City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 5, 2019
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance Restructuring the Quality of Life Committee and Changing the Name to the Health and Safety Coordinating Committee.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of restructuring the Quality of Life Committee and changing the name to the Health and Safety Coordinating Committee.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve on first reading, and schedule for Second Reading, Public Hearing and Final Passage on June 22, an ordinance implementing the proposed restructuring and change of the name of the City Manager’s Quality of Life Committee to the Health and Safety Coordinating Committee.
BACKGROUND: The City Manager’s Quality of Life Committee (“Committee”) was originally formed as an internal staff group, created by the City Manager designed to coordinate activities impacting neighborhood quality of life. Today, the group has evolved into a comprehensive committee impacting several critical policy areas: public safety, housing, health and human services and public works.
The Committee meets every other month (excluding the summer) and receives reports from the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Court Services Unit, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff’s Department, Community and Human Services, Code Administration, Transportation and Environmental Services, Alexandria Health Department, Probation and Parole and the Alexandria City Public Schools.
The Committee does not exist in City Code as it was City Manager appointed body and its function has evolved over the past few decades. Additional departments are now represented, and it has transitioned from an internal staff forum into more of a public body. The primary function of the Committee is as a reporting entity, while the considerable value to explore policy reform and innovation has historically not occurred.
DISCUSSION: The proposed new Health and Safety Committee will be charged with (1) Defining, reviewing, and ensuring public dissemination of reports and metrics that reflect the health and safety of people and property in Alexandria. (2) Reviewing effectiveness of ongoing policy and programs designed to improve the health and safety of people and property in the City of Alexandria. (3) Considering new policy proposals and providing recommendations to the City Council to assist in consideration of such proposals. Given this change in its charge this committee should be established by City Ordinance.
The Health and Safety Coordinating Committee shall consist of two members of the City Council designated by the Council, the City Manager or his/her designee, as well as representatives from:
• Alexandria Police Department
• Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority
• Alexandria Court Services Unit
• Alexandria Sheriff’s Department
• Alexandria Fire Department
• Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
• Alexandria Probation and Parole
• Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services
• Alexandria Health Department
• Alexandria Housing Department
• Alexandria Department of Code Administration
• Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services
• Alexandria Indigent Defense Office
• Alexandria City Public Schools
Meetings will be scheduled every other month (excluding July and August). Each meeting is planned to feature a policy area for discussion that is determined by the two members of Council and the City Manager or his/her designee.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENT: Proposed Ordinance.
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager