Hello, sir. I'm going to put this on the back of the head. I'm going to put this on next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm going to go to the next panel. I'm very happy to have you here. I'm very happy to have you here. I'm very happy to have you here. I'm very happy to have you here. I'm very happy to chat, man. Yeah. Vice Mayor Bagley. Present. Councilman McGherry. Councilman Chapman. Councilman Elruby. Here. Councilwoman Green. Here. Councilman McPike. We see him, but we need to make sure he's found works. Councilman McPike? Yes. Yes. Okay. We are all here. I couldn't hear y'all until you said Councilman McPike. Ah. Matt. Matt is the only here we're going to name. Madam Clerk, next item. Approval of electronic participation. Resolution by City Council. Okay. There has been a motion. Is there a second? Second. There's a second. Any discussion? Recording in progress. There has been a motion by a councilman Chapman, a second by councilwoman Green, to approve the electronic participation resolution. This is a resolution. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Councilman Chapman. Councilwoman Green, Mayor Gaskins, I smell badly. Councilman Geere. Councilman El Nubi. Councilman McPike. Aye. Okay. The resolution passed. Madam Clerk, next item. Consideration of a closed executive session to discuss the investment. A public funds where competition of bargaining is involved. Councilman McGeeere. Madam Mayor, I move the City Council convening closed executive session pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A6. To discuss or consider the investment of public funds where competition or bargaining is involved or if made public initially the financial interest of the city would be adversely affected. Is there a second? Second. Okay, there has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Councilman Chapman to convene in closed executive sessions. All those in favour say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. We will now We'll go into executive session and we will reconvene at 7 p.m. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Hey, at the just on a quick check. Can you hear me? Yes, Brian. I can hear you asking one, two, three. All right. And I can hear you. Thank you. We to go. Thanks. Thanks. Bye-bye. Recording stopped. I'm not sure if you can see it. I'm not sure if you can see it. I'm not sure if you can see it. I'm not sure if you can see it. I'm not sure if you can see it. I'm not sure if you can see it. I'm not sure if you can see it. Hey, Amy, I was able to hear Councilmember Pike and I tested with the Abbey, so we should be good to go. I'm not sure if you can see it. There we go. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm sorry. Recording in progress. you I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm sorry. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm sorry. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm sorry. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm sorry. Yes, but don't. Yes, but don't. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm sorry. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm not sure if I can do it. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. Iman Aguirre. Madam Mayor, I move that we reconvene an open session. All right, there's been a motion. Is there a second? Second. Okay, there has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by Vice Mayor Bagley to reconvene in open session all those in favor say aye Aye any opposed say nay the eyes have it Councilman Aguirre better mayor move the city council adopt the resolution regarding the closed executive session I was previously circulated to the council Okay, there has been a motion by Councilman Aguirre and a second by councilwoman green to approve the resolution that was previously circulated to the council regarding the closed session any discussion? All right, this is a role. This is a resolution which will require a roll call Madam Clerk. Please call the roll. Councilman McGuirey. I councilwoman Green your gaskins. I smell badly. Councilman Chapman. Councilman Elnubi. Councilman McPike. Aye. Madam Clerk, next item. A moment of silence in your pledge of allegiance. Okay, well first I just want to say everyone, thank you for coming to our second legislative meeting of April. It's really great to look out and see so many young people here. I know we have youth from our substance abuse prevention coalition. And then we also have a number of young people from Liberty's Promise. With that, I want to ask that all who are able please join us for a moment of silence and to stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands when nation under by indivisible with liberty and injustice for all. All right, Madam Clerk, next item. Public hearing, second. Public hearing, consideration of passage of public hearing of an ordinance to amend and reordering section five dash six dash two three three of chapter six of article C of title five of the code of the city of out of the city of out of Virginia 1981 as amended. Okay, so we are now going to move to our first public hearing of the evening. We actually have two tonight The way do we have any speakers? I think we don't have any speakers for this one Okay, so we don we have any speakers? I think we don't have any speakers for this one. So we don't have any speakers for this one. So I will open and then ask for a motion to close the public hearing. So the second. Okay, there has been a motion and a second to close the public hearing. Any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? I have it. All right, Madam Clerk, next item. Public hearing, consideration of passage on public hearing of an ordinance to amend and reordained section five that's eight, that's 77 of article F of chapter eight of title five of the code of the city of Alexandria, Virginia 1981 as amended. Okay, this one we do have public speakers. I think we have two. The way this would work is the clerk will call the first few names. We ask that you come to either the podium on the left or the right and you will have three minutes. There is a little kind of count on clock at the podium that will help you keep track of your time. So with that, Madam Clerk, can you please call our first few speakers. Mall, Laughone, and Carol James. Do we have Mallory and Carol here? Okay, if we can have Mallory come right here, we'll start with you and then we'll proceed to Ms. James. Hello, maybe you can. Good evening, Mayor Gaskins, Vice Mayor Bagley and Members of Council. Thank you for allowing me to address you today about the proposed increase to the residential permit parking fees. I wanted to be clear at front that I am neither outright opposed or in favor of the increase. I wanted to be just say that I am in favor of is actually enforcing the restrictions that we do have. I have lived in one of the restricted residential parking districts for over seven years now and can maybe count on one hand at the number of times I have seen parking enforcement out in my neighborhood for reference I am in parking district seven. On my actual street zero times my street is full of cars and they do not have their city sticker and parked most of the day with no enforcement. The rest of us pay our $40 every year because you know where to find us when you send our personal property tax bill. This is another burden on the property owners in the city and somehow missed and not to pass along to landlords. So I want to be clear on that. I think we need to find a way to put the onus on landlords to educate their tenants or build into their rent or agreement something to deal with this process. Whether it be them paying for or then providing stickers, etc. Then the landlords or someone needs to pay if you're going to have a car in the neighborhood. So I already paid a premium when I bought my house to live in a high transit area, but I do need my car. I cannot take the metro to my 10 p.m. hockey games. I am lucky to have a parking pad in the rear of my home, but as I recently I can't take the metro to my 10 p.m. hockey games. I am lucky to have a parking pad in the rear of my home, but as I recently learned upgrading it, we'll take some dances with the permit office, and I'm going to wait a little while until I party with them again. There's also the fact that cars love to block the entrance to my alley. There's a lot to consider there. So I pay my $40 every year. Parking requirements were rightly removed for the redevelopment at the building at King and Washington where the Banana Republic was. Sarah and Kirk mentioned that on their podcast. And the hopes that people will use public transportation and if they need a car, they will pay to park it. I think we need to find a solution like that in our neighborhoods too. Again, I push for putting the onus on land lords, the owners of the building to pay their fair share. As I want my neighborhoods to continue to keep its small slices of mixed housing, but some solution would be great. I understand from the previous mayor that these restrictions go up because residents just all town, but I think it's unfair to ask for fair enforcement across restricted zones. So thank you. I appreciate it. I just like to see parking enforcement everywhere in the city. Not just all town. Thanks. That's it. Appreciate you guys. Thank you. Mayor Gaskin's and members of council. Before you as a proposed action to raise fees for permanent parking stickers in Alexandria restricted residential parking districts and you can look at attachment to which is a map of the residential they restricted residential parking districts. Those of us who reside in restricted residential parking district 12-12-A are relieved to see our area once again included in the map for issuance of permit parking stickers and welcome their reinstatement even at the proposed modest additional cost. We are grateful to staff and to Council for taking action now to correct previous erroneous actions that have caused undue problems for this large district. Windshield stickers were withheld from District 1212A beginning in 2019 with no public notice, no public hearing, no minutes of council action, and no available recording of council session or of any public discussion at all in doing so. This FETA-Complete was announced by the then mayor at a B. S. B. C. A. Meeting with the pledge pledge that new technology license plate readers would be used to enforce parking restrictions in 12 and 12 a. That enforcement never happened. For verification of this just review review the police chief's report to you from your session last month listing the LPR uses. Among them was zero mention of restricted residential parking enforcement. I have extensive background in records on the creation of districts 12 and 12 a should you wish to inquire which was passed by council unanimously by a 6 to 0 vote with leadership from the late Carrie Donnelly then vice mayor and former councilwoman Del Pepper. Council chose to create a restricted residential parking district rather than an alternative proposal for parking ordinances germane to the Brent project. Extensive data were collected, proving the need, each block, each block voted by majority, block phase by block phase, to create the residential parking district. Democracy worked. Thank you again for writing a wrong with your vote on implementation of fee collection for residential permit parking stickers in all of these designated restricted residential parking district citywide. I repeat there was no reason to exclude 12-12A from sticker issuance in 2019, and no reason to continue doing so. Why we received an equitable treatment is inexplicable. If there's time in a Tory, can we appreciate your correction of this mistreatment? Thank you. Okay. Thank you so much for your testimony. Mr. Manager, would you be, I think in both cases, most of the concerns were not about kind of the fee raise itself, but enforcement. Can you follow up with both speakers on that? With that, I will entertain an emotion to close the public hearing. I has been emotional by Councilman Chapman and a second by Vice Mayor Bagley to close the public hearing any discussion? Hearing none all those in favor say aye aye aye We heard Any opposed say nay I'm sorry Madam clerk next item Presentation of a proclamation recognize in April as alcohol awareness month,. I have asked councilman Aguirre to lead us in this proclamation If you are here joining us for the fine. Oh, fine. Thank you. We got anybody else on the crowd? I'm going to come down. All right. All right, so I'm going to go ahead and read the proclamation and then I'm going to pass the mic down the line and let everybody introduce themselves. Okay. Don't worry. You just say your name and if you want your greater something. All right. Whereas the city of Alexandria has a long-standing, demonstrated commitment to children, youth and families as articulated in the children and youth community plan vision statement, all of Alexander's children and youth succeeding today and tomorrow. And whereas youth alcohol use presents significant health, legal and social consequences, and can hinder personal, professional, and academic success. And whereas all youth deserve to grow up happy, healthy, and substance free. and whereas communities across the country celebrate alcohol awareness month each April to increase public awareness of the consequences associated with youth alcohol use. And whereas the substance abuse prevention coalition of Alexandria and its partners are committed to preventing youth alcohol use and promoting positive opportunities for Alexandria's youth. And whereas the coalition's work contributes to achieving goal one, all children, youth and families will be physically safe and healthy in the children and youth community plan. And whereas teen use of alcohol and Alexandria among eighth grade students decreased 50 percent between 2013 and 2023. And whereas teen use of alcohol and Alexandria among the 10th and 12th grade students decreased 18 percent between 2013 and 2023. And whereas most youth in Alexandria report not using alcohol, which is a trend to get behind. And whereas even small amounts of alcohol impact judgment, coordination, and decision making. And whereas excessive alcohol use is associated with adverse outcomes, including unintentional injuries, violence, and alcohol poisoning. And whereas it takes a community to teach prevention, and whereas as a community, we resolve to educate, inform, and empower Alexandria youth to make informed choices about their health and future so that they have acknowledged and tools to thrive today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. Now, therefore, I, Kenneke Gurder, I'm behalf of the Leah Gaskins. We are the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexandria City Council, do you hear probably recognize the month of April as alcohol awareness month in the city of Alexandria and call this observance to the attention of all our citizens and witness whereof, I've here and to set my hand and cause the city of Alexandria to be a fix this 22nd day of April 2025, and we're going to go ahead and start on this end. Thank you, Pianek. Leah Stewart, peer advocate supervisor. Jasmine Coombs, program manager, UCFD and resilience. Not a line of audience with youth ambassador. Natalia Hovec, youth ambassador. Colleague Green,-Avacate. Taylor. Colston. Per-Avacate. Sargent Ben-Sax. I'm with the U3 Research Unit. Danielle Perez. Community outreach coordinator for Alexandria City Public Schools. Zara. Zonfar. Alano. Max. I cheer the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria. And actually as Council member, Gary, had mentioned that we have numerous partners. And I also want to recognize that the Sheriff's Department, our sheriff is here in the audience. They're always behind us. The police department, as you see would be in, but so many police officers, the Alexandria City Public Schools, recreation parks and cultural activities across the board, and of course, the support of the council. We community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of the community of and also their parents who allow them and support them in doing what they're doing. Ruby Bear, come here, Mohamed, if you're advocate Anna a soft good board member. Yes, and when you're advocate? Calvin O'Brien, soft good board member. Yes, Norezai, youth ambassador. Noreen Boutar, youth development, DCHS. Hi, everyone. I'm a bill, I'm the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition from Alexander Recoordinator. As Alan mentioned, we're excited to be recognizing Al Kalawera this month, this month, as well as year round, especially with prominent graduation season, really trying to highlight that message of the importance of prevention. Also really are excited to be recognizing our Red Ribbon Week Post contest winners. You can see their art. I could not do that kind of art now. I continue to be impressed and I'm so excited to be sharing that with you all this evening. The Alexandria City, Public Schools. Thank you so much for having us here. This is important. And keep us going on this prevention campaigns. Absolutely. Great turnout, too. It's always great to have our youth participating in Alexandria. Like we always say, we're voices matter extremely much. So thank you all for participating. And thank you to the adults as well for leading all this. With that, Madam Mayor, I would move the proclamation. That's been a motion by Councilman and Gary. Is there, and there has been a second by Councilman Chapman. Is there any discussion? I just want to echo the words of my colleague, Councilman and Curie, especially to our young people. Thank you. I know you guys have so many things going on from the work you have in school to things with your families, to jobs you may be working. Thank you for the extra time that you put in, making sure that your peers know how to stay healthy and safe and that we adults know how to better support you. So thank you. With that, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed, St. A? The ayes have it and the proclamation passes. Thank you. Applause. Thank you. Thank you. And if you wouldn't mind standing for one second, we're going to try and do a picture. Okay. All right. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Madam Clerk, next item. Presentation of a Proclamation, Honoring Port, Lariat Zayna Azam. And I have asked Councilman El Nubi to read this Proclamation. If we could please have our fabulous poet laureate join us up here and Anyone else who's here to celebrate the recognition with Dana All right, so I'm honored that the mayor asked me to present this proclamation to my dear friend and our outgoing poet laureate, Zeynath Zem, for everything that she's done for our city over the course of her tenure as poet laureate. So I will read the proclamation and I'll hand you the mic, Zeynath, if you want to say a few words. It's a long one so stay with me here. Whereas the Academy of American Poets established the month of April as National Poetry Month in 1996. To seek to highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievements of American Poets, to introduce Americans to the pleasures and benefits of reading poetry, to bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways, and to make poetry an important part of our children's education. And, whereas, in 2006, the City of Alexandria established the Alexandria Port Laureate program as a way to publicly confirm the value of the literary arts as an essential part of the arts and humanities that affects every aspect of life in America today, including education, health, the economy, and community pride and development, and enhances the quality of life in Alexandria. And, whereas, past Polariet, Mary McHill, McHill V Amy-Yong, Tori Lane, Koverik, Ryan Wajanowski, Wendy Kaplan, and Kaniki Jakarta have served since the creation of the Port Louriet program. And whereas Zainazem, the first Arab American to hold that title was appointed as Alexandria's Poet Laureate in 2022. And during her tenure wrote 23 original poems for the city, including for the annual USA, Alexandria Birthday Celebration, dashing words in motion, Martin Luther King, Junior Memorial Community Program, and Alexandria Jazz Festival, and ALX, very Mary Jazz Fest. The 10th anniversary of contrabands and Friedman, and Friedman Cemetery Memorial. Sorry, lost my place. Memorials events for the lynching of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas and the soil collection ceremony commemorating their lives. Freedom House reopening in the June and Juneteenth celebration, September 11, remembering ceremony and poems to celebrate the torpedo factory arts centers, 50th anniversary and the installation ceremony for the mayor and city council. Thank you for that. And the poems and poems to Mark's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. And whereas Zeyna Zem, that five-themed writing workshops for the community, judged the youth's poetry contest of Alexandria City Public Schools and the poetry society of Virginia and the Hurt Programs Writing contest at at the Alexandria Detention Center. Delivered poetry sessions at Alexandria High School's International Academy, George Washington Middle School and Francis C. Hammond Middle School. Faciltated a poetry workshop for immigrants at the Campania Center, organized a city-wide high-coup contest and edited a published collection hosted the annual poem in your pocket. Community event and created the annual multicultural poetry reading poems about the moon. And whereas Zeynazem has served as featured reader at a number of venues virtually locally and nationally including Alexandria's Beatley Burke Duncan and Barrett Libraries. Folger's Shakespeare Theater, City Lit Baltimore Festival and Islamic Relief USA, ASPS's annual poetry celebration, as well as George Mason, George Down, American Thousand, Southern Illinois, and Columbia University's and Vossar College. Wrote articles about poetry for the Alexander Times, gave interviews and readings at museums and print journals like the Museum of the Palestinian People and American Book Review and Media Outlets, WAMU, WPU-W-P-F-W, Howard University TV, Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism. And whereas during her tenure, Zeyna Zem released her book, Some Things Never Leave You and Published Poems in Journals and Onphologies, including writing the land Virginia, the Southern poetry anthology volume, not sure, Virginia, Academy of American Poets, poem a Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria, the city of Alexandria,ell Unubi on behalf of Alia Gaskins, mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the City Council to thereby declare April 2025 as poetry, month, and Alexandria, and acknowledge with sincere appreciation the contributions of Zena Zem and thank her on behalf of the citizens of Alexandria for promoting poetry and the literary arts in our city and for making poetry part of the fabric of life in the city of Alexandria. In witness her off, I, in witness thereof, I have here on to set my hand on cause of the seal of the city of Alexandria to be affixed on this 22nd day of April 2025. Thank you. That was long and I apologize. Thank you so much, Councilwoman Noobie, for reading that. I really appreciate that. And thank you so much, Mayor Gaskins, Vice Mayor Bagley and all the City Council. I've been so privileged to get to know all of you. As I've during this tenure of three years, I've shared stages with you, I've had wonderful conversations and it's meant a lot to me. Thank you to Alexandria for welcoming welcoming me as poet laureate for three years, for welcoming me as poet laureate and writer, as a woman, as an older woman, as an Arab American, as a Palestinian American, as a daughter of refugees, as an immigrant, and so much more. And gratitude to the Office of the Arts. You have been my touchstone throughout these three years. Thank you so much, Diane Rogero, for overseeing this incredible Office of the Arts and for uplifting the Arts, not just poetry, all of them. Thank you to Daniel Guzman, who has done so much in terms of these huge events for the city and has invited me to write and read poems. And of course, I have big gratitude to Sheryl Ann Colton, the administrator in the department who has just been so cheerful and efficient and supportive and encouraging and advisor. Thank you so much, Sherylann. And of course, I have to thank the Office of Historic Alexandria. They have involved me in so many of their events and the commemorations for Alexandria. Historical events for lynchings, for Friedman's cemetery, opening in 10th anniversary, and so much more. And Gretchen Bolova, the director, has been really supportive. And in fact, she kind of led the effort to collect all the poems that I've written to this, for the city in this, in this booklet. And I'm so proud of it and so happy. And you'll all be getting a copy as well. So I just wanted to bring it and show it to you today. So thank you to the Office of Historic Alexandria and Gretchen Boulevard. I would have privileged,'s been for me to be in the city, to lead workshops, to visit the schools, the International Academy, to work on poetry readings for the community, for the dash buses, excuse me, to speak at events, to read, to write these poems. It's been really just such a privilege. And I recognize and honor all the poet laureates, the poet's laureate before me. I've sort of, I stand on their shoulders and I'm really delighted for the selection of Christy Donnell, so the new poet laureate, and I welcome her very much. And thank you to all my friends who are here, to everybody watching, my kids I think are watching, and the whole community. It's been really such a beautiful journey for me, and really one of the great honors of my lifetime. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, the Saina. With that, Madam Mayor, I move the proclamation. There has been a motion by Councilman Elnubi and a second by Councilman Chapman to move the proclamation. Any discussion? Vice Mayor Bagley. I just want to second what was in the proclamation. And just thank you for sort of reigniting and reminding me of the beauty of poetry and art. And I loved sharing a stage with you. And it was deeply meaningful to me. So I still remember standing on stage during the 250th and listening to the poem Europa specifically for that occasion and it was just such a tapestry of the city and the history and so I thank you not just for your service to the city but just for what you reignited sort of in me when I would listen to you deliver your poem. So thank you not just for your service to the city, but just for what you reignited sort of, you know, in me when I would listen to you, um, deliver your poem. So thank you very much. And I encourage anybody, I don't know what our plans are as a city for making the booklet available, but hopefully we'll have it in libraries or in other locations where people can, can, um, read them. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Uh, Councilwoman Green. So I echo everything that was in the proclamation that Councilman on the reread but I just want to say you brought such grace to the role and represented our city so very well and we just thank you for the time and effort that took and just a pleasure to get to know you. Thank you. Councilman Aguirre. So I've had the pleasure, Zena, of knowing you before you were the port laureate and before I was on council, so it's been great to build a friendship from before either of us at our roles. And while I knew that you were a poet when we first met, I didn't know how much you had done. And then, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you also got to read a poem in front of the UN, which is amazing. And that's one of the things about, that I love about Alexandria, is that we have so many amazing individuals that call this home. So thank you for everything that you've done and that you will continue to do. Councilman Chapman. I just wanna thank you for specifically challenging us through some of your poetry. I think with world events in particular, you did not shy away from talking about those and talking to our community about those through poetry as well. And I think it's always easy for us to hear kind of the delightful things what we want in poetry, but to be challenged as a community and through the words, the vision, the artistry of what you did was something that I think I hold me here indeed. So thank you very, very much for bringing your perspective to this. Councilman McPike. Yes, thank you. Join everyone in saying thank you for all that you've done as the poet laureate, the beautiful poems that you've written. As my colleagues just said, I've been thought provoking and inspirational. Out of the areas of a city that takes art very seriously. And through our poet laureate program, we actually commission you on behalf of the city to create art. So I'm glad that we're assembling it into a booklet so that your contributions will continue to be available to folks, even as your time in this position ends. I'm very sorry I can't be there to thank you in person tonight for your service to the city. But I know you and I know that I'm going to see you out in Alexandria continue to do good work on things that really matter. So thank you again for everything you've done in this role. And before we move the proclamation, I want to say two things. First, I know we joke that the proclamation is long, but I hope that you will never apologize again. Because everything that is in that proclamation is a testament to the hard work that you have put into this role and everything that you have achieved. And I can tell you as somebody who was trying to figure out where to cut, I was like, every piece of this is important and every piece deserves to be celebrated. The second thing I would want to say is just in echoing the words of my colleagues. I wrote you a little note as well. And then one of the things I wanted to thank you for is your heart because I feel there have been so many times where we've had the opportunity to stand with you or to sit behind you and what I feel is behind every word is a reflection of your heart and your hope and your belief for what our city could be and the city you hope that we will all experience feel and have the opportunity to be a part of. And so I still keep the poem that you wrote for our installation. It is a reminder to me and I hope a reminder to all of us that we have a voice to and we are called to use it. And so I thank you for not just sharing your reflections but also sharing a challenge to each of us to be better. So it's just been such an honor to have you as our poet laureate. I know we will continue to see you at many things but I hope that tonight it's just a small recognition of how important and how special your service has been to our community. So with that there has been a motion and a second to move the proclamation. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. The aye, pavet and the proclamation. You're going to take a photo. I feel like we should go down there. It's a little awkward. I'll get you one back here. You guys look great. One, two, and... Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Madam Clerk, next item. ORIPORTS from members of City Council on PORTS, commissions and committees. Council of Government, sported directors, mayor gaskins. We're going to launch into our oral reports. Just a reminder, we have a lot to do tonight. So let's keep these short and tight. First one for me is the Cog Board of Directors. I think two important updates are one. We received a briefing on world pride. Pride kicks kicks off on May 17th, and we'll run through June 8th. I think the main things that they wanted are jurisdictions to know. One, they have added an international march on Washington as part of the Pride celebration. They are also adding a human rights conference to make sure that this is not just a celebration and a time for fun, which it should be, but also that we are really focused on policies that we need to continue to pass, protect, and move forward. And then the last piece that they wanted each jurisdiction to know is that they are ramping up safety conversations and additional discussions about what we need to do to keep our members of the LGBTQ community and particularly our trans-regidant safe during World Pride. And they're putting together a website that public safety agencies can go to as well as other partners if you are hosting events in neighboring jurisdictions. The other update that we received is a state of the economic impacts of the new administration on the region. Much of this, I think we have heard through different presentations that we've all participated in. I think the one that stood out to me, there was Sean Townsend from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. He spoke to the number that we heard from Clark Mercer a couple months ago in which he said that about 44% of all district full service casual restaurants are likely to close by the end of 2025. I think the piece that was new to me, as he mentioned, that on average, every restaurant closure for the fast casual scene in DC, that's about 27 jobs. And so I think it just really hits home the economic impacts we continue to see from changes in this administration. We also heard from the president of the Northern Virginia Chamber and he talked about the fact that much of our hotel and meal business is dependent on federal workers. If you think about happy hour, if you think about folks spending additional money on meetings and business travel, a lot of that has to do with coming in for federal meetings or conversation and that they're expecting many of our hotels and restaurants in northern Virginia to take somewhere between a 70% to 80% hit. So as a council, I know we'll continue to have these conversations, but I think we just need to continue to pay attention to not only the impacts to our residents or our federal workers, but what we're seeing in our local economy and impacts on restaurants, hotels, but also other businesses, such as hair salons, fitness studios, and all the other places that people go and spend additional income. Madam Clerk, next one. MPTA governing body, mere gaskins. I had the pleasure to kick off MBTA's 10th annual transportation summit a couple weeks ago. It was an opportunity for us to celebrate the work that MBTA has done, but also the future of transportation in our region. It was really excited that some of our own staff was featured on their opening panel, specifically Director Hillary Orr, and she talked about our city's investments in smart mobility. N.V.T.A. also had its monthly meeting. We are in the process of a strategic plan update. The last update for N.V.T.A. was in 2017. The new update will, the goal is for it to be finished by fall of 2025 and focus on transportation equity, transportation safety and transportation sustainability. The other thing that NVTA will be putting an intense focus on is project delivery. There is a big gap between what many of these projects were expected to reimburse NVTATA and what the actual reimbursement has been and so they are going to be doing a new data collection effort To try and see what it will take to close that gap so more to come on that Madam clerk next one as in how a partnership board of directors councilwoman green and mere g Okay, Councilwoman Green. Thank you. So the Eisenhower Partnership we met last Friday. There was a lot of discussion around an increasing membership. We also talked about May 8th for the economic summit, which we will be participating in that. Had some advocacy updates, and a lot of work went into what's going to happen with the reoccurring events. One will be the Weba Networking Happy Hour, May 22nd at Atlas, and then their movie nights, which are very popular over in that area. We'll resume this year with May 17th, June 21st and July 19th. And our next meeting, we do have an additional meeting in May. That's all for that. Okay, Councilman Green, do you want to go right into the Farm Committee? Absolutely, thank you Madam Mayor. So the Cog Farm Committee also met last week. And we had a thorough update around the potential for food insecurity in the area due to the loss in grants at the federal level. So we did hear from the capital area food bank. We also had an update on food waste prevention week, which was April 13th through the 17th. And we did a deep dive into our legislative update and outreach and our next meeting on that will be for Cog Farm, will be June 20th. Thank you. Madam Clerk, next one. Council of Government's Regional Transportation Board, Planning Board, Councilman Aguirre. So weire. So we're mainly just receiving items for informational. We won't be voting until next month, which is gonna be the hot topic item of the 495, sort of the Southside Express lanes hot lanes. There are interesting comments made around the project and it'll be Curious how the focus next one Consuminate Gary do you want to roll right into the library board? Yes, absolutely. So we had a very enthusiastic commentary from our friends of libraries at Burke Barrett, Beatley and Duncan. Spring to Action was a success and each of the individual branches were expressing how much fun they had doing it. We also had our call for nominations. We will be electing a new set of officers at our June meeting. Under the director's report, we have some updates on EV chargers at a couple of the sites that Beatley and Burke mainly as well as updates on some of the construction have beat Lee, how things are going, the availability of the garden again for usage because especially we have a lot of kids that have reading in the garden and other activities. And it's a very quick short update on the Black family of union which we're planning again for this year. We're very excited for that event and to continue to build that out. And I believe that is it on the libraries for now. Thank you Madam Clerk next I think the next three are councilman Chapman. I'll extend your transportation commission councilman Chapman and councilman McPike stormwater advisory committee councilman Chapman and R.R.A. redevelopment work group councilman Chapman and Councilman McPike Stormwater, advisory committee, Councilman Chapman and our our redevelopment work group, Councilman Chapman and Mayor Gaskin. All right, I'll get started with transportation. Just some quick hits from that meeting, one of the, I think she may be here I saw earlier in the chamber, but Hillary Goura was very excited to let us know about the kickoff for the Smart Mobility Lab. It's something that the city recently won some grant money to have a digital replica of the city so that we can better kind of align some of our practices and policies around how we're moving people throughout the city. is going to be a kickoff to that SmartBow mobility lab on May 1st at 2 p.m. at the Virginia Tech campus where we will be partnering with Virginia Tech as we roll out what that SmartBow mobility lab looks like and the kind of digital copy of the map of the city. At the meeting, we also heard from the Parrot Transit Program. I know that's something Councilman McGuire has been working hard on the city. At the meeting we also heard from the paratransit program. I know that's something. Councilman McGurray has been working hard on so it was great to update the commissioners about that program and talk about some gaps in service and policy that hopefully we'll be able to correct pretty soon. I'll be talking to staff about a letter or a memo that will come to council about some changes we might want to make in that department. They're also talking about the modernization of that program. I do know from personal experience with relatives about a challenge that some of our older Our elder residents have had when they try to use credit cards and things like that for pair of transit And so we are going to be working or staffs our elder residents have had when they try to use credit cards and things like that for pair transit and so we are going to be working or staff, excuse me, is working right now to kind of uncomplicate that process. We also heard an update on bike share and where a capital bike share is heading and staff alerted us or let us know that we have a new company that is going to be rolling out. I believe a number of e-bikes. Exactly. Nobody laughs, so I just kept going. Hey, it wasn't. I'll take the I'll take the Elana. But also, I was gonna hit on the meeting about the south side express lane that we had here. I know accounts when theiree attended that but there were a number of commissioners that raised concern about that and I believe the commission voted that night to send council a letter I don't know when that's going to come to us with their concerns about that particular project. So that hopefully we can send that on to V.Dot and others about probably city concerns. I know staff has expressed concerns about that as well. That's it on transportation. I will move to, unless my colleague wants to say anything, I can move to storm water. I just had one quick note on the 495 lanes. I will circle you to all of you. Staff reached out. I guess there was a comment period that needed to be done yesterday. So I was able to get comments from staff as well as from the commission to try and put together or something something I think there'll be a lot more opportunities, but just wanted to make sure I tried to move quickly so we could put a stake in the ground Of our concerns. Yeah, that's perfect. Yeah, because they were very interested in making sure that you got a small man So glad to hear that that happened on stormwater and I will actually take this opportunity to mention for all of our our board's and commissions that may be listening. It is about time to put in your annual reports. Our good folks at the stormwater commission are actively working on their annual report, Madam Clerk. I know you'll be happy to hear that. And so they're working on that to kind of talk about what they've been doing over the past year, but they also are gonna to send a letter to council. We probably should get that tomorrow or the next day, about some concerns, I wouldn't say concerns, but some suggestions they have for the work they're doing and the flood action Alexandria program. One of those things that I'll mention is that they noted that the flood action Alexandria work is going to take more than 10 years. And I think we know that now. And so they want to make sure there's a full understanding in the community and they are aligned kind of with that work as well. And then lastly, one of the conversations that we've been having on the committee is kind of the opportunity and challenges for businesses and residents as it relates to preparing or and dealing with flooding. A lot of the work that the Stormwater Committee has been kind of working with staff about our bigger city projects. And while that's great for the city infrastructure overall, there still is kind of a gap between the readiness of individuals, families, and property owners, and business owners. And so having some larger discussion around what that looks like, how much that may cost. If there's a city opportunity there, is something that the committee wants council to kind of start to be able to discuss as well. And so that is a stormwater committee for now. You wanna kick off our, huh? I'll let you kick off. So we had the opportunity to have, so honestly our first, our hot work group meeting of the year, Councilman Chapman and I, there were a number of things on the agenda. We kicked off with a discussion around kind of federal impacts of the new administration on ARHA, everything from immigration and mixed status homes to what would it look like if the new administration proposed policies that limited the amount of time people can stay in public housing. And so really began to have a conversation about kind of understanding our exposure, understanding how we support families, and also how we need to have greater coordination and communication between the city and our hall. From there, we talked a bit about kind of what do future projects look like and how do we make sure that we are integrating sort of upcoming ARHAW projects into our development pipeline, that we are really creating a fuller picture of the type of projects that will need city investment and making sure that we are aligned about the timing of those projects, the need for those projects and the community engagement that might need to occur, as well as ways that we might be able to leverage resources. From there, we received a development update, which kind of went through several projects. The first was that Madden North is scheduled to close on May 2nd, and everyone in Madden North has been relocated, and so those relocation plans are underway, and they're continuing to move forward with that project. Madden South is expecting a closing in 2026. There's still work to be finished on planning design as well as relocation plans. We also had a robust discussion about Lidre and the need for potential for more discussion about the building and sort of understanding the current fiscal challenges, understanding the feasibility more of that project. I think where we left it is that there's probably going to need to be another discussion that comes back to council to figure out how we can continue to move that project forward and make sure that the seniors who live in that building are quickly moving towards more affordable and higher quality housing. From there, we also spoke a lot about how do we ensure and support our hot and making sure that its existing stock is improved. And so we talked a little bit about ways that we can better partner with code enforcement, with the Office of Housing, with our health department, as well as things we can do from everything to playground upgrades, to interior modifications, to beautification supports. The last part of our conversation really focused on kind of the need for, again, and communication and collaboration. One of the things we learned that our HAW has been more assertive in their rent collection. What that has meant is that now upwards of I think 57 evictions have been filed. We know that when somebody is, when an eviction is filed, they often come to the city seeking resources. And so making sure that we're understanding why are these evictions being filed, what resources do people need, and what is the ultimate goal, and how do we make sure that people stay in their homes, because once someone loses their homes, it is much harder for them to find housing, especially when our shelters all have waiting lists. And so we talked about setting up meetings with the Department of Community and Human Services, Office of Housing, and sort of bringing in some other partners so that we can all be in communication about the best way to support our residents. And then lastly, there was a bit of a discussion about public safety and the need for us to sort of build more strategic conversations about how ARHA and APD can begin to partner more closely around the safety and quality of life of our residents. All that to say, I think it was very clear that we have a lot more meetings and follow-up that we need to have in the coming months, and a lot of things that are urgent for us to be in collaboration about. Councilman Chapman, anything to add? Okay. Summer has a two hour meeting in five minutes. Okay, so with that, I will move now to... Thank you. One more. Yeah, Virginia Railway Express, icemer bagley. It's gonna be a five-series. I will be brief. Virginia Railways Express held a board meeting on Friday. They saw a nearly 100,000 person increase in ridership in March of 2025 versus March of 2024. And that is, we're expecting the same thing if not more in April. I think the biggest takeaway for me as a member of that board is that the product was always there. It was a good product and when people did need to go back to work, they did choose to get back on the train. And VRE is doing some good customer engagement and some communications to sort of remind people what it's like to share a seat and to use the train system. The other major point I'd raise for Alexandrians is there was an update on the King and Commonwealth bridge project as well as the Alexandria station improvements. Alexandria station is actually the second busiest train station in the Commonwealth and it's getting some pretty substantial improvements including eliminating the at grade crossing. For any of you who have used that station, it's you literally have to cross the track sometimes with your luggage and children and pets to get on the train. So we'll be putting in some elevators and some below ground passageways to eliminate that at-grade crossing. I'll also use this moment just to tell people if you see tracks, assume a train, don't stand on tracks, don't walk on tracks, 40 incidents in Virginia at Railroad Crossing in the past year. So, please be careful and don't play on the tracks. And then, so check out there are great slides about that project. It is estimated and the current goal is to have both of those projects, the King Commonwealth Bridges and the station improvements done in 2027. So it's a very aggressive timeline, but it will produce not only a better station, but much safer, more modernized, bridges for the trains and a much improved experience for pedestrians and cyclists underneath the trains. So it's a real win for basically everyone in the community who walks, bikes, drives, and takes the train. We also, and ironically, the Laura Dreydom was at the 2050 plan, and that led to, for those of you sort of interested in regionalism that extends beyond sort of what we think of is kind of the northern part, or the Virginia, but regionalism conversation that involves Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Stafford County. It led to this fascinating, the 2050 vision plan for a BRE led to a fascinating sort of regional conversation between Alexandria, Arlington, Spotsy, Fredericksburg about our respective futures and how we're linked together and how the growth is really happening substantially south of us and west of us in Prince William. So I would encourage anybody to check out those slides on the 2050 plan and if you enjoy that sort of thing to watch that VRE board meeting video, just to see a really good, you know, regional collaboration and conversation. Thank you. Madam Clerk, next item. On report from the City Manager Economic Development Update. Okay. Mr. Manager? Great. Mayor, before we start the economic development update, while Stephanie joins us, I did want to make an exciting announcement following the National Search. We have appointed Hashem Taylor. He's in the audience tonight if you stand up. He is our new director of Parks Recreation and Polter Architecture. He's been here one week, so we need to just throw him right into Add Delete and some other things tonight. Hashem is a native of Alexandria. He brings extensive experience in parks and recreation leadership. Most recently, he served as the director of Parks and Recreation for Cedar Rapes, Iowa, where he manages a diverse portfolio of parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programming. He has a real proven track record of leading community focused projects and programming. As returned to Alexandria where he first developed his passion for public service is really meaningful. I'd also like to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jack Brown for stepping in as the interim director. Jack's 38 plus years of experience and service to the city has been invaluable and his steady leadership during the transition has been deeply appreciated. So we're grateful for his continued dedication to the department and the organization. Please join me in welcoming Hashem, back to Alexandria and thanking Jack for exceptional service. And with that, we have one of our ongoing economic development updates and going to turn on. I've dragged Julian Gonzalez up here with me for moral support. We have been spending a lot of time preparing for the upcoming summit and wanted to give you an update on some of the activities to date. So we're going to go through and review the kind of our project goal and process, highlight some of the stakeholder engagement to date, talk you through some initial takeaways and the conditions for engagement and provide the summit agenda for the first time publicly. And so for tonight, this is really just for you all to receive information and I guess to give us any words of encouragement or advice as we continue to corine towards the May 8th Economic summit. So our goal in this engagement has been to in fact have a summit that engages the community around issues and opportunities around economic growth and to then follow that summit with a strategic framework and an action plan. That council will ultimately act on and that the community will be very clear about the direction we're moving in. And I think as many of you know, the idea for this really stemmed from, I won't call it a similar effort. I would call it a related effort back in 2007 through 2009. And one of the ways that we're really going to start the engagement at the summit this year is to talk through what we accomplished from that last effort because we accomplished a lot. And so that gives us hope that when we go through this process we'll ultimately end up with some similar recommendations that we can just start knocking out of the. not going out of the park. So, so far you've seen this slide before from our consultants, TIP strategies, but they really are trying to make sure that the community understand what's going to inform the strategic framework. They are bringing with them a significant amount of experience. They've worked in many many communities around the country. They're looking at best practices, economic trends and realities. They're going to be and are looking at a lot of data, but they're also an important part of this process and the framework will be what the community and residents and business community is telling them. And so all of those things get pushed together and then form this framework that we're going to end up with. So to date, we have had a lot of engagement. Last time we were here, we talked about a summit survey, a pre-summit survey. We have closed that survey. We had 376 respondents. Very good amount of data to collect, lots of ideas and feedback. We have had two events to date that we titled Countdown to the Summit. One was in person on April 10th at Charles Houston and one was just last night virtually on the internet. However, people access virtual meetings. And both of those sessions were a mix of sharing information but really spending a lot of time getting people's attendees responses to some pre-populated questions by our consultants about how and what sort of uses they wish were here in Alexandria and also just how they think about Alexandria. And then lastly we spent a good amount of time with just sort of an open Q&A where the city manager and I answered a bunch of questions. So very productive and positive and good ideas moving forward. In addition, and TIP talked about this last time, they have done, they've met with over 75 different people through various round tables, meeting with members of Council and the community and business community. So lots of voices, lots of ideas. These are the major categories that I think they're focusing the conversations at the summit around. These are the themes. I don't think anything on here is really a surprise. They're the growing parts of how we think about economic development. It's not just about sites and workforce, but it's also about equity, it's about real estate, it's about entrepreneurship, and all of these, again, are going to be then seen as part of the summit activities. This is a news slide that might look a little bit familiar in terms of format to some people. It's a snapshot of the data analysis that TIP is doing behind the scenes. And this model here is something called Tableau and will be a product that will be created once we are done with the summit and the framework. And so think about this as the types of information that will be built out, that we then will be able to monitor and use to implement our framework and our plan. So it will allow the public to see the breadth of what's being collected and then over time will really end up being our sort of SWAT analysis, our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. So wanted to share this and you can see there's multiple categories. All of those will be able to be clicked in with data behind them. So our last two slides. Here is your first look at the actual agenda for May 8th. It's a significant amount of time for a public meeting, but this is hopefully something that we do every decade or so. So, requires a good amount of time. We'll have keynote presentations, some key findings from our TIIP consultants, a panel of relevant speakers around many of these topics. We're then going to break the audience into multiple sessions to brainstorm, give feedback, and really kind of drive us towards that framework. We're Port out on those groups, Q&A, and then when all is said and done, we will have a very clear path forward for economic growth and success. And the last thing we wanted to share is who the keynote presentation will be from. It is an architect named Kevin Kelly, who wrote a book recently called Irre. He's an architect, an experienced designer, and has spent a lot of time talking about the importance of place and space and convening. And so the thought is that he will give us a really great foundation to talk about how we actually bring businesses and commercial activity that is focused on being in person. And so with that, again, as we said at the beginning, no guidance needed unless you would like to give us some or I guess no action needed. Guidance always accepted. And otherwise we're looking forward to maybe so far over 300 people have registered to attend. That's really exciting. Any questions or comments or guidance? Councilman Jackson? Yeah, I think you actually probably forecasted my question. But it was really about the numbers of people attending and kind of how to get the kind of broad swaths of people that we want to make sure have access to what we're trying to talk about and have a way to engage. You know, I'm very mindful that of course not everybody can be there from three to seven, but what we might want to do if we haven't is, and I know the timing of this because we don't want to dissuade people from coming but being able to let people know there are other ways to still engage even if they don't make the main summit. That would be I think useful as well. The entire summit is going to be professionally recorded and so people will have the opportunity to benefit from the keynote, the panels, you know, after and into, into eternity. So that will be possible. And then, as noted, there is a lot of work still that will be going on afterwards. And so I think we absolutely can find ways for people to continue to weigh in. Thanks, Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. So you mentioned three people have attended. Is there a capacity limit? Yes. We, you know, the event is at the western. And there are capacity limits. And it's probably around 300 people. 300 people have signed up to come. It doesn't mean they will all be there from three to seven. We also know that a lot of people sign up for things and then things change, especially free things. So I don't think we are worried. I don't think we're worried about hitting that capacity. If we were getting registrations in the 500, 600 range, perhaps we would have to think. Yeah, and no, I appreciate that. I just wanted people to understand that there is a capacity. So if you're interested and you really want to attend, go ahead and sign up. Absolutely. And then sort of along the lines of engagement, I was wondering if we've been... Yeah, and no, I appreciate that. I just wanted people to understand that there is a capacity. So if you're interested and you really want to attend, go ahead and sign up. Absolutely. And then, sort of along the lines of engagement, I was wondering if we've been able to do any direct engagement with ACPS, specifically maybe the high school about like, you know, directly trying to get some students in attendance. A lot of what we'll be discussing is going to, you know, won't be inter-fraition until they are, you know, looking for jobs themselves. Yes. We have, I don't know if you know specifically. Yeah. discussing is going to, you know, won't be inter-froition until they are, you know, looking for jobs themselves. Yes. We have, I don't know if you know specifically. Yeah, I, from, I've spoken to, as part of the interviews that was presented was interviewed by the consultants. We also reached out, from what my understanding is the high school newspaper to ensure that it was publicized in that forum. We also reached out to Noreen butte who leads a youth engagement and ensure that she shared it with many of our youth ambassadors to various youth programs. So that's how we have tried to do that. So those were some of the forums we have used to engage with the students. In the survey was kind of highlighted from those engagements. I'm glad to hear that and I think I'm going to just throw their name out there, you know, without knowing much else. But, you know, maybe if Dash can be a part of a special run bus that, you know, picks up at the high school, brings a batch of students to the West End. If there's a transportation challenge, you know, for anyone involved or for I know that they're often a great partner, you know, in special events like this. You know, I would involved or for a timing perspective I know that they're often a great partner, you know, in special events like this You know, I would I think a lot of us would support that using them for that resource And then sorry if we got to add that there's a so an entrepreneurship teacher so we also spread the word through Councilman green and then councilman on Ubi Thank you, you're gaskins Thank you for the presentation. We're all excited that this is coming to fruition. I love to know the respondents, the 376 respondents, is there a breakdown that we could get of who responded? We did collect some demographic information and so there are statistics that we could provide. I believe they were around zip code age. Zip code age and Reset in the city so so our consultants are working on that and they'll be doing the analysis. They might present some of that at the summit or to a different forum. Yes. Excellent. And then second question, are the consultants still reaching out to businesses or that portion of the process is over? Right. That portion of the process is over for right now. We're sort of in a pre-summit, heads down, focus on summit materials. And I think after the summit, depending on participation and how diverse, the group is they might identify, we might identify other audiences that need specific outreach because they were not represented. And so there is still an opportunity before we get to framework and report and that beautiful tablo. So if there are audiences that you feel like or hearing have not had the chance to participate, please let us know. That's great, thank you. Councilman Onoubi. Thank you, Madam Mayor. One quick suggestion which I think you guys are probably doing but just in case. I think as we use big terms like economic summit, economic development and all of that a lot of people will get lost and not realize what is this really about and just tune it out or not get interested in attending. So the more we are able to link and connect what we're trying to do to the cost of living in Alexandria and the quality of life, and to people's pocketbook, the more we're able to cast a wider net. So I guess as we're just communicating about the summit and trying to bring in people that are, normally you're not part of the conversation, just try to simplify as like, would you like your rent to go down, your mortgage will go down? Because ultimately we're trying to fix that imbalance tax base and hopefully not have to raise taxes or maybe even lower taxes. Yes. So just a thought. Thank you for that suggestion. And I would, there's been a lot of work right to get us to this point. You will see in these next two weeks, I think as soon as tomorrow, some of our social media about this event, starting to take a little bit more of a human approach and trying to explain why you would care about coming to an event like this. So thank you for that feedback and that push. And we are also engaged with the Economic Option Discommission, Alisa Gilbert, also from the CHS to kind of understand what is missing in this as such so that even after we go forward We can ensure that we are giving a holistic aspect of our economic development Well, thank you both for the presentation and for the update and we look forward to seeing you on May 8th Anything else, Mr. Manager? Okay, madam Clark next next item. Action, Dr. Regular, consent calendar, 10 and 11. I will entertain a motion to approve the consent calendar items 10 and 11. There has been a motion by Councilman Chapman and a second by Vice Mayor Bagley to approve the consent calendar. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay. I's have it. Madam Clerk, next item. Introduction in first reading, consideration, passage on first reading of a proposed changes to the ordinances for the independent policing auditor as well as the independent community policing review board. Okay. Okay. So I'm gonna have a start with Vice Mayor Bagley and Councilman Aguirre who are part of the council subcommittee and I think there's a brief presentation and we'll have some council discussion. Thank you, Mayor Gaskins and to my colleagues there's going to be a set of slides that were not documented. I'm going to flip through a few of these because it sets the context for the work that my colleague and I did. And for the public, I love seeing my colleague, Mr. McPike, but if we can get the slides back up as well, sharing the screen with him. But I'll go ahead. and then I want to thank and acknowledge we have our auditor and representative from the City Attorney's Office with us as well tonight to join me in the presentation. While we're reading on the slides to come back up, I'll begin by saying this, there we go. So if we can flip, I don't actually have control of the slides, but if we could flip to the next one. So as the public and my colleagues will recall, we after an ad hoc process put together some proposed changes, they were brought to us. This body essentially decided that we were not ready to deny or approve those set of changes and the mayor designated myself and Councilman Aguire to work on a subcommittee to revisit the ordinance as drafted to revisit certain elements that were proposed for revisions and to come up with a series of proposals for our colleagues. We met, and so we are here now tonight at sort of step three, which is Council consideration and discussion. Thank you. That's fine. Yeah, one slide back, if you could real quick. There you go. So we, so the goal was for us to meet. We did meet three times. We had a very specific mandate. Those meetings were publicly noticed. They were available to the public. We were joined by stakeholders who actively participated in the conversations. And for my part, and I'll hand off to my colleague as well, but they were incredibly substantive conversations. They were frank and informed and included a lot of perspectives and if we can move one more slide forward. So this takes us back just a little bit to the summer and fall of last year. That's what brought us to this point. The then auditor and as you all are aware, we had a transition in auditor, worked with an ad hoc committee in the board to discuss some needed changes. We ultimately deferred on the changes proposed. We instead chose to have our subcommittee in January 2025 and Councilman McGuire and I formed that subcommittee. If we can move forward. Our meeting dates are listed here. We met on each occasion for about two hours each time. As I mentioned, these were publicly noticed and the second two meetings had representatives from the police department, our city attorney's office, the auditor's office, as well as the current chair and vice chair of the independent police review board. And for what it's worth, the dialogue was not limited to my colleague and myself. There was an open dialogue amongst essentially everybody in the room. There was a lot of questions asking and just real engagement if we can move forward. The three primary areas that we focused on, one was the board's authority to investigate investigations and in the event of an impasse. So the scenario described here is where essentially the auditor might decline to pursue an investigation after having worked with or reviewed the police's own internal investigations and the board believes an investor investigation is necessary. So that's effectively the impasse. The question that we were not satisfied with the proposed resolution back in January was for the subcommittee to address and come up with a resolution. The other element that was up for discussion in January that we didn't have a resolution on and was about the scope and nature of subpoena power for the review board. And so that was another matter for the subcommittee to address. And finally, there was a script nurse error about board review and the scope of it. And, you know, there's no need to delay that one was remedied. So this slide here talks about the investigations themselves. The ordinance, as originally drafted many years ago at this point, had the board directing the auditor to conduct investigations. The recommendation that is coming out of our subcommittee work, and again, dialogue over three meetings that involved all the stakeholders, was that the board, when that situation should arise, and I will editorialize here for just a moment to say, it is our goal that that situation will not arise or would arise rarely. Our auditor shares the mission and goal of the board to deliver civil rights and justice for residents. And so it is our goal to see this not arise often, but should it? The board would take a vote. If a majority of the board says we disagree with the auditor, we believe a investigation should happen, then it comes to council. And it will be documented before us and council would decide whether or not the auditor must move forward or we agree with the auditor's determination and the matter essentially would not be investigated further. And I want to pause and invite my colleague to sort of join me with any additional comment at this point, but I'll preface by saying this was grounded in the auditor is one of four employees who works for the council. And that was where our analysis began from. And I wanna pause and invite my colleague if he wants to add anything to that. I think you did a great job summarizing a lot of where we came from and where we got to. I think when it comes to the impasse between the auditor and the board, I felt that we got to a good compromise position. Additionally, what I want to make clear is that this is still a very public thing. If there is a disagreement between the board and the auditor, and there's a vote where the majority does say, yes, we're going to take this to the council. And this is not only making the local news, it's potentially making the Washington Post and the national news in many ways, right? So, and from there, the council would have a public hearing, it would be documented, and again, very public situation, and ultimately, whatever decision we make, well, whatever decision the council would make, would be judged by the community as well. So I feel that it has a good set of checks and balances and involvement from the public and visibility and transparency. Thank you. And my colleague gave that example of the way in which this would be covered. I think it's worth pausing on that. And it's a really valuable context. The Alexandria Times covers when we have a bar appeal. And that's a very public and not to make light. But you know, it's, it's, that is a public matter where people come and express, you know, their disagreement with the ruling of the bar. And we have to publicly vote and take positions on that. And this would obviously be even in a more, you know, serious context. So it would be very public. The other element that I would just add here to my colleagues who are considering, you know, our recommendation is that, you know, again, that auditor works for us. If we are repeatedly being placed in situations to ask that we overrul the auditor's opinion, that person works for us. And we ultimately have control over their job performance and their role with the city. So it's another reason why it is my hope and expectation that this would not be frequent usage because if there truly is a disconnect between the auditor and council, we have ways to address that. So I don't know, Mayor, do you want me to keep going? Or do you want me to keep going? I think let's go through the office. Okay. Okay. Okay. So if I... Can we turn the air? Oh. I just thought I was stressed. Okay. If we can move the next slide. Okay. This was the other area that the subcommittee was asked to examine that there was disagreement between even within the ad hoc group and then moving into the council presentation about the scope and nature of the auditor's subpoena authority. The originally drafted ordinance, which again was drafted several years ago at this stage, and before we had an auditor in place, the auditor had the ability to grant a subpoena to compel things and people. And I'll try to avoid using too many Latin phrases. Our regress, the approach that Councilman Aguirre and I came to you after hours of conversation was to limit subpoena power to effectively things. It's a subpoena duke's take-home. It means essentially the production of relevant items and things. And when in this context that would mean body-worn cameras, it would mean ring cameras, photographs. The practical example I can give to the public is if an individual were to film an incident, we could subpoena the film of that incident, but not that individual themselves to be personally compelled. And again, I'll pause and allow my colleague to comment on that. But we felt that this was a, it allows for evidence to continue to be gathered. But it also recognizes one, the limitation that the Guarantee Case Law creates on getting any actual testimony from government employees who can assert their guarantee right to not testify. And also the challenge and the seriousness of subpoenaing a resident, a citizen, to come in effectively against their will. And so the compromise that we reached was that we wouldn't be limited from any tangible items, from photographs, videos, documents to be produced, but not individuals. I'll pause there for my colleagues if... You know, this one was really difficult, right? Because going back to thinking of when we were putting this together in the first place, what we wanted this to look like. I think something that we have to think about is what is possible and what is probable. Having the possibility of this, brings out a lot of emotion. And people feel strongly one way or the other. But from a probability standpoint, I think it's very, very small and limited. So we're coming to an impasse here where it's unlikely that we would get to that point. But is there something where we could ultimately find common ground? And so I was originally of the position that we should have full subpoena power. I don't want to put words in my colleagues mouth, but I think, because Vice Mayor Bagley was looking at no subpoena power. And then the conversations, we reached, this seems like a good middle ground where, while we may not be able to subpoena people, we are still able to subpoena items. And the complication around sub pinnion people was one primarily around garity and officers. But board members from the police review board did have the conversation around, well, what if there's a situation where we need to try and sub pinnion a person. And while I definitely that resonates with me, I did feel that we need to try and subpoena a person. And, well, I definitely, that resonates with me. I did feel that we came to a compromised place because of the probabilities of that actually happening. Secondly, you know, from our initial conversation back in December, I think, you know know one of the questions to the city attorney was if we needed to change this what needs to happen and how quickly can we do it and essentially we could we would be able to change it within a couple of weeks. Now that being said I also said this council isn't always going to be in place. There are going to be future councils. And as much as we'd like to try and future-proof things, you know, nothing is perfect. And I think the last thing that I'll say here is, at the end of the day, it's been four years. And we really need to stand something up that is official because there's a lot of work that this board still has to do and can do because it's not just an investigatory investigatory position. It's reviewing policies. It's giving input on policies that has a major, major impact. So at the end of the day, I feel comfortable coming to this compromise around the subpoena power. But I don't know if you wanted to add anything else. No, I appreciated very much in our three meetings what my colleague was able to bring in terms of contextual history and the original creation and the intention and the goals. And one thing that became very clear in our conversation is we want the body to get to work. And we want there is so much value to be had, not just in their investigative role when something unfortunate has happened, but in crafting really good policies in preventing things from happening, in conversation with the auditor, she mentioned to me, something as simple as officers saying, do you own this car versus a different way to approach a person, approaching them by saying, I'm in the middle of an investigation related to a crime that involved a similar vehicle. But how do we make people feel when they've been stopped? How do we make people feel when we speak to them? And that is also part of the charge to this board is to evaluate the policies. And so we were driven, I think, by a mutual desire to see the board get to work. One other little practical note I want to just provide to the community as we move towards public hearing is part of the reason why and I might phone a friend in case I get sideways here on the law but one of the reasons why you know what get why Gary to exists is because it basically says now during the investigation is your time to tell us what happened to cooperate you know with investigation. Tell us what happened, answer our questions fully. And if you choose not to, your position is at risk. I mean, everything up to termination, all sorts of suspensions. So I want to be clear that Guarantee doesn't prevent officers from participating in investigations. It is in fact designed to say, you know, you don't have to respond to a public subpoena because the expectation is you will participate fully in the investigative process that happens at the police department level. So these officers will fully be expected to participate in the investigation, you know, of any incident that arises. And I just wanted to assuage people that if you just see, you know, garity, you know, sort of gives them protection, it's only a limited form of, you know, non-participation, non-responsiveness. And for me, that that was some assurance that there will still be participation. And if not, there are consequences, I think I saw our chief, you know, sneak in the back of the room. But these are his employees as well. And he will have options if they don't cooperate. And I just wanted to add one quick thing. It's not from the subcommittee, but actually related to some of the emails that we received, one of the emails was claiming that the auditor would be working under or for the police. And what I want to clarify for the public is that this is still a very independent office. Well, the auditor will work in conjunction with the police. The auditor does not report to the police chief, does not report to anybody within the police department. The auditor reports in one part to the board to be able to provide the investigations for them to do the overview of that, but directly reports to the council. So ultimately the council is who is keeping accountability for the auditor. So if we could advance the slide, I think we're almost through the slide. So this is what I've walked through. will be the ability to get tangible evidence and then the correction of the script nurse error. There was no dispute on that. It was the quickest and easiest part of the work that we did. So then we'll move on. I think the next slide touches on sort of the summary. So resolution of the impass situation, application of subcognitive authority and the script or errors. These are essentially the recommendations of our subcommittee to our colleagues with appreciation truly to everyone from the community who attended participated staff because the conversations were genuinely impacted by everybody in the room at some point. So I express my appreciation there. And then I think there's one last slide perhaps. Yeah, next steps. I'll pause there and see if the mayor wants to. Looks like Councilman Gary has another comment and then we'll go. Yeah, one last thing and I don't know if we have this. Do we have the flow chart? And second question, we're up here using all of jargon and terminology. I'm pretty sure we put some of this on the website as well, like is Garry explained on the website. That's okay. You know, we're working on this right. So I think as we move forward, let's go ahead and put an explainer of Guarantee up on the website as well. Just like I said, we've been using a lot of chargons so that people are aware of some of that. Yeah, the attachment for is the flow chart and if people want to look on the docket and then attachment five is also an FAQ on subpoena dookas take them and understanding how it works. And both of those items are on the website. So, yep, that's it. Don't worry about pulling it up. That's just something on her point out. I wanna go ahead and open it up to questions and comments from the council. Before I do that though, I do to give my thanks to Vice Mayor Bagley and Councilman Gary. I think when we were all sitting here in January, I think there were pages and pages and pages of areas that we were unsure if we could come to agreement on and recognizing that this is an issue we're all passionate about. And we all share, I think you guys put it both put it so eloquently, like we all share the goal of like, has to get to work and it has to work. And so I thank you guys for putting in the extra time to have those difficult conversations and to be able to present something that we're all able to discuss tonight. I think I saw Councilional Newbies hand first and then I saw Councilional. Thank you Madam Mayor. And I go with the thanks of the mayor to my colleagues. Thanks so much for putting in the effort. I think one thing we're trying to avoid is editing or changing the ordinance from day as in January. So the subcommittee was a great idea. And I think it was the right approach. So I think you guys reached a good compromise on the first piece. I think I agree with you that having, if the auditor and the board disagree, come to council, I think that makes a lot of sense. And I think that still leaves the board's independence, or leaves the board to be independent. But at the end of the day, they both report to us. So I think it makes sense if they disagree they come to us. And ultimately, we are the ones that are accountable to the community. It's not the board or the auditor. What I'm still trying to think through and struggling a little bit about is the second piece, the subpoena piece, and this where I'm seeking to get more information and more of how we thought about it. I guess my first question is for the auditor. Can you think of any scenario where you would not be able to complete a thorough investigation and come to a credible conclusion without having to, where if you are not able to subpoena witness, you're still able to continue, you can't continue the investigation. So in other words, would it be a hindrance at any point in any scenario from your experience that without that subpoena, to subpoena people? Especially third party witnesses, less police, that it would hinder you from completing the author investigation and coming to a conclusion and how likely is it? Thank you. So, first I want to say the way that a witness would sort of arrive to the situation is obviously they see the incident they perceive the incident and it would then be on either the complainant to go to the witness and say hey may I have your information I want to file a complaint with the auditor's office or the witness themselves would approach the complainant and give them their information. And then in coming to my office and interviewing the complainant during the initial interview, I always ask for witnesses. The sort of couple of complaints that have come in so far, there haven't been any that have come in. A situation where I think a witness would be key is if the officer did not turn on his body worn camera, not able to see the footage, or if the body worn camera is obscured in some way that I cannot see. If there's no police report on the issue, if the complainant themselves doesn't remember everything, they may have been, you know, impaired, they may be old, you know, there could be tons of things that could affect someone's memory. I think that would be the main issue if a reason why wouldn't be able to continue my investigation. However, there is a plethora of evidence. There's the Body War and Camera again. There's police reports. There is the complainant themselves and their version of events that I will all, that I will have to ultimately make my conclusion. So, okay. So what I'm hearing is it could happen, right? So, and I think what I'm struggling, and I'll probably stop after this and open it up to hear what my colleagues have to say. I think where I'm struggling is why not have this tool in the toolbox and just use it when we need to use it. I mean, I heard why we shouldn't have it because, you know, officers will come forward or we don't want to antagonize the public or making feel like the government's intruding on them or whatever, but if we come to a scenario like this, I guess at that point, the author will either have to come back to us and ask for us to change the ordinance or may not be able to continue with our investigation. So there's a school where I'm coming at this from. It's like, why not just have it and you know and not need and not use it Then need it and not have it so This kind of how we're I'm thinking about it, but I would love to hear my colleagues thoughts on this Sure, then let me go vice mayor Bagley raised her hand So let's let's work through this question and then I'll come back to your question council Councilman Green. So, you're okay. No, I appreciate my colleague's concern. I mean, that that I think this is where we have to take the situation out of the philosophical and into the practical and the scenario in which a witness has observed an incident and has chosen not to participate with the police investigation. I mean, they would have been asked by the police as well to give a statement, chosen not to just voluntarily participate. What people, I think, what our recognition was is that a subpoena is not a cure all necessarily in that scenario. You have somebody who theoretically has witnessed something dramatic, something controversial, and is indicating by their choices their desire not to provide information. They may, you know, the subpoena might not cure that desire. And so I think, you know, as my colleague and I spoke, we tried to play out, okay, what is the actual scenario in which, you know, we would need this separating. And what I appreciate about your example is separating out the police because I think we've addressed, you know, why the police. So that is into my colleagues' credit. That's what we did try to focus on is, okay, setting aside the police because they have Guarantee. And so for us, your point remains absolutely valid. I mean, to be clear, we could draft the broadest version of it knowing that police will always invoke Guarantee, you know, not produce any information. But we wanted to move the ball forward. We wanted to give them the objects, the ability to pull objects, and at least at the outset, avoid what would did not feel in our dialogue like a tool that without it complete investigations could not happen. And I don't want to put words in the auditor's mouth, but the feedback we got from the auditor in this dialogue was that this was not a tool that she felt was necessary and that I am going to hand it over because I don't want to be speaking for you. But for the reasons why I've described this tool and this scenario was not likely to resolve the problem in this situation or certainly was not guaranteed. I I'd ask, I'd ask you to address the question if you could. So it's true, we don't want to make anyone uncomfortable coming forward, but it's also a question of the effectiveness of forcing someone to sit down and recount events that they either don't want to think about or have sort of locked away in the back of their mind. I can say that in consulting Nicole as well, subpoena dooses second subpoena, like subpoenaing tangible items from either the police department that I can't get or third party witnesses, that's the most common form of subpoena power that's used throughout the country. So this is a great compromise, but it's also, it's within best practices is what I can say. It was a acronym that you sort of glossed over there. Do you mind just giving us a sentence for two on that acronym? Yes, Nicole is the National Association for Civilian Oversight of law enforcement. They are the national body and voice on this issue on civilian oversight. Can I just ask a quick follow-up on this one? You mentioned that the subpoenaing of things is the most common form that we see. Is that the most common form in terms of the power other boards have? Or cases that have proceeded so far, this is the tool that they've had to use the most often. That is the most common form used within the investigatory power, whether it lies with the board, whether it lies with the auditor, it's the most common form of subpoena power used to complete an investigation if needed. Thank you. Councilman Green. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I also am very thankful for the work that's gone into this. Thank you to my colleagues. I think we're getting to where we need to be. And I look know, us really getting started on this. My question, and anyone can answer, um, Councilman Aguieri or Vice Mayor Bagley. I guess I'm seeking some clarity around, um, how I understand that the police review board members were not on the subcommittee, but they were at the meeting. And I just want some clarity around how they might have been engaged during these meetings. We looked around the room and asked the question and they participated in answering and they asked questions to you. Okay, so they were able to ask and, okay, so it was a dialogue with them, okay. And did they, I guess were they asked about if they agreed to what came out of the subcommittee is what I'm trying to get at, thank you. Nice to meet you. Yeah, no, I appreciate the question. And what I want to be respectful of is the two members were present and absolutely participated. I don't think we presume that they were in a position to express then exactly how the recommendations would be received by the full board. So do I think that, do I know that they raise their hand and said can I ask a question and they did, that they raised their hand and said, I have a comment, you know, or can you explain that further and we did? And I think my colleague and I felt at the conclusion of the three meetings that we had listened to, incorporated, heard, their perspective. But I want to be mindful and respectful that even to the extent that I felt there was a meeting of the minds, I certainly didn't think that they could in that moment speak for the full board. But I do think they were made to feel, life. You know, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I do think they were made to feel and I, you know, I, I, I just for myself felt that they did feel heard. They did feel like their, their thoughts and questions were, were acknowledged. Is that responsive? That's, that's very helpful vice mayor Bagley. Thank you. Other questions, comment? Okay. All right, well, I can't make a motion. So where would you guys like to go with the conversation? If it isn't awkward for my colleagues and given that this is just the first reading and we'll be listening to the public on Saturday Saturday I would move for approval on first reading. And then move it to the public hearing. There has been a motion and a second to pass the ordinance on first reading and to for the public hearing, is there any other discussion? Councilman Elnubi. So just to make briefly, we're passing the recommendation as is without the subunit, I'm not gonna use the Latin word. Okay, I guess from my perspective, I'm still stuck where I am. Like I still would rather we have a tool that we not need, that we're not used then have it, they're not have it. Whatever, not have it, and not needed, and not have it. So I guess that's where I'm still struggling. So I mean, I think if I would love for, I'll wonder if maybe a friendly amendment and we can include that piece. But otherwise, I don't know if I can support the correct condition. It's just because of that piece. Again, not to, it's not like I don't appreciate my college work. I really appreciate the work, but I just, that's what I'm coming from on that. The subpoena piece. So yeah. So let me ask this, you use the term friendly amendment. Are you proposing a friendly amendment? And if so, what is the amendment? Yes, and to include the subpoena of witnesses. Okay. So then I need to go to the motion makers to see if you would accept that friendlyd. I wouldn't at this time. I'd like it to go forward as under our recommendations to Saturday, the recommendations we put together. And I say that with all respect to my colleague and your concerns. And we have four days between now and then to continue our dialogue and continue the conversation. And it's interesting, we had a speaker in earlier tonight who said, thank you for correcting a mistake that you made five years ago and fixing a map. But again, I mean, if this proves to be problematic, not only we can adapt it and we can adapt it quickly, but I'd prefer to move it forward in the format that, you know, the committee recommended and we'll continue the discussion on Saturday. Councilman O'Neary. I appreciate that. And I'll just say, I think either way we need to get this up and running. And I think either way it's need to get this up and running. And I think either way, it's gonna be a trial and error. I'm just gonna put my engineering hat on for a second. Like, when you design anything, you're always gonna have to go back and modify and fine tune things. Nothing works as intended, the way you design it on paper. So I think that's gonna to be one of those situations. So I do hope that, yes, in the future, this, you know, if we have issues to work out that this comes back to us, but I really also share the sentiment of this needs to get up and running. So yeah. Thank you. OK. So we have a couple options here, since the amendment was not accepted by the motion makers. You could put forth a motion and try and get a second or you could vote no on this recognizing that we will still have Saturday to have the discussion So I guess let me call is there a second to councilman on newbies proposal Okay, so hearing done then the proposal for an amendment dies. There's still a motion and a second on the floor to move forward with this for first reason. Reading and docketing for second reading and passage on Saturday. Is there any discussion? Okay, hearing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed say nay. Aye. Okay, the motion carries 6 to 1. Madam clerk next item. Our liminary at delete work session. Okay. So we are now I'm going to give our budget team an opportunity to come up and get get situated and we are going to go into our ad delete work session. Okay. So, just so that we are all on the same page. I know this is the first time for some of us, or even the first time, different roles, or format. Here's how we are going to proceed through this. First and foremost, all of the rules for how we structure our ad deletes and what is on the board and how we work through this process. Our outlined in resolution 3259, which is on the website as well as the additional context in the first budget memo. We're going to start with Director Raout, who's just kind of going to give an overview of those rules, so we're all on the same page. From there, we are going to turn to our budget worksheet, which has all the proposed ad deletes. You'll recognize they're broken into two categories. One is majority, so those that have majority co-sponsorship, so that means you have four votes or more. These second set are those that do not have three vote, four votes or more. The way that I will propose that we work through this after we hear from Director Rout is that I would like to go through line by line. I will call the item and I will ask the sponsor to explain what it is just so that we're all on the same page. For those that already have majority support, I will ask, does anyone want to remove their name or does anyone have any comments or changes just so we can make sure if nobody's. If nobody's changing anything, it stays, it's moving until we kind of have our final discussion. For those that do not have a majority support, we'll kind of go through the same process. I will call the item. I will ask the sponsor to explain, and then I will ask if anyone wants to add their name. If nobody wants to add their name, then there's not majority support, and it dies. You could make a proposal, I think folks have been through this, you could make a proposal to change something around in order to try and get your support, and at that point we will engage in other discussion. The other thing folks should note is that the bottom, you'll see multiple tabs. We can go through different scenarios and play around with us until we get to consensus. And if we don't get to consensus, which I honestly don't even want to speak into existence, we'll come back next week and try again. But Director Raout, can you just kind of go through as we're going through this? What are I guess kind of the rules of engagement for how we can move or not move money, the difference between things like one time or ongoing and sources. Yes, I can do that. Oh, I'm sorry, I thought one really important place. Before we do any of this, my colleague needs to make a disclosure. Council middle newbie. Thank you Madam Mayor. Madam Mayor, I'm advised that at least two of the Adelaide proposals from my colleagues involve funds intended for Romada in the city manager's proposed budget. Based on guidance from the city attorney's office in the event that the nice discussion involve Romada and only one other agency I am unable and unable to and will not participate in that portion of the meeting due to my employment with Romada. However, I can't participate in the final overall budget adoption on April 30th and other discussions involving Womada and at least two other agencies due to an applicable legal exception with which allows members of a business profession occupation or group of three or more people, the members of which are affected by the transaction to participate in the transaction despite having a personal interest. Thank you. And just so my colleagues know as we move money or have any discussions that engage with funds from Womada, there might be other disclosures that we will pause for Councilman O'Neil. Director Raul. Good evening. Thank you Madam Mayor, members of Council, Morgan Raul, Director for Management Budget, joined by Amanda Ham, Assistant Director, who's going to be managing our spreadsheet. Thank you. You talked us through the process, just to give a little bit of additional background for guidelines. First and foremost, the only items included in budget memo number 99, which are listed on the sheet up here, are eligible for consideration tonight. No new revenue sources may be introduced, no new expenditures may be introduced, we're limited to just these items. You mentioned one time versus ongoing. Items proposed for ongoing funding will be considered permanent adjustments to the budget. Those additions and any reductions used to fund them would be built into the FY27 base budget. Items proposed for one time funding will be considered temporary additions for FY26 only. Those additions will be removed from the FY27 base budget and any of the reductions used to fund them would be restored to their original sources in FY27. So just to give you a couple examples of that there are several items under consideration for funding for reductions in the an of them Alexandria hospital. three of them the parking garage, wage item, the therapeutic recreation, and the city clerk's office, funding items are proposed as ongoing items. And if approved, that would result in sustained funding for those initiatives in future years. But then also the funding that was used, the reduction in the hospital funding, would be a permanent reduction. And by permanent, I mean, it would require a future council action if they wanted to put it back. We would assume for future budget planning that that money is gone. Conversely, for the one-time items, the capital food, capital area food bank, the healthy homes and the schools operating transfer, those are proposed as one-time items. Those additions would be included in FY26 and then removed from the base budget in FY27 and the funding would be returned back to the ANOVA contribution budget. Goal of tonight's work session is to achieve consensus on which items to include in the final budget in what amounts and then what to do if they serve plus if there's any remaining. I have further explanation on what we do if you don't achieve consensus, but I will not read that because we're going to will that not to be we have to talk about it later we will. We're manifesting that's right we're manifesting tonight. Are there any questions. Any questions. Okay, with that we're going to go ahead and get started. The first item is the rental pilot subsidy program. This is one that I proposed. It is the amount of $100,000 and it's ongoing. This was something that we were asked to look into by a number of members of our community, specifically as a way to help us achieve deeper levels of affordability in some of our housing stock. The way the program currently works is residents through DCHS, they are referred to the program. And then this pilot pays a supplemental amount, which is the difference between what the household can afford and then the affordable rent for the unit that they are occupying. I have proposed ten additional units here because in speaking with our staff and DCHS and the office of housing, this is the amount of additional pilot units that we could bring forth without adding additional staff and still being able to increase the number of residents who benefit but also not adding additional expenses to the program at this time. So my question is, is there anyone who wants to remove their name from this one? Are there any comments on this one? Okay, then with that, we will move on to the next one. The Sheriff's Supplemental Retirement System Contribution for eligibility changes and the sponsor is Vice Mayor Bagley. Thank you, Mayor Gaskins, and thank you to my colleagues who helped provide a majority support on this item. We had a lengthy discussion about this during our work session. This is meant to align essentially what is currently a disconnect between the retirement lengths and ages, between various city departments. The Sheriff's Office indicated to us that their expectation and belief that this would not only improve recruitment and retention and morale, but also allow people to retire at an appropriate age and time given the nature of the work. We've been discussing this item for several years. You know, those of us who have served in the last term as well and I'm appreciative of those who signed on to this relatively minor addition to the Sheriff's Office budget. And I hope we can move forward with this and report any questions or comments. Is there anyone who wants to remove their names from this one? Okay. Anyone who has comments, Councilman Aguirre. I just had a quick question. So because it's ongoing and you're taking it from technical adjustments, where we're gonna try and find the money again next year somewhere else or did you have? Let me turn this one to director route and then yeah, we're considering the technical adjustment be going be an ongoing source because it is a reduction in the base budget for this current fiscal year the technical adjustment is a change in the health insurance premiums and so that It's considered a change to the base budget. Okay. Gotcha. Other questions or comments on this one? Okay. With that, we will move to small business support contingent reserves and the sponsor is Councilor Mimic pipe. Yes. Thank you. This is a program brought to us by some small business owners here in Oldtown who are looking for some city support as they engage in the activities that help foster economic vitality in Oldtown. It's a small amount of money being placed in contingency that staff can work with the business community in Oldtown to determine the proper way to expend these funds and support of these operations. And the funding comes from the removal of the Dell Pepper Shuttle, which was a program that Council moved, actually, Vice Mayor Bagley and I put in the budget last year, which really wasn't seeing much utilization. Okay. Anyone who wants to remove their name from this one? Any questions or comments? Vice Mayor Bagley. I just want to acknowledge the work of my colleague on this because it's a good example I think of where he listened to the public last year and created the shuttle, trying to be responsive to what we're concerned about access to the Delpepper Center. We funded it. We tried it for a year, but what's become apparent is that there's probably different better solutions. And so he put forward the idea of reallocating these funds in another way. So I just wanted to express my appreciation for working with him last year on the shuttle and being able to work with him again this year on a Reallocation of some of these funds Then the next one is parking garage staff contract and the sponsor is Councilman Aguirre Do you want to tell us what it is? Sorry. I lost track. I was looking at another portion of the spreadsheet. So this would be ongoing, specifically for the parking grouch staff that we have for the underground parking that we have here at City Hall. I had a conversation with a couple of the attendants and you know trying to stay competitive with DC in the surrounding area and you know we were able to take a look at what some other folks are looking at. I think it's well this is specifically for the parking garage and this contract. I think the larger conversation for this body to tackle, hopefully in the near future is the living wage ordinance that we have. The last time it's been updated has been several years, and this of course would have a much larger impact on our budgets in the future because we would be looking at all the contracts throughout the city. So I think this is, well this is just a small portion now at the parking garage. I think again there's a larger conversation that we'll have soon. Thank you. Is there anyone who wants to remove their name from this one? I just want to offer up a comment. I just want to thank you for bringing this forward. I do support this as well. I think we heard really powerful testimony not only this year but in previous years as well. I think I'm going to raise this during orals but there are a number of things that came up during this budget where we need to have a longer conversation and get some additional data on the ongoing fiscal impact and I think the living wage ordinances is one of those. So staff can just make note of that and make sure that when we are entering into our next set of budget deliberations, we have the data we need to understand the implications of changes to the ordinance. With that I'm going to move us to the next one which is the area food bank contribution. And I was the sponsor for this one. This is a one time out of $25,000. I did get some questions. It's like why would we give funds to the capital area food bank? Just so folks know, the way kind of our food network works in the city is the food bank receives donations from growers, from grocers, and from the federal government. They then bring that food to their warehouse, and they prepare that food and sort of prepare it for distribution in terms of packaging and so forth. Then they partner with nonprofits all across our regions. So groups like Alive, Mother of Light, the Alexandria Food Pantry, Grace Episcopal Church, Northern Virginia Community College, they don't receive food directly. They receive that food from the food bank. So they are kind of members of that larger network. And so being a partner with the food bank allows them to receive meals. It allows them to receive greater power in terms of purchasing food that they might need. If you think about a community as diverse as ours, there are members of our community that need all of the food items. There we go. Hello, food items. That's not always the main thing. I'll give it a second. Not sure. Kirk, is that you? Yeah. OK, I think we're all set now. And so for the regional warehouse at the Capital Area Food Bank, all of our neighboring jurisdictions have come paid into as well so that it's kind of a regional support system. This is an opportunity for us to pay a small contribution to continue to benefit for that system, but also to help them with purchasing since the warehouse is already built. They'll be able to use this funds for additional refrigeration, storage, and other things that will help boost their supply and ultimately help our Alexandria partners receive more meals and food. Anyone who wants to remove their name from this one? Any questions or comments comes from a Gary. Thank you Madam Mayor and I fully support this as well. I was able to tour the site that they were looking at and then when they're building it. You know capillary food bank is a huge component of the region. Very Councilman McGregor, in one second. We have lost Councilman McPike. He cannot hear us. He just said he can't hear anything. Okay, Councilman McP Pike, can you hear us? I can now. Thank you. All right. Councilmember Garry. Magic. So yeah, like I was saying, I totally support this. One quick comment. I see that we have a coming out of the NOAA contingency. I was actually curious if you wanted to take it out of one of the other one-time money pots like the WOMATA. So the question was do we want to use a different pot instead of the ANOVA contingency? So I have some hesitation that I'm hoping we can discuss on a larger conversation about the WOMATA money. I'm just a little concerned that that's a nice bonus that we have now, but I'm not sure kind of what that'll look like in future years. I will say the reason why I chose this source is I was thinking kind of like food and health and health related. And so I was trying to make that connection. I'm open. I just want to make this. But yeah, I 100% agree with you. The amount of money this is a one time thing, right? This isn't. But. I just want to make it. Well, yeah, I would 100% agree with you. The amount of money, this is a one-time thing, right? This isn't. But also, the contribution to the food bank is one time, right? Yeah. I was just looking to make one time one time. That's what I'm getting at. I've got it. And then leave the ANOVA money open for us to look at things that are ongoing. Because potentially at this point we're short 90K out of the ANOVA money. So this would just help to an Oregon director out of the, you know, mind me correct me if I'm wrong on. Okay. We're 90 short out of ANOVA. Yeah, I think it's correct how many ANOVA. Yes. On the ANOVA contingency you're over by $90,000. if you all do everything that's on that list. But I believe there's additional funding within the base budget and I have no idea that we would likely shift that over too. Right. So the larger question. I guess the larger question we'll reconcile with at some point is how we want to address the different I know an on-n-view paper, another disclosure. Because we are talking about money, I cannot participate in the current situation. I'm not going to be able to do this. I'm not going to be able to do this. I'm not going to be able to do this. I'm not going to be able to do this. I'm not going to be able to do this. I'm not going to be back to my colleague, come from an on-e-vie for another disclosure. Because we are talking about online money, I cannot participate in the current discussion pursuant to the previously provided disclosure because it involves women and only one other agency. And for the record, I did not call on you, so he did not participate in any part of this discussion. Let's create another spreadsheet and let's propose taking this out of the Womata. To those who signed on to this ad with me, do you have any objections, at least for the sake of mapping this out in discussion if we move to a different fund? It's only $25,000. And it's one. Madam Mayor. Councilman McPick. So I have no opposition of funding this with whatever source. My question is, is will Mata money even guaranteed one time money? My understanding is that we don't know that we're going to get this $1 million from the moda and given the current situation with the budget in DC where they may need to cut some of their moda funding, could it be that anything that we fund with this one moda money just doesn't end up happening because it's not available. And I wouldn't want to put this capital area food bank contribution in a bucket that maybe empty when we go to spend it. Director Rao. So the million dollar reduction in the city's contribution was included in the Metro's final adopted budget. They took that action last week. But I think it's also fair to say that there's uncertainty surrounding future funding for Metro. So from a technical standpoint, they did adopt the reduction from a planning perspective. And there are some certainly some risks there. Since this is one time expense, we don't need to worry about those out years with this. So I thank you very much. That answers my question. But I do appreciate you raising that because there are some things on here that are funded on going using that source and Recognizing that there's uncertainty we probably need to have that discussion as we reach those pieces Okay, so that covers the food bank right now. We're gonna map a scenario where we take it out of our Modifense All right now We are going to move to the therapeutic recreation out of four out of school time program and because we are no longer discussing what modifunds I'm going to turn to council and on movie since this is his sponsor to add to join the conversation. I can speak again. All right. Thank you Madam Mayor. This ad, this topic came to me from some parents of students with special needs about our therapeutic correct program and the outer school program. So this ad would put funding in there to add four therapeutic rec specialists in the after school program. So it is a double benefit. It will help us add personnel to the out of school program in the areas where we have, or in the locations where we have still have space, have capacity. But it would also help us to better accommodate our students with special needs who are in the outer school or the after school programs in those sites. And those sites happen to be on the West End. And outer school time was of the one of the priorities of City Council that we identified in the retreat and also as well as eliminating community disparities. With that I hope my colleagues wouldn't support this. Okay. Is there anyone who wants to remove their support? Any questions or comments? I do have two questions. I think they may be for you. Well, I guess the first question comes from an onubi. Can you speak to me about why four positions? Yes, because that's where we have capacity for. So we have capacity in two locations and by adding to positions, location, we will add about, I believe it was either 20 or 40 seats per location. So that's how much capacity we still have. And given the cost proposed here, am I correct to assume that these are temporary workers? The other question I had in Director Rout, I think this one is for you. My understanding is that these funds would cover the staffing, but the other things that we use to cover the programming is through USDA grant. Given just the changes we are seeing with the new administration, is there any concerns or risks we need to have around that grant funding and should we lose it? How would we support new participants to the program? I mean, I believe there's ongoing concern about any grant funding and something that we're continuing to monitor. So I think we'd have to look into what the portion of the USDA funding that goes to this program is. But that with all other forms of grant funding that we're carefully watching and may have to adjust. I just didn't know if this would be, I feel like there are some things that we've heard are at greater risk than others. I didn't know maybe where that fell on our risk calculation. I think we'd have to get back to you on that. So we can provide that information. If you need to make a decision tonight, then I think either you fund it, and we get back to you if we see a concern there, or we put in contingency and proceed that way. So I'd be supportive, I think my colleagues, it sounds like everyone's supportive of moving this forward. So I would be supportive of keeping the funding, but I do think we will need some sort of update, especially as additional cuts to USDA come. And if at that point we need to pivot or shift, just I think that's important. We can do that. Thank you. Councilman on Newbie. Just a quick clarification. Eliminating community disparities was the priority. And out of school time was identified as an objective under that priority in our retreat. And the number of kids enrolled in out of school time was identified as a metric. I want to clarify that. Thank you you. Never the engineer. Yes, got to make sure all the points. Are you pointing? Councilman Chapman. Thank you. I think my question kind of for staff based on the mayor's kind of last comment. So I want to understand what happens if there's a shift what would happen with this this potential money if there's some shift in I guess grant funding on the program out side with a staff side. So I suspect if there's a if there's a loss of that grant funding it's going to go deeper than just these two positions that it's going to affect the larger program And so we're probably going to need funds to Shore up whatever we can so I suspect that any funding that gets approved here if there's loss of grant funding We'll go into figuring out what the solution to that is going to be perfect Thank you. Just just add to that, I mean, depending on what transpires, we bring that to council, particularly if it was a substantial change, where we might provide some options, including not doing something or an alternative funding source. Because I do think that any funding coming from the federal side is at risk. I think that's a fair statement at this point. So we can get you more information, but I think the way we would handle this would be come back to you with some options if it was substantial. Yeah, if I could do a follow-up. Because I want to understand, I think, something we've also put in the budget for this year is a couple of kinds of pots of money. One in particular to be ready for kind of any changes at the federal level. And I think one of the things would be interesting or would be probably necessary is to understand what is going to trigger some of the usage of those funds. And for example, if this program or funding being taken away from this program actually triggers the usage of that money? Yeah, I think picking up where a Councilman Chapman left, I think it would be helpful to kind of understand some criteria for what triggers that, but also how we prioritize. Because I mean, I'm thinking there are multiple programs at risk. I think a better understanding of what does the USDA grant cover. I'm going to make an assumption because it's USDA that it's probably food. And so how are we, if a program like this is cut, how are we managing that? But also across, is it all of our programs that depend on this program? Is it all the rec center? Is it, if they're having USDA because is it also ACPS's meal programs? But I think we need some way of like, front. that's dependent on this program. Is it all the rec center? Is it if they're having USDA cuts, is it also a CPS is meal programs? But I think we some need some way of like prioritizing what happens when these potential cuts may come to be. OK. Thank you. Especially if we're advertising new positions with this, I think we just want to be extremely transparent about the vulnerability of this position. Yes, and these are temporary seasonal positions, but they are still positions. Thank you. Other questions or comments on this one? Okay, I'm going to move us then to the next one, which is the Healthy Homes Initiative, and the sponsor was Councilwoman Green. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The 2025 Healthy Homes Action Plan launched back in early April. And the grant funding that they were awarded for this program was then pulled. So they're actually running the program now without any money. So this grant, just let me back up a little bit, the Healthy Homes Action Plan basically implements strategies to improve healthy living conditions in amongst our economically disadvantaged Alexandria residents. So that grant money was pulled. So this ad is to keep the program running through the Alexandria Health Department through FY26. Is there anyone who wants to pull their support from this? So I don't want to pull my support but I do have a question I would like to propose to you, Councilwoman Green, but also to the Council as we think about this one. I was really excited for this, and I signed on because I think the Healthy Homes Initiative is awesome, and I think it does really great work. My concern is we just received, I think, an email about a week ago from the Health Department that they've lost some other funds that are focused on outreach, engagement, immunizations, community health assessment. I think we've also heard from them that we have our community health improvement plan coming up and there are some important tactics they want to be able to implement. So my question would be, I wonder if maybe it makes sense to, instead of designating this to the Healthy Homes Initiative at this time, would you be open to maybe a contingency that is still for the health department? And then they can come back to us with their prioritization of like what is the most important use right now given the multiple programs that they are losing funding from. Yes, and we did Mayor Gesson and I did talk about this before the meeting and I would be open to that. Thank you. I know there were some other folks who signed on to this. I just want to check in with folks to see where comes the category. I just had a clarifying question. Is this still going to be for the full 120 or is it just going to be for the 90 out of the original? I'd like to see it for the full 120. Yes. So follow up question. Well, there are my, I guess, you know, I'm answering my own question here because I was going to say if they're running this program with nothing, Sure, getting them money is good, but then the whole amount is really for the health department. I think that's the way I'm thinking about it is that I think this is an opportunity for the other programs that they are running with something and losing. Is this a way to give us a space for them to come back to us to build that gap? Yeah. I'm just with the spreadsheet. I hate the little dangler out the 30 there, but yeah, that's fine. I'm sorry. Councilman Chapman. First, let me ask a kind of a process question. Because I want to understand kind of what we're doing here, what the process is, right? I think we have ad delete for the specific program. It had obviously a number of supporters. And now we're looking at putting money into contingency for an on specific purpose and we're gonna have staff come back to us even though we again have want to say a million dollars for kind of buffer for exactly the type of thing this example brings forward. And so I kind of want to understand why we wouldn't kind of lean on that chunk of money versus change in a specific program ad. I mean, I'd ask the sponsor for kind of her response on that. I'm sorry, so. So I want to lay it out again. We've now changed what the focus is on this particular program add to a contingent reserve for something that hasn't been specified yet because of potential federal or not potential, actual actual federal cuts, where we have a million dollar buffer in our budget for those type of cuts. And so I'm trying to understand why if those are the type of cuts from the health department that they're seeing from a programmatic standpoint, Would that not, again, my question around triggering that amount of money, I need to understand what we're going to do and how we're going to trigger that amount of money if we have that happening. Because I think what I'm trying to understand is why we would negate a program that we say that this money was going to go to for the purposes of duplicating an effort that we already have in the budget So so I guess with I guess it would be if If the buffer would be used. I mean this is this this has happened now and is up and running and my thought was I want to You know supplement to give them this money because it was pulled up properly and the program is running I think with what and I won't talk from Eric Essence But other things since this ad have been pulled as well from the health department and that's why we're Seeking to open up to contingency. And in that contingency, I'm sure that healthy homes will probably still be in there when it came back from the health department, but I'm sure that they would be looking at that as to what else may potentially be used. As for the million dollars, I'm not sure how that would work for them to utilize that for this. Yeah, I mean, so I guess part of why I raised it for the question is I was looking at what is the type of work that is being done like that we're proposing with the Healthy Homes initiative. My understanding is that most of that work is through outreach and engagement and specifically outreach to certain populations within our community. and that there's overlap between that work as well as some of the other things that they're trying to do in the health department, which is why I mentioned not only the piece about the federal funding laws, but there are other programs they've brought up that are related to housing outreach related to the chip and other programs. And so I guess what I'm trying to create is do we want to dictate what that looks like when even they're still figuring out the Healthy Homes Initiative. Like they're supposed to come back to us in May with a report of what are the action shots? What are the... do we want to dictate what that looks like? When even they're still figuring out the Healthy Homes initiative, like they're supposed to come back to us in May with a report of what are the action shots, what are they supposed to do, where do they want to go? Do we want to dictate that now, or would we want to set that money aside? And if it is Healthy Homes, and they come back, and they come back in our specific about what that is being used for versus something broad, or is it healthy homes plus? Is it engagement across all of these pieces? But I just feel like us, dictating, or I guess maybe us spelling this out right now before we have the additional information about what is the highest and best use of engagement in outreach activities for the health department right now. I, that feels a little premature for me. OK, I guess I got confused because we had signatories on a ad that was very specific to a program. And I think this program, I guess, I hear what you're saying. I think the program is still a part of that conversation. Councilman Aguieri, Vice Mayor Bagley. So, in looking at this again, I hear we're Councilman Chapman is coming from, and given that this is coming, and this is supposed to be a one time, and it's coming out of recurring money, I am actually thinking we push this to the whole amount of money again. Sorry, not to exclude my colleague. Let's have the disclosure. Gotta have it up and ready. Just to say me clearly. I can pull it up. I cannot participate in the current discussion pursuant to the previously provided disclosure because it involves Womada and only one other agency. All right. All right, so we have a proposal to move this to a different funding source, which would be the Womada funding source for one time. So I think the reasoning for pulling it from I know is because the health initiative, that's why it came from I know I don't, I mean, I don't, I guess I wouldn't understand the switch to Womata from I know. Yeah, absolutely, because one is recurring money and one is one time. It's just pretty straightforward. And just because it's another money doesn't mean it has to go to something that's health-related. Because you're doing a one-time action, I'm taking it from one-time money, which actually opens up recurring money for different discussion. Okay. I follow the logic on the funding source. I'm not sure that I know if it addresses Councilman Chapman's concern. And so I just I guess I appreciate where the dialogue is going versus one time and sustaining and I'm fine with that. I was following the conversation about the the nature of a potential contingency. And so I guess I'm asking maybe the sponsor and the mayor to... that I was following the conversation about the nature of a potential contingency. And so I guess I'm asking maybe the sponsor and the mayor to restate for me kind of where we are now, just in the dialogue in light of I guess Council Member Chapman's concerns and they may not change anything. But if one of you wouldn't mind just sort of reframing what the current proposal is now funding source and usage. Sure, I'm happy to. I guess what I am hearing is that it would be a one-time funding source using one-moder money contingency for the health department to come back to us on how they could use this funds for either the healthy homes or other initiatives within the health department that advance the same goals or work as a healthy homes initiative. Okay. So where does then that leave us on this? Councilman and Gary. Madam Mayor, I hear my colleague, Councilman Travind, is coming from. Personally, I would feel comfortable moving this forward as a contingent, but I would feel much better if there was agreement around making it contingent out of the will-model money. Okay. And I think I heard that Vice Mayor Batley supportive of that, I'm supportive of that, are you supportive as the sponsor council member? I am supportive, thank you. Okay, so then let's move this and council member McPike, are you supportive of that? Okay, So this still maintains majority. Amanda, if you wouldn't mind putting that on that second spreadsheet, where we're checking the coming out of a different source. OK. I'm now going to move us to the dot-paratit contingent reserves and this sponsor was vice mayor Bagley. Thank you, Mayor Gaskins. And let me first begin by saying I'm fully supportive of the dot paratransit program and want to acknowledge that my interest in this program and my desire to, you know, create this contingency, really grew out of dialogue with my colleague, Councilman McGuirey, over the last few years, about the work of the program and the possibilities for improvement in the program. And so, my intention with this contingency is merely to hold back essentially a quarter of the budget so that some current actually really good work that's already underway can take place and evaluate the program and then come back to us before the end of the year with how they have improved the program, how they have, you know, changed software, advanced the call center. So the intention here again is not to reduce the program, not to impact service, but really to Maximize the way the funds are used and to improve the user experience. And so I appreciate my colleagues have signed on members of the community that spoke on this and would ask for your continuing support. Okay, is there anyone who wants to remove their support from this one? Any questions or comments? Consumnetic Gary. Just comment fully in support. I want to thank the vice mayor for putting this in. We've been wanting to have a deeper conversation for a while. Two heads is better than one. Three heads since Councilman Chevin brought it. It was having the Transportation Commission better than two. So I'm excited about this. I'm excited about what we're doing around para transit to be able to highlight it. And then of course, at the end of the day, make the end user experience even better. Councilman Chapman. And I would also say kind of dido to my colleague, getting a presentation the other day with the energy from that staff member about the para transit program is exceptional. So I'm fully supportive of this and how we kind of grow this as an entity that is serving some of our folks that need that additional support. Okay, then I'm going to move this to the next one. I'm first going to ask Councilman Elnub to make his disclosure. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I cannot participate in the current discussion pursuant to the previously provided disclosure because it involves Omada and one other agency. Okay, this is dash line 32, landmark to Van Doren Metro, contingent on Omada savings. And the sponsor was vice mayor Ben. Yes, thank you, Mayor Gaskins. And thank you to the co-sponsors on this item. It's interesting. We met with some high school students earlier today, and the one topic that they had multiple questions about was actually Dash service, and are you going to keep it fair-free? And I appreciate the bus being fair-free. And so it was a nice shot in the arm, I think, before a dialogue tonight on this topic. This is obviously a modest expansion of service, sort of just in recognition of the budget year there were in and taking sort of some modest steps where we can, this council and prior councils created the Fair Feet program, the bus re-alignment, this is intended to continue inching us towards that fully realized vision for Dash. The one change I would like to put on the table, and it's actually kind of building off of, and I appreciate that my colleagues are already out of the conversation, is this conversation we've already had in a few items about one time versus sustaining. And I think given, yes, Womada did adopt the budget, and this money is theoretically available. What I don't want is for this to be a one time transfer to, you know, to create this service and then next year not have it be available. So what I'd like to propose for discussion and adoption potentially is that we shift, because this is a potentially recurring item, you know, enhancing this service, we shifted away from a one-time, well-mata savings and rather into one of the recurring availabilities in either the ANOVA contingency or the ANOVA other health services area. And Morgan, if you could, could you use this moment to sort of speak to those two numbers that are above ANOVA contingency and ANOVA other health services and sort of what the scope and what what certainly what those mean yeah So act there's a you see there's a number at the top of each of the columns of the sources That is the sum of all of the of mounts that were proposed to be used used or included in proposals from council members. So in any case where someone proposed using technical adjustments or the shuttle then that's the amount of savings it would be revised. For the two ANOVA items the first one is the contingency which is not actually in the other health services budget. It's in the non-departmental budget, and that total amount is $490,575. In the ANOVA other health services, there is another budget of $490,575. So the ANOVA contribution is basically split between those two sources. Only $230,000 of that was identified through proposals, but $490,575 is a total amount that's in that budget. So then what I'm going to do is before I ask the question of anyone taking off, I think we need to address there's now a proposal for a different funding source. So I'm going to go to each of the co-sponsors and see their agreement or questions with that. Councilman Chapman, then Councilman Aguieri, then Councilman McPike. So I think for me, and I understand, so let me start here. I would not change it to ongoing in this budget. I think for me, you know, I'll be very open with the public. For next year's budget, I've already discussed with a number of people the idea of changing our transportation reservation. And so in that instance, if we looked at that, and that's two, I think it's 2.2 cents on the tax rate for transportation improvement projects, including dash lines. I would keep it as a one time to look to make that maneuver next year for our budget. That would take care of that line, but also a number of other transportation projects and conversations that we don't have. And so I don't want to tell you no, I don't want to move it on going because I just wanted for this year. There's intent behind my one year explanation for this because I think we have to have a broader Spunding conversation, but also we have a tool that we need and can adjust for Additional revenue for transportation projects and that would cover it for the future years And that's how I'm seeing it. Obviously. I'm stealing some stunder hopefully from the manager who might look at that, but I think that's a tool that we could use for something like this. And I think in my earlier conversations with an unnamed person, I think I have to say it like that. I discuss that as well, because I do think that's something that we do, but I think there is an ongoing revenue source. It's just not something we've called out or asked to do in this particular budget. And so I would still keep it in one time. Okay. I'm kind of hearing your thoughts on this. I'm really torn. You know, in a typical budget year, I'd be all in. I'd actually probably be pushing for more. To get even more service given what we're going through right now. I feel a little bit more reserved and almost saying. That we not go after this this year. And given what councilman Chapman is saying, potentially going after a larger fish next year. I know that means it's another year of not moving forward with part of what the vision was already supposed to be yet. I fully acknowledge that. I'm going to use the word of the year There's just a lot of uncertainty, right? So, I guess I wanna throw the ball back to my colleague and get any comments from her. Yeah, well, actually we need to hear from. Yeah, let's just hear from Councilmember Pike. We have everyone in the, um, all the co-sponsors in and then I want to come back to you. Councilmember Pike. I think John raises the point, um, you know, uh, I think that we should do this. I think we should always be doing some sort of dash expansion, uh, when the opportunity arises and we do have the the opportunity this year with a variety of different funding sources. So I'm comfortable with the approach that Sarah's outlined. I'm also comfortable with taking this from a moda because it would be a transit to transit transfer. If we want to take just one time money for this to sort of hold ourselves using that option next year, which I agree with Councilman Chapman, we're going to need to do. Okay, I'm gonna come to my summary bag. I guess my question that I would wanna understand, well, actually before I come to you, I'm gonna go to maybe director out. I have some hesitation about doing one time money for a transit lot, because I think what we want to create is the expectation that the service you received today is going to be the service that you received tomorrow. And so I guess how should we be thinking about this? If we do it as one time, how do we ensure that there's still some protection moving forward? So I think the notion of exploring that alternative transportation source has merit and I think it's certainly something worth looking into in the next budget. I think you also do need to consider the possibility that if it is not accepted by the community, then you have to ask yourself what do you do from there? You either have to discontinue the service or you have to identify another source. Okay. Vice Mayor Bagley. So what I appreciate about this is I'm hearing a universal support for service. You know, I think like that's, you know, the framing here is everybody would like to find a way to take out the trash. Every night. Everybody would, I want to start from that place, is that I'm not hearing generalized pushback on the concept of, in continuing to invest in and expand dash service were possible. I appreciate also, and the fact that it is coming from Councilman Aguirre is sort of saying, you know, is the most vocal, historical supporter of Dash. It's meaningful to me that he's sort of expressing some hesitation. But I think, given all the options on the table, I think what Councilman Chapman has outlined here and since Director Roud is sort of acknowledging its plausibility, you know, as a funding source, I could be amenable to making this one time, which is what we're saying here, right? We're acknowledging will-mata funds. We're not going to be able to rely on this reduction next year, which is why we're thinking of it as a one-time pot. So if we move forward with it in Womata, we would do so. And let me just also express part of why this ad was written at this amount in this way was through dialogue with Dash and an acknowledgement that hopefully it is a small enough edition of service that whatever next year brings that dash can find it in their budget, you know, or make their other decisions, their other vacancy savings, their other, you know, their other analysis that it doesn't necessarily mean if we add it this year, it will come back next year without these particular one-time funds because it's of a small enough nature, you know, it's particular cost. I'm less fearful that, you know, we can't find a way forward. So it's of a small enough nature. It's a particular cost. I'm less fearful that we can't find a way forward. So it's a long-winded way of saying, I could be amenable if it had full support to keeping it in Womada, which is one time. With the broader understanding that my colleagues are also indicating their support for this beyond a one time we want to see this continue and our commitment and future budgets is to find a way to do that. Let me ask this. I hate to further complicate this. I guess I'm reflecting on the conversations we had with Dash both in the work sessions but also the transit stockholder meeting. They brought up not only expansion, but they brought up a need for new buses and that they might not be able to have the electrification grants and all of these other things. I know we've talked about having a work session later in the summer. I'm wondering, like, do we want to commit this to a line now or would folks be open to just having this contingency for a dash and dash figures out what they need to be able to use this money for? Just throwing that out there to the sponsors. I'm constantly going to go. I'll comment for it, No. I mean, I'm just proposing it. I mean, if it's one time, I just want to make sure we're allowing them to leverage. No, and not to be contrite, just by saying there, let me expand a little bit. I think Dash gave us a menu of items. It was looked over carefully. There was significant input from folks that were named. That, you know, I don't know if I identified this need. And I think if we were to give the money to Dash, I think that's a good section to improve run times on. The only thing that I would have considered above this section is the extension down Mount Vernon Avenue and that is still being studied and that is not something that might come next year or might come in two years. But outside of that, I think this is one of the highest priorities. Right, Vice Mayor Bagley. And to that end, I mean, again, part of why, if there was anything to be done this year, and I'm glad my colleague brought it up, is that Dash also, their chart, gives us sort of equity factors. And this portion of this route had the highest sort of equity score in terms of impact. And so this touches, I think, on many of our priorities, from transportation equity, economic impacts, climate impact. So I appreciate the creative thinking, but I would like to keep it committed to line 32 if possible. OK. All right, then I think what I'm hearing, just to keep the conversation going, is there is majority support to do this for one time using the WAMADA savings? That comes from Chapman. And just for staff and for us, I think for our benefit, if we can make a note around making sure that we have that conversation, maybe in our fall retreat around kind of that additional reservation and what we can do with that, how much that produces and the types of projects that way it's fully in front of us and there's no question about do we drop the ball on funding for this line. I just want to make sure that's fully expressed. Yeah. You can do that. Thank you. Director. Okay. So now we have gotten through, um, I just show people know where we are. There's two scenarios. Um, this one is the original one. Slide S2 is this one, um, which uses different funding sources. It moves some things to Womata instead of Anovah. So just so people are tracking that we're monitoring these both. We're now going to move to the ones that did not have majority co-sponsorship. As I mentioned at the beginning, same thing. I will call on the sponsor. And then I will ask you to give a quick description description and then I will ask if anyone wants to add their name. So a different question. Madam Mayor. Yes, Councilor McGarry. I would ask humbly if we can move the fourth one first and just get it all the way. I think that one might be easier. I accept that. It's not a motion. This's not a rural process. It's your process. That's why I'm asking. Because you ask so nicely. We can start with, actually, we're going to start with one other one before that. Because Vice Mayor Bagley wanted to remove hers from consideration. So we'll start with the Mick Arthur Elementary School. Then we will go to the Clerks office. Then we will go to two items that I suspect we'll have more discussion. So, Vice Mayor Bagley. Thank you, Mayor Gaskins. And this should be brief. I appreciate those who signed on to this. I also appreciate the work that I'm in the dialogue with some school board members around this topic. This ad was written with a vision towards executing solar em. the work that in the dialogue with some school board members around this topic. This ad was written with a vision towards executing solar at MacArthur. And though it's very frustrating, the costs involved in that and the dominion connection fees, we will continue to advocate on that issue, but it was written with a desire to move the ball forward and activate that process. However, since crafting the ad and submitting it, I have since learned that ACPS's attempts to establish a public-private partnership to fund the installation of those solar panels at MacArthur Elementary School has not come to fruition yet. And so, without that agreement in place, the installation would cost substantially more than the amount that I have put forward here upwards of a well over a million dollars. So with that in mind, I'm glad I shine light on this issue and the cost involved and the challenge is involved, but I don't think it's worth the council's debate or discussion at this time. Well, thank you, Vice Mayor Bagley, for all the research and everything that you did on this one. I guess how do we indicate this on the spreadsheet? Just delete. If it's OK with you all, I'll just put L0 it out. OK. Can you do it on both scenarios, please, imagine? Sure. OK, then I'm going to go to the clerk. City clerk's office noticing education training operations and operating supplies ad from councilman Aguire. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I would look to my colleagues for supporting this. Given that we are doing town halls outside of here, we are doing much more engagement things. Conversation with the clerk. We are definitely needing more noticing. And it's not just within newspapers. We're looking at potentially doing online noticing. And all of these things cost money. And with inflation, those costs are going up as well. So that's part of the reason behind this. Also with the that the clerk has if there are Professional development opportunities Ensuring that they have some funding for that as well and the operations is just basic day-to-day needs Is there anyone who would like to add their support? Vice mayor Bagley I'm'm not opposed to this. Let me start by saying that. But I would add my support if we might perhaps consider in terms of funding sources and help me out here because this is both small and far away, which for some reason is hard to read. We still have 24K left in the shuttle money and for what it it's worth, I'd like us to dip into that first. So if you're willing to, oh, are you okay? So that would lower the amount needed from any other source. And it's currently coming from ANOVA. So that's a friendly amendment, I guess, or I would join and make it a majority with that change. Does that work for Councilor Garrett? Yeah, that's perfectly fine with me. I was actually something else that I was eyeing, the 24K that was hand in, left over. So I guess it would then become 24 under the shuttle and 21 under a NOVA contingency. Give Amanda a second. While we're doing that, is anyone else who signed on to this avenue? Okay, kind of thumbs up here. Who was the thumbs up there? Councilmember Pike, do you have comments on this given it's the use of shuttle money? No, absolutely. I'm happy to ask. I did just have a question while we're moving things around. Councilmember Geary raised a really good point about the noticing cost. Does is only has a separate budget for their meetings. So, this is for any meetings that all of council will be attending. Thank you. I just, I mean, when he said it, it really was a good idea to have a meeting. I mean, I think it's a good idea to have a meeting. I think it's a good idea to have a meeting. I think it's a good idea to have a meeting. their meetings. So this is for any meetings that all of council will be attending. Thank you. I just I mean when he said it every for their meetings. So this is for any meetings that all of council will be attending. Thank you. I mean, when he said it, it raised for me like, are we accounting for all of the noticing that we need to do and are we making sure that across our budget we have allocated enough funds for that? Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Let's actually go to that second spreadsheet, because I think that's probably the one that we're using right now that shows where everything has been moved. So, Mayor, this is a spreadsheet that is... Sorry, I... Nope. We've also had little back-and-tid copies. Okay. Because I can't follow her. Okay. Come from a pipe. Did the wrong line just get the... Spreadsheet? Because it still has MacArthur solar panels, but it doesn't have the clerk contingency on the sheet that I'm seeing here with his disclosure. She Amanda moved the row 18 because it now it is now part of our package. Okay. So now I'm going to move us to align 23 which is the proposal for the ACPS operating one time transfer option two. I'm going to ask my colleague Councilman Neubi to begin with his disclosure. and commit a mayor, I cannot participate, option two. I'm going to ask my colleague, Councilman Olnubi, to begin with his disclosure. Thank you Madam Mayor. I cannot participate in the current discussion pursuant of the previously provided disclosure because it involves Womada and only one other agency. Thank you. And then I'm going to turn to the sponsor, Councilman Chapman. Thank you Madam Mayor. First question I have, I want to make sure to reading The document correctly are we already over on The Womada savings is that correct? See that's a negative number You shouldn't be right okay, I just wanted to Make sure I'm Tracking Director, can you explain why that's showing up as a negative right now? I believe it's showing up as a negative because it still includes the funding for ACPS. But it's also the number at the top of the page is $444,000 because that's the amount of the proposals that were submitted. The savings is a million. OK. That's the reason why. Thank you. Councilman McGurray. To that point, I've been, I have my own spreadsheet up as well. So for option two, the one time a amount of funding money, if you wanted to make it equals 58, 7.6.9. Where, can you say the route or where you're at? So why is, so option two, line 23, it's still at 204. So there's only, because of what we agreed upon above, there's only 58 7 6 9 left So we're basically saying your option to use 58 K now Vice mayor Bagley Yeah, let me let me let me make it easier on everybody if we had if we addressed option or line 24 first and then came back to line 23, it might help us out because I think I'm following what staff has said and done. The top number, the top row, this would be row 7. Line n. That top number is actually a million. Right now, I mean for how much money there is in Womata savings, what staff has said is that 4400 number, 4444,000 number is the amount of money per the request that we're added. So that's not the full amount of money. And so you're working off in less than half of that savings. That's why it's at such a small amount when you get to line 21. For clarification, should are we able to factor in the full 1 million or we're only able to factor in the pieces that have been proposed? How does that work? I think if you wanted to go the above, we just showed as the top line what has this is, it was a summary of what has been proposed. If you want to go above that number, I don't, that would be fine. Okay, so then let's have you start with line 24. OK. She's option 1. OK. I will do that. And you, I'm sorry, Councillor Neill, you can come back into the conversation. That's right. All right. Welcome back. Yeah. No, I don't think he has to say anything to come back. It's just when he comes out. It's my scenarios question. Oh, place me around. Is there a reason why, though, for sake of this dialogue, we don't want to go... anything to come back. It's just what he comes out. It's my smartness question. Oh, my smart right away. Is there a reason why, though, for sake of this dialogue, we don't want to go ahead and put a million at the top of the woman ought to call them? I'm not saying we should just be. I know what you mean. You know. So that makes it clear for what's left. It should be about $615,000. Yeah. OK. OK. So I'll hold on one second. Councilional newbie. So for ANOVA, other health services, and they're also more than 234 available, can we do that too for the sake of this conversation? It's correct. It's 490,575 is the total budget. Let's go ahead and put those numbers up there so that we're able to see kind of what fully is there or where we're going. All right, now I'm going to come back to you, Councilman Chapman. Can you explain to us the ad and your proposal? And then we will ask if there are others to join. Sure. So let me first talk about the initial proposal. There was a million dollars for the ACPS transfer and it came from a number of areas. The areas were the I know of a contingent, Office of Climate Change, Revenue Reessaments, Business Initiatives, and then the I know of other, I know the contributions to other health services. And talking with my colleagues prior to the meeting, there was interest in looking at trying to take or change some of the, not saying to change some of the parts of money, but be able to take or not take money from the Office of Climate Change to the tune to potentially filling back the 300,000. I'll speak about some other items or attachments to doing that. But I want to first kind of get that out the way because I do think we have enough money from, and I apologize to my colleagues about having to walk this through with staff just to make sure I've got these numbers right. From the, I know the contingency we actually have. I'm sorry, I'm reading that. No, it's the middle number. Yeah, it's the middle number. $332,000. No, $21. Yep. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm going to be able to do that. I'm doing it, I'm kind of doing it real time. So I apologize to anybody that might not be following this because we're gonna try to make sure everybody follows it when we come to the conclusion. But in talking to co-sponsors, there was an interest in potentially using up the I-Nover contingency and the I-Nover Health Services and services and revenue restimates. So if possible, could we see what that total is? Because I know that number has changed. And I think the goal, again, the goal of doing this for my colleagues is so that we're able to hold the Office of Climate Change Harmels. Madam Mayor. Council Member McPite. The line 28 is actually the balance. So I think that that was yeah if you take line 24 if you just clear out that call J24 it'll show you at the bottom how much is left there. Just clear out that one J24 just delete that that's J1 just that. And then so 332-775 is what's left there. And then do it again on. And you would do it again for the next one. 824. Yeah. It's 985. Okay. Okay, so then we need to capture, I think Councilman Chapman said the second ANOVA budget as well as a proposal. Okay. And then the remainder of technical, I don't want to put Virginia with that. You're right. That's what I said. And then there would be a zero where the office of the office of climate is. What is that total? No. 35296. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. including the $50,000 small business accelerator, $9.85. To my colleagues, I would, because my request was a million dollars, I would look to put back the $35,000 into ADP. Yes. Yeah. Thank you. My question was all back. I mean, my question would be, is there any way we could look at the board to getting the 50,000 fully back only because I mean, I think all of us throughout like 15 different ideas for that business accelerator and it can barely solve. So I think I'd like to see a scenario where we put the 50 back to the small business accelerator. What else is out? Do we have any bucket with anything left? I'm Councilman Aguirre. I've got a quick comment. I'm perfectly fine. Zuri, now what we were proposing to take out of the climate action office. However, I would like to consider putting, I don't know, maybe 200,000 into contingent and half staff, similarly with a pair of transit come back and say December and show some proposals and everything. Councilman Chapman. So Madam Mayor, I agree with my colleague. I was gonna,, once we figured out the numbers, I was going to go to that point because I do think there's a separate discussion around kind of making sure appropriated money is spent for any department in the city of Alexandria. If you are given an appropriation, and I'm talking about my budget question for that office, if you're given an appropriation, either have a conversation with council that we've given maybe given you too much, and maybe that was the conversation we might have had a couple of years ago. But if we get an appropriation, there's an expectation that it is fully spent and as much as possible. I think we have, unfortunately, a history with an office where that hasn't been the case. And I know advocates have been quite upset about that. But I think Council also needs to be able to say, this is our expectation. And whether we put it in contingency, whether we ask for regular updates, maybe we need to kind of hone what our kind of actions are for that but I think in talking to a number of people whether it's colleagues folks from the community folks within the environmental space I think we need to have a greater conversation about an office that we we frankly want to have go get grants but be able to have money as a backstop. And the understanding that if that money is a backstop, what are we going to do if that money is not called on to be a backstop? Because I think if I'm looking positively at this office, that's what I'm seeing. It's not a kind of derelection of duty or anything like that. It's actually, hey, let's go get some grants. Let's use these. If so we're going to leverage these. But what happens if we don't need to, that money that needs to be leveraged? And I don't think council, in looking back at our conversation about when we opened that office, ever dealt with that question. And so as we come back in December, maybe we make that part of the conversation about what happens with this office or any kind of grant of one did quote unquote office where grants are kind of taking the lead and and money is being used as a backstop for leveraging. I think that's part of some of the conversations I had and I appreciate what my colleagues have done in terms of putting that in a contingent so that way we can kind of open up that discussion. A quick, two quick follow-up questions. Is it 300 in contingent or 250? Or the two, sorry. Yeah, I'm fine with two. Okay, so the proposal on the floor right now is potentially $200,000 in contingency from the Office of Climate. I think I also heard some different time frames being set there. I'm open to doing a contingency. I hear the need for us to have greater conversation about this and also elevate the urgency. I think what I wouldn't want to do is say it needs to be here by September. My understanding is that the office has proposals now. I'd want you to come back as soon as you have something so that we can move this conversation quicker. Madam Mayor. Yes. I think the only kind of, I don't know, for a bottle of response I would say is that I think the concern with this particular contingency is not necessarily the planning of the money, is the actually expenditure of the money, right? And so one of the issues is about how we're spending money, not necessarily the planning, and I think the planning, if as we look at the budget question, there's a lot of planning going on, but how is the actual spending of dollars happening? And so I think that is my reasoning for kind of bringing it out a later date. Okay, so the proposal would be that they're coming back not with a plan to spend, but evidence of spending? So it's actually both. It's both. Making sure they've started to spend to the planning level, to the level that Council feels comfortable. But also, they won't have fully spent their budget by December. And so what the plan is for the rest of the fiscal year to kind of work, continue to work down to a acceptable spend rate. Okay. Thanks Mayor Bagley. Well let me first begin by saying I appreciate that it doesn't appear we're discussing cutting this budget anymore. Is that? That is what I'm tracking. I just want to, you know, before I enter the conversation about it, I'm only doing so under the understanding that we're no longer discussing cutting that budget. That's why 26. I mean, honestly, as long as we agree on the contingency, I think that's my personal, I'm one vote. But I think the reason I brought up the cut, and I'd be honest with my colleagues in the public, was because of what I saw in the history of underspending. And so making sure that that gets aligned and on track I think is my core issue on this. It's not about regardless of what people say or the media says or what have you. It's not about the office. It's about kind of what our responsibility is to the taxpayer to make sure the money we ask for them is actually spent. So trying to do that in a way that does respect the planning but the execution as well. I think maybe putting a contingency could do that so that we have some opportunity to come back and have that discussion. Yes. Yeah, so to be clear, the motion sort of the proposal to cut the office does not currently have majority support. And so I don't hear that having changed. So for me, this conversation about contingency, I think is an important one. I mean, I had it tonight about para transit. What concerns me to a degree is if I keep using this metaphor and I wish over the last couple weeks I could have come up with a better one. But, you know, if we speed and way in which the potholes are being filled in the city, we don't cut the pothole budget. We go to the pothole guy and say, hey, you're not filling these fast enough. Or you're not doing a very good job filling the potholes. And so what has concerned me from the outset with this is, if we believe, which I believe the community and this council does, that we have to address climate change and that we are a city that recognizes that and are increasing local role in addressing that, you know, with funding. The concern about how the money is spent and the rate at which is money to be spent is absolutely an obligation of ours as council members. But to, you know, remove funding because we aren't pleased with the rate at which it is being spent, I, for me, is counterintuitive. If the desire is to provide more oversight, to send a message to the office, to express to the community, we want to see greater action. I join you in that call. But I don't believe for me, you know, and that the way to signal increased action in this area is to limit funding. This office also has an exceedingly small budget, you we talk about the budgets tonight. I mean, this office has a smaller budget than para transit, for example, the entire budget. So this proposal, $300,000 is literally half of their non-personnel budget. So I'm looking in front of me at $700,000 worth of proposed programming for FY26. I remain open to ongoing dialogue about a contingency. This is a new office. It was put into the budget for the FY23. We took office in 22, so it was put into the FY23 budget. It had to hire staff up, begin to spend. It is now in its third year. So I don't want to, you know, I'm not expressing sort of opposition to a contingency, but I want to make sure that we leave the community tonight with a collective statement that we heard you, we appreciate we're not going to reduce funding to this office. B, we understand our obligation as policymakers to see that the money is well spent and spent to your point, Councilman Chapman. But I'm not yet in a place to put it in contingency. I've asked for and received $700,000 worth of proposed programming for FY26. I'm happy to share that with my colleagues tonight if they want to hear those numbers. But I guess I'm not there yet in terms of placing it in contingency. Okay. I know Councilman Nickike is trying to get in. Then I want to summarize where we are, because I think there's a couple of things that we need to go back to, and then I'll come back to Councilman Chapman as the sponsor of this. Councilman McPike. So I'd like to start Councilman Chapman for working tonight to find a way to achieve the million dollar transfer to ACPS without cutting the office of climate action. I'm very happy to support an increase to the schools that isn't being drawn from our climate action office. I have hesitation about a contingency as well. As the Vice Mayor has stated, we have an ambitious and aggressive set of plans for this office for the coming fiscal year and I would not want to be an impediment to those funds being spent. So I think if we could have a contingency, the sort of approach that the mayor mentioned where it would be pretty quick turnaround as opposed to come back to us in six months to get happier and money would be preferable. And I think it's also worth noting that some of the under-spending by this office in this current fiscal year has been because they've been prudent with city money. Some of the funding that they had planned to spend this year was paired with federal spending that has stopped or perhaps even evaporated. And they have held that money back because the partner money that we're expecting from the federal government has a materialized. That's not the case for the plans that are being put together for fiscal year, 2026. So I agree we should be more active as a council in dealing with our climate office, working with them, making sure that they're getting out and the public and doing the work that we want them to do, particularly now at a time when the federal government is going to be pulling back its work in this space, when we still have a state government leadership that is not doing its part in this space, it's more important that ever that we truly carry the flag here. But I do think we have a good office with a good staff that took time to pull together. They have good plans for fiscal year 2026. I would not want to become an impediment to those plans coming to fruition. Oversight, absolutely a contingency, I'm not really convinced is the right approach here. but I do again appreciate that we're finding a way to take a cut off the board here tonight. That's a big win for the city and for the residents of our city today and tomorrow, we're going to be living in the climate that we're helping to build. Thank you, Councilman McPike. So I just want to kind of summarize where we are. And I do want to echo, I think this is a really thoughtful where we are. And I, too, want to echo, I think this is a really thoughtful conversation. I'm glad to where we've been And I, too, want to echo, I think this is a really thoughtful conversation. I'm glad to where we've been able to work, to come to this moment here now. Where we are right now is Councilmember Chapman has put forth a proposal. Right now that proposal still has three people. I think that there, when I'm hearing, there's two paths. John, can I borrow you for a second? I just want to propose these two paths. There's two paths to get to four. One path, I just want to propose these two paths. There's two paths to get to four. One path I proposed earlier, I'm willing to join your ad if we can figure out how to move money back to the small business accelerator. The other path is figuring out what to do about potentially a contingency and that there's still needs to be a lot more conversation. So for me, I personally would not want to see that number be less than $50,000. I think that's really important. I know that is less than your million, but it is still a significant amount of the piece that you ask for. So those are kind of where we are right now that we need to figure out how to come to consensus on. I appreciate those options, but I think there are a couple more and I don't know if I'm maybe not reading the room again and that's why I was going to come back to that one after this. But I want to start by responding to a couple of things from my colleagues. I think one of the kind of core elements, at least that I've been told about how we operate within the organization is to the vice mayor's analogy is actually not going to the guy and telling him what to do. I think we do not direct staff. And so to your analogy, I don't think it's necessarily my place to go to a director of an office and tell them to hurry up and spend their money. I think the tools that I have are through the budget and the budget process. And that's why I've kind of leveraged it and used it in that way. It's not in a way to kind of go at staff and say, hey, you're not using your budget. It's to ask the question, find out the information and then based on the information I got from the budget question, I then said, okay, these are the tools that we can use to hopefully get them there. but I think that starts with the understanding that if you're not spending your money, council has the ability through the budget process to bring that back. Obviously, and I appreciate all my colleagues and not only input we've had from the community, but working together to not necessarily do that with the office of climate action. But I would be remiss to say that I don't think by just now letting it go necessarily plays out. I would take us, particularly those who are on council, back to when we opened this office. Looking at the video and watching that video again, even former Mayor Wilson was like, well, we usually don't release the money unless somebody really has a plan that they're going to execute. And it was our fault that we released that money without a real plan of execution. We want to see the best for this office. We want to see it grow and grow. But I don't think when we first started out, we really put the controls around that growth because we just, we hope for the best. And I, not that that's not going to happen, but I think we have, we at this point have seen within the history on this office that, you know, that non-personnel money is not being spent for whatever reason. And so I think we do need to have the controls and places we go forward to say, at least for this next year. I'm not saying have it year after year, that hey, we need to put a portion of this in contingent reserve, have that conversation around what the planning is. And as folks have said, there are some plans here that we can already rely on. But I think it's about how that money is actually spent. And with this office, I do think there's a different piece of this that we're not considering. Again, this is a grant forward office where we're going to be leveraging funds. So what happens when we have, as Councilman McPike pointed out, a program that does not happen in that fiscal year, right, on paper, we're going see that that money is not spent. But there's an additional story that we might not get without the conversation and the understanding about what this office is. And so that's what I'm putting out. It's not as, unfortunately, it's always seems to be something that's kind of negative for offices to have, these actions by council, that's not what I'm trying to push here. I think it's a better understanding of what a grant forward office is going to be. And within the climate action space and the climate space, we understand that a whole lot is going on around us. And so how we kind of make sure that we have the full story and the transparency for the community about how we deal that. I think that's what this contingency would be. It's not something that I'm trying to make a negative, hey, we're just gonna hold your money and stick you up. We're gonna talk about how this office is actually working, how they're working through their budget, how if there's a government program that goes away or a partnership that fails, How do we leverage that and how do we pivot that? Because that's what we haven't talked about. How does this department pivot to being able to do some of the other things that climate folks are asking about? Again, we have a community that's been asking us to make sure this moves and moves faster and money has spent as we heard the other day at the public hearing. And so I think this avenue allows us to kind of get a grip on that and have that conversation with all parties involved. Vice Mayor Bagley. OK, so I love the fact that we're having an extended conversation about climate action during our budget process. I think that's a credit to the fact that we created this office. We funded it and we prioritize it. I think in the interest of resolving sort of this conversation and appreciating, you know, to your point, the idea that like, you're right, we don't go to directors, we go to the city manager. And if that's where we sort of failed, it would have been there is going back and saying, you know, we continue to see a surplus. I want to pick up on something you said that I'm excited about, which is if a grant falls through, what do you do next? Because I actually think there's some great opportunities for what do you do next. We are considering a band of gas leaf blowers. You know, that's going to have an implementation phase. There's potential, you know, if a grant falls through, we have an extra $100,000. Does that become an exchange program, you know? So I, in the spirit of sort of agreeing on the value of the program, agreeing on the value of the office, I could agree to a contingency, but truly, and because I think they can come back quickly, I would like to see this prioritized on a tight time frame so that their ability to match grants so that their ability to use it for that end is uncompromised. And so I know Councilman Aguieri threw out 200,000 if that would have majority support, I would be willing to do a 200,000 contingency. But I don't know if the city manager wants to weigh in on time frame. But for me, I don't want that money held back overly long because I know that there are programs that they have in mind and I don't want to hold those back. If the council were inclined to put a portion of that into contingency we'd want to be able to come back to the council between September and October with not just the plan but here's some of the actions that we're taking to execute on the priorities the council has. So I would give us, you know, July 1 through September and bringing that back either in the mid September or early October timeframe. I know my colleagues are confabbing over there. So this is an obviously a motions environment, but in an effort to sort of, the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're not confident about the fact that we're that gets this return to the small business accelerator, we're in a year of economic summit and support. If we simply put it back in, that gets this down to 900. And what's? $85,000. So we have to find $15,000 somewhere else to get a clean million. I feel so a couple things here. Why I just want to make sure we're all tracking. What is being proposed are two parts. One part is $200,000 in contingency for the Office of Climate with a plan that does not have a timeline on it, but they can come back as fast as they need. It lays out the projects they're going to do, but also this larger piece about relationships and ongoing. The other piece is moving the $50,000 back to the small business accelerator and finding 15,000 somewhere. Okay, so then just move it. Just move it. All right, this is the proposal that would get, this is the current proposal and I think you have two additional on so that would take you to majorities. The three additional on that would take you to majority. Potentially councilman a Gary. So first of all, yeah, 50 back. Are we in consensus on the 200 for contingency? I think we just need because I'm trying to get that out of the way to. And if it would help I. Any other comments on that. I mean I'm not going to consider the council if that's the goal I think the contingency is outlined by the mayor is the best possible way to approach that if we're going to do a contingency. So, OK. OK, so we got one piece potentially solved. Second part. So just for the sake of argument and confusion, can we just zero out option to and have all that money available for option one? Because there's no point in having these two options at this point. So it's left over money that we're going to consider whether or not to give Tracy P.S. at this point. Yes, before we do that, can we please have our disclosure? Or no, actually, because it's three sources. Okay, you can participate again. Oh, cool. Yeah, because there are three sources on the board. Okay, so Amanda, would you please move that Lamata money down? Sure. So it would go to line 26 potentially. Just to clarify, so are you wanting the to get to the clean million, so it's 14,704? No, I think they want to see that at all. 204. No, I asked for the air back on. It wasn't me this time. I think they want the air on. I'll say. This time it wasn't me. I was cold, but then I asked for the air because I got faint. It's stressful. We need the right temperature in here. I's stressful. Okay. We need a right temperature in here. Okay. Okay, so now we've got a proposal of 1.188. I can't see the rest of that for ACPS. Councilman McGarry, sorry, didn't mean to cut you off. Do you want to finish? Um. Hmm. How do I, how do I approach this? Um, so that, so now we've got four 10 dangling a of savings. And we're said cash capital or debt service. There's a cash cap. Director Rao, I think it would be cash cap. We could potentially do cash capital as one time. I don't have to do anything with it because we would just reduce the general fund amount by whatever amount you're reducing $589,000 and the remainder would stay with the MBTC. Okay. I have a question though. Could we though if we wanted? Could we do the one time to cash capital and help with some of our debt payments? And then it goes back in the same way like the ANOVA money. Yes, you just being put here for ACPS now, but then it goes back to ANOVA next year. Yes, you could put that towards cash capital. Yep. All right, so is that the proposal? Yes, I would propose for that dangling money to, yeah, go to cash capital. Or I folks out on that. I got support. He's back in. You say you're corn. Okay, so then let's do this. Let's put, let's give Amanda a second to put in climate action, put in cash capital and put an ACPS. So we can look at exactly where we are on everything and make sure that we're all good to go with no changes. I feel like Amanda, it's like option three at this point for ACPS. I don't think these are any to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. I'm going to go to the next floor. Yeah, can I just point out that she's doing this at 10 30 at night? Go Amanda. With everybody watching it and crushing it. You can mention impossible music to listen to. I don't even know that. You don't know it. Come on mom. Come on. Uh, uh, first. I'm just kidding. He got it. She says. I'm going 90. OK. Okay. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. We'll catch the 50 for the small business. I did. Zeroed out here, so it went back to the order. That was a reduction. It just stays off the board. Exactly. OK, and then if you go back over real quick, till line to B, call them B. Okay, so climate action contingencies one time. ACPS is one time. Cash capital is one time. And so if everyone can take a look, this would be our proposal moving forward with the budget. Things that as director Roul explained in the beginning, some of these things that are one time that money goes back to their original, so the cash capital goes back to NVTC, the ANOVA pots that weren't, that were used, go back the, what else am I missing? The technical adjustment would go back to the Those are ongoing. Oh those ones are ongoing the other ones would be one time Okay Is everyone good with this is there any other discussion that needs to be had? And just the point of clarification we have four items going to contingency, small business support, the health department, dot pair transit and climate action. I think that sounds right based on what was proposed. Okay. Small business was submitted was submitted as a contingent reserve item. As a contingent? Not the accelerator. Yeah, sorry, to build small business things. That was the small business support the $25,000. Yeah, that's not contingent, right? No, it is. It was submitted. Was submitted as contingent. Yes, there are four contingencies. Yes. Okay, any other comments? Okay, so we do not need to take a vote or anything at this time. This is just our proposal. Where this would become adopted would be when we vote on the budget on April 30th. I just want to say as we close out this conversation and then I'm going to ask the clerk to call the next item, I just want to appreciate the way everybody approached this conversation. I know leading up to this there were a lot of concerns, I think a lot of frustration and a lot of things we were trying to prioritize. So I participate, I appreciate all the conversations that happened up until we got into this room. I think this was a thoughtful conversation. I think everyone should be proud of what's up there and I think everyone's priority is represented in in some way And also thank you to director route to Amanda to the city manager and to all of staff who helped Give every scenario and thing through this extra claps for Amanda because this is all I to do Anything else you guys need before we move from one more important thing We have a meeting on this cow on the calendar for Monday night. Just want to confirm we're canceling that. We have consensus. We're going straight to budget adoption. Yes, this is canceled. This will be in the budget. We move forward. Right. Thank you very much. I got one more comment by Senator Bagley. That's OK. I know we'll have a night where we actually pass the budget and we'll all make our speeches and such, but since this is the night that we really went into a lot of detail, I just would be remiss if I didn't note that like, this is poking around the edges really. I mean, it's a million and a half dollars on a nearly $900 million budget that didn't raise taxes, that maintain core programs and services. like so yes there was a lot of dialogue and debate tonight, but this is a very small part of what is a significant budget that I'm looking forward to passing with my colleagues. Okay, Madam Clerk, next item. Or reports and or presentations by members of City Council. Okay, I'm going to go first before I'll direct around. I circulated a memo to all of my colleagues earlier about there were a lot of things that came up in this budget that cannot be fully discussed in an ad delete or within the time that we had. Several of those things were a new middle school, potentially an indoor structure at E-Wald Park, a rec center on the West End, the assessment and prioritization of our housing pipeline, and the future of the Alexandria community shelter. What I am asking for is for the manager to work with staff to come back to us on how we can have, I've heard different ideas from my colleagues, some have shown out of work session, others have said a retreat, others have said a memo. I think I want to understand from you guys what is feasible, but I think the goal that we share is we know we're gonna have to make tough conversations. And these are really big items that I think would be transformative for our community, but they also have big potential price tags. And so whatever we can do to be in a space, come the fall to have some data, some criteria, or some options that we can use going into the next budget would be the goal. You can do that. And that is my only oral report. Are there other reports? Councilman Aguirre, you, I was going to say you won. You got to win tonight. No need. You first. And then comes my back. All right. Let's go fast. April 9th. Spring to action. Great, great. Great raising of money for the city of Alexandria. Really proud of everybody. Had a chance to stop by a Casa Chidi Lawa, cornerstone craftsman and uh, Oha. Also stopped by Nanny Lee for that V.495 Express lanes, meeting very well attended. There's actually a delegate from Maryland, as well as a county supervisor from Maryland. I just thought that was worth noting that they're also paying attention and coming over to the Virginia side to share and express their feelings about the project. On the 10th, a big shout out to all the youth that participated in the youth speak up event at Patrick Henry. Lots of great ideas circulating. Really looking forward to hearing back from staff about what kind of percolated to the top from that. I also want to give a shout out to Miss LaWanna Russell, the Chamber Chair. We had an event for her on the 10th as well. On the 11th, shout out to the graduates and promotions of Metro. I had the opportunity to stop by headquarters and take some pictures with the graduates, give them the diplomas and congratulate them. I'm moving forward with Metro. But the really one, the one that I really wanted to talk about that I had a lot of fun at, went to many Howard for one of the classes. They had a mock public hearing for planning and zoning things. You guys should have heard some of the ideas from the students. I mean, when we were being timid, I feel like, and you look at some of these presentations, they were like, they were way out there. I mean, one of the presentations was like, hey, this is Gerard of all parking spaces on King Street and parallel streets and only have parking on perpendicular streets. And I was like, whoa. So they had a lot of really great ideas. And also, you know, really goes to show how aware they are of what's going on in their community because I would say 99% of the projects that they were proposing, which reminds you, they also did in a three-minute time span being prepared to be able to come out here and speak to us, right? Virtually every single issue they brought up were issues that we've discussed up on this dius. So big shout out to all the students that put together those projects, very, very impressed. We wanted to give a quick shout out to the Miracle League. They had their opening day on the 12th for the Kelly Cairns Miracle League field. So big shout out to all the folks, making sure that that happens. Not just in Alexandria, but across the region. That was also the day that we had our farewell party for our poet, Laureate, who we saw tonight and gave her proclamation. Had a great time on the 17th, down at Mystic Barbecue with Weba and Old Town Business Association, or at least the folks that used to be a part of that, I think it's important to still maintain a lot of those connections and build connections, not just here, but across the city for businesses. On the 21st, I traveled into the district again to Dean Wood Metro Center, where they're proposing a mixed-use development, which I thought was really, really cool. They have the space to do this, but they have a rec center directly across the street from the Metro station, and they're also planning to build a library. So the synergy there is just something that's, I think is really amazing. And of course, they'll be housing and some commercial stuff as well. So, we're always looking for good ideas that we could try and bring here to Alexandria. Also, on the 21st, I have the opportunity to tour the Boys and Girls Club here in Alexandria, Olympic Dumbar, shout out to Austin, and Nadia for the tour at a really good time, chatting about some things and making sure that not only that the city knows what the Boys and Girls Club is doing but also helping the Boys and Girls Club connect with other resources across the city. Last two things, big shout out to the Sheriff's Office for their word ceremony that they had earlier today. Really fun event every year and congratulations to all the folks that got awards. And the last thing that I will mention, I will shout out to the youth and students from Liberty's Promise who came to visit us here at City Hall today and stuck around for a little bit of the meeting but they didn't make it all the way through our ad delete session. I thank you for raising the Boys and Girls Club. As I've mentioned to many of you, they have challenged the council to a flag football competition. So I would like to get all of us to commit. You can start working out now and we'll be ready to go. Um, Vice Mayor Bagley and then Councilman Chapman. I mean, if anybody saw my first pitch, I've got the arm for it. Like, it was good. Um, thank you for the for the moment to, so I missed out on many of the activities that Councillor McGurray just listed in the last couple days because I was traveling and during my travels I had the beautiful opportunity to visit Dundee Scotland, our sister city, and apologies to everybody in my life who is going to hear about Dundee a lot in the next few weeks. But I wanted to just take a moment here to express my appreciation for the hospitality that the Lord Provost and Lady Provost showed me during my experience in town. The culture, the museums, the food, everything. It was just a really great experience. Dundee actually has a lot in common with Allie's Andrii. It makes sense that we are a sister city. There are about 150,000 people living on a body of water with a lovely downtown and a pedestrian block. They sent back with me that something just put in our sister city room. So I'm going to pass this along to the clerk to help make sure that it gets into our sister city's room for display. But on a more serious note though, I do want to follow up with my colleagues about some of the things I saw and some of the opportunities potentially for us to consider. Dundee is in the middle of their own waterfront redevelopment moment and they have a 30 year plan and vision for that redevelopment and I am just inspired and energized by what I saw. So look forward to hearing lots about the Scottish waterfront. Thank you. And I will tell you we have officially sent our challenge to the Lord Provost to bring back the Alexandria Dundee Rugby Match. So we'll see if that comes to fruition later this fall. Nice. Thank you Madam Mayor. I had last week I had the opportunity to visit notice in North Old Town and speak introduce a panel that discussed the arts district and kind of where it is and where it's going. Just another opportunity to keep those particular residents a prize of what's going on around them as they see a lot of construction and buildings coming out of the ground. Also popped in here a couple nights ago and saw that we had some folks in our seats. Our delegation, our state delegation, was doing a town hall and they packed the room. A lot of people had comments and questions for folks down in Richmond, so that was good to see. So I'm upcoming events this weekend. My alma mater, St. Stephen St. Agnes School, is going to celebrate 100 years. And so if you see me running around in probably very small, old high school gear, that's probably why. Don't judge me. And then lastly, as Vice Mayor was talking about our sister cities, the sister cities committee has their annual whiskey tasting this weekend. It is definitely an event. A number of us will probably stop by before the scholarship fund gala, which is also this weekend. But please, if you have the opportunity and have the taste buds for it please check out the whiskey tasting it's a major way that the sister's kids sister city committee raises funds to be able to host sister city delegations when they come to the city but also they try to build up some funds so that they can visit our sister cities and have that connection. So thank you for anybody who's in support of. And then one last one for me. I had the opportunity to give a really special proclamation to Taverna down the street on King Street as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. So I want to give just a really special shout out to Denise and Christos, but also it was like a scene out of my big fat Greek wedding. I went and their entire family, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren, everyone was there for the celebration. And what I learned that I think is just really important about what makes our city so special. Denise actually started washing dishes when she was 10 at a restaurant across the street on King Street. So she's been working there and that's where she kind of grew up in the restaurant business. Her sister owns Lucky Not and another store down on King Street. Their cousin owns King Street jewelers. Their daughter owns RTs in Del Rey. And then now all of their grandchildren are working in the same businesses and when I got to speak to one of their grandchildren, he talked about how he wants to also open a business in our city. And so for me, it was just really exciting to hear not only about the restaurant's impact for 50 years, but how one family has made this not only their home, but their legacy and wants to continue building and opening more businesses within our city. So if you have a chance, go visit them and celebrate with them. They would love to have you. With that, Madam Clerk, next item. Consideration of City Council schedule. Okay, I will entertain a motion to approve the City Council schedule. There's been a motion by Councilman Chapman and a second by Councilwoman Green, any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. I will now entertain a motion to adjourn. I have to spend a motion by Vice Mayor Bagley and a second by Councilwoman Green. All those in favor say aye. Any opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. We are adjourned. I got you. I'm giving wins to everybody. Everyone should be so happy tonight. You got a dollar. You got a dollar. That's what's key working with the city and the community. You get the community. You get the community.