Coraggio Consulting
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Place: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 3h 35m (video)
Official meeting video (Fairfax County): https://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/player/clip/3910
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 2026-10-29. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:11] And good morning, everyone. Welcome to our board meeting of September 30th, 2025. And we are going to begin our meeting the way we always do, which is to reflect on those we would like to keep in our thoughts and prayers. And with that, we will follow that with the Pledge of Allegiance.

[00:00:27] And I'm going to begin just by mentioning two individuals that have sadly passed away. And I'm going to start with Bob Grimmett. Bob was the president of Northern Virginia, I'm sorry, Virginia Roofing Corporation, wore many hats in strengthening our community.

[00:00:44] In particular, Bob served on the FACETS Board of Directors from 2014 to 2019, two of those years as their board chair. And those on this dais know FACETS is a trusted partner that serves many residents with health and human services.

[00:01:00] Bob made significant impacts during his time at FACETS and all the things that he did in our community. And I know that the FACETS team, as well as Bob's family, were really shocked by his passing. And so if we could keep Bob Grimmett and his family in our thoughts and prayers, I would appreciate that.

[00:01:21] And then the second one, and this one is particularly painful and hits close to home for us at the Board of Supervisors, But Jane Edmondson passed away, and the board might recall that several meetings ago I asked that we keep her in our thoughts and prayers that she had had some significant complications from a surgery that she had.

[00:01:42] And I learned of her passing peacefully on September 19th, and again, this was following a stroke she had during heart surgery and subsequent lengthy hospitalization. And I want to thank the folks at ANOVA that, you know, I reached out to to make sure she was getting the best of care.

[00:02:01] She had had some challenges making connections her family had, getting her the right care. Jane, as we know, had a formidable career in public service. Most of us will remember her as the chief of staff to our former colleague, John Faust, in the Drainsville District.

[00:02:17] And those of us on our staff who had the privilege of working alongside Jane will remember her as a charming and strong-willed individual who, as her family described, quote-unquote, managed to be a powerful force without ever alienating those around her.

[00:02:34] And I think that's a strong testament to the life that she lived. For those of us who personally got to interact with Jane over many years, I can tell you she was, I mean, I can almost see her sitting here where she spent so much time behind us. And she was a joy to work with in every single thing that I worked with her on, just a first-class individual and someone who cared so deeply about her community.

[00:03:02] And when she went into surgery, nobody in her family expected, as you wouldn't expect there to be any complications. And so this was sudden, very tough for her husband, Jim, their four children and the 11 grandchildren that adored her and that and that she adored.

[00:03:20] And so Jane's passing is is is hard for a lot of us. And, you know, she had so much more to give to our community. But I think at this moment, we're going to remember all that she gave to Fairfax County because she did a lot, not just in the Drainville District, but for all of us in Fairfax County.

[00:03:41] And so if we could keep our husband, Jim, and her children and grandchildren in our thoughts and prayers, I would certainly appreciate that. And I know that Supervisor Behrman, I'm going to recognize him, has some information also about her service, her celebration of life that we would like to share, not just with the board, but if those of us who could share that information with people that might have known Jane, I know that Jim and her family would appreciate that.

[00:04:09] And with that, I'm going to recognize Supervisor Behrman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Jane was wonderful. Jane worked for John for nearly 16 years, and she was a force to be reckoned with.

[00:04:29] My favorite quote from John about her was that Jane could take you and beat you up, and then you'd want to go have drinks and lunch with her afterwards. She just was dogged and passionate in getting projects done.

[00:04:45] And John jokes, you know, project after project after project, he would say Jane Edmondson's fingerprints were all over it. In the really beautiful obituary that her family wrote for her, there was a point about her job before she joined the Board of Supervisors when she was a senior officer at the National Captioning Institute, where she played a central role in creating an essential public service that increased accessibility for millions of Americans.

[00:05:19] And her family wrote, her years there demanded persistence and grit as she navigated the challenges and overcame the everyday sexism of the era. After one particularly heated meeting, a male colleague called her a tough broad, a title Jane wore with pride.

[00:05:37] So I love that story about Jade. She used to send me sometimes very, very funny text messages about things that were going on at the board. She knew everything about she stayed very clued in and very in touch.

[00:05:53] And she continued to serve on the Human Services Council. I'm really regretting one thing this morning, which is so her her memorial is going to be on October 11th at Lewinsville Presbyterian. at 11 a.m. and the family was very clear they said uh wear bright colors because jade would have loved that and uh we had to take a a special picture this morning of the the new board the current composition and i i considered but i chickened out on wearing a bright pink tie

[00:06:27] and then kathy walked in and i thought man you you you blew it uh because i really wanted to uh honor Jane in that way. So she helped get my office off the ground. She stayed over in my office. I've spoken so many times with admiration for John, my predecessor, and what his approach to politics was, which was to, you know, all politics are local, deliver for people, get things done constituent services you know every call gets responded to every issue gets done and

[00:07:07] you know that was really uh very much started by by jane and and very much jane's uh ethic and ethos um she came back to the office once to brief me on the human services council and she had this very you know characteristically blunt with her mischievous grin she said you know i really thought that i would miss work but i don't retirement's great so she she really should have she should have had so much more time and her family should have had so much more time and

[00:07:40] we're very sad but we will continue to to honor the tough broad that was jane edmondson so thank you thank you very much uh jimmy and and you know i know um the last time i saw jane in person was She threw one heck of a party for John Faust at the end of his last term on the board.

[00:08:04] And, you know, the joy that she had and the brightness of that moment that she brought, you know, I think is the types of things we want to remember Jane for. It's just a bright light at all times that tried to bring people together and bring joy to everything that she worked on.

[00:08:21] So thank you for sharing your thoughts. Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to add, Jane was one of those people, those leaders and very strong, feminine leader who sat there and listened more than she spoke.

[00:08:41] But when she said something, it was both thoughtful, compassionate, and we all know John. We love him, but we know to keep John in line took someone like Jane to do that. But I have to say the community aspect was so incredible, and I was so excited to see her in my office in her new role and so disappointed that she won't be able to share that with all of us and with her family.

[00:09:07] But I first heard this week, not from someone here, but from someone in the McLean community of a different political party who said, is it true that Jane passed away? She is so, so beloved in our community. We'll be missed.

[00:09:24] and a young woman who was so inspired by Jane. So I just, she wasn't well-known. I never saw the parts, the fun parts that maybe Jimmy or John got to see, but I always admired the way she presented herself, the way she brought all of her knowledge and respect for the work, and especially her big heart and passion for human services and for improving the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.

[00:09:54] So we are all, Fairfax is a better place because of Jane. Thank you. Thank you. And anyone else who would like to be recognized? Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I definitely want to add my voice to Jane Edmondson and her work and contributions and just the joy and the strength that you saw in her and the work that she did.

[00:10:16] So I'm very much saddened by her passing, particularly all the years that she had given and many more that she should have been able to have to further really add to all of our quality of life in Fairfax County. I have a couple other to mention.

[00:10:33] This occurred about a month and a half ago. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Rowe Ulamin, or Rowe, Kwander, passed away. He was a native Washingtonian author and retired D.C. administrative judge.

[00:10:49] He was a proud descendant of the Kwander family, one of the oldest documented African-American families in the nation. In 1985, he founded the Quandter Historical and Educational Society to preserve and share this extraordinary history. He also advised George Washington's Mount Vernon on its Lives Bound Together exhibition, founded the League of Enslaved Mount Vernon Descendants, and authored several books, including a biography of his ancestor, Nellie Quandter, a founder of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

[00:11:21] He will be remembered for preserving the stories of the Quandter family and generations, many generations, of African Americans connected to Mount Vernon, ensuring their legacy will not be forgotten. And then I have just one more item, and this is another deeply saddening accident that took place on Richmond Highway.

[00:11:43] This past Tuesday night, our community experienced another tragic loss. In High Blue Valley, a 62-year-old woman, Tarina Jones, was struck and killed in a deadly hit-and-run incident on Richmond Highway near the Mount Vernon Crossroads Shopping Plaza.

[00:12:00] At this time, I ask that we all take a moment of silence, also to remember Ms. Jones and keep her loved ones in our thoughts, and also remember that these hit-and-runs have a powerful impact on all of us, And our police do an extraordinary job of finding and tracking and not only bringing the just of those individuals who seem to flaunt our laws and hurt our people.

[00:12:24] So thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. Anyone else who would like to be recognized, seeing and hearing none? If all who are able could please rise for a moment of silence to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

[00:12:36] Please face the flag.

[00:13:07] Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And this morning we have three presentations, and for each presentation I will announce the proclamation and invite our speaker down to the podium in front of me.

[00:13:37] We will then read the proclamation, vote on it, and after our speaker's remarks we will pose for a picture from the dais. And first up this morning, we have a resolution to recognize Joseph Heastie for his 20 years of dedicated service on the Commission on Aging and for decades of service and advocacy for the community.

[00:13:57] And this was requested by myself and Supervisor Palczyk. And our speaker this morning, of course, is Joe Heastie, Fairfax County Commission on Aging. And with that, I'm going to turn to Supervisor Palczyk to read the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Whereas Joseph Heastie has dedicated 20 years of faithful service on the Fairfax County Commission on Aging, bringing wisdom, compassion, and a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Fairfax County.

[00:14:28] And whereas throughout his tenure, Mr. Heastie has provided valuable insight and leadership in shaping policies, programs, and services that support the health, dignity, and independence of seniors in our community. And whereas Mr. Heastey's tireless advocacy extended beyond the Commission on Aging, as he devoted decades of service to organizations, initiatives, and causes that uplifted residents of all ages, reflecting his deep belief in equity, justice, and community engagement.

[00:15:00] And whereas his leadership, mentorship, and collaborative spirit have inspired fellow commissioners, community leaders, and countless residents, creating a lasting legacy of service and civic responsibility.

[00:15:13] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents, hereby recognizes and honors Joseph Hastie for his 20 years of distinguished service on the Fairfax County Commission on Aging and for his decades of tireless advocacy and selfless contributions to the well-being of the community with best wishes for continued success, health, and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

[00:15:41] So now I'll second that, along with Supervisor Alcorn. Discussion on the motion. Supervisor Palcic. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Well, I have to say it's lovely to see Joseph. It's also lovely to see his beloved family. I knew more about our first elected school board member of Providence, Ms. Husty, and had the opportunity to meet Eleanor this morning.

[00:16:08] But getting to know Joe through the work of the Commission on Aging and hearing from the community, Joe is one of those people who is always listening, always attentive, always thoughtful. And when he shares words, those words really make a difference.

[00:16:26] And his commission listens to him. I want to share one quote that we had from Kathy Cole, the chair of the Commission on Aging. What I have learned is that he came to this area in 1974 to begin work with the Army doing newly evolving computer and coding type work.

[00:16:47] He was and is a very enlightened man and quickly recognized that women were not being hired to do this kind of work. If you all recall, women were considered suitable only for clerical work, certainly not work that was as complicated as computers.

[00:17:03] The Equal Rights Amendment had been recently passed by Congress in 1972, and the ERA was out to the states for ratification in 1974. Joe was active in encouraging women, and I see why, to apply for this work and help them reward their resumes to show their qualifications.

[00:17:24] Much more recently, Joe was honored with a Mason Medal in 2019. At the time, it was noted that very few had served in as many roles at the university. As student, member of the Board of Visitors, and Alumni Association Board President, leading GMU efforts related to diversity and access.

[00:17:45] I think Joe is one of those silent, but very effective and powerful leaders, and has served our community so incredibly well. I'm saddened that he will no longer be our representative on the Commission on Aging, but he has left it a better place, and I look forward to his family having a little more time back with him, but I hope you will still be available when we need your advice and questions.

[00:18:11] So thank you, Joe, and to his very powerful women who allowed him to continue this work for so many years. Supervisor Herdy. Yeah, as chair of the 50-plus committee for either 12 or 15 years, I forget. You know, I got to see Joe's commitment to the community up front and close firsthand when when he was instrumental in pulling together the award-winning 50-plus community action plan.

[00:18:41] And many of those initiatives are living on in our community today. So I want to thank you for all of your service to our older adults. Very meaningful, important service. So thank you. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you.

[00:18:56] Yeah, just to build on these comments, you know, the Commission on Aging has really stepped up over the last few years. You know, we have the Shape the Future of Aging plan that's being implemented. There's a lot of good stuff going on, and I know you've been a major part of that. Thank you for doing that.

[00:19:13] And it was mentioned, too, some of the earlier things. I know you were on the IDA for, I believe, a number of years. So, you know, your service extends, I think, beyond even things that we've captured. And I also just want to compliment you, first of all, on making an amazing choice of a spouse.

[00:19:33] And I know it was mutual, but also just compliment you on a certain super intern in the Providence office way back in the day that, you know, really gave a lot back then and really showed a lot of promise, which has come through.

[00:19:53] So what a wonderful job you've done in so many areas, Joe. Really, really honored to be able to help honor you today to do as well. Thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[00:20:09] I'm delighted to reflect back almost 30 years and to remember having the opportunity to meet both Ernestine and Joe when I was working in then Supervisor Conley's office. So I've gotten to watch both of you and the commitments and dedication of service here has been extraordinary.

[00:20:31] And I appreciate the point that Dahlia referenced with your service also to George Mason. And I believe you're also on the rector of the Board of Visitors there as well. So your commitment to the university has made a lasting impact in so many ways.

[00:20:52] And I just want to thank you for your service to this community and acknowledge that what you've done has made a difference. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk, and let me wrap up, too, and thank Joe. First, I want to thank the whole family, and especially want to thank Eleanor, because growing up in a family with two parents who were so engaged, I know that meant nights away, I know that meant commitments to Fairfax County, and sometimes as a child with that active, parents can sometimes not always be the easiest.

[00:21:30] But I think what we're here to do today is to honor the difference that both of your parents made in our community, and specifically Joe today for his 20 years of service on the Commission on Aging. But I want to reemphasize, you heard a couple people say here, and I might have the complete list, but I might also be missing some things that Joe did at GMU, and some people have mentioned this before.

[00:21:56] But what I have is he served two stints on the Board of Visitors, chairing key committees as secretary, vice rector, and rector. And then came a term on Mason's Alumni Association board, including as president. Also the father of a Mason alum, who I mentioned earlier, Eleanor.

[00:22:16] And I just want to emphasize that that service to George Mason University should be a rallying call for all of us today. Because the work that you did related to diversity and access is the very conversation that's being had at George Mason University as we sit here today.

[00:22:36] And George Mason University, because of people like Joe, have put itself on the map as a premier, a premier university that celebrates our community. And the diversity that you see on that campus today and the success in every metric that comes out of that university is something that we shouldn't be thinking about but celebrating and standing behind.

[00:23:03] Because the George Mason of today is a very different George Mason than the one that Joseph graduated from in the class of 1977. It is a very different George Mason today. And it is a much better George Mason today because of the values that that university espouses and the economic engine that it has become for our region and an incubator for students and for kids who are looking for tremendous academic success to put them on the right trajectory for life.

[00:23:35] And so I don't want to under-emphasize the difference that you've made. And I know you can look back and look at the university today and be as proud as every single person in Fairfax County should be at the success of George Mason University. But I'm not going to repeat all the other things that Joe has been involved in other than to say thank you.

[00:23:56] Thank you for the sacrifices you've made. Thank you for making Fairfax County a much better place to live in. And thank you to your family for a family commitment of service to our county that will never be forgotten. And while you might be stepping away from the Commission on Aging, I know you would never step away from making sure that this county continues the progress that you and so many other people have been a part of.

[00:24:23] So thank you. With that, I think we're ready for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. And Joseph, welcome. The floor is yours. Well, thank you for your kind words, recognizing my service for all the adults in our community.

[00:24:51] Having recently celebrated a good birthday of 84 years, let me briefly return the favor. Over my more than 30 years of proud service as a federal employee and my years as a graduate student in public administration at George Mason University, I've come to develop an appreciation for good government.

[00:25:23] Fairfax County and its representatives on this board and my wife, Ernestine, and some of you on the school board are among, in my opinion, the best in the country in public service.

[00:25:43] It has been an honor and a privilege for me to join you and to observe you serving our older adult citizens. You've gone out to them and sought their advice.

[00:26:00] You sought their needs, and you've worked tirelessly, tirelessly in implementing policy to support us, to support us.

[00:26:16] Again, thank you. Thank you very much, Joe. Thank you very much for your kind words and for your family's legacy and service.

[00:26:37] We appreciate it. With that, I think we're ready for a photo. And if you all could come forward and face the audience, Supervisor Palczyk and I will come on down.

[00:28:09] And next, we have a proclamation to designate September 2025 as National Preparedness Month in Fairfax County. And this was requested by myself and Supervisor Lusk. Our speaker is Seamus Mooney, coordinator at the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security.

[00:28:27] You could come on down. And if others who are here with you for this proclamation, they're welcome to come on down as well at this point, or they can come down for the photo. With that being said, I am going to hand the gavel to Vice Chair Smith so that I can read the following proclamation.

[00:28:45] Whereas September marks the 24th anniversary of 9-11 and National Preparedness Month, an opportunity for Fairfax County residents to be ready and resilient for any emergency. Whereas it is important for Fairfax County residents to stay informed about potential hazards and threats and to take necessary steps to prepare for emergencies and disasters before, during, and after they occur, and whereas the continued vigilance, preparedness, and proactive efforts of Fairfax County's Department of Emergency Management and Security are vital in helping the county maintain its status as one of the safest and most resilient

[00:29:25] communities in the nation, and whereas Fairfax County partners with numerous county volunteers, businesses, and community leaders to promote a whole community readiness culture, whereas as National Preparedness Month provides an opportunity to enhance our understanding of potential hazards, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other risks, and to learn best practices for preparing for and responding to emergencies.

[00:29:53] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim September 2025 as Emergency Preparedness Month in Fairfax County and urges all residents and employees to participate in county, state, and national efforts to help ensure better preparedness for emergencies.

[00:30:16] I'll second that along with Supervisors Palchuk and Lusk. Discussion on the motion? Yeah, thank you, Madam Vice Chair. This is obviously something we do every year, Emergency Preparedness Month, but we know emergency preparedness is not limited to one month and that this is something that, you know, we have to work on every day of the year and doesn't really matter the season.

[00:30:38] As we know, there can be an emergency at any point in time. And so having a vigilant community and an engaged community is so important not only to prevent disasters from being worse, but also to be able to successfully recover from them.

[00:30:56] I got to tell you, every time an email from Mooney pops up in my email box, I cringe. I cringe because I know there's something going on that we should be aware of. But I also build great confidence because we're getting good, clear information, guidance that people who work in our department are engaged and well ahead of emergencies that we know are coming and making sure that the messaging is getting out to the community about what the potential risks are.

[00:31:32] And that puts us really in a league of our own. And as we know, we mentioned the anniversary of 9-11. But we also know, having just gotten an email, that there are tropical storms and other things on the horizon. And so there really aren't many dull moments.

[00:31:49] We seem to move from one threat to another. We lived through COVID, and that was the longest disaster that this board has dealt with and hopefully we'll ever have to deal with again. But what we learned is that we have a community that cares, that takes the advice and guidance that comes from the county.

[00:32:08] And we know that the county is a trusted partner in providing that information to the community. And we celebrate that every day, not just during Emergency Preparedness Month. And we thank you and your entire team for the work that you do that makes us proud.

[00:32:24] So thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chairman. I'll just say in the event that we have a significant weather issue, such as a hurricane, a blizzard, heat wave, or even a crazy fire, it will be important for our residents to know what to do. To prepare, it is certainly recommended that all of our residents take proactive steps by reviewing the Fairfax County Emergency Response Guide, signing up for Fairfax Alert, and developing a household emergency plan. By doing this, we'll be taking steps to make

[00:33:02] our homes and our community safer. And I'll conclude by saying I just appreciate the work that the department does, particularly in emergency management, to ensure the safety of our residents. And I've had a number of opportunities to spend some time over at the 911 center and to see the dispatchers and call takers and to hear their stories upon graduation of, you know, the cases that they've gotten to work on and just the empathy and the concern that they extend to our residents

[00:33:40] is bar none, just very, very impressive. So I just want to thank all the staff for what they're doing to ensure the safety of our residents, and thank you for your leadership as well. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Supervisor Halchuk.

[00:33:58] I'll be very brief. Seamus and the whole team, favorite member from the fire department, we know that 99% of what our county employees do every day is invisible when we have good governance.

[00:34:17] And the work that you and our entire public safety team including and at the dispatch center, we know that the work being done to help support the mental health concerns in our community that have been rising over the decades is critical, as well as all of the-- I know we'll be talking about fire safety and preparedness, but preparing for all emergencies, ensuring that the important work of government, number one, is to make sure that things are functioning, that they function well, and that we are prepared when things are not functioning, when there are emergencies, humanitarian or natural, et cetera.

[00:34:54] And so I am happy when I get the email, because I know I'm going to have good information. And hopefully, that's all it is. But we know that we are always, and you and your team, are always looking to improve. Not just what we do here, but when you go down to other parts of the state, the country, and internationally to help bring support, and you also bring back lessons learned.

[00:35:18] And we know that that is a huge, huge benefit to our community, and the work that the men and women do in your department, and our rescue animals as well, really, really is critical. And while we don't want to get those emergency emails, we know that we have an incredible team and that those who are here and not here help make sure that Fairfax County and all of our residents continue to remain safe.

[00:35:44] So thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, any abstentions? That motion carries, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Chair Smith. And with that, Mr. Mooney, welcome.

[00:35:59] The floor is yours. Thank you. First, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank the board, county leadership, and our partners to help support outreach and preparedness messaging and taking it far and wide in the county. Over the past 10 years, we've seen this grow into a county-wide effort, improving preparedness and resiliency with all of your help.

[00:36:19] And, you know, the conversations that we have with the board and the direction that we get from you all, the Community Emergency Response Guide is a great example. That was a thought of board members, like, could we make this? And we turned it into something that we've built our whole engagement around, and it's been a great success.

[00:36:37] You know, this year's theme is preparedness starts at home. And, you know, emphasizing getting back to basics for National Preparedness Month is a great time to take some small steps to make your home better prepared for everyday emergencies like fire, which is coming after us, medical emergencies and power outages, right?

[00:36:55] And if we're doing those small things well, it helps with the larger things. And then that's really kind of the stepping stone here. For us, preparedness starts with a conversation. It's as simple as that. Have a conversation with you and your family, you and your coworkers, you and your community. What would we do if this happens?

[00:37:12] How are we going to respond? And that process will make you better prepared. Some of the things that you identified that would be pain points for you, you could then try to remedy. That would make you more resilient, right? And that's really all we're asking the public to do is take some small steps every day or once a month.

[00:37:34] You know, Preparedness Month is just that reminder, like the board said, you know, this goes on all the time, but it's a good reminder to, hey, when's the last time I looked at my kid? Hey, when's the last time I had this conversation with my family? You know, have things changed that I need to now factor in, right?

[00:37:49] So that's really what Preparedness Month is. You know, we are very grateful for all of your support, all the support of the agencies. We have seen this thing grow where there's events going on now that, you know, agencies are standing up by themselves and just inviting us to come, which is amazing.

[00:38:05] So, you know, that's where we are now, and it's a great place to be. In conclusion, I'd just like to extend a big thank you to the Dems Community Engagement Team. They're tireless work to coordinate all of our efforts and to line up all of our events for us. And just thank the board for the proclamation today, because it's great to be here.

[00:38:25] Thank you very much. And I just want to echo the thanks to your entire team. I mean, you all are everywhere. It seems like everything I go to, there's a presence. And we see that, and that's making a difference in our community. So thank you and your entire team.

[00:38:41] And having said that, I want to make sure all the folks who are here with you can come on down at this point so that we can take a photo. and if you would come forward, and the board could rise.

[00:41:06] And our next proclamation is related to this subject, and that is to designate October 5th to 11th, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week in Fairfax County.

[00:41:34] And this was requested by myself and Supervisor Lusk, chair of our Public Safety Committee. and our speaker today is Chris Sample, Fire Battalion Chief, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and I know a great team here supporting him. And with that, I am going to turn the gavel to Vice Chair Smith so that I can read the following proclamation.

[00:41:56] Whereas Fairfax County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those who live in and visit our county, and whereas Fire Prevention Week is observed each year in the first week of October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, a devastating event on October 8, 1871, killing over 250 people and leaving 100,000 homeless. And whereas in 2023, there were an estimated 167,800 residential building cooking fires across the United States, causing about

[00:42:31] 125 deaths, 2,500 injuries, and countless amounts in property damage, and cooking remains the leading cause of home fires. And whereas this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, charge into fire safety lithium-ion batteries in your home, highlights the increasing risk associated with lithium-ion batteries, such as those in phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, and the importance of purchasing, charging, using, and disposing of them safely.

[00:43:02] And whereas the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, along with other dedicated county emergency service providers and first responders, are at the forefront of efforts to minimize the risk of fires and fire-related injuries, now therefore be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim October 5th to the 11th, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week in Fairfax County and calls upon all residents to join in taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of

[00:43:37] others in the event of a fire. I'll second that along with Supervisor Lesk. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Supervisor Smith. I think the proclamation speaks for itself. Again, want to thank the Fire and Rescue Department for all the work they do to prevent the 911 call.

[00:43:54] as we say. And so much of this prevention effort is not only to save lives and protect property, but also to protect our first responders from calls that they shouldn't necessarily have to be making if everybody does their part. And some fires are unavoidable, others are preventable with the right information in the community. And so we appreciate all the work you do on the prevention side. And like the last proclamation, you know, we do this every year, this time of year, and open our firehouses to the community always in October to raise awareness. But we know that the work you

[00:44:31] do is around the clock all year long and trying to prevent disasters from occurring. And we can always reassure ourselves in Fairfax County that if there is a fire that occurs, you're going to get the best response from the most sophisticated professional personnel this country has to offer.

[00:44:50] But that being said, the best response is to not have to respond to a fire that is preventable. And so we appreciate all the work that you all do all year. I know you'll share some information with us about the open houses that are coming up at the fire stations, which always is a great opportunity not only for our community to educate themselves on fire prevention, but also an opportunity for our community to come out to the stations and simply say thank you and show their appreciation to our first responders.

[00:45:22] And that's something that brings them joy, brings us joy to see happening. And I know that support for you all and the hard work you do is appreciated. So thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Lusk and then Stork. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chairman. I appreciate this board proclamation and specifically highlighting the important week and the 2025 theme, Charge into Fire Safety.

[00:45:48] I'm reminded of an incident that occurred this past June in which Fairfax County's Fire and Rescue Department responded to a house fire in Franconia District. Fire investigators determined that damage was caused by an ion lithium battery from a scooter, which was an electric scooter, in someone's garage.

[00:46:16] That damage exceeded $18,000, and as the use of these electric scooters continues to proliferate, and we understand that an educational campaign is certainly necessary for people to acknowledge and be aware of battery safety and to ensure that they're disposing and containing those in the proper manner.

[00:46:40] So appreciate the work that's being done around that. And then I'd also like to remind folks of the opportunity to check their batteries and their smoke alarms. And we know that this is a pretty important thing as we've done a number of smoke detector events where we've gone out and tried to check on those, and we've determined that many of them do not have batteries.

[00:47:03] They're not operational. So we're about to change our clocks. You can actually set your battery to the change of clock, And that would be possible here as we fall back later in November, on November 2nd.

[00:47:19] So just want to again acknowledge the important work that's done on fire prevention and then also to acknowledge the work of our fire department in serving the residents here in Fairfax County. Thank you so very much. Supervisor Stork, then Peltek.

[00:47:47] Okay, now we got it. I have free speech now, right? I wanted to thank you all for, first off, to follow on some of the chairman's comments about how you open up the fire station. But I think it even goes one, I said really many, many, many more steps beyond that.

[00:48:07] I don't know a community event that there's not a fire department response, FRD response of some sort or another just to engage the community. And that, to me, is a constant, really visual reminder that it does matter.

[00:48:23] And that those conversations, those engagements, frankly, the friendly connections that it makes with our community members as well as our kids, I think are maybe some of the most powerful messages that you all send. And I know that comes at some cost. There's a lot of time, energy, and effort that goes into that.

[00:48:39] And folks are always on call, really prepared to respond and leave that particular event quickly. I can think of two things that have happened recently that are particularly, in my mind, powerful. One is the mobile homes about a year ago, many of us were very involved with adding fire alarms to our mobile home community.

[00:49:00] Hundreds of fire alarms, fire detectors, I'm sorry, fire smoke detectors, other kinds of preventable carbon monoxide detectors, those kinds of things were already all a critical part of that. So thank you all very much for being part of that. And then just past week, we had a small business seminar, and Battalion Chief Sample appreciate you being there and engaging our community and making sure that we can kind of take that message to our small business people as well.

[00:49:29] So, again, my deep thanks and appreciation for all the work that you do. Thank you. Supervisor Palczyk, then Elkhorn. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you all for being here. Just very briefly, while Mr. Thompson knows he can't come to my office without Peter Pan, I'm a little disappointed that we don't have Sparky here today.

[00:49:50] When you talk about community engagement and starting with our very youngest, I know my daughter was loving the Vienna Singing Princesses, but they held nothing for Sparky being at Providence Day this week. And I just appreciate it. I know you have your open houses coming up in our community.

[00:50:08] I hope you will come in and join us, especially bringing the little ones so that they learn and they get comfortable with knowing where their fire station is, what you do, and how to increase that prevention activities. I also just want to thank you all. I know that the teams come out to everything from our fall fest, community fall fest, the larger events, and the more presence that's there.

[00:50:30] But finally, I know you all focus on using the data, right? So understanding what kinds of prevention and what works, where you have the most need, whether it's the same in single family, multi-family, And whether it's fall, fire, whether it's fall prevention, and I just appreciate that your teams not only do the important work of reaching out to the community, but that you look at the data and you help us better serve the community and better increase the awareness of how to support the youngest and the elderly, knowing especially can be very vulnerable.

[00:51:06] So thank you again for what you do. And hopefully next year we'll have Sparky here. It just makes us have a better day. Thank you. Supervisor Alcoyne. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. So just to pile on a little bit, so I think you've already heard appreciation from my colleagues on the engagement and everything that you do, which is fantastic.

[00:51:29] And also, you know, on the data, yeah, I just want to jump in a little bit on sort of some of the technical issues that you have to stay on top of and you do so well. Supervisor Lesk mentioned also the, you know, certain battery types that are out there that really have just gained in popularity recently.

[00:51:53] And just to kind of underscore that, there are a lot of things that we buy as consumers. Now we bring into our homes, we buy a lot of stuff online, and particularly anything that might involve a battery.

[00:52:10] sometimes it doesn't work very well and sometimes the quality isn't great and and we're we're sort of entering i think a new world um with some of the some of the newer uh risks out there relating to fires um and frankly our um position as as leaders and staying on top of that um not just here in fairfax county but regionally and nationally i very much appreciate that and I want to encourage your continued leadership as a society as we start to figure out some of these things and the impacts and how to prevent fires.

[00:52:47] So thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstention? That motion carries. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Vice Chair Smith. And with that, as I mentioned, we have Chris Staple, our fire battalion chief with the fire and rescue department with us.

[00:53:07] Welcome. The floor is yours. Good morning, Chairman McKay. Supervisor Lusk, the rest of you board members. My name is Chris Sample, and I live in the Springfield District. Within the Fire and Rescue Department, I work in the Office of the Fire Marshal, overseeing the Technical Services Branch.

[00:53:24] But today, I'm very excited to be here to participate in this year's proclamation. As we gather to recognize Fire Prevention Week, I want to highlight this year's theme. Charge into fire safety. Lithium-ion batteries in your home. As said, lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices and tools we use every day.

[00:53:44] cell phones, laptops, cordless drills, even some household appliances. While these batteries are efficient and convenient, they also pose unique fire risks when improperly charged, damaged, or improperly disposed of. In Fairfax County, our fire and rescue department, working alongside of our community risk reduction and life safety education teams, continue to partner with community groups, schools, and local agencies to educate and share life-saving information.

[00:54:15] By teaching residents how to safely charge, store, and handle these lithium-ion batteries, we are preventing fires before they start, reducing injuries, and protecting our most vulnerable communities. This year, our goal is not only to raise awareness, but also to ensure residents know a few simple steps they can take.

[00:54:34] Use manufacturer-recommended batteries and battery chargers. Charge batteries in well-ventilated spaces. Do not block your exit paths while charging these batteries. Replace damaged batteries immediately. These steps can make the difference between safety and disaster.

[00:54:53] Fire Prevention Week reminds us that safety is a shared responsibility. When we take actions to reduce risks in our homes, we build a stronger and safer community together. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Battalion Chief Sample.

[00:55:08] We appreciate the work that you do and your entire department, civilian and professional, that play a key role in this. So thank you for that. I think we are ready for a photo. And if you all could come forward and face the audience and Supervisor Lusk will join me as public safety committee chair.

[00:55:25] All right. Next, we have board appointments to citizen boards, authorities, commissions and advisory groups.

[00:57:13] And I am first going to turn to Supervisor Smith for a motion. I move approval of the appointments to boards, authorities and commissions on the document dated September 30, 2025. And the chair will second that. Let me ask if there's any appointments that board members would like pulled or any appointments we'd like to take a separate vote on.

[00:57:36] Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And we now are going to move to board matters. And again, these have been compiled digitally, and we're going to go alphabetically by district, following myself and Supervisor Smith.

[00:57:56] And I'm going to turn the gavel to Supervisor Smith. I have one written board matter, and that is a move to approve without objection the proclamation request listed in this document to be presented inside or outside of the boardroom as appropriate.

[00:58:13] And I want to thank my colleagues for getting these to us in a timely manner so that we can do this in a much more organized way. And you can see the long list of them that are on here and a number of them that we are offering jointly with members of this board.

[00:58:29] And so I would ask without objection that those proclamation requests be approved. Without objection, it is so ordered. Thank you very much. And this is an unwritten board matter, but I think it's relevant to mention. Obviously, a lot of us are watching very closely what's happening on Capitol Hill today.

[00:58:48] And sadly, we are faced with potentially a federal government shutdown at midnight, which is hard to imagine as we sit here today. And we know that the DMV has already lost over 21,000 federal jobs.

[00:59:05] That doesn't include all the contractors who are being affected by what's happening on Washington, D.C. and Washington, D.C. And we know that the Commonwealth of Virginia relies on 47 percent of its economic output coming from northern Virginia.

[00:59:20] And so this is going to have an effect, a very serious effect on Virginia and particularly on our federal contractors, small and mid-sized in particular, who are already living in a world of complete uncertainty that potentially at midnight tonight will get a lot worse for them.

[00:59:40] And so I know most people on this board knows the Brookings Institute just put out a report that shows very clearly the DMV lost federal jobs at two times the national rate and that our unemployment numbers are at over nearing 5 percent, which is the highest unemployment numbers we certainly have seen here in a very, very long time.

[01:00:03] Certainly the highest since the pandemic that caused complete closures of entire businesses. More alarming, that report indicates that in 2026, they are projecting zero job growth in the DMV. I have never in my life seen a projection of zero job growth in the DMV.

[01:00:26] And so, you know, Terry Clower was in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. We know him well from George Mason University. His headline quote was, my sentiment keeps finding new lows, and that Virginia warily awaits outcome of funding showdown.

[01:00:43] How much more pain can Northern Virginia take, is the headline of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. And so I don't have an action here. I know this board has repeatedly asked our governor to intervene, to say something positive about what's happening in Washington, D.C., to work with the Trump administration to make sure that the effect on Virginians, which is so profound, is seen.

[01:01:08] And we talked in this board months ago, and people said, oh, it's hypotheticals, it's not that big a deal. It's a really big deal, and everybody now knows it, including the Brookings Institute. And so, you know, this is troubling for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It's troubling for the DMV.

[01:01:25] It's disgraceful for our federal workers that a fundamental action between the administration and Congress, the basic baseline of our federal elected officials should be keeping the government open and operating for people who need it. And so I'm not going to ask, I've asked repeatedly for the governor to come brief this board on what Virginia's response plan is to what's happening.

[01:01:47] There is no response plan, so I'm not going to ask for that again. I've asked him to weigh in. Many of us have asked him to weigh in. I'm not going to ask that again. I'm just going to simply ask that the county executive and his team monitor the federal government closure and make sure that this board, real time, is understanding what the impacts of a federal government closure are on the people that we represent so that we can continue to advocate for them.

[01:02:15] Even if it falls on deaf ears, we will continue to advocate for them. And when I say the impacts, it's not just to the federal workers and the federal contractors and the economy, But the real impacts to benefits and services that the most vulnerable people in our community need that can be affected by a shutdown of the federal government.

[01:02:36] And so I know that the county executives team will do that anyway, but I think it is really important that we continue to do that now more than ever. And hopefully something happens today and prevents all this from happening. But having talked to a lot of federal contractors and federal employees for a lot of them, this is the last straw of the chaos, and I think we need to be really cognizant of that.

[01:03:02] Lastly, yeah, please, Supervisor Alcorn. So, yeah, thank you for noting the Brookings study that came out, and I did get a chance to look at that. And I think one of the things that really jumped out at me is I think some of us had been thinking that with the very visible DOGE activities going after mostly civilian agencies during the first half of this year, that there really hadn't been as much of an impact on maybe some of the other parts of the federal government, defense, intel, contractors.

[01:03:37] And I think the Brookings study, frankly, shows us that that's actually not the case, that Northern Virginia has been hit very hard, extremely hard, and that we are dealing with some very, very strong economic headwinds that are coming straight out of this administration.

[01:03:58] So the data are real, and unfortunately, sometimes the data take a while to become available because we're typically looking, these are not leading, these are things that have happened already in the past.

[01:04:17] But I think, as the Brookings studies showed, it confirms a lot of the things I think we've heard from folks that have lost their jobs, a lot of anecdotal information. But it is something, clearly, we all have to keep an eye on. And I'm glad locally we're doing things, and I know we'll see this in terms of our reserve and other things, too, to prepare for things to get even more challenging.

[01:04:42] So thank you very much for flagging that. Supervisor Herity. Yeah, Mr. Chairman, thank you for bringing that forward. And I know in the past, and I don't know whether this was part of your request to the county executive, but in the past we've kind of gotten the memo on the impact on our agencies and on government services.

[01:05:01] I mean, we've gotten them in the past. It would be helpful to get that again. That's exactly what this is. And I don't even think the situation that we're in. So in the past when there's been a federal government shutdown, it hasn't been on the heels of the amount of devastation that has already occurred with this chaos of this administration.

[01:05:22] And so I'm not ready to wait just for a memo. I've given the county executive leverage. And what I'm asking is that he give us reports of all the impacts coming to the county as they're happening, because I think many of them will be immediate. So that is what the request is.

[01:05:37] And the thing that wasn't mentioned is, but I think it is certainly in Brookings, was the fact that the furloughed government employees, the ones that took, not the furloughed, the ones that took the retirement, they stopped getting paychecks September 30, so that's going to be an added impact to this.

[01:05:57] And I know better than to bring this to the board as a motion, so I'm not going to. But two of the people we can reach out to are our very own senators, Senator Cain and Senator Warner, that have two of the seven votes needed to prevent a shutdown.

[01:06:14] I know there's some downside to that, but they have two of the seven votes that are needed to stop a shutdown. So this board likes to reach out to the governor. But in this case, we could reach out to our very own senators that represent us as well statewide and ask them to be two of the seven voices that are needed to end the shutdown.

[01:06:39] Well, thank you, Supervisor Herity. They have reached out to me, actually, because they are proactive on this issue and want to understand what the impacts to the county are going to be. And they reached out to me because the main concern they have at this point is the peril that our economy is already in with this looming.

[01:06:58] And so they have been in regular communication with me about what they are facing up on Capitol Hill. But more importantly, if the closure happens, they want to know real-time and immediate what the real effects are on Fairfax County.

[01:07:14] And this is going to be a little bit harder because we've got a stacking going on here because we know about the effects that have already occurred, and now we have a stacking of new effects. To your point, absolutely, the paychecks stopped coming for those who voluntarily took the buyout.

[01:07:30] And I think you're going to see all these numbers in the Brookstein Institute report spike dramatically after that. Because one thing we absolutely know, and this is something that we have a very big disagreement with the governor on, is that the number of available jobs in Virginia has already been cut in half because they've been eliminated.

[01:07:50] And the available jobs are, in most cases, almost an entire mismatch for the skill set of the people who are losing their jobs. And so many of those people who took the buyout, likely, many folks are forecasting, have not found an equivalent other job in the period of time that they took the buyout.

[01:08:09] And so we're going to see these numbers spike, which is, you know, one of the reasons why you don't do this in the reckless manner it was done before. I had an opportunity to speak recently. I was at a Hayfield High School football game, and sitting next to me was Congressman Steny Hoyer and his wife, who led the charge on the downsizing of the federal government and the Clinton administration.

[01:08:31] And she was beside herself over the difference that we have here of how you do this in an organized, sophisticated fashion with your county employees as part of the way in which you improve government services or whether you just threaten and intimidate people and walk on stage with a chainsaw.

[01:08:49] I mean, this is not something we've ever seen before, and the stacking of these things is very disturbing. We have seen significant contraction of federal spending. As she was reminding me, she led the charge on that during the Clinton administration, and this is very different than that.

[01:09:05] And so the effects of the buyout, those will be reflected in the numbers soon, as they always lag. But this is a moment for us to pay really close attention, especially as we're approaching what we know will be a difficult budget. next year, in part because of this, that could get a whole lot worse if the federal government closes down. And so we just need to be on our toes. Lastly, I just want to make two other announcements. First, the third annual Climate Action Conference will be taking place on October 18th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School. And the conference, which was

[01:09:43] at the time organized by Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw, will feature remarks from now Congressman Walkinshaw, myself, and Supervisor Jimenez, the chair of our environmental committee, and a keynote addressed by the Ocean Conservancy's Director of Climate Policy, Anna Marie Laura.

[01:10:02] And flyers to register, along with additional information, have been shared with the clerk's office and distributed to all board offices. And I would ask that the board offices and OPA share that information as appropriate to make sure people are aware of that event. And then secondly, The Fairfax County Design and Environmental Achievement Awards will be held on Thursday, October 30th, from 5 to 7 p.m. here at the Government Center.

[01:10:28] And this program, for those who can't make it, will also air on Channel 16. And we ask that those who are interested in attending RSVP with the event's lead coordinator, who is Marsha Collins. Marsha's email and flyers for the event have also been distributed to all board offices and, of course, to the Office of Public Affairs.

[01:10:49] And so I just wanted to make the board aware of those two announcements and two events. And with that, that is the end of my board matters. And next up is Vice Chair Smith. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[01:11:05] The board has received a request from the Virginia Association of Counties, or VACO, regarding designating a voting delegate and alternate voting delegate to represent the county at the VACO annual meeting to be held in Bath County on Saturday, November 8 through Tuesday, November 11, 2024-25.

[01:11:23] Therefore, I move that the board designate Chairman Jeff McKay as the voting delegate and Supervisor Kathy Smith as the alternate. You've heard the motion. It's been seconded by a lot of folks. Discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none.

[01:11:38] All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Next up would be Braddock, but I shared the information earlier that came from the Braddock office about the Climate Action Conference. And so following that is Supervisor Beerman.

[01:11:57] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One board matter, recognizing the heroic efforts of BSA Troop 1916. In March 2025, members of McLean's BSA Troop 1916 went on an outing to earn their mountain biking merit badge.

[01:12:12] A few miles into the bike ride, one of the troop leaders, Laurent Lee, collapsed and was unable to get up. One of the parents on the outing checked for but was unable to find a pulse. While another adult on the outing called 911, one of the 8th grade scouts, Rafael Lucen, sprang into action in performing CPR that he had just learned the previous week during a lesson at Longfellow Middle School.

[01:12:35] Others on the outing took turns performing CPR, including a leader who had also just recently learned CPR and comforting Mr. Lee's son, Davin. After nine minutes, the EMTs arrived on the scene, and by the time they left, they let the troop know that Mr. Lee had a pulse and was breathing normally.

[01:12:54] After spending several days in the hospital, including in the intensive care unit, Mr. Lee has recovered and credits the guardian angels in the troop, the first responders and medical staff. Therefore, I ask that the board direct staff to prepare a resolution to recognize Troop 1916 for their quick thinking and heroic efforts to be presented out of the boardroom on a future date.

[01:13:16] I'm happy to 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. Supervisor Behrman. Yeah, we hope to also invite the EMTs to that event as well, along with the Boy Scouts.

[01:13:34] So thank you. That's all I have today. Thank you, Supervisor Behrman. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The community outreach that resulted in the selection of Franconia as the new magisterial district name in 2022 identified other historically significant names worthy of recognition. On July 16, 2024, this board approved a board matter to initiate the naming process for three community rooms on the first level of the new Franconia District Governmental Center, which is scheduled for opening at the end of this calendar year.

[01:14:11] The following names were referred to the Fairfax County History Commission for review in accordance with the Board of Supervisors' policy for naming county facilities. 1. Laurel Grove, 2. Jasper Walker, 3. Thomas Dana-Kaufman.

[01:14:28] In early April of this year, the History Commission completed its review and concurred with the commemorative naming of two of the three community rooms, Specifically, one, Laurel Grove, and two, Jasper slash Walker.

[01:14:44] Further, the History Commission has offered proposed text for interpretive panels to be placed within the respective community rooms. Please see the attachment. The History Commission's evaluation of names is limited to historic sites or historic persons. As such, the History Commission referred the consideration of former Board of Supervisors member Dana Kaufman to the Virginia Room of the Fairfax County Public Library.

[01:15:09] Chris Budershock, manager of the Virginia Room, offered the attached biography of former Supervisor Dana Kaufman for consideration as an interpretive panel. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move the Board of Supervisors adopt the resolution naming the three community rooms on the first level of the new Franconia Governmental Center as follows.

[01:15:31] Thomas Dana Kaufman Community Room, Laurel Grove Community Room, and Jasper Slash Walker Community Room. Mr. Chairman, I further move that the staff incorporates the text provided by the History Commission and the Virginia Room into interpretive panels for display within each community room.

[01:15:50] Thank you. I'm happy to 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 Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm looking forward to being in our new space sometime towards the end of this year.

[01:16:10] but I know sometimes things change, but that is the expectation. Second, Mr. Chairman, I'm pleased to announce the success of the Franconia District Expungement Clinic held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Hyper Valley Community Center.

[01:16:26] During this historic event, over 60 expungement requests were processed for registered participants and walk-ins. Residents met with attorneys who volunteered their time to help screen the expungement request, Attendees were able to file their application on site to further support resident access to the clinic.

[01:16:47] The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services provided childcare services and transportation assistance, which was greatly appreciated. I'm proud to highlight that this expungement clinic was the first of its kind held here in Fairfax County. This event would not have been possible without the hard work and collaboration of numerous individuals and organizations.

[01:17:05] I'd like to first extend my deepest gratitude to Chris Falcon, the clerk to the courts, his amazing staff, Steve Descano, the Commonwealth Attorney, and his staff for bringing this transformative idea to reality. I also want to thank Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, NCS, Fairfax County NAACP, Minority Tech Foundation, and staff from my office and OAR of Northern Virginia for their support.

[01:17:31] A note of special thanks goes to my colleague, Strangeville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, as well as other volunteer attorneys who selflessly donated their time and expertise to ensure the clinic's success. This clinic demonstrates our community's commitment to helping our residents remove potential barriers to employment and housing opportunities.

[01:17:53] I look forward to working with my colleagues to host future expungements here in Fairfax County. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk. And is that the end of your board, Matt? Thank you very much. Next up is Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No board matters, but just one announcement.

[01:18:11] While there are many excellent art galleries and venues in Fairfax County, I want to especially recognize and congratulate the Vienna Art Society located in the Hunter Mill District. They won the Fairfax Now's Reader's Choice Award for Best Art Gallery in Fairfax.

[01:18:28] So the honor is well-deserved, since for the past 50 years, the Society has been the home for artists. um, and art lovers to share their creativity and make connections through the transformation or the transformative power of art. And if you haven't visited, uh, the center, uh, on the art center on church street in Vienna, I encourage you to view the rotating gallery of artwork, uh, that's there and also for sale. And they have a gift shop. Uh, they have handmade sculptures, ceramics, cards, jewelry, and more, or you can come to the North County governmental center

[01:19:04] where we actually host artworks at my office in Reston that showcase society members' paintings. So, and I do want to mention, although the Vienna Art Society earned the top spot, I'm also proud to say that two other 100-mil district organizations took second and third place, the Tefra Institute of Contemporary Art and Reston Community Center.

[01:19:28] So congratulations once again to all these organizations and to our many talented artists. Although I guess we're still not the cultural center of Fairfax County. Cultural hub. Cultural hub. Thank you. All right.

[01:19:46] Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn. Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And going on the same issue area that Mr. Alcorn started with, I'm extremely excited to announce the first ever Mason District Arts Festival in the cultural hub of Fairfax County, Mr. Alcorn. I want to take a moment to highlight an exciting event coming up in Mason District on Saturday, October 11th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will host the inaugural Mason District Arts Festival at Dyleen Garnett Civic Space in downtown Annandale. This festival

[01:20:23] will showcase the vibrant arts and culture of our community with artist booths, live performances, a children's play area, and local food trucks. It's a true community celebration organized by the Mason District Arts Council and generously sponsored by Arts Fairfax, Bionetics Coffee Roasters, and my office.

[01:20:43] This is the first event of its kind for Mason District, and I encourage all residents and families to come out, enjoy the festivities, and support our local artists and local business. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Supervisor Menes. And next is Supervisor Stork. Okay.

[01:21:05] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have one written board matter and one verbal one. First and foremost, this is with yourself and Supervisor Beerman. Aircraft noise continues to be a serious and growing concern for communities surrounding Regan National Airport, or DCA as it's known, including thousands of residents in the Mount Vernon, Fanconia, and Drainingsville districts who are directly impacted by frequent and concentrated flight paths. In 2015, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, EMWA, created the Reagan National Community Working Group, or CWG, to respond to this community

[01:21:40] concern to provide practical, community-informed recommendations for noise mitigation. In 2023, the CWG's Fly Quiet Subcommittee developed Recommendation No. 27, which calls for EMWA to implement a fly quiet program modeled on successful initiatives at other major U.S. airports such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle-Tacoma.

[01:22:06] These programs use noise data and operational trends to work collaboratively with airlines and community stakeholders to reduce noise exposure and promote voluntary operational improvements. A key element of the CWG's recommendation is that EMWA engage a qualified independent contractor to provide the technical expertise and data analysis necessary to design and support the program.

[01:22:29] The estimated cost to EMWA of an independent fly-quiet program is $100,000 to $150,000 annually based on proposals from three qualified vendors. This is a relatively modest investment given EMWA's overall budget, and DCA's surrounding communities deserve a program with a robust, transparent, and guided by independent data analysis and community oversight.

[01:22:53] Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve and send the attached letter to MWA President and CEO Jack Potter expressing the Board's support for the implementation of an independent fly-quiet program at Reagan National Airport. And I'm happy to second that motion, discussion on the motion.

[01:23:13] And we want to thank you, Supervisor Stork, for bringing this forward. I think it's timely, and I know we're in conversations with MWA on a number of different subjects, and this is certainly an important one. so thank you supervisor Herity yeah being slow yep um you know while it's not I'm gonna support the motion so thank you for bringing it up but every time I see something like this I think back to when we failed to adopt the noise contours out of Dulles and I think we continue to build residential

[01:23:51] we're in my opinion we shouldn't be under the new night noise contours and we're gonna see the same problem there with the new the new buildings that we're building there but I just encourage the board to go back and relook at that I know supervisor Alcorn and I were on the other side of that from the other eight members but and and supervisor less but I think we really need to be careful and this is an example we say we don't try to impact airport operations this is an example of where we are but I am going to support the motion because this is as a result of the change in the narrowing of those contours which we now have a

[01:24:28] at Dulles, too. Thank you. And just to be clear, the subject before us refers only to Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport, and what you're talking about is an issue dealing with Dulles Airport. Supervisor Smith. Thank you. I support Supervisor Stork's board matter, but as to the issue with Dulles, I vehemently disagree with Supervisor Herity's comments about that. The board did our due diligence. We had a consultant do a report about the noise contours.

[01:25:06] The noise contours are 95 percent in Sully District, and our first responsibility is to the economic development of Fairfax County and Sully District, and we have put housing in appropriate places with the appropriate notification. I have talked to the people that are leasing and selling those houses. People are happy to be living close to the airport, that they can get there in 15 minutes, and it really is good for their work. It's good for the environment. It's good for our county. It's good for economic development. So we try to tie these two issues together. I totally disagree with that, and this board made the correct decision not to adopt those

[01:25:46] noise contours that could not have an effect for out to 80 years as things change. So we made the right decision for our economic development and for our community and to provide greatly needed thank you supervisor Smith supervisor store if I could just kind of bring us back to what this is really about this is about data it's about making good decisions it's frankly for somebody who lives under the the DCA flight patterns and particularly at 12:00 and 1:00 in the morning I'm getting planes that are way below where they should be which clearly they're violating the ceilings

[01:26:26] that supposedly they're supposed to maintain, this will give us data to say to those airlines and pilots that what you're doing is violating the standards which have been set, and we now can give them data feedback.

[01:26:42] It isn't just going to be Dan Stork, you know, at one in the morning here's this plane that's about to land on his house. It's Dan Stork or others in our community can say, wait a second, that plane was flying way below its ceiling for landing, and therefore you have a problem.

[01:26:59] It isn't just a cranky guy in the community that's complaining about it. So I believe in data. I believe in good information. And I believe that DCA, EMMA, and Chairman Potter should want to bring this, CEO Potter should want to bring this forward to make sure that we're all working with good data, and then we can make good decisions, better decisions, frankly, with that data.

[01:27:21] So that's really the intent of this. Thank you. Yeah, well said. Supervisor Stork, and again, this deals with Reagan National Airport, and the letter is clear that, you know, we're not asking MY to do something that a whole lot of other airports across the country have already done, who want this data and want to make sure they understand the data and want to make sure we're getting it from a qualified independent contractor to do that.

[01:27:45] And the residents of this part of the county deserve nothing less than that. And we share in common that flight path. And to act as if that isn't an impact is wrong, but to act without understanding what the data actually shows is troubling.

[01:28:03] And so this is merely asking EMWA to do what a lot of other airports across the country have already done and collect the data, as you mentioned. With that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? that motion carries supervisor palachick i'm mr oh i'm sorry supervisor i just wanted to put my plug in for the tour to mount vernon oh that's right yes on october 18th the saturday october 18th please if you haven't registered please do so it'll be another great ride and we're starting at woodlawn um pope lady house and flying riding on to fort belvore as well as in the surrounding

[01:28:38] communities along the river again a beautiful ride welcome everybody and please sign up to to register. Thank you. And you have a streak of outstanding weather that goes with this event that must not be broken. Mr. Chairman, come on. No, you can't blame me if I'm out there writing in it. That's true. That's true. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don't have any written board matters, but because this is Arts Week and, you know, we're not going to compete. We're just going to bring

[01:29:10] more. But Providence is winning. Strawberry Park had a wonderful, wonderful art opening at Mosaic last week. There is a gorgeous mural. If you haven't had a chance to go by, look at this public-private partnership of a playground. There must have been a thousand kids. It was so popular with the Park Authority. I think just showing the ability for us to look at play, the importance of play, at multiple generational spaces in our third spaces, especially in our urban areas where

[01:29:45] parks may not be the size of some of the larger parks in our less urban areas, but there's opportunity to look at those, and I want to very much thank Director Cole and her team for bringing in their expertise and their focus on how to create active play.

[01:30:03] I know she's a big fan of playgrounds, and not only are they good for our health and our community, but as she mentioned, they are great for economic development as well. I know that we are looking at these spaces and how we look at our urban open spaces and how we do that and learn from other jurisdictions that maybe have tried some similar things. The second thing I want to mention is that Capital One will be hosting its Celebration of the Arts, a free event all weekend, October 4th and 5th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

[01:30:36] They also recently opened a children's playground that looks amazing. And they are partnering with the TEFRA Institute, with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. They have a whole slew of events, including galleries, a pop-up lounge.

[01:30:55] The Workhouse Arts Center will also be bringing a hub, as well as workshops with artists and jazz, funk, musical lineup, really a great space. I will be popping by on Saturday, but I recommend all of my supervisors, if you have a little bit of free time, and hopefully there's some good weather that you swing by.

[01:31:21] And I just really appreciate, as our community, whether it's the public, the private sector, the nonprofits, bringing more activities and more multi-generational and cultural arts activities to the community, to the places where people are.

[01:31:38] And then finally, if you hadn't had a chance, we did work with the TCA for the opening of the Pillars in Bloom with Mace Ridge. There are two pillars under the metro. One of the metro walkways, but is owned by Mace Rich, makes it a little bit easier to get approval.

[01:31:57] They brought a North Carolina artist, Taylor White, who has painted gorgeous scenes of some native plants and species in the area, very visible all around. And so I think every single step we take into bringing more art, more culture, more placemaking for our entire community is very much appreciated.

[01:32:19] And I'm excited that we are working on this. And I know at this time when the arts spacing, the master's plan for the arts is being worked on, I appreciate that this board is very supportive of it and that Lila Gordon and the team at NCS and at Arts Fairfax are helping us really plan out for the future of art in the county and every cultural hub, including our beloved districts here in the county.

[01:32:49] So, a lot to do this weekend, and that's all, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Palchuk, Supervisor Herity. No board matters. Thank you, Supervisor Herity. And with that, we are going to move on to our next item, which is public.

[01:33:07] His is approved in the proclamations, in the main motion. Everyone should have a revised copy, because we added Supervisor Historic and Herity to one of them, and we added that one to the list. So, everyone should have gotten a revised copy this morning. With that, we're going to move on to our public hearing on the county and schools FY 2025 carryover review to amend the appropriation level in the FY 2026 revised budget plan.

[01:33:35] And we will now have our public hearing on the county and schools FY 2025 carryover review to amend the appropriation level in the FY 2026 revised budget plan. And let me begin by asking our budget staff if they would like to give us a brief presentation.

[01:33:52] We will then ask any questions, and then we will move on with our public hearing. And I do have three speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. If you were here to testify on a carryover review and you were not already signed up on my speakers list, please make sure you come down here and see the clerk to my right and to your left.

[01:34:11] And with that, let me turn to staff to see if they have a short presentation. Welcome. Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. Phil Hagen, Department of Management and Budget. The FY 2025 carryover review outlines balances available as of the end of FY 2025 and includes recommendations for the use of those funds to adjust the fiscal year 2026 budget.

[01:34:31] Carryover recommendations were presented at the board meeting on August 26th and were discussed at the budget committee meeting on September 16th. Recommendations included the carryover of the balance of federal stimulus funds, investments in the county's infrastructure sinking fund, and contributions to the Reserve for Economic Uncertainty.

[01:34:49] Support is also included for information technology projects, environmental and energy initiatives, parks, and capital improvement projects. After adjustments recommended by the county executive, a balance of $1.13 million remains. Three consideration items have been submitted by the board, including $135,000 for invasive plant management, $130,000 for the Richmond Highway Corridor Marketing Initiative, and $8,000 to support a part-time intern in the Office of the Financial and Program Auditor.

[01:35:19] This is not the only opportunity that the board will have to adjust the FY2026 budget, as our third quarter recommendations will come to the board in March. Thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. Hagan, are there any questions of staff? Any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I did mention that I have three speakers signed up in advance to testify.

[01:35:41] They will speak in this order. Number one is Kari Wilson, co-chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Council. Speaker No. 2 is Mark Welsh. If you're here, you will be Speaker No. 2. Speaker No. 3 is Arthur Purvis, President of the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance.

[01:35:56] If you were here to testify on this matter and I did not call your name, it is because you are not signed up. If you could please come down and sign up with the clerk again to my right. And we will begin with Speaker No. 1. Ms. Wilson, welcome. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, County Executive Hill.

[01:36:16] I am delighted to be here to speak on the matter of the carryover budget on behalf of the Affordable Housing Advisory Council. AHAC, as we are known, is grateful for your long-standing commitment to affordable housing and for advancing, even most recently, a bold agenda to spur housing production, preservation strategies that ensure opportunity for every resident here in Fairfax.

[01:36:43] Meeting these goals requires not only vision, but also consistent, renewable funding that reflects the priority with which you've set for housing. At its core, the carryover package affirms what we know to be true.

[01:37:00] Housing is not optional. It is the foundation for health, learning, family stability, and economic security, and certainly fuel for the engine that supports our workforce and our regional and, frankly, statewide economy.

[01:37:18] Without it, nothing else works. That is why AHAC strongly endorses the housing-related recommendations in the package before you today. Converting staff positions at the Department of Housing and Community Development builds the professional capacity needed to meet the county's 10,000-unit goal and other policies and incentives that you've asked them to consider.

[01:37:42] These investments are essential if we are to preserve existing homes and bring new homes online as well as meet the goal of no net loss of housing in our county, not just for our workforce, our seniors, families who are starting out, and for the most vulnerable.

[01:38:00] Likewise, as we think about housing as the solution to homelessness, The 23% rise in homelessness since COVID is alarming, and we feel it every day. We commend and thank you for your investment in a new family shelter and for the additional beds in the Hunter Mill District that allowed us to move unhoused individuals off the street.

[01:38:27] As we know too well, the investment in the infrastructure to continue to provide the kind of supports that we need to address the people who are experiencing homelessness in this county is critical, and this package includes the recommendations for building and ensuring that temporary shelter, the housing-related services that go with it, and outreach to ensure safer neighborhoods, and support for the people who are staring pretty quickly ahead into another hard

[01:39:01] winner housing stability also requires eviction prevention food access and the community-based services delivered daily by nonprofits faith communities by your private partners all those services given that I think support our housing goals the 2.5 million allocation for food access is one piece of this puzzle And we urge you consider and recognize the support for the partners who every day extend the county's reach.

[01:39:38] That ties especially, and really I want to commend, the investment in the reserves, and especially the Reserve for Economic Uncertainty. As the chairman and all of you discussed, in a county tied so closely to federal spending and the federal workforce and what we're facing, Reserves are not just a fiscal safeguard, they are an imperative and they give you the flexibility and the tools to uphold the priorities embedded in one Fairfax, in the priorities you've set in the strategic plan, and in the residents of our county and what they're facing in the coming months and years.

[01:40:14] The carryover package reflects both fiscal discipline and our values as a community. It says in Fairfax County, we'll protect our families, we'll invest in affordable housing that is foundational to all that we do, and ensure every resident has a chance to thrive.

[01:40:31] Your adoption of these elements of the carryover package ensure a critical step, and they make us a strong and resilient county. Thank you. Thank you very much. Speaker number two is Mark Welch, to be followed by Arthur Purvis. Welcome.

[01:40:51] Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and board members. I believe most, if not all of you, have commented on how difficult the budget year, fiscal year 27, will be. It could be made less difficult by not appropriating the entire FCPS carryover, thereby reserving more for fiscal year 27.

[01:41:10] Excluding commitments such as encumbered obligations, FCPS has almost $280 million in available carryover funding. They have set aside a mere $24 million for a fiscal year 27 beginning balance, leaving more than $250 million that they want to spend, including $173 million on, quote, schools-slash-projects carryover, unquote, whatever that means.

[01:41:36] $173 million in spending, an amount equivalent to about five cents of the real estate tax rate, with no further explanation or justification. Five years ago, the amount of carryover allocated to schools slash projects was $33 million, and two years ago, it was about $88 million.

[01:41:54] Why has it increased by over $140 million over five years and $85 million in two years? Is it perhaps because they are historically overfunded and they thus accumulate unspent funds to the extent that they can't even identify specific needs?

[01:42:10] I understand you're not responsible for directing school spending, but you do have a responsibility for making fiscal decisions that balance funding needs for all county programs and the burden on taxpayers. If you have no further detail on what the $173 million is being spent on, how in good conscience can you approve FCPS's requested appropriation?

[01:42:34] Instead, reduce the requested amount by $85 million to the level of two years ago. Since unappropriated funds can't be legally spent, that would ensure an increase to their fiscal year 27 beginning balance from $24 million to $109 million.

[01:42:50] Simply put, the large FCPS surplus demonstrates, in hindsight, that you extensively overtaxed your constituents in fiscal year 25. Given that the real estate tax burden has increased 28% over the past four years, the proper action would be to at least reserve more of the school surplus for fiscal year 27.

[01:43:12] Mitigating the need to increase the school transfer. Expecting FCPS to develop a budget of reality for fiscal year 27 is ironically utterly unrealistic based on their past budget practices.

[01:43:30] Instead, for once, exert your fiduciary authority to constrain their disingenuous carryover funding request. I thank you for your time and consideration, and I thank you all for your public service. Thank you very much. Our next speaker is Arthur Purvis, and he will be followed by Carolyn Amaker, Executive Director of Herndon Reston Fish.

[01:43:54] And if anyone else is here to testify on this matter, please come down and sign in with the clerk. We are on speaker number three. Mr. Purvis, welcome.

[01:44:09] My good friends, thank you for holding this hearing. I'm Arthur Purvis, President of the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance. The FY25 carryover package should be a year-end review. It should compare actual and budgeted expenses. It doesn't. It does not show the FY25 approved budget.

[01:44:29] Instead, it compares actual expenses with the revised budget from the third quarter review and gives the impression that actual expenses were less than budgeted expenses. This is false. Actual county general fund expenditures exceeded the budgeted amount by $25 million.

[01:44:46] Actual FCPS total disbursements exceeded the budgeted amount by $34 million. The carryover package should also compare actual expenses for the past two years. It doesn't. It doesn't show the FY24 actual budget.

[01:45:02] Between FY24 and FY25, county actual general fund direct expenditures and school actual total disturbance both increased by 7%. Over the same period, inflation plus Fairfax County population growth increased 3%.

[01:45:21] That county and school spending increased twice as fast as population inflation is a case study in out-of-control spending. The result is out-of-control real estate taxes, which have been increasing three times faster than household income for the past 25 years.

[01:45:39] The primary reasons for soaring spending in taxes are the soaring cost of pensions above inflation raises for 40,000 county and school employees without regard to merit, medical insurance, and increased special needs ESL and low-income school enrollment, possibly due to the county's sanctuary policies.

[01:46:00] Stop raising taxes faster than household income, which has only been increasing at about the same rate as inflation. The average real estate tax increase should not exceed $220. For the past four years, the average real estate tax increase has been $500.

[01:46:20] With smaller tax hikes, raises would be about the same as inflation instead of 4%. To have raises that exceed inflation, run a business-friendly county and quality schools so household incomes increase faster than inflation. This is possible.

[01:46:37] For the county, do faster permitting and inspections and cut taxes. For schools, raise third-grade arithmetic and reading achievement of low-income students by bringing back drill and phonics. The tragedy is that the school board does not believe that low-income students can learn.

[01:46:57] Moreover, however, Maria Montessori, Marva Collins, and Siegfried Engelman's DISTAR curricula proved that they can learn, and the DIA policies ignored this. FCPS, while doing nothing about arithmetic, is implementing phonics.

[01:47:13] However, it's a low priority. All third graders are not expected to read at grade level until 2030, and there is no goal to improve the reading of middle and high school students who were subjected to an antiphonics curriculum. Reign in spending. A lot of the carryover is for encumbered expenses, things which are ordered but not yet paid for. How much of these encumbered expenses were unnecessary last minute expenditures to use up year-end money? Is overtime checked? Are welfare rules vetted?

[01:47:43] The county allocates millions of dollars for cost escalation. For example, the county is incurring a million-dollar overrun on the realignment of the old courthouse road in Vienna. The Taxpayers' Alliance asked for budget and schedule status of all county capital projects.

[01:48:02] No budget and little schedule data was provided. FCPS carryover justifications are superficial. The school's carryover balance is $342 million. Rather than return it to the taxpayers, FCPS wants to spend $173 million on school and multi-year projects and justifies it in only one sentence.

[01:48:29] By contrast, the entire county carryover spending is much less, $124 million, and the county spends 40 pages justifying it. FCPS also wants to spend $72 million on outstanding encumbered obligations and again justifies it in one sentence.

[01:48:47] The county spends five pages justifying its much smaller encumbered expenses. If all the carryover items were important, they should have been included in the adopted budgets. Return the carryover balances to the taxpayers like Governor Youngkin just did.

[01:49:07] The taxpayers need money for gas and food. Thank you. Thank you, Arthur. And speaker number four is Carolyn Amaker. And after speaker number four, is there anyone else here who wishes to testify on this matter? This is a public hearing. Seeing anyone?

[01:49:25] Okay, welcome. Hi, I'm Carolyn Horowitz-Omacher. I'm kind of a pop-up presenter here. I recently returned to Fairfax County after many years, and I'm the executive director of Herndon Rest and Fish, friendly, instant, sympathetic help. Way back when, in 1985, I was a reporter for the Burke Connection, and I used to cover this August body.

[01:49:49] when Jack Harrity was the chairman of the Board of Supervisors. I'm really shocked at how expensive it is. I have a son who just graduated from UVA and can't afford to live in Fairfax County, even though he has a good job with Nestle. And I'm here just to tell you what you already know.

[01:50:05] We appreciate Walter Arquin and all of the support that you've given in the Hunter Mill District of District 3. You've given us a tool, and I want to thank you for that. and that is we have these cards they're kind of they look like gift cards but we're able to give them to people who can go to giant and buy groceries for their families and we have determined on our board that we'll allocate up to 150 a pop and you can come more than once a year once a year is the limit if you're coming to us for rental affordability assistance but with the

[01:50:42] food cards you can actually take the money you were going to use for food apply it to rent you can do the math and um they allow people just to you know feed their families i had someone the other day um we don't generally work directly with our clients but who came to the office who had her car broke down lost her job and she wasn't able to get to work um she's now homeless she didn't want to admit that but she's living with family she doesn't want to move her kids out of district and out of Fairfax County schools so we were able to give her you

[01:51:17] know $150 in this with these food cards an important thing about this is that our assistant's case manager said that when she visited the food pantry that she used to work for with Cornerstones at Southlake's high school that she didn't recognize anyone and there was no one in line she had just recently gone to visit and we can determine ourselves why people aren't now physically going to stand in line at food pantries. So rather than having people stand in line for groceries or bringing home a cantaloupe or apples, we discreetly get these cards to people. We don't ask any questions except for

[01:51:57] their contact information. And the way the cards are dispensed is we get referrals from the county and then we will go back to the county social worker who will distribute these food access cards. We ask that with the overflow of funds and 2.5 million or so with food access, that you bring back some of these resources directly to people to fill their basic needs. If they're able to get this food card, it kind of gives them hope, gets them to the next month, and it's a way that

[01:52:33] without fear or with dignity, they're able to then go ahead and feed their families. So again, just to, you know, reappropriate toward food support and food access for our county members that barely can afford to live in some of them in their homes and pay their rent. We would appreciate that. Thank you very much, Carolyn, for your testimony. And is there anyone else here who wishes to speak on this matter? This is a public hearing. Anyone else who wishes to testify?

[01:53:02] Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask the clerk if anyone has called in. There are no callers. There are no callers. Last check, board members, any questions? Any questions? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing, and I will pass the gavel to Supervisor Smith, and I'm going to make a motion, and then obviously we'll have discussion on the motion.

[01:53:26] First, I move board approval of the carryover package, including supplemental appropriation Resolutions AS 25285 and AS 26009, and amendment to the Fiscal Planning Resolution AS 26900.

[01:53:42] This approval includes the FY 2025 carryover review package, as presented at the Board of Supervisors meeting on August 26, 2025, which resulted in available non-recurring general fund balance of $1.13 million, as well as the following adjustments.

[01:54:01] One, one-time funding of $135,000 for the Urban and Community Forestry Division to study cost-effective invasive plant mitigation strategies and to establish a comprehensive framework for strategic invasive plant management throughout the county.

[01:54:16] Two, one-time funding of $130,000 for the Richmond Highway Corridor Marketing Initiative in partnership with the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation to support business retention and recruitment, promote the corridor as a destination, help implement placemaking strategies to maintain community vibrancy and limit business displacement during construction, reconstruction of the Richmond Highway Corridor.

[01:54:42] Three, one-time funding of $8,000 to support a part-time intern in the Office of the Financial and program auditor, extending the capacity of the office and ensuring continued accountability and performance audits and improvement across county operations for a reduction of $820,100 in the proposed recurring funding for the Park Authority Equity Implementation Plan with no new positions approved at this time.

[01:55:14] The remaining $1 million in one-time funding will allow work to continue on the replacement of the outdated recreation management system which is used by both the park authority and the department of neighborhood and community services the board remains supportive of parks efforts to enhance access and will consider baseline support including potentially requested positions within the context of the fy 2027 budget five one-time funding of 250 000 to support athletic court

[01:55:45] maintenance and renovations at park authority facilities, and six, one-time funding of $1,430,765 to be placed in the Reserve for Economic Uncertainty to continue to provide flexibility in our response to negative impacts on revenues from economic conditions and to increases in demand for county services. When combined with all other actions taken by the board, a total of $23,483,194 dollars will be available in this reserve for FY 2026. With these adjustments, the general fund

[01:56:21] balance at the FY 2025 carryover review is zero. I'll second that motion. Discussion on the motion? Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. There are a number of differences here. I circulated this motion yesterday to board members so that they could see it. Obviously, the Richmond Highway Initiative, the part-time intern for the financial auditor, and the invasive species elements were items that board members brought forward for consideration that I've included in my motion.

[01:56:51] The principal change that I made to this was item number four, which is the reduction of $820,100 and proposed recurring funding for the Park Authority Equity Implementation Plan. No new positions being approved at this time. And I want to thank the work that staff did to get me some information on this.

[01:57:10] Obviously, this is the sliding fee scale conversation that the board had. And there are much more efficient ways to do this, including working with NCS. This, to me, is a really important efficiency, not just for the county, but for the end users. And we should not be doing these in stovepipes.

[01:57:28] But more important to me is I don't believe we should be adding five positions that will be permanent to the park authority for a new program at carryover. And I would ask that, you know, those things be considered in part as a part of the larger budget conversation.

[01:57:45] We know that the county executive has told us in budget committees about what we're looking at next year. He has asked county agencies to tighten their belts, including looking at 5% reductions and bring those items forward. And frankly, I would sure like to look at any new positions in the context of the positions that might have to be eliminated in the next budget.

[01:58:09] And so I don't think this is the time to be adding new positions for that particular use. I will say there are other positions in here that are triggered by and required by state actions that have been taken. And I asked that question to our budget committee. Board members got a long answer from county budget staff about those positions and why they're required.

[01:58:31] And so I think this is the prudent thing to do. We can't ask county agencies to tighten their belts and then at carryover be approving new positions for a program that hasn't even been created yet that has to come back to the board for full conversation. As I mentioned in the motion, it doesn't mean we don't support this.

[01:58:49] This is something that the board has said is an important thing for the park authority to do. But it is really important that not just the board say that, but that we intersect that with the financial reality that we're in right now. And that we intersect that with being much more strategic about how to do it more collaboratively than what I believe was presented in the carryover package.

[01:59:09] And so that is a change I have made to the county executive's recommendation. and the savings generated from that, as my motion says, will go into the reserve for economic uncertainty to deal with issues that we're going to face moving forward, not the least of which we heard about from several of our speakers about increased needs within vulnerable communities in Fairfax County.

[01:59:32] And so I just wanted to give that explanation for this. Again, I sent out the motion yesterday afternoon and would appreciate my colleagues' support. Thank you. Supervisor Alcorn? Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, and thank you, Mr. Chairman, for spelling that out, because I also had kind of focused in on number four as the biggest item.

[01:59:53] And I know it is very unusual. It's extremely rare for us to add positions at carryover and during any of the quarterlies. And it's not just because Supervisor Herity points it out.

[02:00:10] I would point that out, too. It is a matter of longstanding. There have been some exceptions, but given where we are, I do understand sort of now your rationale and support that.

[02:00:28] So thank you for spelling that out. And also, as it relates to the other, there are a handful of positions that are being added into the budget and the rationale for that as well. Specifically on one of our speakers from Phish, I know they've had some, I appreciate the comments.

[02:00:47] I know there have been some challenges on some of their funding streams in the recent past. So I just ask Supervisor Beerman, maybe you and I could put our heads together on some of that and work that offline. So anyway, thank you very much, Madam Vice Chair.

[02:01:04] Thank you. Supervisor Herity, then Lusk. Yes, Madam Chairman. Let me start by thanking the county executive, Christina Jackson, and Phil Hagen for all their work, because I know this isn't an easy package to pull together. I also want to thank our speakers.

[02:01:21] I think Mark Walsh brought up a very interesting item in the trend, and I will be asking a budget question on that, as well as Arthur Purvis' look at budget versus actual, because we don't tend to do that in carryover, and we should. What did we approve, and what are we spending against?

[02:01:38] So there is a lot to like and support in this. And part of that is my problem, the IT infrastructure. It's critical, and it's important. But we knew it was critical and important when we did the budget, and we didn't fund it then.

[02:01:54] And just like one-time positions, this is an ongoing need that shows up in every carryover. And we need to bake that into our budget. The critical homeless services, the park capital projects and maintenance.

[02:02:10] Certainly the part-time auditor position to the board, because I think that's going to pay back dividends based on the good work that our auditor to the board is doing. The reserve contributions, the economic uncertainty one especially.

[02:02:28] Really, the difficulty for me in supporting it is on page 9, where it talks about the adjustments are primarily one-time expenditures to meet capital and IT needs. But it includes a number of emerging needs that really need to be balanced.

[02:02:46] We've been told we're looking at a $271 million shortfall. Agencies are being asked for another 5 to 10. We had ambulance cuts and everything else put on the table last time. We really need to start doing this spending and balancing against our other needs.

[02:03:05] I do want to thank the chairman for pulling out the park positions. I think that is the absolute right thing to do. The saddest part about that, as I'm sure you agree, Mr. Chairman, is the fact that our agencies are not working together on a solution. I 100% agree.

[02:03:22] We talk about one Fairfax all the time. I mean, that's just unbelievable as much as Parks needs the funding. I think because of those couple of things, I'm going to end up abstaining on this instead of opposing it.

[02:03:39] And I don't agree with everything in here, but I agree with a lot of what's in here, especially pulling the park positions as one-time positions. Thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Lusk. Yeah, I'll also piggyback on the point of the clarification from the chairman on the park positions.

[02:03:56] I appreciate hearing that and understanding the rationale because I just didn't quite, when I first saw it, but clearly today with that, the points that he raised earlier makes it clearer for me. So I am supportive of that action.

[02:04:12] I'm also supportive of the Richmond Highway Marketing Initiative and just wanted to make a couple points on it. I think it's kind of important for the partnership that we have with Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation to help our local businesses along the corridor as we start kind of demolishing and bringing down buildings associated with the future projects that are going to take place there.

[02:04:33] It's going to help us beautify Richmond Highway and help us also to concurrently market the corridor's existing assets and to talk about the changes that are coming down the pike. And I appreciate the board's support of this matter as it will help both the people and the businesses of Richmond Highway.

[02:04:53] With that said, it must be noted that our net balance to allocate is much lower than in years past. And we can see the numbers and the carryover balancing reverting back to more like they were in pre-pandemic times.

[02:05:10] And it's extremely important that we adjust to face the challenges we continue to see growing evidence of. Our economic future looks a bit uncertain as unemployment grows. Tariffs rise and federal investment in our county decreases, things that we talked about earlier as well.

[02:05:31] We continue to see a decrease in the commercial share of our tax base, which is really, really concerning. And we must continue to look for ways to incentivize and grow businesses in our high-growth industries. And we've talked about what those are in AI and space and quantum.

[02:05:50] And we must find ways to do things differently to invest wisely so that we diversify our local economy and reverse these trends. So thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Supervisor Stork? Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, and I'm supportive of the package, and particularly I appreciate the Chairman's efforts looking for a more efficient, effective way to do what we all, I think, believe is important to do, which is have a graduated fee scale for much of the services that we offer, and we already do that with SAC programs,

[02:06:29] And why can't we find a way to do that fairly inexpensively for park programs as well? Two other points I wanted to make is the repurposing of the $130,000 that were really already available for Department of Economic Initiatives and using that to address the significant impacts which are already starting to happen on Richmond Highway Corridor.

[02:06:53] I got a note this morning from a business that's fairly significant on the corner that's deeply concerned about the right-of-way acquisition and what that means for their operations and how do they address that. I'm hearing from more and more small businesses about what they should or maybe shouldn't do because they don't know what the next five years are going to be really difficult.

[02:07:16] So looking for ways to hopefully mitigate that is essential to continuing the upward trajectory of the Richmond Highway Corridor. Essentially, cleaning up the highway means we need to keep cleaning up the highway, and we can't just wait for the construction to make that a little bit harder.

[02:07:32] We have to keep focused on moving that forward. And then the last point is the fact that the item in here, the $8,000 for the Office of Financial and Program Monitor, OFPA, as we call it for short, is really their existing carryover balance that they had, and we're just really adding it to their budget for this coming year because it's the difference between, frankly, continuing to do what they've been doing or cutting back.

[02:08:01] And cutting back doesn't make any sense at all. Their return on dollar investment is 12 to 1, and you'll see that from an email I'm going to send you in a little bit. But for every dollar I've invested in OFPA, Office of Financial Program Auditing, we're getting back about $12, either in savings or revenue increases from, frankly, just collecting dollars better that are already out there that we maybe haven't found that as much in the past, and they're pointing that out and creating that opportunity.

[02:08:34] So I'm going to encourage us to do even more than that in the future, but at least for this point in time, I wanted to highlight that. Thank you. Thank you. I have Supervisor Beerman. This mic thing really is slow today.

[02:08:49] Sorry. Briefly, I support the board, the chairman's motion, especially on number four. The explanation makes sense to me. And I think what you're seeing, and frankly, I commend the budget staff on our carryover package and on the specificity that we go into in our budget choices.

[02:09:18] But I think going into next budget cycle, you're going to continually hear from this board and from others that in some ways the key things to work on are creativity and specificity. So we've got to get creative on trying to find ways to unfortunately stretch money even further, and actually not something that we discussed, but a part of this carryover package is a SAC proposal from Neighborhood and Community Services to try and reach more kids with a more creative way of doing things.

[02:09:56] that ultimately is going to result in a net, you know, adjustment to the general fund of zero dollars. Good. And the creativity of trying to figure out how we're going to implement a sliding fee scale to make our parks more accessible to people while also doing it with less dollars.

[02:10:16] And the specificity aspect of it that I just mentioned is we're going to ask tough questions about what exactly have you done to try and get specific about that. And I think that was, frankly, a little bit lacking in the five park positions and in the budget response that was given on that topic about exactly what those five positions were needed for at this very moment outside of a cycle and in a carryover package.

[02:10:49] So I think that's what I hope, I think we are all hoping to see going into the next budget cycle. And admittedly, I say this with, you know, as one of the people who gets to serve on the audit committee, I know Jeff probably parked me there thinking that it wouldn't be very fun, but it's the best committee.

[02:11:10] And so I appreciate that. Yeah, Andres knows. And I appreciate that we are funding additional money for the audit committee because our audits are an example of trying to get creative and specific.

[02:11:26] Creative about how we're going to make the money go further and specific about some ideas for doing so. So thank you. Thank you, Mr. Beerman. I just want to follow up quickly on something Supervisor Beerman said that I've said before here, and I'm just going to say it again because we know we're entering some challenging times.

[02:11:45] The creativity element that you mentioned and what you mentioned about SAC, I think, is a really good example. We have to partner with county staff as well and be open to change. And as soon as that came out, immediately the emails against it started to come in.

[02:12:04] And so we're also going to have to be strong to say people in the community don't always like change. We went through this with animal control. We were going through this with SAC. number of things that come up to this board, the instinct can't just be, we have to keep doing things the same way we've done them because that's the way we've done them. The times call for a level of creativity, not just from our staff and our community, but also from this board and an openness of members of this board to listen to and hear opportunities to change, to be more efficient, to do things differently. And there's never been a more important time to do that than

[02:12:42] right now, given the uncertainty that we're facing. And so I appreciate you mentioning that, Supervisor Behrman. And I am going to continue to reiterate that because instinctively too many times, a good idea comes forward. And before we can even have a real conversation with the community about it, there's a lobbying effort to destroy it. And these times call for us to be making hard decisions and be open to these ideas and completely open to these ideas and be willing to not lobby, but to discuss and vet them and to make the hard decisions that we were sent here to do.

[02:13:20] And so I do appreciate my colleagues' support of the carryover motion. Thank you. Mr. Hagan, I would just like to confirm that departments were asked to look at 5 percent reductions in their budgets. Yes, ma'am, that is correct.

[02:13:36] Going into the FY 2027 budget, we did ask all general fund agencies, general fund-supported agencies, to identify up to 5% of their budgets for reduction options. Okay. I just wanted to clarify it's up to 5%. Thank you very much. Supervisor Jimenez.

[02:13:52] All right. Got the mic to work. Great. Just really quickly, fully support the chairman's motion. I want to really quickly highlight the work that our audit committee is doing. They're doing a terrific job. They're stellar. They're thinking outside the box.

[02:14:08] And again, just to highlight and kind of echo what you said, Mr. Chairman, we need to be a county of yes. We need to switch our mindset. So we're not a county that just automatically says no. We need to start saying yes. What are the options? Because we're running out of options, and we can't keep saying no without bringing up new ideas.

[02:14:26] It just doesn't work like that. We're going to hit a wall, and when we hit that wall, there's nothing on the other side of it. So let's be a county of yes, and let's use common sense. Thank you. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed?

[02:14:42] Any abstentions? Affirmative abstain. Thank you. That motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Vice Chair Smith. And I, too, want to thank our entire budget team, as I always do. I remind folks that we focus on the budget sometimes at one point in time during the annual budget review, but they're focused on the budget every single day, and that is clear in the transparent way you present things and bring us ideas.

[02:15:06] And so we thank you and your entire team. Well done. With that, we are going to move on to our administrative items. And let me ask Supervisor Smith, do you have a motion for admin items 1 through 12? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[02:15:21] I move approval of admin items 1 through 12. Second. We've heard the motion. The chair will second that, along with several others. Are there any items that board members would like to have pulled for questions, a separate discussion, or a separate vote? Seeing and hearing none.

[02:15:38] All those in favor of admin items 1 through 12, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. And that takes us to action items. And we have only one action item, which is the presentation of the delinquent tax list for tax year 2024, FY 2025.

[02:16:00] And let me turn to Vice Chair Smith for a motion. I move approval of the county executive's recommendation. And the chair will second that motion along with Supervisor Lusk. Discussion on the motion?

[02:16:15] Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of action item one, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Thank you very much, and thank you, staff. No questions is a sign of good work. With that, I am going to, before I turn to Vice Chair Smith for a motion to take us into closed session, let me ask the county attorney how long we need.

[02:16:42] Mr. Chairman, I estimate 90 minutes. 90 minutes, our 3.30, and let me ask for the purpose of public disclosure, Supervisor Alcorn to announce his intent to defer the 3.30 item.

[02:17:00] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do intend at 3.30, or afterwards, to defer the public hearing that's on the schedule, and this relates to Comstock Reston Station Holdings, LC, as shown in our agenda. So that will make our first public hearing really at 4 o'clock.

[02:17:19] We will come out. We can start late, close to 4 o'clock, make that deferral. With that being said, the county attorney indicates an hour and a half, which by my math means we need to break for lunch and be back here by 2.30 for closed session.

[02:17:37] And at this time, let me ask Supervisor Smith if you have a motion. 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 and listed in the attached agenda for this meeting, and in addition, one, as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A8, legal analysis of the following, A, processing of right-of-way vacation requests for subdivision and site plans, and B, traffic law enforcement program,

[02:18:13] as permitted by Virginia Code section 2.2-3711A1, annual evaluation of performance ordered to the board. You've heard the motion. The chair will second that motion. Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none.

[02:18:29] All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. The board will break for lunch and report to closed session at 2.30.

[02:21:40] All right, we're going to go ahead and get started again.

[02:26:13] The Board just came out of closed session, and at this time, I'm going to recognize Supervisor Smith for a motion. 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.

[02:26:42] And I will second that motion along with Supervisor Lusk. 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 there were no motions coming out of closed session, and so that brings us to our afternoon public hearings.

[02:27:03] And just a few reminders about public hearings. 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, I'll call for any speakers from the speakers list, and they will either come forward, or their video will be shown, or they will be connected by telephone.

[02:27:26] There will then be an opportunity for anyone else who would like to speak to the board on that matter to come down to the podium or to call in at 703-324-1020. Speakers testifying via video must have signed up and submitted their video no later than 9 a.m. on the day prior to the public hearing.

[02:27:47] 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. I understand our first case this afternoon. We announced earlier today an intention to defer it, but let me first call it, which is a public hearing on PCA 2016-HM-035-03, CDPA 2016-HM-035-03, RZPA 2024-HM-00052, Comstock, Reston Station Holdings, LC, in the 100 Mill District, Supervisor Alcorn.

[02:28:26] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At the request of the applicant and relating to various documentation issues, I move that the Board of Supervisors defer the September 30, 2025 public hearing for PCA CDPA 2016-HM-035-03 to a date certain of October 14, 2025 at 3.30 p.m.

[02:28:45] Second. You've heard the motion. It's been multiply seconded. Any 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 that motion carries and that brings us to our first four o'clock public hearing which is a public hearing to expand parking restrictions on boone boulevard in the providence district and at this time i would recognize staff for a staff presentation good afternoon chairman mckay and members of the board i'm henry stein mccartney with the department of transportation this is a public hearing to consider parking restrictions in the

[02:29:24] Providence District on the south side of Boone Boulevard from the northeastern property line of 2051 Chambridge Road to the northeastern property line of 8301 Boone Boulevard as shown on attachment two. Property owners along this block of Boone Boulevard are seeking relief from long-term parking and vehicle storage that diminishes the capacity of on-street parking for other uses. The requested restriction will prohibit the parking of commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles and all trailers 24 hours per day seven days per week a parking restriction

[02:30:00] for the north side of boone boulevard from howard avenue to the southeastern property line of 8230 boone boulevard that prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles recreational vehicles and trailers was approved by the board of supervisors on july 25th 2023 an additional parking restriction for the south side of boone boulevard from howard avenue to the southeastern property line of 8229 Boone Boulevard that prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, and trailers was approved by the Board of Supervisors on March 18, 2025. The proposed parking restriction will expand

[02:30:37] the existing restrictions along the south side of Boone Boulevard. Staff has observed the subject block of Boone Boulevard over a 30-day period and documented long-term parking of commercial vehicles along it, which qualifies this block for restrictions.

[02:30:54] Thank you very much for that presentation. Are there any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone here present in the auditorium that would like to speak on this subject?

[02:31:13] This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify? Sir, if you could come on down, please state your name and address for the record, and at the end of your testimony, if you could just see the clerk here to my far right and just give her your name and address, that would be appreciated. Welcome. Yes, sir. Thank you for hearing our application today. My name is Clayton Shry. I'm the real estate director for Aldi Foods, the grocery store. So we are the proposed tenant for the vacant building there, the former Bed Bath & Beyond. So we are working

[02:31:46] with Benderson, our landlord, who was the applicant for this space. I'm here today truly just to protect our investment because as you can imagine, you know, with I'm sure you guys know this area, the average rents, the number of vehicles per day, highly trafficked area. So it is our intent to eliminate parking on that Boone Boulevard. I did see the staff report was calling out where Boone Boulevard goes to the southeast. It is our intention that just the

[02:32:21] portion that is paralleled to Chain Bridge Road. Reason being is those commercial vehicles, it is very frequent that there are large commercial vehicles, box trucks, WB-67s parked there, which greatly diminishes the visibility for our future store. So like I mentioned, just to protect our investment and get as many eyeballs on the building as possible, we would like to extend that parking restriction so that it meets the current parking restriction.

[02:32:53] I was there this morning just to get a look at it, and it is the existing. There are certainly many trucks out there currently, so just wanted to extend that as well over to where it is currently restricted to parking up until the signalized intersection of Boone Boulevard and Chain Bridge Road.

[02:33:14] Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate that testimony. Is there anyone else here present who would like to speak on this matter? This is a public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one else, let me ask the clerk if we have any callers. There are no callers. No callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff?

[02:33:32] Based on FCDOT's findings, staff recommends approval of the parking restriction as proposed. Thank you very much. Any questions from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Palchuk for a motion.

[02:33:49] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much to Ms. Stein-McCartney, and thank you to the speaker. Exciting news, what's going to be coming in the old Bed, Bath & Beyond building. I know we're always happy to fill those spaces.

[02:34:07] I do have some motion. It's here. I move that the board approve an amendment to Appendix R of Fairfax County Code to prohibit commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, and any trailer or semi-trailer from parking on the south side of Boone Boulevard from the northeastern property line of 2051 Chambridge Road to the northeastern property line of 8301 Boone Boulevard, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

[02:34:35] You've heard the motion. And the second, is there any discussion on the motion? Any discussion? I'm sorry? On this matter?

[02:34:56] Okay, I've called several times for speakers to come down on this matter. Okay, if you can come down quickly, please, and testify. Give us your name and address for the record. We will accept that only because I was one second away from closing the public hearing. So, okay, but I have to follow decorum of the board and process here. So when I call for speakers, speakers are to come forward at that time. This is after that normal time. Please come forward, give your name and address for

[02:35:30] the record and we will accept your testimony yes so I'm Sonia Darling address 3160 Campbell Drive Virginia Fairfax and I just wanted to say to keep you from making sure you don't you know be liable to a lawsuit to make sure that there's proper signage specifying commercial recreational and trailer vehicles because if you don't specify then people who are driving cars and parking cars will think that they can't park there so i just want you to be certain that your signage is proper

[02:36:09] and that people who are driving cars like i don't know if they're allowed to be there or not so maybe you should just clarify thank you okay uh thank you for your testimony and um if staff wants to i'm going to allow them an opportunity to address that because this has been been well thought out. Thank you, Chairman McKay. Henry Stein-McCartney, Department of Transportation.

[02:36:37] The signs that we install for this particular restriction are very clear in that the restriction prohibits commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, and trailers. Passenger vehicles are allowed to park in areas where the stated vehicles are restricted.

[02:36:57] Thank you very much for that. And with that, if there are no other questions of board members, I am going to close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Palczyk for a motion. I read it. Should I repeat it? Oh, I'm sorry. I think I had a second. So then I had closed the public hearing.

[02:37:15] We reopened it. Yeah, would have been helpful for someone to tell me that. Okay. In that case, we will address that in a minute. But you have made a motion. It's been seconded. If there's no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[02:37:31] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you very much. Next, we have a public hearing to lease county-owned property at 9517 Workhouse Way to Drink Local LLC in the Mount Vernon District.

[02:37:48] And as soon as staff is ready, we would welcome a staff presentation. Thank you. My name is Joanne Phoebe. I'm with the Department of Economic Initiatives and providing the staff presentations for the public hearing on the proposed, excuse me, the proposed lease of county-owned property to Drink Local LLC.

[02:38:08] So the Board of Supervisors owns Tax Map 106-4 Double Circle 1, Parcel 58, operated as the Workhouse Arts Campus. This site was part of the 2002 purchase from the Lorton Reformatory property from the federal government.

[02:38:23] The site contains several historic structures, and the proposed lease is for structure at 9517 Workhouse Way. This is a vacant structure, and it's a two-level building of approximately 4,500 square feet. There's a photo of it on the bottom left.

[02:38:44] In 2023, the county completed renovations on two historic structures along Route 123. Both properties were bought up to code standards as a warm-lit shell to be available for lease to tenants, as well as streetscape and natural landscaping improvements. They were previously approved for food and beverage uses with a 2004 zoning approval.

[02:39:05] So the leasing efforts initially focused on 9514 with a lease to Drink Local LLC, and as a result, Bunnyman Cafe and Brewery opened in July of 2024. Since Bunnyman opened, the campus has exceeded expectations for campus activation.

[02:39:24] Visitations are up dramatically with record attendance numbers in 2024 and 2025, and with fall festivals and winter events still ahead 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year. We attribute the increase in visitation to both the added food and beverage, but also the efforts of the Workhouse Foundation. Drawing folks to the campus is key to supporting the Workhouse Foundation and to grow campus programming and activities. So for the proposed tenant at 9517, Fairfax County engaged Jones Lang LaSalle as our broker to identify potential users for the site, and we evaluated

[02:40:01] several letters of intents. Based on the increased visitation numbers, it was clear that food and beverage uses are a critical element to campus activation, and therefore we selected Drink Local LLC again for 9517. This operator has met campus goals of bringing this food service to the campus, supporting placemaking and activation, and we expect the new location to expand the offerings of food and beverage and further activate the frontage along Route 123 with more outdoor dining and entertaining areas, which actually acts as advertising for the campus.

[02:40:35] So in terms of the proposed key lease terms, it is for an initial 10-year term with up to two five-year extensions. Annual lease revenue is $117,800 after the initial rent abatement period. All revenues go to the general fund for board use and appropriation with an anticipated minimum of $1.1 million in gross revenue over the initial 10-year term, and that does not include additional potential participation rent or sublease profits. The tenant will be responsible for interior maintenance, upkeep on the grounds in their lease area, contribute annually to overall campus maintenance costs, and all utility and real estate obligations for their lease parcel.

[02:41:16] The county is also providing $400,000 allowance for tenant improvements to the structure, and the funding for this comes from the renovation construction budget. The tenant will provide monthly revenue reports and participate in coordination meetings with the county and the Workhouse Arts Foundation. So staff recommends adoption of the county executive's recommendation to authorize staff to execute a lease with Drink Local LLC for the purpose of private operation of a food and beverage retail establishment at 9517 Workhouse Way. And this concludes staff's

[02:41:50] presentation. Thank you very much for that presentation. Are there any questions of staff? Any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone here present in the auditorium that would like to speak on this matter? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify?

[02:42:13] Mr. Chairman, we do have three listed speakers. We do have three listed speakers. Okay. Very good. We now have three listed speakers. Speaker number one is Sam Gray, to be followed by Keith Gordon and Douglas Smith. After these three gentlemen testify, if you would like to sign up to speak, please see the clerk to my right, to your left, and we will hear first from Speaker No. 1, Sam Gray, who is the co-owner-founder of Drink Local LLC, doing business as Bunny Man Brewing.

[02:42:43] Welcome. Thank you, Joanne. Again, my name is Sam Gray, co-owner of Drink Local LLC, otherwise known as Bunny Man Brewing. Thank you for having me. I'm going to abbreviate my talk tonight, obviously, because Joanne did such a beautiful job.

[02:43:01] pardon me, coming up here. Actually, while I was sitting there, I also realized it's been two years, nine months, and 24 days since the last time I stood here in front of you and struggled through a presentation to be able to open up 9514, which is the Bunny Man Cafe.

[02:43:17] So thank you, and thank you for having me again. To try not to just read what I'm going through, I'm going to go through some basics of my notes. South County has limited options, as we know, for the family-friendly outdoor dining. Some existing patios are concentrated in Aucoin, Springfield, or across the river even.

[02:43:38] This outdoor space, which is the space in between the two buildings, is critical for the continued help of being able to have so many people sitting outside, dining, be able to have indoor-outdoor space, and provide space to go in and back and forth to the workhouse campus itself.

[02:43:56] The area also, with the proposed business plan, will be a dual purpose of a delivery hub and a family-friendly dining on the first floor with a date night opportunities on the second floor. Full liquor license, restaurant, full menus, and delivery options of all those working together with another local business.

[02:44:22] The areas that we're trying to provide for, which sometimes are limited in that area, obviously go all the way down to Lowell Hill, Lorton Station, Mason Neck, Barrington, Crosspoint, Newington Forest neighborhoods, roughly 69,000-ish residents and increasing, hopefully.

[02:44:40] The community benefits that we believe that we can help out are, of course, as I said before, is the casual dining and the outdoor space. Huge for everybody. And as an experience over the last year with Boynton Brewing, that outdoor seating fills up before anything does. And it is a huge benefit to be able to have that, and people just love it.

[02:44:58] It allows spaces for people, the kids, people to come in and want to get space at the workhouse campus and provide for a nice space on a nice day. It's not seen very often, especially at least in that South County area. We also have proven, we have Keith Goulton here, the CEO for the board for the Workhouse Arts Foundation.

[02:45:18] is also going to speak to, I'll let him go to a little bit more of their collaborative work with that group and support the workhouse programs, the classes, and the events with on-site food service. Before you had to go in there, you see something, and then you go somewhere else to eat before or after whatever events they have, but hopefully we'll be able to provide a little bit more of that for that area. Why Bunnyman is, so you saw the awesome statistics of it at 56% increase in visitation. Hopefully that's a bit too up for us. Also I know

[02:45:54] for a fact the increased work from the CEO and the board of the Workhouse Arts Foundation to bring more people there has been absolutely incredible. So it's a shared expense and that success is definitely due to that collaborative effort between Bunnyman, which is the reason we wanted to expand and not separate out and more segment that area and make more cohesive.

[02:46:18] The public doesn't know that that is a separation at all. We wanted to know that this is a Workhouse Arts campus and everybody worked together at the same time. We all say that we are a proven business model and community partner. All the owners of Drink Local LLC raised here, have our kids here, all go to school here, all go to public school, and are proud to be sons of Fairfax, truly.

[02:46:43] We understand and have experienced the intricacies of development in a historical site. And that is, sometimes a lot of hoops go through. Very well worth it in the end, after years of doing that. Working with the Architectural Review Board, the Lorton Historical Society, the local community groups all together in trying to develop something and maintain that cultural significance of the exterior and provide additional benefits is very important to us.

[02:47:14] We will continue and look forward to more partnerships with the Workouts Arts Foundation, developing plans, and event planning for revenue sharing. And I can even let Keith expand on that a little bit more if he likes. Our partner in this, our partner in this to be able to develop, we looked out, we went outside to try to develop something that we could have in addition to Bunny Man to help provide another local business, to provide the service, and the food is most likely going to be Old Dominion Pizza.

[02:47:48] And if you're familiar with Old Dominion Pizza in Fairfax City and also in Arlington, an absolutely amazing partner. We're looking forward to them to provide a full menu, upstairs dancers, and delivery options to the area. John Rodas, the owner that's here in the crowd right now, is also a local, has more than 40 years' experience in restaurant business, and can provide some of that added benefit that we need to provide that service.

[02:48:18] Old Dominion Pizza also has quite a few recognitions of the 18 best pizza places in Nova. They nominated for the best pizza in Northern Virginia and featured in the Fairfax City Restaurant Week quite a few times, so very well-known and a very well local business, and that local business is important to us as well.

[02:48:39] For the good part, looking at 35 to 55 additional jobs for county residents and the surrounding areas. A visitor capture. I mean, we would hope that we would be able to bring more people in to be able to maintain and spend their money not only just at Bunnyman, but at the Workhouse campus itself.

[02:49:04] And we can talk to the artists, and I do get to talk to the artists quite often, and they do have noticed a benefit and be able to have more people walking the campus. So we hopefully played a little part in that. As far as a direct monetary investment, your investment and your trust in us to be able to have that line is also an investment in us and your trust.

[02:49:24] We could look at monetary response with between the county meals tax, the percentage rent above the normal cutoff range, local sales tax, property taxes, and rent equates to roughly $350,000 to $520,000 a year annual return on your investment in us in direct monetary funds back to the county.

[02:49:47] So we're very proud to hopefully we can provide that back, and that means if we're successful, the county is successful as well. Again, lastly, I just want to say thank you to provide this opportunity to give back to the community that we were raised and give our families so many great opportunities.

[02:50:04] As I said, lifetime residents of Fairfax County, it has given us, myself and my partners and John, all the families, so many opportunities to be here. It's nice to give back. This business definitely has helped us realize how important community and neighborhood connections means in such a fast-place area.

[02:50:24] We didn't, even growing up, even naming the place Boney Man was a challenge for us. If everybody's going to remember what the Boney Man was back from growing up, which we knew so well, we didn't realize how much memory that brought back to people, and that's made us feel really good. So I appreciate that time. So that's what I have.

[02:50:41] I appreciate your time. Thank you so much. If you have any questions about any more details, I can walk you through or I can take you or give you a tour or whatever you like at any time. Thank you very much, Mr. Gray. I appreciate your testimony and all the good works that your business is involved in. so thank you. Our second speaker is Keith Gordon, who is president and CEO of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, as was mentioned earlier, and following him will be speaker number three, Douglas Smith.

[02:51:07] Welcome, Mr. Gordon. Thank you so much. Good afternoon, Chair McKay and members of the board. My name is Keith Gordon, and I'm the president and CEO of the Workhouse Arts Foundation and the Workhouse Arts Center. Over the last 17 years, the Workhouse Arts Center has grown into one of Fairfax County's most unique and dynamic cultural destinations. Each year we host more than 800 events ranging from live theater performances to musical concerts to festivals and community gatherings and art classes and of course annual events like our Workhouse Haunt and our Workhouse Fireworks Celebration, all bringing people together for a great cause. This type of programming has

[02:51:46] really made the Workhouse a place where families, neighbors, and visitors from across the region come together, not just neighbors from down the street and we're really proud of that and obviously I've been there a little over a year, but this is something that I intend to continue to develop over time and build on the success of the 16 years prior to my arrival.

[02:52:05] That commitment is paying off. In 2024, as you heard from Joanne, Ms. Phoebe, we welcomed more than 165,000 visitors to the campus. We're already on target to break that and set a new record for this year's attendance. This is the largest increase in our history, and most importantly, that increase in attendance translated into results.

[02:52:23] This past fiscal year alone, the workhouse delivered double-digit percentage revenue growth across every single category compared to the prior year, and increases ranged from 12% to more than 25% in some categories. So it's very clear that the workhouse continues to evolve, and the community is responding in kind, and again, it's something we're extremely proud of, and there's been a lot of effort, not just from the folks at the workhouse, but everyone in this room as well, and I'm very grateful for all of those efforts.

[02:52:52] That evolution is really fueled first and foremost by our investments to strengthen and diversify the visitor experience. Some of those examples from the past year include the expansion of our arts education and programming, the recent completion of the upgraded kiln yard with a lot of assistance and help from the county, thank you very much, and which will significantly expand the capacity of our ceramics program which is currently at the seams. It's the largest ceramics program in the area, and we continue to look for opportunities to expand and really be a beacon of positivity for the county and the surrounding areas. An art-inspired miniature golf course is

[02:53:28] now open, creating a new and accessible way for families to engage with the arts and do so in a much more fun and enjoyable way. And by this time next year, the state-of-the-art glass hot shop will be open, and it's expected to be fully operational by around the October-November timeframe. Each of these projects reflects the forward-looking vision of making the workhouse not just a premier destination for the arts, culture, but also for community. And at the same time that we're doing all of these things, I think it goes without saying that we know amenities matter. The addition of food and beverage options over the past year has been a massive contributor

[02:54:04] to our record-setting attendance, and it's helped us attract a new audience and encourage guests to stay longer and enjoy more of what the workhouse has to offer. We view the expansion of those options as a wonderful way to build and capture the momentum that we have and continue to actually build momentum for larger crowds at the workhouse and to see those attendance numbers continue to climb. The team behind the Bunnyman Brewing has really been a consistent and proven partner in this vision. They've demonstrated a genuine commitment not only to their own success but to the success of the workhouse campus as a whole, just like you heard Sam mention. Whether through coordinating cross-promotion, supporting our major festivals and events, or working alongside our

[02:54:43] team to create a more welcoming environment for visitors. They've shown time and again, they view themselves as a larger part of the workhouse community. And just as important, their presence has drawn an entirely new group of patrons to the workhouse, many whom may never have discovered the workhouse if it wasn't for the brewery. And I think that is a point I really want to stress. Introducing them to all that the campus has to offer. For those of you who've been to the campus, we do have seasonal activities. We have a lot of different things that happen throughout the year. As I mentioned, over 800 individual events that we host throughout the

[02:55:21] year. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of. But when you think about similar cultural destinations throughout the region, you think about the economic impact. When you leave your home, when you go out for dinner, when you have a glass of wine, when you see a show, when you buy any kind of art merchandise or patronize any establishments, the longer you can stay in one location the better it is for all of those businesses that are involved and we do believe that bunny man has been an absolute catalyst to our success this last year not just as a as a partner on the campus but also as a strategic thought partner when we're doing campus-wide events

[02:55:54] and you know the i think it's really important to to understand that you know i've run a lot of different businesses in my time and unfortunately i've had the i've had the pleasure of working with great people and i've had the unfortunate pleasure of working with some folks that are not necessarily as community-minded as some others.

[02:56:13] I will tell you that Sam is an absolute partner to the workhouse. He's an absolute partner to this community. He's a champion in Fairfax County. And I couldn't think of a better place to not only give him the opportunity to expand his presence, but to help continue to drive the community impact that the Workhouse Arts Center and the campus as a whole is going to have.

[02:56:32] So on behalf of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, I just want to thank you for your leadership and your ongoing commitment to the workhouse, which includes not only the Arts Center, but also Bunnyman Brewing and the proposed expansion. And it's in that same spirit that I respectfully recommend the approval of the Drink Local LLC lease for Building 15. Thank you all. Thank you very much, Keith, and thank you for all the great work that you're doing at the workhouse. We see it and we know it and we appreciate it. Thank you. Speaker number three is Douglas Smith. And is anyone else wishing to testify on this matter after Mr. Smith? Anyone else wishing to testify

[02:57:08] on this matter okay welcome the floor is yours thank you very much thank you for the opportunity my name is Doug Smith a 20-year county resident and passionate bunny man customer and consumer as a Burke Fairfax resident you can imagine the excitement that met me when they opened their first location right in my backyard so I no longer had to drive out to the hinterlands of our neighboring Loudoun County for a delicious craft beer. I quickly saw how the team at Bunnyman

[02:57:42] transformed what was a dilapidated Washington Post warehouse into a gathering place for myself and my neighboring community. And with their different event nights from trivia to music to live performances, how I engaged myself and my neighbors. And you can imagine the excitement I had when I understood that they would be taking that show on the road to the workhouse. I am a passionate supporter of our local arts, our local music, and the workhouse is a shining example, in my opinion, of a venue for those. And I do believe, though, as a passionate supporter of the

[02:58:20] arts, that the arts always need a front porch, something to draw people in that are not necessarily arts engaged if that makes sense a gathering place something to get the people who haven't experienced the wonderful resources that we have and i think when bunny man opened up their first lorton location they accomplished just that i've been the participant in many of their festivals they've hosted and also engaged with the local art community that has embraced bunny man and the people like myself that came from outside the Lorton community to visit. And I think that first

[02:58:58] they preserved the historic nature of the complex. If you've ever visited, it's just an exceptional job. I saw a special on the History Channel about the prison and they even have the old White House windows from when the White House was first renovated. I mean, this is a historic and beautiful location and the Art Center has done a wonderful job transforming it. But in my opinion, because I'd never visited, even up until Bunnyman first came. The front porch needed a little work. The front door of the Arts Center needed a draw. And to me, that's what Bunnyman has done and has

[02:59:33] accomplished in spades as we saw today. And I'm really excited to put my passion endorsement to the expansion so that the front door and the front porch gets a little bigger and a little more welcoming for our local community. So thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak today. Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. And let me verify there are no other speakers present for this matter. Let me ask the clerk if we have anyone who has called in.

[02:59:58] There are no callers. No one has called in. Staff already provided their recommendation, but why don't I let you repeat that for us? Thank you. So staff recommends adoption of the county executive's recommendation to authorize staff to execute a lease with Drink Local LLC for the purpose of private operation of a food and beverage retail establishment at 9517 Workhouse Way.

[03:00:23] Thank you very much. And let me verify there are no other questions from board members. Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Stork for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's absolutely my pleasure to make a motion on this.

[03:00:40] I need to speak to a couple of things first before I do that. I think the most important thing that I can connect to, and those of you who know me well, and my love of history and long association with a certain former president, et cetera, when Sam Gray mentioned that historical connection, I couldn't help but make that historical connection to Bunny Man.

[03:01:04] I mean, for those of you who live in this area and you don't know about Bunny Man, I mean, that's a history connection that's frightening. And given that we're closing in on Halloween, I think it's all the more reason why we should all be very scared about what may be transfigured there.

[03:01:23] And anybody who's been down to the workhouse knows that Halloween is not a place that you go at night, at least not if you don't want to really be scared, right? So we have the two of them sitting there together out in the audience, but Sam and Keith, the partnership that you all are bringing together, the criticality of really bringing both of those pieces of our history, not only alive, but also creating the sense of community and the other parts that really make us unique, particularly at the workhouse, but in other parts of our county.

[03:01:56] I know that, but this is really our huge opportunity to continue that trend, to continue to make those movements forward to transform the workhouse into the vision that, frankly, was part of a 25-year-ago vision for the Lorton area that's step-by-step.

[03:02:14] Maybe it's two steps forwards and one back, and that seems to be a lot of the history of the workhouse, but we clearly are making two steps forward, and I'm not seeing any recent steps back. So this definitely represents two steps forward, and one that the partnership of the Workhouse Arts Center Foundation folks, obviously your leadership, Keith, the CEO, Sam, Drinkmore, and Bunnyman Brewing in particular, that's coolly extraordinary, the sweat equity that you've put into that building.

[03:02:49] And I know the engagement you've had with most of us, at least, about how we can do things even better this time around. I think gives us even more optimism and belief that this will now take what are already some amazing additional visitation numbers to an even higher level, along with the continued investment that I think the Workhouse Arts Foundation and the board and so many parts of our county have had for decades.

[03:03:17] I'm going to thank a couple people up front before I make this motion. Actually, let me make the motion, and then I'll reserve that for after the fact. The motion is, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve the county executive's recommendation to authorize staff to execute a lease with Drink Local LLC doing business as Bunny Man Brewing for county-owned property at 9517 Workhouse Way, known as Building W15 at the Workhouse Campus.

[03:03:47] The lease should be on the terms and general form that was reviewed at today's public hearing. I'm happy to second that motion along with Supervisor Herity. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Stork. I really have said a lot of it already, and I know others will add to it.

[03:04:04] And when we're finished with this motion, I would ask the chairman to give me a chance to recognize some people that really made it possible for us to get where we are. But this is a huge next step for us and one that I think has continued to move us on the right trajectory at the Workhouse Arts Center and, in particular, making that a community, a place to be, a place-making extraordinaire for all of us.

[03:04:28] So thank you. Thank you very much. Supervisor Stork, Supervisor Herity. Yeah, I could talk all day on how good this is, I think, for the county and for the Workhouse. So I'm just going to keep it. I absolutely love the front porch analogy, though, of welcoming people into the workhouse.

[03:04:45] You know, what Bunny Man does is give it the destination that it needs to get people to the workhouse. So 100% supportive, and I'll keep it that short. Thank you, Supervisor Herity, and I'll just add my support as well.

[03:05:02] First, I want to thank Sam and Eric for the vision that you initially had on the subject of Bunny Man. I take great joy in telling my teenage kids that story. Got their attention. But in all seriousness, we're really fortunate to have you as strong business partners in Fairfax County and really making a difference in our community.

[03:05:23] And I think, you know, as the testimony we received was clear, this is a mutual benefit both to Bunnyman but also to the workhouse. And certainly the work that you're doing, Keith, as I mentioned, is noticeable. There's been a dramatic improvement in just about everything that's happening on the property.

[03:05:43] And the people who really are responsible for that are here and, of course, the board of the workhouse who does a lot of work on this front as well. And so I, too, want to thank the staff who worked on this. We did learn a lot from round one.

[03:06:00] Sam, your input on things that went well, things that didn't go well, hopefully was a guide point for us. in round two that has made this easier, and certainly look forward to a lot of other opportunities of great things happening down there, and wish you all the success in the world at this location, and I'm confident this will be successful.

[03:06:22] So I'm glad to support it, and certainly glad that we're here today to take this extra step. With that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you all very much.

[03:06:38] And, Dan, you wanted to thank a couple other individuals. Please go ahead and do that. I can't. I mean, there's a long, long list. I'll start with the folks that are right in front of us, in particular. Joanne Phoebe and Scott Sizer have been very involved, along with Jarrett Haring from DEI.

[03:06:54] They've done a tremendous job of bringing all the pieces together. And this obviously takes a long time. It always takes a lot longer than we want or expect, and their work on that. Sam Gray and Eric Barrett, the owners of Drink Local, I mean, you guys literally, If you haven't been to Buddy and Brewing at the workhouse, you get to see the tables that Eric made and crafted, if you will, along with the craft brew that they have there.

[03:07:17] I mean, it really all fits together with their vision and how they want people to come to their home, if you will, and definitely be part of that. Sam, for your involvement in being part of the workhouse board, I mean, it's huge that we have that connection to what's happening and how do we get more vendors to be part of that.

[03:07:36] Keith has brought an amazing new vision, and I would say the most important thing that I particularly see that Keith has brought is his sense of business. I mean, business is about marketing, and marketing is about advertising, and advertising is about connecting and bringing people into a vision and creating a group of folks who get it.

[03:08:00] Whether you're looking at miniature golf or you have a new hot shop that we're going to be adding, I mean, there's lots and lots of ways that's happening, and even more ways that it will happen. And then, clearly, Old Dominion pizza owner, John Rodas, looking forward to that, looking forward to tasting that.

[03:08:18] And we have a lot of pizza critics, at least in my office. I'm looking forward to, one of them is right behind me, smiling, so looking forward to what she has to say about it. And then last, but definitely not least, there's some board members here, And in particular, the chairman has been deeply involved, not only as a supervisor, but also as chairman in, frankly, all things workhouse.

[03:08:44] We have county staff has really been an important part of that. And I think Joe in particular, but either others. I know, Pat, you've been part of the conversation. Many others have been key parts of getting this. But I also want to mention two people that maybe aren't here, that aren't here physically present today.

[03:09:02] But Sharon Boulevard was a huge, huge supporter, promoter, and really all things workhouse. And I don't know that we would be here without her continued leadership and commitment. And, of course, my predecessor and Jerry Highland was a key part of that in making sure that this was an important part.

[03:09:23] Many, many, many, many community members, but I'm going to single one out in particular. And those of us who have been there and have engaged there know that Tim and Barbara Reiser are, you can't find a stronger, more committed individuals to them, not only with the Reiser Pavilion, but in just for decades worth of their commitment to see the vision and to continue to work, invest their own donations and really their time and everything else to try to help bring this vision further along.

[03:09:55] So those are just some of the people, but I wanted to particularly mention those individuals as ones who have stood out over the years and decades. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much for that, Supervisor Stork. And again, thank you all. Here's to many years of success moving forward, so appreciate that.

[03:10:14] Our next public hearing is a public hearing to convey certain land rights and board-owned property to the City of Fairfax for the Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project. And at this time, I recognize county staff for a staff presentation.

[03:10:31] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Mike Lambert. I am the Assistant Director of Real Estate Services for the Facilities Management Department. The Board of Supervisors is the owner of a 2.4-acre parcel of land located at 3750 Blanham Boulevard, identified a city tax map parcel number 57202172 in the city of Fairfax.

[03:10:51] The property is home to the Joseph Willard Center, a licensed county medical facility which provides immunizations, health screenings, and laboratory testing services to around 15,000 individuals per year. To the north of the property is the Stacey Sherwood Community Center, which is owned and operated by the City of Fairfax.

[03:11:10] The city is in the process of acquiring land for the Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project, which involves a reconstruction of Blenheim Boulevard to include sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, a two-way cycle track on the north side, and upgraded bus stops and shelters throughout the project area.

[03:11:27] To accommodate the new cycle track, which will be buffered with landscaping medians from the road itself, the city needs this county to convey from the Willard property two small strips of land in V-CIPL to only 2,000 square feet and to dedicate a temporary construction easement of around 9,000 square feet.

[03:11:43] The city and the county are also finalizing an agreement that will help the parties coordinate the phasing of this Blundham Boulevard road widening with the upcoming construction of the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center, which is a joint city-county project that will incorporate both facilities into one health and wellness services campus.

[03:12:01] Given the enhanced access that Blundham Widening will provide to the future Willard Sherwood campus, county staff supports donation of these property rights to the city instead of requiring minor compensation for the dedications. This concludes the staff report. Thank you very much for that staff presentation. Are there any questions of staff?

[03:12:20] Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone here present in the auditorium that would like to speak on this subject? Anyone present who would like to testify? This is a public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have any callers.

[03:12:38] There are no callers. There are no callers. Any final thoughts or recommendation from county staff? Staff recommends that the Board-authorized staff to execute all necessary documents to donate from the Willard Center property the land rights necessary for the Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project.

[03:12:55] Thank you very much. If there are no further questions from Board members, I will now close the public hearing, turn the gavel over to Vice Chairman Smith so that I can make the following motion. Madam Vice Chair, I move that the Board authorize county staff to prepare and execute all documentation necessary to convey the fee simple and easement rights in county-owned property located at 3750 Blinan Boulevard and identified by City Tax Map No. 52-2-02-172 to the City of Fairfax for the Blinan Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project.

[03:13:30] I'll second that motion along with Supervisor Pelczyk. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? That motion carries with Supervisor Herity away from the table. Thank you very much, Supervisor Smith, and thank you to staff.

[03:13:48] With that, we are going to move to our final agenda topic, which is public comment. I do have five speakers who have signed up in advance to testify this afternoon. Just a few rules about public comment. The board will hear public comment on any issue except issues under litigation, issues that have been scheduled for a public hearing before the board, and personnel matters and or comments regarding specific individuals.

[03:14:14] Speakers must register in advance, and each speaker is given three minutes for their remarks. A maximum of 10 speakers may address the board during any public comment period, and speakers may address the board once during a six-month period. I will now call, let me see if our first speaker is on the line, Ken Reed.

[03:14:33] Can you hear me, Ken? I can, sir. Welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you very much, Chairman. I'm speaking to you from, unfortunately, from Fairfax Hospital, where I'm sitting here with some chest pain in the emergency room, so I'm going to try to get through this as quick as possible.

[03:14:52] This is the Jewish New Year, as some of you may know. Advisor Patrick is aware of it. And this time of year is about repentance and teshuva, as we call it. You know, we look forward to having a better year.

[03:15:08] And I've been doing teshuva the last couple of years because I spent probably most of my time as an elected officeholder in Loudoun, including four years on the Board of Supervisors, voting down new housing. And that has contributed to our housing shortage and our problem here in Loudoun.

[03:15:26] And the chairman actually got the ball rolling in a very ambitious way for Teshuvah by coming out with this great program on September 9th, which is very ambitious. I like it a lot, which is emphasizing starter homes and allowing church and institutions to use their land for housing and getting away from public investments and also looking at deregulation.

[03:15:50] So I'm going to try to address those two in my brief time here. I've been emailing the chair and other supervisors for over two years urging changes in how institutions can use their land. It's far cheaper for a developer to build on virgin land than it is to build, you know, to redevelop properties.

[03:16:08] And we learned that it's now costing $650,000 for a unit, at least in Tyson's Corner, from the Affordable Housing Council, a nice affordable housing program that was held last month in Tyson. The thing with church land is that there could be NIMBYs, and I think that one of the ways to deal with this, because there is a problem right now with, I think, in the Sully District, is to focus the comprehensive plan to change it, to get away from site-specific site plans that have been done every two years and allow institutional land, whether it's religious or non-religious,

[03:16:44] to be used for senior assisted living housing, 55-plus. I think that those will help open up the single-family market to give seniors an opportunity to buy into more homes.

[03:17:00] We don't have any Jewish-assisted living facility in this county. No one has come up with an idea or a proposal, but the institutional restriction in the comp plan does not allow for that. It allows for you to have a synagogue or a church or a school. So I want you to really consider that.

[03:17:19] The other thing is to consider the need for three-bedroom condos and rental apartments. I learned this on my time on the former Fairfax County Landlord-Tenant Commission, Tenant Landlord Commission, that there's a shortage of three-bedroom units out there, which are very useful for young families.

[03:17:36] I don't know where you're going to find land for detached housing or townhouses in Fairfax County, and I believe the county has done a yeoman's job of providing affordable housing compared to some other jurisdictions in the Washington area. I lived in the colonies of McLean off Old Meadow Road where a two-bedroom would sell for $335 and a three-bedroom for $500.

[03:18:01] They're very much in short supply. But here's the deal. Virginia housing only gives 0.75 points to a developer for that 9% tax credit if they do three bedrooms or more. So generally when I've been talking to developers, they will only maybe provide 10% in a new development of three bedrooms, and the rest they carve up into efficiencies of one-bedroom and two-bedrooms.

[03:18:28] Incentivizing the three-bedroom units may give developers more opportunity to build those, and I think they should probably get increased density because they are, in fact, giving up selling a one- and two-bedroom instead of providing a three-bedroom. But think about it. That allows each child to have his own room, each have two children, or if they have even more children.

[03:18:47] So I think that that's something you really got to look at and maybe talk to Virginia Housing, see if they can change that rule and focus on that because I think structured housing is where we're going to have to go when it comes to a lot of starter homes.

[03:19:03] There's just really not going to be a lot of land left. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Ken. And we hope you're feeling better. Take care of yourself. Yeah, I think I'll be okay. Happy New Year's Day.

[03:19:19] Thank you. Speaker number two is Sally Horn, a member of the Board of Advisors, Tyson Stakeholders Alliance. And after Sally, if you could come on down and be close. Speaker number three is Faith Powell to be followed by Dennis DeMauro. Welcome. Thank you. And good evening, everybody.

[03:19:41] I'm here today on behalf of the Tyson Stakeholders Alliance. We are a group of concerned residents in the greater Tyson's area who oppose the Tyson's Casino. I sit on the Alliance's advisory board.

[03:19:56] On August 20th, we sent a letter to Fairfax County Delegate Paul Kresick, who is the vice chair of the Virginia General Assembly's joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of establishing a Virginia Gaming Commission. In the letter, we expressed our strong support for the subcommittee's effort to create a Virginia Gaming Commission to oversee all relevant forms of legal gambling, including brick-and-mortar casinos.

[03:20:25] We also called for a pause on approving any new gambling options, including a Tyson's casino, until such a committee is up and running. From our perspective, there is no doubt that the existing gambling environment in Virginia lacks consistent oversight and that the lack of consistency across platforms is not serving the Commonwealth, Fairfax County, our local businesses, and our residents.

[03:20:53] A gaming commission would allow Virginia to better and more consistently regulate existing and future gambling options, create and enforce rules for their safe operation, and establish funding mechanisms to provide the resources urgently needed to mitigate the harms that have resulted from gambling in our Commonwealth.

[03:21:14] Further, as we said in our letter to Vice Chair Krzyk, until a commission is fully established and able to regulate effectively, Virginia should pause any expansion of gambling, including consideration of a Tysons casino. In this fashion, we can avoid making serious mistakes that would harm us all.

[03:21:35] As you are aware, a casino in Tysons is opposed by a vast majority of all of your constituents. You have heard the reasons why before from me and from so many other concerned citizens. One developer and several members of the Virginia Assembly are continuing the drive to authorize a Tyson's Casino, even though you, our Board of Supervisors, has not made such a request, and even though neither the developer nor the proponents in the General Assembly have engaged with the Fairfax communities that would be most affected.

[03:22:11] A gaming commission would serve as a bulwark to protect the interests of your constituents from the harmful expansion of gambling in our community. Your support, both for the establishment of a Virginia Gaming Commission and a pause on expansion of gambling options until a commission is operational, will carry considerable weight here in Fairfax County and in Richmond.

[03:22:38] Accordingly, we urge that your 2026 legislative package include support for both the Virginia Gaming Commission and a pause on new gaming options, including at Tyson's Casino. Thank you. Thank you very much, Sally.

[03:22:54] Speaker number three is Faith Powell, to be followed by Dennis DeMauro. If I called your name, please come on down close, so when it's your turn, you're ready. Welcome. Hey there, Faith Powell. So I'm a resident at the Arbor at Haley Rise.

[03:23:12] Let me just read a little blurb off their website. At the Arbor at Haley Rise, you experience a lifestyle of calm and tranquility. I'll skip some of those words. Come enjoy our top-tier amenities, our high-end apartments in Reston, Virginia.

[03:23:32] Provide everything you need for a serene living experience. Serene, my, anyway. So what we've got is this was a wood frame construction, in other words, non-podium for the top floors.

[03:23:50] I'm on the sixth floor. My neighbor above me apparently has decided that it is their prerogative to make as much noise as they want to. I'm now keeping a noise diary, and it's interesting trying to decipher the noises that I'm hearing from my neighbor up above me.

[03:24:11] So on September the 1st, I was awakened at 1.11 a.m. by dog or dogs. I don't know whether they were jumping on and off the bed, running around the apartment. 1.12, things being dropped on the floor, possibly work boots or shoes.

[03:24:29] This noise coming from the upstairs above me continued for approximately 20 minutes. And I won't bore y'all with the pages that I printed out from my noise diary. All right, so, and when I moved into the Arbor at Haley Rise, this is new construction, and I'm thinking, surely, surely they have considered having, you know, people, you know, of not family living on floors above other people.

[03:25:01] Apparently not. So, and also Kettler decided that they were not going to carpet any apartments. This is a new phenomenon to me. I've lived in apartments before where everything was carpeted. So what you've got, and Mr. Cassidy, one of your building inspectors, helped me understand this, because I also did a foyer and got architectural plans.

[03:25:25] I don't know what I'm looking at. But without carpeting, what you've got is the plywood subfloor. Over top of that is a quarter inch, a quarter inch of something called a custom mat.

[03:25:42] And then there's a half an inch of gypcrete. Gypcrete is not a sound insulator. It's a fire suppression. It's to keep the apartment above me from burning into my apartment. I think it's supposed to be for about an hour or something. So what I'm going to implore you all to do is to change the construction codes.

[03:26:00] Please, I know you can't fix the building I'm in. I will be either terminating my lease with a 2130 letter because they have not provided me. Is that the end of my time? Yes, if you could quickly sum up. You are given, it's expected you will have quiet enjoyment in your apartment.

[03:26:19] and that is not what I'm having. So please change the building codes for future buildings. You won't help me, but you'll help future residents. Thank you. Thank you very much, Ms. Powell. Speaker number four is Dennis DeMauro. Hello, my name is Dennis DeMauro. I am a Lutheran pastor. I live in Fairfax County. I'm also the product of Fairfax County schools. I went to Rolling Valley Elementary.

[03:26:53] I graduated from West Brinkville High School in 1982. My education there gave me a strong foundation of scholarship, which led me through four degrees, including a Ph.D. Now, I'm telling you all this because I want you to know I'm not some paid agitator from out-of-county or out-of-state.

[03:27:12] I'm someone who lives and loves living in Fairfax County. I'm here today to ask you to intercede with the school board and the administrators in responding to two quite disturbing revelations about what's going on in our schools. The first issue is the allegation that an employee of Centerville High School in 2002 paid for one student's abortion without parental consent and pressured another to do the same.

[03:27:41] school funds were likely used to pay for these procedures, and that is a violation of Virginia law and a clear violation of the parental rights in an unexpected pregnancy. And as you know, this is all over the news. We now suffer the embarrassment of having Governor Youngkin start his own investigation with the state police, and this morning I read that the U.S. Department of Education has started its own investigation, and now Congress has started one as well.

[03:28:11] I fear that Fairfax will become the new Loudoun County on the national stage and not for winning a robotics award. Now, the only action I have heard that's been taken is that the schools have hired a million-dollar New York City lawyer to defend them. And I'm wondering if this is a wide use of our tax dollars, when the obvious answer is simply much simpler.

[03:28:32] Let's complete our own investigation, hold those accountable for their crimes, fire those who need to be removed, and then communicate what we did with the citizens of Fairfax County. Now, I wish this is all I had to discuss today, but as you know, there's more.

[03:28:48] Because of my alma mater, West Springfield High School, a complaint was filed about a boy with facial hair and very tight pants in the girls' locker room. And he was watching girls change their clothes. But the school superintendent, Michelle Reed, decided that since the boy self-identifies as a girl, he has the right to be in the girls' bathroom.

[03:29:10] Unbelievably, the school administrators told one of the girls' mothers that she should just change somewhere else. Just imagine what our girls have to go through, the humiliation they must endure to further a woke agenda. Perhaps we can find the grown-ups who ran the school when I attended it, and we can pull them out of retirement, and we can do a little better.

[03:29:31] Because if the county has just implemented Governor Yunkin's transgender policy, this could have been avoided. But politics reigns supreme, and now we are in this mess. And so the question I need to ask is, what's going on with our schools? You know, Jesus had a special place in his heart for children.

[03:29:52] He said it would be better for someone to have a millstone hung around his neck and be cast into the sea than to cause a child to stumble. And so is wokeness more important than protecting our kids? I hope that it won't be. Thank you. Thank you very much.

[03:30:08] And our last speaker is Stephen Stavdow, who has submitted video testimony. This speech is in regard to the board's decision on September 10, 2025, to lower the flags at half-mask for the death of Charlie Kirk.

[03:30:25] Let me be clear. What happened to Mr. Kirk was awful. I feel sympathy for his children losing their dad, the security, first responders, and the hospital staff for treating his wound, the students witnessing it, and his wife becoming a widow. But I feel no sympathy for Mr. Kirk. Mr. Kirk was a racist, homophobe, xenophobe, misogynist, white supremacist, Christian nationalist, fascist, neo-Nazi that spread fear and hatred under the guise of free speech.

[03:30:45] Prior to writing this, a staff member sent me a quote from Mr. Kirk, saying, What we as a culture have to get back to is being able to have a reasonable disagreement where violence is not an option. On the surface, it sounds sincere. Why don't we read some other quotes from Mr. Kirk? quote if i see a black pilot i'm gonna be like boy i hope he's qualified quote reject feminism submit to your husband taylor swift you're not in charge you have to change your name if you really mean it quote joe biden is a bumbling dementia filled alzheimer's tyrant who should honestly be put in prison and or given the death penalty for his crimes against america quote in reference to the attack on paul pelosi why is he still in jail if some amazing patriot out there in san francisco wants to be a midterm hero someone should go bail this guy out quote i

[03:31:23] think monogamous heterosexual marriage should be a prerequisite for adoption quote you cannot have liberty if you do not have a Christian population. Quote, this is a Christian state. I'd like to see it stay that way. In 2024, Mr. Kirk called being gay an error and equated homosexuality to drug and alcohol addiction. In 2023, Mr. Kirk said Martin Luther King Jr. was not worthy of a national holiday, said he was an awful and not a good person, followed up by stating that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a huge mistake. In 2024, Mr. Kirk stated that we should have public executions and suggested that children should watch them. When presented with a statistic about how one in five American women will be in their lifetime. Mr. Kirk said that they are lying about being

[03:32:00] all you have to do is spend 10 minutes on Google and you will find out Mr. Kirk hated you unless you were a straight white Christian man. The greatest lie spreading about Mr. Kirk posthumously may be that he was open to debate when in reality he was extremely close-minded and cared not for anyone's view other than his own. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to go into Mr. Kirk's other reprehensible, horrific, and disgusting views such as his anti-Semitism, xenophobia, his desire for total abortion ban, his open love for fascism, dictators, and many more. So I asked the board, if a county employee expressed any of these viewpoints, would you find it acceptable?

[03:32:34] We cannot be part of whitewashing the evil, immoral, and disgusting rhetoric of Mr. Kirk. He may have died a horrific death, but that does not change the life he lived. Mr. Kirk deserves no honor, no respect, no prestige, and no privilege for the heinous and repulsive beliefs that he spread. I am absolutely appalled by the board's decision to honor someone who is so openly racist, misogynistic, homophobic, xenophobic, and who so brazenly expressed white supremacist, Christian nationalist, fascistic, and neo-Nazi beliefs.

[03:33:04] He never promoted free speech. He only promoted hate speech. I ask that the board apologize for giving Mr. Kirk the honor he did not deserve. All right. Thank you for that testimony. I don't normally do this because we don't normally respond to public testimony, but I do want to just make one thing very clear as a result of the testimony we just heard from Mr. Stavdahl. And I think it's important to provide clarification on the concerns he raised.

[03:33:34] The United States flags were lowered to half-staff based on a proclamation issued by President Trump on September 10, 2025. The proclamation stated that the president was ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff upon all buildings and grounds until sunset on September 14th, under the authority and the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America.

[03:34:01] Subsequently, Governor Youngkin, on the same day, issued an order directing that both the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia flags be flown at half-staff for the same period of time. The President did not refer to a specific law as part of this proclamation, but he likely relied upon Title IV, Chapter 1 of the United States Code. And as we know, no flag should fly higher than the United States flag, and as a result of that, that necessitated the lowering of the county flag too. So there was no board decision whatsoever, as the Speaker alleged,

[03:34:40] and so this board will not be apologizing for a decision it did not make. And so I just want to make it clear to everybody how that works in the Commonwealth, in the United States and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The county board through the chairman can direct that flags be flown at half-staff for something pertinent that happened within the county. But when United States flags and Virginia flags are flown at half-staff, so too must the county's flag regardless of the position or feeling of any member of this board or any county employee. And so I just want to make that perfectly clear for anyone watching who heard the last testimony and might be misled

[03:35:17] into assuming that that's a Board of Supervisors decision when a point of fact is not. And with that, if there's no further business to come before the Board, our meeting of September 30, 2025 is adjourned.

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