Coraggio Consulting
Manassas City Council 6/23/2025

Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Place: Manassas City Council, Virginia
Length: 2h 54m (video)
Official meeting video (Wistia / RegionalWebTV): https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1o5uboov76

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 2026-10-17. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:45:43] Calling the city council meeting to order of June 23rd to order. Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Mayor Davis Younger. Present. Vice Mayor Wolfe. Yo. Council Member Ellis. Here. Council Member Smith. Here. Council Member Osina.

[00:45:59] Here. Council Member Vasquez Luna. Presente. Council Member Hudson. Form is present. Thank you very much. If you're able to please stand with us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We'll try to speak loudly.

[00:46:16] God, we thank you for another opportunity to gather as a governing body for the residents of the city of Manassas. Please continue to protect our residents, including elected officials who seem to be targeted right now in various locations in our country. Our staff, and especially our men and women in uniform as they work so hard to protect us.

[00:46:35] Thank you for also protecting and keeping us safe from those who may have intentions to cause harm in this community. Help those who are in need of food, clothing, and shelter. Help us continue to help everyone that we can and not look down in judgment on those who need help.

[00:46:51] We are so very thankful for all of the events we are able to have safely in this city, and we remain thankful for all things. Amen. We are so honored to have second-class scout Bentley Tadlock here to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bentley is representing Troop 670.

[00:47:09] He is going into the seventh grade at Marcella Middle School next year. and attends troop meetings at Grace United Methodist Church here in the city of Manassas, Bentley. Thank you so much.

[00:47:39] You may be seated. As you may have noticed, our air is partially working, so we thank you for your patience and indulging us and trying to keep the room cool. Thank you all so much for coming out tonight.

[00:47:54] We're glad to see our Commissioner of the Revenue in the back there, Tim DeMaria. Thank you for being here, sir. Next thing on the agenda is council time. or call on Vice Mayor Wolfe first? Madam Mayor, I will pass my time. I know we've got a lot to do with that. Councilwoman Teresa Coates-Ellis.

[00:48:10] Thank you, Mayor. Can everyone hear me? We're trying. You can't hear it all? Okay. I'm sorry about that. My name is Teresa Coates-Ellis. I just wanted to thank everyone that made the Manassas Bee Festival such a success on Saturday.

[00:48:29] We had worked with the city of Manassas, Bee City USA, because we are Bee City USA, Virginia Department of, oh my goodness, I've got so much, UVA Health.

[00:48:46] UVA Health, George Mason University, several of our women's clubs and garden clubs, the Prince William County Master Gardeners and Beekeepers, and if you didn't get to come, try to come next year. It's always the Saturday in Pollinator Week in June.

[00:49:03] It was a great event for teaching our community about saving our pollinators and also planting native plants that are beneficial for our pollinators and for our growing food source. So I just want to thank, you know, the mayor was there.

[00:49:19] I saw Tom. I think Mark was there. I don't know who else was there. I was there. Were you there? Okay, good. It was packed. And I did hear that Liberia House, which is celebrating its 200th year anniversary, celebration in October had a record-breaking 853 visitors for all the times it's been open in the Bee Festival. So that's really great. So try to stay cool and healthy during this next heat wave. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Ellis.

[00:49:50] Councilman Smith. Okay. Councilman Lucina. Thank you, Mayor. First of all, I wanted to join with others who have expressed their condolences upon the death of the Reverend Ernest Davis, last week. For me, he always was a true gentleman, never seemed to have met a stranger, always put people at ease when meeting them, and for me, he'll certainly be missed. I hope that the way he lived his life is a comfort to you, Mayor, and your family along

[00:50:24] the way here. I'm also, I guess I thought others would do it, but I'm going to get to it here. I I want to wish my wish Councilman Ralph Smith a very happy birthday. I'm I'm hold that we're holding this meeting in his honor because he's had too many birthday cakes in the past here and he felt a meeting was more to his liking here.

[00:50:50] So remember, Ralph, that this is the youngest you'll ever be right now. Well, that's true for all of us, though, here. So I wish you a happy birthday here. You know, often I get so busy with city matters that I forget to say thank you.

[00:51:07] So tonight I have a few folks to whom I want to offer my gratitude. First, to the team at the City Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, along with our Parks and Recreation Committee for putting together an amazing play in your park day throughout the city on Friday.

[00:51:26] It was a perfect day. It was just before it got hot, and there was so much to do. I also want to thank all the businesses who partnered to make it a success. We really do have some of the best places to play and relax here in Northern Virginia, and if you didn't take advantage of seeing some of the parks that we have, I hope you will in the future here.

[00:51:47] Second, thanks to Councilwoman Ellis and her volunteers who put together a fun-filled and educational bee festival on Saturday. Despite the heat, it was a rocking event with much to see and do. I made a point of coming early so I didn't have to swelter later on when it got really, really hot.

[00:52:05] I had the luxury of leaving. I have Councilwoman Ellis didn't, but I'm sure she was glad that she had Sunday to recover. And lastly, to our city's electrical department and public work employees who came out in the heat last evening to restore power to over 900 customers after there was severe damage in a manhole.

[00:52:26] Coming on the second day of this heat wave, these folks got out there and stayed on the job until things were fixed. And for that, we should be very grateful that we have employees that are willing to go in adverse conditions to make sure we stay comfortable. Just observations, big changes at Historic Manassas, Inc.

[00:52:47] Congratulations to Lisa Harover Harlow on her promotion to HMI Executive Director, effective next month. And Godspeed to Kristen Kiefer, the outgoing exec, as she moves to a new chapter in her life, and to Janelle Butler as she leaves to become the visitor and business service manager for the city.

[00:53:09] All three have added so much to Old Town and our city. A reminder that you go ahead and register for Loop for the Library, which is taking place at 6 p.m. July 16th at the Manassas City Library.

[00:53:27] This 1.5-mile walk fundraiser is designed to raise funds to support programming at the library put on by the Friends of the Manassas City Library. And in addition to registering, you get a cool T-shirt to announce your accomplishment as long as you get your reservation in on time.

[00:53:45] So don't dawdle, or dawdle, I should say. And then finally, I want to wish everybody a safe and fun 4th of July. Manassas businesses are a great place to visit on the holiday. They count on our support, so don't go somewhere else to commemorate our country's 250th birthday.

[00:54:05] And if you have pets, make sure that they are wearing up-to-date tags and are microchipped and kept indoors in a quiet room with some music or white noise when the fireworks are going off so you don't lose them.

[00:54:22] And please be responsible as neighbors in this city about setting off fireworks by not setting them off days before the 4th of July or late at night, 4th of July, along the way here. It just adds to more discomfort for the pets and for people along the way here.

[00:54:43] So let's celebrate safely on the 4th of July. And with that, Mayor, I thank you for the time. Thank you. Councilman Vasquez Luna. Good evening. Thank you, Madam Mayor. It's great to oversee the house full. Welcome, everybody. I know the summer is in full, and I appreciate everybody that has worked together, not only to repair the electricity last night, but also here today so we can have a comfortable meeting.

[00:55:14] So first, I would like to congratulate everybody that will be coming up for a proclamation, And also congratulations to all the Manassas City Police successful campers.

[00:55:31] I know you had a great time, and I can't wait to hear all about it. So welcome and congratulations. I want to talk a little bit about the transportation. There is still time. We had over 100 residents of business showed up to our in-person community event.

[00:55:56] And I would like to say thanks to all of them, but today you still have an opportunity to go on our website and provide your feedback. And what would you like to see at the Matis Shopping Center so we can make plans for the future by listening to what you have to say.

[00:56:14] I want to see the vision that you have for our city. There was also another meeting that it was to make plans for the Mobility Hub. You also still have time to go online and to provide feedback on that.

[00:56:30] The goal is to bring the bus and the trains all together in the same area so you can have end time and unreliable services. I attended the BRE.

[00:56:46] I would like to give you a little bit of a long update on what they are doing. Just in case you see it here, our parking lot or the BRE station, They have completed the installation of the parking count traffic loop system at the parking garage.

[00:57:05] This quarter, you shall see a complete installation of tamper-resistant fire department connection caps. There's also going to be an installation of some signs for changes, so keep an eye on the changes on the signage.

[00:57:23] Soon you will see the work, replacement of the existing lightings with lead, new lightings. I know that we need better lighting in our parking lot. The installation of security cameras that might be taking a little longer, but that will be coming to the Manassas parking lot and the station.

[00:57:42] And then if you haven't heard, the Manassas station improvements is about $10.6 million, and it's an extended platform that will accommodate eight cars, trains, and enhance the pedestrian access to the station.

[00:57:57] So please be part of it, try to provide feedback, and hopefully if you haven't tried, you know, write the BRE as you endeavor on your summer vacational, different work responsibilities.

[00:58:13] I would like to echo Councilman Rosina and sending prayers and thoughts for Madam Mayor and all her family. You're so strong. I admire you, and thank you for being here.

[00:58:29] You always show up. You tell us that we always show up, but you're always here. You also join us at the Park Day on Friday. It was a great ribbon cutting, and I truly appreciate everything you do. I also want to highlight the library.

[00:58:48] I was there for the Friday for the park day, so I want to make sure that I, you know, invite you. I bring my flyer. Don't forget, Wednesday, July 16, and you can register and get a free T-shirt.

[00:59:04] And let's together continue to support the Friends of Manasseh City Library, which is a support for our library. The Summit Concert Series are still going, Acoustic Tuesdays, every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tomorrow you'll be able to hear Jason Macy, so please come and enjoy.

[00:59:24] It is a great time. I hope the weather is better. If there are any cancellations, keep an eye on the city social media. I believe the Puerto Rican Festival was a great success, just like the B Festival, so congratulations on everybody that participated.

[00:59:46] Our next big event will be the Celebrate America on July 4th from 3 to 10 p.m. We expect a lot of visitors. And I'll ask you, please, bring your family and all your friends and visitors to Old Town so they can purchase and support local businesses in Old Town and all around Manassas.

[01:00:10] I visited on Friday as well for the play at the park day. One of the stops, it was the Manassas Museum. They have put out their new newsletter. It's called Volume 14, Issue 1 for the museum.

[01:00:29] And it talks a lot about Liberia and so many things that are going on, so many celebrations. So you can stop by at the museum, or you can visit their social media as well, so you can be up with everything that's going on.

[01:00:46] Congratulations to Councilwoman Ashley Hudson. She recently got married, so she's missing today, but I just want to say congratulations to her and her husband. And happy birthday, Councilman Ralph Smith.

[01:01:06] It's an honor always to serve next to you, and I'm glad you decided to spend your day here with us. So to finish up, again, I want to highlight the proclamations. If you would like to suggest a proclamation, you can visit the website or you can contact any of us.

[01:01:30] I'll be more than happy to help you, to write it and support you. And with that, thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you. For my time, first, I do have to say thank you to everybody who has reached out via text, emails, calls.

[01:01:46] It has been so overwhelming, and I have felt so much love from this community in the passing of my father last Tuesday. He was 91 years old. You all know I called them both. My mom passed away in November. I knew he wouldn't be long behind her. He probably got up there, and she said, what took you so long to get here?

[01:02:05] And he, 91 years old, Manassas born, he was born right over in the land where Jenny Dean sits in 1934 and never left. He's never lived anywhere, he had never lived anywhere but Manassas. So a true legacy and definitely proud of the accomplishments and everything that's been done in this city, but especially because he was the mayor's father.

[01:02:27] And I think that that is a moment that made him the most proud, both of them actually. And we have his service on July 5th at First Baptist, and it's a celebration. It's a home going because he's not suffering. He was recently diagnosed with leukemia in April, and they gave him six months to a year to live.

[01:02:45] But he was ready to go. He missed mom so much, and that was a space that I could not fill as a daughter. I could be there and do everything else, but I could not be the best friend who left him. They were married for 65 years, and that's nothing to sneeze at.

[01:03:01] I don't know many people that do that anymore so but thank you all so so much for reaching out and for showing concern and care and offering to bring things to the house and the flowers from council thank you all so much for that but but it's just really heartwarming to see how people in this community come together and support one another and especially when it's a loss of a parent so now I don't have my elderly toddler so I got to find something to fill my time so but thank you all so much for that had a great time for the ribbon

[01:03:35] cutting at Winterset Park this week thank you all for doing park parks all day that was a lot of fun I tried to make it I only made it to one the ribbon cutting for Winterset Park I'm just too much running around to do this week I have my board meeting in Richmond I'm going to be doing on Friday for VML I'm on that board and I'll be going down there I have the mayor's pick of the market on Saturday that's if you don't know that's where I go every other Saturday and I pick a vendor who's at the market and I help them sell their products for about half an hour and it's really been fun and they get a certificate and they display it proudly as the mayor's winner for that week I

[01:04:14] have MVTA meetings coming up July 10th and July 2nd and then July 4th please make sure you come out and celebrate America with us because we have I believe the best fireworks show in Northern Virginia so we want you to spend your time with us and then on July 9th we have social services is doing a ribbon-cutting at their offices over there as well and please make sure that you stay safe in this heat check on your elderly folks and make sure that they have what they need as well as young people you have to be careful in this heat and again thank you to one and all who has reached out to me and my

[01:04:50] family we really really appreciate it so with that I'll turn it over to mr. Burke Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. With the predicted heat this week, the city reminds our residents that they can visit the Manassas Museum, Manassas Library, and the Manassas Community Center during operating hours to get out of the heat.

[01:05:08] In addition, this week, the city will be offering half-off entry fees at Stonewall Pool. And then, as was described earlier, we did have an electric outage. It began at 6.20 p.m. Sunday. There was a faulted connector in an underground distribution line near Liberia and Portner Avenue that caused the outage in Point of Woods.

[01:05:32] Crews responded to the fault location and began repairs. Within an hour, power was rerouted to restore service to about 400 customers. Crews replaced the connector, opened the line for service at about 920, and a second conductor failed at the same location.

[01:05:51] Power was then restored to all customers by 1020. Our electric department had actually begun replacement of some of the underground service electric lines in that area last week, and we will continue that work and inspect the conductors to prevent any future emergency outages.

[01:06:09] I would like to thank the staff at our Operations System Center for their assistance with coordinating the response by our electric department, as well as providing updates to our public affairs staff. And then following some recent retirements at the center, we would like to welcome Lysandra Rodriguez as our new operations system and generation manager, as well as our new systems operator, Carrie Queen.

[01:06:39] During the heat, we do ask our electric customers to reduce electric use when possible to minimize the demand on our system. Electric crews will be working with Dominion Power to operate our generation facilities to minimize the peak demand, and anything that you can do to reduce your load is appreciated.

[01:06:58] Our residents are advised that this is the final week to provide comments to the city for both the Mathis Shopping Center as well as online comments for improvements to Walter Delisle, Nelson, and Oakenshaw Parks.

[01:07:14] The city has completed installation of the bike track on Dumfries Road from Wellington to Hastings Drive. This is an enhanced bike lane that will add additional safety for bike users on Dumfries Road, as well as it assists vehicles transitioning to the single lane of traffic on Grant Avenue north of Wellington.

[01:07:34] The city is continuing to replace the waterline on Mathis Avenue through July, and crews will be addressing the temporary pavement as needed. July 1st begins the city's fiscal year, as well it will also begin our new utility rates for the utility bills.

[01:07:53] The city will be recognizing Independence Day as well as the city's 50th anniversary on Friday, July 4th. Information about all of the events associated with Celebrate America and Manassas can be found at historicmanassas.org slash downtown hyphen events.

[01:08:11] And then as part of the 4th of July celebration, the city would like to remind residents that legal consumer use of fireworks in Virginia only includes sparklers, fountains, and other ground-based devices that don't explode or shoot projectiles. So please ensure that you and your neighbors can enjoy a safe 4th of July.

[01:08:30] And then finally, with regard to the Bee Festival, it was a huge success, but I would like to recognize the efforts of the city's director of social services, Nicole Curvin. For her assistance that she provided to a child who was distressed at the event, Ms. Kirvan was able to assist the child's parents with calming and reassuring her to restore the child's enjoyment of the day.

[01:08:55] And I thank Ms. Kirvan for demonstrating her skills and ability to provide compassion in a challenging situation. And that's all I have, Ms. Annette. Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Burke? Okay. I had in my notes, and I totally overlooked it. I apologize. I want to offer congratulations to our Madam Treasurer.

[01:09:12] she received her 2025 Treasurer's Association of Virginia accreditation, and she was also named to the board of directors for the Treasurer's Association of Virginia. So congratulations to Madam Treasurer Patricia Ritchie folks. I got that in, thank you. Next on the agenda is our presentations, and the very first presentation we have, Item 1.1 is recognition for the youth police camp participants.

[01:09:36] And wanna come forward, G-O-U, whoever's doing that. Come on down. Madam Mayor, council members, and residents in the gallery, thank you for the opportunity to be here this evening. Today we come before you to highlight our 2025 Youth Police Camp graduates.

[01:09:58] As you know, the event is an annual outreach event held by the Monassa City Police Department, where we partner with our local schools, local partners, regional partners, Prince William County sheriffs, Virginia State Police, to name a few, to bring forth the programming for our cadets.

[01:10:17] This year, the camp took place in early June, and it was led by Sergeant Stumpf, the school resource officers, and the community services section. Specifically, Officer Jones, Officer Minjohn, and Officer Hogan.

[01:10:32] The camp truly offers our agency an opportunity to engage with youth between the age of 12 and 16 years old. It is truly a unique, educational, and just overall fun experience for all of our campers. The reality is our officers are learning as much from the campers and vice versa.

[01:10:52] So truly an exceptional experience. There are many takeaways that the camp offers. Perhaps one of the many takeaways for the police department is truly watching the campers enter the program, watch them evolve, and then as we get closer to that last day, that Friday, truly filled with confidence and a true understanding of vital concepts, particular and specific to law enforcement.

[01:11:25] And I'm talking about leadership. I'm talking about integrity, transparency, the importance of physical training and teamwork. Now, I would be remiss if I did not mention that this is a truly an all-hands-on-deck. A lot of resources do come together, a lot of staff to make sure that the camp is yet again successful and, again, a fun experience so that our campers come back.

[01:11:53] I would also like to thank the parents and our community partners and our school mentors. Without their help, the camp would not be as successful. Madam Mayor, with your permission, I would like to ask those parents, legal guardians, and mentors that are in the room to please stand up and be recognized as well.

[01:12:14] Thank you for your support. Madam Mayor, we have prepared a short video to capture a bit of what the campers truly experienced during the week that they were with us.

[01:12:35] I would like to go ahead and play that video for us now.

[01:13:49] Madam Mayor, as you saw, there was quite a bit going on during that week.

[01:15:41] And I would like to point out that our officers were able to keep up. So we're good. Not to mention the Topgolf experience. That's something that I know the campers and we certainly look forward to that as well. So again, one of our goals is to ensure that they're learning and they're having fun, right?

[01:16:01] Madam Mayor, I'm going to go ahead and ask Sergeant Stumpf and SRL Jones to come up to help me deliver certificates to our campers.

[01:16:17] Good evening, Council.

[01:16:19] First graduate will be Kevin Perez, Caroline Steinbeck, Maximus Barcia, Tiago Barcia,

[01:17:18] Basia, Sofia Cruz Fincham, Vito Abreza, Mason Purvis, Ghesh, Sofia Gonzalez Perez, Isabella

[01:20:35] Perea, Jalen Davis, and a special thank you to our Osborne High School Criminal Justice

[01:20:59] Student Mentors, Jasmine Bowman, Sousa Payne, Yuritza Ramos, Bora Flores, Victoria Isarei.

[01:21:44] Thank you for your time and your support. Madam Mayor, I present to you our 2025 Youth Police Camp graduates.

[01:22:11] We do have some live refreshments. With your permission, we would like to... Ten-minute recess. Yeah, we'll take a ten-minute recess so you all can go out and get pictures and we have some food. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[01:22:27] We're on recess. Thank you.

[01:30:59] We'll do the proclamation for Joe Falero and Ms. Vasquez Luna and myself will go down front and take care of that.

[01:36:50] Hello. Ms. Vasquez Luna brought this proclamation to us to do.

[01:37:23] Thank you so much for doing that. I am going to read the English version, and then she is going to read it, the same thing in Spanish. So, proclamation, whereas Joe Filero, that's right, I say it good. Joe Filero is a master percussionist, award-winning DJ, charismatic band leader, radio host, and cultural ambassador whose life and artistry have elevated the presence and appreciation of Latin music in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region for more than two decades.

[01:37:56] And whereas born in Puerto Rico, Joe Falero began his musical journey at the age of nine, mastering instruments such as the conga, timbo, bongo, maracas, I don't know how to say, giro, giro, okay, and cowbell, and by the age of 12, was already DJing family events and playing traditional Puerto Rican music with friends and local bands.

[01:38:21] And whereas Joe's talent and passion led him to perform alongside iconic figures in Latin music, including Celia Cruz, Tito Puente Jr., El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Grupo Nietzsche, and is it Joe Arroya?

[01:38:38] While earning distinction for his showmanship, technical mastery, and unwavering dedication to his craft. And whereas in the year 2000, Joe Falero founded the Jose Falero Band in Washington, D.C., which has since graced the stages of the Kennedy Center, Gala Hispanic Theater, Atlas Theater, Roslyn Theater, Patterson Theater, and FinoFest and Virginia Latino Fest, along with clubs and venues throughout the DMV area.

[01:39:08] And whereas as a DJ, Joe has brought his talent to clubs such as Zanzibar, Ozio, VIP, and Mix, M-I-X, shaping the Latin dance scene in the region, and creating spaces for joy, rhythm, and cultural connection. And whereas in 2017, Joe launched Soy Boricua, a live radio show on Salsa Empire Radio that celebrates Puerto Rican identity and Latin music.

[01:39:38] And in 2025, he expanded his platform with Joe Filero Presenta, a YouTube interview series highlighting artists, musicians, and voices from across the Latino community, and whereas Joe Filero is recognized as the first Latin American in DMV history to be a band leader, DJ, radio host, and interview show presenter, blazing a trail for cultural expression, unity, and representation, and whereas on the 25th anniversary of his artistic contributions in the DMV region, the city of Manassas is proud to recognize Joe Falero for

[01:40:16] his lifelong dedication to music, culture, and community. Now, therefore, I, Michelle Davis Younger, mayor of the city of Manassas, Virginia, and on behalf of the Manassas City Council, do hereby recognize Joe Falero in the city of Manassas and urge all residents to celebrate the legacy, artistry, and cultural contributions of Joe Falero to support local musicians and performers and to uplift the diverse sounds and stories that enrich the soul of our community.

[01:40:46] Congratulations. Awesome. Thank you and congratulations. This is a great way to continue to celebrate the Puerto Rican month, but also we have live expo coming up so I will read it and then I'll give you an opportunity to say a few words.

[01:41:11] Proclamation, considerando que Joel Falero es un maestro, percussionista, galardonado DJ, director carismático de banda musical, presentador de radio y embajador cultural, cuya vida y arte han elevado la presencia y el aprecio de la música latina en la región de Washington, D.C., Maryland y Virginia, el DMV, durante más de dos décadas.

[01:41:36] Considerando que nacido en Puerto Rico, Joe Falero comenzó su evolución musical a los 9 años de edad, dominando instrumentos como la conga, el timbal, el bongo, las maracas, el guiro, el cencerro, y que a los 12 años ya actuaba como DJ en eventos familiares y tocaba música tradicional puertorriqueña con amigos y bandas locales.

[01:42:03] Y considerando que el talento y la pasión de Joe lo llevaron a tocar música junto a figuras emblemáticas de la música latina como Celia Cruz, Tito Puente Jr., el Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Grupo Nietzsche y Joel Arroyo.

[01:42:23] Mientras que se distinguía por su talento para el espectáculo, su dominio técnico y su inquebrantable dedicación a su oficio. y considerando que en el año 2000, George Falero fundó la Band of Scout George Falero Band en Washington, D.C., que desde entonces se ha presentado en los escenarios como el Kennedy Center, el Gala Hispanic Theater, el Atlas Theater, el Rosley Theater, el Patterson Theater y en festivales como el DC Latino,

[01:42:55] El Baltimore Latino Fest en Virginia Latino Fest, La Expo, además de discotecas y locales en toda el área del DMV. Y considerando que como DJ, Joe ha llevado su talento a discotecas como San Siobar, Osio, VIP y Mix, dando forma al mundo de danza latina en la región y creando espacios para la alegría, el ritmo y la conexión cultural.

[01:43:26] Y considerando que en el 2017 Joe lanzó Soy Boricua, un programa de radio en vivo en Salsa Empire Radio que celebra la identidad puertorriqueña y que en 2025 amplió su plataforma con Joe Falero presenta una serie de entrevistas en YouTube que destaca artistas, músicos y voces de toda la comunidad latina.

[01:43:55] Considerando que Joe Falero es reconocido como el primer latinoamericano en la historia del DMV en ser director de banda, DJ, presentador de radio y de programas de entrevistas, abriendo nuevos caminos para la expresión cultural, la unidad y la representación.

[01:44:15] Y considerando que en el 25 aniversario de sus contribuciones artísticas en la región del DMV, la ciudad de Manassas se enorgullece de reconocer a Joe Falero por su dedicación de toda la vida a la música, la cultura y la comunidad.

[01:44:35] Por lo tanto, nuestra alcaldesa Michelle Davis Younger, alcaldesa de la Ciudad de Manassas en Virginia y en nombre del Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Manassas, por la presente reconozco a Joe Falero. En la ciudad de Manasa, se exhorta a todos y a todas los residentes a celebrar el legado, el talento y las contribuciones culturales de Joe Falero, a apoyar a los músicos, artistas locales y a elevar los diversos sonidos e historias que enriquecen el alma de nuestra comunidad. Felicidades.

[01:45:13] Miguel, muchas gracias, especialmente to the Mayor of this beautiful city, Manasas, which is our dear friend, Michelle Davis-Jonger, and to our dear friend, Sonia Vázquez-Luna, por entregarme este premio.

[01:45:39] Me siento muy orgulloso, como latino, de poder representar, además de mi tierra, Puerto Rico, representar a todos los latinos del área. También quiero darles las gracias a la persona que trajo a Manazas por primera vez, que es mi querida hermana de Perú, que se encuentra aquí con nosotros y que vamos a celebrar el 12 de julio la Arexpo 2025.

[01:46:12] Recibo esto con mucho honor y esperando que otros latinos también nos puedan seguir representando y haciendo lo que más les gusta, como me gusta a mí, hacer música. Muchas gracias a todos ustedes. Muchas gracias, Politea. Thank you, Bernice.

[01:46:34] I will take the opportunity to invite all the community to July 12th. This is a special day because I'm from Peru, and this year I have the honor to a LAR Expo.

[01:46:50] The host of LAR Expo is my country, Peru. And I would love to show what is the best of our culture with our dancers, folkloric music, and also our international cuisine. Like, it's the first in the world right now.

[01:47:06] it's a Peruvian cuisine so please it's a free event it's a family multicultural event we are starting at 11 o'clock a.m. and we would love to have you all and support our community thank you

[01:47:18] and I'm sure you will have a beautiful time with us on LAD Expo 2025 thank you next we have on the

[01:48:11] agenda the proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month item 1.3 those folks want to come down i'll present that proclamation hello i'm good how are you come on down the beautiful array of colors these folks are with you as well oh wow nice very good okay we have the proclamation for

[01:48:44] parks and recreation month and it reads whereas parks and recreation are an integral part of the city of manassas and promote health and wellness by supporting the goals of healthy eating active lifestyle heal communities, thereby improving the physical and mental health of individuals who live near parks, and whereas parks and recreation promote time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by enhancing cognitive performance and well-being, and by alleviating conditions such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's

[01:49:21] disease, and whereas parks and recreation encourage physical activity by providing spaces for popular sports hiking trails swimming pools and a variety of other amenities designed to promote active lifestyles and whereas parks and recreation serve as gathering places that bring the community together for special events such as play all day and the park day celebration at dean park and through programming and educational activities at the city of manassas community center including Lego Club, Toddler Time, Open Gym, and Basketball, which are critical to childhood

[01:49:58] development. And whereas Parks and Recreation increase a community's economic prosperity by enhancing property values, expanding the local tax base, boosting tourism, supporting the attraction and retention of businesses, and contributing to crime reduction.

[01:50:14] And whereas Parks and Recreation play a fundamental role in promoting environmental well-being by creating and maintaining diverse habitats such as pollinator-friendly areas through initiatives like no-mow zones and the management of a bee apiary supports the environmental well-being of our community pollinators and whereas parks and recreation are essential and adaptable infrastructure that strengthen community resilience in the face of natural disasters and climate change and whereas our parks cultural and natural recreation areas preserve the ecological

[01:50:51] ecological beauty of our community and provide opportunities for children and adults to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor recreation including educational experiences like following the stormwater education trail along winter's branch trail and whereas the u.s house of representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month and the City of Manassas recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources.

[01:51:21] Now therefore, I, Michele Davis Younger, Mayor of the City of Manassas, Virginia, and on behalf of the Manassas City Council, hereby recognize July as Park and Recreation Month in the City of Manassas and encourage all citizens to visit and explore the city's many park and recreation facilities throughout the year congratulations you have some words thank you madam mayor and city council i appreciate it um i'd like to recognize our recreation committee we have andy morris the chair we have diane lane the vice chair and mike green the recreation

[01:52:00] committee member we also have our new or not new uh pool manager um addison sadler she's done a great job and uh making sure all the the pool safety guidelines are followed and all our our pool um lifeguards are certified as well she's done a great job and um like you said we are celebrating um 2025 uh in july is our national parks parks and recreation month so we're very

[01:52:28] excited for that yeah thank you okay next on the agenda the proclamation for domestic workers day

[01:53:48] Ms. Vasquez Luna and I will do the honors once again. Those individuals want to come down front, we'll do that. Domestic Workers' Day. I got the memo with the pink pants. I did not know.

[01:54:03] I didn't know. That's awesome. Thank you for being here. Right color pants.

[01:54:27] Okay. Domestic Workers' Day proclamation reads, Hello. Whereas domestic workers, including housekeepers, nannies and caregivers for children that elderly and people with disabilities play an essential role in maintaining the stability health and well-being of families and households in the city of manassas and across the commonwealth of virginia and whereas domestic workers enable others in our community to participate in the workforce and contribute to contribute to our local economy by caring for loved ones and ensuring the smooth operation of our homes

[01:55:05] And whereas, despite their invaluable contributions, domestic workers have historically been excluded from many labor protections under federal and state laws, leaving them vulnerable to low wages, long hours, unsafe conditions, and little to no job security.

[01:55:21] And whereas most domestic workers do not have access to health insurance, paid sick leave or severance pay and face limited protections against discrimination or exploitation in the workplace. And whereas most domestic workers are women, particularly women of color and immigrant women who face intersecting barriers to economic security, workplace safety and equitable treatment.

[01:55:47] And whereas in 2021, Virginia enacted the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights to address longstanding gaps in protections by ensuring fair wages, protections against harassment and discrimination, and improved workplace conditions.

[01:56:03] And whereas organizations and advocates across Virginia and the nation continue to uplift the voices of domestic workers, promote fair labor standards, and fight for the dignity and rights of those who care for our families and communities. And whereas recognizing June 16th as Domestic Workers' Day is an opportunity for the city of Manassas to honor the historic and ongoing contributions of domestic workers, acknowledge the challenges they face, and stand in solidarity with efforts to ensure their rights, safety, and well-being.

[01:56:38] Now, therefore, I'm Michelle Davis Younger, mayor of the city of Manassas, Virginia, And on behalf of the Manassas City Council, do hereby proclaim June 16, 2025 as Domestic Workers Day in the city of Manassas and encourage all residents to recognize and appreciate the dignity, labor, and humanity of domestic workers in our community and to support policies and practices that ensure fairness, safety, and opportunity for all workers.

[01:57:08] Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Proclamación, considerando que los trabajadores y trabajadoras domésticas, incluidos los limpiadores y housekeepers, las niñeras y los cuidadores de niños, de adultos, mayores y de personas con discapacidades, desempeñan un papel esencial en el mantenimiento de la estabilidad, la salud y el bienestar de las familias y los hogares en la ciudad de Manazas y en todo el Commonwealth de Virginia.

[01:57:42] Considerando que los trabajadores domésticos permiten que otros miembros de nuestra comunidad participen en la fuerza laboral y contribuyan a nuestra economía local, al cuidar de sus seres queridos y garantizando el buen funcionamiento de sus hogares. Considerando que a pesar de su inestimable contribución a la sociedad, los trabajadores domésticos históricamente han estado excluidos de muchas de las protecciones laborales previstas en las leyes federales y estatales.

[01:58:12] lo que les deja vulnerables a los salarios bajos, los horarios prolongados, las condiciones inseguras y la poca o ninguna estabilidad laboral. Considerando que la mayoría de los trabajadores domésticos no tienen acceso a seguro médico, licencia pagada de enfermedad, indemnización por despido y se enfrentan a protecciones limitadas contra la discriminación o la explotación en el lugar de trabajo.

[01:58:37] Considerando que la mayoría de los trabajadores domésticos son mujeres, en particular mujeres de color, mujeres emigrantes, que se enfrentan a ser relacionadas para lograr la seguridad económica, la seguridad en el lugar de trabajo y un trato equitativo.

[01:58:54] Y considerando que en el 2021 Virginia promulgó la Carta de los Derechos de los Trabajadores Domésticos, Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, para abordar las brechas existentes desde hace mucho tiempo en materia de protección, garantizando salarios justos, protecciones contra el acoso y la discriminación y condiciones mejoradas en el lugar de trabajo, considerando que organizaciones y defensores de Virginia y del país continúan elevando las voces de los trabajadores domésticos promoviendo normas laborales justas y luchando por la dignidad y derechos de quienes cuidan

[01:59:33] de nuestras familias y comunidades, considerando que reconocer el 16 de junio como Día de los Trabajadores Domésticos es una oportunidad para que la ciudad de Manassas entre las contribuciones históricamente y actuales de los trabajadores y trabajadoras domésticos, reconozca los desafíos que enfrenta y se solidarice con el esfuerzo para asegurar su derecho, seguridad y bienestar.

[01:59:59] Por lo tanto, nuestra alcaldesa Michelle Davis-Jonger, alcaldesa de la ciudad de Manassas, Virginia, y en nombre del Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad, por la presente proclama el 16 de junio 2025 como el Día del Trabajador Doméstico en la ciudad de Manassas y exhorto a todos y todos los residentes a reconocer y apreciar la dignidad, la labor y la humanidad de los trabajadores domésticos de nuestra comunidad Y apoyar las políticas y prácticas que garanticen la equidad, la seguridad y las oportunidades para todos y todas las trabajadoras.

[02:00:37] Bueno, muy bienvenidas a todas y a pesar que el día ya pasó, no queremos dejar sin traer esto que es tan importante, su voz, su dignidad y sus contribuciones, a traerlas a la luz.

[02:00:56] So, even though the day has passed, I just want to make sure that, you know, you feel welcome and that we are highlighting the work in making sure that we bring in dignity, that we bring in support to the work that you do and the contributions that you make for our families, our community, our city.

[02:01:15] Good afternoon. Thank you so much, Madam Mayor, members of the city. Thank you so much, Sonia Vázquez Luna, and everyone present today. I'll continue in Spanish.

[02:01:34] Mi nombre es Lenka Mendoza, y yo soy la fundadora de Madres Soñadoras en Acción. El día de hoy es un honor para mí estar aquí, representando a muchas trabajadoras del hogar del estado de Virginia. Hoy solo estamos algunas aquí con nuestras hermanas de la Alianza Nacional de Trabajadoras del Hogar.

[02:01:54] Muchas no han podido venir porque están desempeñando su labor de cuidar a sus ancianos, las personas discapacitadas y los niños. Durante mucho tiempo, mujeres inmigrantes y mujeres de color han realizado este trabajo esencial y han sido indivisibilizados.

[02:02:15] Sin embargo, gracias a gestos como esta proclamación, estamos avanzando hacia el reconocimiento, la dignidad y los derechos que estas trabajadoras merecen. Hoy celebramos, pero también reconocemos que todavía queda mucha lucha por hacer, lograr condiciones de trabajo y protecciones justas contra el abuso y que las voces de las trabajadoras del hogar sean escuchadas y respetadas en todos los espacios.

[02:02:46] Gracias nuevamente a los miembros de la Ciudad de Manassas por abrirnos este espacio y gracias a cada compañera, cada aliado, por acompañarnos en esta lucha. Seguiremos adelante con fuerza, con esperanza. Muchas gracias.

[02:03:07] Good evening, everyone. My name is Kelly Koch. I'm the translator for the City of Manassas, and she just asked that I repeat it in English for everybody to understand. First, I want to thank the City of Manassas and the City Council for recognizing International Domestic Workers Day and for presenting this proclamation today.

[02:03:26] My name is Lenka Mendoza, and I'm the founder of Dreamers, Mothers in Action, DMIA. And we are here on behalf of many women who, every single day, work to care for our families, our homes, our children, and our elders. Many of us were not able to come this evening because they are caring for our children and our elders and their families.

[02:03:47] But we are so grateful to be here in their stead. Domestic workers, most of whom are immigrant women and women of color, do essential work that has too often been invisible. But thanks to actions like this proclamation, we are taking important steps toward recognition, dignity, and the rights that these workers deserve.

[02:04:07] Today we celebrate, but we also remember that there is still much work to be done. Fair working conditions, protection from abuse, and making sure that the voices of domestic workers are heard and respected in all spaces. Thank you again to the city of Manassas for creating this space, and thank you to every worker, every ally, and every supporter who stands with us.

[02:04:29] We will continue moving forward with strength and with hope. Thank you so much. I will say it in English, and then I'm going to say it in Spanish, too.

[02:04:45] Yes, I just want to reiterate what Linka had said. My name is Altagracia Cubini. I am a former domestic worker and an organizer for the north in Virginia. And I am on behalf of so many domestic workers across the country and in the north, in Virginia, and also the whole state.

[02:05:08] And I just want to say thank you on behalf of each one of our members, because this is an inspiration to other cities. So thank you to the city of Manassas and the mayor and everyone that was able to put this proclamation together.

[02:05:26] But also, we wouldn't be able to be here without the work of so many, many workers like Janice, Maria, which I'm honored to be. They are domestic workers, and Antonia, who is also one of the inspirations of the work in this country and the DMV area.

[02:05:44] In moments like this, it's very important to understand that at least cities like Manassas create the environment to help our members to feel safe and feel that they are being recognized, because we know this is a very, very tough moment.

[02:06:07] And I'm going to say it in Spanish, what I remember. Muchísimas gracias, solo voy a reiterar las gracias de Lenka y gracias por hacer esto posible a todo, a la mayor de Manazas y también todo el equipo, porque en momentos como estos es muy importante que nuestras trabajadoras del hogar puedan sentir Que tienen un espacio seguro Y que pueden Sentirse más protegidas Esto crea un ambiente más Positivo en un momento tan

[02:06:47] Difícil como este Y de verdad que yo me siento Demasiada honrada estar al lado De trabajadoras tan increíbles Como Janet, María Antonia y Definitivamente nuestros líderes De Manazas que han hecho Un trabajo increíble para crear este espacio And also, I will amenazes the messy working leader that we're able to pull off this together and create this space.

[02:07:14] But Maria, I want to say something, so I'm just going to pass it to Maria. I know we are over time, but… Buenas tardes a todos y a todas. Mi nombre es Maria. Soy del Salvador, una trabajadora del hogar por 16 años, con mucho orgullo.

[02:07:33] Llevo todas mis fuerzas y amor a las familias. Me siento una trabajadora esencial y también lo más importante que ahora les puedo decir a todos que me siento visible acá en la ciudad de Manasa y que primero Dios en un futuro voy a ver el cambio y que nuestras trabajadoras del hogar no tengan que pasar por una situación muy difícil y eso es mi deseo y pido a todos la ayuda para que mejoremos el mundo. Gracias. Buenas tardes.

[02:08:09] Good evening, everybody. My name is Maria. I am from El Salvador. I have been a domestic worker for 16 years, and with a lot of pride, I pour all of my strength and love into our families, and I'm so grateful to be here tonight, and I want you to know that I feel visible. I feel seen here in the city of Manassas.

[02:08:35] hopefully you know in the future with all with work like this we can start to see the change in our world um and i would like to just ask all of our allies help um to to improve the world and make the world a better place thank you i promise it's the last speaker it's the celebration day

[02:09:16] good evening everybody my name is Alva Vélez and I have been a domestic worker for 24 years taking care of children cleaning homes and the truth is that we work in conditions that are difficult for example we never or

[02:09:55] hardly ever take vacation um and i just want to say that i'm so grateful for being here tonight

[02:10:02] um and i'm so grateful that you're keeping us in mind okay the next item on the agenda is our

[02:11:11] consent agenda i'll call on vice mayor wolf for that motion madam mayor i move the adoption of i'm sorry the consent agenda be approved in the reading of the ordinances be dispensed with second we have the motion by vice mayor wolf seconded by councilman councilman smith to approve our consent agenda any discussion hearing and seeing them mr smith please call the roll yes council member smith yes council member ellis yes councilman rosina yes council member vasquez yes all right thank you for that that moves us forward to item three on the agenda which is

[02:11:50] public hearings yes public hearings item 3.1 is public hearing for Annabury Park and historic site historic overlay district 9201 Maple Street we do have sign-up sheets in the front up here so oh you already have them up here we don't have anyone signed up but we'll certainly hear from anyone who wishes to be recognized and wishes to speak on this matter the procedures for public hearings I'll read the newspaper add certification for public hearings then staff will present the issue for consideration and then the council has the opportunity to ask questions I will then open the public hearing for public comment and we'll make sure not to miss anyone who wishes to speak

[02:12:30] regarding public hearing item and then the public hearing will either be closed which requires a motion or vote or be continued to be taken up at the next regularly scheduled council meeting so with that I will read the newspaper certification as the mayor I certify that newspaper advertisements for the public hearings listed on tonight's agenda were published in conformance with the requirements of general law and city ordinances. As the mayor, I further certify that an affidavit of publication is before me, which is signed by an authorized representative of the Prince William Times newspaper, which states that the advertisements appeared on the required dates.

[02:13:08] And we have staff here to present. Thank you so much for being here. Take it away. Thank you madam mayor and members of council. I'm here before you this evening to present the Request for the rezoning and the zoning text amendment for Annabook Park as the proposed historic overlay district Just want to reiterate that the city is the applicant in this case So this is a request to consider a zoning map and zoning text amendment for 9201 Maple Street This is going to rezone the property from its current zoning, which is R1 To the proposed are one with historic overlay district to create a new single site local historic district at

[02:13:46] Annenberg the request also includes a zoning text amendment to add Annenberg to the historic landmark list And as a contributing structure to the local historic district survey and Annenberg is the only property that is included in this request Efforts to create an historical a district at Annenberg Have been ongoing for some years, but the most recent effort picked back up earlier this year I won't go through all of these piece by piece, but in February is when the ARB passed a resolution recommending a single site historic overlay district for Annenberg after that and went through the Planning Commission initiation

[02:14:25] For the rezoning and the zoning text amendment and the ARB has worked on drafting design guidelines for the proposed historic overlay district The historic resources board has been updated on the matter and had a chance to take a look at the draft design guidelines and the Planning Commission approved it unanimously at last month's public hearing and so it is now before you all this evening. As a summary for council and for the audience, Annenberg is significant for several reasons including its association with Robert Portner who was a prominent businessman and patron of Manassas. It is also architecturally significant as a high

[02:15:02] style example of the neoclassical revival style and it is currently listed on both the Virginia landmarks register which is the state registry and the national register of historic places which is the federal register so I do believe council is familiar with the purpose and intent of historic overlay districts but for the benefit of those present and the audience this evening the purpose of a historic overlay district is to provide an additional layer of protection to properties with historic and/or architectural significance ensuring that any exterior work or treatment is historically appropriate and just does not diminish a property's integrity a historic overlay district does not

[02:15:37] regulate regulate proposed use or interior alterations the zoning text amendment is proposed to add Annenberg to the city's landmark list as a local historic landmark and to designate it as a contributing resource on the local historic district survey draft design guidelines have been prepared for the proposed historic overlay districts and will be adopted by the ARB if the new district is approved staff is recommending approval of the rezoning to establish a single-site historic overlay district for Annenberg Park and historic site at 9201 Maple Street and to approve the zoning text amendment to

[02:16:15] add Annenberg to the historic landmarks list and designated a contributing structure to the historic district before I turn it back over to the council I did want to mention that at the Planning Commission public hearing we did have two members of the public who are present only one of those members spoke to inquire how the rezoning and zoning text amendment would impact their property but there is no impact since Annenberg is the only property included this request additionally the public comment period for the design guidelines that's going to run through the end of next month so far we've only received one comment but that and any

[02:16:50] additional comments will be incorporated into the revisions for the guidelines prior to adoption by the arb pending any motions by council so that concludes my presentation and i stand ready for questions thank you council members any questions mr osina thank you madam mayor um so how does this relate to the uses of the the property let's first talk about extra uh external uses there on the historic overlay districts for the rezoning to create a historic overlay district

[02:17:26] at antonberg that places no restrictions on use it only governs any exterior alterations that may be proposed for the property um so it has no restrictions on use or interior alterations to the building itself okay so even on the interior if it was used for something it this would not uh that is correct in a way shape or form regulated okay yes and again just to emphasize it's for this piece of property only that you designated it's not for any of the adjacent properties that's surrounded is that correct this is only for the annaberg park and historic side of 9201 maple street no adjacent properties are included in this okay thank you very much thank you mayor

[02:18:04] any other questions miss vaskevon i believe that you always do but just uh trying to uh remind everybody around was notified I did see the postings did you get any feedback no we did not receive any feedback from the adjacent property owners the only feedback that we had was at the Planning Commission public hearing when a adjacent property owner was present and asked how it would affect their property but there is no impact no other questions the public hearing is now open if there's anyone who wishes to address counsel and speak on this item please come forward

[02:18:41] at this time we have the motion Bob vice mayor will second by councilman Smith to close the public hearing and vote on this matter on our next regularly scheduled council meeting any discussion hearing and seeing none mr. Smith please

[02:19:09] call the roll. Vice Mayor Wolf. Yes. Council Member Smith. Yes. Council Member Ellis. Yes. Council Member Osina. Yes. Council Member Vasquez-Lona. Yes. The motion carries. Thank you for that. Item 3.2, public hearing for Pierce Funeral Home Columbarium at 9605 Center Street. And Mr. Samples is here to help us with that. Good evening. Good evening, Madam Mayor, members of the council. Just to remind the mayor, do you, I think you have to read the newspaper. Again? Just for this case. Yeah. Okay.

[02:19:41] The newspaper advertisement certification for public hearing. As the mayor, I certify that newspaper advertisement for the public hearings listed on tonight's agenda were published in conformance with the requirements of general law and city ordinances.

[02:19:56] As the mayor, I further certify that an affidavit of publication is before me, which is signed by an authorized representative of the Prince William Times newspaper, which states that the advertisements appeared on the required dates. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You are welcome. Thank you. Keeping me straight.

[02:20:13] So before you tonight is Special Use Permit 2024-3, located at 9605 Center Street. The scope of the request before you tonight is the expansion of an existing funeral home to add an indoor columbarium. This is on a separate parcel, totaling 0.35 acres.

[02:20:30] The parcel is zoned I-1 Light Industrial and AOD Airport Impact Overlay District. It's comprehensive plan. Character areas are Godwin Technology and gateways and corridors. Before you is a map showing the location, you can see the subject property in light blue.

[02:20:45] It is surrounded by a variety of uses, including multifamily residential and condominiums, light industrial to the south, offices directly west, Catholic Church to the north, and a school and a restaurant. So it has a diversity of uses around it.

[02:21:01] Some background for you. This is an expansion of the funeral home to add a two-story, 6,172-square-foot indoor columbarium. It was previously used as a hair salon. That use has since ended and the previous structure has been demolished, so it's currently bare ground.

[02:21:17] And just for the benefit of the council as well as the public, the expansion does not include a new crematorium or an expansion of the existing crematorium. We've had a lot of feedback and public comments, a lot of concern that this was a new or expanded crematorium, that is not the case. This came before you in 2013 and was last amended in 2021 for the purposes of a crematorium.

[02:21:36] Secondly, the previous application before you in 2021 proposed displacing adjacent residents, I'll go back to the previous slide there's an apartment complex directly next to the property and that application proposed displacing residents this application does not displace residents in any way it's located on the adjacent property before you is the general development plan and towards the bottom you can see unfortunately does not have a laser that works for the screen but you can see the darker portion of the gdp that includes the the site there before your

[02:22:13] elevation showing the proposed structure um as well as a rendering this is the view from the adjacent apartment complex facing the site um so our analysis from land use perspective there is a visual impact on the surrounding uses so mitigation has been proposed through additional landscaping and setbacks i believe the setbacks from um the property line um is 20 i believe it's 32 feet and then there's another 25 feet so it ends up being about little over 50 feet of setback conditions of approval are amended so the existing conditions of approval for the previous sup are being amended to include this as well as include the previously approved funeral home and

[02:22:53] crematorium um there isn't an impact on the comprehensive plan as i mentioned there's that 58 foot overall buffer to the adjacent apartments a tia was not triggered due to the site generating five trips a day so well below the 100 trip threshold 100 unit threshold rather and then eight parking spaces are proposed in excess of the five required spaces so there are conditions and i'll go through them briefly condition number one is modified to authorize the use condition number two just makes supersedes the previous special use permit condition number three requires

[02:23:28] conforms of the gdp condition number four requires the columbarium's lighting be downward shielded and directed away from adjacent properties to prevent elimination condition number five prohibits the use of an exterior public address or bell system conditions 6 through 25 remain unchanged from the previous special use permit staff is recommending approval and the planning commission unanimously recommended approval at the april 2nd 2025 hearing and with that that concludes my presentation i stand for questions thank you thank you christian any questions i'm already looking at you, Mr. Osina.

[02:24:03] Mr. Osina. Two questions. First of all, where else do we have indoor columbariums in the city? Absolutely. So, Councilmember Osina, so there are two. St. Thomas United Methodist Church has one, as well as the outdoor columbarium that you see on site. Those are the two that are currently in the city.

[02:24:29] And what is your understanding of should What's your understanding of state law when it comes to the, I'll call it removal, but of columbarium should redevelopment be necessary on the property that it occupies?

[02:24:52] Absolutely. The removal of remains is a complicated process. State law is very strict about that. You can't just up and remove them. Every time you establish, be it a cemetery or columbarium, There has to be a perpetual fund to ensure that in perpetuity it's maintained.

[02:25:09] There are contracts that are drawn up between the owner of the columbarium and the individuals. And as well as if you were to relocate this, you have to find a new site for this. So by the time you take into account setting up all of that, a new perpetual fund, new siting for it, notifying the relatives, getting their consent to move those because it's a contract, so there has to be consent there.

[02:25:34] While there isn't a timeline specified in state law, it's quite a process to move a columbarium. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mayor. No problem. Ms. Vasquez. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I believe I was at the Planning Commission meeting, which it was, you know, a great meeting.

[02:25:53] I learned a lot about this application. I believe it wasn't unanimous. It was 1A, and everybody else voted. Oh, my apologies. I believe you're right. Yes. Yes, and, you know, some of the highlights from the meeting is like what were me and I learned.

[02:26:09] I mean, it's not going to be an outer. It's going to look, you know, just the same the way the other things look around, which to me is important. I also learned about the fund that they have for maintenance and the whole process that they do.

[02:26:29] So I appreciate it. It's important. I believe one of the biggest concerns that I had, it was, you know, the maintenance and the future as the years come by. How, you know, will that look like and how will that feel for the residents?

[02:26:46] But I, you know, I appreciate it. I think because I was at that meeting, I learned a lot more. Thank you. Thank you. The one no vote I talked to and I asked why. And so I think in the minutes it was listed.

[02:27:03] about a concern that they had not finished the first project was was i think and and from what i read it said a month i'm sure that was it's now closer to being done um to me it's not a concern i don't you know and i could certainly clear up some of that so i spoke to eldon riffle one of our inspectors on staff who is in charge of inspecting those kinds of improvements and i was with him when he called the contractor and my understanding from the contractor is they have some more trees to plant some more landscaping to do in the installation of a water line but that the bulk of the improvements were in place or were about to be installed so they're on their way as far as the timeline for the remaining improvements i'll defer to the applicant okay and

[02:27:41] the applicant is here so if you want to okay you want to come forward and if you all have any more questions i'm sorry you may after the applicant if you want to come and clarify a little bit further on where you are with the first project or anything else they want to add whoever wants to good evening sir thank you for being here members of council whoever's doing well my name's along simmons with vanderpool frosty conditionian i'm a language attorney on this case i'm joined today by jerome gonzalez from imeg who's civil engineer on this case also and we're here before you to talk about the pierce funeral home columbarium as was mentioned

[02:28:18] earlier this is an indoor columbarium on the site uh there's an outdoor combat that exists currently the applicant thinks in about two to four weeks that columbarium should be completed there's a a water line to be completed some landscaping to be done on that site but they're making some steps toward finishing you go out there and look at it it looks pretty good in terms of what they have so far several outdoor columbariums there's uh the fountain is out there as well so they're making some progress they're looking to finish up pretty soon to be clear as we mentioned earlier as it was mentioned earlier this is not an on-site crematorium this is a columbarium which is very different

[02:28:56] from crematorium so what's a columbarium i guess would be the question columbarium is a small building or building the house is cremated remains consists of small compartments known as niches where urns containing deceased ashes are placed each niche is typically sealed with stone or metal front and it may be engraved with the deceased names dates and other personal information in short it's a place where you just store urns of your of your loved ones my father is in a a crematorium in a columbarium so i'm familiar with how this works and this uh this particular

[02:29:31] way to take care of your loved ones and i think it works for many families this is a picture of a columbarium to give you an idea of what it looks like um and these this is what would be located inside of the building that we're developing and each department each compartment shown in this picture would carry and hold uh urns for cremated remains with regard to the long-range land use we're consistent with that we're providing a high quality development i'll show you some pictures soon it dovetails with the current services providing on the site uh does not involve any outdoor storage or anything like that and we have sufficient buffering against the adjacent

[02:30:06] apartments and against center street as well the new building is over 6 000 square feet it's a two-story building it has new landscaping some plantings there'll be about 5 000 urns located within the building itself we will provide additional lighting as needed on the site as permitted as well in terms of trash disposal we'll be using the adjacent funeral home receptacles we anticipate about five vehicles coming to the site per day no more than that there'll be no be any employees on the site coming to the site on a daily basis and there's plenty of parking on the site and on the adjacent funeral home site as well i want to show you the elevations

[02:30:45] that you saw earlier these are the elevations of the site and just going through looking at it from the different perspectives this would be the perspective if you're looking at the new building from the adjacent apartments that are right next door um this is the north view if you're looking from center street this is the view if you're looking from the parking lot area looking towards center street this would be the west view if you're looking at the building from the existing funeral home and this would be the look of the building if you're looking from the adjacent apartments and you can see that there's a six foot uh opaque fence there along with some plantings

[02:31:25] that we intend to install the new building matches the colors of the materials of the existing funeral home building you can see the white columns the the red brick and the black shutters this is the interior layout that shows you the site from inside so the left side of the slide is the ground floor and then the right side of the slide is the top floor and the small squares that you see there where the urns will be stored within the building the special use permit area is circled there in red the rest of the site will remain the same looking closer at the sup area

[02:32:03] you can see the buffering along center street and along the left side of the building as well between the the new building and the apartments and you can see the interior parking lot landscaping and you can also see the potential location of the stormwater management facility as well right next to the building to the right of it there's a 25-foot landscape buffer along the left side of the new building that separates the columbarium from the from the existing apartments the new building is 33 feet away from the property line as you can see there and the existing apartment building is 25 feet away from the property line so as christian mentioned there is

[02:32:41] a 58 foot setback between the new building and the existing apartments there's also a 15 foot buffer with plantings along this along center street and there's a 34 feet from the property line along center street to the building itself also eight parking spaces and there are plantings between the parking area and the entrance to the building as well we are exceeding the parking the tree canopy requirements by providing over 48 000 square feet of tree canopy we're also providing

[02:33:17] over 10 000 square feet of interior parking lot landscaping which exceeds the dcsm requirements and we're including 100 feet of canopy trees shrubs understory trees within the 15-foot buffer along center street as shown below in terms of screening we're providing a six foot tall opaque fence including 100 feet of evergreen trees within a 25-foot buffer that will be between the existing apartments and the new building itself and then we have special use permit conditions which will be complying with will comply with the sup plan will provide uh downward directed shielded lights and

[02:33:52] we'll refrain from any exterior public address systems as well and then lastly i want to share with you that the pierce funeral home has gotten the best of 2024 award uh recently from virginia living magazine which is a great honor for them and that's all we have to present today we certainly welcome your questions and your comments thank you any questions mr osina i'll wait yeah thank you I would like to hear me now our commissioners did a great job and I would like to hear the commitment and I don't know what that line is but

[02:34:32] you know that when when the building is up you know how long and please let me know if I overstep but it is a real concern so before voting I would like to you know understand what was the difference between the other one maybe delays or what happened and and if these there won't be issue with this one as the timeline goes down yeah the other one had some issues regarding getting certain supplies it was also an issue regarding weather when the weather gets bad we can't do anything outside in terms of doing the urns and putting the landscaping in so if it's too hot if it's raining that affects all those things

[02:35:12] but the applicant wants to get that in because applicants losing money by not having it finished so the incentive is to finish that exterior column barrier as soon as possible and he estimates two to four weeks to finish that outdoor piece. The new piece we're building, if this is approved in terms of the SUP permit, we've got to go through a site plan process and after that process, we would start construction.

[02:35:34] So from the time that we start construction, we'll be finished within a year of that because of the size of the building and location and the work is being done inside the building. Mr. Osina. Thank you, Mayor. So how many cremains can be located in this proposed columbarium?

[02:35:55] 5,000. 5,000. Yes. And how is it funded for perpetual maintenance of the cremains? I believe the applicant has a fund set up to take care of the remains inside and take care of the maintenance issues as well.

[02:36:14] The applicant couldn't be here today. He wasn't feeling well. His daughter is here to speak on that issue. They do have a fund set up to establish those things. Was any consideration given to an alternative location on the property for the location of this colibarium?

[02:36:34] This seemed to be the best location because it's a good-looking building. It frets on Center Street. We didn't want to interrupt any parking spaces that are already out there. There's sufficient parking for if there's a large funeral service.

[02:36:50] So this was sort of a vacant spot that was available to the applicant to begin to put a building like this in. The back area was already taken with the Colivarium development that's going in there. So the applicant was the best spot for this type of development. Will it be possible for all the construction to take place within the boundaries of the property so there won't be any stoppage of traffic, for instance, and will any additional lanes need to be added?

[02:37:26] No additional lanes. And I think if there's storage of material and those sorts of things, those can all be stored within a parking lot area. But because we only have five vehicle trips per day coming to the site, there's no need for a TIA. So certainly no need for any additional lanes or lanes of travel.

[02:37:44] And how has the number of visits, I'll call it, per day arrived at? It's arrived at just by looking at, I think the applicant looked at this business model and how it usually operates. He studied that business model, determined with this sort of thing, you have the urns inside of a certain location.

[02:38:07] Folks come and visit the site periodically. They won't be coming every day. There are 5,000 urns, but the traffic he anticipates will just be five vehicle trips per day based on what he knows about the business model. Bear with me.

[02:38:25] So how is the columbarium integrated into a funeral service, for instance? I understand the funeral home would be where the service is held, but would the, I don't want to use the word parishioners, the people who are there, the family and so forth, then transverse to the columbarium?

[02:38:55] What's typically done is there's a service inside of the main building in which people celebrate the end of life. And then after that, the urn is taken from the service area to the Columbarium area, placed inside, and people will stay and worship and stay and, you know, give thanks for the person's life and celebrate in the building, and then they go do a repast elsewhere.

[02:39:17] So, yeah, I think, you know, that's typically how it's done with cremains within an urn in the Columbarium space. You have the service, you take the urn, you place it in the Columbarium, it's sealed, and then you go elsewhere to celebrate the life. Is it proposed the colibarium would be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year?

[02:39:38] I think so, but there'll be a key to access. Not anyone can walk in. You've got to have the necessary key five to be able to get into the site. And then lastly, does the applicant own any other indoor colibariums?

[02:39:55] Not that I'm aware of. Okay. I was just looking over your shoulder there. Okay. Mayor, thank you. Any other questions? oh miss ellis i've seen i gave some comments um so is this a is this a separate business um or is this part of pierce it's part of pierce okay i you know i'm i'm just curious um if for

[02:40:30] some reason here's because this is kind of unusual like saint thomas is a church and this is a business so it is a little different um if for some reason pierce we have because we have some closed funeral homes you know that i could actually name if that would if that business would not thrive or survive what would happen to that building i mean that's uh you know because this is a special use permit than being put on this property so i'm just yeah that's my my only

[02:41:06] concern um you know a church is a different type of business obviously it's not a business it's a It's a church. Churches can close, too, though. On occasion, they do. They're not able to make it for whatever reason. Yeah, that's true. But I would just say that the SEP runs with the land.

[02:41:24] If this business were to close, there's a process for dealing with the remains. It's a contractual issue between the family and Pierce, and that contract would have to be honored. And if it's not honored, it can lead to court action where we resolve where the remains should be placed.

[02:41:41] But when they're placed in this building, they're safe. It's a sacrosanct building. So we'll make sure the laws are honored as we go forward. And hopefully Pierce will stay in business. Well, yeah. I hope so, too. I'm just, like, looking down the line, you know.

[02:41:57] Anything can happen, right. Who does oversee that? Is that, like, the environmental or, like, whoever sees what would happen if those remains have to be moved? Like, for example, the business closes. Yeah, I believe the Sheriff's Department gets involved with dealing with remains issues.

[02:42:15] Okay. Thank you. Good question. Any other questions, comments? Okay, if not, all right. I'll entertain them over here. Did you? Oh, I'm sorry.

[02:42:30] Did you want to speak? You can come, come on. Good evening. Good evening, council members. Thank you so much for having me here. First off, Madam Mayor, my heart goes out to you and your family. 65 years of marriage and love is a beautiful accomplishment.

[02:42:47] I can only hope my husband sticks with me that long. So my dad apologizes. He can't be here today. He's unfortunately ill. So I will do my best to be second best. So just to kind of piggyback off of all the things that Mr. Simmons shared and also clear up maybe some of the questions or reiterate, give some more context to the industry.

[02:43:09] As you all know, we can't create more real estate, right? You know, it's a fixed resource. So when we're looking at funeral homes and businesses in the aftercare service and the death care service, they're already jumping over each other to purchase properties, especially ones that are already created and ready to go to house cremains, because now in the industry, you know, and I can talk about this all day, and I'm sure you all wouldn't want me to, but

[02:43:40] there is so much that goes into that process, and if, gosh forbid, you know, something were to happen, Obviously, my dad has worked so hard for this business and to create something out of nothing, and the Manassas community has been so generous to our family, so we want to continue to invest in this area and in this property.

[02:44:03] But we know and have been approached multiple times by other companies to purchase. We would never sell because this is our family legacy, and it's something I hope to carry for generations to come. But if there were ever a concern like that, I know, based on the industry, there would be many people that would want to take over it and continue it as a columbarium and as a funeral home.

[02:44:28] But I just wanted to address the concerns on that as well. Thank you for that. Any other questions or comments? Thank you so much for that clarification. Appreciate it. Any other questions I can answer? Motion? I'm here from the public.

[02:44:44] Oh, go ahead. I'm sorry. Yes, I know. He's helping me stay on track. Public hearing is now open if anyone wishes to address council at this time. I don't have anyone signed up, but we don't want to miss anybody. Madam Mayor, seeing and hearing then, I move to close the public hearing and schedule for a vote on the next regularly scheduled meeting of the council.

[02:45:06] Second. We had a motion by Vice Mayor Wolfe, seconded by Councilwoman Vasquez Luna, to close the public hearing and vote on this item at our next regularly scheduled council meeting. Any discussion? Hearing. ms ellis this is the vote on the closing the public hearing yeah oh no i don't okay any discussion hearing and seeing them mr smith please call roll vice mayor wolf yes council member vasquez luna yes council member ellis yes council member smith yes council member of cena yes the motion carries okay thank you for that thank you all for being here helping us with that item four

[02:45:46] ordinances and resolutions item 4.1 resolution number r 2025-906 landscape grant for signal hill shopping center mr arcieri good evening your honor members of council filling in for the economic development department tonight before you is a request for a landscape grant for the signal hill shopping center on liberia avenue this is the shopping center that has fresh world as its anchor tenant the request before you is a combination of work by economic development and code enforcement to address the deteriorating conditions along the front landscape area.

[02:46:20] Working between the two departments, the applicant has submitted a request to improve the appearance of the landscaping along this critical commercial corridor. The primary reason this grant makes sense for approval is in addition to restoring the sod, the applicant is proposing to add irrigation to the landscaping, which will have a remarkable improvement to the appearance of this section of the corridor.

[02:46:45] So the request and recommendation from Economic Development is to award the grant up to a total of $15,000, and I'll stand ready to answer any questions that I can. Thank you, Mr. Othieri. Any questions, comments? Ms. Vasquez-Lonan and Mr. Wolfe. Will you please explain a little bit about how this grant worked for our residents?

[02:47:05] Because I know the figure, it seems, you know, big, but I know we have done a lot of them. Well, not a lot of them, but everybody is, I believe, the businesses are open to apply and to have this.

[02:47:22] And as I understand it, it's a way to support so we can keep our city beautiful and up to standards. But if you can just briefly.

[02:47:37] And I took an opportunity to pull a couple of statistics from Economic Development's annual report, since I'm not the expert on this program, but just to give you some numbers. To date, in 2024, Council awarded six landscape or facade grants totaling $81,000. The key here is that these grants allow the property owners to do more than you typically would do if the private sector just invested in the property.

[02:48:01] So per Economic Development's annual report, that $81,000 yielded $1.3 million in investments in those six properties. And since the inception of the program, Economic Development notes that the return on investment is 10 to 1. So for every dollar the city puts in, the private sector's putting in 10.

[02:48:17] I will say from the code enforcement perspective, because I thought a little bit about this, it's a great tool that Carlos and his staff uses when we approach certain deteriorating commercial properties. So it's the difference between if you had a broken window or damaged window, private sector's going to paint over that window.

[02:48:33] But using this grant, we're able to leverage the additional funds to have the window replaced and prevent future deterioration. So it's just a little bit of an incentive to get the properties that much in better condition and prevent further deterioration. There is a max cap, so they will only cover up to one-third.

[02:48:52] The department does look at actual work done, so they look at the receipts before they pay out the grant. And there's a lifetime cap on a property of $25,000. Any other questions? Ms. Ellis? Is Signal Hill Shopping Center, are they condos?

[02:49:13] Is each unit owned by each unit? No, that's the next shopping center. This is Fresh World down to the Chick-fil-A. So this is leased? Yeah, this is a leased shopping center. Okay, so someone owns the entire shopping center and they all lease? Yes, ma'am. Okay.

[02:49:29] Any other questions or comments? Is there a motion? Since no one else, move to approve. Resolution 2025-906.

[02:49:46] Second. We have the motion by Vice Mayor Wolfe, seconded by Councilwoman Vasquez-Luna to approve resolution number R-2025-906. Any discussion? Aaron Encino, Mr. Ocino.

[02:50:02] Thank you, Mayor. I'm sorry. So, Mr. Arcieri, I'm reading this, and have we ever done a facade grant for an irrigation system before?

[02:50:20] There's two programs. There's a facade grant and a landscape grant. Before you do this evening, a landscape grant, that is eligible for irrigation. Facade grants, irrigation would not be. Yes, you are correct. My apologies. So under landscaping grants, have we done irrigation systems, or do you know?

[02:50:38] I don't know that information off the top of the top of the head. I apologize. He's filling in. What else would be covered under a landscaping grant? It's typically going to be bushes, shrubs, enhanced landscaping above. what you might get from a minimum standard okay very good okay thank you Ms. Ellis did you know what the vacancy rate is in that shopping center I do not but we can have the economic development provide that to you separately I mean I'm just not much yeah so it sounds like a viable business to me thank you any

[02:51:17] other comments or questions mr. Smith please call the roll that's where we were, right? Yeah. Vice Mayor Wolf? Yes. Council Member Vasquez Luna? Yes. Council Member Ellis? No. Council Member Smith? Yes. Council Member Osina? Yes. The motion carries. All right. Thank you so much. Thank you, Ms. Arcieri. Next up is the public comment time. I don't have anyone signed up, but we won't miss anyone. At this time, we welcome residents and community members who wish to speak about services, policies, and affairs of the city of Manassas government. Residents who have not requested

[02:51:56] additional time four days prior to this meeting from the city manager. We have a timer and your comments will be limited to limited to three minutes. We appreciate the time you have taken to be here. We treat public comment time is a public hearing. We do not engage in conversation with speakers. The lack of an immediate response to your comments should not be taken as a lack of interest or concern as we have staff present taking notes and will respond to your concern in a timely manner. So please when approaching the podium give us your name and your address so that we may follow up with you we ask that you please be respectful when presenting your comments to not only council members but to those residents and community members who are also present

[02:52:36] with that I don't have anyone signed up to speak but is there anyone present who wishes to address council at this time for public comment good evening my name is Janet I live at 8605 Williams Road I talked to Steve at the community center the other night and I wanted to say it in front of everyone the four-way stop at weems road has taken care of 90 of the problem so thank you for putting that there um

[02:53:13] didn't particularly want it but it was best for the community so thank you it made a big difference and then i guess i just want to continue to pray for the mayor and the council to continue doing i hear lots of comments from people out in the community that are not happy with the city and it's the city i live in i you know it's getting discouraging being here but heavenly father please please touch the hearts of everyone sitting here let them listen to the people in the

[02:53:46] city hear what we're really saying and do what we are asking to have done lots of money's being spent if it's spent for the right reason it's a good thing if it's not it's not a good thing There's, I'm just asking that you touch each one of them, bless them, help them work from a heart of good and for all the people here.

[02:54:11] I ask that through the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Anyone else who wishes to address counsel at this time? Okay. If not, we are adjourned. Thank you, everybody.

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