City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2021
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Extend the Term of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
__________________________________________________________
ISSUE: Extending the Term of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) extending the term of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group (PYMIG).
BACKGROUND: Since the first Metrorail Station Feasibility Work Group was established in October 2008, community work groups have served a fundamental role in the construction of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station by fostering enhanced communications between the residents and business in Alexandria, City leadership, and departmental staff.
In June 2011, this group was reconvened as the Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group (PYMIG) and then reconstituted in 2018 to incorporate additional group functions and three additional representatives, one from Potomac Yard Civic Association, Potomac Greens Homeowners Association, and the Old Town Greens Townhome/Condominium Associations, respectively.
Since their charter was renewed in Fall 2019, PYMIG has played an important role representing community interests during the final stages of the southwest access design selection process and subsequent approval of DSUP 2020-10020, which formally incorporated the south pavilion into the station design. Since construction activity began in Fall 2019, PYMIG has been critical to disseminating information on the delivery of materials, construction activities, and construction traffic mitigation. Furthermore, this connection to the community will continue to be essential as construction expands to include activity at the south pavilion site and the project moves closer to completion in 2022.
DISCUSSION: Pursuant to City Code Section 2-4-8, PYMIG is eligible to function for a term of 12 months, at which time the term must be extended by City Council by either ordinance or resolution for additional periods of up to 365 days.
In PYMIG’s June 2018 modified charter, the group was charged with meeting on an ad hoc basis, as required, to provide a larger forum for discussing community impacts during design and construction, including opportunities to mitigate those impacts. The first charter renewal in 2019 extended PYMIG operations through June 2020. Renewal of the PYMIG charter in June 2020 was postponed due to meeting restrictions implemented under COVID-19 regulations. Staff determined PYMIG’s role in the project was too significant to disrupt operations due to the extenuating circumstances. As a result, PYMIG has convened a total of six times (three in-person and three virtual), and the City provided six video updates while in-person or virtual meetings were not legally permitted. The three of the meetings and distribution of three videos occurred outside the first 365-day term.
Staff is proposing to extend PYMIG’s term with the existing composition of:
a. Two members of City Council;
b. One representative from the Planning Commission;
c. One representative from the Transportation Commission;
d. One representative from the Environmental Policy Commission;
e. One representative from the Park and Recreation Commission;
f. One community representative from the neighborhoods east of the CSX tracks within the Potomac Yard Small Area Plan area;
g. One community representative from west of the CSX tracks within the Potomac Yard Small Area Plan area;
h. One representative from the Potomac Yard Civic Association;
i. One representative from the Potomac Greens Homeowners Association;
j. One representative from the Old Town Greens Townhome/ Condominium Association;
k. One at-large business representative with an interest in the project; and
l. Two at-large community members with an interest in the project.
The PYMIG members responsibilities will continue to be:
a. Review and provide input on Environmental Impact Statement documents;
b. Provide input on project design;
c. Receive updates on funding issues related to the new Metrorail station;
d. Facilitate discussion of construction mitigation for community impacts during construction; and,
e. Attend and participate fully in all Work Group meetings, in addition to attending work sessions and public hearings of the City Council as needed. If unable to attend, members are encouraged to notify staff in advance and provide comments on meeting materials in a timely manner.
Staff from the Department of Project Implementation (DPI) and Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) will serve as the primary liaisons to PYMIG. DPI, T&ES, WMATA and PYC staff will provide technical support, with input from other City department staff and consultants, as needed.
Pursuant to City Code Section 2-4-8, the PYMIG shall meet on an ad hoc basis as needed for the period of 12 months. This term may be extended by City Council by either ordinance or resolution for additional periods of up to 365 days each, not to exceed three years from the date of the initial meeting, if needed for completion of their stated tasks as defined herein, unless otherwise extended by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT: The coordinating support by City staff will be conducted within the allocated operational budgets for each of these Departments.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PYMIG Term Extension Resolution
2. Resolution No. 2834
3. Resolution No. 2917
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, P.E., Deputy City Manager
Joanna Anderson, City Attorney
Yon Lambert, Director, T&ES
Karl W. Moritz, Director, P&Z
Terry Suehr, P.E., Director, DPI Replace text here.