City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 3, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: YON LAMBERT, INTERIM DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Extend the Term of the RiverRenew Stakeholder Advisory Group. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Resolution to Extend the Term of the RiverRenew Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG).
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) extending the term of the RiverRenew SAG by 365 days in accordance with City Code Section 2-4-8.
BACKGROUND: In April 2017, the Virginia General Assembly passed a new law requiring the remediation of the City’s four combined sewer outfalls by July 1, 2025. The City, working with Alexandria Renew Enterprises (AlexRenew), submitted to a Long Term Control Plan (Plan) to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) in 2018, which called for the construction of an underground tunnel system to bring combined sewage to the AlexRenew wastewater treatment facility, thus significantly reducing both the number and volume of combined sewer discharges into City waterways. In 2018 VDEQ approved the Plan and the City transferred ownership of the combined sewer outfalls to AlexRenew. AlexRenew is implementing the Plan as part of its RiverRenew program.
This is the final extension of the RiverRenew SAG permitted by City Code Section 2-4-8. The RiverRenew SAG initially met in February 2021 following adoption via Resolution No. 2959 in September 2020. The RiverRenew SAG was charged with meeting on an ad hoc basis, as required, to provide a forum for monitoring construction activities associated with the RiverRenew program and associated community impacts. In December 2021, the RiverRenew SAG was extended (Resolution No. 3042) for a second term and has convened a total of 5 times dating back to March 2022. Staff considers the RiverRenew SAG to be vital for ongoing public outreach efforts and in its role as a forum to monitor construction activities of RiverRenew.
DISCUSSION: Pursuant to City Code Section 2-4-8, the RiverRenew SAG 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.
Therefore, staff is proposing to extend the RiverRenew SAG term with the existing composition of:
(1) One (1) member that is nominated by the North Old Town Independent Citizens’ Association.
(2) One (1) member that is a resident or representative of a business near Tobacco Quay, Oronoco Waterfront Residences, or Rivergate.
(3) One (1) member that is nominated by the Old Town Civic Association.
(4) One (1) member that is a resident, representative of a business, or representative of a non-profit near South Royal/Green Streets.
(5) One (1) member that is nominated by the Eisenhower Partnership.
(6) One (1) member that is a resident or business of the Carlyle community or Duke Street corridor.
(7) One (1) at-large member that is a resident of the City with and interest in the RiverRenew project.
(8) One (1) member that is a resident with engineering, environmental, financial, or related experience; However, the resident cannot be a member of any firm involved with or in pursuit of work associated with RiverRenew.
(9) One (1) member with interest or expertise in diversity, race and social equity and inclusivity issues.
The RiverRenew SAG members’ responsibilities will continue to:
1. Review and monitor the progress of RiverRenew through the final design and construction phases.
2. Communicate the progress of RiverRenew to the community by leveraging existing networks and serve as spokespeople for RiverRenew.
3. Serve as a central information-receiving/dissemination body for RiverRenew; and
4. Review and provide recommendations to minimize community impacts.
AlexRenew staff will serve as the primary liaison to the RiverRenew SAG. Staff from Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) will continue to assist in the coordination of the RiverRenew program, with assistance from other City departments, as needed.
Pursuant to City Code Section 2-4-8, the RiverRenew SAG shall meet on an ad hoc basis as needed for an additional 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: There is no fiscal impact to the City of Alexandria if Council adopts this resolution.
ATTACHMENT: RiverRenew SAG Term Extension Resolution
STAFF:
Joanna Anderson, City Attorney
William Skrabak, Deputy Director, Infrastructure and Environmental Quality, T&ES
Karen Pallansch, CEO, Alexandria Renew Enterprises
Erin Bevis-Carver, Division Chief, Sanitary Sewer, T&ES