Coraggio Consulting
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Place: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 4h 52m (video)
Official meeting video (Fairfax County): https://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/player/clip/3668
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 2026-10-30. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:08] Good morning everyone. Welcome to our board meeting of February 5th, 2025. It got quiet in here real quick, so well done everyone. Welcome to our board meeting and we are going to begin the meeting as we always do, which is to have a moment of silence and before we rise for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, which is what we usually kick our meetings off with, I do want to ask my colleagues if they have folks that they would like to remember and keep in our thoughts and prayers and ask the board to bear with me because I have a long one and it may take

[00:00:45] a little bit of time for us this morning. But obviously I want to start by recognizing the victims of the airplane helicopter collision last week. I think obviously for many of us was a jolt and really tragic affair. But just to recap, last Wednesday an inbound passenger jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter from the 12th Aviation Battalion right here out of Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County with three service members on

[00:01:20] board, all three perishing. Sadly, one of those service members is a stepfather of a student in our Fairfax County public schools. This tragic loss of life was made much more local for us when we learned that news, but also that three of our FCPS students and six FPS parents were among the victims of the crash. I think I speak for all of us when I say our hearts are broken and our prayers remain with the families, friends, and colleagues impacted by this devastating crash. I also want to make sure we remain committed to supporting not only the victims' families, but also our first

[00:01:59] responders in our community who have been affected. As a board, we'll continue working closely with our regional partners, school leaders, and public safety officials to ensure that counseling and other necessary resources are available during this difficult time. There are relief efforts in our community, and I'd ask our Office of Public Affairs to help publicize those where possible.

[00:02:22] For example, we know the Community Foundation in Northern Virginia has joined the Capital Area Community Foundations to launch DCA Together Relief Fund, which supports the families of the victims, first responders, and organizations who are aiding both the recovery and healing.

[00:02:40] To donate, the communityfoundation.org and click on DCA Together Relief Fund. Finally, I think we can all take some measure of pride and comfort knowing that our own Fairfax County first responders answered the call to support multiple public safety agencies across our region. I want to thank all the first responders who participated and reiterate that we will provide ongoing support and counseling for those who no doubt faced incredibly difficult circumstances during this operation. I also understand Inova Health Systems Employee Assistance Program

[00:03:16] staff has been on site providing this kind of support as well. And just to recap the units from Fairfax County who were deployed from our Fairfax County Police Department, our Fairfax One Helicopter, Marine Patrol Unit, and Dive Team, from our Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 22 units and 68 personnel, and from our Department of Emergency Management and Security, also supported the Regional Incident Management Team, ensuring a coordinated and effective response. And I know that I had an opportunity to speak with both Senator Warner

[00:03:52] and Congressman Beyer specifically about this incident and nothing but good words expressed on behalf of our Fairfax team for the work that they did. And the federal, our federal representatives, of course, made sure that continued support would be there for all those public safety officials affected. And then finally on this issue, one of the text messages among the many, many that I got from folks after this happened was from a retired supervisor from Rockingham County, Virginia, who incidentally was part of the federal investigative efforts after the Air Florida crash, which if

[00:04:30] you've been in this area long enough, you know about the Air Florida crash. And one of the things that he said to me and wanted to reiterate is that for the public safety officials, what stuck in his mind in that entire investigation is for the public safety officials who responded to that what they saw traumatized them for the rest of their lives and this is why I've put such a focus in this in this document in protecting and serving our first responders because what they saw traumatized them for life and in fact led some of those first responders to have to leave that profession for the unimaginable grief that they were

[00:05:09] suffering. And so this is going to be with us here in Fairfax County and with our region for a long time, and we all need to stay committed to helping both the families and victims, but also our first responders through what is a very difficult time. Secondly, speaking of difficult, I'm saddened to announce the passing of my friend, many of our friends, and former colleague to this board, Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerald, as we knew, Jerry Highland. And Jerry served on the board from 1988 to 2015, representing the Mount Vernon District. Jerry was passionate

[00:05:47] about his constituents and served on countless regional, statewide, and national organizations. He loved his community and spent decades working to improve the lives of everyone he served. But most importantly, those who were most vulnerable in our community. He was a leader in every sense, but always stood up for the right thing, whether it was serving vulnerable residents, promoting revitalization of his beloved Richmond Highway Corridor, or just providing everyday constituent services. He was especially proud of his work protecting the many historical properties that

[00:06:23] are in the Mount Vernon District. He always advocated for those who had no voice and those who needed county services for support. Jerry always led first with his heart and then his humor. If his heart wasn't fully working, certainly the humor was always working.

[00:06:42] And Jerry's quick wit and good humor made him a joy to serve with and also made him very effective on this board and the many relationships he had. He never took himself too seriously, and as we know, annoyingly at times, but hysterically, He always had a pun ready about any situation that he found himself in.

[00:07:03] Most importantly to me, Jerry was a friend, longtime mentor, somebody I had an opportunity to work closely with as Franconia supervisor, but frankly, many years before elected office on so many things, whether it was work at United Community or his work with our other nonprofits along the Route 1 corridor.

[00:07:23] His successes can be seen everywhere in Mount Vernon District, and I know we're all so proud and were so proud the day we named the South County Center, the Jerry Highland Government Center in 2019 along the Richmond Highway Corridor to honor the decades of service that Jerry provided to our residents.

[00:07:42] And I want to give an opportunity for other of my colleagues to weigh in on Jerry. But before we do that, I do know that we have a video tribute to Supervisor Highland that I would ask our staff to play. In the 28 years that I was privileged to represent Mount Vernon, we were able to accomplish a number of things in this community.

[00:08:06] And although they were done on my watch, I would never use the word I that I did them because I didn't do them, except with the help of so many people who were the people who really did the job with me.

[00:08:28] And there has been nothing more satisfying for me than to have the opportunity to do that job, to do it, and then to have the satisfaction of your citizens being happy with whatever you've done.

[00:08:43] To think about the best thing that we could have done to honor Jerry, it's to honor his legacy of human services work in the county.

[00:09:54] And to name this building after him is very fitting because people come into this building every day and they take advantage of services the county has that wouldn't exist if it weren't for Jerry Highland's passion and years of service. I want to thank the great team at Channel 16 who puts on these meetings, but also very quickly put together a tribute video that we could show today at today's meeting.

[00:10:23] But also, I know Supervisor Stork has a town hall coming up this weekend. We'll pay special tribute to Jerry as well since he began those town halls so many, many years ago. And so at this time, I'm going to recognize my colleagues for anyone they'd like to keep in their thoughts and prayers, including anything that they want to share about Jerry.

[00:10:47] And so in that vein, I'm going to start with Supervisor Stork. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I think you particularly hit it right about the Mount Vernon Town meeting. This is our 38th, and he was, I think, most deeply proud of that because that was part of the New England tradition that, if you will, his roots were core of.

[00:11:06] And along with Jerry Connolly, who we all know, they used to share a lot of humor back and forth on some of the New England issues that they would bring, particularly Moxie beer, which nobody liked, but they always exchange. But that's part and parcel of what really makes all of us connected.

[00:11:24] And those relationships we know are the most essential part of what we do. Sometimes the most trying part of what we do, right? But we know that's the core of how we get things done, too, is that we connect and we have fun and we play around with each other a little bit and at least tease each other, but mostly look for ways to build things, make things happen.

[00:11:43] And that's the core of Jerry. I wanted to start off by thanking Channel 16 for putting the video together, honoring Jerry. I think it's very, very well done. Other than maybe the music at the end was a little sad, Jerry would be a little bit more upbeat than that. But I know many members of the Highland family and his friends are watching this morning from all over the country, and I wanted to particularly thank those family members who are joining us virtually to honor Jerry and his truly 30-plus years of community service, 28 years on the Board of Supervisors.

[00:12:15] He left an indelible legacy. I want to say hello to his daughter, Gigi, to Chris, her husband, and his son-in-law, his twin sister, like I'm a twin. He has a twin sister, Carol, many brothers and sisters, Marcia Hansen, who was his right-hand person, and really, I would say, pushed him on a lot of different issues, but that was the core of the relationship was how they got things done.

[00:12:41] Longtime friend, for sure, and co-conspirator Bill Bach, who really was the faithful friend to the very end, doing what we all want to know that somebody in our life will do, is to take care of us and keep us centered even when our last thoughts are fading from our brains.

[00:12:59] Jerry said many times that representing the Mount Vernon Residence was the highest honor in his life. He truly missed it. I think most of us who do this job can connect with that and understand that. Jerry truly was my friend and mentor. I was on the school board for 12 years, and we got to work together on really so many issues during the time.

[00:13:18] But even more importantly, becoming supervisor, he had a lot of insight, particularly to the personalities that we know every community has and some of the things you need to be careful of and look for. But he truly offered the greatest advice, which frankly was to do the right things for the right reason.

[00:13:36] And I know for me personally, but I think in general for the community, he always challenged us to be our best selves. He was notorious for his puns, sharp legal mind, and truly he was a leader who listens, as his campaign signs would say.

[00:13:53] Truly one of those individuals. Everybody who knew Jerry had a great story to share about him. I've met residents who probably share the moment that they met Jerry during the Huntington floods, where he showed up in high waders to help residents to safety and comfort them during what was an incredibly difficult time.

[00:14:10] And as we all know here, he was a leader in getting the Huntington Levy built, getting people around the county, which was really remarkable to support a levy that was really focused on the needs of the Huntington area. Another example, maybe a more personal example, is a widow who called him because she needed help shoveling snow and was shocked when she looked out her window and saw Jerry with a shovel on her porch shoveling her snow.

[00:14:36] So I think one of his other proudest moments was he helped to get more than 300 county, South County residents chartered a bus and to get them to a planning commission hearing to protest the expansion of the Lorton Landfill. And he's unprecedentedly sat in the audience to register his own protest about continuing to keep the Lorton Landfill open.

[00:15:00] There are many, many more stories like that, but truly Jerry did not tout them or really didn't look for people to share them or look for the accolades that oftentimes go with him because he quietly just deeply cared about all of us. Like all of us, he needs a place for downtime, and his was the farm.

[00:15:18] And one of the things that the farm produced not only was some peace for himself, peace of mind, but also eggs and crabs and oysters, and for some of us at least, explosive homemade wine that he shared. And tribute of that today, I really want to thank Christy Morin, who served him before she served me as a chief.

[00:15:40] She arranged and brought and gave to the board in memory of Jerry, really, the dozen eggs that were a key part of what he would do. But again, there were always lots more things. And the eggs that he gave out were never quite this clean and had usually little feathers and things on them that you didn't necessarily want.

[00:15:59] but that was part of the right from the farm his his generous spirit his energy his love of people his love of life was really unbounded and and for those of you had a got a chance who got a chance to talk with him last particularly last couple months you you continue to see that so I think for all of us it's it's a tough time but the family has announced a community celebration of life for Jerry to be held on Friday, March 28th at 1030 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

[00:16:38] That's at 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, and a reception will follow. We'll send something out as well, and it'll be in our newsletter, but I wanted to share that. And I have a couple other things, but maybe you want to talk about Jerry, and then... Yeah, we can talk. Let's do Jerry, Supervisor Herity, and then what we'll do is we'll just make our way down. Supervisor Herity.

[00:16:56] Yeah, Jerry reminded me, obviously, a lot of my dad with his sense of humor and wit and his devotion to public service. And true to form, Jerry stayed involved in the community, you know, after he was no longer a supervisor. While we didn't always agree on everything, I had the pleasure of working with him on a lot of things, as he reminded me.

[00:17:18] South County Middle School, the closer to CDW Landfill, and keeping Mount Vernon Hospital open, which I know were big things for him. I could go through a long list of his accomplishments because he accomplished so much.

[00:17:36] But here at the end, I really look forward to my Sunday meetings with him at Paul Springs over the last month. we had a we had a good laugh on how my position on urban chickens and those of you that weren't on the board i know chairman mckay knows all about urban chickens but i may bring that up in his name one of these one of these times it probably won't get a second but i may do it just for him um wish we had talked more about the roadkill because that just popped the roadkill stew at the retreats but that just popped into my uh my mind but um you know um they just don't make public servants like Jerry anymore he truly cared about his community he was a

[00:18:16] man of integrity and a man of his word you could disagree with him and he would treat you with respect and as a friend and I'm I'm very proud to have called him my friend and I will very much miss him thank you supervisor Harity supervisor Alcorn thank you mr. chairman I appreciate all the words from my colleagues about Jerry Highland. I do also want to thank Supervisor Stork and Christine for doing the eggs and passing those out and I in just an

[00:18:53] appreciation of Jerry I have to point out that he joined the Board of supervisors after succeeding supervisor eggy thank you mr. chair thank you supervisor Alcorn supervisor Lask thank you as well to my colleagues for the remembrance of Jerry and I'll say first I want to send my condolences to his friends and family as they go through this very difficult time and I had the

[00:19:30] pleasure of getting to know Jerry while I worked in my career in Fairfax County so I've been now in the county for 35 years his commitment to public service was remarkable exemplified by his years with the Air Force the Board of Zion appeals which was pretty incredible as well and of course his incredible 28 years here on this board he spent nearly his entire life serving the people of Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, and our country in one way or another. Jerry served on the board. He served on the board with great integrity, which was mentioned earlier, and was eager to

[00:20:08] improve the quality of life of people in the Mount Vernon area. I will remember his humor and his levity, even during some very difficult times, and he leaves an inspiring legacy here in Fairfax County, and I know that many, many will miss him. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk and again there will be a celebration of life for Jerry and we'll have an opportunity to share a lot more stories at that I think all of us have some some stories and some that you know we'll continue to laugh about for for many many decades thankfully and I'll just close by quoting a former colleague

[00:20:47] of our Supervisor Faust and I was reminded of this this morning thankfully that when Supervisor Hyland retired from the board out the door went 99 percent of the board's personality. And, you know, we're willing to take that as a laughing matter, but it was so true in so many ways. One thing about Jerry is, and Supervisor Herity rightfully said this, Jerry always stood by his word. The challenge for the rest of the board is you never knew what word was getting ready to come out of Jerry when it was his turn to speak at the board and so we will miss him, Mount Vernon District and all the

[00:21:27] organizations that were involved with him including all of us. I know we'll miss Jerry. We'll continue to keep him in our prayers and look forward to in March when we can do what Jerry would be wanting us to do which is not mourn but celebrate a life very very well lived. With that before we rise for a moment of silence let me ask my colleagues if there are others, I know it guys, if there are others that folks would like to recognize. And I'm going to start on this end, this time with Supervisor Jimenez. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And going back to the beginning when you talked

[00:22:02] about the tragedy last week, I want to echo what I know my colleagues will say and what you have already said and thoughts on those who lost their lives in the crash. I'd also like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the members of the United Association of Steamfitters Local 602, who tragically lost colleagues aboard flight 5342.

[00:22:23] My heart goes out to their loved ones, friends, and colleagues impacted by the crash and wish those who perished may rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Jimenez. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll dovetail on the DCA aircraft collision, again devastated by the loss of life resulting from the aircraft collision near Reagan National, Washington National Airport.

[00:22:47] Fairfax County has a strong partnership with Fort Belvoir, and my condolences extend to the families and colleagues of the three Army service members who perished, as well as the military community at large. I'm grateful for the first responders from Fairfax County who rapidly responded to the crash site.

[00:23:06] I'm also grateful for the swift and coordinated response from first responders across the Washington metro area as planned by the National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreement. Tragedies like this one highlight why the Council of Governments and regional collaboration is so important in delivering effective disaster response. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you Supervisor Luss, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Continuing on the condolences related to the to the crash among among those grieving today are the

[00:23:42] The entire, is the entire community in Red Fox Forest, and you all might have read about the Hanos family in the Washington Post recently. Roger and Stephanie Hanos and their son Corey, who lived in Red Fox Forest, were aboard American Airlines Flight 5432.

[00:24:02] 16-year-old Corey had qualified for the U.S. figure skating training camp in Wichita after he placed third in his division at a competition in Norwood, Massachusetts in November. At that camp and after many hours of training, Corey successfully landed a triple axle, which is one of skating's most difficult jumps. Roger Hanos, Corey's father, was a 1988 graduate of Annandale High School. He was also a network engineer with Fairfax County Public Schools. Stephanie Hanos,

[00:24:40] Corey's mother served on the board of the Skating Club of Northern Virginia, and like Roger, she also devoted many years of service to Fairfax County Public Schools, where she retired in 2023 as an information analyst. So today, Mr. Chairman, we grieve their loss among the 67 lives that were lost in the crash.

[00:25:05] I also just wanted to share the unfortunate loss of one of our VACO colleagues, Pastor William McCarty from the Iowa White County Board of Supervisors, unfortunately passed away on January 25th after a short illness.

[00:25:24] I had the opportunity to head down to Newport News yesterday for his service, and it was, as you would imagine, those of us who know Pastor McCarty, a huge crowd of folks from the community that he had touched in the different capacities that he served as a pastor of a church for 25 years on the board of supervisors, as an assistant, high school football coach, and on and on and on.

[00:25:54] the things that he did in the community and it was quite you know when you go to a funeral for for a pastor uh it is quite an experience uh and and there was just a lot of love for him and his family so i ask just that we keep his wife amanda their two sons and their four grandchildren um in our in our thoughts today thank you mr chairman thank you supervisor walkinshaw supervisor beerman I just wanted to very briefly add to the chorus of people offering condolences for the loss of life in the crash.

[00:26:31] It's horrifying. It's disappointing. It's enraging. It's sad. There are so many families that are grieving right now, and I'm happy to know, not happy, that's the wrong word, but I'm encouraged to know the commitment that the county is making to those families.

[00:26:48] I'm also encouraged to know of the coordinated response that happened. I want to thank the firefighters and first responders from the Great Falls Station who got in their boats that are usually for picking up people who fall in at Great Falls and went down there to lend a hand.

[00:27:09] I also want to thank our regional partners. I know that there were times recently that Loudoun County was helping cover for parts of Fairfax County that I represent because our folks were down there. I know that the McLean Volunteer Fire Station was covering parts of North Arlington.

[00:27:28] It really was a coordinated effort from local governments, and I want to thank the people who worked hard to make that happen, including our county executive, Brian Hill, and our deputy county executive, Tom Ardold, and, of course, our fire chief, John Butler.

[00:27:44] Fire chief, Butler. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Bierman. Supervisor Palczyk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, will begin, like many of you, when I heard the news of the crash that morning and that there were young figure skaters there, I immediately looked.

[00:28:04] I know the schools do not share name information. We not long ago honored Ilya Malinan here and heartbroken for the other lives lost, but was relieved to see that although he lost many, many friends, he had been on that flight only two days prior.

[00:28:25] I know that many of our partners were thanked. I also want to thank our schools, our superintendent, the chair, who called as soon as they knew, though they couldn't share publicly, some of our families had been impacted and the supports that they were providing the schools the principals and the communities impacted so as you've heard today a terrible tragic tragic loss and I think only grateful to know that between our formal partners and so many in our community who have gathered together to support the survivors and their families that we will continue to

[00:29:05] work through this together. In addition today, I do have some thoughts and prayers. Many of you, especially if you work in the Panino building, knew Joe Briggs, Joseph Briggs. I think he was known maybe as the mayor of the Panino 10th floor. Neighborhood and community services colleague, very beloved. He passed away on January 9th, 2025. Joe lived in Lorton, Virginia, and he worked for Fairfax County for more than 28 years.

[00:29:35] He spent 13 years in the Department of Tax Administration and the last 15 years as an administrative assistant with NCS's Therapeutic Recreation Services. Joe had a love for helping others and for making people feel heard and valued. I learned that the first day I met Joe, and he never met a challenge he couldn't overcome or a customer he couldn't make smile.

[00:29:58] He sincerely loved his agency and coming to work every single day, seeing his co-workers and sharing stories. If you were ever on the 10th floor of the Panino building, you probably knew him. You chatted with him. I don't think he'd let you walk by without saying hello and trying to get a smile on your face. He truly cared. He had tremendous pride for his family, for his career, for his friends, and for helping break down barriers for other individuals with disabilities. He loved the movies, spending time with his family, and sharing their accomplishments with others. He was a bright light in our therapeutic recreation community

[00:30:33] at NCS and in Fairfax County and will be sorely missed by many. The county flag was lowered to have masks on January 21st in his honor and in recognition of his years of service to Fairfax County. So our thoughts and prayers and condolences are with his many colleagues, friends, and family who still reside in Lorton, Virginia. Thank you, Supervisor Paucek, Supervisor Alcorn.

[00:30:57] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to add on a little bit, the plane crash victims and the collision. So similar to Supervisor Palachuk, I immediately started checking to see, you know, let me find out who was on there.

[00:31:14] You know, it affected another community within Fairfax County, the Skate Quest community in Reston. There were a number of connections there as well. And I know a lot of those people are grieving right now. I know Supervisor Herity knows a lot of those folks also.

[00:31:32] I did also want to note sadness on my part, and I know many in the community. We had on Sunday a tragic fire death, a house fire, also in Reston.

[00:31:49] And this comes on the heels of another fire death in Reston, December 4th. And it's a little bit shocking, you know, we're not really used to having a lot of fire deaths because our fire and rescue department has done such a fantastic job over the years.

[00:32:08] You know, and I know also last week there were two house fire deaths in D.C. So just as certainly to keep those victims and their families and friends in our thoughts and prayers, but also as a reminder to all of us that this remains a life-and-death issue, and for us always to keep that in mind as we go forward.

[00:32:32] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn, Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I need to mention a couple things that happened in the community. One is Ruth Scott, the beloved mother of Mason Neck, resident in U.S. Army Major General Bruce Scott, and a resident of the Fairfax died last week at the age of 100.

[00:32:54] Ruth was a dedicated military wife who moved over 20 times with her husband and four children. Long-time resident of Lake Broadcroft before they moved to the Fairfax. She was a gardener, kind to everyone she met. She was affectionately known as Nana to all she met, and Nana Banana to her 16 grandchildren and, yes, 38 great-grandchildren.

[00:33:20] sorry yeah great-grandchildren excuse me um so she uh yeah and the scott family if you know them they are the most welcoming families around i mean they're just just a wonderful beautiful uh folks to have in the community because of the kind of people that always put their elbows on the table and make a difference no matter where they were and in her case in their case the 20 times you move you you learn how to do that and learn how to do that well um and the last note is is another truly sad note, we had another pedestrian fatality on Richmond Highway at Buckman Road. On Wednesday, January 29th, Erica Tibbs, who was 33 years old, the mother

[00:33:59] with her five-year-old child, were struck by a vehicle while crossing Richmond Highway. Unfortunately, Erica Tibbs, the mother, was pronounced deceased at the hospital, although the child remains in stable condition. Our condolences, of course, go out to the family and others we know who were supportive and have been very much part of their lives. And I know Rising Hope, particularly church, has been very involved. And I know they could use some additional support resources because the family clearly had challenges economically and they're needing community support to help get through this tough time for themselves. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. Supervisor Herity.

[00:34:38] Yeah, and I will start on the DCA flight and I'll try to keep it very short. But I think A lot's been said about the response of our first responders and Loudoun County coming in and the school community I think Fairfax County performed very very well I want to thank supervisor lust for recognizing the service members who really died serving our country That was a training mission, but they were providing service and as Supervisor Alcorn said this has hit the skating community pretty hard I've got a niece who knew some of them. I

[00:35:14] Skated at Fairfax. I was at Ashburn to play my normal Sunday night hockey game and pay my respects and there's four tables of flowers It just I mean the pictures is just unbelievable the loss Our entire community is failing and and you know, of course our thoughts and prayers with all the victims Would also like to ask that we keep in our thoughts and prayers. So we had an officer that was stabbed yesterday afternoon He was released last night at 9 o'clock, but keep him in all of our public safety community and our thoughts and prayers because what they do, they never know every day.

[00:35:53] It's a dangerous task. We also lost a longtime attorney, Mark Bettis, who was somebody that was an attorney who focused much of his career in the area of zoning and land use.

[00:36:10] He was somebody my father knew well, was in the land use space. He helped shape Northern Virginia landscape that still exists today. He was the lead counsel in the Occoquan downzoning case. So his work goes back a long way in Fairfax County.

[00:36:28] I ask that we keep him and his family in thoughts and prayers. Also, Ty Lovett, on January 22, Jenny Lovett, the co-founder of Chris Atwood Foundation, who does a lot of the opioid prevention work, lost her husband's tie at the young age of 40.

[00:36:46] He was a remarkable husband and father of his son, Caleb. He wanted the story to be told and funds raised in his memory. We'll go to the Chris Atwood Foundation for all the work that they do. Another one I would like to mention real briefly, because he's kind of been the heart and soul of Drive Time Radio, Dimitri Sotis.

[00:37:11] past. He was a deep, warm voice that informed and kept listeners in the D.C. region company during storms, elections, breaking news. Died at the age of 55. He really was the heart and soul of that radio station. He was among the scholars honored with the 2012 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Large Market Radio Newscast for coverage of the U.S. mission that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden.

[00:37:44] He knew from age 10 that he wanted to be a radio broadcaster. Interestingly, he had a pretend radio station in his basin. He was the son of a Greek immigrant that moved to the U.S. for college, and I ask that we keep him and his family and the WTOP family in our foster care.

[00:38:06] Thank you, Supervisor Herity. A lot to reflect on this morning, so thank you for your patience. And with that, all who are able to could rise for a moment of silence to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

[00:38:28] Please face the flag.

[00:38:45] 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, liberty and justice for all. And this morning we have a number of presentations.

[00:39:08] I'm going to take these in the order that they're in our agenda. So next up, we have a presentation of the Best Workplaces for Commuters Awards. And for that, I would welcome to the podium, Julie Bond. Julie is here. There she is. Who's the Program Manager for Best Workplaces for Commuters, Center for Urban Transportation Research.

[00:39:28] And if you could come on down, and I will turn the microphone over to you. Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the entire board. It's an honor to be here this morning with you. I'm located at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and we manage the Best Workplaces for Commuters program, and many of you may remember each year we recognize many of your really great employers, so I'm happy to do that today.

[00:39:58] And so I'll be reading their names, and they'll be coming up and receiving their award, but again, I just want to say Fairfax County is doing an amazing job. They are one of our top partners nationwide, so you should be very proud of them. They're doing a really fantastic job.

[00:40:14] Okay, with that, I'm going to read the names of the employers. Our first one is ASTI Advanced Simulation Technology Incorporated. They're an aerospace and defense industry contractor based in Herndon.

[00:40:32] And our next one is Brookfield Properties, operated by CBRE. They manage multiple properties in Fairfax County, including this location in Tyson's. The next one is Groundswell.

[00:40:48] It's a technology solutions company serving federal agencies in McLean. And our next one is Inova Center for Personalized Health. It's part of the region's largest health care services provider in Fairfax. And next, we have the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, NVTA.

[00:41:10] and they're a regional organization responsible for developing Northern Virginia's long-range transportation plan in the Providence District. Our next one is RTC West. They're operated by JBG Smith, and they're located in Reston, and they're recognized as one of our best sites for commuters, and they host 64 businesses and retailers that have more than 590 employees.

[00:41:43] we have scout space they're headquartered in breston and they're a leading in space observation service provider silver line center managed by brookfield properties they're operated by cbre they're also recognized as a best site for commuters and they're in tyson's serving businesses and retail tenants next we have silverstone senior living they have locations in both fairfax and Tyson's, and they develop best-in-class senior housing communities. Systematic is an international

[00:42:20] IT services provider in Centerville, and Transurban North America headquartered in McLean is one of the world's leading infrastructure developers and operators. And we have one more, which is Tyson's Community Alliance, TCA. They're an independent nonprofit organization committed to the transformation of Tysons, Virginia, into a vibrant, inclusive, globally attractive urban center.

[00:42:52] And those are this year's BWC members, and I'm so happy to honor and recognize them here today as your best workplaces for commuters in Fairfax. Thank you very much, Julie, and thank you for the work that you do in recognizing our awardees today.

[00:43:21] it is much appreciated, and thank you for coming from Tampa, as you always do. We certainly appreciate that, and I think for a photo, if the board, if the whole board could rise.

[00:43:35] We're now going to move on to our next presentation, and when I announce the

[00:44:38] proclamation or resolution, we will invite our speaker to come down to the podium. We'll then read the proclamation and resolution, and after our speaker's remarks, the board will pose for a picture. And first up in this category, we have a resolution to honor the town of Herndon Mayor Sheila Olam. And this was requested by myself and Supervisor Beerman and Mayor Olam, I know is here.

[00:45:02] If you could come on down to the podium. And while you were doing that, I'll recognize Supervisor Beerman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm going to read a resolution for Madam Mayor. Whereas Mayor Sheila Olam, Sheila A. Olam announced early last year that she would not seek re-election in November 2024, marking the conclusion of her remarkable tenure of service to the town of Herndon and the broader Fairfax County community. And whereas Sheila Olam has served on the Herndon Town Council since 2010 and as mayor since 2019, demonstrating dedication and exceptional leadership, fostering the growth and development of Herndon while preserving its unique character

[00:45:39] and historic charm. And whereas during her tenure as mayor, Sheila Olam has tirelessly advocated for community, enhancing the partnership between Herndon and Fairfax County on key initiatives like transportation, housing, environmental stewardship, and economic development, and whereas Mayor Olum's leadership has played a crucial role in improving the quality of life for Herndon residents, creating a stronger, more connected community, and cultivating a sense of unity and shared purpose among residents, businesses, and local government, and whereas the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has greatly benefited from Mayor Olum's collaborative approach, thoughtful leadership, and dedication to serving the best interests of our constituents.

[00:46:17] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby honor and express its deepest gratitude to Mayor Sheila Olam for outstanding service, visionary leadership, and invaluable contributions to the town of Herndon and Fairfax County. I will second that motion along with multiple other of my colleagues.

[00:46:37] Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Beerman. Thank you, Mayor Olam. I think we said it well. in this resolution, to be quite honest, but what I will say is that there are few people who love the town of Herndon more than Shiloholam. There are few people who advocate for the town of Herndon more than Shiloholam. There are few people who you will always run into when you go to the town of Herndon than Shiloholam. So I know that you're sticking around. I know you're probably going to be a part of Herndon for many years to come, especially with recently the new branding,

[00:47:14] Live Differently, which I thought was great, and really captures Herndon itself. So thank you for your years of service, and I know you'll continue working in this community. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Beerman, Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sheila, it's been a pleasure working with you uh it wasn't mentioned but sheila's also served on several regional boards and commissions uh and i've had the pleasure of interacting with you uh on those but also uh many things in the community uh you know this is drainsville district but it's right next to

[00:47:50] hunter mill district and certainly your collaborative approach and your willingness to work on issues affecting the community across you know magisterial alliance has been just remarkable so thank you for your service and very pleased that we can honor you today thank you supervisor pelching um just want to share my gratitude uh having the opportunity to serve with you on regional commissions um but really i want to say it's a wonderful town um and i know the hourly pay uh is probably a pocket change compared to the many many hours um that you and

[00:48:26] your colleagues spend, ensuring that the community of Herndon continues to be a vibrant, caring, and loving community. So thank you for all you do and for your many, many accomplishments and years of service and for your leadership as a strong regional female leader. Thank you, Sheila.

[00:48:45] Thank you, Supervisor Palchuk. And let me also thank you, Mayor. When we were putting together the resolution, there was so much that we could have put in it and we ran out of space on this sheet. And I think that's a tribute to your dedication, not just to Herndon, but to the entire region. And I think a lot of folks don't realize that Mayor Olam had a huge life in civic engagement and volunteerism well before she ever ran for the Herndon Town Council. And looking through the long biography of service that you have had to the state of Virginia, to the region,

[00:49:21] and to, of course, your beloved Herndon is remarkable. And I want to thank you for all of that, because that experience made you a much more effective town council member and a great mayor for me to work with. And I appreciate all the conversations that we had over the years and ways that we could work together and regionally collaborate.

[00:49:42] They were always great conversations, and I know they will continue, because your love not just for Herndon but for our region shines through well before you were elected, and I know, Will, well after you now have left office, and I know you've left that in great hands as well. So we look forward to continuing to work with you, and I wanted to congratulate you formally this morning for all you've done for our community.

[00:50:05] With that, I think we're ready for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries, and Mayor, welcome. The floor is yours. Do I need to turn this on?

[00:50:22] We've got it taken care of. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much. This is very heartwarming. Just for the record, the first time I visited this spot, Jerry was sitting up there on the dais with you.

[00:50:38] And that was on a land use issue in the early 90s. This was also a brand new building called the Taj Mahal. And Supervisor Lusk, we met on many of those committees, as did we.

[00:50:58] And I was so pleased to see when you two gentlemen ran for counsel, I mean for a supervisor, that you were going to come in here with a lot of knowledge, which is always very helpful. I don't know everyone. I've met most everyone sitting here except one.

[00:51:15] So I'm going to have to get to know the Mason District Supervisor. And all the best to everyone and the best part about being mayor after 20-something years of being back there with the county, with all the others that wanted Metro to open, I got to cut the ribbon.

[00:51:38] Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Sheila. And if you could come on forward, Supervisor Beerman and I will come on down if the board could rise for a photo.

[00:52:41] Our next resolution is a really special one, and that is to honor and recognize Mark Pembleton for his heroic act of service in saving a fellow citizen from a highway fire. And this was requested by myself. In addition to the county resolution today, we are also presenting Mr. Pembleton with the Carnegie Medal on behalf of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.

[00:53:06] Following the county presentation, I'll have Fatima Malik, an aide to Congressman Jerry Connolly, present to Mr. Pembleton an entry to the congressional record made in honor of his selfless service to our community. And, of course, our speaker today is Mark Pembleton, who has come on down.

[00:53:26] And I am going to turn the gavel over to Vice Chairman Smith so that I can read the following resolution. Whereas on the evening of September 18th, 2023, Mark Pembleton, a veteran and self-employed business owner, witnessed a catastrophic collision on a highway in Sterling, Virginia, where a tractor trailer overturned and ignited a massive fire that endangered the life of its driver, Cesar Yepes.

[00:53:56] And whereas, disregarding his own safety, Mark Pembleton acted immediately by pulling over, instructing his children to stay in his vehicle, and rushing to the scene of an engulfed tractor-trailer, where the severely burned driver, Cesar Yepes, was screaming for help.

[00:54:15] And whereas Mr. Pembleton attempted to pull Mr. Yepes away from the burning vehicle, he sustained serious injuries, including burns to his arms, hands, face, and head in the process. And whereas, tragically, Mr. Yepp has succumbed to his injuries two weeks later, despite Mark Pimbleton's extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to saving a human life.

[00:54:40] And whereas Mark Pimbleton sustained severe injuries, including third-degree burns requiring a month in the hospital and nine months of follow-up surgeries, which showcased his remarkable courage and resilience. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, extends its deep gratitude and admiration to Mark Pimbleton for his heroic deeds on September 18th, 2023, and his bravery, kindness, and commitment to helping others, which inspire us all.

[00:55:15] I'll second that motion along with Supervisor Palchuk. Discussion on the motion? Yes. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. This is a story and a moment that I think we all remember well and will remember well for a long time. And I remember my reaction in talking to our first responders who made us aware of this instance that we all would be honored to have an opportunity to meet Mark Pendleton for the work that he did that day.

[00:55:44] We'd all like to think that that would all be our reaction to a tragedy like that, but we know that's not the case. It takes extraordinary courage to do what you did that day and to potentially save a life, and not only to potentially save a life, but to get severely harmed and injured in your own right in attempting to save somebody who you didn't know, someone you had never heard of before, but someone who was merely screaming for help, and you could provide that help.

[00:56:15] It's just a remarkable story. And as I mentioned earlier, Mark is also being awarded with the Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, who reached out to my office and wanted to make sure that you could receive that medal as well.

[00:56:32] And this medal is considered one of the highest honors for civilian heroism in North America. And there are only about 10,000 of these that have been awarded since its inception over 100 years ago. And so this is a remarkable achievement for a remarkable individual who did a remarkable thing, a selfless act of bravery, and we salute you and want to have an opportunity here.

[00:56:58] Knowing you live in Fairfax County and this event happened in Loudoun County is immaterial. The fact is we have a hero in our midst and we want to take this opportunity to salute you and to thank you. Supervisor Storr. Well, I wanted to also congratulate and thank you deeply, but also have been struck by we spent really the morning talking about people who have served for decades, and we just heard the mayor talk about her decades of service, and that service can come in decades or it can come in an instant, an instant that maybe you never imagined.

[00:57:35] And I think all of us think that maybe that moment would come and what we would do. You chose life, really. You chose to make a difference in that moment. So decades of service or moments of service, they all are really about community and making a difference for us and all of us.

[00:57:53] So, again, my deepest thanks and appreciation for that moment of courage and your service to all of us. Thank you. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. Any opposition? Say nay. That motion passes unanimously.

[00:58:11] Thank you, Vice Chairman Smith. And this is as close as I've ever gotten to a Carnegie Medal. It is an honor to just be looking at this and seeing this today. And I know when we do the photos, we'll have a much closer look at this.

[00:58:28] But what an achievement for you. And I know you weren't doing this for the achievement or for the recognition. but we certainly recognize the selfless act that you took that day and salute you. And with that, the floor is yours, and we would welcome you to say a few comments.

[00:58:46] And then after that, I know, and actually while we're doing that, why don't we have, I see our police chief, Chief Walzer, other folks here from our fire and rescue department and police department. If you all want to come on down, and after Mr. Pembleton speaks, I'll invite our representative from Congressman Connolly's office to come down as well to say a few words before we take a photo.

[00:59:07] But this is all about you, and we're honored to have you here. Welcome. Thank you. I just wanted to say that I'm deeply honored to stand before you today to accept the Carnegie Medal. To be included among so many remarkable individuals who have embodied selflessness and courage is truly humbling.

[00:59:25] While the specifics of the incident that bring us today have already been shared, I want to take this moment to reflect on the larger message of this recognition. Acts of heroism often arise in unexpected moments, and while I never sought this recognition, I am proudly grateful for it.

[00:59:43] This medal reminds us of the power of humanity, the strength we find in community, and the responsibilities we all share to look out for one another. I hope that when others are faced with similar situations, they feel empowered to act in whatever way they can. Even if that means step in just outside of their comfort zone, there is always something you can do, whether it's offering physical help, finding a way to call for assistance, or simply providing comfort and support. Strength and the ability to vary may vary from person to person, but the capacity to make a difference is universal. I'm especially grateful to my family, friends,

[01:00:21] colleagues for their unwavering support and their encouragement. Their strength has been my foundation, and I could not have faced the challenges that day or the days that followed without them. Finally, I want to thank the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for honoring those who step up towards the time in the time of crisis.

[01:00:37] This recognition inspires us all to live with greater compassion and courage. If there's one takeaway from this moment, it's that each of us can make a difference when we choose to act selflessly for others. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mark. So well said.

[01:00:52] And at this time, I'd welcome our representative from Congressman Connolly's office, who has joined us as well this morning, who would like to present to you entry in the congressional record. - Hi, I'm Fathma with Congressman Connolly's office.

[01:01:11] I'll read snippets of it so that Mr. Pembleton can read it himself later. So Congressman Connolly starts off by saying, "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary individual, Mark Pembleton, a Navy veteran whose courage, selflessness, and dedication to service exemplify the very best of our nation's values.

[01:01:35] However, it is not only Mark's service in uniform or his contributions as a business owner that define his character, but also his profound heroism. Mark suffered severe injuries from his heroic rescue requiring multiple surgeries and a long recovery.

[01:01:53] Yet, true to his resilient nature, he has continued to lead and inspire those around him. Mark Pembleton represents the very best of what it means to be an American. A warrior, a builder, a leader, and a selfless protector of others. His unwavering commitment to service, whether on the battlefield, in the workforce, or in an unexpected moment of crisis, is a testament to the values we hold dear.

[01:02:16] Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and commending Mark Pumbleton for his extraordinary heroism and service. He is a true inspiration, and we are forever grateful for his contributions to our nation and our community. Thank you. Thank you very much. And as I mentioned before, our police chief, Kevin Davis, and assistant fire chief, John Walzer, and I also see assistant fire chief, Tracy Reed, are also here.

[01:02:48] If you could come on down, and I know that there are members here of your family and other supporters who are here, they are welcome to come on down as well for this photo. We would encourage you to do that, and if the board could rise for a photo.

[01:04:24] And next up, we have a resolution to honor Scott Stroh for his many contributions and positive impact on Gunston Hall, the historical sites community, the Mount Vernon District, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. And this was requested by myself and Supervisor Stork, and Scott, who is the Executive Director of Gunston Hall, is here at the podium, and at this time, I would turn to Supervisor Stork.

[01:04:51] Thank you, Mr. Chair. We are deeply appreciative of all of Scott's work for a long time, and especially at multiple levels, not only locally in Mason Neck, but also in Mount Vernon District, Fairfax County, and really around the state, preserving what we all know is a historical and cultural iconic building and community.

[01:05:16] And again, Scott, we thank you, and I couldn't be more deeply sad that you're leaving, given all the work that you've done for all of us. I have a resolution. Whereas Scott Stroh has been executive director of Gunston Hall since July 2013, leading transformative changes, including the 18th century Riverside Garden restoration that opened in 2022 and the East Yard Project to reconstruct slave quarters, honor enslaved individuals, develop a new visitor center, enhance signage and research Native American history.

[01:05:48] And whereas Scott Stroh has led numerous countywide initiatives, including serving as chair of the Child Care Advisory Council and advancing vital policies for children and families in Fairfax County. And whereas as chair of the Fairfax County 250th Commission and a member of the Virginia 250th Commission, he has greatly shaped the county's founding celebrations to honor our history and reflect our community's future aspirations.

[01:06:16] And whereas Scott Stroh has greatly influenced Fairfax County Tourism as a key member of the Tourism Task Force, shaping Potomac Banks' vision in connecting Gunston Hall with the Mason Neck community to boost local engagement. Whereas Scott Stroh has excelled in various leadership roles, including immediate past president of the Virginia Association of Museums, board member of the Mason Neck Citizens Association, affiliate member of the University of Virginia School of Architecture's Center for Cultural Landscapes, and past chair of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

[01:06:51] Now, therefore, be it resolved to Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County does hereby honor and recognize Scott Stroh for his incredible contributions to Gunston Hall and the Mount Vernon District and Fairfax County. And I will second that motion.

[01:07:08] Discussion on the motion. supervisor stork i i don't know that i could say a whole lot more because he's done so much and i i still don't fully understand um his departure although as an opportunity to to i guess do plow new ground because the the work that he has done in gunston hall has been transformational is truly not the wrong word here uh gunston hall was i'm sorry somewhat of a backwater of a state institution, and it really did not have the attention and not have the support. And he has transformed that to, frankly, a reasonably well-funded, it will never be

[01:07:47] probably funded, but a reasonably well-funded state museum and state historical site, and many, many, many, many, many more things to come, which is partly why, wow, I mean, he's done so much, but there's so much more coming as a result of his work and his leadership there. So again, Our deepest thanks and great appreciation and admiration for the work that you've done for all of us, Scott.

[01:08:10] Thank you, Supervisor Stork. And let me just add my congratulations, too. I think, you know, the reason he's leaving, we are victims of his success in a lot of ways because it's been recognized and we support your, you know, going on to another adventure.

[01:08:28] But I don't think that would happen if folks didn't recognize all the things that Supervisor Stork said said and the amazing work that you did for Gunston Hall, and I can remember as an elementary school student in FCPS going on a field trip to Gunston Hall, not once, but multiple years, and Supervisor Stork said it, there was a period of time where it felt like Gunston Hall had kind of fallen off the radar, and you absolutely put it back on the radar where it properly belongs and have invested.

[01:09:02] I know you have invested personally so much time and attention into the property that you love, but we're not recognizing just that today. We're also recognizing, as the proclamation says, all the other work that you've done in the community because it would be easy to stay focused only on Gunston Hall and could be successful doing that, never leaving the property and its beauty.

[01:09:24] But you knew that Gunston Hall's future also meant being out there in other places in the community. And one of the first places I met, Scott, was with the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce and recognizing if you're going to elevate a beautiful historic property like this, you had to be involved in more other activities besides just being a great steward of Gunston Hall.

[01:09:46] And so your work on the 250th Commission with the History Commission has been remarkable. We just saw you not long ago when you came and gave us the annual report of that work and how much we appreciate all of your efforts on that and know those will continue.

[01:10:02] But just wanted to thank you for the difference you've made in Fairfax County. And I know your last day, at least I'm told your last day, is February 14th, which is Valentine's Day, which seems interesting because I know your heart was here at Gunston Hall for so long and it seems like an appropriate day for your last day as you embark on your next adventure and know that you'll continue to make a difference in the Shenandoah Valley and in the Commonwealth of Virginia and welcome you and your continued input on anything we're doing right or wrong here for a long, long time.

[01:10:37] So thank you, Scott, for all of your efforts. Before we vote, Supervisor Stork. I did forget to mention one thing, and his wife Celeste is here, and she should be coming on down because it's a key part of that. But what's different about Gunston Hall is that you literally live there.

[01:10:55] Yeah, you live there. You have a house in the back of the house, and anybody that comes there, and I had the pleasure a couple times of going to their house and really meeting them and their kids running around. It was really a wonderful family-connected community that they helped to create there.

[01:11:12] So, again, I wanted to highlight that, and Celeste, thank you very much again. Thank you very much for that, Supervisor Stork. And all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Scott, welcome. The floor is yours.

[01:11:27] Thank you. Thank you very much, Chair McKay, Supervisor Stork, Supervisors, County Executive Hill. Thank you very much for your kind and generous recognition of my service to Gunston Hall and to Fairfax County. I'm truly honored and most appreciative of this resolution and very thankful for all those who made such a recognition possible.

[01:11:45] To that end, my wife Celeste, as noted by the supervisor, is with me this morning, and her unwavering support and friendship and her encouragement and counsel has always been the foundation of our family and my career. Additionally, while I'm not here today, I want to acknowledge my two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel, both of whom have and continue to benefit from our exceptional public school system here in Fairfax County.

[01:12:07] Rebecca is currently a freshman at Temple University studying theater and fashion design, and Rachel is a sophomore at South County High School, where she performs in the marching band and the drum line. Both Rebecca and Rachel have literally grown up at Gunston Hall, where we live, as was noted, and have reminded me on a daily basis to approach my life and work with the joy, wonder, and curiosity of a child, and now that of two very creative young women.

[01:12:31] I also want to acknowledge several members of our team at Gunston Hall who are also here today. Gunston Hall has experienced a sustained period of growth and success for the last decade, and these accomplishments would not have been possible without the passion, dedication, leadership, and service of such an exceptional team.

[01:12:48] I'm extremely proud of each and every member of our team and thankful for the opportunity to work with such an inspiring, compassionate, and talented group of individuals. As a resident of Mason Neck, I have worked closely with Supervisor Stork during my tenure at Gunston Hall, And I want to personally thank you, Supervisor, for the trust and confidence you have shown in me and for the opportunities you have offered to me, opportunities that have been incredibly meaningful and opportunities that I hope have helped our community.

[01:13:15] I also want to thank all of you for your leadership and your public service. My career has taken me to five different states and given me the opportunity to live in many different communities. And I can say with confidence that your commitment to community, wellness, equity, belonging, justice, opportunity for everyone is inspirational and unparalleled. I have learned a tremendous amount from you, both from your example of leadership and through our conversations and collaborations, and I have truly been proud to be a resident of Fairfax County. Finally, I believe that change also creates opportunity. Specific to Gunston Hall, I'm as confident and optimistic as ever

[01:13:52] that the organization will continue to grow, thrive, and provide benefit to our community and all those we serve, and I also know that Gunson Hall remains committed to working closely with our county partners and continuing to be a resource for this community. Personally, my family and I are extremely excited about this next chapter in our lives, but please know that our time at Gunson Hall and in Fairfax County has brought us tremendous joy and fulfillment.

[01:14:16] We will miss being part of this community, but I'm also confident that our friendships and relationships will endure and that all we've experienced, encountered, and learned over the past 11-plus years will provide more than just cherished memories, but also inspiration and guidance for what lies ahead.

[01:14:31] We also won't be that far away, so we look forward to returning as tourists and to taking full advantage of all that this amazing place and community has to offer. Thank you all very, very much. Thank you very much, Scott, and congratulations to you on a remarkable tenure at a remarkable property and part of our landscape and history here, but also all the best wishes on your next adventure And I think we're ready for a photo.

[01:15:00] And if Supervisor Stork could join me and if the Gunston Hall team who's here, as well as the most important member for Scott, Celeste, could come on down for the photo, we would welcome that.

[01:15:36] And we also have a proclamation this morning to designate February 2025 as Black History

[01:16:22] Month in Fairfax County. And this was requested by myself. Our speaker today, and I know she's here, is Evelyn Spain from the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, Fairfax branch. If you could come on down, and I am going to hand the gavel to Vice Chair Smith so that I can read the following proclamation.

[01:16:44] Whereas Black History Month, which began in 1976, has been celebrated to honor the legacy, contributions, and resilience of African Americans. And whereas Black History Month is a time to not only acknowledge the contributions of black Americans in the United States, Virginia, and Fairfax County, but also to confront the ongoing inequities and injustices faced by our black community.

[01:17:10] And whereas Fairfax County, like many communities across the nation, has experienced a complex history with our historically black communities and recognizes that past injustices influence the present and the future.

[01:17:25] And whereas Fairfax County acknowledges the invaluable contributions of African Americans to our nation's history and to our local community, including their achievements in fields such as education, science, technology, arts, public service, and activism.

[01:17:43] And whereas the 2025 theme of Black History Month, Building on a Legacy, urges us to honor the generations of African Americans who paved the way for progress, innovation, and justice, while inspiring us to continue their efforts towards building a more equitable and inclusive future.

[01:18:04] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month in Fairfax County and encourages all residents to participate in events and activities that honor and celebrate African-American history, heritage, and contributions.

[01:18:30] I'll second that along with most of the board. Any discussion, Mr. Chairman? Yes, thank you, Madam Vice Chair. We often say when we do this proclamation how important it is. I dare say I don't know that there's been a more important time, at least in my history on this board, to making this proclamation today with what's going on in our country and with what we know in our hearts in Fairfax County is important to our community

[01:19:02] to not only acknowledge the history of the black community and the major, major contributions that they have made to Fairfax County, as the proclamation says, not only in our history, but continue to this day. The huge contributions are made, but also an opportunity for us to double down on why our diversity, equity, and inclusion policies here in Fairfax County and our One Fairfax policy are so important because as this proclamation acknowledges, there is still much work to do.

[01:19:36] We are not there. We are not at a point where certain people for certain reasons aren't looked at differently. And we are not at a point where everyone in our county can reckon with the journey and the challenges and the lives that people have lived to get to where they are at this point and to acknowledge those paths in many cases have been very different.

[01:20:02] And in many cases, there are individuals who have deliberately in the past been held back and deliberately today are being held back. And yet, seemingly a simple acknowledgement of the progress and the work to be done doesn't seem like nor should it ever feel like a heavy lift.

[01:20:23] And yet, in today's day and age, it seems like to certain people that is a heavy lift. It is not a heavy lift to us in Fairfax County, and it never will be. And so while we honor this month, this year, Black History Month, we know, as I've said before and have said many times, we have policies in place to deliberately look at equity in our community and to do better.

[01:20:48] And those policies are not in place for us to put on paper and celebrate. They're in place to put into action, not in Black History Month, but in every single day of the calendar year as we are on a path towards justice and better equity and inclusion for our very diverse and proudly diverse Fairfax County community.

[01:21:11] So this is an important proclamation every year, but seems so much more important this year than in any year in the past. And I want to thank you, Evelyn, for all of your work in Fairfax County, but particularly as we are honoring Black History Month for the work that you do with the NAACP and with our community.

[01:21:33] It is recognized and it is appreciated every day. Okay, I'm going to start at this end. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chair. I appreciate that this proclamation is coming before the board today.

[01:21:49] It is so important that we recognize the contributions of members of the African American and Black community as they have had profound impacts on Fairfax County, Commonwealth, and the nation. I want to acknowledge all my ancestors for their commitment to improving the lives of those who are African American.

[01:22:10] They were unwavering in their fight for racial equality and justice, and because of them, I sit here on this board today. I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge my own grandparents who were undeterred in their commitment to ensuring that our family had a better quality of life than they did.

[01:22:34] I'm grateful for the lessons that they taught me. Honor your commitments. Be of service to your community. And if you see someone suffering, if you see someone in need, you have a responsibility to help. To honor them, I am personally committed to continuing the fight to make our community better and to help those who are less fortunate.

[01:23:00] By continuing to work and to continue the work of our ancestors, we will be strengthening the stitching around the African-American patch that makes up the quilt that we call America. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

[01:23:15] Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I just want to first start off by saying, as our chairman said earlier, thank you to Ms. Spain for all the hard work that you do. It's shown throughout, not just your district, but throughout the county.

[01:23:31] And, you know, I just want to echo what the chairman said earlier. It's not just one day. It's not just one month, but it's a way of life that we have here in Fairfax County. It's celebrating everyone for all of what they do for their history, but also making sure that we are moving forward and taking the right steps to continue to be better as a society, to be better, to treat ourselves and our community the way we all should under our one Fairfax policy, the way we just know we have.

[01:24:00] this morning has all been about community it's been about service they've been about caring about one another about trying to make sure that we are here for our neighbors under tragedy under all the things that we've endured and so thank you evelyn thank you so much mr chairman for this proclamation it is extremely timely it is who we are here in fairfax county no matter what we may be hearing nationally here in fairfax county we are one we are one fairfax and again thank you so much Supervisor Bierman.

[01:24:34] I'm sure I'll lack the eloquence of my colleagues, but I think it's fitting that this comes actually right after honoring someone for his work at Gunston Hall. And especially that some of that work at Gunston Hall was trying to bring to bear the history of enslaved people at Gunston Hall, a history that was so often, you know, step pushed to the side, ignored.

[01:25:00] Like Chairman McKay, the last time I was at Gunston Hall, well, sorry, he's probably been there more recently than me, but last time I was at Gunston Hall was in elementary school on a field trip, where such stories were not at the forefront. George Mason, there's a lot of pride both here in Fairfax County and in Virginia for George Mason because he was the author of our Bill of Rights, because he was there to come up with some of the rights and things that we hold dear as Americans.

[01:25:32] And yet, like so many of his contemporaries, there was a central contradiction at the heart of who he was. There was a central contradiction at the heart of what America was when we started and at the heart of what America is today.

[01:25:48] However, the goal, the ongoing struggle has always been to honor those words, to honor the principles, the guiding light that we have had.

[01:26:05] And we will not do that. We will not do that if we don't acknowledge that central contradiction and try to move forward. And if we do not honor the people who came before us, who through years and years and years of struggle stood up, fought for their rights, stood up, said they belonged, and said they were a part of this country and this community.

[01:26:28] So, as I said, I promised that my colleagues would be far more eloquent than me, but that just, I think, really, these two resolutions going back to back just show the importance of focusing this month and honoring black history.

[01:26:45] Thank you. Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Madam Chair. That was pretty eloquent. That was very well said. You know, this is such an important month for us to highlight and commemorate.

[01:27:04] And it's particularly important here in Fairfax County and in Virginia because so much of our black history here in this community is not well known. You know, you could read any one of a thousand books, and I've read a fair number of them on Robert E. Lee.

[01:27:24] Some of them are okay. You could read 100 on Stonewall Jackson or 50 on Jeb Stewart. You won't find many books talking about the dozens or perhaps hundreds of residents of Fairfax County who were enslaved, who self-emancipated between 1861 and 1865 and joined the Union Army and fought to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States of America and for their own freedom.

[01:27:54] You won't hear that story very often or read many books about that story, but that story happened right here in Fairfax County. So it's so important what we're doing to talk about this and share those stories and continue to broaden our perspective of history, and it's particularly important here in Fairfax County.

[01:28:14] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Supervisor Peltek. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chair. I think you look younger every time I see you, Evelyn. and you know I'm sitting here thinking about what to say and I love that this year's theme is building on a legacy right I think as Supervisor Walkinshaw mentioned and as you and I have known each other since my days on the school board and thinking about symbols and names in the

[01:28:48] community and what that means a hundred percent to me education is where we need to start unlike trying to improve traffic safety or traffic team education will only get you so far I think when we talk about our community and our history and how to build a better legacy we have to start with education right it was not until I served on the school board that I learned or on this board, more about our history of our park authority, of our schools, of our communities.

[01:29:24] I live next to the Pines in Tinner Hill. We're looking at the Dunloring School this afternoon and at the history of how the land was purchased from a freed slave at the time. And these things that those of us who grew up here never learned or talked about in school, right? I learned about Mount Vernon and the Pope Lee House and all these amazing communities in the county and lots of wars lots of generals but it's not only exciting but I think critical for us to better learn and

[01:30:01] understand that history from our first historical marker of Lillian Blackwell at Oakton High School and actually since we present since we presented that marker I've learned even more about her from others whose families had worked with her, how she tried to desegregate not just the schools, but the Girl Scouts, and helped create a summer camp when our schools' horizons, when our schools were desegregating, so students could be better adapted to go into a desegregated school.

[01:30:31] We learned about, we're going to learn our next marker, is about the West Springfield 16, right? Our 16 enslaved persons who lived and labored on what is now West Springfield High School. This was not in our history textbooks. This was not taught in our schools.

[01:30:47] And so I absolutely have to do that. But to me, education, and especially right now, is so critical. And our access to education and I would say practices and policies come right after. As I saw the other day, Harvard Law School has lost a reduction in 50% of its students, African-American black students entering Harvard Law School. It reminded me when I was a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, my senior year, there was one, one freshman in the freshman class who

[01:31:25] was African-American, and he left the year after that. And I very much appreciate that our schools and our school board have done the hard work, not just to ensure that we provide the opportunities and the access from the ground up, but that we look at our practices and look how to improve them.

[01:31:43] to ensure not just excellence, but also representation, also ensuring that we're representing our community. So Evelyn, you and George and the community all have done incredible work. You are leaving and have continued to leave an incredible legacy.

[01:32:02] And I appreciate the work, not just for Black History Month, but for all that you do and for helping us be a better board. Thank you. Supervisor Alcoyne. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. So just to build on a couple of things, first of all, thank you to Chairman McKay for bringing this forward.

[01:32:18] This is very, very important. I will be a little bit later making an announcement about Transit Equity Day. There's actually a ceremony tomorrow in the 100 Mill District at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens that we're going to be talking a little bit more about later.

[01:32:34] But it reminds me that history, it's not just today, it's not just 200 years ago, but it's 30 years ago. It's five years ago, you know, and it's now going into the future. And one point when Supervisor Les was talking, it reminded me of something that he and I experienced a few years ago going to a reunion at the University of Virginia, where we both heard for the first time the story of the first black person to have a room on the lawn. And that story was being told just

[01:33:13] a couple of years ago. And I think as some of us know, we've spent a lot of time in that area. And I thought we knew a lot of the history, but we never heard that story about Wesley L. Harris and who studied engineering and ultimately graduated with honors with an aerospace engineering degree. And I think what that goes to show is in the cultural debates that we're experiencing now, we have to remember that understanding black history is additive. History is not a zero-sum

[01:33:51] game, that when we understand more of our history, we understand our history better. So thank you for everything you're doing to promote this, but it really does help all of us understand how we got here and, frankly, what it means going into the future, too.

[01:34:08] So thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. And the theme of the history is the core of, I think, the conversation today. And we talked earlier about Scott Stroh and his serving on the 250th Semi-Quincentennial Commission at the State and the County.

[01:34:28] Very instrumental. but one of his major initiatives and major focuses was not to tell the story of 250 years ago specifically, but to tell the story of what we've done and how we've changed over those 250 years and why that's so important for the inclusion and, frankly, the engagement of people of what our history has meant.

[01:34:50] You know, we didn't start out so well, right? We got some great things done, but we had a lot of issues and challenges that made it hard. In Mount Vernon District, we have the Quandter family that was here truly from the beginning. I mean, the 1600s, it's a first documented African-American family.

[01:35:07] They live in Mount Vernon District. They have a road and the family that is right next to West Potomac High School. We have the work that was done by West Ford in a free man buying land, buying land and creating a community, Gum Springs, That is really an instrumental and a crucial part of our community in how we celebrate African Americans and black history.

[01:35:31] We have more recent examples of that, whether you have the work that was done to honor Joop Shiver and Randall Estates. Joop Shiver, I don't know if you know, but his family was a key developer, and Randall Estates was the first suburban homes for African Americans.

[01:35:51] Before that, they couldn't purchase suburban homes in Fairfax County, at least not in communities that we would know of today as kind of conservative communities. So that history has shown steps and strides and the recognition that we have still far to go, but the recognition that we're moving in the right direction and that the celebration of our semi-quincentennial is a celebration of continued improvement, continued achievement.

[01:36:19] And I deeply appreciate, Evelyn, your work and the work of the NAACP really throughout Fairfax County but really around the country to continue to advocate and ensure that we stay on the right path to create the equity and inclusion I think is essential for our future.

[01:36:36] Thank you. Thank you. You know, if anything has become apparent to all of us, we need to remain intentional and purposeful about our commitment to our diversity and ensuring. I am so proud to be on this board that we have one Fairfax because we have to work towards that every day. I remember a number of years ago probably 10 or 15 years ago I was talking to someone I know and they said oh we've conquered racism and I looked at them in the face and said no we still have work to do. I hope we get to that point where we don't have work to do but you know as you guys know Evelyn's my planning commissioner and I love working with her and

[01:37:15] having her represent Sully District on the planning commission. So 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 very much, Vice Chairman Smith, and Evelyn's been mentioned a couple times for all of her great work, and it's an honor to have her here this morning, and I will turn the microphone over to her. Thank you. Good morning, Commissioner Board of Supervisors. Excuse me, forgot where I was. Wednesday is my night. Good morning, Board of Supervisors. Thank you so much

[01:37:48] for the eloquent the the heartfelt speeches comments that you have relayed to us we do appreciate and acknowledge the fact that we are very fortunate to live in a county where one Fairfax is not only just a theme but it's a practice it's something that we do overall so It is my pleasure, and may I say, please forgive President Nikki Zimmerman for not being here today.

[01:38:21] It is a privilege to stand here, not only to honor the legacy of extraordinary individuals who have shaped our American history, but also to reflect on the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.

[01:38:36] The month of February comes to us with a vital opportunity to shine the light on contributions of black Americans and to recognize the enduring spirit of resilience, creativity, and strength that is deeply woven into the fabric of our nation.

[01:38:59] From the groundbreaking leadership of figures like Dr. Charles Drew, pioneer of blood plasma, Mary McLeod Bethune, educator, philanthropist, women's rights leader, May C. Jameson, astronaut, physician, Thurgood Marshall, Supreme Court justice, and the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black military officials of World War II.

[01:39:30] And also not to give recognition to our artistic brilliance of Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, all of those high profile figures who had to endure many, many hardships to get the recognition for their talent, for their ability, for their contributions to our country.

[01:39:58] Black history is vibrant and rich with stories of triumphs about enormous odds and how we've overcome them. In my own family, similar to Supervisor Lusk, my mother was one who was in the Jim Crow era in South Carolina, who rose and moved to New York and became a Ph.D. at Hofstra University.

[01:40:25] My aunt was also, I have a relative who was a Tuskegee Airman, and then my aunt, who just passed, was the first black woman in the Army Corps after the desegregation. So there is history that we need to share all around us.

[01:40:44] And then, Chairman, in our own community, in our own Fairfax County, consider the work of Dr. Samuel M. Jones, a pioneer in medicine and the first African-American to earn a medical degree from George Washington University.

[01:41:03] The contributions of everyday heroes, such as our teachers, artists, business owners, our board of supervisors, first responders, and mentors, people who strive to create equitable opportunities for all and offer the next generation the assurance that no matter the color of your skin, you too have the ability to rise to greatness.

[01:41:29] So yet, as we reflect on our shared history, we must also recognize shadows do linger. Our work, we honor Black history not by just remembering the past, but by committing ourselves to creating a future.

[01:41:47] A future where all voices are heard and where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. But let me not forget, we understand the assignment, and we have the responsibility to foster dialogue and understanding.

[01:42:07] We must challenge ourselves, and that's all of us, to understand and to listen to the experience of the marginalized voices, work to dismantle systemic barriers, which we are truly working on. I truly believe this, in Fairfax County, and advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusivity. Please visit the Fairfax County NAACP website to see what our advocates are doing

[01:42:38] to push forward our mission, and also to perhaps join us in our various events that we have through the community. Our February 22nd gospel extravaganza is something that I'm sure you all will enjoy. So thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I appreciate everything that you do for our group. Thank you. Thank you so much, Evelyn. So well said. We appreciate you and all that you do. And with that, I think we're ready for a photo. And I know that some of the key

[01:43:15] players in our county in this space are here as well. If they could come on down for the photo as

[01:43:21] well and Supervisor Lusk and Supervisor Smith can join me and if the board would rise. And next on

[01:44:38] our agenda is a report on General Assembly activities and for this I will turn to Supervisor Walkinshaw, the chair of our legislative committee. Thank you Mr. Chairman. The regular 2025 session of the General Assembly convened on January 8th, 2025 and is scheduled to adjourn on February 22nd, 2025. The legislative committee met on January 17th, January 24th, and January 31st to consider hundreds of bills of importance to the county. The committee offers the following report and

[01:45:10] recommendations for action to the board. As of Monday, January 23rd, 2118 bills and resolutions had been introduced in the 2025 session. The committee's positions on specific bills are outlined in the memo and tracking chart included in the committee's report. A wide variety of bills have been introduced this session, including a number of bills that would reduce county revenue and restrict our ability to provide county services and restrict the county's land use

[01:45:45] authorities. The legislative committee also received a status update at our most recent meeting on the board's county initiatives. The first, HB 2036, patron by Delegate Bulova, addresses street takeovers and expands reckless driving to include exhibition driving and prohibits increasingly dangerous behaviors on our roadways. Penalties for violations in the bill include a process for impounding motor vehicles driven by anyone arrested for exhibition

[01:46:19] driving. That legislation has been successful in House committees and is on the floor for action today. The second, HB 2550, patron by Delegate Sullivan, authorizes localities and planning districts 8 and 16, which includes all of Northern Virginia, to place and operate noise abatement monitoring systems for the purpose of recording and enforcing exhaust system violations. The operator of such a vehicle will be liable for a civil penalty of up to $100 paid to the locality

[01:46:54] in which the violation occurs. That bill has an expiration date of July 1st, 2027, as it is a pilot program. That legislation has also been successful in House committee and is on the floor for action today. Today is crossover day, which is one of the busiest days of the session as the House and Senate are required to consider and act on their respective non-budget legislative initiatives by midnight tonight. From that point forward, the House will only be considering Senate bills and the Senate will only be considering House bills. Additionally, the House Appropriations and Senate

[01:47:33] Finance and Appropriations Committees presented their budget bills on February 2nd, which now must be passed by each chamber. As in previous years, we anticipate that each chamber will reject the others budget and appoint members to a conference committee to resolve these differences. I'll note that our staff are analyzing the respective budget bills, and we'll get an update on those soon.

[01:48:00] I'll say my initial reaction to them is disappointment with respect to the lack of significant progress on the JLARC education funding issue. They do both, I believe, provide funding to eliminate the cap on support positions, which has been a longstanding position of this board. If that were signed into law, it would be an additional roughly $18 to $20 million to FCPS this year on top of the other elements that are in those prospective bills. But we will

[01:48:39] We'll receive a report on that soon with more detailed information. We'll continue to advocate for increased K-12 funding as well as increased funding for a variety of human services programs, public safety initiatives, environmental initiatives, and transportation initiatives, among others.

[01:48:58] We'll receive additional updates from legislative staff as the budget and legislative process progress. As a reminder, we are holding our annual reception in Richmond this year, which will provide an opportunity for hopefully productive conversations with our delegation.

[01:49:14] That reception will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5th, 5.30 p.m. at the Virginia Association of Counties building. With that, Mr. Chairman, I move that the board adopt legislative committee report number one. And the chair will second that motion along with others.

[01:49:31] 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? Thirdly, nay. Any abstentions? And that motion carries 9 to 1. And thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw, for your continued work on this.

[01:49:49] And hopefully we will see everyone at the reception tomorrow. And with that, we are going to move on to board matters. And as we always do, these were compiled digitally by the clerk. We will go in order by Magisterial District after myself and Vice Chair Smith.

[01:50:07] And I'm going to turn the gavel over to Vice Chair Smith. I have one board matter, and that is I move to approve without objection the proclamation requests listed in this document. And those are proclamation and designate March as Developmental Disability Inclusion Month in Fairfax County.

[01:50:24] To recognize April 7th through the 13th as Public Health Week, to recognize April 21 through 28th as International Dark Skies Week, and a proclamation recognizing 100 years of service to the region by the eastern province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the fraternity's Alexandria Fairfax Alumni Chapter will host this year's Centennial Province Council for everyone on the board's awareness.

[01:50:51] And so I move those without objection. Without objection, it's so ordered. Thank you, and that is all of my board matters. Next up, we have Vice Chair Smith. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Korean Central Presbyterian Church filed a special exception amendment, SEA 2005-SU-007-04, to amend the previously approved private school and child care center on the site and expand the grade levels of the private school to include kindergarten to 12th grade.

[01:51:23] The applicant also seeks to increase the enrollment in the child care center from 100 children to 200 children, and to increase the enrollment to the private school from 100 students to 300 students. No physical changes are proposed to the site. The Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for February 12, 2025, and this case should move forward as soon as possible to allow the changes to take place before the new school year starts in September 2025.

[01:51:50] Therefore, I move that the Board of Supervisors direct staff to expedite the scheduling of the Board of Supervisors' public hearing for SEA 2005-SU-007-04. These motions 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 ordinance regulations or adoptive standards in any way.

[01:52:14] And I will second that, along with Supervisor Palczyk, discussion on the motion. seeing and hearing none all those in favor please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries supervisor smith thank you on april 11 2023 the board of supervisors authorized the consideration of a plan amendment for tax map parcel 24-4 double circle 1 6c1 as part of the 2023 comprehensive plan amendment work program staff was directed to consider revising the comprehensive plan options for the dullest suburban center land unit d3 option b to allow

[01:52:53] approximately but not limit to 29 000 square feet of retail as well as 50 townhouses and four live work units at an approximate floor area of ratio of 0.2 far the eight acre property is undeveloped and is located near multifamily housing a community center and recreational park space discussions between the nominator and staff have identified an additional mix of residential uses that could be considered for this site. Specifically, allowing multifamily housing to be studied as part of the plan amendment may result in a better opportunity to provide for improved public park and open space on-site that can serve as an amenity for the community at large. Therefore,

[01:53:33] Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors direct staff to evaluate multifamily housing as part of the mix of retail and residential uses considered for plan amendment 2023, Roman numeral 3-4 up with flexibility to consider up to a 0.8 far and tax map parcel 24-4 double circle one six c one this got to do my this motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation on these applications by the board and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of any applicable ordinance regulations or adopted standards this action in no way prejudices the

[01:54:11] substantive review of the applications and i'm happy to second that motion along with supervisor palchick 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 smith and i have one announcement i've made some changes on my staff in my office with their duties and punim ramka paul is here keep the stand up punim's been in my office since i think about december of 22 but She's been my land you saved, but she's going to take over as Chief of Staff.

[01:54:45] So I know you all welcome her and help her out with everything, okay? Absolutely. Thank you for them. Thank you very much, Supervisor Smith, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have just one board matter, which is a joint board matter with you.

[01:55:01] Mr. Chairman, as you know, the board received the attached and is attached to the board matter, January 15, 2025, memo from the Environmental Quality Advisory Council with recommendations to address illegal dumping in the county. Mr. Chairman, I move that the board refer the January 15th memo to the county executive for review and consideration.

[01:55:23] I ask that the county executive report back by the end of fiscal year 2025 to the Board of Supervisors with an outline of existing efforts and programs to address illegal dumping, an analysis of the recommendations contained in the EQUAC memo, and any new strategies that could help in mitigating the issue.

[01:55:40] So moved. I'm happy to second that motion. Supervisor Palchuk, were you seconding that as well? Yes, we have. Okay. Discussion on the motion? Seeing discussion on the motion, Supervisor Herity. Yeah, just real quick, I would just ask a friendly amendment to include a look at, there was a program, Supervisor Lusk, I think, and Supervisor Gross suggested back in 2021, modeled after something that they're doing down in Augusta that is working really well down there in terms of litter.

[01:56:12] But if we could include that in the relook, that would be good. No objection to that? Yeah, and I think this look is not restricted at all. We want to make sure we look because I think there's some other initiatives that are working. I just wanted to make sure that was included. Specifically in Virginia as well and in other areas too.

[01:56:28] So we want to make sure there's no restrictions on this look. It is a problem we need to address. Any further discussion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

[01:56:45] that motion carries. Supervisor Walkinshaw. That's it. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Next up is Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First board matter is a joint matter between yourself and Supervisor Beerman, Commuter Services Awareness Campaign for Federal Workers. Mr. Chairman, as we know, Fairfax County is home to more than 50,000 federal employees, many of whom have worked remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic.

[01:57:15] Recently, the president signed an executive order requiring federal workers to return to in-person work on a full-time basis, with few exceptions. Additionally, the administration announced that federal employees must agree by February 6th to end their remote work assignments or arrangements.

[01:57:33] While Fairfax County is not aware of how this policy could be implemented, if there are federal workers who end up being required to return to the office, we want to be ready to assist them. As a result, I have heard from federal workers in my district that are quickly evaluating their options to commute to and from their offices throughout the region to support these residents.

[01:57:56] I believe we have an opportunity to enhance awareness of the county's robust commuter services and encourage residents to choose alternatives to single occupancy vehicles. For instance, the new Springfield Garage has several commuting options available for residents, such as connector bus stops and carpool slugging.

[01:58:16] Mr. Chairman, Supervisor Bierman and I move that the Board of Supervisors direct the county executive to assign the appropriate staff to include the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and the Office of Public Affairs to initiate a public awareness campaign aimed at informing federal employees and workers of the various commuter transit options available throughout Fairfax County. So move, Mr. Chairman. And let's do that without objection. Without objection, that is so ordered. Thank you. Supervisor Lusk. Yes, sir. Okay, let me move to the next,

[01:58:51] which is just a quick announcement this item is on the electrifying the future this is a climate pollution reduction event that was sponsored by cog later last week mr chairman as you and other board members are aware the 2025 dc auto show is happening now at the walter e washington convention center until february 9th the dc auto show is the region's largest indoor event and one of the top auto shows in the country attendees at this year's show are shown the latest innovations in cars including electric vehicles and autonomous driving on thursday

[01:59:30] january 30th i was able to join members of the metropolitan washington council of governments for a forum at the washington auto show the forum was entitled electrifying the future strategies for climate protection climate pollution reduction this forum focused on pollution reduction bringing together members of the public and the private sector. There were several panels over the span of a few hours focusing on a range of issues around electric vehicles, vehicle charging, and the reduction of greenhouse emissions to achieve our regional targets. As noted by the Office of the Environmental and Energy Coordination, the transportation sector is the second largest

[02:00:08] source of greenhouse gas emissions in Fairfax County, accounting for 43 percent of our total greenhouse gas emissions. While there are serious challenges ahead regarding climate change, I'm energized after seeing all the state-of-the-art technology at the DC Auto Show, eager to see how Fairfax County can implement these new technologies, useful additions to all the efforts in the county to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you. Thank you, Sherry. Yes. And then the next motion is regarding a joint matter with Chairman McKay as well. This is the Franconia District Huntley

[02:00:48] Meadows Proclamation. So, Mr. Chairman, on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, I had the opportunity to visit Huntley Meadows Park to commemorate the World Wetlands Day. Huntley Meadows Park is in the Franconia District and encompasses over 1,500 acres of wetlands, meadows, and forest, is the largest Park in Fairfax County, I will note. Its wetlands provide much needed breeding for habitat for birds, mammal, reptiles, and other wildlife. Friends of Huntley Meadows Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting visitors to the treasures of Huntley Meadows through education, conservation,

[02:01:28] and resource funding. The Friends of Huntley Meadows Park assist with funding volunteer development, staff training, and resource management projects. Each year, the Friends of Huntley Meadows sponsor a photo contest, an exhibition that supports photographers of all ages in the community. The current expedition, excuse me, the current exposition will be on display at Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center until the end of February. After reviewing a tour of this year's expedition, I spent the afternoon working with volunteers to cut back some invasive species at Huntley Meadows Park. Friends of Huntley Meadows Park are important stewards

[02:02:04] who work in partnership with our park authority staff to support our park and are deserving of special recognition for their important contributions to the environment and to the Franconia community on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Huntley Meadows Park.

[02:02:19] Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move without objection that the Board of Supervisors direct the Office of Public Affairs to prepare a proclamation to acknowledge the contributions of the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Huntley Meadows Park. And without objection, that is so ordered.

[02:02:36] Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next motion is a recognition of our Environmental Quality Advisory Representative, Jonna Good-Gagnon. Mr. Chairman, this board matter acknowledges the service of Franconia District Representative to the Environmental Quality Advisory Council, also known as EQUAC.

[02:02:57] Jonna Gagnon, Jonna has served on EQUAC since 1993, having been first appointed by then-Lead District Supervisor Joe Alexander. She is the longest serving appointee on EQUAC at this point. For most of this time, Jonna was the EQUAC appointee to the Fairfax Joint Local Emergency Planning Committee.

[02:03:19] Additionally, she authored the Hazardous Materials chapter of EQUAC's annual report on the environment. So in addition to serving on EQAC, she currently served, concurrently served 17 years as director of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District and has worked as a member also on the Franconia District Landers Committee.

[02:03:41] She's been very active. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I would like to move without objection to the Board of Supervisors directly to the Office of Public Affairs to prepare a proclamation to recognize Jonna Good-Gagnon for her dedicated service to the community, the Environmental Quality Advisory Council, and the Franklin District to be presented either inside or outside the boardroom. Without objection, it was so ordered, and I really appreciate you bringing this forward. And Jonna is someone who I've been happy to count as a friend for 29 years and i'd be remiss to not point out if i didn't point out also as she would want me to

[02:04:19] yes her husband paul gannon who passed away a number of years ago was also hugely influential in the franconia district and a long time chair of the land use committee was a candidate for then lee district supervisor running as an independent and was a force of nature and those two together And for a long time, what Jonna's been doing herself singularly to continue their dedication to this district, it's across the board.

[02:04:50] It's obviously, as the board matter mentions, EQAC and some of the other things that she's involved in. But even the work which she does with her stake at the LDS church. And I know you were recently there for a blood drive. Yes, sir. She's had us all draw blood as a rite of passage.

[02:05:08] But Jonna is just so amazing in our community, and I'm so glad you brought this forward. So thank you, Supervisor Stork, and without objection, that is so ordered. I'm sorry, Supervisor Lusk, and without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Lusk. I know we have so much in common. We're attached to the camp on the Richmond Highway Corridor.

[02:05:26] Supervisor Lusk. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I will make my last announcement. Again, just reminding my colleagues that we will have our annual district open house this Saturday. We'd love to have any of you in attendance who might. We'll have some light refreshments and look forward to having you join us if possible.

[02:05:44] You'll note that there is a flyer connected to this board matter as well. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Supervisor Lusk, an annual tradition. So thank you. Thank you very much. Next up is actually before I go to Supervisor Alcorn, I skipped over Supervisor Bierman, who has an announcement to make.

[02:06:03] Supervisor Bierman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No board matters at this meeting, but I did want to announce that we have a save-the-date for my budget town halls, which will be on Friday, March 28th at 6 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, and a second one will be on Wednesday, April 2nd at 7 p.m. at Herndon High School.

[02:06:25] Those will be along with Drainsville school board member Robin Lady and members of county staff and FCPS staff. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Bierman. And we are going to look to our Office of Public Affairs to publicize the budget town halls in all of our districts.

[02:06:43] And I know a lot of times we announce that here and we'll announce it after the budget is presented by the county executive. But we don't need to necessarily because I know OPA will make sure to help you, Supervisor Beerman, spread that word and make sure that that word is spread countywide as each magisterial district has that.

[02:07:05] So thank you for that. Thank you for that reminder. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One board matter and two announcements. First is on the metro budget. So on January 11, 2025, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or WMATA, announced the public comment period for the general manager's proposed FY2026 operating budget.

[02:07:28] Comments will be received through February 10th, 2025, which is coming right up. The proposed budget totals $2.6 billion, a 7% overall increase from FY 2025. The proposed six-year capital improvement program equals $12.5 billion, including a proposed $2.4 billion capital budget for FY 2026.

[02:07:51] The proposed operating budget offers improved or static services across all modes, Metro Rail, Metro Bus, and Metro Access. Of note is the implementation of the Better Bus Network, which aims to streamline and enhance Metrobus service without extra cost. The CIP continues ongoing investments and focuses heavily on state of good repair, like track and bridge maintenance. Other important capital initiatives include the purchase of 8,000 series rail cars, bus replacements, and the conversion

[02:08:25] to battery electric buses and facilities. The FY2026 proposed operating budget seeks $95 million above the 3% subsidy cap. To pay for the proposed service and avoid cuts in FY2026, as well as FY2025, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Northern Virginia jurisdictions, including us in Fairfax County, and the other partners in the Wilmotta Compact came together to provide the funding needed for two years.

[02:08:54] However, funding to support the operating budget beyond FY2026 and the CIP beyond FY2028 is not certain. Last year, the Fairfax County Board's comments to the WMATA Board expressed a strong sense of urgency about future operating and capital budgets and the need to work with jurisdictional partners, Commonwealth elected leaders, and regional stakeholders to address the long-term financial viability of the system. Two efforts have been initiated across these concerns, DMV Moves and SJ28. Collectively, these initiatives aim to address cost containment controls and strategies,

[02:09:33] along with securing long-term, sustainable, and predictable funding to support WMATA's operations and capital needs. Fairfax County is taking an active role in both efforts, to say the least. The board usually provides comments on the WMATA budget via a board item.

[02:09:52] However, given the limited amount of time before the public comment period ends, staff has worked with my office to prepare the attached letter, which has been distributed to board members, which outlines in more detail the board's perspective on the proposed budgets and the long-term viability of WMATA's operating and capital budgets. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve the attached letter that provides comments on WMATA's proposed FY2026 operating budget and FY2026 through FY2031 capital improvement program.

[02:10:24] And I'm happy to second that motion. Is there discussion on the motion? Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, just to reiterate a couple things that were noted already. First of all, the longer term efforts are really ramping up. I do want to specifically thank you, Mr. Chairman, as well as county executive hill for your leadership in the dmv moves uh process uh you know that process is not just looking at how we can achieve dedicated uh revenue to metro it's also looking at cost containment strategies it's very very important to have those paired up together

[02:11:03] and i'd also just one other thing that i know is very important to those of us here in fairfax County on this board is looking for ways to provide relief on our real estate tax burden, particularly, you know, noting that we have had to step up and put more money into Metro the last couple of years. And that is predominantly coming out of our real estate taxes. So this is something I know as part of the discussion with DMV moves, as well as at the state level through the SJ28

[02:11:37] process so I just want to thank my colleagues and the board we've got a lot more work to do but this is kind of a maybe not as controversial budget for Metro but it's important we continue to participate in that process and put in our two cents. Thank you Supervisor Alcorn and thank you for your work on the Metro board and for providing this draft. I think the points you just raised are are very fairly captured in the next to last two paragraphs which I think are probably the most important part of this letter further discussion

[02:12:14] supervisor Palchuk thank you mr. chairman and thank you to my colleague for presenting this I think that two things really stand out to me that we need to continue to focus on right in addition to looking at the cost is really looking at how we help, especially now, incentivize ridership, right?

[02:12:34] So whether that's through, and I love the new Better Bus Network, I think it really much better addresses the needs in our community, not just people passing through our community, to be able to use transit. We know that even buses that are not electrified are much, much more efficient in moving people and helping them get around, which addresses many goals, including our environmental goals.

[02:13:02] So I think the Better Bus Network and the other thing, and as we discussed at NVTC at our last meeting, and I was grateful to my fellow commissioners to help us really focus, increase ridership, whether that means our land use and land use policies, whether it means incentives, whether it means really truly understanding, right, that the transportation network does not live in a vacuum, right?

[02:13:27] It really, it needs people to ride it. It needs to be flexible and adaptable to people's current habits, and it needs to look at innovative ways to use either land right there with Metro that they're doing a great job on or just outside of the stations and the bus route.

[02:13:45] So I think there's a lot of opportunity now to help continue to make a great network that will also help really tap into I think some areas of growth and opportunity for our ridership in the region so thank you for your work on that and happy to support this further discussion supervisor Herity yeah comment and then just a couple of things you know the first comment is I think things are going to change pretty drastically here now the federal workforce we'll see how that all plays out but what have been ghost trains may get a little more

[02:14:22] fill they may not be very full but I think there's going to be some financial changes as a result of the increased ridership that we're going to see as a result of the federal government going back to work just a general observation not a comment on the comment side you know I think what's really missing is I discuss this with business leaders in in northern Virginia and throughout the region is the long-term vision for where we're going to go with WMATA and the bus system not the buses than the whole system the I'm not gonna vote

[02:15:00] against this because it's got cost containment in it which I think needs to be a big piece of it but I'm also not going to support it because I'm not ready to go to a regional tax base yet and I'll be abstained does this letter advocate does this letter put us on record on that I believe it does where If it does not, then I will support the letter.

[02:15:24] Well, I'm just looking for where you see that specifically. I saw it securing long-term sustainable and dedicated funding. Yeah. Right. You're not interested in that. Okay. I just want to make sure because, obviously, I mean, that is one thing.

[02:15:42] We have not prescribed how we're doing that, but I think everyone has acknowledged that's a necessary ingredient for Metro's future success, including the business community, who's long lobbied for that. So I just want to make sure no one took away from this conversation that this letter is prescribing what that is rather than advocating for the fact that it's necessary.

[02:16:01] And I think that's been seen repeatedly and been supported repeatedly by the business community. All the advocacy for long-term, sustainable, dedicated funding I have seen has been a regional funding source. So I took that leap. So if that's not in here, if that's not what this is saying, I'll go ahead and support the letter then.

[02:16:18] Yeah, I mean, it says to me there's a need for that. It doesn't describe how that happens, and I think that's an important distinction because no one here wants to get ahead of the work that the DMV Moves Regional Group is putting in hundreds of hours to try to get to a point where we can see what that might look like, and we're not there yet.

[02:16:38] So I just want to make that part perfectly clear. Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I'm sure there will be some changes in ridership as a result of the new administration. It's worth noting that LOMADA's post-pandemic ridership recovery outpaced every large transit system in the country, even those that aren't reliant on the federal workforce.

[02:17:03] And federal workers returning to the office could mean more riders for LOMADA. Federal workers losing their jobs or being forced out of their jobs or being threatened so that they leave their jobs will mean fewer riders for LOMADA. So it remains to be seen the net impact of that.

[02:17:22] I didn't want to, you know, it's easy to beat up on WMATA, and I have done it in my time on this board when I have disagreed with decisions that they have made. But I think it's important to call out when things are done well, and the better bus redesign is an example of that.

[02:17:40] And I say that as someone who, in the Braddock District, for the most part, the impacts of the Better Bus redesign will be changes in the bus network and bus routes that will inconvenience some of my constituents.

[02:17:57] I give the example, when I lived in Ravensworth Farm near Lake Akatink, I used to be able to get on the Metro bus at the corner of the street, 20 yards from my house. As a result of the better bus redesign, that bus will run only on Braddock Road and won't go through the neighborhood, which is an inconvenience for some, but will also mean that that route is much more efficient and faster and costs less and will serve more people better.

[02:18:27] It's exactly the kind of efficiency that we should be advocating for that saves money and saves time. And WMATA did, in my view, an incredible job with that process. The community outreach, the analysis that was completed, the justification for the work.

[02:18:49] Believe me, I wanted to find things to complain about in that process. And I couldn't because the WMATA staff did a really good job. And I think it's important to call that out when that happens. I've said that to their face. I agree with Supervisor Palchuk.

[02:19:06] It will result in overall better, more efficient, more effective service in northern Virginia and throughout the region. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Before we vote, just to be clear, I just want to circle back to the sustained funding piece just to read verbatim what the letter says.

[02:19:22] The county is committed to establishing a dedicated funding stream that supports transportation services in northern Virginia and the national capital region. In addition to securing long-term sustainable and dedicated funding, cost containment controls and strategies to ensure WMATA, the Virginia Railway Express, VRE, and other public transit systems in the region meet ever-growing public transit needs and are critically important.

[02:19:46] And I just want to reiterate that point because that's what the letter says. And, of course, we don't know what that means in terms of where that revenue would come from. But it is a longstanding position of this board and just about everyone else I talk to that that is what is needed for Metro's long-term sustainability and success.

[02:20:06] And we know the DMV Moves Task Force and others are working on what that would look like. But just to make it clear to folks who might be watching this meeting at home what the letter says with regard to that issue and what it is we're voting on. With that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[02:20:22] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? I already abstained. And that motion carries 9 to 0 to 1. And thank you again, Supervisor Alcorn, for your work on the Metro Board. And Supervisor Alcorn.

[02:20:37] Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a couple more things. Nice segue into Transit Equity Day. This is an announcement about Transit Equity Day, and that's today. So this commemorates civil rights icon Rosa Parks, who, as we all know, courageously challenged segregation and championed equity and dignity.

[02:20:58] She refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. So this is celebrated annually on her birthday, February 4th, and it honors her pivotal role in helping to end segregation on public transportation nationwide.

[02:21:14] This day also highlights the importance of an equitable transportation system that serves everyone. While we all remember Ms. Parks, there are many others who are not as well known for their contributions in the struggle for civil rights, though no less important.

[02:21:31] Eleven years before Rosa Parks, for example, four Howard University students similarly defied Jim Crow laws on a bus in Fairfax County, returning from a picnic at their Professor Caroline Ware's home in Vienna, which would later become the site for Meadowlark Botanic Gardens.

[02:21:51] So tomorrow, we will honor these women at an event hosted by Nova Parks and the Virginia and Fairfax County NAACP, along with faith leaders and my colleagues on the board, Chairman McKay and Drainsville Supervisor Bierman. Additionally, the granddaughter of Rosa Parks will be participating in this ceremony as well, Jasmine Carr, who also serves as the membership chair of the Fairfax County NAACP.

[02:22:15] I invite everyone to attend the unveiling of a new interpretive sign about this recently uncovered story of courage. The ceremony will be held at Meadowlark Botanic Gardens tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5th at 2 p.m., and all are invited.

[02:22:32] Thank you very much, Supervisor Alcorn, and I will see you there, and we will be expressed because we leave straight from there to go to the reception in Richmond. So it will be tight, but somehow we will make it happen.

[02:22:47] Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you very much. One last announcement. This relates to Vienna Restaurant Week. So while the ever-popular Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week just ended, foodies can still partake in some of the best restaurants around when Vienna holds its third annual restaurant week, March 7th through 16th.

[02:23:07] Last year, more than 50 Vienna restaurants participated in this annual celebration of local flavor, and you'll be able to find this year's eateries and special menus posted online in the coming weeks on the Town of Vienna's economic development website, explorevienna.com.

[02:23:23] Whether you decide to dine in, get delivery, order takeout, you'll be able to enjoy some of the best food in the DMV during the week-long event with cuisines ranging from Japanese to Lebanese to British to Thai and much, much more. The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington have recognized Vienna restaurants as some of the best in our region, including Evelyn Rose, June, Sarray, Clarity, and among many others.

[02:23:54] If you enjoy great food, I invite you to mark your calendar for a celebration of flavor March 7th through 16th. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Supervisor Alcorn. And next up is Supervisor Jimenez.

[02:24:10] Mr. Chairman, I have no board matters today, but I would like to introduce, happily introduce, the newest member to the Mason District team. Hannah, can you stand up? Everyone, this is Hannah Frank. Hannah is our newest member. We're so excited to welcome her. It's her second day, which is great, so that she's came back. It's good.

[02:24:29] Hannah is a Richmond native who moved to Northern Virginia last summer after graduating from William & Mary with a degree in economics. Prior to joining my team, Hannah familiarized herself with the Mason District, working on the Virginia Coordinated Campaign for the 2024 presidential election.

[02:24:46] Hannah brings a passion and interest for local government and is excited to begin serving Mason District residents. In her free time, Hannah enjoys skiing, reading, exploring new surroundings, and spending time with her friends and family. So, everyone, please help join me in welcoming Hannah to our team. Absolutely.

[02:25:02] You're welcome. And that's all I have for today. Thank you very much, Supervisor Jimenez. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The first item I have is the adoption of the performance audit of the board's quarterly report.

[02:25:19] Your audit committee met on January 28th. We had our second quarter report. The report was entitled Volunteer Management Study and included recommendations to address gaps in county-wide support for agencies with volunteers and to enhance oversight and management of the county's relationship with Volunteer Fairfax.

[02:25:39] The audit committee concurred with all recommendations for implementing recommendations. The performance auditor of the board will follow up to ensure recommendations are implemented. Reports can be found at the committee meeting link below and have been distributed to board members electronically. Therefore, we move that the Board of Supervisors approve the Performance Auditor to the Board's January 2025 report.

[02:26:00] You've heard the motion. It's been seconded by the Audit Committee members, which is a good sign. Discussion on the motion. Seeing in fact, yes, Supervisor Storey. Mr. Chairman, I just would say that this was, and we talked about as a committee, this is fairly unique.

[02:26:18] The Audit Committee has focused a lot of its history on more, I would say, more financial and one way or the other. And this was really the first look at or a deep look at our volunteer support, which is crucial, worth tens of millions of dollars to the county every year.

[02:26:34] We're fortunate that we have our performance auditor has deep roots with the Red Cross and very familiar with that. And it would really lend itself very much to this review. So I think all in all, we felt very good about it. Supervisor Herdy. Yeah, and I'll just echo that. And I think that the unique thing and it's a word we kept using at the audit committee was this was a really a strategic look at what we're doing, which is a little different than a deep dive financial look.

[02:26:59] So it was a good piece of work. So I very much appreciate it. Supervisor Jimenez. I'll be super brief. Just want to commend, obviously, my fellow audit committee members, but also the partnership between the audit folks here in Fairfax County and also HR, because they're all working together to try to come up with creative solutions but also take a different look outside the box, which I think is what we need.

[02:27:23] Thank you. Absolutely. Thank you all. Thank you very much, especially for those who serve on the audit committee. Well, servants love it. It's evident. So very good. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye.

[02:27:39] Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The next item is the plan amendment 2023 IV-1MV, otherwise known as the PENDA land unit C study, was authorized by the board on April 11, 2023, as part of the 2022 SSPA cycle.

[02:28:02] Two nominations were submitted for properties on Northern Richmond Highway and were included in this study. Nomination CPN22-MV-007, proposed multifamily residential development where existing Hawaiian pool company and Days Inn is located.

[02:28:18] And nomination CPN22-MV-009, proposed multifamily residential development where the existing Moon Inn is located. The screening meetings resulted in positive community feedback, and staff and task force began working on the plan amendment following the adoption to the work program as a Tier 1 item.

[02:28:37] The study was deferred at the request of the nominators in early 2024 and was re-tiered to Tier 3 in May 7, 2024. However, there are new contract purchasers for each property who are ready to proceed with the plan and review for each of the items.

[02:28:53] I've spoken with staff, and there are resources available to begin work on this amendment. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program be re-tiered to include Plan Amendment 2023-IV-1MV as an active Tier 1 item. This motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation on any application by the Board and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of any applicable ordinances, regulations, or adopted standards.

[02:29:18] This action in no way prejudices the substantive review of the application. I 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. Supervisor Stork.

[02:29:35] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The next item is one that I think we should all be celebrating and particularly wanted to bring it forward because it's, I think, made a huge difference in our work, especially during COVID. It's a joint board matter with yourself, Mr. Chairman. The Department of Economic Initiatives, or DEI as we call it, established by County Executive Brian Hill and led by Rebecca Madre, recently celebrated its fifth year in Fairfax County as a department.

[02:30:02] DEI was established to foster local economic development and enhance Fairfax County's economic competitiveness and prosperity, cultivate a diverse and thriving local business base, and build on economic assets to foster an entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem. Launched on the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic, the department swiftly became a vital lifeline to local businesses, managing $81 million in economic recovery investments to provide crucial support to thousands of small businesses, weathering unprecedented challenges.

[02:30:34] I know I remember it well. DEI continues to position Fairfax County as an economically competitive and prosperous community for all residents and businesses. In addition, their collaboration with our globally recognized Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, or FCEDA, strengthens the local economy through complementary programs and joint initiatives that support business and foster innovation.

[02:30:59] This partnership effectively combines FACEDA's focus on business attraction and retention with DEI's mission to cultivate our local economic assets and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The recently published Economic Initiatives 2024 Annual Highlights Report outlines their key 2024 accomplishments, including Fairfax Corps, connected with more than 8,000 visitors interested in business assistance and facilitated more than 150 resource partner referrals.

[02:31:33] Fairfax Founders Fund celebrated its second successful cohort, receiving nearly 70 applications and awarding 13 total grants to promising startups. Approximately 70% of applicants identified that the founding team includes a person of color, indicating the program is achieving the objectives to reach unprecedented founders, excuse me, underrepresented founders.

[02:31:58] Grantee milestones include obtaining follow-up on funding, increased customer relationships, and advancement in product trials. Talent Up, connected with more than 250 employers, resulting in 125 internships and 42 permanent job placements.

[02:32:14] Talent addresses employers' need for talent and provides workers with new career opportunities. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, we would like to congratulate the Department of Economic Initiatives on their many successes and move that the Board direct the Office of Public Affairs, work with the Department of Economic Initiatives to educate and promote this report to our residents and businesses.

[02:32:35] Thank you, Supervisor Stork. I know we all celebrate their successes. I think, you know, the importance of doing this board matter is key because people might presume, given the professionalism and the scope of their work, that this is a county department that's been around for a long time.

[02:32:53] But as this acknowledges, this was established by our county executive, and it was established before COVID hit without any way of knowing what was on the horizon. And because we had that infrastructure in place, we were able to not only get through COVID but most importantly help a lot of our small businesses get through COVID and survive and thrive and benefit Fairfax County's economy.

[02:33:19] And so I appreciate you bringing this forward and certainly appreciate all the staff, starting with Becca Mowdry, but all the staff at DEI who do amazing work every day and never cease to amaze. And it started out as a small idea and turned into one of the most vital departments in our county.

[02:33:40] So I appreciate you pointing this out and pointing out that this is a five-year anniversary, not a 50-year or 100-year anniversary, but a five-year anniversary. And those folks have been very, very busy and very successful in a short period of time. So thank you.

[02:33:55] Thank you. And I wanted to point out that Rebecca Maudry is in the audience. And Rebecca, if you could please stand up. We'd appreciate it. Thank you. They have a great team, and I know we've all seen a lot of the work that they've done, not only when we have issues that we need help with, but also what's happened in our community.

[02:34:16] So, again, a great thanks, and Torre County Executive as well, for your leadership on this. The last time I have was kind of focused on former school board members because it's a passion I think we all have, which is career and technical education, but it really is far broader than that.

[02:34:33] And it's, I think, important that we identify that Career and Technical Education, or CTE Month, Dahlia Palchuk and Kathy Smith and I kind of wanted to make sure that we highlighted that as former school board members. It's a public awareness campaign held every February to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of programs nationwide.

[02:34:53] Its programs are aimed at preparing students for high school, high wage, and in-demand careers, and we have a lot of those in this area. In these programs, students develop critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills. Currently, there are 12.5 million students enrolled in CTE courses around the country.

[02:35:09] The average high school graduation rate for students concentrated in CTE is 94% compared to the average national freshman graduation rate of 87%. Fairfax County Public Schools offers CTE programs at every middle and high school. The programs include business and information technology, family and consumer sciences, health and medical sciences, technology education and engineering, and trade and industrial education.

[02:35:33] Within these programs, students will also receive industry credentials and learn the technical skills of many occupations while preparing for higher education at entry-level employment or entry-level employment. All FCPS CTE programs incorporate workplace readiness, which is essential for small employers, as well as set students up to be confident and professional in their chosen field.

[02:35:55] Career and Technical Student Organization, or CTSOs, also play a role in enhancing students' learning through leadership, personal development, and real-world application. Through competitive events and programs hosted in students, students get the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to succeed in those careers, as well as network with business and industry partners.

[02:36:20] FCPS offers many CTSOs so students can join and grow in careers. CTE and FCPS serves as a launching pad for ongoing skill development and education, offering a foundation for career-long learning journey through programs like International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW, Continuing Education, Adult Co-op Opportunities, and Northern Virginia Community College.

[02:36:45] Therefore, Mr. Chairman, without objection, we ask that we recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month in Fairfax County. Without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Palczyk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I may offer a very friendly amendment, I know it's without objection, and I'm so glad you brought this forward.

[02:37:03] A lesser-known foundation is FAITH, the Foundation for Applied Technical Education, which I wish we could just keep expanding. So whether it's their construction, business, residential construction, student auto sales, or entrepreneurship, they also have an independent board and want to make sure we honor them as well.

[02:37:24] So thank you. It's a great example of the school itself partnering with the business community to offer real-world, on-the-job training, which I think is particularly appropriate and helpful to folks. When they graduate, they have something that they can connect with and help them through that transition from high school because that's usually a pretty tough transition for kids.

[02:37:46] Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. and my colleagues have not they really should visit one of these programs in the county while the kids are there you know I've attended a board meeting or two of theirs and it's amazing to hear the kids talk about the difference these programs are making in their lives and to really recognize all the teachers and faculty and folks who make this happen and in many cases even down to our bus operators who help provide the transportation so that these opportunities are available to kids whether they're in their base schools or not, and so it really is a strong network in making a difference, so thank you.

[02:38:25] As a Junior Achievement President when I was younger, I mean, it was a key part of connecting my energy and enthusiasm to business and the world around us, so thank you, Mr. Chairman, and that's it for me. Actually, one more thing is we do have this Saturday the Mount Vernon Town meeting. You might have heard of it before.

[02:38:42] It's the 38th, and I know many of you have attended, and I'm very, very thankful that we've changed it slightly this year. For many of us who would like to get up a little bit later, it starts at 8.30 is when our exhibit hall opens up, 8.30 to 10, so you can come.

[02:38:59] And we have more than 70 exhibitors this year. It's a huge number. The media itself, the core media itself, will start at 10 and we'll go to 12.30. And we have the usual fly-through, which I shared many years ago with folks. It's still an amazing technology that you all should take a look at.

[02:39:16] It's basically you do a 25-minute overview. You fly through the district and see what's changing and how things are going to be in the future, to be honest. But you're all invited. We'd love to see you. And obviously, it's a key part of honoring Jerry and the tradition that he started so long ago.

[02:39:35] Thank you. Thank you very much, Supervisor Stork. Supervisor Palczyk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have two written board matters and then just one announcement. First of all, and I believe this is with Chairman McCain, Vice Chair Smith, celebrating Women's History Month with a menstrual product drive. Members of the board, Women's History Month was officially recognized in the U.S. in 1987 to highlight the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. During Women's History Month in March, we also recognize the importance of addressing the need for menstrual supplies across the county.

[02:40:11] These essential hygiene products are costly, and the lack of access to safe and clean menstrual products can negatively impact someone's overall physical and emotional well-being. I have partnered with, I think, most of my colleagues, Neighborhood and Community Services, the Library, the Community Services Board, and the Commission for Women to host our second annual donation drive in March to collect essential menstrual products for our vulnerable community members. We will be accepting new and sealed packages of tampons, pads, liners, and menstrual cups to support local shelters and nonprofits in Fairfax County. Hosting this drive

[02:40:48] will help us try to reduce barriers for our residents for whom access to menstrual supplies can pose a financial burden. Donations will be collected at 53 sites across the county, including the Fairfax County Government Center, numerous Board of Supervisor offices, and Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Centers, all Fairfax County Public Library Branches, and the Sharon Boliva Center for Community Health. A list of drop-off locations and non-profit beneficiaries can be found on bit.ly slash menstrualdrive2025. Therefore,

[02:41:24] we move without objection that the Board of Supervisors direct staff to prepare a proclamation to be presented in the boardroom on March 4th. We further move that the Office of Public Affairs share this information through its channels and I finally want to thank all of my colleagues who have stepped up to help find non-profits in their communities to help support and to help support this successful drive. And March 4th is we're good to go. I'm looking at Tony. Excellent. So without objection that is so ordered. Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Recognizing

[02:41:58] February as National Children's Dental Health Month members of the board each February the American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and access to preventative care.

[02:42:17] Good oral health is essential to a child's overall well-being and impacts their ability to eat, speak, and learn. Dental decay is one of the most chronic childhood diseases, yet it is largely preventable with proper care and early intervention. Access to dental care is not always easy for families. Many children from underserved communities lack access to routine dental visits and preventive care. Fairfax County is committed to ensuring that children and families have the resources and education to maintain healthy smiles. Our local health department, school-based programs, and community and non-profit organizations work tirelessly

[02:42:55] to provide dental screenings, fluoride treatments, and outreach efforts to support underserved communities. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Therefore, I move that, I think without objection, that the board recognize February as Children's Dental Health Month in Fairfax County and encourage our residents to promote good oral health habits among our youngest community members. Additionally, I request that the Office of Public Affairs prepare a proclamation to be presented outside the boardroom and without objection that is so ordered

[02:43:34] supervisor Palchuk thank you mr. chairman if I if I may for that one to me it is personally very important as someone who was not able to access dental care until the age of 14 and had to get an awful root canal and to seeing and hearing as we know from many of our community members in addition to the services and the health services that we provide we know the access to dental care is often not covered for many families and does lead to reversible harm to our community so I very much appreciate especially our partners like

[02:44:11] MCCP who are out in the community and to all of the private providers who provide pro bono work to our constituents we do know that it's very much needed that we have clinics across the county trying to do this it's also a call to those who are able to help supply accessible care, often starting with the screenings.

[02:44:35] That is how many of our nonprofits do their initial evaluations of screening to help triage the needs. So I want to thank all who've been involved with this and appreciate the county's support on this board matter. Thank you very much.

[02:44:51] Supervisor Palchik. Mr. Chairman, I think those were my only ones, and the only announcement was really just to thank everyone. I know we have a lot of double scheduling, and some of you were in Richmond. I want to thank everyone, including Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who joined us for our kickoff Lunar New Year.

[02:45:11] It was an incredible event. There wasn't a dragon this year, but we have hopefully dragons that we'll be able to attend next year. We had representatives from across the department, from the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and from many, many, many groups. It was an incredible event, and I hope to be able to do it again next year with less other events happening simultaneously.

[02:45:38] But it was a wonderful showing, and our senior center really that inspired it. They were just an amazing group performing as well. Mr. Chairman, if I could just run. Really great attendance. I was super impressed, really well organized, and I know everybody really enjoyed it. I did. So thank you.

[02:45:55] Thank you. No, it was a really, really fun event. And then finally, I thought you were going to address the Supervisor Stork, but I believe I saw at our next DI meeting, we'll be hearing about the lab school pilot program, I believe, between our schools and NOVA.

[02:46:11] So I think there are so many efforts about workforce readiness. I don't know if that's changed. Oh, sorry, the CEO, not the CI. Yes, the CEO meeting. Lots of acronyms. The CEO meeting will be focused on AI and how we're connecting with the schools as well as the community.

[02:46:29] So, yes, that's what the schools are doing and what the overall community is doing to keep us a leader. And I know our county executive has been very involved with speaking around the country about that issue as well. So, thank you. Very exciting. I'm excited about that. And thank you for the work on that. That's where we have so much opportunity.

[02:46:46] Okay, and next up is Supervisor Herity. No board matters, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Herity. And with that, we are going to move on. We have a very small remaining, I would say morning agenda, but it's 1220.

[02:47:04] But let me ask Supervisor Smith if she has a motion to approve admin items 1 through 5. I move approval of administrative items 1 through 5. And I'm happy to second that. Are there any items board members would like to have discussed or pull for a separate vote? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of admin items 1 through 5, please say aye.

[02:47:24] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And we have one consideration item, and that is amendments to the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, bylaws and resolutions. Supervisor Smith.

[02:47:40] I move approval of the updated resolution and bylaws for the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Advisory Board. I will second that is there. Are there any questions any questions? Yes Supervisor Harity Well, just one question as I was reviewing this I had the chance to look back at the membership And I noticed that Craig trainer is on the membership of the criminal justice advisory board Not sure how that happened, but I appreciate if he's on there. It's on the website

[02:48:14] Don't think the web that was the appointee that the my appointee that the board declined right? I don't think the website is accurate, so we need to make sure the website is accurate. Tom Arnold, Deputy County Executive, we'll clean that up and make sure that all of our BACs are updated.

[02:48:32] All right, so he's not on there. Okay, just wanted to, I didn't know whether somebody had a change of heart or mind. Thank you. No, I mean, only the board can make those appointments, so we wouldn't have been able to facilitate that anyway.

[02:48:47] So let's make sure that's an accurate reflection. Okay, any further discussion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of consideration, item 1, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And that brings us to closed session.

[02:49:04] And before I turn to Supervisor Smith for a motion, let me ask the county attorney approximately how long we need for closed session. Mr. Chairman, I estimate approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. 1 hour and 45 minutes. So that puts us at 1.45, right?

[02:49:24] 1.45. So if this motion passes, we will report to closed session at 145. Supervisor Smith. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors recess and go into closed session for discussion and consideration of matters enumerated in Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711, enlisted in the attached agenda for the meeting, and in addition, as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711, A7 and 8,

[02:49:55] Claims and litigation filed by Filson, Dual, Kareem Bashir, and Mustafa Jama on behalf of four children in connection with a motor vehicle collision in the county on December 27, 2017. As permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A8, legal analysis regarding potential changes to the board's indemnification and delegation resolutions.

[02:50:19] As permitted by Virginia Code section 2.2-3711A3, Potential Acquisition of Real Property for a Public Purpose in the Sully District. And as permitted by Virginia Code section 2.2-3711A1, Annual Evaluation of the County Executive.

[02:50:37] You've heard the motion. I'm happy to 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, and the board will break for lunch and report to closed session at 1.45.

[02:55:29] Okay, the board is back from lunch and closed session, and with that, I'm going to recognize Supervisor Smith for a motion.

[03:01:53] 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 2.2-3711, 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.

[03:02:15] You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that along with Supervisor Palczyk. Discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. And before we move to public hearings and announcement. Oh, I'm sorry. We do have some motions coming. At least we have two motions coming out of closed session. Let me first recognize Vice Chair Smith to be followed by Supervisor Lusk. I move that the Board of Supervisors authorize the county executive in the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to purchase real property in the Sully

[03:02:53] District for a public purpose upon the terms and conditions outlined by the county attorney in closed session. Second. You've heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Bierman. Any discussion on the motion seeing and hearing none all in favor please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries supervisor lusk thank you mr chairman uh settlement of all litigation and claims filed by filson duale kareem basheer and mustafa de jama on behalf of four children in connection with the motor vehicle collision at the intersection of frying pan and centerville

[03:03:27] Rhodes on December 27th, 2017. Mr. Chairman, I move the Board of Supervisors approve a settlement of all claims and litigation associated with this incident according to the terms and conditions outlined by the county attorney in closed session. And the chair will second that motion. 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 that is all from closed session in the way of motions.

[03:03:57] Before we turn to public hearings, I will recognize Supervisor Smith for an introduction. Thank you. I wanted to introduce Delaney Brooks. Delaney is a senior at Chantilly High School in the political science class, and she's doing an internship in my office.

[03:04:12] She's very interested in journalism, and she's here to watch us with our food trucks and special events. Excellent. Excellent. Welcome. Glad you're here. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Smith.

[03:04:28] And we will now move to public hearings. Just a few reminders. We only have a couple today, but a few reminders. Individuals wishing to provide testimony have a number of options. They can testify here in person or they can provide testimony by phone or by YouTube video at the designated point in the public hearing.

[03:04:44] I will 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 matter to come down to the podium or to call in to 703-324-1020.

[03:05:03] 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. And 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. With that being said, our first public hearing this afternoon is a public hearing on RZ 2023-PR-00018, Fairfax County School Board, a body corporate in the Providence District.

[03:05:32] And I see the applicant is here. Can you please reaffirm the affidavit? Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. My name is John McGranahan. I'm the attorney for the applicant. I reaffirmed the affidavit dated December 30, 2024. Thank you very much. Are there any disclosures from board members?

[03:05:49] Any disclosures from board members? Seeing and hearing none. I will now recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm Katie Quinn with the Department of Planning and Development, and this application is a rezoning for a new elementary school. The property is split zoned between the R1 and R5 zoning districts and is currently developed with a surface parking lot, athletic field, and the two-story Dunloring School Building. The Dunloring School Building was constructed in 1939 and is on the Fairfax County inventory of historic sites. The school was closed in 1978 and is currently used as an

[03:06:27] administrative building by Fairfax County Public Schools. The Dunloring School building would be demolished with this application and the applicant has proffered to create an exhibit inside the new school that documents the building's existing history. The property would be rezoned to R5 to facilitate construction of the new elementary school. A new athletic field, playgrounds, and outdoor classrooms would be constructed on the western side of the site. Adjacent streets would be improved with new sidewalks in a double row of street trees and a new sidewalk connection is proposed to Waystone Court. Retaining walls shown here in red would be constructed around most of the site and

[03:07:06] would be up to 18 feet tall. The new building would be four levels and this slide shows the front building elevation from Idlewood Road. That concludes my presentation. Thank you. Thank you very much. At this time we'd recognize the applicant for an applicant's presentation. Thank you again, Mr. Chairman. John McGranahan on behalf of the applicant. And Ms. Quinn did a nice job of summarizing the application, but there are some highlights that I would like to point out to you all this afternoon. So there was, going back

[03:07:43] with a little bit of history with respect to this site, there was a community process back in 2022 where there was a task force and the community discussed what to do with the Dunloring Elementary School site as it exists today. And after quite an extensive dialogue and input, it was decided that the school building, the current school building, would be demolished. There were a number of reasons for that. Repurposing that school building or even incorporating a part of it is very, very challenging. There are additions to the school building with grade differentials

[03:08:17] and just making the current building meet the current education specifications was really basically not feasible. And the other thing, though, the other driving force that you'll see from the screen is the athletic field, and that is an existing athletic field that the community uses today fairly extensively, and the community wanted to make sure that that field was preserved.

[03:08:44] And if you did try to do something to the existing building, you would have had to spread it out, if you will, and you would lose that field. So that decision was made quite some time ago. The reason we're here today is actually fairly simple. And there's been a lot of, we've put a lot of work into this application, and I'll get into some of those details.

[03:09:01] You all have received correspondence and e-mails. But the issue before you today is a land use issue about taking the portion of the site that's zoned R1 and making it R5 so that the new school building could be accommodated on the site that's really the simple question but to do that we've had to go through the rezoning process the good part of that is the design has gotten better and and I want to thank Ms. Quinn and Ms. Lewis and their colleagues on the county staff for their input they've done a great job at making the application better as typically happens your planning commissioners did the same thing and we had a deferral

[03:09:39] period that I'll talk about in a minute where it continued to improve so while the process was fairly simple when we started I think the product at the end has gotten a lot better for having to go through it last thing I'll point out on this slide is if you look at the entrance this will be the bus entrance it's currently the existing entrance to the site in the middle of your screen that exists at a certain topography this site as you can tell has two big challenges one the shape of the parcel which is long and narrow preserving the the ball field. And the other is topography. And so retaining walls were a big issue because you

[03:10:16] need them because you have to hit that existing entrance point so that the buses and the vehicles can access at that point. That generates or produces some tall retaining walls on the backside of the proposed school. But we did work with your staff and proffer a lot of detail about how we've capped the height of the walls and how those walls would be treated so that they would be aesthetically pleasing. But that was one of the big issues. Another place where staff had a number of comments and the application improved was pedestrian connectivity. We've always proffered

[03:10:53] your comp plan required trails along the frontages of Gallows and Idlewood. But there are a number of places, and you'll see them on this next slide, where we've added pedestrian connections from those trails into the site and just looking at your screen kind of coming down along the right side along Gallows Road you'll see a bus turnaround circle there's a pedestrian connection that was added there that is ADA accessible that will get folks from the trail into the school site coming around clockwise to that existing entrance that'll be the bus entrance a pedestrian connection was

[03:11:28] added in that location to get people again from the trails into the site and And then coming back around on this theme to the top of your screen, middle part of your screen, there is a pedestrian connection to the Waystone Court community that we spent quite a bit of time on because there we were trying to balance the tree-save area and the buffering to that community by providing a trail so that the people in that community could get to the school without having to go around.

[03:11:57] And it's challenging, but it's doable. There's a lot of topography back there as well, which you'll see. But again, big improvement. Another thing I would point out from this slide is you'll look on Idlewood Road running left to right or west to east.

[03:12:12] There will now be two entrances. There's an existing entrance from Gallows that will be closed. But there will be two entrances on Idlewood. It's very important. Those of you who have had school cases know that they like to separate the bus traffic from the kiss and ride traffic. That will be accomplished with this plan.

[03:12:28] And the new entrance on the left side or the west side will be for kiss and ride. And you can tell that there's a very long on-site ability for cars, parents, to queue in the mornings and in the afternoons when they're doing drop-off and pick-up from that kiss and ride entrance.

[03:12:47] Going to the top of the screen along the borders on the left or the west side is the Waystone Court community and on the east side is the Dunloring's Height community. A lot of time was spent with tree-save and with additional landscaping.

[03:13:05] And if you go right to the area above the school on your screen, that's where we spent probably the most time with your staff talking about the retaining wall. It's where it's the highest. And you can see there's a bump out so that we tiered it, which will soften that retaining wall some.

[03:13:20] And then there will be some additional landscaping on that first tier and then tree-save and landscaping above it. This slide just quickly shows you the existing mature trees throughout the site, but primarily along that back side of the school that will be preserved.

[03:13:36] And we've committed to your standard TreeSafe proffers to make sure that all efforts are made to preserve those existing mature trees. This is a view from Waystone Court, the Waystone Court community of the school, with both the existing trees and the proposed landscaping.

[03:13:52] And you can see that path that goes through that or sidewalk that goes through that. That's that pedestrian connection that we worked on with staff to connect that community to the school. Similar view, again, but this is from the Dunloring Heights community of the new school with the existing and the proposed vegetation.

[03:14:12] So you can see that the screening is going to be very substantial from those northern communities. I'm going to show you a couple of pretty pictures about the school because it's a wonderful design. And this is the front entrance to the school, the main entrance, and you'll see that that elevated sort of bump-out area will be the library area, and it's going to be a two-story space, which you'll see in a minute.

[03:14:34] But very attractive view from the entrance to the school, which will be facing Idlewood. This is a rendering of the cafeteria area. Again, this new school building will meet all of the education specifications, current education specifications for Fairfax County public schools.

[03:14:52] This is the gymnasium, which is, I think, with new schools and some of the school additions that you all have seen can be the challenge when you're taking and trying to modify an existing school. This new school will have a two-story gym that meets education specifications.

[03:15:10] This is that library I mentioned, two stories, again, in the space, but great opportunities for sunlight coming through to the library. The lower windows will be that bump-out area that you saw from the front rendering, and then there will be upper windows on the second level, if you will, of that library.

[03:15:31] And now I'd like to talk about two items that we spent a good bit of time on after we were in front of your planning commission. So we did a hearing in front of the planning commission on October 30, and they deferred their decision to a couple of weeks ago. And in that interim period, Fairfax County Public Schools focused on two audiences audiences that had raised concerns. One was the Architectural Review Board and the History Commission, and the other were the neighbors, of course. And this slide, the ARB, FCPS did attend the ARB meeting on December 12th, and there was a letter issued by the chair of the ARB that you

[03:16:09] all received on December 19th, and it identified five things that they wanted to see FCPS do in the proffers. And I'm happy to report that we've done all five of those. We addressed all five of those points. But probably it was their number one item, and it was probably the biggest one, and I think, candidly, it's the most exciting, was they asked that FCPS try to find a way to preserve the existing pediment and entranceway to the school. Easier said than done. It's very tall, and they wanted it incorporated into the exhibit that we had already proffered inside the

[03:16:44] school building. So it's very tall. Getting it extracted, if you will, preserved, and we've committed to do brick around it so that it looks like that entrance is, like I say, not a small task, but we have proffered to do that now. And it's going to be part of an exhibit that is in the inside part of the school, and it's going to commemorate and honor two things, really, the land.

[03:17:10] There's an interesting story to the land here. Fairfax County Public Schools purchased the land from a former slave, Joseph Taylor and his wife, Lavinia Taylor. And so that will be part of the commemoration. And also, the building was built in 1939.

[03:17:27] It was a Public Works Administration project, so a New Deal project. So there's a lot to celebrate from that, too. But incorporating this entranceway was a great suggestion by the ARB And I think Fairfax County Public Schools have come up with a great way to do it.

[03:17:44] So if you look at your next slide, that will be the entrance to the school. And there's a vestibule, but then the first lobby, if you will, that is from the vestibule and from the office, that is where that entranceway will be. That's going to be a two-story space, so you can actually take the entranceway, the current entranceway, and set it up in there like it is in its current situation.

[03:18:09] And it might have to do some trimming, but it will extend up into the two-story space, which is very cool. And then as you go into the lobby, the second lobby by the staircase, that's where the interpretive display would be that would honor, again, the original owners of the property that sold it to the school board and also the history of the building and the New Deal commitments that were used to pay for it.

[03:18:36] So, great enhancements as a result of the process. And, again, glad that the ARB wrote their letter and we were able to respond. And I believe, Mr. Chairman, this is my last slide. So, we did have, schools had two meetings after the Planning Commission public hearing with the community to get some additional feedback.

[03:18:57] We added three proffers. One of those talks about coordinating school events. One of the big issues was parking and traffic off-site. And so there's a proffer now that you'll coordinate school events and split things like back to school night into multiple nights so that you don't have all the kids and their parents coming the same night.

[03:19:15] So that's one proffer. Another proffer about communication during construction. Another one about noise and glare during construction. And then this slide, this last slide, was something that came out in those subsequent community meetings about a concern about pedestrian cut-through traffic through the townhouse community, Waystone Court.

[03:19:36] As I said, there's a commitment in the proffers and a plan for a walkway that would connect those communities. The concern we heard was we don't want people skipping the walkway and coming through our townhouses to get to the school. So we have proffered to put a fence in here and working with the planning commissioners or Commissioner Hancock, we did agree to continue to work with the community on what that fence looks like and where it extends.

[03:20:01] But this would prevent and discourage pedestrian cut through traffic coming from that community or through that community onto the ball field site. With that, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your time today, all of your time today, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you all might have.

[03:20:18] Thank you very much. Thank you very much. At this time, are there any questions of staff or the applicant? Any questions of staff or the applicant? Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. A few questions later, it's been a long process, but number one, if you could share with us generally the public outreach and input that have taken place so far.

[03:20:39] Yes, so again, there was an outreach and a community process in 2022, And I wasn't participating in that, but that was the process that sort of discussed the design of the school and whether it would be a repurposing of the existing building, whether the ball field could be preserved, some of those big concept items.

[03:21:04] And there were a number of meetings with that. There was a broad community meeting in November of 2022, which in the sort of wrapping up that task force and community input process. Then the applicant held a community meeting in September of 2024, prior to the Planning Commission hearing.

[03:21:23] We had the Planning Commission hearing. We had a follow-up in-person meeting at the school site with a number of the immediate neighbors. And then on December 4th, there was another open community meeting at the school board headquarters building.

[03:21:40] And there have been websites for the community to sign up with and that. So we've received a good bit of feedback and comment throughout the process. Thank you. One additional question, and some of this is land use versus the school's planning.

[03:21:57] Are you able to just share with us, and I believe it was on the CIP already when I was on the school board, but how CPS has justified the site and building this for community needs? Yeah, a couple of points on that.

[03:22:13] First, as you indicated, this is a land use process. This is literally a zoning application to say, can a school be built here? It doesn't say that the school must be built here or should be built here, but can it be built here? That's the question today. But just a little bit of an anecdote.

[03:22:33] I mean, I've been doing these types of applications for the schools for many, many years. And ironically, it used to be I would be in meetings and people would be complaining about trailers. And, oh, I don't like that my kid's in a trailer. And why didn't you build it bigger when you had an opportunity to do it?

[03:22:51] And I've heard many, many of those complaints. But in this location, and it is challenging because neighborhoods turn over. It's very hard to project student populations from year to year in any part of the county.

[03:23:07] But here you have your major growth areas. You have Tyson's, you have Merrifield, you have Falls Church, Vienna, which is fairly stable but still growing. And they're not making any more land, and land is very expensive.

[03:23:22] Getting a school site in Tyson's, for example, or in Merrifield, it's just not going to happen. So the schools own this site, and they've been able to get their education specifications achieved with this building on this site in what has turned out to be, I think, a very interesting and exciting design.

[03:23:42] So that's the justification. I'm not in a position to-- talk numbers. The numbers, I've read the recent correspondence that the projections seem to be coming down. I think that's happened before and then they go back up and it's, I will say, I'm glad I'm not the person in the school's planning office that has to deal with those projections and making sure, this is the last point I'll make in response to that. The school system has a constitutional obligation to educate every child that's in the county that wants to go

[03:24:16] to school it's a public school and they can't say well we're at capacity sorry and so they really do have to make sure that the capacity is there to to achieve that mission and an alternative is bringing trailers in you know when when you have a neighborhood that turns over and all of a sudden you have 50 more kids from that neighborhood so I don't want to start rambling but it's a it's a challenge. Let me acknowledge the challenge, but this school site, a lot of thought and design has gone into it as a good school site.

[03:24:52] Thank you. I'll come back to my questions later. Thank you. Thank you, John. Okay. Any other questions at this time? Do you have a question, Supervisor Herdy? I think that answered the one I was going to ask. Okay. As best as it can be kind of answered. And we'll have another shot here before before we act on this at this time this is a public hearing and I do have four speakers who have signed up in advance to testify speaker number one is John else Roth if you're here mr. else Roth mr. else Roth here don't see him we have

[03:25:31] Sherry Blackburn on the phone is that do we have miss Blackburn can you hear me okay miss Blackburn can you hear me okay I can hear you okay you hear me we can welcome the floor is yours okay thank you very much um good afternoon first um i am a resident and the hoa president for waystone court association which is directly north of um connecting to dunlaurin um our community has several concerns and it's actually started from

[03:26:10] this very November the first meeting in November 2022 there's been a very big struggle with a lack of communication and transparency on this whole project we were sort of left in the dark for a couple of years after that November 22 appointment or meeting everyone I know signed up for these you know updates and such and apparently there was an issue with Fairfax County long story short no one received anything for a few years um to this date a lot of people still

[03:26:47] don't understand what's going on there um the boards out front uh the yellow boards and such you know have been not up to date and such where people don't even you know they'll look at it and say wait a minute that's from an october meeting and you know we're past that and things so i it's been a struggle yes they have tried to reach out a little bit more to us especially after I chimed in on a meeting that at the last minute I was informed of where I kept saying over and over our community was not contacted and

[03:27:22] I've been a resident on that community since since 1985 and grew up just two blocks the opposite direction same people on our board and things in any In any case, what I'm getting to, the main points that we really have is we have a concern that there is really no proof that this needs to be built in this vicinity, that, you know, the surrounding schools are under capacity and say they will be for the next five years.

[03:27:54] You know, there's been a need more in the Oakton area. There's been a need more in the McLean-Tysons area. And for some reason, they picked this spot just because. I'm not quite sure why, but I believe we believe that it's too large for building trying to be squeezed into this little lot.

[03:28:14] And it's going to be not only dangerous for for the children trying to access the school, but also parents with a population of or an expected 1000 students.

[03:28:30] and approximately, I believe it was 100 faculty, they only have like 147 spots for parking. Every day there's volunteers, there's, you know, events, there's everything. That's not even close to what will be needed on a daily basis, I wouldn't think.

[03:28:48] And in turn, that means they are going to be funneling into our neighborhood to park and cutting through, and they will be trying to park on the other streets on the south side of the school, which is Greenbrier Way, Westchester, and those I know because I used to go to Dunloring, walking up those streets, you know, years and years ago was one thing.

[03:29:12] Now there's cars parked along that street. There's no sidewalks. There's a big ditch on one side. You can't get two cars past each other half the time because of the parking situation, let alone kids walking in the street. We also have an issue with kids cutting through our neighborhood and taking that pathway from Waystone Court down into the school.

[03:29:37] That connects directly and goes directly across our private property. I understand there's sort of an easement, but that sidewalk and such, that's putting liability on my community. Who's going to come and take care of the snow and the ice and the leaves get slippery in the fall?

[03:29:57] You know, I mean, there's a lot of liability issues that have not been thought about. It seems like they're just pushing ahead to try and fill this lot when originally it was voted to repurpose it, not demolish it, which this school does have a lot of history.

[03:30:24] And though I understand they're going to try and incorporate some of the items, these items are going to be like the front doorway. This is now going to be inside the school. That really isn't something that the community now can enjoy or see.

[03:30:40] You know, we know how it is. You can't just walk into a school and observe history that way. Demolishing the school, I think, is a very sad thing considering there's only, I think, four of these schools left. All of the others have already been demolished.

[03:30:58] Sorry, I'm trying to hit my notes here. Back to the sidewalks. The sidewalks, they mentioned that they were going to put in some sidewalks. That's just a sidewalk or two that I saw, but it's not addressing sidewalks like on Greenbrier Way or on the opposite side of Idlewood.

[03:31:17] There have been children and adults that have been hit at multiple intersections around this, you know, the four block or the four intersections all around this school. One of them was directly there at Greenbrier Way.

[03:31:36] And without kids having sidewalks to walk on, this is extremely dangerous. The traffic study, for instance, that they're basing this on also as being a great place, is over two years old now. I think that we need an updated traffic study before this is pushed on.

[03:31:58] Thank you, Sherry. Thank you, Sherry. Your time expired a while ago. If you want to quickly wrap up, if there was a thought or two you didn't get to, we will take that. But your time did expire a bit ago. I'm sorry. Okay, I will just wrap up with the fact that I would appreciate if this would personally, we would love for this to be denied, but at least deferred until we have better traffic studies that are up to date, not two years old. And now that people are going back to the office, it's a whole nother picture than two years ago for a one day study. I appreciate your time.

[03:32:36] Thank you very much. Thank you for your testimony. Speaker number three is Tina Doyle, and Tina is here. We'll be followed by Tammy Manarino. Is Tammy here? Okay. You will be following Ms. Doyle here in a second. Doyle, welcome. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Tina Doyle. I come to you as a concerned Dunloring community member as well as a Fairfax County taxpayer. There are many issues that the community has, some of which Sherry has shared with you about traffic concerns, safety concerns.

[03:33:09] The first concern I want to bring to you is as a taxpayer. Your premise for this project is that there's going to be a thousand new students in this area, and yet a recently published report from Fairfax County Public Schools published just last month shows that over the next five years there's going to actually be decline in student membership. Furthermore, Fairfax County Public Schools is in the middle of a redistricting study. So it's unclear to me and other taxpayers why are we moving forward with a massive $85 million project

[03:33:49] before a redistricting study is complete? And why are we moving forward with a massive new school at a massive price tag when the next five-year projections for student membership is going to decline? I think that's the first question that this board should consider. And I think that taxpayers in this county should understand why $85 million is going to be spent on this project based on those two concerns. If it were to be approved, I share Sherry's concerns, which are

[03:34:23] echoed by many neighbors about traffic and safety. I mean, this school sits on Gallows Road, a very, very, very busy road. It's unclear to me how children, where are we getting a thousand children, first of all? It's a location that dictates that most kids would walk to it, or at least a significant amount of them. No one has even been able to answer where a thousand kids coming from and how many of those kids are going to be walking to this school because walking or biking to the school poses a lot of safety issues right

[03:35:01] now there is only proposed sidewalk in front of the school on Idlewood Road there is no sidewalk on the other side of Idlewood Road the amount of traffic is already heavy on this road and with people going back to work more and more there will be increased traffic I brought up at the last meeting that that parents will be stopping in the middle of Idlewood Road to let their kids out.

[03:35:28] It's just going to happen. No matter how many police are stationed there or how many crosswalks, it's a very dangerous situation to have this huge school positioned on Gallows Road and Idlewood Road with the amount of traffic those two roads see.

[03:35:45] So there are a lot of safety concerns and traffic concerns. So I submit to you today to consider the expenditure on the school based on the projections of student membership.

[03:36:03] And I ask you to seriously take a look at traffic concerns, safety concerns. And I think Sherry's correct that we're operating on an outdated traffic study. And we asked at the last meeting that a new traffic study be done. We have yet to see if that's been done or the results of it.

[03:36:22] I appreciate your time today. - Thank you very much. Our next speaker is Tammy Manarino, who of course is Chair of Inventory Committee of the Fairfax County History Commission. Welcome, Tammy.

[03:36:38] - I'm very sorry that Gretchen Boliva couldn't be here today. She asked me to speak in her stead. Let's see if we've got this going.

[03:36:56] Glad it should be, wow, this worked so well.

[03:37:13] Ah, there we go, excellent. All right, thank you very much. You know, I'm pleased to be here today to speak to you all. I'm regretful that the topic is the cavalier approach that we believe Fairfax County Public Schools has taken toward considering the issue of historic preservation of Dunloring School.

[03:37:33] We don't make this criticism lightly or without cause. So the purpose of this testimony today is to relate our experiences in advocating for the important landmark on the Fairfax County inventory of historic sites.

[03:37:50] Our object is to shed light on the potential demolition of this building, and then also that this is a pattern that we see that's disturbing, that's been going on in our community. Our advocating for preservation of Dunloring School touches on two key parts of our mission.

[03:38:11] The first one is our mission to create and maintain an inventory of historic sites, and the second one is to provide advice not only to the Board of Supervisors, but also to agencies in Fairfax County, whether or not they ask us, and also they are instructed to consider the commission's advice whenever it is submitted. So the History Commission of the community at large learned about the demolition of Dunloring School in November 2022. Individually

[03:38:46] and as a body, the History Commission members began reaching out to the school board, to supervisors, to the community trying to determine if and to what extent preservation was considered for this building. We attended public meetings, wrote letters, asked a lot of questions. Early in our efforts, we did receive a letter that you'll see that shed some light on the perspectives within Fairfax County Public Schools about the inventory of historic sites. So these are excerpts

[03:39:21] from that letter in March 2023. Charles Fanshawe, who is the interim assistant superintendent of facilities and transportation services for Fairfax County Public Schools, responded to the History Commission's letter of a month before. This is in March 2023. And these are some excerpts from this letter we received. And it was CC'd to the Board of Supervisors and also to the superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. The Fairfax County inventory of historic sites includes approximately 350 historically significant sites ranging from the internationally known Mount Vernon

[03:39:59] to numerous anonymous sites and structures. So as you all know, there are no anonymous sites and structures on the inventory of historic sites. The History Commission works very hard to review the extensive documentation that we get for every single nomination that comes in. And it test those against the standards created for the National Register. Mr.

[03:40:28] Fanshawe goes on to point out at least 60 sites have been demolished since the creation of the inventory. He's right. 60 sites have been demolished. It's difficult for us on the History Commission to hear that as a justification. We've already demolished 60 historic sites. Dunloring is another of those. These are not exactly the descriptions that we would like to put on our website. In the end, Mr. Fanshawe did commit to consulting with the History Commission. He said, "As planning and design continues on this project, we will

[03:41:03] consult with the Commission and work together." That never happened. Unfortunately, that's all we heard from FCPS for quite some time. About five months later, the History Commission reached out again with another letter clarifying, you know, explaining the misunderstanding about the inventory of historic sites and asking for a tour of Dunloring School. That tour happened a year later in August 2024. To be fair, history commissioners were not the only ones being ghosted by FCPS during that

[03:41:38] period. As you've heard already, between November 2022 and September 2024, there were no public meetings held. There was an increase in activity leading up to the Planning Commission hearing in the fall of 2024. A document that we had asked from our first contact with the school board, we asked for analysis of repurposing of the existing building that was produced 16 months

[03:42:14] late. It was a three-page document. We compare that with the analysis done for George Mason Elementary School in Alexandria. Same profile of that school, and yet they are preserving a good portion of that school, and you'll see the documentation online. So as I mentioned, we finally got a tour a year later, and under pressure, FCPS did meet with the Architecture Review Board. So in conclusion, there's a lack of understanding and respect for the inventory

[03:42:53] of historic sites. Demolitions of inventory sites just ease justification for future demolitions. Applicants seeking demolitions see meeting with the ARB and responding to the History Commission as optional obstacles to their goal. It's hard not to see this as a strategy to move faster.

[03:43:14] And also the Planning Commission, ARB, and History Commission have all mentioned during these discussions that we have great individual records on the history of schools in our county, But we don't have a comprehensive survey to support decision-makings. You know, is this the only example of this?

[03:43:32] Is this the best example? How do we compare and contrast for decision-making? So we have a couple of recommendations. We think it would be wise to make early consultation with the ARB and the History Commission mandatory when demolition of an inventory site is contemplated.

[03:43:49] As we can see, late adjustments to FCPS's proffers had a lot of value added from interaction with the ARB. They can't replace the lost opportunity for preservation that might have happened if this had occurred early on.

[03:44:06] Our second recommendation is that you direct FCPS to partner with the History Commission to develop a multiple property nomination for the public schools of Fairfax County. This would follow the lead of other jurisdictions in Virginia who already have this in place for the National Register, and it would help to have that contextualization for these schools as we're considering preservation.

[03:44:29] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. I do have a Speaker 5 on the phone, Ida Farahani. Can you hear me okay? Yes, I can hear you guys. Welcome. The floor is yours. Good afternoon. First, thank you so much for your time.

[03:44:46] I'll make mine quick, as quick as possible. The first thing that I want to mention, as the previous folks stated, is a lack of transparency. Even though today it was testified that the school board has asked for the public input, this happened after a few local residents, including myself, actively reached out to figure out what's going on with the school project.

[03:45:11] At first, let's not forget that they denied it. They kind of claimed that they were doing the public outreach. But later on, they decided, like, they started getting our opinion and feedback on it a little bit. As a local taxpayer, I have the same concern that Ms. Tina Doyle has.

[03:45:29] I have been a long-term resident here, paying taxes like many other people. We all work hard, so we want to make sure the money goes to the best use of it. I personally have asked in the meeting, the last two public meetings I've had with the school board, asking for a number, showing me the data, that there is a need for school of this size.

[03:45:50] Unfortunately, to this state, I haven't heard anything, I haven't got anything, even though I have asked for it multiple times. In fact, in return, what I hear in the news, which was published yesterday and also last week, that there is a decline in the number of students.

[03:46:05] I also hear that the Fairfax County is trying to rezone the school jurisdiction, self, and this is also pending. One other concern that I have is the traffic study. They admitted that it's two years old. We asked for it to be redone. We don't know if it has been done or not. And with the new administration, most people going to the office in person, that means that it's going to be a heavier traffic. With all the stuff going on, not not knowing the traffic to study, not knowing if there is area in need, and most importantly,

[03:46:41] we don't even know, like you know that the number is going down, not to mention how it's going to affect the base zone committee where I leave, it's just, we don't, like as Sherry said, I prefer the Wander to School project to be stopped, but if not, at least to be put on pause so that way the traffic is studied, safety concerns, everything is evaluated because a huge amount of money is going to this project.

[03:47:09] And it seems like the school board is trying to just rush it because for some reason they sat on it for two years or they were working behind the scene on it and now the local residents are getting punished because now they want to rush the project. And I personally, as a resident and who someone is going to be affected by this project, I don't think it's fair to us at all.

[03:47:31] Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony. And let me see if there's anyone else here in the auditorium who would like to testify on this specific matter. Anyone else on this specific matter? Let me verify there are no additional callers. No additional callers.

[03:47:47] There are no additional callers. Is this applicant an opportunity for rebuttal? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a few points that I wanted to make.

[03:48:02] There was discussion, obviously, of traffic on Idlewood Road and safety for children getting to the school. A couple of points on that. One, as I indicated earlier, the FCPS has proffered to do the 10-foot-wide shared-use trails along both public road frontages of the property.

[03:48:23] The improvements to Idlewood Road include curb and gutter, the trail that I mentioned, And also, you'll have two through lanes and then turn lanes and tapers to the different turning movements into the school site and also into the Greenbrier Road.

[03:48:39] So there are improvements being made. Something I failed to mention in my presentation earlier is we have been working with the supervisor's office on an off-site trail. This was something that was important to your planning commission. It's important to Fairfax County Public Schools. It's important to the supervisor because the schools, believe me, are committed to safety with respect to the children.

[03:49:00] If there's not a safe way for a child to walk to the school, they won't have to walk to the school. A bus route will be provided for them. But this off-site trail will connect the school and the trail along Idlewood all the way out to Cedar Road.

[03:49:16] And that's what needs to happen, and we're committed to do it. And the schools actually revised the proffers by sharpening the pencil and the budget and have committed to put $200,000 toward that off-site trail and to work with the supervisor's office to accelerate the design and the construction of it.

[03:49:34] That's an important thing for safety, but believe me when I say that the schools care very much about the safety of walkers to the school. Ms. Blackburn mentioned parking. There are 140 parking spaces proposed with this plan. that's comparable to other elementary schools of this size.

[03:49:53] There is an easement, the pedestrian connection up to Waystone Court does connect to a public easement for access, and we have proffered to work with that community to connect it to that easement, and if we can't, they're going to have to give easements, and if they don't, then the schools can't make that connection, but they will make the connection up to the property line.

[03:50:17] But we believe that there is already an existing public right-of-way there. Someone mentioned parents stopping to drop their kids off on Idlewood Road. We have added or included in this proffer set, a proffer that we've used throughout Fairfax County, it's proffer 12, about vehicle management in the mornings.

[03:50:36] And you all see this when you drive around in the mornings at your elementary schools, your high schools, your middle schools. There are staff out there, there are police out there to make sure that people don't, I mean, you can't command a parent to not do something they shouldn't be doing, but you can educate them at the beginning of the school year and you reinforce that with the staff that are out on the site every day.

[03:50:59] And I would say in that Profer 12 in this application, we specifically call out Idlewood Road as a place where the schools will devote attention. This school will devote attention to make sure that traffic moves and that it's safe. And then finally, the comments by the History Commission, you know, it really was a challenging aspect of this case.

[03:51:23] And I will concede and say that there probably were some opportunities that were missed because of a lack of sort of in-depth dialogue early on. However, the decision and the three-page document I have with me about the decision that was made in 2022 not to reuse the existing school building predated this rezoning application, which wasn't filed for a year later because there's a lot of design work that actually goes into the building and the application.

[03:51:55] But that three-page document that we submitted last summer walks through the different reasons why you can't repurpose the school. And I'm not going to read it, but the one line out of it I thought was telling. The existing building's floor plan has several different elevations, including partial basements and slabs over crawl spaces with ramps and stair connections that does not currently meet the Americans with Disabilities Act.

[03:52:19] That's the current situation. So you can't just repaint it and, you know, put in a new HVAC system and turn it on. There are serious limitations to the existing building. Gallows Road will be widened at some point, probably, and we're providing right-of-way for that.

[03:52:35] the existing building, there would be issues if you widen gallows to the comp plan and you maintain the existing building. The community preference for the ball field I mentioned during my presentation. And lastly, environmental sustainability. It's very difficult to retrofit the existing building and meet a lot of the environmental objectives that the school board has, that this board has. And so ultimately it was decided two years ago to demolish the existing building, propose a new one. The good news today is through a bumpy road, bumpy roads lead to

[03:53:10] beautiful places, through a very bumpy road, I think we have ended up with a proffer package with respect to the history of the site and the history of the building that is one of the more aggressive ones that I can remember. And we actually took the list that the ARB produced of the five items and we checked them all off with the proffers. And I think the commission saw that.

[03:53:34] So we really have come a long way, quite frankly, in three months on that issue. But with that, Mr. Chairman, we do appreciate your time. Staff recommended approval, and the Planning Commission did, and we would appreciate your support today. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for that rebuttal, and at this time, look to staff for closing comments and a recommendation.

[03:53:58] Yes, thank you. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the application on January 15, 2025, and staff concurs with that recommendation. Thank you very much. Follow-up questions from Board Member Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[03:54:17] I think I have two additional ones now, if that's all right. The first one, and I know you've talked about it, and I know traffic, as was mentioned, is an issue, I mean, the whole county, whether it's a school or one of our streets. Can you walk us through that a little bit more?

[03:54:33] You know, I appreciate having served on the school board that definitely for safety and traffic flow issues, we now separate the bus loop from the car loop, but it's a very long car loop, right, if you look at it. So if you could just walk us through a little bit of both the engineering and the programmatic management that's planned by the schools.

[03:54:56] Yeah, so it is a long loop, and the advantage of that, if I can... Well, you can actually see it on your screen here. The purple line would be the kiss and ride loop, if you will. Objective one is to make sure that the vehicles aren't queuing back onto Idlewood Road because that is a road that's used in the morning in particular for commuter traffic.

[03:55:19] So it's to get the cars off. The good news with this application is you have a long queuing opportunity for those vehicles on site so that they're not backing up to Idlewood Road. It's over 1,000 feet long. But the drop-off, you can see where it's identified on your screen.

[03:55:36] And those of you who have been, I've been through the parent drop-off in Fairfax County Public Schools. Multiple vehicles will pull up, and there are staff out there to get the children out of the vehicles, and then they will go into the school. It's not really highlighted there, but you can see an entrance.

[03:55:55] I don't know if I can point it out with a cursor, but there's an entrance to the school from that side of the building. So the kids will be coming out of the vehicles multiple at a time and then into the school. Those vehicles then go to that circle and turn around. There's nothing to impede them.

[03:56:10] They can turn around and they can flow out and exit the site. It's sufficient width to allow two-way traffic, if you will. And so the idea is you would have the parents coming in and the children would exit the vehicles and then the vehicles would turn around and head out.

[03:56:31] But this, in my experience, and you may have more details, is one of the longer loops available at an elementary school, which is good news for the public road. The parents, again, you can't dictate what they do per se.

[03:56:49] You can, but they don't always listen. But I think that's where we have Proffer 12. And Proffer 12, we've used it at Mosaic Elementary School. It continues to evolve over time, but Proffer 12 says that the applicant will use multiple measures to manage traffic during drop-off and pickup periods without limitation the following.

[03:57:13] Stationing school staff along Idlewood Road and throughout the parking lots for the school to direct bus, vehicle, and pedestrian traffic to mitigate any conflicts and to prevent vehicle queues from extending onto Idlewood Road. That's in the proffers, and that's what the schools are committing to do.

[03:57:30] And they do this at every school site. It's what they have to do, again, to make sure that vehicle traffic is separated from the children who are walking. The bus traffic is separated from parents, and parents can't turn into the bus loop. There are staff out there during drop-off and pickup to address those things.

[03:57:51] And I think you had mentioned pedestrian access, and that really will be, the walkers will be coming along Gallows and Idlewood along that main multipurpose trail, and then they have three points of access into the school site that are apart from the vehicular access to the school site or entrance to the school site.

[03:58:15] Yeah, if you could focus clearly, and I think we've all experienced it, there are plans and then there's the reality, right? So I know that that's been proffered here. Please remind me, because I think what the concern is, and I think we both agree, that the initial outreach and communication with the community was definitely lacking, right?

[03:58:37] Those first couple of years, it has certainly improved. And I know there have been a lot of changes in leadership and the senior leadership in this in the schools and a lot of reasons for that. I think one big concern I have and that community has is the commitment to ensuring that continued coordination and collaboration, right, and being a good neighbor as best as we can to the community.

[03:59:03] So if you can walk us through a little bit of those commitments that have been made. Absolutely. These were some of the proffers we added after the Planning Commission public hearing. Proffer 20 is coordination on school events. And the applicant must schedule major school events to avoid having the students and or parents of the entire student body attending at the same time.

[03:59:26] The idea there is back-to-school nights will be split up among the grades so that you don't have the entire school showing up on any given night. That's one of the examples we cite. But to your point about coordination, the applicant will also provide the opportunity for neighbors to sign up on the applicant's webpage for email notifications regarding events at the school.

[03:59:47] So if you are a neighbor, we're going to provide, Fairfax County Public Schools will provide information so you can sign up. So even if you don't have a child attending the school, you would get a notification that tomorrow night is back to school night or next week is back to school night.

[04:00:03] So that's coordination on that. We have a separate Proffer 21 about communication during construction. And FCPS does have on their website with their capital projects, they have a plan for communicating during those construction projects.

[04:00:24] We've cited that and given some of the elements of it, but there would be specifically a community pre-construction meeting. And they'll be given contact information for a person if they have any issues during construction that are construction-related, they can contact that person.

[04:00:42] And then we did also add Proffer 22 about construction noise and lighting, which is governed pretty strictly by your zoning ordinance, actually. I want to pause there. One little question I got from a resident I spoke to yesterday.

[04:01:00] If you could address the location of the cafeteria and the sack rooms relative to the playground. I don't know if you could show us that again. I know it's a tight site. I don't know if you have that here, but there were some questions about how the children will be able to safely access the cafeteria and the sack rooms.

[04:01:24] I think the size of them was a concern, knowing the size of the school, but most importantly, the location. know if you have that in front of you you know I well I had it in my Planning Commission presentation but I didn't didn't put it in the one for you all so I apologize for that I from the if you look at your screen is there a way to

[04:01:45] use a cursor so where the cursor is that is the sack room and then the cafeteria is on the right side of that correct far right so that's yes that's the cafeteria and the sack room was back where Miss Quinn has her cursor now in

[04:02:19] that location up near the drop-off actually so that is where they would be located and you can see that the outdoor play area is right next door to the sack room it's it's kind of on the opposite end of the school from the cafeteria but on the same side on the north side if you will and the access from both of the cafeteria and the sack room to the play areas in the ball field would be out that entrance where

[04:02:51] the drop-off occurs and then they would walk down and that's 88 accessible sidewalk on the inside part yes of the travel aisle where the red red is they can walk from that entrance down to the play areas in terms of the size of the sack area it's it's standard isn't it I mean and so I honestly I don't know what that means, but in terms of numbers, but it's a standard for this size school. Thank you Okay, additional questions Supervisor Beerman

[04:03:27] I could phrase is a question. I know the answer to it. So I'll just make it as a comment What we're voting on today is a rezoning it is not to move forward with the building of the school That is not up to the board right here. We have an elected school board They get to make their plans about what they move forward with.

[04:03:51] There are multiple elementary schools actually on the CIP, their capital improvement plan, their multiple options, how they could go forward. And that is entirely within their purview. It's not within our purview.

[04:04:05] But I feel, you know, when it comes to also being stewards of taxpayer dollars, I feel to see how essentially slowing down the processes so that when the school board is trying to plan or trying to consider options, we throw yet another wrench in it by not approving a potential rezoning of where a school may one day be needed because of our own sort of personal opinions of exactly what it should be today, which is not within within our purview at all so i actually think the that from on that narrow

[04:04:42] question that was brought up that that's not to me a reason to not approve uh this project thank you thank you supervisor bierman supervisor yemenes i'll be super brief thank you mr chairman i just have one quick comment i gotta say uh our we are very lucky to have our commissions here in fairfax county and our residents participate um i personally felt maybe it wasn't meant that way, but you were very dismissive of the History Commission and working with the History Commission. I hope that's not the case. I don't ever want to hear of folks being so

[04:05:17] dismissive of folks that are giving up their time and knowledgeable. And I do want to thank Tammy Menorino for coming in today and giving testimony. But it is an important area of knowledge for the county. Our residents are giving up their time. And again, I don't want to hear anyone coming up and being dismissive of our commissions thank you mr. chair may i just i i apologize if i seem dismissive this evening or this afternoon i did not mean that at all i think i've said more than once that the input from the history commission your heritage resources staff

[04:05:54] and the architectural review board has been very very valuable and i think that's a lesson learned from this process not um not something that i i intended to be dismissive of thank you mr mcgranahan and i was going to save this for discussion on the motion part um and i do want to have a further discussion on that because i don't feel like you were dismissive here today but i do say that i agree with some who testified about fcps generically's dismissiveness of the the History Commission considerations, and I think each of us probably has experiences with this,

[04:06:32] which is a challenge. It is a challenge to me to say we're going to make improvements because of this particular application, because we know this has been a longstanding problem, and I'll just draw back to an experience I had as a district supervisor with the renovation of Woodlawn Elementary School, which had on its front a Quaker-built historic building, and we literally went to war to preserve a portion of that building and thank goodness we did it's still there but it shouldn't take that and so i'm going to save the rest of my comments for when we act on this but i

[04:07:10] do think the recommendations that the history commission made including the mandatory consultation when the demolition of a site on their inventory list is being considered that that mandatory interaction with the history commission happened much sooner in the process and and that's whether it's FCPS or anyone frankly that that happens sooner in the process but certainly when we're dealing with and with respect to what Mr. Beerman said he's exactly right there is a separate elected school board but in the public venue people look at schools and county as the same and you know I

[04:07:45] think we want to hold our county agencies and the schools to the highest standard of that mandatory consultation but frankly I'd be interested in hearing more on how we can make that mandatory earlier in the process because I think in the end it does make it easier for FCPS and others to tackle those issues on the front end as opposed to trying to work those out on the back end and I think there will probably be some more discussion on that after the motion is made but I appreciate Supervisor Jimenez bringing it up because I do think it is a real issue specifically here we're talking about with FCPS but I think it's an issue with others as well.

[04:08:23] Other questions for the applicant at this point? Questions for the applicant or staff? Okay. Seeing and hearing none, I now am going to close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Palczyk for a motion. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

[04:08:41] Before I read my motion, I'm here trying to get a confirmation because I want to make sure we're fair. I do, and as I said at the beginning, there were certainly issues.

[04:08:57] Some of that may be the schools trying to save money on land use lawyers and maybe not hiring him from the very beginning. So I appreciate that since John has been on, there has been much improvement. We appreciate the stewardship of our schools trying to not do that.

[04:09:14] But it was clear this was a very complicated case. I do believe that there was a meeting with our history commissioner and the schools in early 2024 when they did receive the letter and to try to address some of those concerns.

[04:09:33] So I don't know if that was mentioned today, but I was just confirming with our school board representative that that did occur. And I believe the History Commission continued to recommend denial due to the demolition, but I know that there have been many increased efforts, as well as with the Architectural Review Board, who we also heard maybe needs some additional staff support, but that's on us when they met.

[04:09:59] Let me go ahead and I will try to cut down on some of my comments, because this has been a very challenging case for all of us for the past few years. I'm going to start with Commissioner Hancock's words. despite the challenges with the site, we have much to celebrate with a proposal of a new school in Dunloring. The investments into this community and a new school facility will ultimately get us back to the agreement this county made with Joseph Taylor's family in 1938 that the site would be used for a school and advance Fairfax County Schools commitment to delivering excellence for our students. For someone, I'm not usually history buff, but I'm falling in love with local history.

[04:10:39] Thanks to this process, many of us have learned, I believe, more about the site than any of us knew individually before going into this. As was mentioned, the land was purchased from a former slave and his wife. It was sold for that purpose, to build a school, and it was built using the funds through the Public Works Administration and has a unique design.

[04:11:00] I recently spoke to then Providence District School Board member, Kate Hanley, who mentioned that her first school board meeting in 1984 was the case before her where the superintendent was proposing to surplus the school site.

[04:11:17] She fought pretty hard to slow that down, to take some time, and in lieu of voting that day, it sounds like Kate, right? And knowing that the schools had to be prepared for potential enrollment and growth in this region, she asked the board to take some time to reconsider.

[04:11:37] Through that process, the school was rented out and used by a private school before serving as the Area 3 office and since then has served as a family resource center. More personally, in 1989, this was my first interaction with Fairfax County Public Schools, as this is where I was tested for ESL services before entering the schools.

[04:12:00] As was mentioned earlier, the schools are responsible for the CIP. They are responsible for current and future projections, and nobody wants that job. and they also are responsible for making the decisions of where they invest, how they invest, and how they address the continuing enrollment changes and needs as we go through.

[04:12:20] This is a rezoning case. It is not, as was mentioned, though three of us served on the school board, a case on whether there's a need for the school. This site does have significant constraints and competing priorities to address. You've heard many of them, and I especially appreciate some of the community members.

[04:12:39] we've heard from today, including Ms. Blackburn and Ms. Farahi, who I met with recently, others who have come out and met with us and shared their concerns as community members, separating the bus and car lanes, improving walkability, including accessible programming for early childhood, SAC, the field, and the improved, sorry, pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

[04:13:10] As we've seen, there was a child earlier this year who had an accident on a bike on Idlewood. Access to future Gallows Road transit has also been brought up, and I know it's been a very constrained site, and I very much appreciate our county staff, including our transportation team Katie Quinn and the whole team who helped make this a better proposal let me skip ahead a little bit as we have heard while the current projections are different than they were several years ago we know and we have heard that there are concerns when schools are not built to the

[04:13:50] best capacity to ensure that there's not a need for trailer so I appreciate the schools looking to try to be forward thinking in that ability, even if they are not seeing that current projection here. I understand for them to be able financially, though, to be able to use land already owned by the school that's been set aside for years to be reused as a school and to move what are more office uses into appropriate office spaces and have schools in our neighborhoods. Not just with this site, but with all our applications, we definitely know that being able to have

[04:14:27] the usable open space to preserve the natural environment, to improve multimodal transportation connections, and to make it safer. We've definitely heard a lot about safety and the current existing concerns, as well as how this site could mitigate or impact that.

[04:14:46] To that, I very much appreciate even to February 3rd, the last minute, working with the schools to address the need for the continued sidewalk on Idlewood all the way to Cedar Lane. That will be a joint commitment.

[04:15:02] Appreciate the additional proffer, not just to the payment, but also to work collaboratively with our offices to ensure that sidewalk is hopefully done completely collaboratively and if not, as much as feasible within that time frame.

[04:15:19] As you heard, there are topography issues. Um, we have met and there have been community meetings, so I agree there that, um, I hope the schools have learned, uh, that the beginning of this process was not, uh, did not meet the expectations, um, as we saw with the mosaic, uh, rezoning, uh, it has improved near the end.

[04:15:41] So, um, to that, I very much, I want to thank, um, the History Commission. Um, I want to thank Tammy. I want to thank my commissioner, uh, Sue, who's sitting there. I want to thank Gretchen and all who've been involved. Clearly, there are outstanding historical issues to our historical work that need to be addressed.

[04:16:02] And the Architectural Review Board absolutely appreciate these volunteers' time. And as was heard, all of their recommendations were implemented and very much appreciate that, including the architects on the project figuring out how to include that facade to the internal pieces.

[04:16:20] We will continue to work. I also know that there continue to be differences of opinion as well within the community about the connections with the trail to Waystone Court, with the existing needs of the community just south of here, and ensuring that they have our county resources at FCDOT to do things that maybe are TAP or not related to this project.

[04:16:48] It's been a long process. I want to thank my colleagues for the patience on this. I do hope and trust that this is a better rezoning outcome, that we have learned some lessons about how we work with our communities, our history commission, and our architectural review board.

[04:17:09] And I do appreciate the revised proffers to be able to memorialize the need for leadership currently in the schools and in the future to be those good neighbors we are as you said there's not much land left in the county so as we live in closer quarters with one another it is critical that we continue to do that to the best of our not ability so to that I have two quick motions mr. chairman I I move that the Board of Supervisors approve RZ-2023-PR-00018 and the Associated General

[04:17:49] Development Plan, subject to the executed proffers dated February 3rd, 2025. I further move that the Board of Supervisors approve a modification of the transitional screening and waiver of the barrier requirements in favor of the landscaping shown on the GDP.

[04:18:10] You've heard the motion. It's been seconded, I'm sorry, by Supervisor Alcorn. Discussion on the motion. Supervisor Herity. Yeah, and I'll try to be really quick. You know, I actually have history with Dunloring. It was the field I practiced rugby on way back in the 90s.

[04:18:28] You know, I'm very familiar with the difficulty in projections. We talked a lot about Supervisor Highland this morning in the South County Middle School. We need to get Rob Robertory out of retirement because he was pretty good at it. that was where we under projected so you know it's a I don't I'm not lost on the irony that the school board school board budget public hearing is tonight on the budget but it's been said this is a land-use case not a budget case I think I am inclined to improve this and hoping that it sits on the shelves until the

[04:19:07] capacity is needed so we don't have to go through this process and expense again And that will give us time to work some of the issues as well I would much rather be hearing a case on the renovation expansion of Centerville High School We do have capacity issues than this one, but I will be supporting other discussions Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, just very quickly I do very much appreciate Supervisor Jimenez comments in your comments. Mr. Chairman about the ARB and the History Commission

[04:19:36] In particular, and I'm sitting thinking of a couple of schools in Hunter Mill District that I really hope we watch out for in terms of their historical status. So please take that message back.

[04:19:52] You know, let's make sure that we're taking into account these buildings can be so important to a community and community's identity. And the other point I would make, though, we do have overcrowding of elementary schools in the area, certainly around Tyson's in the Vienna area.

[04:20:16] So I know the school board is in the middle of beginning their boundary reviews, and thank God they're doing it. That's all I'm going to say. I really appreciate that, and I'm really glad it ain't us because there's nothing tougher ever.

[04:20:32] than doing that but but frankly this will this will be another piece which will give them some flexibility and I trust and hope that they make a good call on that so thank you thank you very much and let me just say first I'm gonna ask staff on behalf of the board to come back to us with a plan for how we can make mandatory early on in the process the meetings that were recommended by the history commission with the history commission and the architectural review board when there's an application coming forward that contemplates demolition of

[04:21:10] us of a building that's on our inventory and and perhaps we can start with at least a mechanism to make that a requirement if it is the county or the county schools that are the applicant at a minimum and see how that process I thank supervisor Palchek for her work on this these are are never easy and I share a lot of the comments that had been made by others on this I would just say that you know we do have an application that was approved by the Planning Commission the architectural review board and by the staff and I

[04:21:47] appreciate that after the initial Planning Commission hearing that there was a deferral so that some of these issues can be worked through recognizing not all of them are worked through. I am a little bit uncomfortable with the extent of the historic preservation that's here, but I also appreciate that that is being done, and I think it's something that an earlier meeting maybe could steer the process a little bit better moving forward.

[04:22:16] There are some things in this application that I think from an FCPS standpoint are good. Frankly, I'm glad to see a four-story building. I think FCPS generally needs to be thinking more about preservation of green space and looking at more modern and denser buildings, as the applicant correctly stated.

[04:22:39] Land is hard to find. In addition to that, so are athletic fields. And so I think the preservation and protection of that as an asset on this site is not only critical to the health of the kids at this school, but also for community use and youth use with our organized sports leagues as well.

[04:22:58] And so I think the future of the schools needs to be looking up and not out. And too often we see out, which stampedes green space and makes things more difficult. So I am appreciative of that. I'm appreciative of the sidewalks and the other pedestrian assets that are being added here.

[04:23:17] I will say a lot of the conversation about traffic and safety concerns around the schools, The schools do a very good job of supplying their staff who are not, this is not why they went into this business, of being directors of the parking lots.

[04:23:36] And no matter how many times we say this, it doesn't work. I think all of us as parents of school kids have seen this firsthand. I just wish the parents would do a better job. I mean, I hate to say that here because it's not really directly pertinent to this case, But we do have to understand as a community that there are limits to what the schools can do in terms of common sense, safety driven decision that parents increasingly are making on these school properties.

[04:24:07] We have a lot of small, old schools on sites just like this all over the county. And sadly, you know, too often it's up to the staff at those schools to police the parking lots. And as I said, they do a good job, but I think all of us as parents and people who live, these are our communities.

[04:24:27] These schools are in our communities, I think, need to give a little bit more thought to our own behavior, in and around schools in particular. I know we've looked at and we've implemented camera systems for speed around schools, and we're doing things we can to try to get people's attention better.

[04:24:44] But, geez, let's look out for each other and each other's kids, especially when we're driving onto or around school properties. And so this is a difficult one, but I know it's been one that's been around for a while. And as Supervisor Beerman, I believe, and others have stated, this is an option for the school boards moving forward to consider how they deal with an ever-evolving change in demographics and demand on so many of our school properties.

[04:25:15] and this is one already owned by the school system and if the best use for them is to put this in place you know I think we owe it to them to give them the chance to do that and I think a number of protections are put in here but that being said I will acknowledge this is a difficult case and I think some improvements with regard to the way we deal with the history Commission can come out of this and become more permanent moving forward and so for those reasons i will support it i do thank the folks who came forward and testified because much of what i heard concerns are real uh the tragedy is those concerns are real and are around all of

[04:25:55] our schools uh across the county and as a community we've got we've got to do a better job with that so with that uh all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries 10 to 0 and that moves us on to our next public hearing and while they're packing up I want to thank our staff for their work on this as well I know this has been one that's been around for a while and I know it has its challenges but the staff being dedicated to trying to solve these problems was not one of them with that being said our next

[04:26:34] public hearing is a public hearing on RZ 2024-HM-00009, Silverstone Reston Owner LLC in the Hunter Mill District. And when they are ready, if the applicant could please reaffirm the affidavit.

[04:26:57] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. My name is Lynn Strovel. I represent the applicant. I reaffirm the affidavit that is dated January 18th, 2025. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any disclosures? Are there any disclosures?

[04:27:15] Seeing and hearing none, I will now recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you. This is a rezoning application for a new continuing care facility. The property is zoned R1 and is currently vacant.

[04:27:30] The western side of the site is encumbered by floodplain, resource protection area, and environmental quality corridor. A special exception was previously approved on the site to permit a medical care facility with up to 136 assisted living and memory care units.

[04:27:48] The applicant seeks to rezone the application, or the property rather, to the PCC district to permit a continuing care facility instead of a medical care facility, which would allow the applicant to add independent living units, which were not previously permitted under the special exception.

[04:28:04] The proposed application includes layout refinements compared to the approved site design, but would otherwise be very similar to the approved special exception. The building would be three stories tall and consist of brick, masonry, and siding.

[04:28:21] And that concludes my presentation. Thank you. Thank you very much for that. At this time, we'd recognize the applicant for an applicant's presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. I'm not going to provide my presentation.

[04:28:37] I think I can just provide a brief summary, if you will, and then I'll be happy to answer any questions or if there's something in my presentation you need to see, we'll bring that up. So the applicant in this case is a developer and owner of high-quality, independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities.

[04:28:57] And a majority of those communities have all of those uses to allow residents to age in place as their health care needs change. The applicant acquired this property several years after it was approved for a medical care facility.

[04:29:14] It was approved just for assisted living and actually went through a site plan approval process with a recommendation of approval, But then took a pause because they really decided that the better way to serve, you know, Fairfax County residents would be to have a continuum of care.

[04:29:33] It allows people to move in a little bit earlier, to stay in one location, and oftentimes have the benefit of being able to stay with their spouse. And so they took a pause and went through this process to add independent living. So this will have independent living as well as assisted living.

[04:29:53] and again, have that critical component of being able to age in place. As was mentioned, there are very few changes proposed with this from a practical matter on the exterior of the site. We have the same limits of clearing.

[04:30:09] We're not changing the height, the bulk, the massing, really the setbacks. So it's really the same just with this addition of independent living. We did present this to the Hunter Mill Land Use Committee, received their favorable recommendation.

[04:30:28] Also presented to the Health Care Advisory Board, received their favorable recommendation, as well as a favorable recommendation from staff and the Planning Commission. So with that, I would be happy to answer any questions. I think this is something that will benefit the residents of Fairfax County and would ask for your favorable consideration today.

[04:30:50] Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing. I have no one who signed up in advance to testify. Is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to speak on this matter?

[04:31:07] Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have any callers. No callers. No callers. I assume the applicant waives rebuttal. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the application on December 11, 2024.

[04:31:23] and staff concurs with that recommendation. Thank you very much. Last check. No questions from board members. That being the case, I will close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Alcorn for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the Board of Supervisors approve RZ 2024-HM-00009 subject to the executed proffers dated January 13, 2025 and the approval of the modifications and waivers listed in the handout dated December 11, 2024.

[04:31:52] You've heard the motion. 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. Thank you very much. And finally, this afternoon, this evening, I should say, we have a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment regarding special events and food trucks. And as soon as

[04:32:17] staff is ready, we would welcome a staff presentation. Good evening, Mr. Chairman and supervisors, Lili Gazoo, with the Department of Planning and Development. With me today I have

[04:32:54] Casey Judge, also from the same department. I also have Bill Mayland, Leslie Johnson, Tracy Strunk, also from DPD, as well as Laura Gray from Office of the County Attorney and Deputy Fire Chief Vanoy from Office of the Fire Marshals. The proposed zoning ordinance amendment before you is listed on the Zoning Ordinance Work Program and was added in response to the Board's direction

[04:33:29] to evaluate the existing special event standards and to explore ways to enhance flexibility and eliminate unnecessary restrictions and time limits in reviewing the Administrative Permit, or AP, for special events. Although food trucks are classified as a separate temporary use, Staff identified potential modifications to the foot truck standards during the research and outreach phase, which are also incorporated into this amendment.

[04:34:02] During the outreach, research and feedback from various county review agencies, which indicated that the AP review is essential for mitigating potential impacts on the surrounding community.

[04:34:17] It also ensures that applicants understand the need to obtain all necessary permits from other review agencies. As a result, staff recommends that all special events currently requiring an AP should continue to do so, and the proposal will not introduce new event types that require an AP.

[04:34:40] Staff recommends a two-tiered AP approach. The proposed Tier 1 AP would be applicable to short-term events that have minimal impact due to their limited duration and scope. Examples of such events include grand openings for retail or similar events.

[04:35:02] The proposed standards include the following with options provided shown in blue on the screen. Each event is limited to one day and must last no more than eight hours, excluding setup and breakdown times. There must be a minimum of five days between each one-day event.

[04:35:21] No more than 12 events may take place at the same property within a year. Events cannot occur before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. And the total number of attendees at any one time during an event cannot exceed 150 attendees.

[04:35:39] Lastly, an application fee of $120 is proposed. Any event that exceeds these standards may be approved as an AP Tier 2. The current average review timeline in reviewing the all special event administrative permits currently is around 13 days approximately.

[04:36:05] And staff anticipates completion of review of Tier 1 APs within one to three days, given that the AP events would be more streamlined. Depending on whether or not there would be review required by other agencies or there is additional revisions requested from the applicant.

[04:36:30] The proposed Tier 2 would apply to long-term uses that may have additional impacts on adjacent properties due to their extent, duration, and operational scope. Examples of such uses include seasonal Christmas tree sales, cultural festivals, and concert series.

[04:36:49] As proposed, the Tier 2 AP would increase the special event duration from the current 21-day limit per event to up to a maximum of 60 days. However, since seasonal sales and events such as carnivals and circuses may be held on consecutive days and can significantly impact nearby properties, a shorter duration is recommended for these uses.

[04:37:19] Specifically, seasonal sales is proposed to be limited to 45 days and 21 days is proposed for carnivals or circuses. Lastly, staff proposes to keep the current special event fee of $240 for the Tier 2 AP.

[04:37:37] Any request that exceeds the standards for a Tier 2 AP may be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals through a special permit process. During our outreach, staff received feedback from event organizers and food truck operators indicating that the process of reapplying for reoccurring events each year was burdensome and time-consuming, especially when the events are identical from year to year.

[04:38:07] To address this, the proposed amendment introduces a new process for both Tier 1 AP and Tier 2 APs, where permits will be issued for a two-year period for a program of events, specifically recurring special events that do not have significant changes from one year to the other in terms of the expected number of attendees or the duration and extent of the event.

[04:38:34] The AP for a program of events may include multiple events occurring on consecutive or non-consecutive days. The zoning administrator may review the permit for an additional period of up to five years, provided the applicant has demonstrated compliance with all standards and regulations.

[04:38:55] A renewal fee of $60 is also proposed. As mentioned earlier, staff is proposing two changes to the existing foot truck standards as part of this amendment. Currently, the foot truck regulations allow up to three foot trucks on a property, provided that the property has a principal use with at least 25,000 square feet of gross floor area of GFA.

[04:39:21] The proposed amendment would permit one foot truck on properties with a principal use of less than 25,000 square feet of GFA. Additionally, the amendment proposes increasing the number of days that foot trucks can operate in conjunction with any approved non-residential use in a residential district.

[04:39:42] The proposal would increase from the current 12 times per year to up to 32 times per year, which aligns with the number of weekend days during the summer months, including the two Monday holidays. An option to allow four trucks to operate up to 52 days per year is provided for the Board's consideration.

[04:40:04] No changes have been proposed to the other existing standards, including the four-hour time limit per location. With that, I conclude my presentation, and I'm available to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. Thank you so much for that presentation.

[04:40:21] Are there any questions of staff? Any questions of staff? Let me ask one, because I know that with regard to pop-ups and community events right now, that the average review timeline for special events is 13 days, and I understand staff anticipates completion of review of Tier 1 administrative permits within one to three days from submission.

[04:40:51] I guess what I'm looking for is a commitment that that is the outer edge. My concern is if it takes longer to get a permit than the event lasts, you're going to have people just do the event, and we want them to be encouraged to come through the process the right way.

[04:41:08] So what kind of a commitment can we get from staff in terms of the time it would take to get a permit approved and the simplicity of that permit so that we encourage people to come through our process as opposed to make it so hard and difficult for them to understand that they just skip it and just go forward with their event anyway?

[04:41:30] Mr. Chairman, Leslie Johnson, Zoning Administrator, I mean, I appreciate your comments that they would just go ahead and do it anyway. I mean, I'm sure there are a lot that already do that currently. I think that, for the most part, we should be able to address between one to three days.

[04:41:51] The issue comes in where they file something through PLUS. We can review it on that. Typically, it's reviewed within 24 hours, right? And if they, and we're working on a PLUS application that they fill out the questions, And if there are no, there's no need to go to the fire marshal to get a tent or other type of facility, and there's no need to go to the health department to get food, a food establishment, you know, then we could probably issue that the next day.

[04:42:25] Sometimes, because it's a nonprofit, people don't always know how to file things. We don't always get all the information that we need. And so, you know, I will commit that we will do our very best to do that, and I know that I believe Supervisor Smith has a follow-on motion that we'll come back to you to kind of show you what's happening, and then if we need to make some additional changes or tweaks, we can look at that.

[04:42:54] I think that's essential, and related to that, I know you can't be held accountable for this. Your department can't be, but certainly if the health department or fire marshal causes delays for these, that's something, you know, we want to be able to hear, too, because at the end of the day, we're on the same team.

[04:43:12] And we want people to come in and get the permit. We don't want to have the process be so difficult or cumbersome that they end up just moving forward without the safety checks that come with the permit application. And that's what those are, mostly safety checks. And I think with the health department and the food establishment, that's a pretty streamlined process, and that's incorporated into our actual review.

[04:43:37] And if they have food trucks, I mean, it's pretty seamless. We don't get complaints right now, so I'm hopeful that we'll be able to accommodate that with these smaller Tier 1 applications. I appreciate that because it's essential for us that we simplify this and make it a process that encourages people to want to come through and then at the end feels good that they were able to get a permit and get it quickly.

[04:44:06] And sometimes some of the groups that put on these special events also don't have a lot of lead time. So they may be coming to you at the last minute. I'd rather have that than them not come to us at all. So I think that's one of the things, honestly, you know, we'll see in the data that comes back later.

[04:44:22] The other thing that I think we're looking at also is to look at our web page and to make sure that that has a lot of information. So we'll be, I know Lily is working on with a plus, and that's why we wanted an extra time to get all those applications. And we can look at our web page and, you know, maybe there is something that we can do like a lunch and learn for nonprofits and groups that want to avail themselves of these kinds of activities.

[04:44:49] And we can kind of help walk them through that. So those are some of the things that we can look at, you know, maybe going out as we get into the season and as we see how things are working that we can also look into doing. Thank you.

[04:45:04] And I appreciate safety, number one, simplicity, number two, because without the simplicity, you might not be able to address the safety issues because one doesn't come forward. And so I just want us to keep that in mind. Supervisor Patrick. Thank you, Mr. Schrammer.

[04:45:20] I was going to save it until the follow-ins, but kind of following up on that, I really appreciate, number one, the work that's gone into this. I know we've had some struggles with some events, especially in the Mosaic and Tyson's area. I think following up on that, I love hearing about the communication.

[04:45:39] I guess if you have a plan or if you've thought about or will be working with NCS and maybe your small business offices about how to best communicate this, including the waiver, I don't know if it's a program, but currently the way the waivers are is, you know, they go through our board.

[04:46:00] I think that's expected to stay the same. But I wanted to know if you had thoughts or will be working on how to both communicate that to the public and to the internal staff as well. I think what we would more than likely do is talk about reasonable accommodations and things like that, because we already provide for that in the ordinance.

[04:46:28] I don't know if a fee waiver rises to that, But at least if somebody does say, look, I'm really having a hard time, or as a board member and you're aware of a nonprofit that wants to hold an event that is having trouble paying the fee, then we can certainly, you know, work with you.

[04:46:45] I mean, a fee waiver is at the prerogative of the board. So I am a little hesitant to just put out a blanket advertisement because there are different types of nonprofits, and that's a little difficult.

[04:47:02] But I think we could maybe talk about things like if you have trouble paying a fee, contact us, and then we can direct them into the appropriate format in order to do that. Okay. No, I would appreciate that because I think, well, I appreciate we have that program.

[04:47:21] I always worry about the inequities we've created of people who know to contact us versus having the accommodations and letting people contact you first. I think that makes sense. Thank you. Okay. This is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter.

[04:47:40] Is there anyone present in the auditorium that 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 ask if we have any callers. No callers. No callers. closing comments and a recommendation from staff excuse me on january 15 2025 the planning commission voted to recommend to the board of supervisors the adoption of the proposed zoning ordinance amendment with the staff recommended options with a delayed effective date of march 1st 2025 and with minor

[04:48:19] changes to the definition as well as to the staff recommended hours and times for the ap tier one staff has no objections to the planning commission recommendations and continues to recommend the adoption of the proposed zoning ordinance amendment thank you thank you very much for that and at this time we'll close the public hearing and turn to supervisor smith for a motion thank you mr chairman i have a single motion with multiple parts regarding the amendments to the zoning ordinance amendment for special events and food trucks and then i have two follow-on motions mr chairman i move that the board of supervisors adopt the proposed zoning ordinance amendment for

[04:48:57] special events and food trucks with the staff recommended options as set forth in the staff report dated december 12 2024 with a delayed effective date of march 1 2025 at 1201 a.m with the following changes one revise the special event definition to read as follows a temporary outdoor activity held on private property and open to the general public including but not limited to seasonal sales the display of goods and merchandise associated with the retail use community or cultural events musical or arts events celebrations festivals fairs carnivals

[04:49:34] and circuses to amend the duration standard in subsection 4102.8 i 11a1 for a tier one special event as provided in the options to permit a one-day special event to operate a maximum of 12 hours, inclusive of setup and breakdown.

[04:49:54] And three, amend the hours of operation standard in subsection 4102.8 I-11A-4 as provided in the options so no event may occur before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and after 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and before a federal holiday.

[04:50:15] And four, amend the standard in subsections 4102.8E3D and 4102.8E8 as provided in the options to permit food trucks for 45 days per calendar year per approved location.

[04:50:32] You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Palchuk. 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? motion carries supervisor smith okay my first follow-on i move that the board directs staff to examine the feasibility of allowing food trucks to operate for longer periods of time you want to do those each one individually i can just do them all let's do them all that's fine and two i move that staff monitor tier one administrative permits for a six-month period

[04:51:08] and report back to the board by december 2025. the report should include the number of tier one administrative permits issued and the average time taken to issue you heard the motion and multiple seconds and let me just say before we vote that one I appreciate the follow-on motions which address the issue we just discussed and two I really appreciate the good work that vice chair Smith did on this and the staff and particularly the reach out to board members to make sure this reflected the many different concerns that we had and minor adjustments from what the Planning Commission approved but also want to thank the Planning

[04:51:46] Commission for their their work on this as well with that being said all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries and if there's no further discussion that brings us to the end of our board meeting of February 4th, 2025, and our board is adjourned.

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