The Alexandria City Council is set to take the next steps in amending its noise ordinance to ban gas-powered leaf blowers.
The proposed changes will be introduced during the council’s May 13 legislative meeting and will move forward for further consideration.
The leaf blower ban is just one of several items on the council’s agenda, which also includes review of grant applications, appointments to various boards and commissions, and financial reports.
In other business, the council will consider changes to its procedural resolution, which governs how meetings are conducted. This item required a roll-call vote, indicating its significance for council operations.
The council will also review several grant applications, including one for Next Generation 9-1-1 funding through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for educational training, and another to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Litter Prevention and Recycling Program to fund the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program.
Financial matters are also on the agenda. The council will consider the monthly financial report for the period ending March 31, 2025.
Several appointments to city boards and commissions will also be considered, including contested appointments to the Archaeological Commission, Beautification Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, Commission for Women, Commission on Information Technology, and Community Services Board.
The council will also acknowledge resignations from various boards and commissions, including the Commission for Women, Commission on Information Technology, Economic Opportunities Commission, Environmental Policy Commission, Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, Historic Restoration & Preservation Commission, and Public Records Advisory Commission.
The meeting will include proclamations recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week and City Academy Graduates.
Additionally, the council will receive a progress report on the City Hall Renovation and Market Square Project, providing updates on these significant infrastructure improvements.
The council will consider authorization for the City Manager to sign an amendment to the Net Benefits Agreement regarding the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station between the National Park Service and the City of Alexandria, continuing the development of this major transportation project.
Two ordinances related to properties at 802 and 808 North Washington Street will be introduced for first reading. One would rezone the properties from CD-X/Commercial downtown (Old Town North) to CRMU-X/Commercial residential mixed use (Old Town North), while the other would authorize the property owner to construct and maintain encroachments into the public right of way.
The meeting was broadcast live on government channel 70 and streamed on the city’s website. A few days after the meeting, recordings will be available.
