Appeals: Reappointment request for alternate Kristine Ward
- Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church: Appointment request for Elise Bengston (Chamber of Commerce Representative)
The Falls Church City Council Appointments Committee met virtually on November 10, 2021, to interview and discuss candidates for various boards and commissions. The committee considered a reappointment request from James Coyle and a new application from Carolyn Welch for one expiring term on the Economic Development Authority, as well as a reappointment for Kristine Ward to the Board of Zoning Appeals and an appointment request for Elise Bengston to the Arts and Humanities Council. The committee entered closed session to discuss the candidates and reconvened to certify the closed session. No final appointments were made at this meeting.
- Interviewed James Coyle for reappointment to the Economic Development Authority (term 12/01/21-11/30/25)
- Interviewed Carolyn Welch for appointment to the Economic Development Authority (term 12/01/21-11/30/25)
- Discussed reappointment of Kristine Ward to the Board of Zoning Appeals (alternate, term 01/01/22-12/31/25)
- Discussed appointment of Elise Bengston to the Arts and Humanities Council (unexpired term to 02/28/22 and term to 02/28/25)
- Held closed session to discuss prospective candidates (unanimous vote)
- Certified closed session compliance (unanimous vote)
Architectural Advisory Board
The Architectural Advisory Board will hear feedback on recent changes to the elevations of the Broad and Washington site plan application at 100 N Washington Street and 127-131 E Broad Street, and Park Place. The board previously recommended the project to the Planning Commission on 7/14/21. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from April, July, and October 2021 meetings.
- Feedback on Broad and Washington site plan elevations (100 N Washington St, 127-131 E Broad St, Park Place; RPC #53-104-051, 53-104-036, 53-104-050, 53-104-015)
- Approval of meeting minutes from April 14, July 14, and October 13, 2021
The Architectural Advisory Board discussed the Broad and Washington Site Plan Application, offering feedback on design elements like lighting, landscaping, and facade proportions. No formal decision was made on the site plan. The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from April 14, July 14, and October 13, 2021.
- Approved meeting minutes for April 14, 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes for July 14, 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes for October 13, 2021 (unanimous)
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission will meet virtually to approve minutes, set 2022 Affordable Dwelling Unit sales prices and rents, and continue discussions on affordable housing goals. They will also receive updates on The Fields Apartments and the Amazon Grant, and consider a policy for in-person meetings.
- Approve 2022 Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) sales prices and rents
- Follow-up on The Fields Apartments
- Update on Amazon Grant 2
- Discussion on Affordable Housing Goals (continued)
- Consider In-Person Housing Commission Meeting Policy
The Falls Church Housing Commission approved the 2022 Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) sales prices and rents, and approved new language allowing non-citizens to apply for the ADU program. They also discussed follow-up on issues at The Fields Apartments, an update on Amazon grants, and continued discussions on affordable housing goals. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved 2022 ADU sales prices and rents (motion by Hicks, seconded by Anderson)
- Approved new language to allow non-citizens to apply for ADU program (motion by Hicks, seconded by Anderson)
- Approved minutes from October 12, 2021 meeting
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority meets virtually to discuss updates on ARPA investment strategy, Virginia Housing REACH (Amazon) grants and affordable housing, and a draft letter regarding Founders Row II. The board will also review October meeting minutes, wayfinding, leasing updates, and an East End SAP community meeting. Public comments are accepted by email until November 2.
- ARPA CSLFRF Investment Strategy Plan Update
- VA Housing REACH (Amazon) Grants and Affordable Housing Updates (Year 2, Years 3-5, Refinancing)
- Founders Row II Draft Letter
- October Commercial Leasing Update
- East End SAP Community Meeting
The Economic Development Authority unanimously approved the October meeting minutes, a letter to Council regarding Founders Row II, and up to $8,000 for hydro/air-excavation and VDOT fees for wayfinding. The EDA discussed the ARPA CSLFRF investment strategy, noting $1.5 million is set aside for small business support, and will continue outlining programs before Council's first reading on November 22nd. Updates were provided on VA Housing REACH grants and affordable housing, including a $3.75 million Amazon grant for Year 2 and a pending Years 3-5 request.
- Approved October meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved sending Founders Row II letter to Council (unanimous)
- Approved up to $8,000 for wayfinding hydro/air-excavation and VDOT fees (unanimous)
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation and Parks Advisory Board is meeting virtually to review new business, including presentations on Founders Row II and West End Development street naming, and to continue its review of the Fellows Property Master Plan Draft. The board will also receive public comments and approve minutes from a prior meeting.
- Founders Row II presentation
- West End Development street naming presentation
- Fellows Property Master Plan Draft review and community meeting plans
- Public comments accepted via email until 7:00 PM on November 3, 2021
The Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks approved a motion to support the proposed West End Development street names (Magnolia Street, Mulberry Lane, Arbor Way, Cardinal Lane, West Falls Boulevard) with a caveat to reconsider the naming of Arbor Way near Broad Street to avoid confusion with Arbor Way at Mustang Alley. The board also approved the October 6, 2021 minutes (4-0) and received updates on security cameras, recreation programs, and the Founders Row II presentation.
- Approved October 6, 2021 minutes (4-0)
- Approved motion to support West End street names with caveat to reconsider Arbor Way near Broad Street (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
City Council Committee: Legislative
The Falls Church City Council Legislative Committee is meeting virtually to discuss and develop the city's 2022 legislative program. Items include a possible charter amendment, Virginia Municipal League and regional positions, and input from boards, commissions, and city priorities. No final decisions are expected; this is a discussion and input-gathering session.
- Discussion of 2022 Legislative Program
- Charter Amendment consideration
- VML and regional positions and priorities
- Boards and commissions input
- City priority(ies) input
Retirement Board
The Falls Church Retirement Board is holding a virtual meeting on October 28, 2021, primarily for a training session on fiduciary responsibilities. The agenda includes call to order, reading of the virtual meeting notice, roll call, the training, and adjournment. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.
- Training on fiduciary responsibilities
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments accepted until 3:30pm on October 28, 2021
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church City Council Economic Development Committee is meeting virtually to discuss several economic development topics, including Founders Row, One City Center, infill redevelopment, the tax rate, and code enforcement in multi-family buildings. The committee will also hear a staff report on commercial leasing and new business openings, and consider updating its net fiscal impact model. Public comments can be submitted by email.
- Discussion of Founders Row
- Discussion of One City Center
- Infill redevelopment
- Tax rate
- Code enforcement in multi-family buildings
City Council Committee: Government Operations
The City Council Government Operations Committee is meeting to discuss art for the Council Chambers. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.
- Council Chambers Art
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council is meeting to discuss the Founders Row II review and the legislative agenda. The body will also review reports from subcommittees and provide updates on action priorities including green buildings and carbon-neutral government.
- Founders Row II review
- Legislative agenda – ETS request; VML
- Meridian High School tour discussion
- Action priority updates for Green Buildings, Stormwater, Bikeable City, Parking & Transit, Carbon-neutral government, Green infrastructure, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Environmental Sustainability Council discussed the Founders Row II development, focusing on EV charging, stormwater runoff, and energy efficiency, and set a November 10th deadline for member comments. The council also reviewed legislative priorities for the 2022 General Assembly, including net-metering and WMATA funding, and approved the minutes from the Meridian High School tour and the September 2021 meeting. No formal votes were taken on these items.
- Set November 10th deadline for ESC comments on Founders Row II (action item)
- Approved Meridian High School tour minutes unanimously
- Approved September 2021 ESC minutes unanimously
- Set October 26th deadline for legislative priority recommendations (action item)
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council will discuss the proposed Founders Row II development and a charter amendment regarding board member qualifications. The body will also review an American Legion presentation and recruitment of people with disabilities for city boards.
- Founders Row II proposed development
- Proposed Charter Amendment to remove qualified voter requirement for board and commission appointees
- American Legion presentation
- Affordable housing homeownership program
- Social equity community training
The Human Services Advisory Council approved prior minutes and agreed to submit a letter to City Council supporting a charter amendment to remove voter qualification for board/commission members. Members also supported a recommendation to actively recruit people with disabilities for boards and commissions. They discussed the Founders Row II development, requesting a developer presentation for November, and received updates on social equity training, an affordable homeownership program, and homeless shelter timing.
- Approved minutes from August 19, 2021 meeting
- Agreed to submit letter to City Council supporting charter amendment to remove voter qualification for board/commission members
- Supported recommendation to City Council to actively recruit people with disabilities for boards and commissions
- Requested developer presentation on Founders Row II at November meeting
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church is holding a virtual meeting on November 18, 2021, at 9:30 AM. The agenda includes approval of minutes, new and old business, with the main substantive item being a review of the council's strategic plan. Public comments can be submitted by email until the meeting start time. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major decisions or proposals listed beyond the strategic plan review.
- Review of Arts & Humanities Council Strategic Plan
- Approval of November minutes
- Public comments accepted via email until 9:30 AM on November 18, 2021
The Arts and Humanities Council heard a presentation from Mill Creek on the proposed Founders Row II mixed-use development, focusing on sustainability, retail, co-working space, and a plaza with art integration. The council discussed promoting the Falls Church Art Walk via press releases and QR codes, and planned to review its strategic plan at a future meeting. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and discussion-based.
- Approved September minutes with edits
- Discussed Founders Row II development presentation, including art plaza and history recommendations
- Planned to schedule strategic plan review at future meeting
- Recommended promoting Art Walk via press releases and QR codes
Library Board of Trustees
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees is meeting to discuss and potentially act on a draft Safe Child Policy (second reading) and receive information on ARPA funding, along with library statistics. The agenda includes several documents for review, but no specific decisions are listed.
- Second reading of draft YS-2 Safe Child Policy
- ARPA information document
- Collection statistics report
- Circulation statistics report
- Book sale and memorial statistics report
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees approved the Safe Child Policy on its second reading and endorsed a list of ARPA funding recommendations, including website upgrades, strategic planning, and premium pay for library staff. The Board also supported a charter amendment to allow non-voters aged 18+ to serve on boards, and granted a closure request for December 26. Discussions on Founders Row II voluntary concessions were deferred for further input.
- Approved Safe Child Policy on 2nd reading (motion by Swiney, second Johnson)
- Approved ARPA fund recommendations, including premium pay for library staff (motion by Swiney, second Johnson)
- Supported charter amendment to remove voter requirement for board members (motion by Peterson, second Cronin)
- Granted library closure on Sunday, December 26 for staff (motion by Cronin, second Johnson)
- Agreed to ask for increase in Founders Row II voluntary concessions and separate from Parks and Recreation (consensus, no formal vote)
Urban Forestry Commission
The Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to review and comment on the Founders II submission, discuss American Rescue Plan funding applications, and consider a sidewalk grant project for S. Washington Street. The agenda also includes staff updates on the Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque, an NVSWCD MOU for greenscape grants, and a September 27 City Council work session on One City Center. Public comments can be submitted by email until 6:00 PM on October 20.
- Review and comment on Founders II submission
- American Rescue Plan funding applications
- Sidewalk Grant Project for S. Washington Street
- Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque
- NVSWCD MOU for greenscape grants
The Urban Forestry Commission discussed an appeal from resident Nigel Yates regarding a $2,000 fine for tree removal at 1204 Seaton Ln. The commission felt the maximum fine was excessive and recommended a lesser amount, with staff taking opinions into account for a final decision. No other substantive decisions were made; the September minutes were approved and other items were informational or deferred.
- Approved September meeting minutes
- Recommended lesser fine than $2,000 for tree removal at 1204 Seaton Ln (no vote recorded)
City Council Committee: Budget & Finance
The Falls Church City Council Budget & Finance Committee is meeting virtually to discuss the FY2021 year-end report for general government and schools, an ARPA funding strategy, and updates on the George Mason High School and West Falls Church development projects. The agenda is substantive, with several items for discussion.
- FY2021 year-end report for General Government and Schools
- ARPA Funding Strategy
- George Mason High School Project Update
- West Falls Church Development Project Update
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) is meeting to review the Founders Row Phase II Traffic Impact Study and its appendix, along with a report from the GF/LF (likely a subcommittee or related body). The agenda also includes approval of the draft minutes from the September 8, 2021 meeting. This is a regular advisory committee meeting focused on transportation impacts of a specific development.
- Review of Founders Row Phase II Traffic Impact Study (dated 6.8.21)
- Review of Founders Row Phase II Traffic Impact Study Appendix (dated 6.8.21)
- Report to CACT from GF/LF
- Approval of draft minutes from September 8, 2021 meeting
The committee discussed the Founders Row II mixed-use project and agreed to take action on submitting revised comments to City Council at the November meeting. They also reviewed lessons learned from the Great Falls/Little Falls Neighborhood Traffic Calming program and received updates on other traffic calming projects. No formal decisions were made at this meeting.
- Agreed to submit revised comments on Founders Row II to City Council at November meeting
- Adjourned meeting (6-0)
City Council Committee: Appointments
The Falls Church City Council Appointments Committee met virtually on October 13, 2021, to interview candidates for boards and commissions. The committee adopted the Electronic Participation Policy and Resolution with a 2-0 vote (one member absent). No other formal decisions were made; interviews and discussions were held for various applicants and reappointments.
- Adopted Electronic Participation Policy and Resolution (2-0)
Architectural Advisory Board
The Falls Church Architectural Advisory Board is meeting virtually to provide feedback on the Special Exception and Rezoning Application for the proposed Founders Row II mixed-use development at 1001 & 1003 W Broad St. The agenda includes a staff presentation and public comments submitted by email. No other substantive items are listed.
- Feedback on Founders Row II mixed-use development at 1001 & 1003 W Broad St
- Special Exception and Rezoning Application for the project
- Public comments accepted via email until 7:30 PM on October 13, 2021
The Falls Church Architectural Advisory Board reviewed the Founders Row II mixed-use development proposal at 1001 & 1003 W Broad St and provided feedback, recommending design refinements and additional context renderings. No formal decisions were made; the board expressed concerns about potential vacant storefronts and repetitive facades, and requested staff confirm height variance details.
- Reviewed Founders Row II special exception and rezoning application (no vote)
- Recommended staff request site plan, elevations, and perspectives showing surrounding context
- Recommended more public open space along W. Broad Street
- Recommended breaking up repetitive W. Broad Street facade with volumetric interest
- Recommended additional sidewalk gathering space for restaurant tenants
- Requested staff confirm if 75.85' height variance applies to cornice or elevator penthouses
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission meets virtually to discuss affordable housing goals, an update on an Amazon grant request, and removal of a citizenship requirement for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). They will also debrief a tenant meeting at The Fields and approve prior minutes. Public comments may be submitted by email until 5:00 pm on October 12, 2021.
- Debrief of The Fields tenant meeting and next steps
- Update on Amazon grant request
- Continued discussion of affordable housing goals
- Removal of ADU citizenship requirement
The Housing Commission approved new language for the ADU policy that would allow non-citizens to apply, to be sent to the City Council for approval. They also discussed the Amazon grant request, affordable housing goals, and debriefed a tenant meeting at The Fields Apartments. The minutes from the September 14 meeting were approved.
- Approved new ADU policy language allowing non-citizens to apply (motion by Jordan Hicks, seconded by Meredith Anderson)
- Approved minutes from September 14, 2021 meeting
- Discussed writing a letter of support for the Amazon grant request (no formal vote recorded)
City Council Committee: Government Operations
The Falls Church City Council Government Operations Committee is meeting to discuss three operational topics: employee recruitment and retention efforts, transitioning to paperless council packets, and hybrid meeting technology. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only agenda.
- Employee recruitment and retention efforts
- Paperless council packets
- Hybrid meetings and technology
Electoral Board
The Falls Church Electoral Board is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving minutes, appointing election officers, and planning for the upcoming November 2 election. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific policy decisions or public hearings listed.
- Planning for November 2 Election
- Appoint Officers of Election
- Approval of Minutes
- Public Comment
- Announcements
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board is meeting virtually to discuss returning to in-person meetings, engaging student representatives, potential AARPA funds, and naming the City Property Yard. They will also review the Fellows Property Master Plan Draft and approve September minutes.
- Discussion on moving back to in-person meetings
- Ideas for engagement with student representatives
- Current plans for potential AARPA funds
- Resolution for naming of City Property Yard
- Review of Fellows Property Master Plan Draft
The Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks discussed a resolution to name the City Property Yard at 7100 Gordon Road as 'The Robert L. Goff Operations Yard' but did not vote, as a motion to support lacked a second. The item will be revisited at the November 3, 2021 meeting, and the City Manager will be informed of the discussion. The board also reviewed updates on recreation programs, ARPA funding applications, and the Fellows Property Master Plan draft.
- Approved September 8, 2021 minutes with corrections (5-0)
- Motion to support naming City Property Yard after Robert L. Goff failed for lack of second; no vote held
- Tabled naming resolution to November 3, 2021 meeting
- Discussed staying virtual through November before deciding on in-person meetings
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority will discuss updates on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) business funding, including proposed grant program specifics and a comparison of potential uses. A presentation on the Founder's Row II project at 1001 West Broad from Mill Creek is scheduled, along with a wayfinding project update. The meeting is virtual via Microsoft Teams, with public comments due by 6:00 pm on October 4th.
- ARPA business funding discussion update with proposed grant program specifics
- Founder's Row II (1001 West Broad) presentation from Mill Creek
- Wayfinding Project Update
- Approval of September meeting minutes
- Public comments accepted via email until 6:00 pm October 4th
The EDA unanimously approved a motion to request $2.5 million in ARPA funds for business grants, COVID recovery marketing, tourism promotion, hotel assistance, and a part-time employee/consultant. The board also discussed the Founders Row Phase II development, expressing support for residential use and concerns about traffic, but took no formal action. The wayfinding project is expected to complete in mid-January.
- Approved $2.5M ARPA funds request for grants, marketing, tourism, hotels, and staffing (unanimous)
- Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Discussed Founders Row Phase II; no formal action taken
- Received wayfinding project update; completion expected mid-January
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church Economic Development Committee is meeting virtually to discuss updates on development applications for 1001 West Broad and One City Center, recap a neighborhood meeting, and consider zoning changes for infill redevelopment. They will also hear about affordable housing tax credits, commercial leasing, and new business openings. The meeting is open to the public with comments accepted by email.
- Staff update on development applications for 1001 West Broad (MCR) and One City Center (Atlantic)
- Recap of 9/22 meeting with neighbors of 1001 W. Broad (new signals, traffic movement, commercial tenant announcements)
- Update on meeting with Meridian re: tax credits for affordable housing
- Discussion of zoning changes for transitional areas to encourage smaller-scale infill redevelopment
- Staff report on commercial leasing of ground-floor spaces and anticipated new business openings
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will discuss the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually via Microsoft Teams. No specific decisions or substantive items are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Budget & Finance
The Falls Church City Council Budget & Finance Committee is meeting virtually to discuss ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding priorities, community engagement, and budget amendment #1. They will also receive updates on the George Mason High School project and the West Falls Church development project. The meeting is open to the public via Microsoft Teams, with comments accepted by email.
- ARPA funding priorities and community engagement
- Budget amendment #1
- George Mason High School project update
- West Falls Church development project update
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council will review a draft Community Climate and Energy Action Plan and the ESC Action Plan. The meeting includes updates on the Fellows Property and reports from three subcommittees.
- Draft Community Climate and Energy Action Plan
- ESC Action Plan
- Fellows Property update
- Public comments regarding RainSmart and Stormwater
- Subcommittee reports from ETS, ETG, and HRTG
The Environmental Sustainability Council reviewed a draft Climate and Energy Action Plan and set a September 26 comment deadline for incorporation before a City Council presentation on October 4. Members volunteered as 'champions' for priority areas including ARPA funding, green building policy, stormwater management, and bikeable city initiatives. The council also discussed supporting a Stormwater Advisory Board and approved minutes from prior meetings.
- Approved minutes from May 6 ETS and July 15 ESC & ETS meetings
- Set September 26 deadline for comments on draft Climate and Energy Action Plan
- Volunteered members as champions for ARPA funding, carbon neutral government, green building policy, stormwater, bikeable city, parking, and DEI
- Discussed sending letter to Council supporting Stormwater Advisory Board formation with ESC member
- Agreed to follow up with NVSWCD on potential partnership for stormwater management
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to consider a special use permit for a daycare and three variance applications for residential properties. The board will also discuss transitioning to in-person meetings and approve the July 15, 2021 minutes.
- Special Use Permit U1623-21 for daycare at 128 South Spring Street
- Variance V1625-21 for pool in front yard at 407 Little Falls Street
- Variance V1626-21 for reduced front setback at 100 Poplar Drive
- Variance V1627-21 for reduced front setbacks at 200 South Cherry Street
- Discussion on transitioning to in-person meetings
The Board of Zoning Appeals continued the special use permit application for a daycare at 128 South Spring Street to a future meeting, after extensive discussion about parking and the number of students allowed. The Board approved three variance applications: one for a pool in a front yard at 407 Little Falls Street, one for a reduced front setback at 100 Poplar Drive, and one for reduced front setbacks at 200 South Cherry Street. Approval of the July 15, 2021 meeting minutes was also continued to the next meeting.
- Continued Special Use Permit application U1623-21 for a daycare at 128 South Spring Street by roll call vote.
- Approved Variance application V1625-21 to allow a pool in a front yard at 407 Little Falls Street.
- Approved Variance application V1626-21 for a reduced front setback at 100 Poplar Drive.
- Approved Variance application V1627-21 for reduced front setbacks at 200 South Cherry Street.
- Continued approval of the July 15, 2021 meeting minutes to the next BZA meeting.
🏢 Building at this address: 1 floors
Library Board of Trustees
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees is meeting virtually to discuss and potentially take action on a draft Safe Child Policy (first reading), along with reviewing meeting minutes and various library statistics. The agenda includes a first reading of the draft YS-2 Safe Child Policy, which would replace the current Unattended Children Policy and Child Supervision Guidelines. The board will also review draft and approved meeting minutes, as well as collection, circulation, and book sale statistics.
- First reading of draft YS-2 Safe Child Policy
- Review of current YS-2 Unattended Children Policy and YS-2a Child Supervision Guidelines
- Approval of draft minutes from July 21, 2021
- Review of collection, circulation, and book sale/memorial statistics
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees held a routine meeting, electing Stephanie Oppenheimer as Chair and Jeff Peterson as Vice Chair, and adopting the Board's Rules of Procedure and Bylaws, the 2022 meeting schedule, and the Five Year Plan. The Board also approved several policies on second reading, including the Meeting Room, Privacy, and Library Card policies, and approved discarding outdated policies. The adoption of the Electronic Participation Policy was held over to the August meeting for clarification.
- Elected Stephanie Oppenheimer as Board Chair (6-0)
- Elected Jeff Peterson as Vice Chair (6-0)
- Adopted Library Board Rules of Procedure and Bylaws (6-0)
- Adopted 2022 Schedule of Library Board Meetings (6-0)
- Approved June 16, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0, 3 abstentions)
- Adopted Five Year Plan as strategic plan (6-0)
- Approved discarding Five Year Plan as Policy, Memorial/Honorarium Policy, and Donated Materials Policy (6-0 each)
- Approved Gifts and Donations Policy on first reading (6-0)
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually via Microsoft Teams. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Urban Forestry Commission
The Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss routine business including approval of August minutes, public comments, and staff updates. Notable items include Virginia Village tree plantings, a memorial tree and plaque for Dan Sze, stormwater code coordination, and a sidewalk grant project for S. Washington Street.
- Virginia Village Tree Plantings
- Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque
- Stormwater Code and Task Force
- Sidewalk Grant Project for S. Washington Street
- Fellows Property Master Plan
The Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) held a virtual meeting, approving the August minutes and discussing various informational items. No formal votes were taken. The commission reviewed its equity action items, discussed stormwater code changes and the potential for a permanent stormwater committee, and noted updates on tree plantings and the Dan SZE memorial.
- Approved August meeting minutes
- Discussed stormwater code changes and potential permanent committee
- Reviewed equity action items for urban forestry
- Noted Dan SZE memorial trees to be planted next week
- Moved sidewalk grant project to October agenda
- Discussed reestablishing Urban Forester position
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority is meeting virtually to discuss finances for 302 Shirley St, a possible housing partnership with Wesley Housing, and an Amazon REACH/strike fund grant application due 9/30/21. Members will also discuss how to allocate City American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for business support and hear updates on the website and wayfinding project. Public comments are accepted by email until 6:00 pm on July 6th.
- Update on 302 Shirley St finances
- Presentation on City Amazon REACH/strike fund grant application due 9/30/21
- Possible partnership with Wesley Housing
- Discussion of City ARPA business funding expenditures
- Wayfinding Project Update
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority unanimously approved a letter of support for a $3.75 million Amazon grant to establish an affordable housing strike fund, with further details to be discussed in coming months. The board also approved the August meeting minutes and received updates on 302 Shirley St. finances, noting revenues are lower than expected. A subcommittee was formed to explore ARPA funding uses, and website comments were deferred to the October meeting.
- Approved letter of support for $3.75M Amazon grant (unanimous)
- Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Formed ARPA subcommittee (Kiersz and Quinn) to investigate funding uses
- Deferred website comments to October meeting
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission will meet virtually to discuss an Amazon grant request related to Virginia Village properties, covering short-term preservation and long-term redevelopment. The agenda also includes tenant complaints at The Fields, a continuation of affordable housing goals discussion, and a housing update from staff.
- Amazon Grant Request for Virginia Village Properties & Land – short-term preservation and long-term redevelopment
- The Fields tenant complaints and future meeting
- Affordable Housing Goals discussion continuation
- Housing update from staff
The Commission approved a motion to support changing the ADU policy to remove citizenship/green card status as an eligibility requirement. They also approved the July 13 meeting minutes and agreed to write a letter of support for the Amazon Grant request for Virginia Village properties. The meeting included discussions on tenant complaints at The Fields, affordable housing goals, and updates on Founders Row.
- Approved the minutes from the July 13 meeting.
- Approved writing a letter of support for the Amazon Grant request for Virginia Village properties.
- Approved a motion to support removing citizenship/green card status as an ADU eligibility requirement.
Retirement Board
The Falls Church Retirement Board is meeting virtually to review second-quarter 2021 investment performance for the Basic and Police Pension Plans and OPEB, approve investment fees, and act on several administrative items including fiduciary training, electronic meeting participation, and meeting frequency. The board will also discuss OPEB funding policy, plan amendments, and a disability case review, with some items deferred to November. Public comments are accepted until 6:30 PM on the meeting date.
- Second Quarter 2021 Investment Performance Review for Basic and Police Pension Plans and OPEB
- Investment Fees Annual Review (action)
- Mandatory Fiduciary Training cost proposal from Williams & Mullen (action)
- Electronic Meeting Participation Resolution Update (action)
- OPEB Funding Policy follow-up and Plan Legal Framework Segal Report (action)
The Falls Church Retirement Board approved the Multi-Agent Employer Plan (Three Plans) legal structure for the OPEB trust, directing staff to consult legal counsel and pre-authorizing up to $5,000 for legal costs. The board also approved the annual investment fee report, a training accommodation for virtual attendance, the Williams Mullen fiduciary training contract (not to exceed $1,900), the Electronic Meeting Participation Resolution, and retaining quarterly meetings with stand-alone training sessions. A resident's petition on ESG investments was acknowledged, with the board noting fiduciary responsibilities take precedence.
- Approved OPEB 'Three Plans' legal structure, directing legal consultation (7-0)
- Pre-authorized up to $5,000 for legal consultation on OPEB structure (7-0)
- Accepted annual investment fee report, fees at $1.34M or 0.66 basis points (7-0)
- Approved virtual training accommodation for trustee due to COVID-19 (7-0)
- Approved Williams Mullen fiduciary training contract, not to exceed $1,900 (7-0)
- Approved Electronic Meeting Participation Resolution (7-0)
- Retained quarterly meetings, separating mandatory fiduciary training (7-0)
- Reaffirmed disability eligibility determination after closed session (7-0)
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church is meeting virtually to approve minutes, adopt a policy for electronic participation in meetings, and discuss a public event partnership with CATCH Foundation at Founders Row. They will also review a digital inventory and self-guided walking tour of public art. The agenda includes routine items like call to order, roll call, and adjournment.
- Adoption of Electronic Participation Policy
- Resolution for Electronic Participation
- Public event partnership with CATCH Foundation at Founders Row
- Digital inventory and self-guided walking tour of public art
- Approval of April and June 2021 minutes
The Arts and Humanities Council approved a resolution adopting an electronic participation policy and approved April and June minutes with edits. The council discussed the Founders Row event space, noting Mill Creek sent a $26,264 check to the CATCH Foundation and committed to making Market Square available for at least four special events per year. No public comments were received.
- Approved resolution for electronic participation policy
- Approved April and June minutes with edits
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually via Microsoft Teams due to the COVID-19 emergency. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Discuss Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Appointments
The City Council Appointments Committee is meeting to interview new applicants and review reappointment requests for various city boards and commissions. This process determines who will fill vacancies and serve on advisory bodies.
- Interview of Michael Trauberman and Peter Kien for West Falls Community Development Authority
- Interview of Christopher Weir for Architectural Advisory Board (non-resident consultant)
- Interview of Joseph Rollo for City Employee Review Board
- Reappointment request for Albert Bitici (Architectural Advisory Board)
- Reappointment requests for Charles O’Hara (Recreation and Parks Advisory Board) and Paul Baldino (Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority Board)
The Appointments Committee interviewed candidates for several boards and commissions, including new applicants and reappointments, and held a closed session to discuss them. No final appointments were made at this meeting; the committee only conducted interviews and discussions.
- Interviewed Michael Trauberman for West Falls Community Development Authority (unexpired term)
- Interviewed Peter Kien for West Falls Community Development Authority (unexpired term)
- Interviewed Christopher Weir for Architectural Advisory Board consultant (non-resident, non-voting)
- Discussed previously interviewed Joseph Rollo for City Employee Review Board
- Discussed reappointment of Albert Bitici to Architectural Advisory Board
- Discussed reappointment of Charles O'Hara to Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
- Discussed reappointment of Paul Baldino to Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority Board
- Held closed session to discuss candidates (3-0 vote)
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board is meeting virtually to handle routine business, including approving June minutes, hearing the Recreation Director's report, electing officers, and reviewing the Fellows Property Master Plan draft. Public comments can be emailed until 7:00 P.M. on September 8, 2021.
- Review and comments on Fellows Property Master Plan draft
- Election of officers
- Approval of June 2, 2021 minutes
- Recreation Director's report
The Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks reviewed the draft master plan for Fellows Property, offering extensive recommendations on design elements such as signage, pathways, and amenities. The board also re-elected Charley O'Hara as Chair and Leslie Rye as Vice Chair, and approved the June 2, 2021 minutes. No formal decisions were made on the master plan; it will be revised and reviewed again at the November 3, 2021 meeting.
- Re-elected Charley O'Hara as Chair (5-0, 1 abstention)
- Re-elected Leslie Rye as Vice Chair (5-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved June 2, 2021 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
- Reviewed Fellows Property Master Plan Draft; comments to be incorporated
- Scheduled second review of Fellows Property Master Plan for November 3, 2021
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed; the meeting is open to the public and held virtually.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church Economic Development Committee meets virtually to discuss a proposed revision of allowed uses for ground-floor commercial spaces at The Byron's, receive staff updates on development applications for One City Center and 1001 West Broad, and hear about recruiting a movie theatre operator for Founders Row. The committee will also review commercial leasing news and progress on updating the net fiscal impact model.
- Presentation and discussion of The Byron's proposed revision of allowed uses for ground-floor commercial spaces
- Staff update on development applications for One City Center (Atlantic) and 1001 West Broad (MCR)
- Update on recruiting a movie theatre operator for Founders Row and other commercial tenant announcements
- Staff report on commercial leasing of ground-floor spaces and anticipated new business openings
- Progress update on net fiscal impact model
Electoral Board
The Falls Church Electoral Board will hold a routine meeting to plan for the November 2 election, approve minutes, and address other electoral items. The agenda is mostly procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals detailed.
- Planning for November 2 election
- Approval of minutes
- Public comment period
Retirement Board
The Falls Church Retirement Board is holding a virtual meeting on August 26, 2021, primarily to conduct a training session on fiduciary responsibilities for defined contribution and defined benefit plans. The agenda includes standard procedural items (call to order, roll call, reading of the virtual meeting notice) and adjournment. Public comments may be submitted by email until 9:30am that day.
- Training: Fiduciary Responsibilities Defined Contribution Plans and Defined Benefits
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams per Virginia FOIA COVID-19 provisions
- Public comments due by 9:30am on August 26, 2021 to cmester@fallschurchva.gov
West Falls Community Development Authority
The West Falls Community Development Authority will hold its meeting virtually, with actions including adopting by-laws, electing officers, and considering a reimbursement resolution and an electronic participation policy. Public comments may be submitted by email. The agenda is largely procedural for the newly created authority.
- Adoption of By-Laws (CDA TR21-01)
- Election of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer
- Reimbursement Resolution (CDA TR21-02)
- Consideration of Electronic Participation Policy (CDA TR21-03)
- City Council actions: Ord. 2033 (creation of CDA) and Res. 2021-27 (approved by-laws)
The West Falls Community Development Authority held its first meeting and unanimously adopted its bylaws, elected a slate of officers, and approved a reimbursement resolution for infrastructure improvements. The board also adopted an electronic participation policy. Bond closing is expected in late Q1 2022, and a memo on board member risk protection was requested.
- Adopted CDA bylaws (CDA TR21-01) 5-0
- Elected officers: Chair Schantz-Hiscott, Vice Chair Snyder, Secretary Shields, Treasurer Young 5-0
- Adopted reimbursement resolution (CDA TR21-02) 5-0
- Adopted electronic participation policy (CDA TR21-03) 5-0
Human Services Advisory Council
The council will hear presentations on affordable housing and the American Legion. Members will discuss human services needs in new development and the COVID-19 response for vulnerable residents.
- Affordable housing presentation
- American Legion presentation
- Discussion of human services needs in new development
- COVID-19 response to vulnerable residents
- Social equity community training
The Human Services Advisory Council approved the June 17, 2021 minutes and heard a presentation on affordable housing and the Affordable Dwelling Unit program. Members requested future presentations on homeownership and further discussion of human services needs in new development. Staff reported on COVID-19 rent and utility assistance, a school supply drive, and updates on affordable housing purchases and grants.
- Approved minutes from June 17, 2021 meeting
- Requested homeownership program presentation for next meeting
- Placed human services needs in new development on next meeting agenda
Library Board of Trustees
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees will hold a virtual meeting to consider second readings of three draft policies on gifts and donations, memorial honorarium gift forms, and donation receipts. The board will also vote on adopting a policy for electronic participation in meetings and a resolution to adopt it. Additionally, the board will receive information on ARPA funding and review collection, circulation, and book sale statistics.
- Second reading of draft ADM-15 Gifts and Donations Policy
- Second reading of draft ADM-15a Memorial Honorarium Gift Form Policy
- Second reading of draft ADM-15b Donations Receipt Policy
- Adoption of Policy for Electronic Participation in Meetings and resolution
- ARPA funding information and library statistics review
The Library Board of Trustees adopted the Gifts and Donations Policy on second reading, with a note that wording may be revisited pending City Attorney feedback. The Board also adopted the Policy and Resolution for Electronic Participation, which allows members to attend meetings electronically for personal, emergency, medical, or disability reasons. The board discussed the Founder's Row II voluntary concessions, ARPA funding options, and the upcoming library opening.
- Adopted Gifts and Donations Policy on second reading (unanimous)
- Adopted Policy and Resolution for Electronic Participation (unanimous)
Urban Forestry Commission
The Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss urban forestry matters, including a sidewalk grant project for S. Washington Street, updates on the West Falls Church/WMATA development, and the American Rescue Plan. The agenda includes staff updates, public comments, and future business items.
- Sidewalk Grant Project for S. Washington Street
- American Rescue Plan
- West Falls Church/WMATA development
- Greenspace data on city projects
- Counting Tree Plantings (My Tree Counts)
The Urban Forestry Commission approved the July minutes and received updates on the Neighborhood Tree Program, Virginia legislative agenda, and several development projects. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and discussion-based.
- Approved July meeting minutes
- Discussed Founders' Row 2 and One City Center meetings for input
- Noted Neighborhood Tree Program updates and Plant NOVA Natives campaign
- Reviewed Virginia legislative items including stormwater and tree conservation bills
- Discussed Dan Sze Memorial plaque completion and tree work order
- Noted staff recruitment challenges and extended application deadline
- Discussed Insight Site Plan changes including tree removal at Park Place
- Identified affordable housing sites for potential tree planting
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority is meeting virtually to discuss and vote on several items, including appointing a member to the Community Development Authority (CDA) board and waiving the 30-day waiting period for the CDA's creation. The agenda also includes updates on wayfinding, affordable housing acquisition, a net fiscal impact model, the website, and retail openings and vacancies. Public comments are accepted by email until 6:00 pm on July 6th.
- Vote on recommendation to Council to appoint a CDA Board member
- Vote to approve waiver of 30-day waiting period for CDA creation
- Wayfinding Project Updates
- Affordable Housing Acquisition Update
- Net Fiscal Impact Model Update
The Economic Development Authority unanimously approved the acquisition of 310 and 312 Shirley Street for $1.925 million total, including a $1.85 million purchase price and $75,000 seller credit, to preserve affordable housing. The board also approved switching all four gateway signs to post-and-panel style with $2,500 for sidewalk bump-outs, and recommended Bob Young to the CDA Board with a waiver of the 30-day waiting period. Meeting minutes for June and July were approved unanimously.
- Approved $1.925M acquisition of 310 and 312 Shirley Street for affordable housing (unanimous)
- Approved switching all four gateway signs to post-and-panel with $2,500 for sidewalk bump-outs (unanimous)
- Recommended Bob Young to CDA Board and approved waiver of 30-day waiting period (unanimous)
- Approved June and July meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Changed September meeting date to September 14
Library Construction Oversight Committee
This is a procedural meeting of the Library Construction Oversight Committee. The agenda contains only document references and no substantive items for decision or discussion.
The Library Construction Oversight Committee reviewed the status of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library renovation, reporting 93% construction completion and substantial completion on June 25, 2021. The tentative public opening date is August 16, 2021, subject to change. The project remains on budget, with change orders approved and a $50,000 Library Foundation donation allocated to the owner contingency. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
- Approved change order 35 for exit signs, humidifier line relocation, fire alarm infrastructure, and ADA-compliant paving
- Approved change order 36 for elevator button revision, trash receptacle changes, and access panels
- Approved change order 38 for wall panel replacement, return grille, paving, fire extinguisher cabinet, exhaust fan upgrade, and light pole work
- Set tentative public opening date of August 16, 2021
- Scheduled next LCOC meeting for October 27, 2021, with no August meeting
- Placed $3,500 purchase order for LEED points to reach required 50 points
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19. No decisions or substantive items are listed.
- Review of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church Economic Development Committee meets virtually to discuss several commercial redevelopment projects, including MCR's application for 1001-1003 West Broad and the Atlantic application for One City Center. They will also cover food truck licensing and taxation, permanent outdoor dining guidelines, and updates on affordable housing and commercial leasing. The meeting is open to the public via Microsoft Teams, with comments accepted by email.
- Discussion of MCR redevelopment application for 1001-1003 West Broad
- Update on recruiting movie theatre operator for Founders Row
- Food trucks: licensing, taxation, enforcement
- Status of Atlantic application for One City Center at Washington & Broad
- Guidelines for permanently extending outdoor dining and entertainment
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will discuss the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No substantive decisions or public hearings are listed; the agenda contains only routine items such as reading the meeting notice and roll call.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Legislative
The Falls Church City Council Legislative Committee is meeting virtually to receive an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and review a funding priorities list. The agenda includes only this discussion item plus standard procedural steps, with no votes or decisions scheduled.
- Update on American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA)
- ARPA Funding Priorities List
- General Assembly Special Session update from July 19 Council Work Session
Urban Forestry Commission
The Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss routine business, including approving May minutes, public comments, and staff updates. They will also cover current business items such as the Stormwater Task Force report, site plans for Broad & Washington and One City Center, and the memorial tree designation process.
- Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque
- Insight/Broad & Washington Site Plan
- One City Center Project
- Sidewalk Grant Project for S. Washington Street
- Memorial or Commemorative Tree Designation Process
The Urban Forestry Commission agreed to submit comments to the City Council, Planning Commission, and Planning Staff on the One City Center project, expressing concerns about removal of mature trees, pedestrian safety, and stormwater management. The Commission also discussed the Stormwater Task Force report, noting the role of trees in stormwater management and potential legislative changes. No formal votes were taken; decisions were limited to drafting comments and scheduling future discussions.
- Approved the May minutes.
- Agreed to submit comments on the One City Center project to City Council, Planning Commission, and Planning Staff.
- Agreed to review ARPA opportunities at next month's meeting.
- Agreed to pursue opportunities requiring developers to show actual tree canopy contributions.
- Noted that the Stormwater Task Force recommended creating a permanent citizens group.
- Discussed but did not decide on sidewalk grant project for S. Washington Street.
- Deferred future business items due to time constraints.
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting virtually to discuss and vote on several library policies, including first readings of new gifts and donations policies and second readings of meeting room, privacy, and library card policies. They will also review the FY21 annual report, a draft five-year plan, and information on ARPA funding, along with collection, circulation, and book sale statistics.
- First reading of draft ADM-15 Gifts and Donations Policy and related forms
- Second reading of ADM-14 Meeting Room Policy and Terms of Use
- Second reading of ADM-11 Privacy Policy and CIRC-2 Library Card Policy
- Review of FY21 Annual Report and draft Five Year Plan 2021-2025
- Discussion of ARPA funding information
The Falls Church Library Board approved three new policies on first reading: the Meeting Room Policy, the Privacy Policy, and the Library Card Policy, each with minor changes. The board also approved the FY2021 Annual Report draft and discarded the Materials Discard Policy. The meeting included updates on the library construction project, which is nearing substantial completion, and the board discussed ARPA funding and other announcements.
- Approved the May 19, 2021 meeting minutes with minor changes.
- Approved the FY2021 Annual Report draft with minor changes and stipulation to update statistics.
- Approved to discard the Materials Discard Policy.
- Approved the Meeting Room Policy on first reading.
- Approved the Privacy Policy on first reading with an amendment to clarify historical records retention.
- Approved the Library Card Policy on first reading with minor changes.
- Tabled the equity discussion to the next meeting.
- Adjourned the meeting at 9:10 PM.
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council will meet to discuss the Park Avenue Great Street project and prepare for a City Council work session on July 19, 2021. The body will also review development plans for Founders II and One City Center.
- Park Avenue Great Street project update
- Development plan reviews for Founders II and One City Center
- Preparation for July 19 City Council work session
- Subcommittee reports from ETS, ETG, and HRTG
- Stormwater Task Force update
The Environmental Sustainability Council reviewed the Park Avenue 'Great Street' project, a $11M plan to improve pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and discussed topics for the upcoming City Council work session. No formal decisions were made; the council approved the June 17th minutes and agreed to consolidate talking points for the work session.
- Approved June 17th, 2021 minutes
- Agreed Chairman Young would consolidate talking points for City Council work session
- Reviewed Park Avenue 'Great Street' project (no action taken)
- Discussed topics for July 19th City Council work session (no formal vote)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to consider a special use permit for a daycare, two variance applications for residential properties, and a variance request from Federal Realty Trust for multiple sign changes. Public comments are accepted until 4:30 PM on July 15, 2021.
- Special Use Permit U1623-21 for daycare at 128 South Spring Street (R-1A)
- Variance V1623-21 for 16-foot front setback at 300 North Oak Street (R-1B)
- Variance V1624-21 by Federal Realty Trust for six freestanding signs, five business names, sign location/height, and 259 sq ft wall sign area
- Approval of May 13, 2021 meeting minutes
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance for a new house at 300 North Oak Street, allowing a 16-foot front setback instead of the required 25 feet on Fulton Avenue. The Board also approved a conditional sign variance for the Birch and Broad Shopping Center, allowing additional signs, business names, and increased sign heights. The Board tabled a special use permit for a daycare at 128 South Spring Street, requesting more information from the applicant and staff.
- Approved variance V1623-21 for 300 North Oak Street, allowing a 16-foot front setback on Fulton Avenue (unanimous).
- Approved variance V1624-21 for the Birch and Broad Shopping Center, allowing six freestanding signs, five business names on Signs D and E, a relocated Sign B, and increased heights for Signs B, C, and E (unanimous).
- Approved the sign variance with a condition that the applicant consider the Architectural Advisory Board's comments.
- Tabled special use permit U1623-21 for a daycare at 128 South Spring Street, pending more information from the applicant and staff.
- Approved the May 13, 2021, meeting minutes (3-0, with two abstentions).
🏢 Building at this address: 1 floors
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several recommendations, including protected bike lanes, guiding principles for a neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program, and safer bike routes to school. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and a tracking sheet update.
- Protected bike lanes recommendations
- Guiding principles for neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program
- Safer bike routes to school recommendations
- Draft minutes from June 9, 2021 meeting
- Tracking sheet update
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive discussions are listed; it is primarily administrative and open to the public.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Architectural Advisory Board
The Falls Church Architectural Advisory Board will meet virtually to provide feedback and recommendations on two items: a comprehensive sign package for Falls Plaza Shopping Center at 1200 W Broad St, and a site plan application for the Broad and Washington development at 100 N Washington Street and 127-131 E Broad Street. Public comments may be submitted by email until 7:30 PM on July 14, 2021.
- Comprehensive Sign Package for Falls Plaza Shopping Center, 1200 W Broad St, zoned B-3 General Business
- Broad and Washington Site Plan Application, 100 N Washington St and 127-131 E Broad St, zoned Mixed Use
- Public comments accepted via email until 7:30 PM on July 14, 2021
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission is meeting virtually to discuss affordable housing goals and data, hear a presentation from Wesley Housing on its organization and programs, and receive updates on housing development, CDBG/HOME transition to Fairfax, and the Affordable Housing Fund. The commission will also consider cancelling its August meeting. Public comments can be submitted by email until 5:00 pm on July 13, 2021.
- Affordable Housing Goals/Data presentation by Noha Osman
- Wesley Housing overview and programs by Kamilah McAfee, VP of Real Estate Development
- Housing Development Update by Staff Lewis
- CDBG/HOME transition to Fairfax by Staff Lewis
- Affordable Housing Fund update request by Chair Shokoor
The minutes record the Housing Commission receiving a letter from residents of The Fields of Falls Church, VA, objecting to rent increases and listing building maintenance issues. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the item was received for consideration.
- Received resident letter regarding rent increases at The Fields (no action recorded)
Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee
The Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee is meeting to receive a Group Home Manager's report and discuss new business. The committee will review a new scholarship application and discuss deliverables and candidates from Arlington County.
- Review of New Scholarship Application
- Discussion of Arlington County Deliverable List
- Preparation for additional Arlington candidates
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed; it is primarily administrative and open to the public.
- Review of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority is meeting virtually to approve June meeting minutes and discuss an affordable housing acquisition, including a council staff report on a budget amendment for it. The meeting is open to the public via Microsoft Teams, with comments accepted by email until 6:00 pm on July 6.
- Approval of June 2021 meeting minutes
- Discussion of affordable housing acquisition
- Council staff report on affordable housing budget amendment
The EDA voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss affordable housing acquisition, then reconvened and authorized the Chair to submit a letter of intent to purchase the 310 and 312 Shirley St. Virginia Village properties, with terms agreed upon in closed session. Approval of the June meeting minutes was moved to next month. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
- Approved entering closed session for legal consultation on affordable housing acquisition (unanimous).
- Approved reconvening in open session after closed session (unanimous).
- Certified that closed session complied with legal requirements (unanimous).
- Authorized the Chair to submit a letter of intent to purchase 310 and 312 Shirley St. properties (unanimous).
- Moved approval of June meeting minutes to next month.
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Falls Church City Council is holding a virtual agenda meeting with staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public, with comments accepted by email. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments may be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming agendas
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church Economic Development Committee is meeting virtually to discuss commercial leasing, development proposals, and other economic development topics. Key items include a discussion with the leasing agent for The Byron, an update from a prospective developer of the Stratford motel site, and updates on outdoor dining, workforce housing, and festive lighting. The meeting is open to the public, with comments accepted until 1:00 pm on June 24, 2021.
- Discussion with commercial leasing agent for The Byron
- Update from Andrew Teeters on revised use plans for Stratford motel site
- Outdoor dining update
- Workforce/affordable housing opportunities at Va. Village
- Festive lighting of street trees on W. Broad
Library Construction Oversight Committee
This is a procedural meeting of the Library Construction Oversight Committee. The agenda lists only the meeting login link and two documents: the agenda PDF and a committee report PDF. No specific decisions or discussion items are listed.
- Meeting held June 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM
- Agenda document: 20210623-LCOCAGENDA.PDF
- Committee report: LCOC_MEETING_REPORT_15.PDF
The Library Construction Oversight Committee reviewed the Mary Riley Styles Public Library renovation, reporting 90% construction completion as of May 15, 2021, with substantial completion extended by 28 days to June 29, 2021. The committee discussed change orders, budget status, and the activation plan, including plans to have library staff in the building by July 12. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational and procedural.
- Substantial completion extended by 28 days to June 29, 2021
- Approved change orders C0#31-#34 covering paving, light poles, IT voltage, and M101 revisions
- Decided to pursue offsite carbon options for $32,000 to achieve LEED Silver Certification
- Agreed to reserve unused funds for unforeseen library needs after occupancy
- Planned to request Council extension of LCOC meetings for project closeout and final report
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed; the meeting is open to the public and held virtually.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Council is planning priority topics for a proposed meeting with City Council regarding environment and land use. The agenda includes discussions on greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and safe routes to schools.
- Planning for proposed meeting with City Council on Environment and Land Use
- Discussion of GHG emissions mitigation in the Special Exceptions process
- CACT safe routes to schools
- Subcommittee reports from ETS, ETG, and HRTG
- Stormwater Task Force updates
The Environmental Sustainability Council (ESC) discussed topics for a planned September joint meeting with City Council, including land use, green building policy, and climate action priorities. The ESC agreed to continue supporting and engaging with the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) on a letter advocating for LEED Gold certification, 20% improved energy efficiency, and solar installations in Special Exception projects. The council also heard updates on transportation, habitat restoration, and electric vehicle initiatives, and approved the minutes from the May 20 meeting.
- Approved the minutes from the May 20, 2021 meeting.
- Agreed to continue supporting and engaging with VPIS and other groups on environmental priorities, including the joint letter on green building standards.
- Identified priority topics for the September joint meeting with City Council, including land use, green building policy, and climate action.
- Discussed actions to increase public awareness of environmental issues, such as adding an environmental section to the Focus on Falls Church newsletter and increasing articles in the Falls Church News Press.
- Heard that the Energy Transition Subcommittee projects $100,000 annual energy savings from advocated design elements and is focusing on EV charging infrastructure.
- Noted that the Habitat Restoration Task Group reported 517 volunteers worked 1,026 hours on habitat restoration from May 2020 to May 2021.
- Heard that the Police Department will ask City Council to fund four electric police cars.
- Discussed a potential weekend demonstration event on Park Avenue, possibly coordinated with the FCPS Run for the School event on September 12.
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council will meet to review and approve rent relief payments for seniors and persons with disabilities. The body will also receive a report on the Affordable Housing Fund and discuss citizenship requirements for boards and commissions.
- Review and approval of Rent Relief payments for seniors and persons with disabilities
- Report on the Affordable Housing Fund
- Discussion of citizenship requirement for participation in boards and commissions
- Social equity community training update
The Human Services Advisory Council unanimously approved Rent Relief payment allocations for FY2022, covering seniors and persons with disabilities. The council also discussed the Affordable Housing Fund and supported changing the citizenship requirement for board and commission participation, though no formal action was taken on that item.
- Approved FY2022 Rent Relief allocations for seniors and persons with disabilities (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from May 12 and May 20, 2021 meetings
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church is meeting virtually to approve April minutes, discuss new and old business, and hold a roundtable conversation. Old business includes guidelines for City Hall public art, a George Mason commemorative bust, and a digital inventory and self-guided walking tour of public art. Public comments may be submitted by email until 9:30 am on June 17, 2021.
- Guidelines for City Hall Public Art
- George Mason Commemorative Bust
- Digital inventory and self-guided walking tour of public art
- Approval of April 2021 minutes
- Public comments accepted via email until 9:30 am June 17
The Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church met virtually on June 17, 2021, but took no formal votes or decisions. Members discussed ongoing projects, including the Falls Church Art Walk digital inventory, guidelines for City Hall public art, a George Mason commemorative bust conversation, and the Tinner Hill Mural District. The council also heard updates from various community organizations. April minutes were not approved due to lack of quorum.
- April minutes not approved due to lack of quorum
- No new business presented
- No formal votes or decisions taken
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees will meet virtually to review and discuss several draft policies, including privacy, meeting room, and library card policies, as well as the FY21 annual report and various statistics. The board will also consider a dedication plaque and library logo. The agenda includes first readings of several policies and a policy to discard.
- First reading of ADM-11 Privacy Policy
- First reading of ADM-14 Meeting Room Policy and Terms of Use
- First reading of CIRC-2 Library Card Policy
- Draft FY21 Annual Report
- Tech-3 Materials Discard Policy
The Falls Church Library Board approved three policies on second reading: Collection Management, Circulation of Library Materials, and Library Behavior Guidelines, all unanimously. The Board also supported the Director's recommended new library hours (Monday-Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1pm-6pm) to take effect when the renovated library opens, and voted to discard the 2004 Library Closures and Holidays policy as procedure. A resolution was passed to gather staff and board input on equity options for a June 7 Council work session.
- Adopted Collection Management Policy (5-0)
- Adopted Circulation of Library Materials Policy (5-0)
- Approved Library Behavior Guidelines Policy (5-0)
- Discarded 2004 Library Closures and Holidays Policy (5-0)
- Supported new library hours recommendation (no formal vote)
- Proposed equity resolution for staff/board input (6-0)
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed; the meeting is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19.
- Discuss Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams with public access
- Public comments may be submitted to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive public comment, hear a staff update, and discuss the Stormwater Utility Fee and Stormwater Advisory Board recommendations. The meeting is procedural and includes roll call, member reports, and scheduling of future meetings.
- Discussion of Stormwater Utility Fee
- Stormwater Advisory Board Recommendations
- Public comments due by 4pm on May 24, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for June 10, 2021
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several transportation-related items. The agenda includes a draft assessment of protected bike lanes, recommendations for safer bike routes to school, a letter about biking/walking, a report on the GF/LF (likely a project or fund), and a discussion of HB 1903 on speed reduction. They will also review draft guiding principles for a neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program, a staff report on WOD Park crossings, and a letter of support for a bus stop expansion project on South Washington Street. The meeting will also cover the status of 2021 action items and approve minutes from the previous meeting.
- Draft assessment of protected bike lanes
- Recommendations for safer bike routes to school
- HB 1903 speed reduction discussion
- Draft guiding principles for neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program
- Letter of support for South Washington Street bus stop expansion and access to transit project
The committee voted 6-0 to adopt draft recommendations for protected bike lanes, including edits to elevate Park Ave and add definitions. It also approved neighborhood traffic calming proposals for Great Falls/Little Falls/W Columbia and sent a letter to Council on sidewalk accessibility. No public comments were received.
- Adopted protected bike lane recommendations with edits (6-0)
- Approved Great Falls/Little Falls/W Columbia traffic calming proposals (6-0)
- Sent sidewalk and accessibility letter to Council with school walkability criteria (6-0)
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed. The meeting is held virtually and open to the public.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee is meeting to interview candidates for vacancies and reappointments for terms ending in June. The session focuses on the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Library Board of Trustees.
- Interview of Kristine Ward for Board of Zoning Appeals (Alternate)
- Interview of John Lawrence for Library Board of Trustees
- Interview of Janis Johnson for Library Board of Trustees
- Reappointment request for Kathleen Tysse for Library Board of Trustees
The Falls Church City Council Appointments Committee interviewed four candidates for boards and commissions, including one for the Board of Zoning Appeals and three for the Library Board of Trustees. The committee also held a closed session to discuss the candidates, as permitted by Virginia law, and certified the session's compliance. No final appointments were made at this meeting.
- Interviewed Kristine Ward for Board of Zoning Appeals (Alternate) (unexpired term)
- Interviewed John Lawrence for Library Board of Trustees
- Interviewed Janis Johnson for Library Board of Trustees
- Interviewed Kathleen Tysse for Library Board of Trustees reappointment
- Held closed session to discuss prospective candidates (3-0)
- Certified closed session compliance (3-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority meets virtually to review updates and financing options for the Shirley St. property, along with budget, wayfinding costs, heritage tourism, and fiscal model updates. Public comments are accepted until June 7. The meeting is procedural with no final decisions listed.
- Update and financing options for Shirley St. property
- EDA budget summary
- Wayfinding cost update
- Heritage tourism update
- Fiscal model update
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority approved $21,051 for wayfinding change orders plus $5,000 for VDOT permit costs, and unanimously approved $36,000 for Mr. Brown's Park improvements. They also discussed a potential $600,000 loan to refund their investment in the Shirley St. property, but no action was taken. The meeting was procedural in part, with approval of the May minutes and updates on various projects.
- Approved $21,051 for wayfinding change orders and $5,000 for VDOT permit costs (unanimous)
- Approved $36,000 for Mr. Brown's Park improvements (unanimous)
- Approved May meeting minutes (unanimous)
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission meets virtually to debrief an Accessory Dwelling Unit tour, finalize membership of the Affordable Housing Fund work group, and receive updates on housing development and COVID-19 vulnerable populations. Public comments are accepted by email until 5 pm on June 8, 2021. The meeting is largely procedural with no votes on specific projects or dollar amounts listed.
- Debrief of Accessory Dwelling Unit Arlington tour
- Finalize Affordable Housing Fund work group membership
- Housing development update from staff
- COVID-19 vulnerable populations update
- Set holiday schedule for future meetings
The Housing Commission approved minutes from May 11, 2021, and took an affirmative vote to allow the Affordable Housing Fund to be used for purchasing housing to keep it affordable, potentially via a loan or grant with a nonprofit provider. They also discussed finalizing the Affordable Housing Fund work group, with the last two members to be developers, and reviewed updates on the W End development, including 128 units and negotiations over cash-in-lieu options.
- Approved minutes from May 11, 2021 meeting
- Voted to allow Affordable Housing Fund use for housing purchase to maintain affordability
City Council Committee: Budget & Finance
The Falls Church City Council Budget & Finance Committee meets virtually to review the FY2021 Third Quarter Report on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, receive updates on the George Mason High School project and the West Falls Church development, and handle other business. Public comments may be submitted by email.
- FY2021 Third Quarter Report on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
- George Mason High School project update
- West Falls Church development project update
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams with public comment via email
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks will meet virtually to approve minutes, hear a recreation director's report, and discuss new and old business. Key items include the Fellows Property Master Park Planning and a student representatives' project update. Public comments can be emailed before the meeting.
- Approval of April 7 and May 5, 2021 minutes
- Recreation Director's Report
- Fellows Property Master Park Planning discussion
- Student representatives update on project
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board approved the minutes from its April 7 and May 5, 2021 meetings, with votes of 6-0 and 5-0 (one abstention) respectively. The board also received a director's report on facility reopenings, summer camp registration, and upcoming events, and discussed plans for Fellows Park and student projects.
- Approved April 7, 2021 minutes (6-0)
- Approved May 5, 2021 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Economic Development Committee will discuss planning for business operations after COVID-19, including a zoning text amendment for outdoor dining and entertainment. They will also receive updates on commercial tenant recruitment, workforce housing, and filling vacancies. The meeting is virtual and open to the public.
- Zoning text amendment for outdoor dining and entertainment to be considered by Council on June 7
- Update on recruiting a movie theatre operator for Founders Row
- Status of workforce/affordable housing in West Falls project and use of Amazon grant money
- Updates on One City Center and Broad & Washington projects
- Prospects for filling vacancies: Cuates Grill (Broadway), Harvey's (Byron), Taco Rock (Birch & Broad)
The Economic Development Committee met virtually to discuss post-COVID business operations, including a zoning text amendment for outdoor dining and entertainment, and received updates on recruiting a movie theater operator for Founders Row. Staff reported on workforce/affordable housing opportunities in the West Falls project and other citywide initiatives. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.
- Reviewed zoning text amendment for outdoor dining and entertainment (no vote)
- Received update on movie theater recruitment for Founders Row (no action)
- Discussed workforce/affordable housing in West Falls project (no action)
- Heard updates on One City Center and Broad & Washington projects (no action)
- Reviewed ground-floor commercial vacancy filling efforts (no action)
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive public comments, hear a staff update, and discuss the Stormwater Utility Fee and recommendations from the Stormwater Advisory Board. The meeting will also set the next meeting date and include member reports.
- Discussion of Stormwater Utility Fee
- Stormwater Advisory Board Recommendations
- Public comments due by 4pm on May 24, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for June 10, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
- Information items include Watershed Management Plan Section 5 (2012) and Resolution to Amend the Charter
Library Construction Oversight Committee
The Falls Church Library Construction Oversight Committee is meeting to discuss the ongoing library construction project. The agenda includes reviewing the meeting report and other documents related to the project. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Review of meeting report LCOC_MEETING_REPORT-14.PDF
- Review of agenda document 20210526-LCOCAGENDA.PDF
The committee reviewed the Mary Riley Styles Public Library renovation, reporting 83% construction completion as of April 15, 2021. Substantial completion was revised from May 29 to June 25, 2021, pending finalization of the M101 drawing revision agreement with contractor Centennial, which includes a $30,000 settlement. The project budget remains healthy, with a $50,000 donation from the MRSPL Foundation approved by Council. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
- Reviewed construction progress: 83% complete as of April 15, 2021
- Noted substantial completion revised to June 25, 2021, pending M101 revision agreement
- Reported M101 revision settlement at $30,000 (down from $70,000 request)
- Acknowledged $50,000 MRSPL Foundation donation approved by Council for non-construction costs
- Confirmed all change orders through #30 have been signed
- Scheduled next LCOC meeting for June 23, 2021
Electoral Board
The Falls Church Electoral Board is meeting to handle routine election administration, including appointing election officers and planning for the upcoming June 8 Democratic primary. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of minutes, and welcoming youth representatives.
- Appointment of Officers of Election
- Planning for June 8 Democratic Primary Election
- Welcome Youth Representatives
- Approval of Minutes
- Public Comment
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council approved the April 15, 2021 minutes and received staff reports on the Virginia Rent Relief Program, COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and the City's reopening. Councilmember Connelly reported that the City Council set the tax rate at $1.32, the lowest in years, and announced a June 7 work session on social equity. No formal votes were taken on new business items.
- Approved April 15, 2021 minutes
- Heard report on West Falls Economic Development project voluntary concessions
- Discussed Founder's Row II Development project concerns
- Noted residents can apply to Virginia Rent Relief Program
- Reported social equity training planned for fall
- Reported City Hall offices to open June 1
- Reported tax rate set at $1.32
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council will discuss energy policy, including electric vehicle and greenhouse gas recommendations. The body will also review the City Council Work Plan regarding equity and receive subcommittee reports.
- Equity & the City Council Work Plan discussion
- Energy Policy discussion including EV and GHG recommendations
- Subcommittee reports from ETS, ETG, and HRTG
- Stormwater Task Force updates
- Review and approval of April 15th, 2021 minutes
The Environmental Sustainability Council discussed equity in city services and agreed to draft a letter to City Council based on survey results. They voted to circulate a draft letter recommending voluntary concessions for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in future major developments. The council also agreed to incorporate climate and energy topics into regular ESC meetings. No final decisions were made on these items, as they are pending further review and submission to City Council.
- Voted to circulate draft letter on EV charging infrastructure for further review (unanimous)
- Agreed to incorporate climate and energy topics into ESC meetings
- Approved minutes from April 15, 2021 meeting
- Agreed Stacy Evers would draft equity response letter for City Council review
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting virtually to discuss and vote on several library policies. The agenda includes a first reading of a policy on library hours, holidays, and closures, and second readings of policies on collection development, material review requests, circulation, fines and fees, and behavior guidelines. The board will also review draft minutes from April and receive presentations on the workplan and library statistics.
- First reading of ADM-24: Library Hours, Holidays and Closures Policy
- Second reading of ADM-30: Collection Development Policy
- Second reading of ADM-30a: Request for Review of Library Materials
- Second reading of CIRC-3: Circulation of Library Materials Policy
- Second reading of CIRC-3a: Fines and Fees Schedule Policy
The Falls Church Library Board approved several policy updates on first reading, including Collection Management, Circulation of Library Materials, and Library Behavior Guidelines, and discarded outdated policies. The board deferred a decision on proposed new library operating hours, requesting more community input and cost analysis for additional staff. The board also received updates on the library renovation project, which is on track for substantial completion by May 29.
- Approved February 25, 2021 meeting minutes with minor changes (6-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved March 17, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved discarding outdated library policies (7-0)
- Approved Collection Management policy on 1st reading (7-0)
- Approved Circulation of Library Materials policy on 1st reading (7-0)
- Approved Library Behavior Guidelines policy on 1st reading (7-0)
- Deferred decision on proposed library hours change to May meeting
- Noted Don Camp stepping down from board; Kathleen Tysse reapplying
Urban Forestry Commission
The Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission will hold a virtual meeting on May 19, 2021, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The agenda includes approval of April minutes, public comments, and staff updates on items such as the Arbor Day video, stormwater code changes, and a memorial tree. The meeting is conducted under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Approval of April minutes
- Arbor Day video launched
- Stormwater Code proposed changes
- Dan Sze Memorial Tree and Plaque
- Sidewalk Grant Project for S. Washington St.
The Urban Forestry Commission approved the April minutes and discussed several informational items, including upcoming stormwater code changes that may allow updates to the tree code, a proposed entry plaza at Little Falls Street and Park Avenue that could require tree removal, and the planting of memorial Gingko trees. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters; most items were updates or discussions.
- Approved April minutes
- Discussed stormwater code changes, including DEQ-required code and opportunity to update tree code
- Noted Arbor Day video published
- Planned planting of two memorial Gingko trees at City Hall parking lot
- Identified trees/bushes for removal at TJ Elementary, planned volunteer event
- Discussed West Falls Church planter edges, letter to planning commission to be drafted
- Discussed tree canopy/greenspace standards trending down, data collection to begin
- Noted 23-25 trees planted under Neighborhood Tree Program
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually via Microsoft Teams due to COVID-19. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams with public access
- Public comments accepted via cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee
The Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee is meeting to review the Group Home Manager's report and discuss new business. The committee will address equity and ongoing COVID-19 concerns regarding family health and the needs of residents.
- Equity review
- 2021 fundraising
- Family health safety under COVID-19
- Needs of the girls under COVID-19
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive public comment, hear a staff update on stormwater budget items approved by City Council, and discuss the stormwater utility fee along with Stormwater Advisory Board recommendations. The meeting is procedural and includes roll call, member reports, and scheduling of future meetings. Public comments were accepted until May 11, 2021.
- Staff update on stormwater budget items approved by City Council
- Discussion of stormwater utility fee
- Stormwater Advisory Board recommendations
- Next virtual meeting scheduled for May 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Retirement Board
The Falls Church Retirement Board accepted Bolton Consulting's benefit calculation review, which found no errors requiring recalculation, and directed staff to implement recommended changes. The Board also approved AndCo's recommendation to rebalance Police and Basic pension plan investments, moving funds between fixed income accounts. Additionally, the Board re-elected Connie Rydberg as Chair, approved the Investment Policy Statements, and authorized a legal review of the OPEB trust.
- Accepted Bolton Consulting benefit calculation review report (6-0)
- Approved AndCo investment rebalancing for Police and Basic Plans (6-0)
- Re-elected Connie Rydberg as Chair and Rick Campbell as Vice-Chair (6-0)
- Approved Investment Policy Statements for Basic and Police Plans (6-0)
- Authorized Segal consulting OPEB trust legal review up to $3,000 (5-1)
- Approved May 2021-June 2022 Training Plan with $16,000 budget (6-0)
- Approved minutes of February 11, 2021 meeting (4-0-2)
- Continued actuarial economic assumptions as presented (6-0)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals is meeting virtually to consider a special use permit application for a daycare at 128 South Spring Street, which is not allowed by right in the R-1A zoning district. The board will also handle routine items such as call to order, roll call, petitions, old business, approval of minutes, and other business.
- Special Use Permit U1623-21 by Lisa Wills for daycare at 128 South Spring Street, RPC #52-203-037, zoned R-1A
The Board of Zoning Appeals continued the special use permit application by Lisa Wills for a daycare at 128 South Spring Street to a future date. The Board found the application incomplete because the property owner, the Scout House Board, had not yet approved the use, and the applicant had not secured permission from the City to use adjacent Berman Park. The motion to continue passed unanimously (3-0). The Board also tabled approval of the April 2021 minutes due to lack of quorum from members present at that meeting.
- Continued Special Use Permit U1623-21 for daycare at 128 South Spring Street to a future date (3-0)
- Tabled approval of April 2021 minutes until next meeting due to insufficient quorum
🏢 Building at this address: 1 floors
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several transportation items, including safe bike routes to schools, the Lincoln Avenue safer and greener project, and guiding principles for a neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program. The committee will also review draft minutes from its April 14, 2021 meeting and the status of its 2021 action items. The agenda includes a document titled 'A Divided Task Force' for discussion.
- Safe bike routes to schools recommendations
- Lincoln Avenue safer and greener project
- Lincoln Avenue tactical urbanism pre-paving
- Draft guiding principles for neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program
- Status of 2021 CACT action items
The committee approved a motion to amend the safer bike routes recommendations, adding formal property owner outreach for easements, the Chestnut St realignment as a pedestrian/bike connection opportunity, and a Haycock Road bridge as a long-term option. The motion passed 5-0. The committee also discussed but did not vote on the Greening Lincoln Ave tactical urbanism project and the sidewalk and accessibility program recommendations.
- Approved amended bike route recommendations (5-0)
- Adopted Route 29 letter of support for Smartscale application (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council will meet virtually to discuss the reallocation of unused Community Services Funds.
- Discussion of reallocation of unused Community Services Funds
The Human Services Advisory Council unanimously approved fully funding supplemental Community Services Fund requests from CRi, Legal Services, Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, and Unity Club. Best Buddies' $3,000 request was also fully funded, but only if it confirms it can spend the funds by June 30, 2021; otherwise, that amount goes to Home Stretch. The meeting was procedural and brief, adjourning at 6:48 p.m.
- Fully funded supplemental requests from CRi, Legal Services, Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, and Unity Club (unanimous)
- Fully funded Best Buddies' $3,000 supplemental request, conditional on expenditure by June 30, 2021 (unanimous)
- Directed that if Best Buddies cannot use funds by June 30, 2021, the $3,000 goes to Home Stretch (unanimous)
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or votes are listed; the meeting is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee is reviewing candidates for vacancies and reappointments for city boards and commissions. This includes interviews for the Planning Commission and requests for reappointment to advisory committees.
- Planning Commission interviews: Daniel Polinsky and Derek Hyra
- Library Board of Trustees exit interview: Donald Camp
- Fairfax County Advisory Social Services Board applicant: Mary Wilcox
- Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee reappointment request: Christina Goodwin
- Fairfax Area Commission on Aging reappointment request: Martha Cooper
The Appointments Committee interviewed two candidates for one Planning Commission vacancy and discussed reappointments and an exit interview. The committee went into closed session to discuss candidates, then reconvened and certified the closed session. No final appointments were made at this meeting.
- Interviewed Daniel Polinsky for Planning Commission vacancy
- Interviewed Derek Hyra for Planning Commission vacancy
- Conducted exit interview with Donald Camp, Library Board of Trustees
- Discussed Mary Wilcox for Fairfax County Advisory Social Services Board
- Discussed reappointment of Christina Goodwin to Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee
- Discussed reappointment of Martha Cooper to Fairfax Area Commission on Aging
- Approved motion to enter closed session (3-0)
- Certified closed session compliance (3-0)
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission is meeting virtually to discuss housing development updates, city housing targets for various income levels, and an update on the Amazon award proposal for years 3-5. They will also finalize the Affordable Housing Fund Work Group membership and hear about fair housing issues regarding source of income as a protected class.
- Finalize Affordable Housing Fund Work Group membership
- Housing development update
- City housing targets for range of incomes
- Amazon Award Proposal Yrs. 3-5 update
- Fair Housing - Source of Income Protected Class discussion
The Housing Commission approved the April 13, 2021 minutes and finalized recommendations for the Affordable Housing Fund workgroup, naming representatives from the Falls Church Housing Corp, Housing Commission, and Planning Commission, with two more volunteers needed. They also discussed updates on the West End development, housing targets, an Amazon award proposal, and COVID-19 rental assistance efforts, but no other formal votes were taken.
- Approved April 13, 2021 meeting minutes (motion by Martinez, seconded by Hicks)
- Finalized Affordable Housing Fund workgroup membership with representatives from Falls Church Housing Corp, Kristina Martinez, and Andrea Caumont; two more volunteers required
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Energy Transition Subcommittee will discuss recommendations for electric vehicle infrastructure and the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan. The subcommittee may also consider regrouping with the Environmental Sustainability Council.
- Electric Vehicle infrastructure recommendations to City Council
- Possible regrouping of ETS and ESC
- One City Center Project discussion
- GHG emissions voluntary concessions language
- Greenhouse Gas Action Plan review
The Energy Transition Subcommittee reviewed a draft Electric Vehicle Infrastructure memo for City Council, discussed merging ETS meetings into the full ESC to focus on climate topics, and approved April minutes. No formal decisions were made on the memo or meeting structure; these items remain under discussion.
- Approved April 2021 ETS meeting minutes (2-0)
- Reviewed draft EV Infrastructure memo for ESC review and Council submittal
- Discussed merging ETS meetings into ESC meetings; no decision made
- Discussed One City Center LEED Gold commitment and roof options; no action taken
- Presented draft memo on Near Net Zero Buildings; no action taken
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Falls Church City Council is holding a virtual agenda meeting with staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public, with comments accepted via email. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board is meeting to receive public petitions and conduct a walk-through of the Fellows Property at 604 South Oak Street. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no decisions or proposals listed.
- Walk-through of Fellows Property at 604 South Oak Street
- Receipt of public petitions and board member petitions
The Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks held a walk-through of the Fellows Property at 604 South Oak Street as part of new business. No formal decisions were made during the meeting; the only action was a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.
- Conducted walk-through of Fellows Property at 604 South Oak Street
- Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)
Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority will discuss creating a Community Development Authority for the West Falls Church redevelopment project, review a report on the Shirley Street property and possible Amazon grant participation, and consider funding for Civil War Trails signage. The meeting is virtual and open to the public.
- West Falls Church Redevelopment Project Community Development Authority creation petition request
- Report on Shirley Street property and possible Amazon grant program participation
- Civil War Trails Signage Maintenance Funding Request from Recreation and Parks Department
- Wayfinding Signage Update
- Move June meeting from June 4 to 11 due to Memorial Day
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority unanimously approved a petition to create the West Falls Community Development Authority, authorizing the chair to sign it. They also approved a one-time $1,400 fee for Civil War Trails signage, $14,637 for two parking signs, and a logo use request. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved petition to create West Falls Community Development Authority (unanimous)
- Approved one-time $1,400 Civil War Trails signage membership fee (unanimous)
- Approved $14,637 for two additional public parking signs (unanimous)
- Approved education foundation's use of 'The Little City' logo for golf tournament (unanimous)
- Moved June 1st meeting to June 8th (unanimous)
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive a staff update on the Stormwater Utility Rate Study and to discuss recommended changes to the Stormwater Utility Fee, along with recommendations from the Stormwater Advisory Board. Public comments were accepted until April 27, 2021. The meeting is procedural in nature, with no final decisions expected.
- Staff update on Stormwater Utility Rate Study status
- Discussion of Stormwater Utility Fee recommended changes
- Stormwater Advisory Board recommendations
- Public comment period closed April 27, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for May 13, 2021
Library Construction Oversight Committee
The Library Construction Oversight Committee is meeting to discuss the ongoing library construction project. The agenda includes a report on the project's status, but no specific decisions or proposals are listed.
- Review of Library Construction Oversight Committee Report
The Library Construction Oversight Committee reviewed the Mary Riley Styles Public Library renovation, reporting 73% construction completion as of March 15, 2021, with substantial completion still scheduled for May 29, 2021. Three change orders (CO 25, CO 26, CO 27) were discussed, including added security system scope and budget adjustments. The committee also discussed the LEED Silver certification, with a member opposing purchasing a point and preferring to use contingencies. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
- Reviewed construction progress: 73% complete as of March 15, 2021
- Discussed change orders CO 25, CO 26, CO 27, including security system scope and budget offsets
- Noted substantial completion date remains May 29, 2021
- Discussed LEED Silver certification point; member opposed purchasing point, preferred using contingencies
- Scheduled next meeting for May 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed. The meeting is held virtually and open to the public.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Economic Development Committee will review staff updates regarding regional economic impacts and various local business developments. The agenda includes discussions on outdoor dining, noise ordinance recommendations, and efforts to fill ground-floor commercial vacancies citywide.
- Staff report on filling ground-floor commercial vacancies at Broadway, Byron, Tinner Hill, Spectrum, Pearson Square, Read, Birch & Broad, former FCFlorist, former CapOne and Suntrust banks, and 900 W. Broad block
- Recap of April 21 Planning Commission workshop regarding One City Center application
- Staff summary of MCR efforts to recruit a movie theatre operator for Founders Row
- Discussion on making temporary outdoor dining arrangements permanent
- Updates on business openings including Galleria Florist, Pho Vietnamese, Pupuseria La Familiar, Cuates Grill, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe
The Falls Church City Council Economic Development Committee met virtually on April 22, 2021, and discussed several economic development topics, including a staff update on efforts to recruit a movie theater operator for Founders Row, ways to make temporary outdoor dining arrangements permanent, and a report on filling ground-floor commercial vacancies. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational and discussion-focused.
- No formal decisions or votes taken; meeting was discussion-only
- Discussed staff recap of April 20 NAIOP meeting
- Discussed April 20 Chamber of Commerce program on COVID's regional economic impact
- Discussed April 21 Planning Commission workshop on One City Center application
- Discussed MCR's monthly update on movie theater recruitment for Founders Row
- Discussed encouraging permanent outdoor dining arrangements
- Discussed noise ordinance items for May Council meeting
- Discussed staff report on filling ground-floor commercial vacancies citywide
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting virtually to review and potentially adopt several new or revised library policies. The board will hold first readings on draft policies covering library hours, collection management, material review requests, circulation, fines and fees, and behavior guidelines. They will also consider discarding several outdated policies and review collection, circulation, and book sale statistics.
- First reading of draft ADM-24 Library Hours, Holidays and Closures Policy
- First reading of draft ADM-30 Collection Management Policy
- First reading of draft CIRC-3 Circulation of Materials Policy and CIRC-3a Fines and Fees Schedule
- First reading of draft ADM-9 Library Behavior Guidelines Policy
- Discard of outdated policies including ADM-4, ADM-30, REF-4, REF-8, and ADM-9
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees held a virtual meeting on February 25, 2021, with no formal votes or decisions. The main discussion focused on the 21-Day Equity Challenge, where members shared emotional responses and suggested actions like author talks, youth programming, and partnerships with local nonprofits. The board also heard updates on the library project and construction site tours.
- No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting
- Discussed equity challenge and suggested diversity programming ideas
- Noted library project update to be presented to Council on March 1st
- Scheduled construction site tours for March 3rd
Urban Forestry Commission
The Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss routine business including approval of March minutes, public comments, and staff updates. Current business includes confirming officers and rules of procedure, reviewing the work plan and equity, discussing Founders Row II, and tree canopy/greenspace standards. Future business covers items like tree planting counts, green infrastructure, and code changes.
- Approval of March minutes
- Arbor Day update
- Dan Sze Memorial and plaque ideas
- Stormwater Code proposed changes
- Founders Row II discussion
The Urban Forestry Commission approved the March minutes, affirmed its current officers, and selected a location and tree type for the Dan Sze memorial. It also discussed updates on Arbor Day, school grounds maintenance, and development projects, but made no other formal decisions.
- Approved March 2021 meeting minutes
- Affirmed officers: Chair Kathy Philpott Costa, Vice Chair Amy Crumpton, Secretary David DeCoste
- Selected male Ginkgo tree and location #1 for Dan Sze memorial, with possible second tree at location #3
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19. No decisions or substantive actions are listed.
- Review of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Budget & Finance
The Falls Church City Council Budget & Finance Committee is meeting virtually to conduct the FY2022 budget markup, which involves reviewing and adjusting the proposed budget. The committee will also receive updates on the George Mason High School project and the West Falls Church development project. Public comments can be submitted by email and will be provided to the committee.
- FY2022 Budget Markup, including federal funding overview attachment
- George Mason High School Project Update
- West Falls Church Development Project Update
- Virtual meeting under Virginia FOIA COVID-19 provisions
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council will meet to discuss the City Council work plan and the 'Environment for Everyone' initiative. The body will also review updates on several local development projects and receive subcommittee reports.
- Discussion of Founders Row II development project
- Discussion of West Falls Church Economic Development Project
- Discussion of One City Center and Broad and Washington (Insight) projects
- Introduction on equity by Jennifer Carroll, MRSPL Library Director
- Updates from the Stormwater Task Force
The Environmental Sustainability Council held a virtual meeting with no public comments and no formal votes. They discussed racial equity initiatives, received updates on development projects, and reviewed subcommittee reports. The meeting was informational and procedural, with no substantive decisions made.
- No formal decisions or votes were recorded
- Agreed to continue equity discussion at next meeting
- Volunteers assigned to monitor One City Center project and formulate Green Building Policy
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive a staff update on the Stormwater Utility Rate Study and to discuss council feedback on a memo covering recommended changes to the Stormwater Utility Fee and a code update for Utility Commission appointments. Public comments submitted by April 13 will be read during the meeting. The agenda also includes routine items like roll call and future meeting scheduling.
- Staff update on Stormwater Utility Rate Study status
- Discussion of Stormwater Utility Fee recommended changes
- Code update for Utility Commission appointment
- Public comment period open until April 13, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for April 29, 2021
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council will discuss the proposed FY 2022 Budget and receive reports from virtual town halls regarding specific development projects. The meeting also includes discussions on COVID-19 responses for vulnerable residents and social equity community training.
- Proposed FY 2022 Budget
- Founders Row II Special Exception and Rezoning Application report
- West Falls Economic Development project report
- COVID-19 response to vulnerable residents
- Social equity community training
The Human Services Advisory Council approved the minutes from its February 18, 2021 meeting. The council heard a presentation from Police Chief Mary Gavin on police programs supporting mental health needs. A report on virtual town halls for Founders Row II and West Falls Economic Development was deferred to the May meeting due to time constraints.
- Approved minutes from February 18, 2021 meeting
- Deferred report on Founders Row II and West Falls town halls to May meeting
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals is meeting virtually to consider two variance applications for residential properties. The board will decide on requests to allow reduced front and side setbacks for a fire-damaged home reconstruction and a second-story addition. Public comments are accepted until 4:30 PM on the meeting date.
- Variance V1621-21: 400 South Oak Street, allow 25.4 ft front setback (South Oak) and 15 ft front setback (Timber Lane) instead of 30 ft, plus 3.5 ft porch extension into setback, for fire-damaged home reconstruction
- Variance V1622-21: 702 Berry Street, allow 26.1 ft front setback instead of 30 ft and 9.1 ft side setback instead of 12 ft, for second story addition
- Approval of December 17, 2020 and January 14, 2021 meeting minutes
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variance applications. The first allows rebuilding a fire-damaged home at 400 South Oak Street on its existing foundation with reduced setbacks and a porch extension. The second permits a second-story addition at 702 Berry Street with reduced front and side setbacks. Both were approved unanimously by the three members present.
- Approved variance V1621-21 for 400 South Oak Street to rebuild fire-damaged home with reduced setbacks and porch extension (3-0)
- Approved variance V1622-21 for 702 Berry Street for second-story addition with reduced setbacks (3-0)
- Approved January 14, 2021 meeting minutes (2-0-1 abstention)
- Tabled approval of December 17, 2020 minutes until next meeting
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church is meeting virtually to discuss recommendations for portraits celebrating diversity in City Hall Chambers, hear about the Founders Row II special exception and rezoning town hall, and continue work on a public art district and digital art inventory. The council will also approve March minutes and welcome a new Cherry Hill Foundation representative.
- Recommendations for portraits celebrating diversity in City Hall Chambers, citing Falls Church Women's History Walk and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation
- Founders Row II Special Exception and Rezoning Town Hall discussion with Mary Sellers
- Resolution to amend Chapter 3 of Comp Plan to add 'Enriching Falls Church: Public Art Section' and ordinance for Arts and Cultural District (public hearing and second reading on April 12)
- George Mason Commemorative Bust update
- Digital inventory and self-guided walking tour of public art
The Arts and Humanities Council discussed recommendations for portraits celebrating diversity in City Hall Chambers, reaching consensus on Frederick Foote Jr. and discussing Maddie Gundry with concerns about her school's history. They also reviewed the Founders Row II development proposal and noted the City Council's approval of the Arts and Cultural District. No formal votes were taken; decisions were limited to approving minutes and welcoming a new member.
- Approved March 2021 meeting minutes
- Welcomed Katharine Stewart as Friends of Cherry Hill Foundation representative
- Reached consensus to recommend Frederick Foote Jr. for a City Hall portrait
- Discussed Maddie Gundry as a portrait candidate with request for further research
- Noted City Council approved Comp Plan Amendment and Arts & Cultural District on April 12
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation is meeting to discuss and review several items, including a presentation on Berman Park, draft comments on the City Council work plan and equity review, and draft guiding principles for a neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program. The committee will also consider a packet for residents regarding GF-LF, a letter and map about Greenway Downs, and the status of 2021 action items. Additionally, they will review articles and recordings on active transportation topics such as pop-up bike lanes, e-bikes, and crosswalk redesigns.
- Berman Park presentation
- Draft comments on City Council work plan and equity review
- Draft guiding principles for neighborhood sidewalk and accessibility program
- GF-LF version 3 packet to residents
- Greenway Downs letter and map
The committee voted 7-0 to approve a memo to City Council on racial and socioeconomic equity in transportation, including a statement supporting investigation of HB 1903 to reduce speed limits. They also postponed a vote on sidewalk program recommendations for further refinement. No public comments were received.
- Approved memo to Council on equity in transportation, including HB 1903 statement (7-0)
- Postponed vote on sidewalk program recommendations for further refinements
- Adjourned meeting at 10:45 pm (7-0)
Electoral Board
The Falls Church Electoral Board is meeting to plan for the June 8 Democratic primary election, along with routine items like approving minutes and public comment. The agenda is largely procedural, with the primary election planning being the main substantive item.
- Planning for June 8 Democratic Primary Election
- Approval of minutes
- Public comment period
- Electoral Board/Director of Elections items
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will discuss the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive items are on the agenda.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Appointments
The Mayor will meet with City Council staff to discuss the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. This is a procedural meeting open to the public.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
The Appointments Committee met virtually to interview and discuss candidates for various city boards and commissions. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion and interviews only.
- Conducted exit interview with Andy Rankin (Planning Commission)
- Conducted exit interview with William Ackerman (Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation)
- Discussed previously interviewed applicant Mary Wilcox
- Discussed reappointment requests for Connie Rydberg and Marshall Jarrett (Retirement Board)
- Discussed reappointment requests for Ronald D. Anzalone and Ellen Gross (Arts & Humanities Council)
- Discussed appointment request for Katharine Stewart (Arts & Humanities Council)
Architectural Advisory Board
The Falls Church Architectural Advisory Board will meet virtually to provide feedback on the LED Streetlight Capital Improvement Project, which aims to replace the city's existing streetlights with LED fixtures. The board will also consider adopting minutes from its February and March 2021 meetings. Public comments can be submitted by email until 7:30 PM on April 14, 2021.
- Feedback on LED Streetlight Capital Improvement Project to replace city streetlights with LED fixtures
- Presentation by Lionel Millard, CIP Project Manager, DPW
- Adoption of draft February 10, 2021 AAB minutes
- Adoption of draft March 10, 2021 AAB minutes
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission is meeting virtually to review and approve its 2021 annual report, discuss housing town halls and the Virginia Village update, and consider ideas for the third round of Amazon funding. The commission will also cover CDBG and Fair Housing Month, COVID-19 vulnerable populations, and Affordable Housing Fund work group membership. Public comments are accepted until 5 pm on April 13.
- Review and approve 2021 Housing Commission Annual Report
- Housing Town Halls and Virginia Village update
- Amazon Award Round #3 ideas
- April CDBG and Fair Housing Month training invitation
- Affordable Housing Fund work group membership
The Housing Commission approved the minutes from March 9, 2021, and finalized the 2021 Annual Report for presentation to the City Council in April. The meeting also included updates on the Virginia Village housing project, Amazon Award ideas, and COVID-19 rental assistance efforts, but no other formal votes were taken.
- Approved minutes from March 9, 2021 meeting
- Approved 2021 Housing Commission Annual Report for council presentation
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor meets with City Council staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. It is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19. No decisions or substantive items are listed.
- Review of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board is meeting virtually to discuss new business on Berman Park street crossings, plus old business on equity in parks, a fee reduction program, the Fellows Property master plan, and Big Chimneys. The board will also approve minutes from March 3, 2021, and receive public petitions.
- Berman Park street crossings discussion
- Equity in parks – layered map and funding data links
- Fee reduction program update
- Fellows Property Master Park Planning Process
- Big Chimneys update
The Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks met virtually and approved the March 3, 2021 minutes as amended (6-0). Under new business, the board heard a presentation on Berman Park street crossings and made recommendations, including evaluating parking impacts, supporting the city team's preferred options for Irving and S. Spring Streets, and conducting a cost-benefit analysis of raised versus at-grade crosswalks. The board also discussed equity in parks, a fee reduction program, and the Fellows Property master planning process, scheduling a site walkthrough in May.
- Approved March 3, 2021 minutes as amended (6-0)
- Recommended evaluating Kent & Ellison on-street parking reduction impact
- Recommended Irving Street Option 1 for Berman Park crossings
- Recommended S. Spring Street Option 2 for Berman Park crossings
- Recommended cost-benefit analysis of raised vs. at-grade crosswalks
- Scheduled a Fellows Property site walkthrough in May and a special on-site meeting in late May/early June
- Recommended a site meeting with the Arborist for input on specimen trees
- Adjourned the meeting by motion
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority is meeting virtually to discuss economic development matters, including a briefing on the West Falls Church special exception site plan, the results of the 2020 mixed-use net fiscal impact analysis, and an update on wayfinding signage. They will also hear a report on new businesses and ground-floor commercial vacancies citywide, and receive updates on the EDA retreat and the 302 Shirley St. property. Public comments were accepted until April 4.
- Presentation on West Falls Church Special Exception Site Plan briefing
- 2020 Mixed Use Net Annual Fiscal Impact Analysis results
- Wayfinding Site ID/Parking/other signage criteria and project update
- Report on inventory of existing ground-floor commercial vacancies citywide
- 302 Shirley St. update
The Economic Development Authority approved the March regular meeting minutes unanimously. Approval of the March special meeting minutes was postponed to the May meeting because the chair abstained, leaving no quorum. The board received a presentation on the West Falls Church Special Exception site plan and discussed several other items, including logo usage criteria, fiscal impact analysis, wayfinding signage, and a property update.
- Approved the March EDA meeting minutes unanimously.
- Tabled approval of the March EDA special meeting minutes to the May meeting due to lack of quorum.
- Discussed the West Falls Church Special Exception site plan changes; no formal action taken.
- Continued discussions on 'Little City' logo usage criteria; Ed Saltzberg offered to help draft criteria.
- Requested staff to provide revenue breakdowns and include non-mixed-use properties in fiscal impact analysis.
- Decided to explore a Site ID sign for the Tinner Hill area, with EDO staff to work with consultants.
- Requested staff to break down commercial vacancies by class type and building age for the next meeting.
- Discussed heritage tourism and website updates; no formal action taken.
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Energy Transition Subcommittee will discuss building weatherization, electric vehicle infrastructure, and solar campaigns. The subcommittee will also review items related to the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan.
- Building Energy Efficiency – Weatherization discussion with Ryan van Patten, LEAP
- Electric Vehicles – Voluntary Concessions for EV infrastructure; EV Ready and EVSE Installed Benchmarking
- Solar Campaigns – Solarize; Capital Area Solar Co-op
- Greenhouse Gas Action Plan – Comp Plan Environment Chapter 5; Chapter 5 Action Items
The Energy Transition Subcommittee discussed LEAP's home energy audit services and planned to draft comments for the Planning Commission's April 7 Town Hall on the Founders Row 2 project. The comments will recommend that at least 5% of parking spaces be initially equipped with EV chargers and that the building achieve LEED Gold certification with energy use at least 10% below baseline (or 20% under LEED v4.0). No formal decisions were made; the subcommittee only set action items for drafting comments.
- Action Item #1: Jon will draft comments recommending at least 5% of spaces initially equipped with EV chargers and a plan for future EV infrastructure.
- Action Item #2: Mike will draft comments recommending LEED Gold certification with energy consumption at least 10% below baseline (or 20% under LEED v4.0).
- Discussed LEAP's energy audit services, including free audits for qualifying residents and a $45 market-rate audit.
- Noted that a property manager for a City-owned low-income building declined LEAP's audit offer.
- Reported that the Capital Area Solar Co-Op has launched, with an info session on April 5.
- Noted that LEAP's Solarize program selected the same contractor as in 2020.
Electoral Board
The Falls Church Electoral Board is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving minutes, appointing election officers (possibly in closed session), and receiving a legislative update. The main substantive item is planning for the June 8 Democratic primary election.
- Appointment of Officers of Election – possible closed session
- Planning for June 8 Democratic Primary Election
- Legislative update
- Approval of minutes
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church City Council Economic Development Committee will receive staff reports on the updated Net Fiscal Impact of Development model, a citywide inventory of ground-floor commercial vacancies, and updates on development projects including Founders Row and Atlantic/City Center. They will also discuss business openings and the status of outdoor dining venues ahead of spring.
- Report on 2020 Mixed Use Net Fiscal Impact Model
- Inventory of ground-floor commercial vacancies citywide, including Broadway, Tinner Hill, Spectrum, Pearson Square, West End Plaza, and former bank locations
- Update on MCR's efforts to recruit a movie theatre operator for Founders Row
- Timetable for development review: Atlantic/City Center (Council April 5), MCR/SWestWBroad, West Falls SESP work sessions in April/May
- Business updates: Preservation Biscuit open, Galleria Florist opening April 1, Pho Vietnamese, Pupuseria La Familiar, Cuates Grill, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Go Scramble, Rare Bird
The Falls Church City Council Economic Development Committee met virtually on March 25, 2021, and received staff reports on the updated Net Fiscal Impact of Development data and an inventory of ground-floor commercial vacancies citywide. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational, covering topics such as movie theatre recruitment for Founders Row, development review timelines, and updates on new and upcoming businesses. The next meeting was scheduled for April 22, 2021.
- No formal decisions or votes taken; meeting was informational
Stormwater Task Force
The City of Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to discuss the Stormwater Utility Fee, including a review of code updates, incentive programs, and a status update on council recommendations. The meeting includes public comment, a staff update, and task force member reports. The next meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2021.
- Discussion of Stormwater Utility Fee and code update
- Review of incentive programs
- Status update on Council recommendations
- Public comments due by 4pm on March 23, 2021
- Next meeting: April 8, 2021 at 6:00pm
The Stormwater Task Force reviewed and unanimously approved its draft memo of recommendations for submission to the City Council, with edits including adding 'water quality' to the language and adjusting flood protection goals. The group also discussed a rate study presentation by staff, but deferred further briefing to the next meeting. No final decisions were made on the rate study.
- Approved draft memo of recommendations for City Council submission (unanimous)
- Added 'water quality' to recommendation language
- Adjusted flood protection goal to avoid targeting specific economic groups
- Deferred rate study briefing to next meeting
Library Construction Oversight Committee
This is a procedural meeting of the Library Construction Oversight Committee. The agenda lists only the meeting time, login link, and two documents: the agenda PDF and a committee report. No specific decisions or discussion items are listed.
- Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM
- Agenda document: 20210324-LCOCAGENDA.PDF
- Committee report: LCOC_MEETING_12_REPORT.PDF
The Library Construction Oversight Committee reviewed the renovation's status, noting 65% construction completion and a new substantial completion date of May 29, 2021, after a 14-day weather delay. The budget remains healthy, with change orders totaling $42,676.43 for items like toilets and a water heater. The committee discussed the activation plan, including temporary certificate of occupancy and furniture installation, and agreed to schedule a meeting about expanding onsite trees.
- Approved change order #24 for toilet finishing and assisted listening system, totaling $34,100.81.
- Approved change order #25 for water heater and door height discrepancy, totaling $8,575.62.
- Set new substantial completion date for May 29, 2021, and final completion for June 29, 2021.
- Scheduled a meeting with the City Arborist to discuss expanding the number of trees onsite.
- Agreed to contact the moving company Kloke to extend the storage contract by one to two months.
- Noted that the elevator is expected to arrive by end of April and take two weeks to install.
City Council Committee: Budget & Finance
The Falls Church City Council Budget & Finance Committee is meeting virtually to discuss the FY2022 budget development, including a proposed budget ordinance and tax ordinance, and to review the FY2021 eight-month financial report. They will also receive updates on the George Mason High School project and the West Falls Church development project. The meeting is open to the public via Microsoft Teams, with comments accepted by email.
- FY2022 Budget Development – preliminary discussion of Proposed Budget Ordinance
- FY2022 Tax Ordinance discussion
- FY 2021 Eight-Month Financial Report review
- George Mason High School Project Update
- West Falls Church Development Project Update
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council and the Energy Transition Subcommittee are meeting to discuss local and regional environmental policies. The agenda includes a guest presentation on Arlington's policies and updates on legislative and local projects.
- Guest speaker John Bloom on Environmental Policy in Arlington
- Discussion on the 2021 Virginia Legislative Session
- Status update on the West Falls Church Economic Development Project
- Solarize 2021 campaign
- Review and approval of January and February minutes
The Environmental Sustainability Council met jointly with its Energy Transition Subcommittee, hearing a guest presentation on Arlington County's environmental policies and discussing the West Falls Church project and Solarize 2021 campaign. No formal decisions were made; the 2021 Virginia Legislative Session discussion was tabled, and minutes from prior meetings were reviewed but not explicitly approved in the text.
- Tabled 2021 Virginia Legislative Session discussion
- Reviewed ESC and ETS January and February minutes and ETS March minutes
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council is meeting virtually to discuss its COVID-19 response for vulnerable residents and social equity community training, along with new and old business. Public comments can be submitted by email until 5 p.m. on the meeting day. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific votes or dollar amounts listed.
- COVID-19 response to vulnerable residents (old business)
- Social equity community training (old business)
- Public comments accepted via email until 5 p.m. March 18, 2021
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams due to COVID-19 emergency
The Human Services Advisory Council approved the February minutes and discussed ongoing COVID-19 outreach and social equity training plans. Staff reported a $3.75M grant for affordable housing, a site plan submission for West Falls Church, a recreation assistance program, and a vaccine POD. No formal votes were taken on these items.
- Approved February 18, 2021 minutes
- Discussed COVID-19 response to vulnerable residents
- Discussed social equity community training goals
- Heard report on $3.75M Virginia Housing REACH grant for affordable housing
- Heard report on West Falls Church site plan submission
- Heard report on recreation assistance program for low-income residents
- Heard report on planned vaccine Point of Distribution
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church is meeting virtually to discuss its 2020-2022 work plan, review equity in city arts policies, and address old business including a proposed public art section in the Comp Plan and an Arts and Cultural District ordinance. The council will also approve minutes and note member changes.
- Resolution to amend Comp Plan Chapter 3 to add 'Enriching Falls Church: Public Art Section' and ordinance to establish an Arts and Cultural District; first reading done March 8, public hearing April 12
- Equity review roundtable on how arts organizations address equity, diversity, and inclusion
- 2020-2022 Council Work Plan discussion
- New Falls Church Arts Representative: Maureen Budetti; departing representative: Rosemary Ziskind
- Minutes for approval: December 2021
The Arts and Humanities Council approved the December 2020 meeting minutes with edits. The council discussed updating artwork in City Council Chambers to better reflect the city's diversity, including adding portraits of women and minorities, and identified a local artist and a fundraising partner. They also discussed creating a digital guide of public art and reviewing the city's arts grant program for equity. No formal votes were taken on these new business items; they were discussion points for future meetings.
- Approved the December 2020 meeting minutes with edits.
- Discussed incorporating women and minorities into future City Council Chambers artwork, with community interest in Maddy Gundry and Freddie Foote.
- Identified a local artist to paint future portraits and the Village Preservation Society as fundraising arm.
- Agreed to add time at future meetings to discuss additional individuals for chamber artwork and the George Mason bust.
- Discussed creating a digital guide of city public art, with Keith Thurston and Mary Sellers volunteering to work on it.
- Discussed reviewing the Arts and Humanities Grant Program for equity.
- Discussed including acoustical and digital art, and temporary art, in the public art list for the Comp Plan Amendment.
- Discussed creating a list of local artists with support from Falls Church Arts.
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting virtually to consider discarding 11 outdated library policies, including mission statements and organizational charts. They will also hold a second reading of a draft Chain of Command policy and review 2021 workplan referrals and statistics on collections, circulation, and book sales.
- Discard policies ADM-2, REF-1, TECH-1, ADM-5, ADM-5a, ADM-13, ADM-17, ADM-17a, ADM-29, ADM-28
- Second reading of draft Chain of Command policy (ADM-8)
- Review 2021 workplan referral
- Review collection, circulation, and book sale/memorial statistics
- Review landscaping plan (MRSPL_LANDSCAPE_GMP_CIVIL_DRAWINGS.PDF)
The Library Board approved the January 20, 2021 meeting minutes as amended, approved withdrawing two policies (Mail and Kitchen/Staff Lounge) to be converted into procedures, and approved the amended Chain of Command policy on first reading. The Board also discussed the Broad and Washington project's voluntary concessions, which were redirected to affordable housing, and reviewed exterior signage options for the new library.
- Approved January 20, 2021 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
- Approved withdrawing Mail and Kitchen/Staff Lounge policies, converting to procedures (unanimous)
- Approved amended Chain of Command policy on first reading (unanimous)
- Agreed to hold a special virtual meeting on February 25, 2021 for equity discussion
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Mayor will meet with City Council staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. This is a virtual meeting open to the public, with public comments accepted via email. The agenda includes a reading of the virtual meeting notice, roll call, and the discussion of the schedule and agendas.
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming agendas
- Meeting open to public per Virginia FOIA
- ADA accommodations available at 703-248-5014
Urban Forestry Commission
The Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss routine business, including staff updates on school grounds maintenance, the wayfinding project, and Arbor Day. They will also review proposed stormwater code changes, the work plan and equity review, and the memorial tree designation process. Public comments are accepted via email until 6:00 PM on February 17th.
- Stormwater Code proposed changes
- Work Plan and Equity Review
- One City Center
- Counting Tree Plantings (My Tree Counts)
- Memorial or Commemorative Tree Designation Process
The Urban Forestry Commission approved the February 2021 minutes. Staff reported that the city and school district agreed to remove invasive bamboo at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and spray the area to prevent regrowth. The commission discussed proposed stormwater code changes, noting the draft was poorly organized and expressing the need to be included in any changes. No formal decisions were made on these items; the meeting was largely informational.
- Approved the February 2021 minutes.
- Noted agreement to remove bamboo at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and spray the area (no formal vote).
- Discussed stormwater code changes; no action taken.
- Discussed work plan and equity review; no action taken.
- Discussed memorial tree requests; no action taken.
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive public comments, hear a staff update, and discuss preliminary scoring suitability and the task force report outline and recommendations. The meeting is held under the Virginia FOIA during the COVID-19 emergency, with public comments due by March 9, 2021.
- Public comments due by 4pm on March 9, 2021, to aprince@fallschurchva.gov
- Discussion of preliminary scoring suitability for stormwater projects
- Task force report outline and recommendations
- Next virtual meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
- Information items include the 2012 Watershed Management Plan, Section 5
The Stormwater Task Force voted unanimously to recommend four projects (FMR-5A, TR-5, TR-11, and the Lincoln Ave proposal) to the City Council for the March 22 meeting. Staff requested a 2% stormwater fee increase to fund the Trammel Branch project and staff pay raises. The task force also reviewed draft green infrastructure recommendations and discussed a broader, objectives-based approach to stormwater management.
- Approved bringing FMR-5A, TR-5, TR-11, and Lincoln Ave proposal to City Council (unanimous vote).
- Requested 2% stormwater fee increase to generate $40,000-$50,000 annually for Trammel Branch project and staff pay.
- Discussed draft green infrastructure memo as basis for future City Council deliverable (expected June).
- Agreed to develop a broader, objectives-based framework for stormwater management.
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation is meeting to review its work plan, track action items, and discuss updates from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and City Council. The agenda includes materials on Metro's proposed budget and a public input survey, indicating discussion of regional transit funding. The meeting appears to be a regular business meeting with no major decisions listed.
- Review of CACT/ESC joint meeting from Feb 18
- Action items tracking document
- 2021 work plan referral
- NTC Council update from 01-19-2020
- Metro proposed budget public input and survey
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will discuss the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No substantive decisions or public hearings are listed; the meeting is primarily administrative and open to the public.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee is reviewing vacancies and reappointment requests for several city boards and commissions. Members will interview one new applicant and ten individuals seeking reappointment or appointment to unexpired terms.
- Interview of Mary Wilcox for Human Services Advisory Council
- Reappointment request for Anne Norloff for Human Services Advisory Council
- Reappointment requests for five members of the Environmental Sustainability Council
- Reappointment request for Cinda Rose for Historic Architectural Review Board
- Appointment request for Maureen Budetti for Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Falls Church City Council Appointments Committee met virtually on March 10, 2021, to interview and discuss candidates for various boards and commissions. The committee conducted interviews for a new applicant and a reappointment to the Human Services Advisory Council, and held an exit interview for a departing member of the Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation. The committee also entered a closed session to discuss prospective candidates, as permitted by Virginia law, and certified the closed session's compliance with open meeting requirements. No final appointments were made during this meeting.
- Interviewed Mary Wilcox for Human Services Advisory Council (new applicant)
- Interviewed Anne Norloff for Human Services Advisory Council (reappointment)
- Conducted exit interview with Paul Baldino from Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation
- Held closed session to discuss prospective candidates (2-0 vote, Litkenhous absent)
- Certified closed session compliance with open meeting requirements (2-0 vote, Litkenhous absent)
Architectural Advisory Board
The Architectural Advisory Board will meet virtually to review and provide feedback on a proposed comprehensive sign package for the Falls Plaza Shopping Center at 1200 W Broad St. The board will also consider adopting minutes from its February 10, 2021 meeting. Public comments can be submitted by email until 7:30 PM on the meeting date.
- Comprehensive Sign Package for Falls Plaza Shopping Center, 1200 W Broad St, zoned B-3
- Adoption of draft February 10, 2021 AAB minutes
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments due by 7:30 PM on March 10, 2021
The Architectural Advisory Board discussed the Comprehensive Sign Package for Falls Plaza Shopping Center at 1200 W Broad St, offering feedback but taking no formal vote. The Board favored proposed murals, especially in the alley and on the Haycock Road wall, but suggested considering elimination of sandwich boards to avoid clutter and reviewing gateway sign placement for pedestrian and bicycle safety. The Board also approved the February 10, 2021 minutes and agreed to relay concerns about the city hall bike shelter to city planners.
- Approved February 10, 2021 AAB minutes (motion by Osburn, seconded by Friedlander, no objections)
- Provided feedback on Falls Plaza sign package, favoring murals and questioning sandwich boards and gateway sign placement
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority is holding a virtual special meeting to discuss a new financing option for the property at 302 Shirley St. Public comments were accepted until March 8, 2021. The meeting is conducted under COVID-19 emergency provisions.
- Discussion of new 302 Shirley St. financing option
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing the all-cash acquisition of 302 Shirley St. for up to $953,000, including fees, closing costs, a $20,000 reserve fund, and a $25,000 reimbursement to the Young Group. The EDA cannot obtain a private mortgage, so it will pay cash and decide later whether to pursue public financing. The resolution also approves using rent revenue for a $10,000 reserve, hiring a property manager at up to 10% of rental revenue, and authorizes city housing staff to manage expenses.
- Approved up to $953,000 for 302 Shirley St. acquisition (unanimous, Bob Young abstaining)
- Approved all-cash purchase, deferring decision on public loan options
- Approved use of rent revenues to maintain $10,000 reserve fund
- Approved hiring property management company at up to 10% of rental revenue
- Authorized City Housing and Human Services staff to manage expenses
- Authorized EDA Vice Chair to execute acquisition documents
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission is meeting virtually to discuss the 2021 annual report, updates on the Virginia Village housing project, a partnership with The NHP Foundation related to an Amazon award, and a tenant response system demonstration. They will also address COVID-19 vulnerable populations and the Affordable Housing Fund work group. Public comments are accepted until 5 pm on the meeting date.
- Status of 2021 Housing Commission Annual Report
- Housing Project/Virginia Village update
- Amazon Award and NHP Partnership presentation
- Tenant Response Update demonstration
- Affordable Housing Fund work group membership and next steps
The Housing Commission approved the February 9, 2021 minutes and discussed several housing initiatives. Updates were provided on the Virginia Village project, an Amazon/NHP partnership, a tenant response system, COVID-19 relief programs, and the Affordable Housing Fund. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was primarily informational and planning-focused.
- Approved minutes from February 9, 2021 meeting
- Discussed EDA purchase of the Quad to add affordable housing, closing March 12, 2021
- Reviewed NHP Foundation partnership for ~18 homes/condos at or below 80% AMI
- Noted tenant response email and automated system launched
- Reported $13k from VA DHCD for utility assistance and upcoming state rent relief program
- Discussed Affordable Housing Fund workgroup and annual funding recommendations
City Council Committee: Legislative
The City Council Legislative Committee is meeting virtually to receive a federal and state legislative update. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no specific decisions or public hearings listed.
- Federal and State Legislative Update
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments accepted via email
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board is meeting virtually to hear a presentation from Fairfax County's Food Council on urban agriculture, receive the Recreation Director's report, and discuss new business including a virtual tour of parks and the City Council Work Plan. The board will also consider approving minutes from January 6, 2021, and review old business items like the Big Chimneys grand reopening video and student representative projects.
- Fairfax County Food Council - Urban Agriculture Workgroup presentation
- Recreation Director's report with staff introduction
- Discussion of virtual tour of parks
- City Council Work Plan discussion
- Big Chimneys grand reopening video review
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board approved the minutes from its January 6, 2021 meeting. The board heard a presentation from Fairfax County's Food Council on urban agriculture opportunities and received updates on recreation programs, including senior center activities, summer camps, and park improvements. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.
- Approved January 6, 2021 meeting minutes (all in favor)
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority will meet virtually to approve minutes, receive updates on a special exception approval and development review timelines, and vote on a $10,000 reserve fund for repairs at 302 Shirley St. The meeting will also include a retreat to discuss potential 2021 projects, including targeting medical/office development, marketing, parking solutions, affordable housing, and post-COVID business support.
- Vote to approve additional reserve fund of $10,000 for repairs on 302 Shirley St. property
- Update on Special Exception primary criteria - APPROVED
- Staff proposal for City Council/Board and Commission development review timelines
- EDA Annual Report presented to City Council February 8, 2021
- Retreat discussion on targeting medical/office development, marketing, parking, affordable housing, and business reopenings
The Economic Development Authority approved a $10,000 reserve fund from Land Banking money for repairs on the 302 Shirley St. property, and unanimously re-elected Bob Young as Chair and Brian Williams as Vice Chair. The board also approved the February and February 17th meeting minutes. During the retreat, members discussed future projects, including targeting medical/office development and updating the choosefallschurch website, but made no formal decisions on those topics.
- Approved February EDA meeting minutes (unanimous).
- Approved February 17th Special EDA meeting minutes (Bob Young abstained).
- Approved $10,000 reserve fund for 302 Shirley St. property repairs (unanimous).
- Re-elected Bob Young as Chair (unanimous).
- Re-elected Brian Williams as Vice Chair (unanimous).
Historic Architectural Review Board
The Historic Architectural Review Board will meet virtually to hear a presentation regarding public art. No other decisions or legislative actions are listed on the agenda.
- Public Art Presentation by Ms. Bazemore
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church City Council Economic Development Committee will discuss timetables for full Council consideration of two development applications: Atlantic's project at W. Broad/S. Wash./S. Maple and Mill Creek's Founders Row II at S. West/W. Broad/Ellison St. The committee will also receive and discuss a proposal to revise the city's land development application review process, and hear updates on tenant recruitment for Founders Row and the West Falls project. The meeting is virtual due to COVID-19, with public comments accepted via email.
- Atlantic application for W. Broad/S. Wash./S. Maple — timetable for full Council consideration
- Mill Creek application for S. West/W. Broad/Ellison St. (Founders Row II) — timetable for full Council consideration
- Receive & discuss Planning staff's proposal to revise City's process for reviewing land development applications
- FC Gateway Partners progress recruiting grocer, retail, service, office, hotel, residential for West Falls project; Virtual Town Hall March 2
- Business openings expected soon: Preservation Biscuit, Galleria Florist
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees is holding a virtual meeting on February 25, 2021. The agenda includes a list of items to be discussed, with supporting materials linked. The meeting is open to the public via Microsoft Teams.
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Agenda and materials available as PDF
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees met virtually and held a discussion on equity, prompted by the 21-Day Equity Challenge. Board members shared emotional responses and suggestions for improving library diversity, including author talks, children's programming, and partnerships with local nonprofits. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned unanimously.
- Held an equity discussion based on the 21-Day Equity Challenge, with no formal action taken
- Suggested potential programming ideas, including author talks and children's racial awareness programs
- Proposed partnerships with Tinner Hill Foundation and other local nonprofits
- Recommended adding a recurring equity item to the monthly Board agenda
- Adjourned unanimously at 8:04 PM
Library Construction Oversight Committee
This is a procedural meeting of the Library Construction Oversight Committee. The agenda lists only two documents for review: the meeting agenda PDF and the committee's meeting report PDF. No specific decisions, discussions, or action items are detailed in the provided text.
- Review of meeting agenda document
- Review of committee meeting report
The Library Construction Oversight Committee reviewed the renovation's status, noting 57% construction completion as of January 15, 2021, with substantial completion extended to May 15, 2021 due to weather delays. The committee discussed change orders, budget stability, and the activation plan, with a tentative move-in date of June 1. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.
- Noted construction is 57% complete as of January 15, 2021.
- Acknowledged substantial completion date extended to May 15, 2021.
- Reviewed 65 proposed change orders, including 6 new ones this month.
- Discussed budget: soft and owner costs stable; security system purchased from GMP.
- Scheduled building tours for March 3, 2021, with groups limited to 2 members per board.
- Set next meeting for March 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive a staff update on the finalized preliminary project list and to begin Round 1 of project ranking. Public comments were accepted until February 22, 2021, and will be read during the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2021.
- Staff update on finalized preliminary project list
- Discussion of Round 1 of project ranking
- Public comments accepted until 4pm on February 22, 2021
- Next virtual meeting on March 11, 2021 at 6:00pm
The Stormwater Task Force reviewed and scored preliminary projects from the Watershed Management Plan, producing a preliminary tiered ranking. The top tier includes Lincoln Ave, TR-11, TR-5, TR-3, and FMR-5A. The task force will reassess scoring and prioritization at the next meeting, with adjustments possible.
- Completed initial scoring of top tier projects (no vote recorded)
- Ranked Lincoln Ave, TR-11, TR-5, TR-3, FMR-5A as top tier
- Ranked FMR-5B, TR-7, TR-8, TR-12A as mid-tier
- Ranked TR-6, TR-1A, TR-4B as bottom tier
- Concurred to elevate Virginia Ave to top rating for severity
- Agreed to discuss strategic themes at next meeting
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Mayor will meet with City Council staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. This meeting is open to the public and may be attended by more than two Council members. Public comments can be submitted to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
- Review of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments accepted via email
- Meeting held under Virginia FOIA and COVID-19 provisions
City Council Committee: Government Operations
The Falls Church City Council Government Operations Committee is meeting virtually to discuss and finalize the 2021 charges to the city's boards and commissions, and to set the schedule and format for annual reviews of City Council employees. The agenda includes only these two items, with no other substantive business.
- Finalizing 2021 charges to boards and commissions
- Schedule and format for annual reviews for City Council employees
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council will meet virtually to consider Community Services Fund grant recommendations and discuss social equity in Falls Church. The council will also review proposed revisions to the Rent Relief program. Public comments may be submitted by email until 5:00 p.m. on the meeting date.
- Community Services Fund grant recommendations
- Social equity in Falls Church
- Rent Relief program revisions
- Approval of prior meeting minutes
- Staff report
The Human Services Advisory Council unanimously approved final funding recommendations for the FY2022 Community Services Fund, totaling $86,277 across 13 applicants. The recommendations will go to City Council for approval as part of the FY2022 budget, including a request for increased funding to the Community Services Fund. The council also discussed social equity and recommended community training, with specifics to be discussed in March.
- Approved FY2022 Community Services Fund grant recommendations unanimously ($86,277 total)
- Recommended increased funding for Community Services Fund to City Council
- Approved minutes from January 21, 2021 meeting
- Discussed social equity; recommended community training series (specifics deferred to March)
- Formed working group to review Rent Relief program eligibility expansion for low-income seniors and disabled residents
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council is holding a joint meeting with the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation. The body will discuss cycling in the city and receive an update on LED streetlight conversion.
- Discussion on Cycling in the City of Falls Church
- LED Streetlight Conversion Update
The Environmental Sustainability Council held a joint meeting with the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation to discuss cycling in Falls Church, cycling safety, and LED streetlight conversion. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, featuring presentations and discussions on the Master Bike Plan, crash data, and a planned LED pilot program.
- No formal decisions made; meeting was informational
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including draft recommendations for promoting racial equity in transportation, a proposal for a safer and greener Lincoln Avenue, and pedestrian injury data from 2017-2019. The committee will also review its 2020 annual report and an application for regional transportation funding for fiscal years 2022-2027.
- Draft recommendations for promoting racial equity in transportation
- Lincoln Ave safer and greener proposal (V2-8-21)
- Pedestrian injuries 2017-19 data
- 2020 CACT annual report to council
- RSTP application FY 2022-2027
Library Board of Trustees
The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting virtually to discuss a signage presentation, consider discarding two library policies (ADM-23 Mail and ADM-25 Use of Kitchen/Staff Lounge), and hold a first reading of a draft Chain of Command policy. The board will also review collection, circulation, and book sale/memorial statistics, and approve draft minutes from the January 20, 2021 meeting.
- Signage presentation for Mary Riley Styles Public Library
- Discard policy ADM-23 Mail
- Discard policy ADM-25 Use of Kitchen/Staff Lounge
- First reading of draft Chain of Command policy (ADM-8)
- Review of collection, circulation, and book sale/memorial statistics
The Library Board approved the FY2022 budget as presented, after unanimously passing a motion to enhance it by adding a part-time custodial position and a full-time technology librarian. The board also approved the December 16, 2020 meeting minutes with a minor change. No vote was taken on the affordable housing discussion regarding voluntary concessions.
- Approved FY2022 budget as presented (7-0)
- Approved motion to enhance budget with part-time custodial and full-time technology librarian positions (7-0)
- Approved December 16, 2020 meeting minutes with minor change (7-0)
- No vote taken on voluntary concessions allocation to affordable housing
City Council Committee: Legislative
The City Council Legislative Committee is meeting virtually to receive an update on the 2021 General Assembly budget and discuss legislation status. The meeting is held under COVID-19 emergency rules, with public comments accepted by email. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- 2021 General Assembly budget update
- Legislation status discussion
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments via cmester@fallschurchva.gov
Urban Forestry Commission
The Urban Forestry Commission is meeting virtually to discuss current business including a staff presentation on Falls Plaza and memorial or commemorative tree designations. They will also review recurring items like the annual report and work plan, and consider future topics such as tree planting counts and green infrastructure standards. Public comments can be submitted by email until 6:00 PM on February 17.
- Falls Plaza staff presentation
- Memorial or commemorative tree designations
- Annual report review
- Work plan and equity review
- Arbor Day plans
The Urban Forestry Commission approved its annual report for presentation to City Council in March. Members discussed developing a formal process for memorial or commemorative tree designations on public property, with Amy Crumpton to draft a proposal. The commission also reviewed the Falls Plaza site plan amendment, which could be approved as early as March 2021, and discussed updates to the West Falls Church submission. No formal votes were taken on these items.
- Approved January 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved annual report for presentation to City Council in March
- Discussed developing a Tree Designation Process for public property; Amy to draft proposal
- Reviewed Falls Plaza site plan amendment; potential approval as early as March 2021
- Discussed West Falls Church submission updates; no formal action taken
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Falls Church City Council is holding a virtual agenda meeting with staff to review the council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public, and public comments may be submitted by email. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments accepted via cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority is holding a special meeting to discuss a potential land banking opportunity. The discussion will be guided by a PowerPoint presentation regarding a draft Virginia Village proposal.
- Discussion of potential land banking opportunity
The EDA unanimously approved a resolution to acquire the 302 Shirley St. quad building for land banking, using $100,000 from the COVID Fund and a 35% down payment. The resolution includes reimbursing The Young Group $25,000 for the deposit plus a $1,200 appraisal fee, and authorizes the EDA Vice Chair to execute documents. The property will be managed by the Housing and Human Services Department.
- Approved resolution to acquire 302 Shirley St. via assignment of contract from The Young Group (unanimous)
- Moved $100,000 from COVID Fund to Land Banking fund
- Approved financing with 35% down payment of purchase price and closing costs
- Approved reimbursement to The Young Group of $25,000 deposit plus $1,200 appraisal fee
- Approved property management contract fee not to exceed 10% of net revenue
- Authorized EDA Vice Chair to execute acquisition documents
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive public comments, hear a staff update on the Trammel Branch Project, and discuss criteria for scoring projects and a preliminary list of project candidates. The meeting is procedural and includes roll call, reports, and scheduling of future meetings.
- Discussion of criteria for project scoring
- Preliminary project list candidates
- Staff update on Trammel Branch Project
- Public comments due by 4pm on February 9, 2021
- Next meeting scheduled for February 24, 2021
The Stormwater Task Force agreed on a set of weighted scoring criteria for prioritizing Watershed Management Plan projects, including severity, green infrastructure, water quality, and funding potential. They also identified a preliminary list of projects to review, excluding several that are completed or under other jurisdictions. No final project rankings or funding decisions were made.
- Adopted scoring criteria with weights: severity (5), green infrastructure (4), state/local funding (5), return on investment (3), easement/permits (2), constructability (2), water quality (2)
- Identified projects for review: FMR-5A, FMR-5B, TR-1A, TR-3, TR-4B, TR-5, TR-6, TR-7, TR-8, TR-11, TR-12A
- Excluded projects from review: FMR-1, FMR-2, FMR-3, FMR-4, FMR-6, FMR-9, TR-2, TR-9
- Heard staff update on Trammel Branch project; seeking pricing from McGee Construction
Retirement Board
The Falls Church Retirement Board meets virtually to review the fourth quarter 2020 investment performance for the Basic and Police Pension Plans and OPEB, and to take action on the annual ethics policy and procurement policy. The board will also discuss plan amendments, OPEB funding, and investment policy, with several items deferred to the May 2021 meeting.
- Review of Q4 2020 investment performance for Basic and Police Pension Plans and OPEB by AndCo Consulting
- Annual Ethics Policy Review - revise or affirm
- Plan amendments on Legal General Pension Plan clarifications and Retiree Rehire (deferred to May 2021)
- OPEB Funding Policy follow-up on plan legal framework research
- Procurement Policy action item
The Falls Church Retirement Board approved several investment moves, including reallocating funds from MFS Growth to Clarion Lion for the Basic and Police Plans, and from Vanguard Large-Cap to Vanguard Short-Term Fixed Income for OPEB. The board also adopted a new Contract and Purchasing Policy, the 2021 Work Plan, and authorized up to $12,000 for an independent compliance review of benefit calculations. All motions passed 6-0-1 with Larry Little absent.
- Approved moving $750K from MFS Growth to Clarion Lion for Basic Plan (6-0-1)
- Approved moving $350K from MFS Growth to Clarion Lion for Police Plan (6-0-1)
- Approved moving $750K from Vanguard Large-Cap to Vanguard Short-Term Fixed Income for OPEB (6-0-1)
- Re-adopted Retirement Board Ethics Policy (6-0-1)
- Adopted Basic/Police Pension Plans and OPEB Trust Contract and Purchasing Policy (6-0-1)
- Adopted Retirement Board 2021 Work Plan (6-0-1)
- Authorized up to $12,000 for independent compliance review of benefit calculations (6-0-1)
- Approved minutes of November 19, 2020 meeting (6-0-1)
Use of Force Review Committee
The Falls Church Use of Force Review Committee is meeting virtually to conduct a final review of its entire report, including findings, recommendations, and public survey input. The committee will vote on whether to forward the final report to the City Council and will review logistics for a council presentation. Public comments may be submitted by email until 6:30 pm on the meeting date.
- Final review of full report including community survey input
- Vote to forward final report to City Council
- Review logistics for City Council presentation
- Public comments due by 6:30 pm via email to smason@fallschurchva.gov
- Meeting held virtually via Microsoft Teams
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Falls Church City Council Legislative Committee is meeting virtually to receive an update on the 2021 General Assembly budget and discuss legislation status. The meeting is held under COVID-19 emergency provisions, with public comments accepted via email.
- 2021 General Assembly Budget update
- Legislation status
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee is meeting to interview new applicants and consider reappointment requests for various city boards and commissions. These roles include positions on the Environmental Sustainability Council and the Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation.
- Interviews for Environmental Sustainability Council: Stephanie Hamilton and Joseph Schiarizzi
- Interview for Urban Forestry Commission: Mike Nichols
- Interviews for Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation: Jessica Hegenbart, Andrew Olesen, Jason Garman, and Arthur Agin
- Reappointment request for Historic Architecture Review Board: Kimball Winn
- Reappointment requests for Human Services Advisory Council (Alisa Macht) and Board of Equalization (Aaron Ford)
The Appointments Committee interviewed seven new applicants for various boards and commissions, including the Environmental Sustainability Council, Urban Forestry Commission, and Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation. No formal appointments were made; the committee discussed candidates and went into closed session to consider them. Reappointment requests were noted for future consideration in March.
- Interviewed Stephanie Hamilton for Environmental Sustainability Council
- Interviewed Joseph Schiarizzi for Environmental Sustainability Council
- Interviewed Mike Nichols for Urban Forestry Commission (unexpired term)
- Interviewed Jessica Hegenbart for Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation
- Interviewed Andrew Olesen for Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation
- Interviewed Jason Garman for Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation
- Interviewed Arthur Agin for Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation (unexpired term)
- Held closed session to discuss candidates (2-0, Connelly abstaining)
Architectural Advisory Board
The Falls Church Architectural Advisory Board is meeting virtually to discuss new business, including providing feedback on bike shelter options for the City Hall Public Space & Safety Improvements project. The board will also handle administrative items such as adopting the 2021 meeting calendar, rules and procedures, and approving draft minutes from prior meetings.
- Feedback on bike shelter options for City Hall (Velopark and Ridgefield models)
- Adoption of 2021 AAB meeting calendar
- Adoption of 2021 AAB rules and procedures
- Approval of draft minutes from Sept 4, Nov 4, and Dec 2, 2020 meetings
The Architectural Advisory Board reviewed bike shelter options for City Hall and concurred with the city's recommendation of the Ridgefield model, while suggesting a roof color closer to bus shelters and considering alternative locations to preserve parking and farmer's market spaces. The board also unanimously adopted the 2021 meeting calendar, revised rules and procedures, and approved the September, October, and November minutes.
- Concurred with city recommendation for Ridgefield bike shelter option
- Suggested roof color closer to bus shelters instead of bronze tint
- Suggested alternative locations to avoid reducing parking and farmer's market spaces
- Adopted 2021 AAB Meeting Calendar unanimously
- Adopted 2021 AAB Rules and Procedures unanimously
- Approved September, October, and November minutes unanimously
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission is meeting virtually to discuss updates on voluntary concessions at Broad and Washington, tenant responses, COVID-19 vulnerable populations, CDBG/HOME funding, and nominations for the Affordable Housing Fund work group. They will also review the FY 2021 annual report. Public comments are accepted until 5:00 pm on the meeting date.
- Update on voluntary concessions at Broad and Washington
- Tenant response update
- COVID-19 vulnerable populations update
- CDBG/HOME funding update
- Affordable Housing Fund work group membership nominations
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council Education Task Group is meeting to discuss Operation Earthwatch. The group will select a t-shirt design and conduct planning for the end of the school year.
- Tshirt design selection
- End of school year planning
The Environmental Sustainability Council met jointly with the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation to discuss cycling infrastructure, safety, and LED streetlight conversion. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, featuring presentations and discussions on the city's Master Bike Plan, crash data, and a planned LED streetlight pilot program.
- No formal decisions were made; meeting was informational
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council Energy Transition Subcommittee is meeting to discuss greenhouse gas emission reductions and electric vehicle infrastructure. The group will also review solar access programs and provide input on the Special Exceptions ordinance.
- ESC input to Planning Commission regarding proposed changes to the Special Exceptions (SE) ordinance
- Use of voluntary concessions at Broad & Washington for GHG emission reductions
- Voluntary concessions for electric vehicles
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and survey
- SCC-approved solar access programs
The Energy Transition Subcommittee discussed amendments to Special Exception criteria (TO26-20) and planned to meet with City Council to propose more ambitious voluntary concessions for greenhouse-gas goals. They also discussed EV charging requirements, preferring separate concessions for residential and commercial parking, and considered regional solar co-ops. No formal decisions were made; only action items were assigned.
- Approved January 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Assigned action item: Jon to draft ETS memo on energy efficiency relative to LEED baseline
- Assigned action item: Stacy to collect EV parking requirement benchmarking data
- Assigned action item: Jon to forward draft EV survey to ETS members
- Assigned action item: Jon to reach out to Electrify America
Electoral Board
The Falls Church Electoral Board is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, appointing election officers, and receiving updates on legislation and redistricting. The board may also hold a closed session to discuss reorganization and officer appointments.
- Possible closed session for Electoral Board reorganization
- Possible closed session for appointment of Officers of Election
- Legislative update
- Redistricting update
- Public comment period
City Council Committee: Legislative
The Falls Church City Council Legislative Committee is meeting virtually to receive a 2021 General Assembly legislative update, including the city's legislative program and bulletins from VML and VaCo. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no votes or decisions listed.
- 2021 General Assembly Legislative Update
- 2021 City of Falls Church Legislative Program
- VML Local Government Day Bulletin
- VaCo Local Government Day Bulletin
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Falls Church City Council is holding a virtual agenda meeting with staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public, with comments accepted by email. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments accepted via cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
Use of Force Review Committee
The Use of Force Review Committee presented findings from an electronic community survey involving 393 participants. The committee is analyzing recurring themes in the feedback to inform future recommendations for the City Council.
- Survey results from 393 participants regarding police and sheriff's office interactions
- Analysis of community feedback on transparency, budget, and law enforcement presence
- Review of survey data filtered for self-identified minority respondents
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority is meeting virtually to review and potentially recommend actions on several items, including a Founder's Row amendment, LED lighting, public art, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and a letter of support for a full-time downtown and business coordinator. The agenda also includes a noise ordinance report and project tracker updates. Public comments were accepted until Feb 1, 2020.
- Founder's Row Amendment presentation, review, and recommendation
- LED Lighting presentation from DPW
- Public Art presentation and Comp Plan amendment
- CIP presentation and approval of CIP letter (West End and Gordon Road Triangle POA Street Grid, Four Mile Run Restoration Project, Kaiser Garage Elevator)
- Approval of letter of support for full-time downtown and business coordinator position
The Economic Development Authority unanimously supported a revision to the Founders Row 'Accountability Provision' allowing more time to secure a movie theatre company, with $3.6 million in escrow until tenant improvements begin. The board also approved a letter of conceptual support for three capital improvement projects (5-1) and a letter of support for a full-time downtown coordinator, with edits.
- Approved January minutes (unanimous)
- Supported Founders Row Accountability Provision revision (unanimous)
- Approved conceptual support letter for CIP projects: West End/Gordon Road, Four Mile Run, Kaiser Garage Elevator (5-1)
- Approved letter of support for full-time downtown/business coordinator with edits (unanimous)
City Council
The Falls Church City Council holds a work session to review and schedule several items for action at its February 8 meeting, including an affordable dwelling unit allocation for the Broad and Washington project, an update to city noise regulations, and a FY21 budget amendment. The council will also hear a briefing on General Assembly legislation and may consider formal communications with the city's delegation. Public comment is not generally invited at work sessions, but comments can be emailed to the city clerk.
- (TR21-03) Broad and Washington project Affordable Dwelling Unit Allocation — review and schedule for action Feb 8
- (TO21-01) City Code Noise Regulations Update — review and schedule for 1st reading Feb 8
- (TO21-02) FY21 Budget Amendment — review and schedule for 1st reading Feb 8
- General Assembly Legislative Briefing — hear briefing and consider formal communications with city's delegation
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The Falls Church Economic Development Committee meets virtually to discuss updates on a Special Exception modification, review a staff document on community benefits from mixed-use developments, and get previews of new development applications from Atlantic and Mill Creek. They will also track ongoing projects including the Broad & Washington VC wrap-up and Mill Creek's theatre recruiting for Founders Row, plus hear about new businesses opening this winter/spring.
- Update on Special Exception modification language and timetable for Council consideration
- Review of staff document summarizing voluntary contributions (VCs) from mixed-use developments over past 20 years
- Preliminary preview of development applications from Atlantic (W. Broad/S. Washington/S. Maple) and Mill Creek (S. West/W. Broad)
- Wrap-up of VCs for Broad & Washington project, including 10% ADUs plan slated for Council action Feb. 8
- Monthly progress report from Mill Creek on theatre recruiting for Founders Row, with escrow proposal before Council for second reading Feb. 22
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to receive public comment, hear staff updates on pending funding sources and current ordinances/enforcement, and discuss Virginia BMP Clearing House approved practices, watershed management plan milestones, key performance indicators, and green infrastructure models. The meeting is procedural and informational, with no final decisions listed on the agenda. Public comments were accepted until January 26, 2021.
- Staff update on SLAF Fund and Stormwater Resilience Fund funding sources
- Discussion of current stormwater ordinances and enforcement
- Review of Virginia BMP Clearing House approved practices
- Discussion of major milestones for the Watershed Management Plan
- Discussion of key performance indicators for the Watershed Program
Library Construction Oversight Committee
The Library Construction Oversight Committee is meeting on January 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM. The agenda contains only links to documents and the meeting login, with no listed discussion items or decisions.
- Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM
- Agenda document available as 20210127-LCOCAGENDA.PDF
- Committee report available as LCOC_MEETING10_REPORT.PDF
The Library Construction Oversight Committee reviewed the status of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library renovation. Construction is 52% complete as of December 30, 2020, with a new substantial completion date of May 15, 2021, after four weather-related days were approved. The committee discussed budget updates, including change orders and contingency funds, and noted that the contractor is working weekends to recover from delays.
- Approved four additional days for substantial completion (one in November, three in December) due to weather (change order 18)
- Rejected two additional days requested in October
- Approved change order 14 for $21,146.20 covering four PCOs
- Approved change order 15 with a credit of $3,704.85 for communication room layout changes
- Approved change order 17 for $16,067.11 for fire alarm, doors, elevator, and staircase items
- Increased BKV purchase order to $30,000
- Scheduled furniture order for February 15, 2021
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor and City Council staff will review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. The meeting is open to the public and held virtually via Microsoft Teams due to the COVID-19 emergency. No substantive decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
Use of Force Review Committee
The Use of Force Review Committee is meeting virtually to continue its full draft report review, aiming to finalize findings and recommendations. Members will discuss individual comments and concerns, and set the next meeting agenda. Public comments may be submitted by email until 6:30 pm on the meeting date.
- Review of Falls Church Police Department use-of-force incidents from the last five years
- Review of School Resource Officer memorandum and 2008 MOU between police and schools
- Review of General Orders on Internal Affairs (1987) and Disciplinary Action (2007)
- Review of General Order 2-1 on Bias Reduction and Sheriff's Office bias orders (2020)
- Review of Use of Force General Orders (1987, last reviewed 2016) and Sheriff's Response to Threat (2020)
Human Services Advisory Council
The Human Services Advisory Council is meeting virtually to hear presentations for Community Services Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2022, discuss affordable housing in new development, and review revisions to the Rent Relief program. Public comments are accepted until 5 p.m. on January 21, 2021. The agenda also includes approval of minutes and a staff report.
- Community Services Fund presentations for Fiscal Year 2022
- Discussion of affordable housing in new development
- Rent Relief program revisions
- Public comments accepted via email until 5 p.m. on January 21, 2021
The Human Services Advisory Council met virtually and discussed the proposed FY 2022 budget, reports from town halls on the Founders Row II special exception and rezoning application, and the West Falls economic development project. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.
- Adopted agenda
- Approved minutes (if any, not specified)
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council is meeting to review the Fellows Property proposal and the West Falls Church LEED ND scorecard. The body will also receive staff reports on City Hall's LEED Silver certification and regional climate resilience planning.
- Fellows Property Proposal presented by Stacey Evers
- West Falls Church LEED ND scorecard review
- Proposed amendment of the Primary and Secondary Special Exception Criteria
- City Hall LEED Silver certification checklist and celebration
- Climate Resilience Planning Regional Summary and NVRC Dashboard
The Environmental Sustainability Council discussed and will send a letter to the Planning Commission before February 3, 2021, with comments on Special Exception criteria for renovated commercial space, including net-zero readiness and LEED gold minimums. The council also reviewed a draft proposal for the Fellows property, recommending woodland retention and a volunteer-managed communal garden, to be submitted to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only vote was to approve the December 17, 2020 meeting minutes (8-0).
- Approved December 17, 2020 meeting minutes (8-0)
- Drafted letter to Planning Commission on Special Exception criteria (no vote)
- Reviewed Fellows property proposal for submission to Recreation and Parks Advisory Board (no vote)
- Requested developer presentation on West Falls Church LEED ND scorecard (no vote)
Urban Forestry Commission
The Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission meets virtually to handle routine business: approving December minutes, hearing public comments, and receiving staff updates. Key discussion items include a special exception code amendment, streetscape standards, and an equity review of the commission's practices. The meeting is held under COVID-19 electronic meeting rules.
- Special Exception Code Amendment – Council action scheduled for February 16, 2021
- Streetscape Standards discussion
- Equity Review of commission mission and programs
- Tree of the Year and Arbor Day planning
- Annual Report and Rules of Procedure review
Library Board of Trustees
The Falls Church Library Board of Trustees is meeting virtually to review and discuss the draft FY2022 budget, along with collection, circulation, and book sale statistics. The board will also consider draft minutes from the December 16, 2020 meeting. This is a regular business meeting focused on oversight and planning.
- Draft FY2022 budget detail
- Collection statistics
- Circulation statistics
- Book sale and memorial statistics
- Draft minutes from December 16, 2020
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Falls Church City Council is holding a virtual agenda meeting with staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. This is a procedural meeting, open to the public, with no specific decisions or proposals listed on the agenda. Public comments can be submitted to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams due to COVID-19 emergency
- Public comments accepted via email at cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
- Meeting open to the public per Virginia Freedom of Information Act
City Council Committee: Budget & Finance
The Falls Church City Council Budget & Finance Committee is meeting virtually to discuss the FY2022 budget development, including the proposed FCCPS budget and general government update, as well as the FY2021 Second Quarter Report. They will also receive updates on the George Mason High School and West Falls Church development projects. The meeting is open to the public via Microsoft Teams, with comments accepted by email.
- FY2022 Budget Development – preliminary discussion including FCCPS Proposed Budget and General Government Update
- FY2021 Second Quarter Report
- George Mason High School Project Update
- West Falls Church Development Project Update
Stormwater Task Force
The Falls Church Stormwater Task Force is meeting virtually to elect a chair and vice chair, receive a staff update on six priority stormwater projects, and discuss its 2021 scope, timeline, and goals, including green infrastructure and Watershed Management Plan updates. Public comments can be submitted by email until 4pm on the meeting day.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
- Staff update on six priority stormwater projects
- Discussion of 2021 Task Force scope, timeline, and goals
- Review of Watershed Management Plan Section 5 (2012)
- Resolution to Amend the Charter of the Stormwater Task Force (November 9)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Falls Church Board of Zoning Appeals is meeting virtually to consider a variance application for a parking garage and residential condominium at 7124 Leesburg Pike, continued from December. The board will also elect officers, adopt its 2021 calendar and rules of procedure, and approve prior meeting minutes. Public comments are accepted by email until 7 PM on the meeting date.
- Variance V1618-20 by FCGP Development LLC for 7124 Leesburg Pike to allow stacked parking and columns less than 3 feet from drive aisle in parking garage
- Election of BZA officers
- Adoption of 2021 BZA calendar
- Approval of rules of procedure
- Approval of December 17, 2020 meeting minutes
Use of Force Review Committee
The Falls Church Use of Force Review Committee is meeting virtually to finalize its full draft report, including findings and recommendations on use of force incidents and police policies. The committee will review survey findings, public comment requests, and several police and sheriff's office general orders, including use of force, internal affairs, and bias reduction. The meeting is open to the public, with comments accepted via email until 6:30 pm on January 13, 2021.
- Review of FCC reported use of force incidents from the last five years
- Review of Police Department and Sheriff's Office General Orders on use of force and response to threat
- Review of General Order 2-1 on bias reduction and related sheriff's office orders
- Review of Police Department and Sheriff's Office internal affairs and disciplinary action orders
- Public comment invitation and overview of survey findings
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation
The Falls Church Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation is meeting virtually to discuss and potentially act on several items, including a crash report from 2017-2019, a draft annual report to the City Council, and draft recommendations for promoting racial equity in transportation. The committee will also consider a green streets concept design for Lincoln Avenue and other informational items. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items being reviews or updates rather than final decisions.
- Review of 2017-2019 crash report
- Draft 2020 annual report to City Council
- Draft recommendations for promoting racial equity in transportation
- Green streets concept design for Lincoln Avenue
- Joint meeting with Environmental Sustainability Council (ESC)
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The Falls Church City Council is holding a virtual agenda meeting with staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. This is a procedural meeting, with no specific decisions or proposals listed. Public comments may be submitted via email.
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments accepted at cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
- Discussion of Council schedule and upcoming agendas
Housing Commission
The Falls Church Housing Commission is meeting virtually to discuss several housing-related items, including a final application for the Amazon Reach project, an update on COVID-vulnerable populations, an overview of the Affordable Housing Fund, and a request for voluntary concessions on Broad and Washington. The meeting also includes routine items like approving minutes and planning for FY 2021.
- Final Amazon Reach Project Application submitted
- COVID Vulnerable Populations Update
- Overview of Affordable Housing Fund – Policy & Application Process
- Voluntary Concessions Broad and Washington Request
- FY 2021 Housing Commission Planning
Environmental Sustainability Council
The Environmental Sustainability Council Energy Transition Subcommittee is meeting to review staff reports and electric vehicle policy. The body will discuss climate planning, student involvement, and cost of ownership data from Consumer Reports.
- AchiEVe policy options for electric vehicles
- Consumer Reports on Cost of Ownership for electric vehicles
- Staff report on climate planning
- Staff report on student involvement
- Review and approval of November and December minutes
The Energy Transition Subcommittee met virtually and discussed strategies to encourage electric vehicle ownership, including subsidizing charger installations and partnering with Electrify America for a Ride & Drive event. Staff reported on resources for the City's Climate Action Plan, including the MWCOG Climate & Energy Plan and NVRC Climate Resilience Dashboard. The subcommittee approved minutes from November and December 2020 meetings (2-0 and 3-0 respectively), but took no other formal decisions.
- Approved November 2020 meeting minutes (2-0)
- Approved December 2020 meeting minutes (3-0)
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
This is a procedural agenda meeting where the Mayor meets with City Council staff to review the Council schedule and upcoming meeting agendas. It is open to the public and held virtually due to COVID-19. No decisions or substantive policy items are listed.
- Review of 01-05-21 City Council schedule
- Discussion of upcoming meeting agendas
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Public comments accepted via cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov
Use of Force Review Committee
The Use of Force Review Committee is meeting to continue its review of use of force incidents and policies, and to finalize its output report of findings and recommendations. The committee will also discuss survey responses, schedule public comment invitations, and review community communication requests. This is a working session focused on completing the report.
- Review of FCC reported use of force incidents from the last five years
- Review of School Resource Officers memorandum and MOU with Falls Church City Public Schools (last reviewed March 20, 2008)
- Review of General Orders on Internal Affairs (1987) and Disciplinary Action (2007)
- Review of General Order 2-1: Bias Reduction (effective September 10, 2020)
- Review of Use of Force and Response to Threat General Orders, including draft GO 3-1 and Camden NJ policy
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The Falls Church Recreation & Parks Advisory Board meets virtually to approve prior minutes, hear the Recreation Director's report, and discuss new and old business. New business includes an urban agriculture presentation, and old business covers the Big Chimneys project. Public comments may be emailed before the meeting.
- Urban Agriculture Presentation
- Big Chimneys project update
- Approval of November 4, 2020 minutes
- Recreation Director's report
- Public comments accepted via email until 7:00 PM
The Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks held a virtual meeting on January 6, 2021. They discussed urban agriculture strategies with guest speakers, heard the Recreation Director's report on park operations during COVID-19, and discussed the Broad and Washington project's potential funding shift. The board approved the November 4, 2020 minutes as amended (6-0) and adjourned (6-0). No other formal decisions were made.
- Approved November 4, 2020 minutes as amended (6-0)
- Adjourned meeting (6-0)
- Discussed urban agriculture program strategies (no vote)
- Discussed Broad and Washington project funding shift (no motion made)
Economic Development Authority
The Falls Church Economic Development Authority meets virtually to hear updates on the West Falls project near the new George Mason High School, a proposed update to Special Exception primary criteria, and a City Council work session on the Broad and Washington project. The agenda also includes approval of December minutes, Kaiser signage, and wayfinding signage updates. Public comments were accepted until January 4, 2021.
- Update on Falls Church Gateway Partners proposed changes to West Falls project (next to new George Mason High School/West Falls Church metro)
- Presentation on proposed Special Exception (SE) Primary Criteria update from Senior Planning Consultant Susan Ingraham Bell
- Update from EDA Chair Bob Young on January 4th City Council Work Session on Broad and Washington project, including revised voluntary concessions
- Kaiser Signage Update
- Wayfinding signage BID Update
The EDA unanimously endorsed the renegotiation of the Falls Church Gateway Partners agreement, as described by City Manager Wyatt Shields, with an amendment to prioritize protecting the public interest. The EDA also discussed proposed changes to the Special Exception criteria, expressing concerns about the emphasis on commercial revenue and the affordable housing percentage, but took no formal action on those items.
- Endorsed renegotiation of Gateway Partners agreement (unanimous, with amendment)
- Approved December 1st EDA minutes
- Discussed Special Exception criteria changes, no action taken
- Discussed Broad and Washington project, no formal action
- Received updates on Kaiser signage and wayfinding bid