Coraggio Consulting
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Place: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 4h 54m (video)
Official meeting video (Fairfax County): https://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/player/clip/3531
Official Board of Supervisors page (Fairfax County): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/

Machine transcript (speech-to-text) produced by Coraggio Consulting. Not an official county record. Names and numbers may be misspelled; check the video at the timestamp before quoting.
Speech-to-text: whisper.cpp, model large-v3-turbo. Produced 2026-10-31. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:01] Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our Board of Supervisors meeting of October 8, 2024. It is great to have a big crowd here in the auditorium, and we're going to begin our meeting as we always do, with a moment of silence to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

[00:00:22] And before those who are able rise for the Pledge of Allegiance, I'm going to ask my colleagues if they have anyone that they would like to keep in our thoughts and prayers this morning and I'm going to begin just by mentioning two. One is I'm sad to report the passing of Carrie Hitt. Carrie and her husband Bruce Wright are well known for their bicycle advocacy having founded the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling and Carrie was known to take multi-day trips along the W and O and D in Rock Creek Park. She spent most of her career studying natural resources at

[00:01:00] the USGS in Reston and was a pioneer in the use of GIS technology to analyze national water resources and land use data. Carrie spread awareness of ovarian cancer by sharing her own personal story and fight against ovarian cancer through the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Survivors Teaching Students program and made a major impact on the medical training of students. She was also an avid dancer and loved animals. Carrie is survived by someone we know really well, her husband, Bruce Wright, who were together for 33 years, and her sister, Linda

[00:01:40] Mecklenburg. And I just want to reemphasize that Carrie and Bruce began and founded the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, and I worked closely with them for many years on a bicycle Master Plan and so many of the other pieces that we have in place today to protect pedestrian and bicycle safety were led by FAB in many ways.

[00:02:05] And so her legacy will last on here in Fairfax County for a long time. And if we can keep Bruce and all of her friends at FAB in our thoughts and prayers, that would be appreciated. And then secondly, I think we all are watching closely the devastating effects from the hurricane that recently occurred. There have been now over 220 deaths attributed to Hurricane Helene, more than half of which are in our neighboring North Carolina, which experienced the worst of the storm, including several feet of fast-moving water. Helene made landfall, as we know, on

[00:02:42] September 26th in Florida, causing catastrophic flooding, power outages, and extensive damage across several southeastern states. Sadly, the youngest victims are month-old twins who died when a tree fell on their home in Georgia.

[00:02:58] Damage estimates are in the many billions, and we know that the devastation will affect these communities not for days, weeks, or months, but as many have said, for many, many years. Fairfax County has proudly deployed numerous resources in response.

[00:03:14] Our federally funded and trained urban search and rescue team, Virginia Task Force One, deployed as a FEMA Type 1 80-person team to Florida and conducted search and rescue operations in the Tampa Bay area. They were then redeployed to flood-ravaged Ash County, North Carolina, where they conducted hasty searches and damage assessments over the next five days.

[00:03:36] They have now relocated to Cherokee, North Carolina, to continue their work. In addition to our Type 1 team, Virginia Task Force 1 personnel are also serving in various support roles within FEMA, including a human remains canine strike team, and are anticipated to be deployed through October 18, 2024.

[00:03:58] In addition to the USA team, elements of the National Capital Region Incident Management Team and the National Capital Region Communications Cache were deployed to Washington County, Virginia. These specialized Fairfax County-based teams provided critical equipment and personnel to Abington, Virginia, setting up emergency management centers and restoring communication networks essential for search and rescue efforts.

[00:04:23] And finally, just yesterday, four Fairfax County 9-11 dispatchers deployed to North Carolina with teams from Loudoun County, Prince William County, Charlottesville, and the National Capital Region Incident Management Team, a total of 17 personnel are responding. I want to take a moment to thank all of our team members.

[00:04:46] They're in our thoughts and prayers every day as they deal with the devastation, including their extended families who are here in Fairfax County and in many cases picking up the slack for their loved ones while they are in search and rescue mode. And lastly, You know, the devastation that we see on TV is hard enough to take, but imagine the mental health challenges that our personnel experience on the ground in these devastated areas.

[00:05:15] And so we're praying for their good health, mental stability, and strength as they serve us in Fairfax County every single day well, but are now serving our friends in Southwest Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.

[00:05:31] And we all know the news is there's another hurricane on its way, and when you have the type of elite first responder personnel that we are blessed with having in Fairfax County, there is no doubt that they will be called on to continue to support our neighbors to the south.

[00:05:48] And so I just want to reiterate, they are a federally funded, most of these are federally funded efforts that we are blessed to have here in Fairfax County year round and are making sure that our Fairfax County values and support are seen with these folks in their most desperate moment.

[00:06:07] So we will keep our team and their families in our thoughts and prayers and certainly our neighbors to the south as they deal with yet another potential hurricane coming. With that, let me ask Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just very briefly, thank you for bringing up Kerry Hitt.

[00:06:25] And just to reiterate, our thoughts and prayers are definitely with Bruce and the rest of the family on that. So I appreciate that. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I'm very, very sad to report that James Matthew Martin lost his life in a pedestrian accident along Richmond Highway and Woodlawn Trail.

[00:06:45] So we, once again, have added to our woeful statistics for the last several months on the number of pedestrian fatalities. So I know we're working very hard to try to change that, but it's kind of we have to get everybody involved.

[00:07:01] You know, take a moment is really truly for all of us, not just a pedestrian or a passenger or a driver. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. Anyone else who would like to be recognized? Seeing and hearing none, if all who are able could please rise for a moment of silence.

[00:07:18] to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Face the flag.

[00:07:45] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And this morning we have a number of presentations.

[00:08:14] One of the presentations that was advertised for today was to honor Pete Murphy for his many years of service on the Planning Commission And unfortunately, this morning he is feeling ill and will not be here for that presentation, but we will work closely with him on rescheduling a time to bring Pete Murphy before the board.

[00:08:36] And so with that, first, this morning we have a resolution to honor and recognize Carla Bruce, Chief Equity Officer for her 25 years of dedicated service. And this was requested by myself, and our speaker today is Carla Bruce.

[00:08:54] If Carla could come on down. I would invite everyone down at this moment, but we're going to wait to do that for a picture because I get a sense that, an obvious sense that there's a lot of cheerleaders here for Carla.

[00:09:26] So let me first read the following resolution. Whereas Carla Bruce has served Fairfax County for more than 25 years, spanning the Departments of Community and Recreation Services, Systems Management for Human Services, Neighborhood and Community Services, and most recently, the Office of the County Executive.

[00:09:46] And whereas during her tenure as Chief Equity Officer for Fairfax County, Carla Bruce led impactful initiatives that significantly advanced racial and social equity and gave voice to marginalized communities across the county.

[00:10:02] And whereas Carla Bruce advised the Board of Supervisors, County Executives, and leadership across departments on shaping and directing policies to ensure that all residents, regardless of background, have access to resources and opportunities.

[00:10:18] And whereas Carla Bruce successfully championed and led the processes to adopt the One Fairfax Racial and Social Equity Resolution and Policy, a pioneering initiative that addresses systemic inequities and ensures equitable opportunities for all residents, and whereas her efforts have established Fairfax County as a national model for advancing racial and social equity, earning her widespread respect and admiration from colleagues and residents alike,

[00:10:48] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all Fairfax County residents, does hereby congratulate and thank Carla Bruce for her dedicated service to Fairfax County and wishes her well in all future endeavors.

[00:11:06] I will second that. Mr. Chairman?

[00:11:41] Yes. We haven't even voted yet. Yes, I have to provide a light moment because I don't I don't we would I'm about to cry with Carla because Carla and I have really been on a journey.

[00:12:02] And I wish, my only wish and regret this morning is that my partner who launched this effort to implement One Fairfax on the board, Supervisor Hudgens, is not here with me. Because the two of us sat here in this auditorium and took a stand, took a stand.

[00:12:25] And the issue at the time was education funding. And when that happened, Chairman Bulova at the time sentenced Supervisor Hudgens and I to the skipped committee to work this out. And the skipped committee was formed, and shortly after that happened, Carla, Kathy, and I, and a handful of other people said, you know, let's not create another program or do another good deed.

[00:12:56] Let's rip the Band-Aid off at the real problem here, at the inequities that exist in our community, and let's have a real conversation, not about a program to fix people, but about the people that we're talking about and the systems that have been in place that have held them back for too long.

[00:13:17] And this is personal for me, having grown up on the Route 1 corridor where I saw the inequities that existed firsthand and the challenges that people in that corridor face and continue to face.

[00:13:32] And it was very clear, thanks to Carla's leadership, that unless as a community we could reckon with that and not talk about equality but talk about equity and what that actually means, that we were going to continue, not necessarily intentionally, but continue to perhaps unintentionally double down on the inequities that have created challenges within our communities and in specific communities.

[00:14:02] And I'll never forget the day that the board adopted the resolution and the policy, entire political campaigns run against this. People who came up to me and said, you're going to take stuff away from people in wealthy parts of the county and give it to people in lower income parts of the county.

[00:14:24] Could not be a more direct misunderstanding of exactly what we were doing. All we were trying to do is make sure that every community in this county, regardless of what zip code people lived in, had access to the same opportunities as other people in this county.

[00:14:40] You don't have to take something away from one person and give it to someone else to build up people who need support and to recognize the foundational, systemic, historic elements that in particular have held certain races in our community behind, and in many cases intentionally.

[00:15:00] And when we talk about history, we talk about understanding our history so that we cannot repeat it and do better. And that's not rewriting history. That's saying, let's reckon with it and let's, as this generation, talk about a better life for future generations that is more focused on equity and is more focused on understanding that we are one Fairfax.

[00:15:23] Not ten Fairfaxes, not zip code Fairfaxes, but one Fairfax. And unless all of our people are achieving and being given opportunity to achieve, then we're all not doing better. And so Carla understood and redirected us to not just think about systems and programs, but to think about root causes and to think about the decisions we make as a board differently.

[00:15:50] And the last thing I'll say is I remember probably a moment in time cutting through all of the, I'll be honest, a lot of the nonsense and fear associated with what we were doing. And I tell this story all the time about One Fairfax because I think it's important and it shows how important the work that Carla and her team has been doing.

[00:16:12] That we may think of equity as this big thing, overarching thing. And now we have a policy in Fairfax County that tells us we have to intentionally think about that when we make decisions. But at the ground level, I'll never forget the lady who told me that her life completely changed the day that we put a bus stop at the entrance to her neighborhood as opposed to a half a mile down the street.

[00:16:36] We, before we had a One Fairfax policy, thought about where do we have the right-of-way, where is it easy to put in the sign, where is the neighborhood not going to protest putting in a bus stop. And now we think about where are the communities that if they had access to transit would have access to opportunity.

[00:16:54] And this particular mom said because she had that transit stop, she got a better job that paid more, and she got home sooner to spend more time with her kids because of a bus stop. Because of where we put a connector bus stop, that is one Fairfax working very much at the ground level, which is so many of the decisions we make in this auditorium.

[00:17:19] And if Carla hadn't redirected us and said, let's think this through and let's think big, let's not just think small, let's think big. And yes, that means having really uncomfortable conversations, but that's necessary. We would not be sitting here today celebrating a remarkable career.

[00:17:38] And frankly, I tell people all the time that the biggest thing this county has done in my lifetime is adopt this policy. And Carla was among the architects to do that. There is nothing more important that we can be doing than addressing the inequities that exist in our community and doing it in a very formal, continued, deliberate, and intentional way.

[00:18:01] We wouldn't have gotten there without you, Carla. And so I feel like for me this is hard because of the journey over many years that we've been on together. But I know it's really hard for you, too. And what I can say to you, Carla, is that your legacy here will last for many, many years.

[00:18:21] You made a difference in the lives of a lot of people who may never meet you. And for them, I'm saying thank you for making a huge difference in our community. And thank God I have your phone number. I'm not going to say it now, although I'm tempted to.

[00:18:40] But you and I will be having continued conversations for a long, long time, and you will continue to get calls from people all over this country saying, Carla, how did you do what you did in Fairfax many, many years before anyone else in this country was even talking about what we are doing.

[00:18:59] So congratulations. Thank you.

[00:19:09] Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. I guess I'm going to help lead the pile on here because I'm sure we're going to hear a lot of praise for your incredible work, Carla. And, you know, a couple of weeks ago we had Oak Hill Day where we open up the historic Oak Hill mansion in the Braddock District, which is one of the three plantation homes, part of the Fitzhugh tract where hundreds of people were enslaved.

[00:19:44] And every year when we do that, I think about how far we've come as a county and as a community. I think about one of my favorite moments in Fairfax County's history in 1867 when there was a convention to rewrite Virginia's Constitution and delegates were elected to go to that convention.

[00:20:09] And across Fairfax County, black citizens walked or rode their horse to the courthouse and cast a ballot in an election, some just maybe a couple years after having been enslaved.

[00:20:27] And think about the progress that took place in that brief moment of time, and it makes me feel good to think about that. But then when I think about the next hundred years, from 1867 to 1967, I'm reminded that for black citizens of Fairfax County, in a lot of ways, they had more rights in 1867 than 1967.

[00:20:50] And that's a reminder to all of us that progress is not guaranteed, and it's not linear. And your work has been so important in pushing us to continue to make progress and not go backwards.

[00:21:07] And I know this board is committed to continuing to move forward and make progress. We're going to have to do it without your help, but I know that your successor is going to do an incredible job. I particularly appreciate your support of the legislative committee in our work and having your voice both behind the scenes and at the table as we go to Richmond and advocate for a lot of these policies has been really, really valuable.

[00:21:33] So thank you for your great work, and we're going to continue to try to make some progress moving forward. Thank you, Carla. Thank you. Supervisor Palchuk and then Alcorn. Carla. I was sitting up here, and I have to be honest.

[00:21:51] I'm trying to think back about when I first met you. I think I was newly elected on the school board. And honestly, I'm not sure that I would have even considered or had the courage to run for that officer for this one without knowing that the county was starting to have these conversations.

[00:22:12] I was a little surprised when I first met you. and then I quickly learned that it's through that influence and through listening and really knowing how to work, right? I think you always talk about you don't have the direct powers. You have the power of influence and knowledge. To be able to bring about change in a county of over a million residents, 15,000 employees on the county side, 25,000 on the school side, and many,

[00:22:46] many nonprofits of how do you not just say the right things, not just do resolutions in accounting, but how do we ensure that we invest, right, to go deeply into those inequities and meet people where they are, right, and help them move forward. I was thinking about history, and I'm generally not a big history buff, but I used to live across the street from Pine Ridge Park. And I remember that

[00:23:20] was the first time I really took the time to stop and read the historical marker about the Pines and about the seven families, black families that lived in that park who were moved off their land by eminent domain in order to build a school that was never built. And the cemetery that is still there that I used to walk to and visit almost every day. And understanding that as we look at the future, we absolutely have to understand where we came from and how we got to where we are.

[00:23:59] I'm most going to miss being able to continue to learn from you. So I will make those calls when I'm a little bit stuck. But just this past Saturday, you know, we had a meeting with my boards and commissions, and I know you were there the last time, and we had Tony come in this time, and I said, let's, you know, I've lived here since 1989. What has changed in the county? Let's just look at the statistics. There were many, the two that really stood out to me and that really helped me understand why growing up here felt very different than it does living here today as a

[00:24:34] young immigrant of color. Just in 1989, the county was 81 percent white. That was our county, And we are now a majority-minority county, 49%. And so the people that are in this room and the people that are in the county, when we talk about the representation and ensuring that whether we're looking at land use, housing policy, transportation policy, economic policy, the budget, we do have to continue to work harder to bring in more of the voices so we don't have just a minority representation of our county.

[00:25:13] But lastly, and I know another big one for you is that the average median income, it was $54,000 a year for a household in 1989. $54,000. It's $154,000 a year now.

[00:25:30] Humongous change that we've gone through, great economic growth and development. But I think one of the things that you really bring up and then I think is so critical is that we are looking at what that means and the impact, not just looking at averages. but who is living on those salaries? Who are the members of our community living here?

[00:25:53] And I just have to read the one little thing from the Equitable Growth Profile, which I love. Communities of color are driving Fairfax County population growth, and their ability to participate and thrive is central to the county's success. That, to me, says it all. And that's the reason why even though we get pushback, even though some days we sit here and we hear some things that we know are untrue and outright ignorance, we know that we have to continue to fight

[00:26:30] and make sure that the voices that are there, that are in our community, and that need representation are here. And whether it's at this dais, whether it's in our county agencies, in our businesses, in our non-profits. I want to thank you for understanding that it's a big task in a big county and it doesn't happen overnight, but you've clearly created a movement and most importantly built strong leaders and very strong women behind you. So I feel a little bit more comfortable that you are passing the baton to really what is going to be a huge movement

[00:27:10] in our county. So thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Alcorn, then Stork. All right. Thank you, Madam Vice Chairman. I'm going to pile on a little more, so be ready. You know, one thing Chairman McKay mentioned, really, some of the things that are very localized where your work has made a difference. And that's absolutely true. But some of the things are really big as well.

[00:27:38] And I'll just mention a couple that come to my mind. First of all, COVID. You know, that was a time, you know, at first it was testing, and then it was vaccinations. And basically, you were critical.

[00:27:56] You were right there in the middle making sure that our county's response and our health department and all the different agencies, NCS, Everybody was there pointing in the right direction to make sure that we were reaching communities that otherwise would not have been reached.

[00:28:14] So thank you so much for doing that. That was big. That was really big. And that truly saved lives. And I hope that's something you can remember about your service here in Fairfax County.

[00:28:29] And the other thing that I'll mention is the rest and comprehensive plan update. You know, in terms of putting equity considerations and community health into the comprehensive planning process, we'd never done that before.

[00:28:46] That was not an easy conversation. That was not, that's not a simple thing to do. But with your help, we were able in Reston to get our foot in the door to start that process. And now we're looking at a county-wide policy on equity and community health in our comprehensive planning process.

[00:29:09] And as far as I know, I don't think any other jurisdiction in the Commonwealth has come at that. So that's really groundbreaking work, and it wouldn't have happened. It wouldn't be happening without you. So thank you.

[00:29:24] Thank you, Carla. Thank you. Supervisor Stork, then Lusk. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. There's been wonderful things said about the global work you've done throughout the county, and I'm all in and very supportive and fully very much agree to those comments.

[00:29:41] But you and I, you know what I'm going to talk about. And that's the journey we've been on in a different way, in a very, maybe a little bit more of a micro way. But frankly, it's a micro macro. It's one of those things that, you know, we have this issue of one Fairfax and how do we get there.

[00:29:57] And it isn't just one Fairfax, we're going to find a way to help lift all boats and make sure the boxes that you can look into the ballgame are all fixed right so everybody can see over the top. But how do we actually put that on the ground and make it work?

[00:30:14] And particularly the journey over the last really three years, intensively I would say, we've gotten the boxes arranged in the right place. I think we're looking into the game now. How do we make sure the game involves everybody and everybody gets a voice?

[00:30:31] And particularly, as we both know, the African-American communities that, frankly, were passed by in many ways and run over and bulldozed or whatever you want to say, but the bottom line is they're either gone or they're disappearing.

[00:30:47] And the core of that, especially for our work together-- and I absolutely would say the county executive has been deeply involved as well. How do we protect, preserve? In other words, what is, what was for Gumsprings, what is for Gumsprings, and what can or will be for Gumsprings is a core part of what we've deeply focused on.

[00:31:10] We know it's never as simple as a paragraph or two, we're going to do this or that. It's always about people. People bring lots of different things to any part of those conversations and discussions and how do we bring folks together and only move over all of us together in a way that is truly progressive and truly addresses some of the core issues that we have we truly have done that and that's part of the reason why I'm very uncomfortable we have maybe the most critical parts of that are still to be done but but absolutely the scaffold the plan the

[00:31:50] work the investments those are all there now how do we keep it moving forward and that only comes down to the thing that we especially you and I think formed an amazing partnership about which is working with the community that has so many different voices and and and how do we help them at least find a consensus that ultimately allows that community to become what it can become and should become and my mind will become so there's a lot of personal elements to that you know your professionalism your listening skills your patience your

[00:32:28] your focus on the vision that we've had not again just with gum springs but so many of the african-american communities and Fairfax County how do we ensure first and foremost to know what's there and then to know how best to move forward to enable them to reach their full potential so I've said a lot I have a lot more to say but I but I know particularly that connections here and and you know that I'll be with you and you know that I need you to come back some and and you said you're you said you're all in so my deepest thanks and

[00:33:05] blessings to you for all your amazing work with us thank you thank you Supervisor Lusk, Ben Bierman. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chairman. Let me start by saying, Carla, I remember when Dr. Powell was here talking about the work that was being done at the University of California at Berkeley and this effort to bring equity to communities that had been somewhat forgotten.

[00:33:32] And listening to his presentation and hearing kind of the passion and the commitment to really giving a voice and giving visibility to those who did not have a voice and did not and were not seen previously.

[00:33:50] And seeing what you've done with One Fairfax here in Fairfax County is just amazing. I just appreciate how hard you have worked to make this work here in Fairfax County and that through your incredible leadership, we have a model that is being replicated not just in Fairfax County, but all over this region.

[00:34:12] There are people who are connected to you because of the work that's here. These impacts are going to be significant, and when I think about them as being generational, we're going to see improvements in the quality of life for many, many generations.

[00:34:29] And I think that is a significant part of the work that you have done and undertaken over the years. And I just think about you as a person, Carla, just the way that you approach your work. You're so intentional in the way that you communicate and the way that you define what needs to be done.

[00:34:52] You are extremely compassionate, and you can see that in the way that you approach your work. And I appreciate something that's so important, and I think that many people do not have, and it's grace.

[00:35:06] The grace in which you go about your work is so important, and I think that I feel a personal connection to you for a number of reasons, but I think because of just your approach, I can sense this is a part of the ethics, the ethos, the person that you are.

[00:35:34] And I just want you to know how proud I am of you and so proud of the accomplishments that you've made. And just want you to know we're going to look forward to seeing you in your future endeavors.

[00:35:51] I know you're going to be extraordinarily successful. As the chairman has said, we do have a bat phone, I guess. So if we need to call, can we shine a light, too, from the government center? Is that possible? We might be able to signal you and let you know we need a little bit of help, but I just want to acknowledge all the things that you've done, and I'm so grateful.

[00:36:14] So thank you very much. Thank you, Supervisor Bierman and Jimenez. Oh, good. I'm glad I'm not going last. I have something to say, which is very brief and not nearly as profound as my colleagues, but is extremely sincerely felt.

[00:36:31] I appreciate how hard a worker you are. Before I got on the board, I was on the Police Civilian Review Panel. I was also on the Redistricting Commission. I was also on the Renaming Commission. As our vice chair likes to comment, we've got a lot of boards, authorities, and commissions.

[00:36:50] I think James' Military Families was the 88th commission. And I have no doubt that you have visited so many of those commissions and given your presentation. And you've done it on nights. You've gotten all over the county.

[00:37:05] This is a big place. And there are lots of people all over this county who either work for the county, who are volunteering for the county, who just live in the county, who know your presentation about One Fairfax, who know the images, who can spot the image of the kids behind the fence with the boxes underneath.

[00:37:24] because you have not stopped trying to make sure that people understand what equity really means and trying to make sure that people understand that a rising tide does lift all boats and that we are all in this together. And so it's not a profound thing to say, but I appreciate that you're such a hard worker and that you've done so much to get this message out throughout this very large county.

[00:37:48] Thank you. Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you so much. And thank you, Carla. The work you've done is so many of my colleagues has said is critically important and so important. And I think that what the chairman started off by saying is so true. It's not just who you've impacted that we see, but the most important are those we haven't seen. It's those younger generations, those who have looked at different positions and looked at the county or looked at working in different places and said, I don't think so because I don't see myself represented here. And then they see you and they see that

[00:38:24] there can be a voice. There is a place for them. Young people say, oh, this can be done. She looks like me. She comes from where I come from. She talks about the things that are important to me. And because of that, you know, it's really not the most important things aren't what you've done and what's in front of us. It's the things that are yet to come and all of the changes that you've made, not just right now, but the changes we are yet to see. Those are the ones I can't wait to see. And I know that all of us up here are so excited to see the things that you've accomplished, but what others are going to accomplish because of what you did. So thank you so much.

[00:39:03] Carla, thank you. When Supervisor Lusk said the word grace, that definitely resonated with me. The difficult work, and we know we still have to get people to understand what equity truly is and our history and all the things we didn't get right in the past, but that you have been the support for our staff.

[00:39:27] And then we can see that work. I, of course, focus on land use stuff, right? And so I look at when we did a comprehensive plan when I first started in 2016, 2017. And then I look now at what staff has done. We're doing Centerville Suburban Study.

[00:39:42] And before we even started, staff went out and met with different parts of the community. This is ingrained now in how we do our work. It's not just words on a piece of paper. And it is so valuable to hear the voices that we didn't make that special effort to hear.

[00:40:02] So I thank you for that. And I thank you for our conversations. We know that there's more to be done. And we will look to do it with grace, just as you have. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion say aye.

[00:40:17] Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? That motion passes unanimously. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Vice Chairman Smith. And if I had been chairing the meeting a moment ago, I would not have allowed us to vote on this resolution because if we don't pass it, maybe you won't leave.

[00:40:35] But in all seriousness, Carla, I hope, I know this is emotional, but I hope the words that you've just heard matter. but more importantly I hope when you when you walk out of the building today I know you're going to be coming back for a lot of different things moving forward but you really do think about all those voices and all those people who you have helped that as I said will never get a chance to meet you but you've made a better county and not many people can walk out of a building and say, I made a better county.

[00:41:15] And not only made a better county, but made a better country. Because it's not just people in Virginia who have said, what are you doing in Fairfax County and how we replicate it or in the region. But I know firsthand people across this country have called Carla Bruce and said, how are you doing what you're doing in Fairfax?

[00:41:34] And so your reach way beyond this county, and I hope it gives you a great, great feeling of accomplishment that you've made that difference, but also knowing that Carla's Army, who's here, and this board is going to keep making sure this work gets done and these conversations happen.

[00:42:00] And that is the most important legacy for all of us, is this is not the end. This is the beginning, thanks to what you've helped us launch. So with that, as I said, the motion is approved. Carla, I'm going to turn the mic over to you.

[00:42:17] And then at the end, we're going to have Carla's army come down for an unorganized chaos photo. But first, Carla, welcome. The floor is yours. Good morning. Well, I don't, people that know me know that I don't usually work from prepared remarks because I generally know what I have to say and I'm ready to say it. But I expected that today would be emotional and that I needed to make sure that what I had to say was on paper,

[00:42:52] so I said it. But I could not have even imagined how emotional it is. Thank you all for your recognition what takes me over the top is my middle name is grace and and I'm named after my grandmother who is just grace personified and I every in everything I do she was a hard worker

[00:43:26] and in everything I do I just try to be like her and when people ask me like how did you do that And why did you show up like that? How do you have the nerve to try that? Because I'm Grace, Bruce's granddaughter.

[00:43:45] And so the fact that you recognize that in me is just, I hope I make her proud. Jeremy McKay and members of the Board of Supervisors, I am just so humbled by the recognition my friends and colleagues for showing up deeper than I could have ever imagined.

[00:44:13] Thank you. I've really struggled over these last few weeks to find words that describe my 25 years of service to Fairfax County government. All I've been able to come up with is that it's been a ride.

[00:44:31] And outside of being a parent, I don't believe I've had another life experience where I've had the opportunity to mold and shape something so important while at the same time being molded and shaped. As you read in the proclamation, I began my career in Fairfax County with the Department of Community and Recreation Services. Little known fact, as a recreation therapist.

[00:44:56] And it boggles my mind that 25 years later, I am leaving this organization as a chief equity officer. I could not have fathomed that career path. In fact, on day two, I called my old y'all back to ask them if I could come. Because I did not see this as my place. But I couldn't have fathomed that career path because it was just incomprehensible to think that a role like this could exist in government, especially in a place like Fairfax, and particularly Fairfax in

[00:45:31] 1999. And two, I could have never predicted that I would have had all of the amazing experiences that I've had and met all the amazing people that I've met over these years that really helped and contributed to everything that everybody's talked about.

[00:45:51] So while my mother sent me a text this morning with clappy hands saying it's Carla Bruce Day in Fairfax County, and it really, it is not. It is really about all of you and all of the people that I've just had the privilege to work with over all of these 25 years. But yeah, my role as a recreation therapist, I couldn't have ever imagined that it would lead me to this place. But I will tell you that it's been the foundation of how I approached my role as chief equity officer. Because as a recreation therapist, you operate from the fundamental belief that everybody should have the opportunity to fully

[00:46:30] participate. It just requires adaptation. And really, that's what I was trained to do and didn't think I was making good use of that training, but lo and behold, hopefully I was. Over the last couple of months, since I announced my retirement, I've had a lot of conversations with folks requesting parting thoughts, and I'll share them here briefly. I've spent 25 years here, and I can personally attest that Fairfax County is an amazing place to work. It's an amazing place

[00:47:05] to live. It's an amazing place to play and worship and all the things that we say. Yet, we know that that is not the experience of everyone. And despite that, people choose to live here. You know, people want to be here. And people want to be here because they want the chance at the opportunities that make this place so amazing. The policies and investments that Fairfax County has made to make this such a great place to live, they work, right? They really work, but they've come at a cost.

[00:47:41] There were and are people left out. There were and are people relegated to the role of being the fuel to keep this economic engine running. And I'm not passing judgment on those who came before us and sort of laid this framework. It was a different time and it was a different context.

[00:48:00] but I'm thinking about the words of the poet Maya Angelou who I quote often in relation to this work and what she says is you do the best you can then when you know better you do better so to realize the vision of one Fairfax we just have to continue doing better trying to figure out how we got here and most importantly committing to figuring out and doing the things that will address the situation and the conditions that we find ourselves in.

[00:48:34] And I keep saying we. I will continue to say we because I still feel like I'm a part of this and want to continue to support you. And at the risk of sounding too professorial, sir, I'll also underscore the principle of targeted universalism as the foundation of how the county is governed and managed, and that setting goals for all, that's the universal part, right?

[00:49:01] We want everybody in Fairfax County to have success. But we target our strategies and account for how different groups are situated, how different neighborhoods are situated within the structures and across the geographies. That's the targeted part. I think it's simple, right?

[00:49:16] I think that's just being a good public servant. I don't think, you know, I know equity can be controversial, but I just think that's just being a good public servant. And I really do hope that that's a principle that you all embrace. It's about doing equitable things, and it's about doing things equitably.

[00:49:36] And there are some things that we are doing that are equitable, right? I applaud our investments in affordable housing, the changes we're making from the land use perspective. You know, we're doing some amazing things. But there are also some things that, again, we talked about the policies and the things that were created. You know, they were created in a different time. And we have to think about, do they meet our current context and values?

[00:50:04] I can think of a few, but I won't tell you right now. We can talk about that later. So I'll stop there because I know you have a long agenda and you've showered me with so much love. I don't want to make you all have to stay late for it.

[00:50:20] But I do want to close with a few thank yous. So thank you to the community, residents, and partners. And it's been one of the most rewarding parts of being the chief equity officer because I have the privilege of working inside this organization and outside this organization.

[00:50:40] And I'm deeply grateful for your inspiration, your encouragement, your support, your partnership. Thank you to my mentors and my confidants for your thoughtful guidance and support.

[00:50:56] Thank you to the small but mighty One Fairfax Central team and the broader network of staff and leadership equity champions. You embrace the vision that all in Fairfax County will have an equitable opportunity to succeed, and you work hard every day to make that a reality.

[00:51:16] I also want to say, please support my successor, Tony Zolicoffer. I've tried my best to lay out a proper transition plan, but there's no way to know what you're getting into and stepping into this role.

[00:51:36] But I'm here to support her, and I know that you all will support her, and you all will continue to support her as you all have supported me. Everything that the Chief Equity Officer says, I will say, on both mine and Tony's behalf, is always said.

[00:51:53] No matter how hard it might seem and how hard it might be to hear, it's always said in the interest of making Fairfax County a better place for all. Thank you, Chairman McKay, for your leadership. It's been an amazing journey.

[00:52:13] We've had a lot of conversations. We've tackled a lot of challenges. But we've also visioned together, right? And it's been a privilege to work with you at various stages of your career and know that this has been something that you've held deeply.

[00:52:35] And I know that you'll continue to lead with equity at the center in whatever you do. So thank you so much. Thank you, County Executive Hill, standing over there.

[00:52:55] First, for entrusting me to lead this important work and for allowing me to be your thought partner. That's exactly what I always wanted to be to you. Some might know that on the day that the One Fairfax policy was adopted is the day that Mr. Hill was appointed to his role as county executive.

[00:53:20] And I think that that was sort of divine intervention. I really appreciate your partnership, and our progress would not have been possible without your guidance, without your push, but ultimately without you creating the space and the structure and giving me the trust to accomplish what had to be done, so thank you.

[00:53:44] And I want to thank my friends who traveled long distances in some cases to be here, friends who I made during this journey in Fairfax County, because again, this is an amazing place, and because I've had the privilege to be here for 25 years, I've known some of these people an awful long time, and beyond my colleagues, they are my friends.

[00:54:12] I want to thank my family. My mother and my youngest daughter are here today. My oldest is away at college, but I have to thank them for their love, their support, their understanding, their patience for just accepting the demands of this job, right?

[00:54:32] And I'm privileged to have an amazing family, and they've trained me, my grandmother and my mom trained me to do this job from the day I was born. So it's my hope that when the story of Fairfax County is read 100 years from now, that it will reflect that we did the best we could, and that as we knew better, we did better.

[00:54:58] We should all be proud of what we've achieved together, but we should also know that there's a lot more work to do. But I'm confident that the infrastructure momentum, we've built a straw. Our one Fairfax tagline is we all do better when we all do better.

[00:55:17] And since I won't get a chance to see you as often as I used to, I'm leaving you with a little something to remind you of that. There's one for each of the board members and for you, Mr. Hill. I'll pass that. So this has gone on way too long.

[00:55:38] So thank you so much.

[00:55:40] Thank you very much, Carla.

[00:56:36] And we knew we'd make you cry. Those are tears of joy. I didn't think we'd make so many other people here cry. And I say that respectfully because that's what you've brought us.

[00:56:51] So thank you, Carla. Thank you. With that, I think we're ready for a photo. And this might be a little bit chaotic. But if all those who are here for Carla's recognition could come on down and face the audience, and Tony will help us get arranged for a photo.

[00:59:36] All right, we are now going to move on to our next recognition.

[01:05:26] We're now going to move on to our next recognition, which is a proclamation to designate October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fairfax County. And this was requested by myself, Supervisor Palchuk, and Supervisor Walkinshaw.

[01:05:42] And our speaker today is Soria Bora, the vice president of Second Story in the community. And a community from Falls Church, Virginia, if you can come on down. And, of course, anyone who is here with you is welcome to join you at the podium.

[01:05:59] And while you are doing that, I am going to turn to Supervisor Palchuk to read a proclamation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Whereas Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the widespread issue of domestic violence affecting individuals and families in all communities, regardless of age, race, disability, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.

[01:06:25] And whereas in 2023, the Fairbanks County Police Department responded to 3,738 domestic violence calls, a 15% increase from the previous year, and 45% of homicides were related to domestic violence, representing a 9% rise in such cases.

[01:06:47] And whereas challenges such as economic hardship, a lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health services, and limited language support continue to affect victims and their families, often exacerbating their struggles.

[01:07:05] And whereas despite ongoing funding and staffing shortages, agencies and organizations throughout the county have continued to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of those impacted by domestic violence. And whereas it is critical that we come together as a community to prevent domestic violence and create safer environments for all.

[01:07:28] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fairfax County and urges all residents to raise awareness and take action to help prevent and address this important issue.

[01:07:49] I'm happy to second that motion. Is there a discussion on the motion? Supervisor Palczyk. Let me just add briefly, and I know there are a few more women up there who should come down as well. I'm grateful we're doing this today and following a recognition of Carla Bruce and the One Fairfax policy, because I think as we've seen and as the group here has seen and our incoming Chief Equity Officer, Tony, has been leading this work for so many years is that it is all tied together, right?

[01:08:23] When we talk about prevention, it is very much related to all of the One Fairfax issues that we've discussed. And I think a lot of it was shared here, but being able to ensure that we address the needs of our community, that everyone, especially women and women who maybe don't know of all of the possibilities and the resources available, feel comfortable, and that we realize that it is really up to all of us to help ensure that we have a community that is committed at every level to ensuring safety,

[01:09:02] access, and inclusion of every member of our community so that you know that you belong, that you have a voice and that you have a place to turn should you need support and really when you should need support because I know life is tough for so many and being able to turn to a trusted member of our community whether it's one of our incredible non-profit partners like Second Story like so many of our non-profit partners and our county agencies and staff providing support

[01:09:36] But we know it's everyone. It's our faith leaders. It's all of us here at the dais. It's every community, every school leader, every member of our community. It is really, it's our job to ensure that we address not just the incidence of domestic violence, but the prevention of what leads to domestic violence.

[01:09:59] And I know, as Carla mentioned, not only does everyone do better when everyone does better, but as she said, when we know better, we need to do better. And I appreciate that everyone involved in the domestic violence prevention community is so integrated into the work and learning how to do better.

[01:10:20] And I know that we are looking at every day how to improve those practices, how to improve not just the outreach and engagement, but how to improve the integration and the collaboration of all of our county services and all of our nonprofit services and what we do here as a community.

[01:10:37] So I'm heartbroken that we saw an increase in the last year. We know that as much as we are fighting to end domestic violence, we really, really have to fight together to address the incidents and to address how to prevent it from not just continuing, but at this point, unfortunately, increasing.

[01:11:01] So I want to thank you for being here today in Second Story and for everyone who really is on the ground and dealing with the challenges and the difficulty and the emotional support I hope you're getting in doing this work that is heart-wrenching but is so incredibly important, especially for the most vulnerable in our community so thank you and thank you for being here for this month of awareness Thank You Supervisor Palchek

[01:11:35] Supervisor Lusk thank you mr. chairman I appreciate this motion being brought forward and acknowledge the importance of addressing this issue and like Supervisor Palchek and saddened by the fact that we have an increase this is not the direction we want to be going I do want to indicate that we had an opportunity to take a trip to New York to learn a bit about a program that was being done in kind of the Bronx area and I want to acknowledge that there were some really good opportunities for us to look at ways to use prevention

[01:12:11] particularly with young people to address domestic violence so I think we're going to be working on this issue we're going to continue to look for solutions but prevention and awareness and you know outreach are going to be really significant and important so I want to thank Second Story for their work in this area and specifically the work that you do in my district as well acknowledge its importance and can see foundationally how it is making our community better so with that thank you very much mr. chairman thank you

[01:12:48] Supervisor Luss, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you all for coming and thank you to Second Story. Just such an amazing organization and I really appreciate everybody who is part of our coordinated response to domestic violence in the county. You will not find a more committed group of people. I can say that because we meet at 7 30 in the morning regularly for the counsel to end domestic violence, and people are there and committed and in the community

[01:13:22] doing the work. And although the reported incidents of domestic violence are up, one piece of good news is homicides related to domestic and family violence are down. And I think a lot of our work is working to prevent those homicides. I want to thank Supervisor Palchuk for taking over the leadership of the Council to End Domestic Violence.

[01:13:49] He's been doing an incredible job. And, you know, one of the reasons I've shared in the past, you know, kind of my personal story and reason for being passionate about this issue. But another reason is I just really believe that men have to be more engaged on this.

[01:14:07] When you look at the folks who are doing the work of domestic violence prevention and supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence. It is not all, but overwhelmingly women. And I really just think that men have to step up and be part of the conversation and part of the solution here. Not always in the leadership role. That's why I'm so excited that Supervisor Palchuk has taken over and I can go back to being a worker bee and just trying to help do my part.

[01:14:37] But thank you all for being here and for everything that you do. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw and Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I really connect to those comments and particularly the partnership that I think is what this is all about, partnership of the board, county staff, Second Story, and especially community members. The key reason why we've made the progress that we've made as quickly as we've made it has been individuals in our community who have helped to push and urge and cajole and advocate and otherwise get us to do

[01:15:15] what we know we need to do haven't always maybe had the funding or haven't we've had to find and address those issues and I I always want to recognize three people and my community were a central part of that that I was able to partner with it was was key part of getting Artemis house really done more quickly than it was and I know supervisor McKay now chairman McKay and I I worked very closely to expedite that because what we were hearing, it was going to be years.

[01:15:44] And when you only have one domestic violence shelter, and it's in the far western part of the county, the needs were great throughout the county. And I know we, frankly, I think we still need at least another facility in the central part of the county to support that. But I especially wanted to thank Karen Stone, Lisa Sales, and Maddie Palmore, three individuals who were deeply involved as part of the Commission for Women, And then, in turn, they've seen or personally experienced some of the issues that we have worked so hard to address.

[01:16:17] And I'm happy and pleased to have been a partner in that process. And thank you all for being a partner of the county and all of us. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. And thank you for mentioning Artemis House because it was what I was going to mention. It's very appropriate that this is following the recognition of Carla Bruce because Artemis House was the first technical test of our One Fairfax policy.

[01:16:42] It literally was the reason we opened Artemis House on the Route 1 corridor. After many years of us and the women's group of Mount Vernon, and I can remember Carrie and Maddie and all the people involved trying to get a shelter built in South County, all the years we tried to get that done.

[01:17:02] And so guess what happened? We applied our One Fairfax lens to the problem, it said, you absolutely have to build a shelter in South County. It is unconscionable that people who are dealing with domestic violence and families in many parts and children are already being ripped apart, pulled from schools, that their only shelter, other than what they could personally arrange, would be in the western end of the county, many, many miles away from where they may work and where their kids go to school. And it was literally the first technical test of that policy, and that is the reason Artemis House was used for domestic

[01:17:41] violence shelter on Route 1. I just want to comment on two public safety things because I think my colleagues have shared really well the partnership with Second Story and so many of the other groups that do tremendous work in this space, but yes, the Fairfax County Police Department responded to a 15% increase in calls for domestic violence. I think we have to look at that through two lenses. One is that's way too many calls for domestic violence in a community like Fairfax.

[01:18:12] But two is how many people called who would not have called before, who finally had the gumption to stand up and say, this is not right because they knew support services were there for them if they made the brave decision to call the police department in the first place and say,

[01:18:33] No more. No more. I'm going to get support and help and out of this situation. And so, you know, 3,738 domestic violence calls in 2023 is way too high a number. But the number that concerns me the most is how many calls were not made by people who are suffering from domestic violence. And we'll never know what that number is. And that's why the work that you're doing is so important.

[01:19:03] And then secondly, we know that we've had some legislative help as well from the General Assembly in passing the red flag law. And I bring up the red flag law because since we put that in place in Fairfax County, our team, our team literally, has removed almost 600 guns from the hands of people who have known mental health challenges or domestic violence backgrounds.

[01:19:31] I mean, think about that. We know homicides are down, but we also know that in 2023, 45% of the homicides that occurred in Fairfax County were related to domestic violence and directly related to an ability to obtain the means by which, in some cases, literally to murder someone.

[01:19:52] And so all of these pieces working together are so important to protecting life and protecting victims of domestic violence. But this is a human services issue to some. To some, it's a public safety issue.

[01:20:07] To all of us, it should be a moral issue that requires our full-time attention. And we're grateful for Second Story and the team of people who work on this and make this their daily mission every day because lives are saved because of the work that you do. With that, I think we are ready for a vote.

[01:20:26] All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries, and Soria, welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you. Good morning to everyone, and thank you, supervisors, for having us here today.

[01:20:43] On behalf of Second Story, it is an honor to us to be here and receive this recognition. But we also want to say thank you to the partners that are supporting this effort, which is my colleagues over here, the DS and BS services.

[01:21:03] On second story, we strongly believe that raising awareness of domestic violence is so important and doing this, we can bring information, we can bring resources to the communities that they are in need.

[01:21:23] So that is one of the things that we want to continue doing, and we want to continue doing with the expertise, that they are the ones that bring these services to them. And we are doing this through doing classes for our community and also doing community events, so that way our community members and our youth can be safe and we can develop safety communities for them.

[01:21:55] Thank you. Good morning, everyone. My name is Camareline Pena, and I'm the Program Manager of the Community-Based Services. I also just want to touch base on how important this partnership was with DSVS and our communities, not only for the adults, but also for our youth programs.

[01:22:13] Our youth programs, we were able to connect the body safety programming into our programs that reach Annandale-Springfield and the false church communities, so that youth know at an elementary school age what it means to have rights to their own bodies, have boundaries and know what it means to be with a safe adult.

[01:22:29] Also, with our Comortin Center, we were able to continue with our Partners in Prevention program, which is the Hype, or it was the Healthy Youth in Prevention Education. But now, especially with, you know, it's great that we're talking about one, Fairfax, of now it's changed to Pilas, which is now geared toward Hispanic youth and Spanish-speaking youth.

[01:22:46] And that program was piloted thanks to the teamwork and the collaboration with DSVS so that the newcomers in our community know what it means to have healthy relationships, especially at adolescent age. So now as they're growing up in our programs, they know what to look for. They know what are the red flags, the green flags, and we have those conversations at our center. So that is a lasting impact for generations to come. And again, thank you for allowing us and with this partnership to continue to build our communities. They're very resilient. So thank you for helping us and just raise their voices. So thank you again. Thank you. Thank you very much. I think with that, we're ready for a photo. And if

[01:23:24] Supervisor Palchuk, Supervisor Walkinshaw would join me, and anyone who's here for this recognition

[01:23:29] is also welcome to come down for the photo. Okay, next up, we have a proclamation to designate

[01:25:49] October 6th through October 12th, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week in Fairfax County. And this was requested by myself and Supervisor Lusk. Our speaker today is Deputy Chief William Vinoy, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. If you can come on down, if anyone is here with you, they're welcome to join you at the podium as well. And at this time I will recognize Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[01:26:13] And I will read the proclamation. It reads, "Whereas Fairfax County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those who live and visit our county. And whereas, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during this time to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, a devastating event on October 8, 1871, killing over 250 people and leaving 100,000 homeless. And whereas, more than 2,000 andrew people die in home fires in the

[01:26:47] United States every year as cooking is a leading cause of home fires with two out of every five starting in the kitchen and 31% of these fires result from unattended cooking and whereas this year's fire prevention week theme smoke alarms make them work for you highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms to provide early warning and give people the time needed to escape

[01:27:16] And whereas the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, along with other dedicated county emergency services personnel and first responders, are at the forefront of efforts to minimize the risk of fires and fire-related injuries, and therefore, be it resolved, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, along with other, excuse me, be it resolved, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim October 6th through the 12th, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week in Fairfax County,

[01:27:53] calls upon all residents to join in taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and safety of others in the event of fire. So move, Mr. Chairman. Happy to second that motion along with Supervisor Herity. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Lusk.

[01:28:09] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll just make a couple more comments and I'll start by saying it is so important that we think about fire safety where we live and where we work. I'm not sure if everyone really knows this, but Fire Prevention Week in Fairfax County coincides with the National Fire Prevention Week nationally. This year's theme in Fairfax and nationally is focused on the importance of smoke alarms. One of the best ways we can save lives is to place smoke alarms in our homes and to test them and make sure that they are actually working.

[01:28:39] I appreciate the work that Fire and Rescue does every day to spread awareness about fire prevention, including multiple significant smoke alarm distributions. And there were a number of events that were done in Franconia District over the last couple years, resulting in hundreds of smoke alarms now in homes that didn't have them before.

[01:28:59] Residents have been extraordinarily thankful for these devices, and I look forward continuing to work with all of you on programs like this for the future. Again, I want to thank you very much for what you're doing to make our community safer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[01:29:14] Thank you, Supervisor Luss, Supervisor Beerman. So I was kind of hoping that Bobby Young would be here because I have a good story about him and about one of my brilliant colleagues up here who will remain nameless. But I was mid-conversation at an event with Bobby, and he stopped me mid conversation and said, stop. So-and-so is about to start a fire. And there was a little, uh, uh, catering tray. And, um, one of my colleagues had, had, you know, just been trying to get something out of the, out of the catering tray. And Bobby spotted it immediately and was like, that's about

[01:29:52] to start a fire and went over. And sure enough, uh, it did start a fire. And I tell this story not to embarrass anybody up here. And that's why the person remains nameless, but to point out how good our fire department is that Bobby Young is out there spotting fires before they even start.

[01:30:09] And to add, though, that that type of thing can literally happen to anybody. So this is really a great thing to have Fire Prevention Awareness Month, to think critically about what you're doing.

[01:30:25] We all have a part and a role to play. This seems to be a theme with a lot of things we're talking about. I know that Supervisor Stork was mentioning it with pedestrian safety. These are shared responsibility and shared attempts. But, boy, thank goodness our fire department is as good as it is.

[01:30:43] So thank you very much and appreciate you being here. Thank you, Supervisor Beerman. And speaking of shared, before I recognize my colleagues on this side, I do want to recognize our CERT volunteers who I see who are here, who have played a major role in helping with the distribution of the smoke alarms.

[01:31:01] And, you know, this takes our professional firefighters, our volunteer firefighters who we're going to hear from in a moment, our community volunteers, our community organizations, and members of our community. It's literally at the heart of why we do this proclamation to recognize that the fire department alone can't take all responsibility for this, that it's a community responsibility.

[01:31:22] Supervisor Palczyk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will take responsibility for the person who was trying to feed her daughter, and it caused a tiny little fire. But I really wanted to speak. I was going to remain deep. I appreciate that.

[01:31:39] We were going to figure it out. I think it's a good point. As someone who grew up catering, when you add a two-year-old to the mix, we all have to remember fire safety. I really wanted to point out that both our fire department and CERT, who were at our Providence event at Marshall High School on Saturday, did such an incredible job that in addition to handing out and ensuring that our facilities are safe, that critical piece of education.

[01:32:10] The next day, I ran into a mom and asked her, what was the best part? She said, well, my daughter's favorite part was learning from the fire department because then she ran to the PTA table and said, stop, drop, and roll. And she knows that's the one thing that her daughter for sure took away from that event was the education and the training that she got from our fire department that was there.

[01:32:35] and want to thank all of you because we know that as much as we know and we've been raised to remember all of the rules and keep safe, it's easy to forget, especially when you're juggling different things and especially for our young ones and our aging population.

[01:32:52] Thank you for what you do. That is what keeps all of us up at night. I dread every time I have an email from the fire department about a fire we've had and we cross our fingers and we know they are in good hands, but it can happen to anyone. And so very, very grateful to you. And because our volunteers are here, thank you to Dan Loring. Thank you, Captain, for being here and very much appreciate helping us keep our community safe every single day. Thank you, Supervisor Palczyk. And before we vote, I do want to just reiterate one thing, which is, you know, Fairfax County Fire Department

[01:33:31] responded to 125,211 incidents in 2023, saving our county and its residents over $33.7 billion worth of property. And obviously, you know, this doesn't even account for the value of human life that is saved, but I point this out because those are the calls for service where a fire has already occurred. What we don't know is how many fires were prevented because of the good work and education that everyone before us does.

[01:34:04] Statistic, we'll never know, but are very grateful for, because by the time it gets to the statistic on this sheet, it's usually too late for anything to be done about it. And I think we all need to reflect on how we can prevent, as the chief so eloquently always says, prevent the 911 call to begin with is the most effective thing we can do.

[01:34:26] With that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries, and Chief Benoit, welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you. Good morning, Chairman McKay, Board of Supervisors. As we recognize Fire Prevention Week, I want to draw your attention to this year's theme, Smoke Alarms, Make Them Work For You.

[01:34:48] Smoke alarms are one of the most powerful tools to keep your family safe, but they only work for their installed and maintained correctly. In Fairfax County, the commitment to community safety goes beyond the Fire and Rescue Department. It requires a holistic approach involving many partners. There's already a strong collaboration between the Fire Rescue Department, its volunteer members, its career members, and its civilian members, along with the CERT program, the Community Risk Reduction section and Life Safety Education section, the American Red Cross, the Police Department, Department of Code Compliance, Public Works and Environmental Services, the Board of Supervisors and their staff, and many others.

[01:35:27] These partnerships focus on ensuring that every community, especially those most vulnerable, have equitable access to the critical safety information and resources they need. Through the collaboration we've had in the past year, Fairfax Canada has been able to distribute nearly 2,000 smoke alarms and make 600 stones safer in areas like Harmony Hills, Audubon Estates, Waples Mills, and many others.

[01:35:51] Together, we've served over 2,000 people, providing them with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire safety education, and addressing other unique fire hazards through our collaborative partnerships. This collaborative approach, based on community trust and inclusivity, has been vital in building strong connections and ensuring long-term safety.

[01:36:10] By replicating this model across the county, including locations such as Meadows of Chantilly, where we just had a smoke alarm initiative this past weekend, we continue to make significant progress in ensuring the safety of all citizens of Fairfax County.

[01:36:26] As we reflect on the Fire Prevention Week, I want us all to remember this year's theme, make them work for you just also remember that when we engage with our communities to ensure everyone has the tools and knowledge they have to stay safe we all benefit together we can build a safer stronger Fairfax County thank you thank you very much chief and thank you all for all you do every day it is appreciated with that I think we're ready for a photo and if you all could come forward and if the CERT volunteers who are here could please come down and join us for the photo we would we would welcome that and if the

[01:37:00] board will rise. Next we have a proclamation to designate October is

[01:39:52] Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Fairfax County and this was requested by myself and Supervisor Harrity. And our speaker today, of course, is Michael Dent and his amazing colleagues from the security office here in Fairfax County. And at this time, I'd recognize Supervisor Harrity for a motion. Yes, Mr. Chairman, to stay on the prevention theme that we seem to be on, I've got a proclamation to move. Whereas since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering

[01:40:28] collaboration between public and private sectors to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. And whereas with advancing technology, the risk of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure increases, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and awareness.

[01:40:45] And whereas ensuring cybersecurity is a top priority, Fairfax County has made significant investments in technology infrastructure to support efficient operations while prioritizing the protection of residents' data and IT assets, and whereas there is a recognized need to strengthen cybersecurity practices through ongoing education, promoting awareness to the latest threats, and encouraging proactive measures to prevent breaches, and whereas Fairfax County joins organizations across the nation in raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity,

[01:41:22] enhancing resilience, and recognizing the collective responsibility to protect against cyber threats. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim October 2024 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Fairfax County, and urges all residents, businesses, and government agencies to engage in practices that enhance cybersecurity and protect our digital landscape so I'll second that motion discussion on the motion Supervisor Herdy yes mr. chairman it it it doesn't take much just

[01:42:01] about every day you read something in the newspaper about a breach somewhere whether that be a government agency whether that be a business or whether that be somebody who's got your credit information to two individuals I want to start by thanking Greg Scott Michael Dent and our entire Department of Information Technology for the work they do to maintain and protect our IT infrastructure you do a great job of training educating our employees protecting our systems sharing information to educate our residents you even give us tests on a regular basis to

[01:42:38] Make sure we're doing what we're taught to do and end up going to remedial training. I'm going to throw my chief of staff under the bus. If you do get caught by one of those tests, local governments are common targets for cyber threats.

[01:42:56] In 2023, the FBI reported that local governments were the third most targeted entity for ransomware attacks. Other threats targeting government entities and individuals are increasingly sophisticated, including phishing and malware as well as AI-generated attacks, misinformation, and deepfakes.

[01:43:15] As technology advances, we need to continue to educate our residents and our employees to watch out for and how to protect themselves. Some of those preventive actions, including not clicking or sharing unknown links, Regularly changing passwords, not responding to suspicious messages, enabling two-factor authentication.

[01:43:40] And if in doubt, send it to IT. If in doubt, call the person because you should know them on the other end. I want to also recognize and thank the Area Agency on Aging and the work of programs like Silver Shield and Scam Jam that help, you know, educate our older adult community who are often targets of these attacks.

[01:44:02] So thank you for all you do, and I appreciate your work. Thank you, Supervisor Herity. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate this motion as well. I want to thank my colleague for bringing it forward. I'll say this is the 21st year of this official Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign, and each year the issue becomes more and more pressing.

[01:44:25] I've been talking recently about cybersecurity and scam prevention for seniors and others because of the multiple concerns that have been raised within my office. As you are aware, in the Franconia District, we have the Green Springs Senior Living Community, which is one of the largest in the region and hosts over 1,800 residents.

[01:44:44] Unfortunately, I've heard from many of them that they are being targeted by scammers, and I know that they are not alone. Cybersecurity education awareness is so important for us to understand and make changes to our digital behavior to protect ourselves and others.

[01:45:00] Cybersecurity is an enormous part of our local economy here. If we look, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority estimates that there are over 113,000 people working in cybersecurity jobs here in the D.C. metro area.

[01:45:17] In particular, we have over 500 cybersecurity companies here in Fairfax County, and one in four jobs here are technology-related. So I just want to acknowledge as well the great work of our DIT department here in ensuring the security of our systems, but I just want to acknowledge the importance of being vigilant and aware.

[01:45:40] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk, and let me also thank our amazing team at DIT because this is about, you know, awareness in the community, things they can do to protect themselves, things county employees can do clearly to protect themselves.

[01:45:57] But we often don't get an opportunity to thank the men and women who most people never see behind the scenes at DIT working tirelessly every minute of every day to protect the integrity, literally, of this enterprise. And when I say enterprise, I mean the largest jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia, not just its employees and the day-to-day services we have to provide, but for all of our residents who interface with our system and conduct transactions and expect that, you know, the integrity of those is protected.

[01:46:29] And this is work that goes on around the clock with a lot of dedicated people who many times are never seen. And there's an opportunity to see them, thank them, and tell them how much they're appreciated because we rely on these things on a daily basis without thinking regularly about all the work that has to go on in the background to make sure the integrity of our system stands.

[01:46:53] And so I obviously want to thank Greg and Mike, as mentioned, but the entire team at DIT who do that work. And make us proud every day because there are a lot of attacks on local governments. And many local governments don't have the assets and the opportunities that we have and the expertise that we have.

[01:47:13] And that makes them targets. But we need to continue to make the investments. We just made some at carryover just at a recent board meeting. We have to continue to make the right investments, but most importantly, have the right people and the right team, and we do have that in Fairfax County.

[01:47:30] So thank you. With that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries, and as I mentioned, we have Michael Dent, who is the Chief Information Officer here in Fairfax County for DIT.

[01:47:46] Welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you, Chairman. Good morning, everyone. And, of course, I am Mike Dent, Chief Information Security Officer for Fairfax County. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Supervisor Herity, the chair of the board's IT committee, Supervisor McKay, board chairman, and the board of supervisors in designating October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Fairfax County.

[01:48:08] This proclamation highlights the vital need to protect our digital infrastructure and shield our community from cyber threats. Fairfax County has been at the forefront of cybersecurity for many years. And let me tell you, in NACO, all of those organizations across the country, we are pretty much the leading local government.

[01:48:26] We set the example, I think, for many in the country. Our cybersecurity program is renowned for its excellence in the region and industry. The commitment and expertise of our IT security program director, Charles Gore, and our team of cybersecurity professionalists are crucial in maintaining the safety and integrity of our county's digital assets.

[01:48:48] In celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I'm pleased to announce that Fairfax County will host its 18th annual Security Awareness Day event this Thursday in the Government Center. This event is a key part of our ongoing efforts to educate and empower our employees, who are a major part of our team, with cybersecurity best practices.

[01:49:09] It will feature engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and opportunities to connect with industry experts. Thank you once again, Supervisor Herity and board members for your unwavering support of our cybersecurity awareness initiatives in our program. Together, we can create a safer and more secure digital future for Fairfax County.

[01:49:29] Thank you all very much. Appreciate your support. Thank you very much. And this is the team right here that you don't see very often, along with the rest of DIT. And, of course, then it expands out into our user community and our users in the county to do their part as well. But these are the silent heroes.

[01:49:46] thank you well said uh thank you very much uh mr dent and thank all of you uh for joining us and all those who couldn't join us who are who are doing the work uh as we speak uh with that i think we're ready for a photo and supervisor harry and i will join you if you could come

[01:50:00] forward and face the audience all right uh next we have the presentation of the volunteer fire

[01:51:20] commission awards and annual report uh and we have with us uh sean stokes i see sean is here chair of the volunteer fire commission who will begin our presentation sean welcome well good morning chairman mckay and members of the board including some new faces so glad to be before you here today and and getting to to talk to you i am sean stokes fire chief of the dunloring volunteer fire department and chairman of the volunteer fire commission the volunteer fire commission along with our volunteer members assistant chief craven and members of staff are here today to

[01:51:56] provide a short update on the volunteer system and honor our volunteer award winners. Today we continue to support the Fire and Rescue Department and serve the residents and visitors of Fairfax County collaboratively, providing human and physical resources to meet our collective mission of providing the highest quality services to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community. We do this through personnel upstaffing frontline units, serving as minimum staffing when needed to keep units in service, and providing additional units to the system.

[01:52:26] Additionally, we provide resources for public standbys, staffing for support units like the rehab unit, and, along with our partners in CERT, provide all canteen services to the Fire and Rescue Department. Over the last year, your volunteers have placed 1,629 additional units in service, representing 17,532 hours of time, a 15% increase over the previous year.

[01:52:53] Overall, we provided almost 192,000 hours of collective service last year, also a 15% increase. To continue this trend, we have added to the tools that we use to retain and recruit members. In the area of retention, in addition to programs like LOSAP, which we greatly appreciate your continued support of, we have successfully completed the creation of a volunteer leadership training program.

[01:53:17] We know that better-run organizations are better positioned to retain their members, And the Volunteer Leadership Program, or VLP, is a tremendous step in the right direction. It, along with a recruitment program funded by a recently completed FEMA grant, has provided us with the ability to recruit and retain members.

[01:53:34] To help give some idea of what we do and the outputs of this work, let's look at a short clip of one of our new video ads. You might not know it, but many of your neighbors dedicate their time and energy for our community's well-being.

[01:53:51] They are training to be stronger, learning new skills, and becoming leaders. Fairfax County has one of the most highly respected fire and rescue departments in the nation. And hundreds of our first responders are volunteers. So if you're ready to make the commitment, join us.

[01:54:09] You just might find your place, your crew, your second family. As you can see, we have a diverse membership that a majority of live and work in the county. And speaking of working in the county, I would be remiss if I didn't mention our many members who work for Fairfax County.

[01:54:27] From park managers to police officers, data analysts to PIOs, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise that extends beyond their jobs into their volunteer roles. On the physical front, we continue to support fire station facilities, both through the volunteer-owned and partnership stations.

[01:54:46] We continue to see success in obtaining grants to support equipment purchases to replace expiring equipment or add capacity to the system in ways that couldn't happen otherwise in a challenging budget environment. On the vehicle front, we have placed an engine in multiple transport units in service in the last year and have two engines and six transports on order or about to be ordered.

[01:55:07] While this is a positive sign of our continued commitment to our partnership with you, we also have companies evaluating their ability to be able to continue to purchase apparatus going forward because of the escalating cost. We are committed to continuing our partnership with you, with our dedicated volunteers that serve the community, combined with the proactive leadership from Chief Butler and his staff, and the support of you, our elected officials.

[01:55:29] We look forward to continuing our over 120 years of service to the County of Fairfax. Before we move on to the awards, Mr. Chairman, are there any questions? Let me ask if board members have any questions. I think before we move to awards, yes, Supervisor Herity.

[01:55:45] Yeah, I understand there were some issues earlier this year with maintenance of the fire engines. Is that, have we got a... Yes, thanks to working with Chief Butler, with Mr. Hill's office, and Deputy County Exec Arnold, we've definitely gotten to a place that we are in a far better place than we were before.

[01:56:06] Things have worked out, and things are working much better now. I appreciate that very much. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. And I think not a question, but just thank you to you for your leadership and always for giving us a great report.

[01:56:22] And most importantly, we're getting ready to recognize some award winners today, but we know that everyone in our volunteer corps deserves an award for stepping up. I think most of our residents have no idea the depth and expertise that the volunteers bring to our system.

[01:56:38] and I call it a system because all the pieces have to be working together and you're a vital part of that. So we appreciate that. Thank you, sir. Well, with that, then let's meet some of those outstanding volunteers as we recognize them for their exemplary service for the county. Mr. Chairman, would you join Chief Craven and I down front, please?

[01:57:07] Referee Cast, the volunteer liaison for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. I'm here to present the 2023 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Awards.

[01:57:25] To the honorees, please come forward as your name is called. The first presentation is to the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, Khoa Tran, of the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department. Khoa has been an active operational firefighter for the entire year, consistently demonstrating unwavering commitment to his role.

[01:57:43] He not only fulfills his duty within the Franconia VFD, but also rides in other volunteer units, showcasing his dedication to supporting the broader community. His relentless efforts in volunteering countless hours to protect and serve our community set him apart as a role model for others.

[01:57:58] His dedication, leadership, and positive influence on both the department and community are the reasons he is Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. Congratulations, Qua. The Volunteer Operational Officer of the Year is John Hoopman of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department.

[01:58:22] Chief Hoopman served for eight years as Volunteer Chief, overseeing operations for the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. He is also a qualified unit office, which holds the county rank of lieutenant. During his tenure, he oversaw the significant change in the organization from standardizing the policy procedures to restructuring leadership in the organization and training the next generation of leaders.

[01:58:45] He also worked closely to create the ALS program at McLean, which is developing to be the largest among the volunteer departments. His quiet leadership style and his dedication to duty are what makes him stand out as Officer of the Year. Congratulations, John. The EMS provider of the year is Jacob Williams of the Bailey's Crossroad Volunteer Fire Department.

[01:59:09] Jake can't be here today because he's been deployed with the State Department. Jake is a highly qualified member of Fire Station 10 and is a valuable resource for the station's career and volunteer leadership. He consistently signs up for overnight and 24-hour shifts as well as weekend shifts to fulfill emergency response and community outreach commitments for the Belly Crossroads Community Department.

[01:59:32] As a BLS lead, Jake demonstrates compassionate patient care and decisive crew leadership, working closely with providers from both volunteer and career units. Jake dedicated over 530 hours of service in 2023 and is honored today as EBUS Provider of the Year.

[01:59:49] Great job, Jake. The BLS Provider of the Year is Maria Monroe Osorio of the Dunloring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Maria joined the department in March of 2020 just as COVID was ramping up.

[02:00:08] She was able to take the fall 2020 EM class and excelled. In just over four years of service, she has logged 3,600 hours of riding and an additional 576 hours of off-duty training, along with hundreds of hours of administrative time helping to manage the department.

[02:00:25] She is truly one of our stars and someone who is worthy of being the B-List Provider of the Year. Congratulations, Maria. The ALS Provider of the Year is John Gutzmiedel of the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department.

[02:00:46] John is a true asset to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. He is a highly intelligent, competent, and compassionate ALS provider and a remarkably pleasant and effective academy instructor. He employs a gentle approach to patient care mixed with a calm proficiency far beyond his years.

[02:01:03] John presents a model that all operation members aspire to, and that is why he is ALS Provider of the Year. congratulations john the next award is a new category this year ems rookie of the year goes to rena yon of the dunloring volunteer fire department rena is not able to be here today due to work commitments but she was a superstar in her emt class rena puts her all in her volunteerism and makes others around her feel supported encouraged and confident rena lends her time to nearly every opportunity possible whether helping at the community events station

[02:01:41] upkeep or academy classes. Rina is a glowing and steady presence to all those who rely on and work with and look up to her. She has quickly become a shining example to new members in terms of dedication, disposition, and determination. Way to go, Rina. The Firefighter Rookie of the Year goes to Angelina Gonzalez of the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company. Angelina has demonstrated outstanding performance and unwavering dedication since joining the department in 2022. She has shown exceptional commitment and diligence throughout her tenure. Angelina's

[02:02:18] performance during emergency responses has been exemplary. She remains calm under pressure, thinks critically, and acts swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need. Because of her remarkable achievements, dedication, and passion for the firefighting profession, we recognize her today as Firefighter Rookie of the Year. Congratulations, Angelina.

[02:02:38] The next awards recognize our administrative members, who are vital to the success of a combined career volunteer system. The first is Robert Flores of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department, recipient of 2023 Administrative Office of the Year. Bob joined the McLean VFD in November of 1977 and has been a treasurer since 1986. During his 47 years of service, he's been an energetic, skilled, and dedicated public servant, both on the operational and

[02:03:13] administrative sides of the department. Most mornings, Bob is hard at work in the leadership office, paying bills, sending out receipts, completing tax documents, managing assets and depositing donations, tracking fundraising, and more. Bob has diligently served for 38 years as treasurer and is always looking for ways to improve operations better and to innovate and improve.

[02:03:37] Congratulations, Bob, as Administrative Officer of the Year. The Administrative Member of the Year is Thomas Shanker of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. Tom joined the McLean VFD with a significant experience in journalism, last serving as the editor for the Washington Bureau of the New York Times. He quickly stepped into the role of public information officer and created a new face to the McLean VFD. He has created an active presence in social media and highlighted all the accomplishments of the department in local media. In addition to his role as PAO, he has helped launch the hands-only CPR campaign,

[02:04:17] regularly teaching CPR to members of our community in public settings or at various schools and churches around McLean. He is held in the highest regards among his peers for his diligence and dedication to service. Well done, Tom. The Auxiliary Member of the Year is Kayla Farrow of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Kayla exemplifies leadership and commitment as Vienna's Auxiliary Treasurer. Since joining in 2018, Kayla has consistently supported all aspects of station life. She was co-chair of the 2023 Open House Committee, where she executed exceptional

[02:04:56] teamwork and leadership. This event won the 2023 Best Open House in the 2nd Battalion. She plays a crucial role in auxiliary fundraising, efforts, community outreach, public and public education. Her contributions have significantly impacted the lives of those in Fairfax County. Congratulations, Kayla. Each year, the commission recognizes an outstanding member of the Community Emergency Response Team. This year's award goes to Jenny Katona of the Sully Supervisory District. Since completing basic CERT training in 2010, Janie has volunteered over

[02:05:35] 3,500 hours. From the very beginning, she has proven herself to be a tireless volunteer committed to the process improvement and serving as a model instructor mentor. In 2023 alone, she volunteered over 400 hours in the area of safety, moulage, instructor cadre, outreach, and CERT program leadership. For more than 13 years of volunteer service, Janie's impact on the CERT program has been profound. And that is why she is CERT member of the year. Congratulations, Ginny.

[02:06:03] The Fire Commission and the Fire Chief have chosen to present a special recognition award to Battalion Chief Corey Key of the Fairfax County Fine Rescue Department. Battalion Chief Key has been assigned to the Fine Rescue Academy in the training division. During a rough transitional period, Corey stepped up to manage all aspects of the volunteer training program. Corey is a real problem solver who has worked closely with the Office of the Volunteer Liaison and other Academy staff, also attending monthly meetings to make sure the Volunteer Fire Commission was abreast of all training issues.

[02:06:41] He consistently prioritized the best interests of the volunteers, ensuring that they receive necessary support and resources to provide exceptional service to the county. Thank you, and congratulations, Corey. Thank you.

[02:06:57] So, we have two team awards to present today. The first of these going to James Sebecki, Charles Hoffman, Wayne Vick, Charles Silberstein, and the entire CERT Canteen team. James and Charlie took an old 1989 Chevy Stepvan that was donated by the Centerville VFD and did amazing things to bring it into the new millennium.

[02:07:19] Wayne took on the mission of creating the training circular for the canteen operators, recruiting trained certs to join the team and teaching the course themselves. Charles stepped up to be the canteen coordinator and manages the team with exceptional skill. Over the last 17 months, the cert canteen has responded to a third of all canteen calls for the entire county.

[02:07:39] The CERT Association has been able to purchase a newer canteen, and the crews have earned the trust of the first responders they serve. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication. And last, the next team award goes to the SAFER Grant Committee.

[02:08:02] The Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association received a substantial SAFER grant for recruitment and retention from FEMA and assembled a team of all stars to put the funding to good use. The team lead of this was Jonathan Wood, who we honored here two years ago for his 50 years of continuous operational service.

[02:08:20] Unfortunately, we lost Jonathan this past August due to complications from heart failure. We want to present this award to imposthumously along with other members of the team. Tanya McCreary, Dave Preston, Andrew Liu, Nabil Garbia, Justin Green, Maria Moron Asario, and Frank Pappas.

[02:08:37] This team invested in various advertiser campaigns from banner ads, digital ads, and social media ads. They created several videos, including one you just saw. They also worked to create a leadership development program, which was presented in two different sessions and very well attended. We thank them all for their time, leadership, and dedication and service, and present them with exceptional team awards.

[02:09:01] This concludes the awards. Thanks again to the board for the opportunity to honor all our volunteers. Big scrunch.

[02:09:38] Thank you. I don't want to do a whole semi-circle. Everybody come forward a bit.

[02:09:48] and next up we have the presentation of the 250th commission semi-annual report

[02:12:31] and i see gretchen bulova i see scott stro and a whole team of folks coming down and it says on my script that Scott Muir Stroh III, better known as Scott to me, the chair of the Fairfax County 250th Commission, has joined us today to give us a presentation. Welcome. The floor is yours.

[02:12:55] Wonderful. Good morning. Thank you, Chair McKay. Thank you, supervisors. I'm really thrilled and honored to be with you this morning. And most importantly, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your public service. And thank you for your support of the 250th Commission. As was mentioned, my name is Scott Strale. You can call me Scott. That's fine.

[02:13:12] I'm proud to serve as Executive Director of George Mason's Gunston Hall, and I'm honored to serve as Chair of the Fairfax County 250th Commission. I'm very happy to be with you here this morning and excited about the opportunity to provide you with an update on all that the Fairfax 250 Commission has been planning and working on over the past year.

[02:13:30] I'm also very proud to represent and to speak on behalf of the full commission this morning, a diverse, engaged, creative, and talented group of volunteers representing every part and multiple communities throughout the county. Joining me this morning are several members, including Gretchen Boulevard from Historic Alexandria, Patrick Lennon from Visit Fairfax, Elliot Bell Krasner from the Human Rights Commission, and Tammy Manarino from the History Commission.

[02:13:54] To begin, the purpose of the commission is to organize and lead countywide efforts for inclusive observance, celebration, and commemoration of the semi-quincentennial, that's a tough one to spell and say, anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States of America. Importantly, in Virginia, and particularly here in Fairfax County, the revolutionary movement was conceived and born, and Fairfax County is uniquely positioned to lead this effort on a local, regional, and a national level. From our founders and revolutionary history through ensuing decades of struggle for human, civil, voting,

[02:14:33] educational, and environmental rights. Our county and its distinctive places, stories, and people embody this history and this promise. Our county is also home to signature organizations championing these causes and telling these stories. And together with the board's leadership through the One Fairfax initiatives, the 250th anniversary offers a compelling opportunity to reach or to teach, inspire, connect, and to help each resident and each community in our county reach their full potential. Our work, therefore, is not just rooted in the past or in 1776. Quite to the contrary, our work is focused on commemorating the revolutionary importance and the contemporary

[02:15:13] relevance of what occurred in 1776. Our work is also motivated by the goal of understanding, exploring, and talking about the revolutionary ideas that define the revolutionary movement in 1776, but that continue to be so central and important to our nation today. Our work, most importantly, is motivated by the goal of seeking to fulfill the promise of 1776 for everyone today and into the future. It is also our goal to be inclusive and collaborative, to be invitational and intentional, and to be thoughtful and strategic in doing so. As such, we see our role as that of

[02:15:50] being a convener and a facilitator of shared community-based experiences that tell the full story of Fairfax County, our history, our communities, and our people. In support of this work, we've adopted a planning framework that provides the foundation for this work. This framework is based on, number one, facilitating our own programs as a commission, number two, leveraging opportunities associated with the VA 250 Commission's efforts, and supporting and amplifying programs generated by other organizations and entities throughout Fairfax County.

[02:16:23] We believe that this approach, that of a convener and a facilitator, is the best way to achieve the stated goals of the commission in ways that are cost-effective, impactful, and that creates a legacy for the commemorative year throughout the county. With this foundational framework in place, Fairfax County effectively began our 250th commemoration in July of 2024, with several events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves. Written by George Washington and George Mason in June and July

[02:16:58] of 1774, the Fairfax County Resolves were both a bold statement of fundamental constitutional rights and a revolutionary call for an association of colonies to protest British anti-American actions. The Resolves were adopted on July 18, 1774 by a Fairfax County convention chaired by George Washington. The citizens' protest meeting was one of many throughout the colonies called to challenge Britain's retaliatory measures against Massachusetts in the aftermath of the Boston Tea Party. Programming in Fairfax County included lectures at Gunston Hall, a community celebration

[02:17:32] and special program in Alexandria, and a symposium presented in partnership with Gunston Hall, Mount Vernon, and the David Center for the American Revolution. Given this important anniversary, We're pleased to have provided you with pocket copies of the Fairfax Resolves. I'm sure many of you have a copy already, but if you don't, now you do.

[02:17:51] No home should be without. In addition, presently the commission is also working on a series of programmatic offerings beginning in 2025 that will continue through 2026. Ideas being planned and under consideration at this point include, but are not limited to, a museum passport program, traveling panel, traveling exhibit panels featuring key aspects of local history, theatrical programs in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, such as productions of the musical 1776, specialty tours, bicycle excursions, a series of special naturalization ceremonies, the production and or updating of historic markers in Fairfax County

[02:18:31] in partnership with the Virginia Division of Historical Resources, a story core type experience that will capture testimonials about what the American Revolution means to us today and other relevant topics, history vignettes on Channel 16, and more. This work also includes the identification of signature dates and events that warrant commemoration, an initiative that we are partnering with the History Commission to complete, so we are well positioned to recognize what is most important in Fairfax County as we move through the next several years.

[02:19:01] We're also eager to leverage VA 250 programming, and we're in close communication with VA 250 staff about signature VA 250 events and experiences that will occur in Fairfax County throughout 2026.

[02:19:15] Already, these events and partnership opportunities include Sail 250, which will include the arrival of tall ships coming up the Potomac to Alexandria in 2026, a signature event at Mount Vernon focusing on the international significance of the revolution in 2026, and one that's particularly close to me and close to Gunston Hall is the 250th anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights at Gunston Hall in 2026.

[02:19:42] In addition, the VA-250 Commission, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation are collaborating in the production of a major exhibition. This exhibition is titled Give Me Liberty, Virginia and the Forging of a Nation, and this exhibit will include a traveling component that we can also seek to bring to Fairfax County.

[02:20:03] Equally important, the commission is working with a host of community partners to support and amplify experiences being produced by others in the county. These partnerships and programmatic offerings include the 250th anniversary of the United States Army in 2025 and other experiences being developed by organizations such as Nova Parks, Arts Fairfax, the Fairfax County Parks Authority, and other municipal jurisdictions, museums, and businesses such as local breweries and wineries.

[02:20:31] So stay tuned for a special beer and wine coming up in the coming years. We're also actively seeking to identify signature legacy projects associated with the commemoration that will continue serving residents and guests beyond 2026. While this work is ongoing, it's important to note in this context that the Commission is committed to ensuring that investment and activities associated with 2026 transcend any one year and continue to benefit the county and the community well into the future.

[02:21:01] That said, our greatest priority and area of focus right now is developing a signature community-based, inclusive, and engaging educational experience. To that end, we're very excited about and have begun planning for the development of a mobile museum and educational experience in Fairfax County.

[02:21:19] This mobile museum will be located and transported within a fully branded Fairfax 250th RV. Designed and intended travel throughout Fairfax County beginning in 2025 and through 2026, the RV will contain interactive exhibit components that, when removed from the vehicle, will create a fully accessible and equitable educational experience related to the core themes of Fairfax 250 commemoration.

[02:21:44] Importantly, this mobile experience will be able to visit multiple schools, festivals, parks, and communities throughout every part of Fairfax County. This project is being led by the Fairfax 250 Commission with significant and substantive assistance from commission members and partners representing Visit Fairfax and others in the county.

[02:22:04] Additionally, and as you know, our ongoing work has also included the development of budgets and business plans. Regarding budgets, the commission very much appreciates and is credibly thankful for the funds already allocated to our work. We are confident that these funds will support much of what I have shared with you this morning.

[02:22:21] We have also just submitted a request in the current budget cycle in support of the Mobile Museum, and we very much appreciate the county's and the Board of Supervisors' consideration of this request. Finally, the Marketing Committee and Visit Fairfax are presently moving forward with the implementation of our marketing plan.

[02:22:39] These events include the establishment of an enhanced web-based experience, a quarterly newsletter, and the production of brochures and other promotional collaterals that will be available and distributed throughout the county and beyond. The Commission has also begun rolling out a comprehensive local marketing campaign focusing on county residents, and we're leveraging the VA 250 website and associated marketing platforms by promoting local events in these Commonwealth-wide forums.

[02:23:05] In conclusion, we're excited and enthusiastic about moving forward and sharing the revolutionary and relevant stories of Fairfax with residents and guests. Thank you very much for your leadership and support of this initiative, and again, for your public service. And we're very happy to answer any questions.

[02:23:20] Thank you very much, Scott. Let me start by thanking you for chairing the commission and locally for all that you do for Gunston Hall, truly one of our many county treasures, and we appreciate that, and the work of the entire commission.

[02:23:37] I just want to highlight a couple things that I think are really important. First, that we and you have recognized all the partners that we have to do this work. This is not a task being taken by the commission alone. but by so many of our community partners, obviously Virginia 250 and others who are working to make sure that we properly commemorate this anniversary.

[02:24:01] And I'd be remiss to not thank the History Commission. I love this. I love that I was wondering as I was going through it who put this together. I love that it's really clear on the back that the Fairfax County History Commission did. But I do want to thank them as well.

[02:24:18] And also your focus on being inclusive and including everyone in the county, because as we know, and I know you were here this morning for our One Fairfax discussion, having an opportunity to be enriched with history varies from areas within the county, and access to opportunities varies a lot.

[02:24:39] And so recognizing that part of our role is to make sure we provide these opportunities for everyone is really critical. And also, I think, to use your terminology, making sure people understand the contemporary relevancy of 1776 and this anniversary.

[02:25:00] And I think that's a really important part of this as well, because a lot of times we get caught up in the moments of history without reflecting on how are they relevant today. And in some cases, as was mentioned earlier, how can we do better for future generations?

[02:25:16] And I appreciate that that's a part of the work that you're doing. And so thank you for the update. It's two really exciting years worth of events coming up. And we will continue. I know I speak for all of us to say we'll continue to do our part, not only to support the commission and what you're trying to do, but also to really promote the opportunities that are out there and the events that you all are working on and our partners are working on.

[02:25:44] I think all of us in our newsletters and in our own communities really look forward to helping promote those opportunities to our residents. And so thank you. With that, any other comments or questions? Supervisor Stork. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.

[02:26:01] And this group has really been working hard. It's not obvious because so much of what they've been doing is really connecting with so many other organizations, particularly Virginia 250, but especially locally. The History Commission obviously visit Fairfax or huge parts of both of these.

[02:26:22] I am particularly pleased and really ecstatic is probably a more accurate word with the mobile museum. I see that as truly reflecting what Carla Bruce and we all spent a great deal of time talking about this morning, which is creating a more one Fairfax lens because it's truly going to be available to everybody.

[02:26:44] It's not just in one part of the county or limited to this particular area. It literally can be everywhere in the county and every school event. I mean, maybe not every single one of them, but clearly we can cover a lot of ground, a lot of territory and hopefully make it real, make it personal as much as possible, make it connective to our history. As somebody who I think I know my colleagues know how deeply I care about and have been involved with history and presenting history, this is another way of,

[02:27:15] I think, truly getting us connected in the most powerful way possible. I also, and this really goes back to the original conversations that Scott and I had when brought forward the board matter to form the Fairfax semi-quincentennial committee is that this isn't just about celebrating one year. It's about celebrating our process, about celebrating our effort to create a more perfect union. And that gets done every single day, year we're here. And we know we've come a

[02:27:51] way but we know there's more we can do and and just very much appreciate that focus that the committee has had and finally um semi-quincentennial is really next year is it's a big deal because the 250th the semi-quincentennial of the u.s army is next year it's formed in 1775 and obviously with the number of military installations and really the focus we've had historically but maybe most importantly, the history is in our backyard. The U.S. National Army Museum is right here.

[02:28:27] And if you haven't been there, it is a museum that brings the past alive in so many ways. It is a truly state-of-the-art, and I hesitate to use the word museum because people usually think of a collection of stuff that's old and maybe smelly and whatever. But this is electronic and this is, and then really, again, brings some of the history and some of the sacrifices.

[02:28:53] They have both of those things at the museum. They have some of those, too. They have some of those, too, but the sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands of people that have given their life to make this country a more perfect union is also evident there.

[02:29:08] So, again, thank you all for your deep commitment to this journey that we are on and making sure that we can help bring the Semi-Quincentino and our 250 years of being more alive and connected to the folks of today.

[02:29:25] Thank you, Supervisor Stork. Supervisor Palczyk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to add briefly, thank you for this. Very grateful for the Mobile Museum, as you know. Love Mount Vernon. It's a little bit far for some of us special community members to get to.

[02:29:41] I believe one of our community members hosted, I think Settle Down Easy may have hosted the Fairfax Results because he had named, I think, his membership group after them, and will be hosting them again two years from now.

[02:29:59] So I love that it really will be across the county. And I was sitting here, when we say the good, the bad, and the ugly, things I didn't know. Number one, that it was one of the few resolutions that took an anti-slavery position, which is to see an entire stop forever put to such a wicked, cruel, and unnatural trade.

[02:30:20] I did not know that before. And then number two, that George Washington hosted a great ceremony with coffee and chocolate, but no tea. So I hope we will be celebrating coffee, chocolate, and other delicious things.

[02:30:36] And thank you. Thank you, Elliot, for representing the Providence District and the Human Services Commission. And very excited for those of us history buffs and less history buffs to bring it into the community and to help us understand what people were living through in those days to better bring it to what we see today.

[02:30:55] So very much appreciate all of your work. Thank you, Supervisor Palczyk. And again, thank you all. And we look forward to another update. We'll be in the thick of things by the time that happens a year from now. But we'll continue to follow your work and are here to, as I mentioned earlier, to assist in any and every way possible to make this successful.

[02:31:15] So thank you. Thank you. All right. We are now going to move on to board matters. And as we traditionally do, these have been digitally collected by the clerk.

[02:31:33] I am going to hand the gavel over to Vice Chairman Smith. so that I can do my board matters, and then we will go alphabetically by district, and I have a couple. First, Madam Vice Chair, I move to approve without objection the proclamation requests listed in this document to be presented inside or outside of the boardroom as appropriate, and those are a resolution jointly with Supervisor Alcorn to recognize the 35th anniversary of the Amen Clinics for their pioneering brain-centered approach to psychiatry, a proclamation jointly with Supervisor Palchik to recognize Filipino American Heritage Month in October, and finally

[02:32:09] a proclamation to recognize GIS, Geographic Information Systems Day, on November 20th, marking 25 years of Fairfax County's participation in GIS. Without objection, it's so ordered. Thank you. My second board matter is jointly with Supervisor Kathy Smith, and this largely comes out of the Chairman's Roundtable that I host and that Supervisor Smith participates on with the development community, particularly our housing developers who are desperately trying to deal with our housing shortages across Fairfax County. On August 20th, during a meeting that I hosted

[02:32:48] with Supervisor Smith, industry and county staff concerns were raised regarding the persistent challenges experienced when moving developer-constructed roadways into the Virginia Secondary Street System through the Secondary Street Acceptance Process, the SSAAP.

[02:33:04] Despite collaborative attempts among industry stakeholders, county staff, and VDOT to develop ways to enhance the efficiency of the process, no significant efficiencies have been identified and delays continue to persist.

[02:33:20] These delays impact Fairfax County's economic prosperity and hinder the timely occupancy of much-needed new homes for our residents. Therefore, I move that the Board direct Land Development Services, LDS, to engage an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the secondary street acceptance process.

[02:33:39] Staff concurs with this approach and concurs that it is needed to identify the improvements that we are looking to implement. The findings of the valuation should include, but should not be limited to, benchmarking the current process in Fairfax with neighboring similar-sized jurisdictions elsewhere in Virginia.

[02:33:56] through dialogue with industry, staff, and others identifying friction points and best practices, evaluating whether the current joint counties and VDOT approach should be considered as a single entity approval process, and developing options for improvement under the current joint approach and, if recommended, a structure for single entity approval process. I further move that the county staff report the findings to the board at the Land Use Policy Committee meeting before the end of 2024, and I want to thank staff because they've been a vital part of this conversation, and

[02:34:31] frankly, we're the ones who proposed having this third-party look at this process because too often, you know, county staff, VDOT staff, they've been doing things and doing things the same way for so long that it's harder for them to identify the improvements that are necessary, and at the end of the day, every day that a delay is caused means that housing becomes more expensive in Fairfax County and it takes longer for people to be able to occupy their residence. And so this is a, you know, I truly believe VDOT and the county want to fix this problem, but frankly need a

[02:35:07] pathway to be able to do that. And I want to thank the industry reps and our county staff and VDOT who's been at the table for these meetings and is looking forward to this evaluation. I will second that motion. Is there any further discussion supervisor Alcorn thank you for bringing this forward mr. chairman I would just request that before something comes to the board and I this is probably gonna happen anyway that the county attorney's office take a look at it I mean this is definitely needed and in my experience has been sometimes it works but when it doesn't work it really doesn't work and you know the

[02:35:46] attorneys are involved so I know the county attorney's office has a lot of experience in this as well so thank you mr chairman seeing no further discussion all those in favor of the motion say aye aye anyone opposed any abstentions that motion carries mr chairman thank you vice chairman smith and then finally this is an announcement but it's also an action item and this is to recognize the exceptional design awards building excellence recipients and as the board knows this year's james scott exceptional design awards celebrate recipients who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to design excellence elevating the experience for all who visit these

[02:36:22] sites in honor of the program's 40th anniversary 25 public and private projects across the county have earned honor awards merit awards or honorable mentions showcasing innovation innovative planning and design that enrich the user experience and transform the community and you can see the long list in my board matter of all these award winners i'm not going to read them all but obviously a lot of folks we recognize. This award program was established in 1984, recognizes excellence in the comprehensive design of a building and its site. It seeks to raise public

[02:36:58] and professional awareness of exemplary planning and design projects. The program is sponsored by the Board of Supervisors, but is administered by the Department of Planning and Development in collaboration with the Architectural Review Board, the ARB, and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institutes of Architects, and I move that in conjunction with this board matter, the Office of Public Affairs be directed to prepare and distribute a news release to share this announcement via the county's social media channels. Additionally, a future recognition event will be organized to celebrate the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards alongside

[02:37:35] other environmental honors, including the Environmental Excellence Awards and Friends of tree awards as part of a combined celebration in 2025. I'll second that motion. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion say aye.

[02:37:51] Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. And that is the end of my board matters. Next up is Vice Chair Smith. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, the board has received a request from the Virginia Association of Counties or VACO regarding designating a voting delegate and alternate alternate voting delegate to represent the county at the VACO annual meeting to be held in Bath County from November 10th through November 12th. Therefore, I move that the board designate Chairman Jeff McKay as the voting delegate and Supervisor Kathy Smith as the alternate. Second. Second. You've heard the

[02:38:27] motion and the multiple seconds. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Smith. Thank you, Supervisor Smith. And next up is Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have just one board matter. It's a joint board matter with you for National Stormwater Day, and I won't read the board matter. You can read it, and we'll talk about it on National Stormwater Day or hopefully at our October 22nd meeting. Mr. Chairman, I'm asked without

[02:39:03] objection that the board issue a proclamation acknowledging National Stormwater Day in Fairfax County and ask the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division to accept the proclamation at the October 22nd board meeting. Well, he said without objection, so I'm going to do without objection. It is so ordered. Any discussion? Go ahead. No, I'm done. Good. Okay. Next up, we have Supervisor Beerman. One board matter and a couple of announcements uh my board matter is uh it's a mouthful it's expedite expedited processing for

[02:39:43] pulte home company llc rzfdp-2022-dr-00021 forward slash pca-80-c-028-08 rzpa-2022-dr-00132 pca-1999-hm-037-02 rzpa-2022-dr00134 i told you it was a mouthful um pulte home company has filed

[02:40:22] a rezoning and final development plan on two parcels of land identified on the fairfax county tax map as 16-3 double circle 1 29 b and 16-3 double circle 11 5 a to permit the development of two new five-story residential buildings and a public and public park spaces at an overall floor area ratio of 0.83 the applicant has also filed two concurrent partial offer proffer condition amendments to delete the property from prior zoning approvals the proposed rezoning application replaces excess surface parking with two new residential buildings

[02:41:01] totaling 72 units. The residential buildings are integrated with the two existing office buildings that are proposed to remain. The applicant's proposal provides an important opportunity to redevelop underutilized surface parking in the Herndon Transit Station area with much-needed housing. The rezoning and proper condition amendments applications are scheduled for a Planning Commission hearing on October 16, 2024. The applicant has worked collaboratively with county staff, the community, and my office over the past two years on improvements to the development plan. In order to reach the Board of Supervisors prior to the end of the year,

[02:41:37] the applicant has requested expedited processing to establish a Board of Supervisors public hearing date for the applications. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors direct staff to expedite the scheduling of the Board of Supervisors public hearing for RZ-RZ4-FDP-2022-DR-00021, PCA-80-C-028-08 and PCA-1999-HM-037-02 to a date certain of November 19, 2024.

[02:42:17] This motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation by the Board of Supervisors on the proposed applications and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of all applicable ordinances, regulations, or adopted standards in any way, nor does it prejudice in any way the Board's consideration of the proposed applications.

[02:42:36] Second. I didn't know you'd all be so excited about that one. Yeah, nor did I. Any discussion on the motion? Hopefully not. Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

[02:42:52] Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Behrman. So I have two announcements. One is that, unfortunately, she's probably watching back at the office right now, but one of my staffers, Natalie Bennett, is leaving us for another great opportunity.

[02:43:10] She's been an absolutely wonderful employee. I can't say enough nice things about her, the work that she's done on our newsletter, social media, traffic calming, parks and recreation, and everything. So if you're watching at home, Natalie, thank you, and we're going to miss you. But I also want to announce that we're very, very happy that we have found someone else to join our team, making it really easy.

[02:43:33] Her name is also Natalie, and that's Natalie Simpson right behind me. For you eagle-eyed watchers at home, if you think Natalie looks familiar, it's because her sister works at the chairman's office. So Natalie is a lifelong Fairfax County resident, a graduate of Fairfax High School, a recent graduate of William and Mary in three and a half years.

[02:43:56] She's very smart. She was working for Facets, doing great work in the county, and we're very excited to have her join the team handling communications, Parks and Rec, RTAP, and other constituent services issues. So thank you, and please join me in welcoming Natalie.

[02:44:13] Excellent. And the last announcement is a double announcement. I actually made the announcement last meeting as well, but I did because we're not going to have another meeting before our October 20th Drainsville Loves Trees event.

[02:44:31] It's going to be at Lewinsville Park. I'm sure that there are lots of folks who might be interested in this, not only because they love trees, but because they love our environment. I'm going to also do a solid to my seatmate. I know he has a climate crisis event on October 26th.

[02:44:47] And I'm just telling you, if you want to go to his climate crisis event and you also want to talk about trees, you can really have lots of fun opportunities. We'll talk trees on Sunday the 20th. We'll talk climate with James on October 26th. But I hope to see you there.

[02:45:03] Thank you. Thank you very much, Supervisor Bierman. Supervisor Luss. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have one item. Today, the Franconia District community celebrates the 103rd birthday of Walter Hammersley. Born October 8, 1921, Walter enlisted in the Navy during World War II, rising to the rank of yeoman first class.

[02:45:29] After leaving the Navy, Walter worked for the Arlington Realty Company as an investment banker. and his wife Eleanor married in 1948 and had two children. Walter and Eleanor spent most of their 67-year marriage living in Virginia, first in Fall Church, then in Springfield. He was an original member of the Springfield Civic Association and has been there to see the Springfield area grow.

[02:45:55] Walter lives with his daughter and son-in-law and enjoys visits from his four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is an avid Washington sports fan, even naming his dog, Natitude. I had the pleasure of presenting Walter with a plaque when he celebrated his 100th birthday in 2021, and I'm looking forward to celebrating this milestone with him as well.

[02:46:17] I am grateful for his military service and his service to this community. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Supervisor Lusk. And was that, is that all? Okay. That completes my items. Thank you. Okay. Next up is Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

[02:46:34] Three quick board matters, and I'm going to summarize where I can, and then one announcement that I'll also summarize. First is the 2024 Hunter-Mill District Winter Coat Closet. We are doing that again. This is something I've continued from my predecessor, Supervisor Hudgens, and it is focused on getting new winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to folks adults and children who need them I the drop-off will start in partnership with Cornerstone starting October 15th through number of November

[02:47:10] 8th and then the distribution will be on November 16th for information please do contact my office Jillian in my office so mr. chairman without objection I ask that the office of Public Affairs and the Department of Neighborhood and community services, promote and publicize the Hunter Milt Winter Coat Closet through their communication channels. And without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you very much. Secondly, we had had a Reston Community Center preference poll. So the Reston Community Center has completed the annual preference poll election for its Board of Governors. The following

[02:47:48] individuals were elected to serve three-year terms on the board: William Bowie, Lisa Seacrest Earhart, and Malka Wikramatilaka. The poll is the an annual community event and it's held to guide the selection of members to serve on Reston Community Center's Board of Governors which was established by us on the Board of Supervisors. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, without objection, I ask that the boards appoint these three to serve on the Reston Community Center's Board of Governors in time to be seated at their next board meeting on November 2nd.

[02:48:22] And without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you. And then finally, this is a board matter with Supervisors Paul Cech and Herity. It is National Family Caregivers Month. This is a big deal, as you can see in my written board matter.

[02:48:41] And our own Department of Family Services Adult and Aging Division provides support to family caregivers in a number of ways. So, Mr. Chairman, I would ask, as chair of the Older Adults Committee, I would ask without objection that the board designate November 2024 as Caregivers Awareness Month to honor the service and sacrifice of our many dedicated caregivers and ask the Office of Public Affairs to prepare a proclamation recognizing this month to be presented in the boardroom.

[02:49:10] And without objection, that is so ordered, Supervisor Alcorn. And then finally, just a brief announcement. Yesterday, I and Supervisors Bierman and Paul Cech were out at the W and OD Trail 50th anniversary event.

[02:49:26] That was wonderful. Some great things that happened there. And instead of reading the announcement, I just circulated copies. But fantastic history. Thank you to the library system. The Virginia Room is going to be taking a lot of the historical artifacts and documentation from the W&OD and putting it in the Virginia Room.

[02:49:50] And just one quick shout-out to Barbara Hildreth, who was there, who is a Providence resident and really is known as the mother of the W&OD Trail, and her advocacy really spearheaded a lot of what became the W&OD.

[02:50:05] So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Excellent. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn. And next is Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have no board matters this week, but just one quick announcement. Mr. Chairman, you know who had fun this weekend? Mason District had fun this weekend. It had a blast.

[02:50:25] We had wonderful weather. We had folks. We had diversity. We had community. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to thank this opportunity to thank everyone that was involved with Fairfax Fiesta, the first annual one in Mason District that took place over the weekend. We saw nearly 500 community members attend the event that showcased the beautiful cultures throughout the Americas. However, I want to single out several groups and organizations who, if it were not for their participation, the event would not have been possible. First off, I'd like to thank some of you on the dais today. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to thank you. Supervisor Palchek, Supervisor Stork, your staff were spectacular in making this

[02:51:04] event a success. It was so fantastic being able to sit next to Supervisor Stork's tent throughout the day and chat and see all of your staff there and participate with all the amazing volunteers and staff that were just so happy to be there in that fantastic weather.

[02:51:21] Carol Escalante and the One Fairfax team, thank you so much for all of your work leading up to the event and the day of. It truly would not have been such a successful event had it not been for your time and assistance. Watching Carol up there all day, you know, interact with the crowd and interact with the different booths was fantastic. Having her there is just like a quick shot of adrenaline into the event, so having her there was fantastic.

[02:51:46] Carla Paredes and her team at Hakan, I am appreciative for the partnership of your office and your organization who have been able to make and for allowing us to join forces with the Fairfax Fiesta. Fairfax County Public Library, thank you for making the Colmore Library available for this event and the flexibility you provided us while planning was underway and for the day of the event itself.

[02:52:08] Luckily, folks were able to not only use the facilities in the library, but some of them They've even wandered in, and I saw a couple kids coming out with some books, so that's a good thing. Celebrate Fairfax, thank you. Your knowledge and expertise in event planning, logistics, and being hands-on for the event was truly appreciated by all involved, and I look forward to working together on future events.

[02:52:30] Finally, to all the volunteers, numerous county agencies, and our nonprofit and community partners, thank you. While the Fairfax Fiesta was intended and succeeded as showcasing the cultural richness of the Hispanic community brings to Fairfax, It also showed our community how important they are to all of us.

[02:52:46] I'm already looking forward and planning next year. Hope to see you all there. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I'm done. Thank you, Supervisor Jimenez, and thank you and your team, too, because I know you put a lot of work in to making sure this event would be successful and clearly was and is a staple now annually of the many celebrations that happen around the county.

[02:53:08] So well done. Next up is Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And just to add to Supervisor Jimenez, my staff members had a wonderful time and they were very appreciative of the event and the opportunity to really to connect and frankly bring the Hispanic community in Fairfax County to make those other connections and other parts, not just in Mason, but clearly around the county.

[02:53:33] So thank you very much. I have a written one, and I have just a reminder one. The first one is directly with Supervisor Rodney Lesk. Plan Amendment SSPA 2023-IV-5S was authorized by the board in April 2023 to consider appropriate locations for residential uses within the I-95 corridor industrial area, which is located in portions of both Mount Vernon and Franconia districts.

[02:54:00] The plan amendment originated from a nomination for residential use on Boston Boulevard near the Saratoga Shopping Center However, the original nomination is no longer being pursued and the nominator has requested that the nominated site be removed from further consideration Additionally, I understand that staff are studying the question of residential uses within our industrially planned areas Through the policy plan update so as a result There does not appear to be a need to keep this broader study on the work program Therefore, Mr. Chairman, we move that the Board of Supervisors revise the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program to rescind Plan Amendment SSPA 2023 IV-5S.

[02:54:39] You've heard the motion and the second by Supervisor Palchuk and Supervisor Lusk, who moved it jointly as well. Discussion on the motion. Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

[02:54:56] That motion carries. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And then on October 19th, coming up in less than two weeks, we have the 9th annual Tudor Mount Vernon, in addition to our normal ride, which is about a 40- or 20-mile ride, which kicks off at 8.30 in the morning at the Workhouse Arts Center.

[02:55:14] And I know there's a number of you who have talked about it, and hopefully you'll be able to join me. We also have, for really the second time, we have a youth route, which is about three miles, And it's intended to, for our youngest riders, folks who either don't have an adult that wants to ride with them the 20 or 40 miles or just they're young enough that their legs are maybe short enough, three miles is pretty much what's going to work for them.

[02:55:40] But we have a bike rodeo, bike safety exhibit. Neighborhood and Community Services is really working with us to do that. We are excited. It's a bike parade. It's hands-on stuff. So we're trying this again. Hopefully, we'll get folks who want to get their kid out there and get in the spirit of riding, which is, I think, something for all of us.

[02:56:01] And, again, this is our Tudor Mount Vernon logo and sign. And October 19th, please sign up today. We're off to a great start and look forward to seeing many of you there. Excellent. Looking forward to it. Supervisor Stork. And next up is Supervisor Palcic.

[02:56:18] No board matters, Sharon, but in the spirit of thanking all who helped us put together events, We will ensure next year that we do not have both the Fall Fiesta and the Providence Community Day on the same day. Alas, this year we were not able to do that, so appreciate that both ended up being such successful events for so many of our community members.

[02:56:40] But very much want to thank Carl Frisch and his team for participating with us, to all of the agencies, many of them were here today, and community partners who came out for this inaugural Providence Community Day, and especially to Superintendent Reed, Dr. Reed, who came out as well to the celebration, and to the many staff and community members who participated.

[02:57:05] And very much looking forward to continued celebrations, especially thank, I guess we'll thank the chairman for the great weather on Saturday for all of the community events. It was beautiful. And that is all for today. Yeah, thank you, Supervisor Palchuk. And there were so many events this weekend all over the county. And I'd be remiss to not mention one more because it couldn't happen with a lot of county staff work. And that was the groundbreaking for Old Mount Vernon High School and amazing work of all of our staff to get to the point where we could do that groundbreaking.

[02:57:41] But this is, you know, a historic structure on Route 1 that we're going to be able to preserve. But more importantly, open that school back up to the entire community. And if you miss the groundbreaking, the good news is right around the corner in a mere two years.

[02:57:56] And it probably will take that given the complexity of the work. We'll be there for the ribbon cutting. And that was early on on Saturday morning. And so, so many things going on this weekend with a lot of help from a lot of talented people in the county.

[02:58:11] And so I know everyone was out and about, and the weather was beautiful. Last up, Supervisor Herity. Yes, Mr. Chairman, I have four board matters. I'm going to try to summarize at least the first two. The first is jointly with Supervisor Stork gets to recognize November as Adoption Awareness Month.

[02:58:32] As we know nationally, there's 64,000 children legally free for adoption. Over 1,100 of those are in the Commonwealth of Virginia. fortunately do the work great work of our staff we are that we adopted 14 into out of foster care last year and we currently have 10 waiting mr. chairman I move that we declare November 2024 adoption awareness month in Fairfax County and encourage all residents to support our children in any way they are able whether by opening their hearts and homes through adoption becoming foster parents or supporting adoptive and foster parents in our community and have

[02:59:09] staff prepare a proclamation recognizing Adoption Awareness Month to be presented at the Adoption Month celebration on November 16th, 2024. And I'm happy to second that along with Supervisor Stork. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Herity. The second one is jointly with Supervisor Lusk for American Reese I'm sorry Fairfax recycles today a day America recycles day is November 15th this release coincides with the the five-year anniversary of our purple

[02:59:47] clan club so this year we're going to kind of focus on that as we do our recycles day event the details are in the board matter mr. chairman therefore mr. chairman I move we declare November 15 Fairfax recycles day in alignment with a national initiative to better promote our local efforts to recycle and I asked the that OPA ask OPA to publicize I move further that we prepare a proclamation to recognizing Fairfax recycles day to be presented to the director solid waste management program and members of the recycling team in our

[03:00:22] October 22 board meeting and looking at mr. Castrilli that date has already been cleared all I'm happy to second that all those in favor of the motion please say Aye. Aye. Any opposed any abstentions that motion carries Supervisor Harrity Yes, mr. Chairman the next board matters direct designate November 21st this church Heritage Recognition Day Our community has a diverse range of religious organization that serve the needs of residents the Christian church tradition And that of many churches of Fairfax County which partake in the traditional

[03:00:55] In that traditional play a vital role in shaping the cultural social and moral landscape of the communities within the Fairfax County are fostering the development of the arts, education, and sciences. Local churches have a rich and prominent history connected to key figures in our democracy, including George Washington and George Mason.

[03:01:17] Inherited in the Christian church tradition is the belief that each human being holds inherent value and dignity. Through dedication to maintaining that dignity, many churches of Fairfax County have established and maintained countless schools, hospitals, outreach to orphan youth, and relief, demonstrating Christ's teaching of compassion and love towards the needy and suffering.

[03:01:40] In times of conflict and division, these churches, which uphold the Christian tradition, are instrumental in promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation throughout the history of Fairfax County. The historical church tradition has had a strong role in strengthening the family unit as a foundational institution of society advocating for healthy marriages and the importance of parenting. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move without objection the board designate November 21st, 2024 as Fairfax County Church Heritage Recognition Day, acknowledging its profound impact on the welfare of families in Fairfax County and recognizing its respect for

[03:02:19] the Christian church in its vision to advocate for communities where all individuals and families are supported and empowered to thrive. Fairfax County is proud of its strong history and commitment to religious diversity, its many faiths, and their support in our communities through interfaith collaboration.

[03:02:37] And let's make that a motion. Supervisor Herity, instead of it without objection, so it's been so moved. It's been seconded by Supervisor Stork. Discussion on the motion. Let me just begin, and I'll just say, first, Supervisor Herity, do you have a draft of the resolution you have one for your earlier one on adoption awareness but the only draft i have is the one that was provided to us in public comment is that the motion that you're making um it typically we don't do draft motions occasionally we do certainly when we have staff prepare them

[03:03:16] which is why one of them i have a staff provide prepared draft i mean the ones you did earlier today there wasn't a draft motion for those resolutions so no i didn't uh what i'd be happy to do would be to circulate a draft to the board and get comments on that if if that's the if that's the board's desire I'd be happy to do that or I guess we're looking at doing this in in November I could also bring it back with the draft resolution at the next meeting because that would be October 22nd that would still be in time to do it for November 21st this is really a pretty

[03:03:52] simple board matter but yeah I I think we need to see the draft this is the first time we've done this one so it's not based on precedent I at speaking as a Christian have some significant problems with the only draft that I have which is the one that was handed to us by the people who came during public comment and I have some some pretty serious concerns with some of their testimony and and I want to make sure that what what it is that you're proposing that we can see the language on this because this is this is not just a simple

[03:04:30] straightforward motion um that would be what we normally do which is recognizing the anniversary of a church celebrating the work of our clergy uh celebrating the work of voice and and uh you know faith communities uh for climate solutions and all the different religious groups in the county including many christian communities who feel very strongly about some of the issues that are in the resolution i don't know who the author of this is i don't know that it has been uh circulated to our broad christian community in fairfax county for their input but there are certainly some some

[03:05:09] code words and some other things in here and if we go back and look at the testimony we heard i think some things that many of our christian communities in fairfax county would be troubled by and so i think for us to be able to support something like this at a minimum i think we need to have the actual resolution in front of us and so i would suggest if there's not a resolution to be moved that perhaps you work with the board to come back with one i can't support this today because i don't know what i'm voting for other than what i read in your board matter and and i for one since this is the first time we've done this want to see the

[03:05:49] resolution that I'm voting on there was no it wasn't going to be exactly like the resolution you had nothing that was not in this board matter was going to be in the resolution but why don't I withdraw my most motion I will bring it I will circulate a draft to the board and I'll try to see if we can get agreement on something simple that makes sense and if you've got a specific objection if you could share that with me before I spend the time to draft I'd be happy to happy to work that I would be I would be glad to do that and I think that's the appropriate we have time to do this so that's good to Supervisor Pouchik thank

[03:06:27] you mr. chairman I have one additional question because when I have groups come to me faith groups for something that's going to be countywide always make sure to work with our community interfaith coordinator Suzette Reynolds has been shared with her or with the clergy leadership council I do not know I think that would be really important in addition to sharing it with us I think I think that's a really good point and just underscores how embedded our faith communities are literally in the day-to-day operations of county government and so I think that one of the reasons why we have faith communities

[03:07:04] in action why we have our interfaith coordinator why we have the clergy and Leadership Council, and frankly, even the Fairfax County Community Chaplain Corps in the county is to provide us some guidance on issues like this.

[03:07:20] So I think that would be a really helpful addition if they could be involved in this. Any further discussion? Supervisor Herity. No, I said I got it. Thank you. Okay. And the floor is still yours. All right, Mr. Chairman, the last is request for information on the feasibility of a WMATA Financial Control Board. Mr. Chairman, our board has long celebrated the economic benefits and lamented the financial burden on our residents of funding to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, WMATA. There is broad agreement that WMATA is the hub of our local economy and

[03:07:56] has become too important to fail. That's a term a lot of people have used. While WMATA provides necessary transportation options for many of our residents over five years, the fiscal burden has grown significantly for our residents will modest shortfalls impact more than just our transportation funding these shortfalls necessitate larger and larger contributions by our taxpayers tying up the 26% of our non FCPS bond capacity and impacting our ability to fund other necessary capital projects including parks senior centers rec center schools and roads annually Wilmotta is a significant piece of the county budget accounting for 63 million

[03:08:36] in the general fund and $278 million in disbursements as a part of the 2025 budget. While I commend WMATA for some of the steps it's taken to solidify its financial standing, many of our residents, including former Congressman Frank Wolf, who was always a champion of Metro and WMATA, believe WMATA would benefit from greater oversight in the form of a financial control board model. As explained more fully in the attached op-ed, WMATA needs Anthony Williams.

[03:09:10] The District of Columbia utilized the financial control board in 1995 to help the city move from repeated deficits to a balanced budget. The financial control board had the directive to balance the district's budget within a set time frame and was given various authorities to oversee spending decisions. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move without objection that the county Executive prepare a briefing to the board on the feasibility costs benefits challenges and processes of instituting a financial control board from mana

[03:09:43] including other examples of financial control boards you've heard the motion I wasn't a motion it's without objection let's make I would object yeah I think there is objection to it so let's make an emotion and I will second it for the purpose of discussion yes Supervisor Alcorn yeah thank you welcome to the party supervisor Herity this this you know I guess it was 1995 when Congress passed you know a measure to create a financial control board for the District

[03:10:23] of Columbia you know it there has been so much going on in the last few months basically to look at WMATA structure, to look at how WMATA could operate more efficiently.

[03:10:40] And there's really been a collaborative effort. I mean, just 12 days ago, I sat in a room next to the Virginia Deputy Secretary of Transportation sergeant on the SJ28 subcommittee. And, frankly, we were having a very open, lively conversation about Metro's costs, about what they've done to control those costs, what analysis has been done and needs to be done to look at this.

[03:11:10] You know, that's just on the Virginia side. I know the county executive is chairing the regional group of chief administrative officers. And actually, if I could ask you, Mr. Hill, are you looking at metro cost structure as one of the elements?

[03:11:29] That is one of several things that we are looking at as we try to unravel what has happened over the years with Metro, sorry, WMATA, because it's not only just Metro, it's bus as well. So I always try to get everybody to say WMATA as opposed to Metro so people understand it's a holistic picture of what we're trying to do.

[03:11:49] and then Jack McDougall from Board of Trade is on the community partner side. He is also looking at understanding what's going on within the operations of WMATA. Well, thank you. And, Mr. Chairman, I just point out, you know, this is the wrong time to go down a path that's 29 years old.

[03:12:10] You know, we just saw the general manager of Metro finalize a labor agreement that freezes wages this year. metro employees are getting no pay increase um you know we we've seen tremendous improvements on metro rail and i'll just use that a rail uh fare evasion uh you know when the basically the general manager came in and before even he went to the first board meeting uh basically said we're going to not install any more old fare gates because fare evasion is a real problem and and

[03:12:46] And he did that knowing that, you know, he could be criticized for changing something midstream. But frankly, the result was to the benefit of Metro, to the benefit of us as financers of Metro.

[03:13:01] And, you know, that's one of a dozen things that the general manager has put in place, the current WMATA board. frankly, it's all being scrutinized right now in both the Virginia process and the DMV Moves process.

[03:13:20] Not only is our county executive chairing the CAOs, Chairman McKay is on the, what do we call it? DMV Moves Task Force. The Task Force, thank you, for DMV Moves. So, you know, we just met several of us at the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission last Thursday.

[03:13:41] The inspector general, the new inspector general of Metro was there, and we basically had a back and forth about that person's work. And so there's so much going on to show up with basically, you know, in effect, a federal takeover of a system that we are substantially financing is not a good approach.

[03:14:06] And I would suggest that we not move forward in this direction, but frankly, let's come together, let's look at Metro, let's figure out how to make it work, and frankly, let's don't play these types of games in order to basically get to a viable set of solutions, which is what I think there's the consensus, not only here in Fairfax County, but regionally to do.

[03:14:31] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn, and let me thank you for all the time and effort you put into WMATA. I know, having served on the board, what a heavy lift is to that. To my colleagues who participate in NVTC, don't consider it a waste of their time.

[03:14:48] They go to every meeting and participate and work on these issues. I want to thank the general manager, COG, the DMV task force that is serving the entire region, including having representatives from Governor Youngkin's administration on them, the General Assembly, who's in the throes of a significant evaluation of Metro, again, in a bipartisan way.

[03:15:12] To me, this board matter is, frankly, the problem at Metro. If somebody reads one article somewhere and says, I got the answer, we're done with that. We're done with that. This is a comprehensive bipartisan review that is taking place by professionals at COG, by county administrators who have great input into the financing structures, by our members of the General Assembly, the Yunkin administration.

[03:15:43] You know, to me, this would be a major step backwards in the problem with Metro is there's not one solution because I read a column somewhere. This is the answer, guys. Now let's go study it. The county executive is studying with his colleagues every type of format, funding structure, oversight, governance, accountability you can possibly imagine.

[03:16:07] And to suggest that the future of Metro should be one thing we study when all of this is taking place around us, I mean, makes me wonder who's paying attention here. I mean, your board is engaged in this conversation, and many of the organizations at COG, where we have leadership positions, NVTC, where we have leadership positions, where I serve on DMV moves, where the county executive serves on DMV moves, and where we have key legislators in Richmond on a task force with the administration working on a comprehensive answer to this.

[03:16:42] So I understand the need to try to propose something and be relevant on this subject, but it is offensive to all the people who are working on this and doing it in a constructive, comprehensive, bipartisan way for a solution that Metro desperately needs, not a throw an idea on the wall, but a comprehensive analysis of what Metro needs, which is what will be coming to us.

[03:17:05] And so I think this undermines all the work that so many people are doing in a responsible way on this front. And I can tell you right now, there's not going to be one structure or solution to this problem. The idea that one thing can fix Metro, which is what is suggested in this board matter, is so grossly out of reality of the problems that we're dealing with and trying to fix with at Metro that it would, in my opinion, would serve no one.

[03:17:32] Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I read Congressman Wolf's op-ed, and I agreed with some of it, but there were some glaring omissions. One of the omissions is that the idea of a control board for Metro is actually an old idea.

[03:17:51] I vividly remember a meeting that Congressman Connolly and I had almost a decade ago with Jack Evans from the D.C. City Council proposing precisely this idea. And there's only one entity that could establish a control board for Metro.

[03:18:06] That's the United States Congress. And the regional delegation unanimously has rejected the idea. Because if you were to establish a control board for Metro, what you're doing is giving the federal government and its appointees absolute control over how our local tax dollars are spent.

[03:18:29] And the delegation, thankfully, has rejected that approach. I don't think it's a good approach. I don't think with our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of Fairfax County, as long as we are still paying most of the bills, and even under a dedicated revenue scenario, there's still going to be significant state and local contributions, I don't think handing it over to Congress to make the decisions, including the operational decisions and the budgetary decisions, is a wise approach.

[03:18:59] And I would commend to Congressman Wolf and to you, Supervisor Herdy, the work that the NVTC Joint WMATA Legislative Committee has done. There's voluminous reports and suggestions for WMATA in terms of cost savings, including some around labor costs.

[03:19:17] So I think it would make sense to take a look at that, and that's all on the table for the DMV moves conversation that's ongoing. But for me, the control board, it's a question that has been asked and answered in the region, not a new idea. It's been rejected.

[03:19:33] I think it's been rejected for the right reasons. Okay. Any further discussions? Supervisor Beerman, chair of our transportation committee. Just a quick point. County Executive Hill, did I call you about a month ago asking you to come to a transportation committee meeting and talk about Metro?

[03:19:51] Yes. Yeah. Yeah, so that's actually going to be on the agenda at our next Transportation Committee meeting, would be an update on Metro on some of the work that the county executive is doing. I was the one at NVTC on last Thursday who jokingly called myself the skunk at the garden party because there was a lot of discussion about dedicated funding streams.

[03:20:15] And I asked the question, okay, I keep hearing this word dedicated funding streams, but I want to hear some concrete things. And I think that when we have that meeting, we will get an update that hopefully tells us some of where we're at with that.

[03:20:30] And I know that these discussions are ongoing. So here's where I actually, you know, I share with Supervisor Herity and always wanting more information here. I suspect that during that board meeting, sorry, board of transportation meeting, you may ask a question about the feasibility of a financial control board.

[03:20:51] But I just want to be clear that the discussion and the information gathering about Metro and about Metro's fiscal health is very much ongoing. And we'll continue right here with the Board of Supervisors Transportation Committee on, I believe it's October 29th.

[03:21:11] Thanks. Thank you, Supervisor Beerman. And I do want to stress one other thing, too, because I think it gets lost a lot of times. this is a three-pronged, well, actually, it's a four-pronged approach. Metro is not just owned by Virginia. It's owned by the district, Maryland, the federal government, all the funding partners.

[03:21:30] And so the solutions that these groups are working on are complex because they involve a lot of entities. And so this idea that there's one answer, one solution, there's not even one jurisdiction working on this.

[03:21:47] The entire region is working on this and investing tremendous amounts of time and energy into finally fixing Metro. And we owe it to them to hear what the results of their analysis are before we jump to conclusions that we think we have the answer ourselves because we read about it somewhere.

[03:22:07] County executive wanted to be recognized. Mr. Hill. Thank you, Chairman McKay. I believe you were reading my mind or something. I want to say that we have had a very good collaboration with the CAOs in Northern Virginia on this process.

[03:22:29] I also have to say that we have learned a lot about the way the mechanics work with the District of Columbia, as well as the mechanics of Maryland, the state of Maryland. We have been meeting consistently the CAOs, two representatives from the district, and the secretary and undersecretary from the state of Maryland.

[03:22:54] We hope to be able to do some things collaboratively soon, but there's a lot of things in the background that I will not be able to address at the transportation meeting. However, I will be able to address the thought processes of the Northern Virginia CAOs going forward, and I hope we all understand that.

[03:23:19] I mean, I can't speak for Maryland and or D.C., but I will be able to speak for the CAOs of Northern Virginia. Thank you. Mr. Hill, any further? Supervisor Herdy. Yeah, just real briefly, and I recognize there's a lot of good work going on.

[03:23:37] There absolutely is, and there's been a lot of good movement. But I'm kind of amused by what people have turned a simple kind of request for information into and what they've interpreted about my understanding of the metro problem and what's going on. This is a different model.

[03:23:55] It solves some of those inter-jurisdictional problems. And I do appreciate Supervisor Walkinshaw's comment about how it's been looked at before. I know it has. There's a lot of risk in it, but we're in a different place than we were 10 years ago. We've got a much bigger problem than we did 10 years ago.

[03:24:13] And this was a simple information, you know, with all due respect to the county executive. He's able to recommend things. He's not able to do things. And that's what a control board can do, is actually do them, not recommend them. And they aren't under restriction.

[03:24:29] I'll do respect again to the county executive who likes his job, I believe, at least most of the time. He can only recommend things that he thinks the board majority is going to agree with, because otherwise that puts him in a risky position. But this was simply a request. It wasn't a direction to go down the path of a financial control board.

[03:24:50] I think it deserves thought and consideration. I understand it's probably not going to pass, but I think it's a model that could work given where we are today. All this was was a request for information on it. It wasn't saying that this is a, you know, this is the direction that we should be going.

[03:25:12] It is let's talk about the pros, cons, and costs when it's a simple request. I think the problem with it is, Supervisor Herity, is it's not a simple request to the people who are working on this and putting a lot of time and energy into this.

[03:25:27] It is one of the many, many, many, many things they are evaluating. And to suggest that, you know, this one model is what we should be looking at, no, we should be looking at every model. We need to come up with a comprehensive solution here.

[03:25:42] And this is one of the many things that all these task force that are sophisticated in metro and metro operations are looking at. And, you know, I think it's fair to correct one other thing. The county executive is not tasked with bringing something to the board the board majority will support.

[03:25:59] The county executive is on the DMV task force as a county executive to talk about solutions to the problem. Ultimately, we get to decide whether or not we agree with those solutions. And so the challenge with this is, as you said, you know, this is one thing to look at.

[03:26:17] The board, what you're hearing from the board is we want all things looked at, and we want them presented to us, and we owe it to the people who are working on this, the time to evaluate all of these models without making it appear like we're prioritizing one or supporting one as the solution. And so it doesn't become a simple board matter when you think about it in the context of all the enormity of work that's being done by people around this dais.

[03:26:40] day in and day out on this issue. Supervisor Palchuk. Yeah, I really just want to go back to our role and managing expectations of what our role is. It is the only transportation system that belongs and operates three different jurisdictions.

[03:27:01] And so I go back to what's in your letter, Supervisor Herity. It was, I believe you said, 1995 when the District of Columbia used that. For anyone who's been involved, whether on the WMATA board or the NVTC or COG or any of the other boards involved, know that there are benefits, but there are also a lot of challenges to doing this regional work and to doing it right and to not having one jurisdiction go off on its own and do its own thing and create its own issues and problems or even solutions that are never even going to be considered by another jurisdiction because it came from one.

[03:27:41] So I appreciate that you are invested more than I've heard in the past in helping solve this problem. But as was stated both in your letter and in, I believe, in the op-ed, we know that Metro is critical.

[03:28:02] And as was mentioned, that includes bus, which has not reduced ridership, same way Metro does, and Metro. And that so many of our businesses, especially those of us who ride the Silver Line and see the use it gets, both for airport passengers, which is why Tyson's is right in the middle of the two airports.

[03:28:22] It is a port hub at this point, and an economic engine and how to fix it. If you think one little thing can fix it, you are way overqualified for this job because I think as a board here and as a board, I've reviewed the task force minutes every time they've been sent and appreciate Mr. Hill for sending them to us.

[03:28:44] I ask him and his staff questions and I appreciate that they will be coming to us. Over the, I believe, 20 some slides just on this one task force meeting, it has the rules and the commitment looked at transit agencies, at jurisdictions, the regional approach, the federal government, and transit users. That's the majority of the stakeholders. We are a county. Under those jurisdictions, there are two things listed, prioritizing existing and create new revenue sources for transit, and implement transit supportive land use policies. Those are the two

[03:29:22] biggest things that are recommended in this large regional approach and we know that we are no longer a bedroom community and so we have to have a stronger voice in that so like you said be long before my time many different approaches have been used to try to improve the issues of shared governance and shared funding and clearly none of them have worked as well as we would like and so I don't see a point in trying to supersede the work that's being done by the DMV task force and knowing that we are have a very strong voice in that through the county executive and the chairman so we need to

[03:30:02] keep doing this I invite you and VTC has public meetings they're also online there's plenty of opportunity we never get enough community input so appreciate you doing those through appropriate governance structures thank you supervisor of how check any further discussion supervisor here and I don't want to belabor this but here we go again I mean I was I just heard that my board matter said this was the solution I was recommending and the only solution and I think this is the solution that's not what this plan board matter is it was

[03:30:36] a simple request for information on on a model that could be in the mix so I'm tired of sitting here would people repeatedly say that I'm saying that this is the answer to all our problems for Metro that's not what the board matter says I said it earlier and then I just heard it again so I'm gonna say it again that's not what the board matter said it's a request for information on a financial control board model that's it you know and I understand I understand where the boards coming from I understand it's not going to pass but well when it's when when when it's made into more than it's intended to be I got

[03:31:16] an issue with that so but you know that the challenge Supervisor Herity is there's no acknowledgement in here of all the work that's being done and in In fact, the work being done by your colleagues and the county executive on this. You know, I've been around long enough, Supervisor Herity, since you're suggesting I'm saying what your board matter says.

[03:31:35] I've been around here long enough to remember a day when you served on NVTC and then you resigned because it wasn't a good use of your time. You served on VRE and you resigned. And so let me finish. That's absolutely not true. It is true. I have the floor. And I think it is you have colleagues on this board that you can choose to work with.

[03:31:54] And they spend a lot of time at COG. They spend a lot of time at NVTA, a lot of time at NVTC, a lot of time on the DMV Moves Task Force, a lot of time working on this issue. And you don't acknowledge that.

[03:32:10] You don't do those things, and you can. Instead, you come with a board matter suggesting, and this is suggesting, that we look at a model without even understanding that this model is already being looked at because you didn't do your homework. You didn't ask your colleagues, hey, what is the task force working on?

[03:32:27] Did you ask the Yunkin administration what they're working on? Because they're on the task force. Did you ask your colleagues on the board who serve in leadership positions at COG and at NVTC and at NVTA what they're working on? You didn't do any of that. And that's what's actually happening because there's a difference between doing the work and pretending like you're doing the work.

[03:32:48] Anyone can come with a motion to suggest they care about metro reform. But there's a lot of people in this room right now who are spending countless hours working on real solutions to a model that are comprehensive. And this is one tiny piece of it. And if you had just asked, we would have told you this is already being considered among a menu of dozens of options that are being looked at to reform and finally fix Metro.

[03:33:12] And I will just close by saying this type of work is what the problem is at Metro. is somebody has one idea and ties up a lot of staff time and effort, pigeonholing themselves into a corner with one idea because somebody thinks it's a good idea, and instead people are spending their time looking at comprehensive solutions and answers to this problem.

[03:33:32] Metro deserves better. They don't deserve one idea thrown out there. They deserve the type of work that's taking place and taking place with a lot of people in this room. And if one had just asked, that is the answer that one would have gotten. So, with that, all those in favor of the motion, say aye.

[03:33:48] Aye. All those opposed, say nay. Nay. Division, Supervisor Herdy. Court, nay. Palchuk, nay. McKay, nay. Smith, nay. Beerman, aye. Lawson, nay.

[03:34:04] Lawson, nay. Himanaz, nay. And that motion fails two to eight, and I will just say, for anyone watching this, that this board is fully engaged on full reform and accountability of Metro through our work. Let me be very clear on that, that that's not what this vote was on.

[03:34:23] And so, Supervisor Herity, was that the last board matter? I have a couple more if you want. No, I'm just kidding. I know that was my last board matter. Okay. Then we will move on to admin items. And let me ask if there's a motion to approve admin items 1 and 2.

[03:34:41] Supervisor Smith. I move approval of admin items 1 and 2. You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Palchuk. Are there any questions or discussion on any of the admin items? Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, thank you. Just very briefly on admin two. So this is a huge deal.

[03:35:00] This is basically the counseling and support services associated with that. And actually, if Tom could come down, I'm just curious about a timeline for implementation, because I know this is something we're all very excited about, and potentially a game changer in terms of our ability to provide comprehensive services to many of our people with serious mental illness and many times unhoused.

[03:35:33] Yes, Mr. Fleetwood. Good morning, Mr. Chairman. Tom Fleetwood with the Department of Housing and Community Development. The action before you here as part of the administrative items is a necessary predicate to the implementation of the new permanent supportive housing.

[03:35:50] vouchers that we're going to be receiving from from the state we remain in the process of working on the memorandum of understanding with the state in order to be able to move forward with the implementation we're optimistic that we will be able to be moving forward here this fall but that remains to be seen all right we will continue to keep the board up to up to date on that matter as we go forward thank you very much appreciate it thank you supervisor alcorn any further discussion Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of admin items 1 and 2, please say aye.

[03:36:22] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries and brings us to action items. And action item 1, we only have one, is authorization to execute standard project agreements with the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for the implementation of Fairfax County Parkway projects in the Braddock and Springfield districts.

[03:36:42] And I'm going to turn to our Transportation Committee Chair, Supervisor Beerman. I move approval of action item number one in keeping with the county executive's recommendation. I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Herity and Supervisor Walkinshaw.

[03:36:57] Any discussion on the motion? Yes. I did just want to thank and congratulate our staff on this because I have spent a little bit of time at NVTA. And as Chairman McKay knows, there are other jurisdictions in the region really struggling to move their projects that have NVTA funding.

[03:37:15] and it's an increasing problem, and we have had an innovative partnership here with VDOT to move this project along. So I just want to thank and congratulate everyone who's been part of that. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Seeing and hearing no more conversation.

[03:37:32] All those in favor of Action Item 1, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries, and that brings us to closed session. Before I turn to Supervisor Smith for a motion to bring us into closed session, And let me ask the county attorney how long we need for closed session.

[03:37:49] Mr. Chairman, I estimate an hour and 15 minutes. An hour and 15 minutes. So that puts us at 2.15 going into closed session since our first public hearing is at 3.30. And let me ask, I know Supervisor Beerman, you have an announcement about a deferral.

[03:38:09] And if others do, we would welcome those. Supervisor Beerman. Yeah, I would like to announce that I intend to defer the public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of Tyson's East Pump Station. I would like it to let the folks who signed up to testify today know that I intend to defer this.

[03:38:37] I would like to note that the attorney in this case submitted something yesterday in which, in his own words, referred back to a discussion back on April 15th with no discussion of what had happened over the last six months and why he waited to send something in until about 24 hours, or actually, I guess we'll give him 32 hours before the hearing, is beyond me. But such shenanigans are not appreciated. So we will be deferring this hearing. And I hope

[03:39:13] that we can find an agreement here or a resolution. But, you know, that's not really appreciated. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Behrman. I understand there's somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 people who have signed up to testify on that matter. So we do want to make sure we announce this now and have the clerk's office follow up with them to hopefully prevent them from coming here thinking that we're going to hold the public hearing today that in fact will be deferred to a later date. Okay, are there any other deferrals? Okay, seeing and hearing none, let me turn to Supervisor Smith for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors

[03:39:51] recess and go into closed session for discussion and consideration of matters enumerated in Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 and listed in the attached agenda for this meeting, and in addition, as permitted by Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711A7 and 8, potential settlement of dispute with Sorenson Gross Company regarding the Lorton Volunteer Fire Station, and as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A3, potential acquisition of real property in the Mount Vernon district for a public purpose where open discussion would

[03:40:27] adversely impact bargaining position or negotiating strategy. You've heard the motion I'm happy to second that motion is there any discussion seeing and hearing none all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries the board will break for lunch and report to

[03:40:46] close session at 2:15 so that we can be on time for afternoon public hearings the

[03:49:00] board is back from a short recess and closed session and before we begin our public hearings let me turn to supervisor Smith for a motion to bring us out of closed session thank you mr. chairman I move that the board of supervisors certify that to the best of each member's knowledge only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements by virtue of Virginia code section 2.2 - 3 7 1 1 and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which closed session was convened were heard, discussed, or considered by the Board of Supervisors during the closed session.

[03:49:35] You've heard the motion and a lot of seconds. Is there any discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Motion's coming out of closed session.

[03:49:52] Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the Board of Supervisors authorize Kerry Needham, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, to execute a settlement agreement with Sorenson Gross Company related to the Lorton Volunteer Fire Station on the terms and conditions outlined by the county attorney in closed session.

[03:50:11] I've heard the motion and the second from Supervisor Lusk. Is there a discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[03:50:29] I move that the Board of Supervisors authorize the county executive and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to purchase real property in the Mount Vernon District for a public purpose upon the terms and conditions outlined by the county attorney in closed session. You've heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Lusk.

[03:50:46] Discussion on the motion. Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries, and I believe those were the only motions from closed session, which now takes us to our afternoon public hearings.

[03:51:02] And before I call our first case, just a few reminders about testimony. Individuals wishing to provide testimony have a number of options. They can testify here in person, or they can provide testimony by phone or YouTube video. At the designated point in the public hearing, I'll call for any speakers from the speakers list, and they will either come forward, or their video will be shown, or they will be connected by telephone. There will then be an opportunity for anyone else who would like to speak to the application or subject to come down to the podium or call in to 703-324-1020.

[03:51:37] Speakers testifying via video must have signed up and submitted their video no later than 9 a.m. on the day prior to the hearing. For public hearing testimony, you're given three minutes to speak as an individual. If you're a spokesperson for a group, you are given five minutes. And with that being said, I'm going to call our first case this afternoon, which is a public hearing on SC 2023-MA-00014, Reena Abu-Taleb, Zena Shalai, and Annandale Children's Academy, LLC in the Mason

[03:52:12] district and could we please have the applicant reaffirm the affidavit good afternoon chairman i'm attorney john carter for the applicant i do reaffirm the affidavit thank you very much are there any disclosures from board members any disclosure from board members seeing and hearing none i will now recognize county staff for staff presentation thank you mr chairman i'm william modano with the department of planning and development filling in for emma estes who's worked on the case the applicant seeks approval of a special exception to permit a child care

[03:52:47] Center. The 0.75 acre application site is located at 5116 Columbia Road in Annandale, Virginia in the Mason Supervisory District, is zoned to the R2 zoning district, and developed with single family detached dwelling. It is also currently approved by Wright as a home child care facility with seven children. The area surrounding the application consists predominantly of single family detached dwellings zoned to R2 and R3 districts, and adjacent properties are single family detached dwellings, and various non-residential and commercial uses are in proximity to the

[03:53:24] west at the intersection of Brodick Road and Backlick Road. The comprehensive plan recommends one to two dwelling units an acre. The applicant is proposing to continue the previous child care use on the property with a series of site modifications that will increase enrollment to 47 children and improve the layout and vehicular circulation on the site. The existing building will be repurposed to meet commercial building codes, and new formal outdoor play areas will be provided on site. The total square footage would be 3,300 square feet. The hours of operation would be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other site improvements include consolidation of two access points,

[03:54:02] a new formal parking area, right-of-way dedication for 10-foot-wide trails on Brodick and Columbia Roads, open space, tree preservation, and a stormwater facility. Overall, staff finds the proposal to be in harmony with the comprehensive plan and in conformance with the zoning ordinance.

[03:54:18] thanks. Thank you very much. At this time, we'd welcome an applicant's presentation. Thank you, Chairman. Once again, John Carter, Attorney for the Applicant. We'd like to thank you for the opportunity to present this today. I'd especially like to thank Supervisor Jimenez.

[03:54:37] We actually met with him early on in this process and got some really great support and feedback from him in his entire office. We met with the Basin District Land Use Committee several times. We had unanimous support from that organization. We also had support from the planning commissioner also, Alice Wang, and we appreciate all that.

[03:54:58] So my client, especially Ms. Abu Talib, who's here, has been working in this field of children's early development and daycare for almost a decade. She has an existing business there, and she wants to increase that through this special exception.

[03:55:16] We've worked really closely with the staff, the design team, which several of them are here as well, done a really good job of putting together a good design we listen to comments from staff we made some adjustments to that we moved the entrance way back as far away from Braddock's as we could more or less we have we have a lot of landscaping buffer zones we've actually exceeded the required amount in that regard there's plenty of open space on this property what we're hearing especially from the people of the community that we've talked with is that there's a big need in this district especially for this type of use

[03:55:55] for what I would call middle class or working class people that need to drop their children off somewhere in a place they can you know have confidence in that a qualified person can then take care of them it's fairly near their home so we anticipate even people walking to this to this use but coming from a short distance and then coming back after work and picking them up so we feel like that we really haven't had any negative feedback frankly from from anybody to speak of in this matter a couple people made a few calls and then we tried to send emails but they never really addressed it specifically to us so yeah

[03:56:33] we're as I said earlier in some of my previous prior public hearings I've felt like that this was a project and having done many of these over 35 years this project felt really good to me it's one that I think everybody feels like it's really helpful for the community and so it's been kind of a labor of love as well as a job for me so anyway we're happy to take questions but i think absent any specific uh question about it i think that it's all been very well detailed in a very long staff report and i don't want to just repeat that over and over thank you very much are there any questions of staff or the applicant i'm not

[03:57:12] seeing any so thank you uh this is a public hearing i have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject anyone present who would like to testify on this subject seeing and hearing no one let me ask the clerk if anyone has called in no callers no callers I assume the applicant waives rebuttal closing comments and a recommendation from County staff on September 25th 2024 the Planning Commission recommended approval of the application subject to development conditions dated september 12th 2024 and staff concurs with those recommendations thank you very

[03:57:51] much any questions of board members seeing and hearing none i will now close the public hearing and recognize supervisor jimenez for a motion mr chairman i request that the applicant confirm for the record the agreement to the development conditions dated september 12th 2024 applicant says that does so agree excuse me therefore mr chairman i move that the board of supervisors approve se-2023-ma-00014 subject to the proposed development conditions dated september 12 2024

[03:58:25] and further a move that the board of supervisors approve a modification of the transitional screening requirement from 25 feet to 18 feet in favor of the shown of that shown on se plat for the western lot line and the modification on the front yard setback requirement from Braddock Road from 35 feet to 24 feet as shown on the SE we'll second that along with a lot of people on the board just for clarity's sake I just want to make sure we don't have to redo this so the development conditions were dated

[03:58:59] September 12th 2024 and you sir we're saying yes you agree to the development condition specifically dated September 12th that is correct okay very good thank you very much you've heard the motion it's been multiply seconded all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries thank you very much thank you board thank you very much and while our next case is making its way down just in the way of an announcement supervisor beer man announced earlier that he was going to be deferring a four o'clock public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the

[03:59:37] construction of Tyson's East pump station in the drainsville district and I know our clerk has reached out to the speakers who have signed up in advance and have reached most of them. But if you are here to testify on that specific matter, it will be being deferred.

[03:59:53] I just don't want to tie you up and have you here longer than you need to be. So with that, our next case is a public hearing on SE 2024-PR-00006, Virginia Hospital Center, Arlington Health System, doing business as VHC Health to permit a medical care facility located on approximately 2.42 acres of land in the Providence District. And could we have the applicant please reaffirm the affidavit? Good afternoon, Chairman, members of the board. My name is Kathy Taylor from the law firm of Walsh Colucci. And on behalf of the applicant, I do

[04:00:32] reaffirm the affidavit dated September 19th, 2024. Thank you very much. Disclosures from board members. Any disclosures from board members seeing and hearing none? I would now recognize county staff for presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm Kathy Lewis with the Department of Planning and Development, sitting in for Daniel Creed, who is flying back from Europe.

[04:00:52] The applicant seeks approval of a special exception to remit a medical care facility. Sorry, did that come off as bitter? Because... Not at all. The 2.43-acre site is located at the northwest corner of Arlington Boulevard and Graham Road in the Providence District in its own C6.

[04:01:13] The site is currently developed with an approximately 40,700-square-foot, one-story shopping center known as the Graham Center. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing shopping center and construct a new 40-foot-high, 24,250-square-foot structure.

[04:01:31] This building will include a single medical building featuring a combined emergency room, an urgent care center, as well as four medical office suites. There have been numerous crashes, including three fatal pedestrian crashes at the intersection of Graham Road and Arlington Boulevard since 2018.

[04:01:51] As such, staff and the applicant worked closely to design the subject site in a way that improves safety at this intersection. To that end, the proposal would remove the service drive and replace it with an expanded pedestrian zone featuring a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the Arlington Boulevard and Graham Road frontages.

[04:02:12] There would also be upgraded curb ramps and crosswalk connections. In addition, the existing Graham Road median will be replaced and lengthened to add a pedestrian refuge. Finally, the applicant has proposed a network of internal pedestrian facilities that will allow people to move through and around the site more safely and improve pedestrian access to the neighboring Kingsley Commons community.

[04:02:35] This completes my presentation. Thank you. Thank you very much. At this time, we recognize the applicant for an applicant's presentation. Good afternoon again, Chairman, members of the board. My name is Kathy Taylor. On behalf of the applicant, we are very excited to share this proposal with you all that we believe is quickly going to become a significant asset, not only to the local area, but to the county as a whole.

[04:03:01] So as you heard from staff, if we go to the next slide, the subject property, which is outlined in red, is commonly known as Graham Center. It's an aging retail center that was built back in the 1950s. When the applicant first began this process, actually back in 2021, they did not own the property, and they were only looking to convert a portion of the site, specifically a vacant Harvest Moon restaurant.

[04:03:31] They work closely with the supervisor's office as well as staff. And at this point, the applicant has purchased the property in September of 2023, allowing for a full redevelopment of the site. The next slide that you would see would show the existing photos of the site.

[04:03:46] This site, as you heard from staff, is aging. It's run down. It requires significant improvements. There's segmented sidewalks, potholes, Just wholly lacking it in pedestrian facilities and infrastructure, which is why, as you heard from staff, there have been a number of fatalities in this area and has become quite dangerous.

[04:04:04] And so the applicant has worked with staff in order to address a number of these safety concerns. Thank you. So if you go, or as you heard from staff, obviously my notes say go to the next slide, but there is no next slide.

[04:04:22] So the proposal, as you heard, is to demolish the existing retail center and construct a new medical complex. So the main focus of this complex will be a new medical care facility that combines freestanding emergency department services with urgent care services in one convenient location.

[04:04:41] So as you heard, the applicant has been very thoughtful and deliberate related to the site design, and specifically to address many of the safety concerns that you heard. I won't go through all of those specific improvements, but if you do have any questions about that, our entire design team is here to answer those questions.

[04:04:59] So you can see here an image of the proposed development, if you go to the next slide, and then one more after that. So I did want to spend a little bit of time going over what this use is, because as we've been representing, this is new not only to Fairfax County, but it would be the first in the state of Virginia.

[04:05:17] So we all know what a freestanding emergency department is, we all know what an urgent care is, but what does that look like when you combine the two and what are the benefits of that? So the proposed use is a partnership between Virginia Hospital Center and Intuitive Health. If we go to the next slide, I'm sure many of you are aware of VHC.

[04:05:33] Their main hospital campus is in Arlington, but they have offices all over Northern Virginia. Part of their mission is to bring community-centered, top-quality medical healthcare closer to where their patients live and work. So this is why they specifically chose this site due to its proximity to a number of residential communities around it.

[04:05:52] If you go to the next slide, they are partnering with Intuitive Health. They're the company that pioneered this idea, this dual model of an ER with a UCC back in 2008 in Dallas, Texas. So while this facility would be the first of its kind in Virginia, this innovative hybrid model has been implemented in numerous parts of the nation, as you can see on this slide, and specifically in locations that are very similar to the Arlington Boulevard site.

[04:06:18] So if we go to the next slide, essentially this is a healthcare model that eliminates the guesswork between whether you visit an ER or you go to an urgent care. So the best example that we've used is, say you have chest pain, you wonder is this a heart attack or am I just dealing with heartburn?

[04:06:35] So typically you would maybe go to an emergency room setting and whatever the outcome would be, if it turned out to be heartburn, you are still paying emergency department service prices. However, if you came to this facility, You would be initially evaluated by a board-certified emergency physician who would be able to quickly evaluate you and determine, oh, this person needs, it's just heartburn, they need to go to an UCC rather than emergency department.

[04:07:01] This, in effect, that would be the services you would get, and this, in effect, reduces the cost to the patient because you're paying for urgent care services rather than ER services. So this operation would be open 24-7, year-round. Again, it's staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and other licensed staff.

[04:07:19] And at this facility, the applicant maintains no restrictions on who could come. And so anybody's eligible to receive care, and no patients are turned away. There's no Code 3 ambulance service, so you're not going to see the lights and sirenses that you would typically hear with hospitals and the like.

[04:07:36] Rather, the use is much more of a light ambulance service, much more like a medical transport or pickup. There are no appointments that are needed and no patients stay overnight. So we do have representatives both from VHC as well as Intuitive Health, so if you have any questions about this innovative model, they're happy to answer those.

[04:07:55] Finally, if you go to the next slide, I will note that the applicant did meet with the closest residential community. It's a rental community, Kingsley Commons, and we met twice with them, first virtually and then in person in July, and we actually got quite a bit of a turnout.

[04:08:10] We had over 50 people come. And overall, we thought the meeting was positive. We got great feedback from the community and implemented a lot of their feedback into the proposal that you saw on the development slide. So to pull off this event, the applicant partnered with the supervisor's office-- thank you very much for that-- the Graham Road Community Center, the Kingsley Commons property management.

[04:08:31] We had SAC services, so we had child care available. And we also partnered with the neighborhood and community services, and so had interpretation services. So much of the success of this community outreach event was due to these partners and the cooperation and assistance of these groups, and so we want to thank them for that.

[04:08:48] In the end, we do believe that this is an exciting opportunity to redevelop and refresh an aging parcel with a community-serving use that will provide an innovative health care option that combines emergency department services with urgent care services, all in one convenient, efficient, and affordable location.

[04:09:06] So no patients turned away, and in keeping with the applicant's mission, this new facility is meant to serve all the communities surrounding it. As such, you can see that staff has recommended approval. We have recommendations of approval from both the Health Care Advisory Board as well as the Planning Commission.

[04:09:23] And likewise, I do request your favorable consideration in this matter. And we're happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Thank you very much for that presentation. Any questions of staff or the applicant? Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just one quick question for staff or the applicant.

[04:09:38] anyone in this process ever look at uh thinking of a crosswalk across route 50 across could you go to their development yes um yeah let me go back to kathy are you um so across route 50 um i believe that there was a crosswalk that was to be painted perhaps as part of the development with uh grand plaza and if um mr o'donnell was still here he could answer in the affirmative that they were

[04:10:12] supposed to paint that crosswalk across there okay thank you any additional questions of staff or the applicant okay thank you very much I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter is there anyone here present who would like to speak on this subject anyone present who would like to speak on this matter this is a public hearing seeing and hearing no one let me ask the clerk if we have any callers no callers no callers soon the applicant

[04:10:49] waves rebuttal closing comments and a recommendation from county staff thank you mr. chairman on September 18th 2024 the Planning Commission recommended approval of this subject application subject to the development conditions dated September 5th 2024 staff concurs with those recommendations thank you last check questions from board members seeing and hearing none I will now close the public hearing and recognize supervisor pal check for a motion thank Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman.

[04:11:18] Thank you so much to the Kathys and to Daniel and Absentia and to all who have been involved. This has been a long time in the process. I think this is one of my, probably can't have a favorite baby, but probably, you know, an incredible application.

[04:11:36] It is a win, win, win, win, win in so many ways. So let me make my comments before I do my motion, because I think it's a great question that you asked Supervisor Jimenez. This area dates back to, well, in my book, way before this application even came forward.

[04:12:00] As Kathy mentioned, we have had many pedestrian crashes, near misses, incidents, so much so that when we did the Virginia Walkability Institute with the Virginia Department of Health, with FCDOT, the police, the schools, and our office, we did a survey with the community while we were doing food distribution in this community to try to understand where the issues were and what could be addressed.

[04:12:31] I could never in 100 million years imagine that we'd have not just someone come forward with a development, but for another necessary facility for the community, which is this really innovative project to bring urgent care to the community while improving the stormwater, the pedestrian connectivity, the vehicle connectivity, so much so that they've Already paved one of the worst streets I've ever seen behind here.

[04:13:02] I have not seen potholes like that, I think, in this country anywhere. And appreciate all the work and time, not to mention the outreach that was done with the community, with NCS, with the neighbors, to ensure that the community had a voice and that the concerns were addressed.

[04:13:22] It's never going to be perfect, but between the pedestrian path, just closing all those vehicular entrances from Grand Road, it is awful. I don't know if everyone's had a chance to go out there, but it is pretty bad. And when we wrote a letter after that study to include in the Route 50 star study for VDOT, we knew no one was going to fund it.

[04:13:44] VDOT wasn't going to fund it. And to know that a development has come in to do their best to address those issues while ensuring that they're separating, you know, pedestrian traffic from the emergency vehicle traffic as much as often, and understanding that the access roads were a struggle, right?

[04:14:03] And to really remove that access road, there is just so much good in this tiny little plot of land, this little application. I don't think I could have thought, other than maybe a community center, a better use of this property, but to bring these services and to make these necessary improvements.

[04:14:22] And in addition, I think what else is in here is when you look at the tree cover, they're so little right now that even there, they're making a huge improvement while bringing in this facility and these necessary services. So I just want to thank, I know it took a couple of years just to wrangle all the property owners and to be able i thought it was dead for a while to be able to bring this forward i really want to thank the applicants and the staff in the community for their collaboration and really hard

[04:14:54] work to make this the the best possible application so to that i have three motions number one mr chairman i request that the applicant confirm for the record agreement to the development condition dated September 5th 2024 yes on behalf of the applicant we do agree to those development conditions dated September 5th 2024 thank you I therefore move that the Board of Supervisors approve se - 2024 - PR - 00006 subject to

[04:15:29] development conditions dated September 5th 2024 I further move that the Board of Supervisors approve a waiver of the barrier requirement along the northern and Western property lines. Seconded. Heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Beerman. Any discussion on the motion? Any further discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none.

[04:15:49] All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Thank you all. And next, we have a public hearing on AF 2024-MV-00002, Colchester Farms local agricultural and forestal district in the Mount Vernon district. And as soon as we are ready,

[04:16:18] we would welcome a staff presentation. Mr. Chairman, just had a moment of a little technical difficulty, but I think it's working now. My name is Sophia Fisher. I'm with the Department of

[04:16:55] Planning and Development. The application requests to establish the Colchester Farms local agricultural and forestal district for an eight-year term the 20 acre property is located on old colchester road in the mount vernon district the property was previously in the agricultural and forestal district as the stokes local anf district which expired under expired in 2023 and the property is now under new ownership with mr burrell here the property is zoned residential one dwelling

[04:17:33] unit per acre and is planned for low-density residential uses. Approximately 18.5 acres is used for agriculture, while the remaining two acres are used for residential. This site is in the Mill Branch watershed and contains perennial and intermittent streams, a pond, and other environmentally sensitive features such as EQC, RPA, and floodplain. A soil and water quality conservation plan was prepared by the northern virginia soil and water conservation district

[04:18:10] critical recommendations include nutrient and pest management erosion control and rpa protection the area forester inspected the property and determined that no forestry management plan is necessary for the site the proposed district satisfies all but one of the applicable group a criteria and two of the applicable criteria and in group B and meets the minimum district acreage and other requirements of the code should it be established it would be expected to meet all other ordinance provisions this

[04:18:46] concludes my presentation thank you thank you very much are there any questions of County staff any questions of County staff okay I'd welcome the applicant if you want to give a presentation I don't have to but if you have a presentation we would welcome that okay that's fine let me ask one more time any questions of staff seeing and hearing none this is a public hearing and I have no one who has signed up in advance to testify on this matter is there anyone here present who would like to speak on this subject this is a public hearing anyone who would like to speak seeing and hearing no one let me

[04:19:25] ask the clerk if we have any callers no callers no callers the applicant waives Rebuttal closing comments and a recommendation from County staff the agriculture and forestal district Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission Both voted to recommend approval of this agricultural and forestal district Staff can concurs with their recommendation and I would answer any questions you might have excellent Thank you very much. If there are no questions at this time I will close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Stork for a motion. Oh, thank you. Mr. Chairman Mr. Burrell, if you could just come up to the mic here for just a moment.

[04:20:06] I request that the applicant state on the record their acceptance of the ordinance provisions dated August 28, 2024. Yes, I accept. Thank you, sir. I move that the Board of Supervisors approve AF 2024-MV-00002 and amend Appendix F of the County Code to establish the Colchester Farms Local Agricultural and Forestry District subject to the ordinance provisions dated August 28, 2024.

[04:20:38] The Chair will second that motion. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Stork. Mr. Burrell, I just wanted to thank you for coming in today, and thank you very much for setting aside and making sure that your property stays and agricultural play. We very much appreciate it. Our environment appreciates your dedication and commitment as a new owner, especially. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Okay. Next up,

[04:21:11] we have a public hearing on AFR 2024-SU-00001, Richardson Local Agricultural and Forestry District Renewal in the Sully District. And at this time, I'd recognize county staff for a presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is William Nance from the Department of Planning and Development. This application requests to renew the Richardson Local Agricultural and Forestry District for an eight-year term. The 40-acre property is located on Bull Run Post Office Road

[04:21:50] in the Sully District and was originally established in 1991. The property is zoned residential conservation and is in the Water Supply Protection Overlay District. It is planned for low-density residential uses, private open space, as well as public parks. Approximately 34 acres is used for agriculture, while one acre is forested or undeveloped. The remaining five acres is devoted to residential uses. The site is in the Bull Run watershed and contains a farm pond and associated intermittent stream. No sensitive environmental features exist on the

[04:22:25] property. A soil and water quality conservation plan was prepared by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. Critical recommendations include manure, nutrient, and pest management, as well as erosion control. The area forester also inspected the property and noted there are no significant forest resources on the property today, nor have there been historically. Therefore, no forest management plan was provided. The proposed district renewal satisfies the applicable Group A criteria and four of the applicable criteria in Group B

[04:23:01] and meets the minimum district acreage and other requirements of the code should it be renewed it would be expected to meet all other ordinance provisions thank you concludes my presentation thank you very much for that presentation are there any questions of staff okay the applicant is there any presentation you would like to give you don't have to okay thank you very much this is a public hearing and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter is there anyone here present who would like to speak this is a public hearing seeing and hearing no one let me ask the clerk if we have any callers no

[04:23:39] callers no callers the applicant waives rebuttal closing comments and a recommendation from County staff the Planning Commission and agricultural enforcement district Advisory Committee recommended approval of this application subject to the proposed ordinance provisions staff concurs with this recommendation thank you thank you very much Last check, questions from board members.

[04:24:03] Seeing and hearing none, I will close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Smith for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I request that the applicants state on the record their acceptance of the ordinance provisions dated August 28, 2024. Yes, I accept.

[04:24:22] Thank you so much. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve AFR-2024-SU-00001 and amend Appendix F of the County Code to renew the Richardson Local Agriculture and Forrestal District, subject to ordinance provisions dated August 28, 2024.

[04:24:45] You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Beerman. Is there any discussion on the motion, Supervisor Smith? Just briefly, I want to thank Ms. Richardson for all these years who've protected this property and kept it in this program. Thank you for your commitment. Yes, thank you very much.

[04:25:02] If there's no further discussion all those in favor of the motion, please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries Thank you very much. I know our next public hearing is going to be deferred, but I am going to Announce it which is a public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of Tyson's East pump station in the Drain'sville district Supervisor Beerman. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors defer the proposed public hearing to November 19 2024 on the acquisition of certain land rights on a parcel owned by Irfan Baig Mirza and Farzana

[04:25:42] Begun, known as Fairfax County Tax Map Parcel 030-1-01-0013A. You've heard the motion. The chair will second that. Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries.

[04:26:07] And that brings us to our next public hearing, which is a public hearing on a proposal to abandon portions of Cannonball Road in the Braddock District. And at this time, I would recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, members of the board.

[04:26:25] My name is Jeff Edmondson with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. I'm here to present a proposal to abandon portions of Cannonball Road in the Braddock District. The applicant, Walsh Colucci, on behalf of their client, D.R. Horton, Inc., is requesting that portions of Cannonball Road be abandoned under VA State Code 332-909.

[04:26:47] This proposal came before this board on May 21st, 2024, and was approved. However, the applicant noticed an inconsistency with the plat and the order of abandonment, and is to be re-heard. The applicant is seeking this request following the extension of Cannonball Road.

[04:27:02] The extension of Cannonball Road passes through the cul-de-sac area to support their clients' new subdivision development to the north. The subject portions of Cannonball Road have been raised and reseeded with grass. The subject portions are in the Virginia Department of Transportation's secondary state maintenance system.

[04:27:20] Following the abandonment of the portions of Cannonball Road, they will remain within board ownership and will be maintained by the Fairfax County Facilities Management Department. That ends my presentation. Thank you very much.

[04:27:36] are there any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing. I have no speakers signed up in advance. To testify on this matter, is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify? Seeing and hearing no one. Let me check. Any callers? No callers. No callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. Staff recommends board adoption of the attached order of abandonment for the subject right of way. Thank you. Thank you very much. Last check. Any questions from the board? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor

[04:28:12] Walkinshaw for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the order of abandonment of portions of Cannonball Road, attachment two in the board hearing package, which will take effect immediately. So moved. Chair will second that motion. Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you very much. Next, we have a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 118, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance of the Code of the County of Fairfax, Virginia, County Code, regarding mature trees and coastal resilience and adaptation

[04:28:52] to sea level rise. And at this time, I would recognize county staff for a presentation. Good afternoon to Chairman and members of the board. My name is Jerry Stonefield with the Department of Land Development Services. For your consideration, this afternoon are proposed amendments to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance to adopt provisions regarding preservation of mature trees and coastal resilience and adaptation to sea level rise. These amendments are the result of legislation passed in the 2020 General Assembly and incorporated changes

[04:29:26] mandated by associated amendments to the Chesapeake Bay Area Designation and Management regulations um i'll just say regulations from now on adopted by the state water control board the regulations uh direct locality stat specific criteria regarding the preservation mature trees and coastal resilience uh and adaptation to sea level rise also uh included in the proposed amendments are the minor uh changes and editorial corrections i'll highlight some of the main points

[04:30:01] of the proposed amendments i won't get into all of them on the preservation of mature trees in several locations the ordinance adds language that mature trees must be protected during the development and redevelopment and only removed where necessary including to provide for the proposed user development this applies to both resource protection areas and resource management areas the state regulations also provide that localities with a tree conservation ordinance

[04:30:37] may rely on that ordinance for demonstrating compliance with this requirement the county does have a tree conservation ordinance and the requirements in our public facilities manual so we believe that there will be minimal changes to the development plans for projects that are within the county the second major part of the proposed amendments is to incorporate provisions regarding coastal resilience and adaptation to sea level rise and storm surge from hurricanes the state regulations require a resilience assessment for projects that propose to encroach

[04:31:16] within the resource protection area to analyze the potential impacts from sea level rise and storm surge. In Fairfax County, only properties within that may face a potential impact from this are along the Potomac River or the tidal tributaries, Little Hunting Creek, Dobe Creek, those areas down there for the vast majority would not have any impact from sea level rise or storm surge.

[04:31:52] Staff is proposing that this resilience assessment be incorporated as part of the required water quality impact assessments that is prepared by the applicant and submitted to the county for review and approval. Staff is also proposing to add adaptation measures to the list of allowed uses within the RPA subject to certain conditions and limitations.

[04:32:16] One specific one is about fill placed in the RPA that's in conjunction with that adaptation measure. that's just some of the highlights the full text of the proposed amendments is included as attachment a to the staff report that was dated July 30th 2024 proposed amendments are recommended become effective day following adoption with the grace period for plans that are submitted prior to that effective date and that concludes my presentation we're here to answer any questions you may

[04:32:52] have. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff at this time? Seeing and hearing none. At this time, this is a public hearing, and I do have two speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. I know speaker number one, Larry Zaragoza, is here to be followed by, I know speaker number two, Jennifer Falcone, will be speaker number two, who I see.

[04:33:18] Each have five minutes, and we will start with Mr. Zaragoza, speaker number one. And if you're here to testify on this matter and you have not signed up yet in advance, please come down and sign up with the clerk. Mr. Zaragoza, welcome. Thank you, Chairman McKay and members of the board.

[04:33:35] I'm Larry Zaragoza. I'm here on behalf of the Mount Vernon Council Citizens Association to speak on the proposed amendments to Chapter 118, as just outlined. Earlier this year, the MDCCA provided comments to Mr. Stonefield on the proposal to the extent that it was fleshed out.

[04:33:59] At that time, there was no language. We wanted to bring to your attention that the way that the ordinance is written, the ordinance would provide for a nature-based shoreline stabilization structure.

[04:34:15] It encourages that. And if you put in one, a nature-based shoreline stabilization structure, you would raise the height of the structure so that it would accommodate for sea level for the life of the structure, which makes perfect sense.

[04:34:32] However, if you have a bulkhead or other structure, you can't do that. At least it's not clear that you could. So people that have structures like that that were designed and built as part of their property to maintain a certain yard they have no confidence that they can backfill behind a bulkhead.

[04:34:58] This could result in a significant amount of the yard being taken. Here's how it really plays out, is if you can't backfill behind a bulkhead, if it gets raised, what's going to happen is you're going to have water infiltration into that area, and you're going to then end up with wetland plants.

[04:35:18] The wetland plants then mean that it's a wetland, So then you must have free access of water between the two bodies of water, and then the structure would have to be removed. So that's how it's consequential.

[04:35:34] The language that I reviewed, it didn't seem to prescribe that the fill would be prohibited. I know that the state is currently reviewing this right now because in their guidance, it was not clear. I commented and brought it to their attention, but I wanted to bring it to your attention as well, because this could negatively impact a number of waterfront property homeowners when they thought that they'd done everything in accordance with the rules.

[04:36:05] The other thing I wanted to bring to your attention is it seems like there's a number of different rules, requirements that are being placed on tidal waterfront property owners. And rather than have a system that appears to be penalizing people for living on the water, Trying to work with the waterfront property owners to encourage practices that are supportive of the environment, I believe, would be much more constructive.

[04:36:35] I thank you for your time and welcome any questions. Thank you very much. Speaker number two is Jennifer Falcone, who is Land Use and Zoning Committee Chair of the Great Fall Citizens Association. Welcome. Thank you.

[04:36:53] Thank you, Chairman McKay and members of the board. You've already introduced me with my title. I thank you for that. I am also Secretary of the Great Falls Citizens Association. GFCA supports the recommendation of the Planning Commission that clarifies the regulatory nexus between the county's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance and the Tree Preservation Ordinance.

[04:37:14] This amendment places the necessary emphasis on state-mandated regulations concerning performance criteria requirements related to trees, particularly mature trees. Implementing the provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act by this ordinance is a critical tool in addressing the effects of land development on water quality in our region.

[04:37:39] The emphasis the amendment places on coastal resiliency and tree canopy protections is extremely important. Further, the pressure that increasing development places on resource management areas and resource protection areas demands that our ordinances fully comport with the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.

[04:38:01] As many of you are aware, once known as Forestville, Great Falls has a significant tree canopy that serves to protect the numerous streams and tributaries that comprise the resource protection areas that run through our community. We strongly agree with the Planning Commission's recommendation to review the county's Public Facility Manual, PFM, to identify opportunities for clarifying and documenting the process of preserving understory trees to include, if needed, updates to the Public Facilities Manual.

[04:38:34] The language of the PFM is silent on understory trees. Specifically, PFM section 12-307 regarding tree inventory and condition analysis does not appear to fully comport with the definitions within the proposed amendment chapter 118 in that the mandated tree inventory only addresses trees with trunks 12 inches or greater in diameter.

[04:38:59] Further, Chapter 122-3-1A7 of the Tree Conservation Ordinance appears to give regulatory effect to the PFM. If that is the case, then the tree conservation plans developed in accordance with the PFM could exclude certain understory trees that are defined in 9VAC 25-30, as well as Article 1R of the proposed amendment to Chapter 118.

[04:39:28] We can foresee that tree inventories associated with land development would not capture a portion of the tree canopy at issue, which involves understory trees. Finally, I would like to recognize and thank staff for their hard work in developing this amendment.

[04:39:45] It is an incredibly, very complex process. And Chairman McKay, thank you for asking your policy director, Barbara Byron, to reach out to me. Very important topic. And thanks to Supervisor Beerman and his chief of staff for making time in his schedule to discuss this with me.

[04:40:02] Thank you very much for your testimony. And let me ask, is there anyone else here present who would like to speak on this matter? This is a public hearing. Let me ask the clerk if we have anyone who's called in. No callers. No callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff.

[04:40:18] The Planning Commission held the public hearing on September 11th and deferred decision on September 25th Planning Commission voted with three recommendations The first is for the board to adopt the amendments, but with an additional sentence inserted specifying that compliance with chapter 122 of the county code Will be relied on during the land development process to comply with the requirements of the ordinance They recommended the board provide a grace period for pending plans that were submitted prior to the effective date and that prior approved

[04:40:54] exceptions and water quality impacts remain valid and a follow-on motion that staff evaluate the public facilities manual and identify opportunities for clarifying and documenting the process of preserving trees and to include if necessary amending the PFM staff concurs with the Planning Commission's recommendations

[04:41:15] Excellent. Thank you very much. And let me ask one question. I'll ask my colleagues if they have any questions. Mr. Zaragoza's testimony mentioned about the language and backfilling of a bulkhead. He mentioned that it does not prescribe that, but I guess my question is, does it allow for it?

[04:41:36] We've had lots of questions and discussions with Mr. Zaragoza about this, and it is a complicated issue because there are so many overlapping regulations that come into play here, not just the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance, but also the floodplain regulations, so any fill would be presumably in the major floodplain, also the title wetlands ordinance.

[04:42:02] There was a change in the state law a few years ago that changed the tidal wetlands about living shorelines as the required approach rather than the preferred approach with bulkheads in this mix here.

[04:42:22] So it's very difficult to answer a specific question on an exact project without seeing those details and be able to see exactly what's in space. involved and what would or wouldn't be involved. So I hesitate to say yes or no, a blanket approach on something that I haven't seen yet. There is specific limitations on the placement of fill when it comes to adaptation measures in the RPA. So on face value, yes, there may very

[04:42:56] well be limitations on that fill. Okay. So there's not necessarily a prohibition, but on a case-by-case basis that could be the result of the review yes okay any other questions of staff let me start on this side we'll work our way down Supervisor Herdy I'm just on that I mean it's it's unfortunate because sitting here if we can't kind of explain it it's kind of hard for our residents to understand it is that primarily driven by just confirming it's primarily driven by state law it's not these regulations that are driving that confusion on what's

[04:43:33] allowable and what's not it is the state regulations that we are implementing with this ordinance here and yes it the state regulations have created the situation a confusion to the state yeah the state regs have left you in an interpretive situation on a case-by-case basis is ultimately what you're saying yes the Department of Environment Quality has also prepared a guidance document for the localities to use for implementing the these amendments to the

[04:44:09] Chesapeake Bay ordinance they have not yet finalized their guidance so it's difficult to say what the the final outcome would be the the state did have it open for public comment so they're in the process of incorporating those comments and we'll see what the final result is but the draft version does put very strong language of no he should not be filling in the RPA okay supervisor

[04:44:44] stork I'm pretty familiar with this issue obviously the Mount Vernon Council is very familiar and which is there goes then not only in a personal world but also as a head of equac is very familiar we've all been working dealing with this and we've had a number of cases and I think what I heard you say earlier is what I've been hearing generally which is it is each situation a little bit unique and my understanding and what you're advising people and I'm saying this mostly to have you repeat this is that if somebody has a question about

[04:45:20] their their property and its impact on the living living shoreline ordinance and regulations here what are you recommending people do if they want to address those issues on their property we would recommend staff come the property owner come and talk to staff show us the the specifics of their situation we can what what it is that they're want to do and proposing to do and we can work with them on that individual situation and that's whether they already have a contract that they're dealing with you and the contractor may say you don't need to worry about it or the contractor may say you should

[04:45:59] worry about it I'm getting to the point that we've some of the issues we've had have been contractors who have represented that this is okay or have their own assessment and what do we what does the county want that property owner to do it come in and talk to us yes definitely yeah and it's it is it's that tough it really and property owners do there is so much gray and so much that's likely unclear and there is the wetlands board and then there's an appeals process to the wetlands board so it's it's one of those things that I

[04:46:34] know that individual property owners at least in the Mount Vernon district I'm familiar with some of the challenges they've had and the difficulties they've had and there's there isn't great clarity at this point but there is in my mind the strong recommendation that you come talk with county staff they come out look at it and work with you and hopefully there's that's a pathway that to minimize any cost or expense you might incur in doing either the wrong thing or not doing something at all which could also be costly too yeah Thank you. Okay. Any other questions Supervisor Behrman less a question than just a comment. I appreciate

[04:47:13] The issue that was brought to us by the Great Falls Citizens Association. I know they brought to the Planning Commission as well And I know it was in the Planning Commission Recommendations that staff evaluate the provisions in the public facilities manual with respect to the provisions in the Chesapeake Bay ordinance Amendment to identify opportunities for clarifying and documenting the process of preserving understory trees To include if needed updates to the pfm. We've got multiple interlocking regulatory Provisions here between the ordinance our tree ordinance a public facilities manual

[04:47:53] So I think it's a good idea to take that to use this as a time to just make sure that we don't have any conflict There and what we're doing so I support that. Thank you. Thank you Supervisor Beerman and if there are no other questions We've heard Let me ask Supervisor Smith first for a motion. I will close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Smith. Thank you I have two parts of my motion and then a follow-on. Mr. Chairman I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the amendments to chapter 118

[04:48:27] chesapeake bay preservation ordinance is set forth in the staff report dated july 30 2024 with two changes the first is to add the sentence recommended by the planning commission which is as if is which is as follows at the end of section 118-3-2b after the word development on line 159 of the proposed amendment insert compliance with chapter 122 of the fairfax County Code will be relied on during the land development process to comply with this subsection.

[04:49:01] The second change is in Section 118-3-3F5 on Line 330. Do not delete the word considerations. I further move that the amendments become effective at 12.01 a.m. on October 9, 2024, and the requirements be applicable to any new plans and applications submitted on or after this date except that all previously approved water quality impact assessments and rpa exception and exception requests remain valid for the period indicated in the approval applicants who submit

[04:49:38] a plan or application before the effective date that is then accepted for review without further modification may continue to use the criteria in effect at the time of the submission only if the plan or application is approved within six months of the effective date and any previously approved water quality impact assessments and RPA exception and exception approvals remain valid for the time period granted in the proof approval you've heard the motion it's been seconded by Supervisor Beermann

[04:50:12] I'm sorry I'm going to correct this in the second part of the motion and RPA exception and exemption requests remain valid. Thank you. Very good. With that correction, it's been moved and seconded by Supervisor Bierman, and the Chair will second that as well.

[04:50:38] Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Thank you very much. I have a following. Yes, Supervisor Smith. Okay. I further move that staff evaluate the provisions in the public facilities manual with respect to the provisions in the CBPO amendments to identify opportunities for clarifying and documenting the process of preserving understory trees to include, if needed, updates to the PFM. You've heard that motion. It's been

[04:51:13] multiply seconded. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries as well. And before I call our last public hearing, Supervisor Beerman, I've been asked by the clerk on your deferral if you could clarify the time.

[04:51:35] You moved earlier to defer the public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of the Tysons East Pump Station in the Drainsville District to a date of? November 19th, 2024 at 4 o'clock. At 4 p.m.

[04:51:52] Okay. Just wanted to clarify that for the record. Thank you. Our final public hearing of the day is a public hearing to convey development easements on behalf of the residences at Government Center 2 Development in the Braddock District. And could we please have staff, when they are ready, give us a presentation.

[04:52:14] Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. My name is Marwan Mahmood, and I'm with the Department of Housing and Community Development. I am joined this afternoon by my colleague, UD Brownson, Deputy Director Anna Shapiro, Director Tom Fleetwood, and Mr. Ryan Wolfe from the County Attorney's Office.

[04:52:35] We're here for a public hearing regarding the granting of tieback and crane overswing easements to facilitate construction activities of the residences of the government center to development. The tieback anchors easement is requested for sheeting and shoring activities for construction of structural foundations, and the crane overswing easement is requested to facilitate movement of construction materials and equipment around the site.

[04:52:59] Thank you. This concludes the presentation. there any questions of staff seeing and hearing none this is a public hearing and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify is there anyone here present who would like to speak this is a public hearing anyone who would like to testify seeing and hearing no one confirmed with the clerk there are no call no callers closing comments and a recommendation from county staff no further comments staff recommends approval of the proposed easements thank you very much last check any questions from board members seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Walkinshaw for a motion.

[04:53:38] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors approve the grant of the crane swing and tie-back easements necessary for the development of the Residences at Government Center 2 project pursuant to the recommendation of the county executive. I will second that motion along with half the board, Supervisor Lust, Kamenez, and Palchuk. Any discussion on the motion?

[04:54:02] Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Herity abstained. And Supervisor Herity abstains, and that motion is approved 9 to 0 to 1. Okay.

[04:54:17] If there's no further discussion, that brings us to the end of our board meeting of October 8, 2024. And with that, our board is adjourned.

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