Falls Church public meetings in 2022
52 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council will discuss and potentially approve a draft recommendation to the City Council for adoption of a Public Art Policy. Members will also review the updated strategic plan and assign small work groups for 2023 action steps. The meeting includes approval of minutes from October and November 2022.
- Draft recommendation to City Council on Public Art Policy adoption
- Review of updated Strategic Plan
- Assignment of small work groups for 2023 action steps
- Approval of minutes from October and November 2022 meetings
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization will hold hearings on six property assessment appeals (cases 054-22AB, 055-22AB, 007-22AB, 047-22AB, 016-22AB, and 006-22AB). The meeting is open to the public, and written comments can be submitted by email until 4:00 p.m. on December 14, 2022.
- Hearings for six property assessment appeals: 054-22AB, 055-22AB, 007-22AB, 047-22AB, 016-22AB, 006-22AB
- Public comments accepted via email until 4:00 p.m. on December 14, 2022
The Board of Equalization heard two real estate assessment appeals and voted to keep both original assessments unchanged. Several other cases on the agenda were settled with the Assessor’s Office prior to the hearing.
- Maintained 2022 assessment of $1,134,000 for 422 S. Washington St. (Unanimous)
- Maintained 2022 assessment of $780,000 for 502 W. Broad St. #208 (3-1)
Recreation & Parks Advisory Board
The board unanimously approved the minutes from September 14 and October 12, 2022. Members discussed upcoming park improvements, staffing updates, and the estimated three-year timeline for the Fellows Property project.
- Approved September 14, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved October 12, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
Library Board of Trustees
The Board approved the 2023 legislative agenda, which includes a request for $2.5M in state aid. Members discussed priorities for the FY2024 budget and potential changes to library operating hours. The Board also approved minutes from three previous meetings.
- Approved 2023 Legislative Agenda including $2.5M state aid request
- Approved November 16, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved November 9, 2022 Strategic Planning Pre-Retreat minutes
- Approved November 15, 2022 Strategic Planning Retreat minutes
- Appointed Jess Labukas as temporary representative to Arts and Humanities Council
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee interviewed three new applicants for the Planning Commission, Historical Commission, and Retirement Board. The committee held a closed session to discuss prospective candidates before adjourning. No final appointment decisions were recorded in the open session.
- Approved electronic participation of Ms. Connelly (2-0)
- Entered closed session to discuss prospective candidates (3-0)
- Certified that only lawful exempt business was discussed in closed session (3-0)
Housing Commission
The Commission elected a new Chair and Vice-Chair and approved the minutes from the November 8, 2022 meeting. Members discussed updates on homeownership programs, ADUs, and the VA Village project. The Commission also began discussing goals for 2023 and the Steve Sprague Housing Champion Award.
- Approved Nov 8, 2022 meeting minutes
- Elected Meredith Anderson as Chair
- Elected Jordan Hicks as Vice-Chair
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization will hold hearings on three assessment appeals (050-22AB, 060-22AB, 063-22AB). Public comments may be submitted by email until 4:00 p.m. on December 12, 2022. The meeting is open virtually via Microsoft Teams.
- Hearing on appeal 050-22AB
- Hearing on appeal 060-22AB
- Hearing on appeal 063-22AB
The Board of Equalization heard appeals for two properties and voted to maintain the original 2022 assessments for both. The board also noted plans to update its Rules and Regulations in early 2023.
- Approved 2022 assessment of $37,301,900 for 450 N. Washington St. (3-0)
- Approved 2022 assessment of $917,700 for 311 Hillwood Ave. (2-1)
- Set assessment for 814 Park Avenue at $1,651,100
Board of Equalization
The Falls Church Board of Equalization will hold hearings on three property assessment appeals (cases 036-22AB, 004-22AB, and 023-22AB) during its December 8, 2022 meeting. The meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams, with public comments accepted until 4:00 p.m. on December 7, 2022.
- 036-22AB Hearing
- 004-22AB Hearing
- 023-22AB Hearing
- Public comments due by 4:00 p.m. on December 7, 2022
- Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams
The Board of Equalization heard three real estate assessment appeals. It approved a modified assessment for the Hilton Gardens Inn and upheld the existing assessment for 206 Buxton Road. One case was resolved via a City adjustment prior to the hearing.
- Approved modified 2022 assessment of $13,642,400 for Hilton Gardens Inn (4-0)
- Upheld 2022 assessment of $1,149,000 for 206 Buxton Road after a motion to lower it failed (2-2)
- Case for 150 S Washington St resolved by appellant acceptance of City's adjustment
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The meeting was held to discuss the scheduling of items for the City Council's agenda. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded.
Economic Development Authority
The EDA approved a $35,000 loan from its operating funds to supplement the Little City Gift Card program, to be reimbursed via ARPA funds in spring 2023. The board also voted to generally support requested changes to the Byron Special Exception Amendment regarding leasing and use restrictions.
- Approved November minutes (Unanimous)
- Voted to generally support requested changes to Byron Voluntary Concessions
- Approved $35,000 loan from EDA operating funds to Little City Gift Card program (Unanimous)
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization is holding a meeting to conduct hearings on four property assessment appeals (cases 006-22AB, 007-22AB, 054-22AB, and 055-22AB). The agenda includes only these hearings and standard procedural items; no other business is listed.
- Hearing on appeal 006-22AB
- Hearing on appeal 007-22AB
- Hearing on appeal 054-22AB
- Hearing on appeal 055-22AB
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The committee discussed the status of the gift card program and the holiday lighting event at Founders Row. Members reviewed the East End Small Area Plan and a staff report on commercial leasing and new business openings. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization will hold a meeting to hear a single appeal case, 057-22AB. The agenda is otherwise procedural, consisting of a call to order and roll call. Public comments may be submitted in advance.
- Hearing of appeal case 057-22AB
The Board of Equalization heard two property tax appeals, maintaining the assessment for one property and closing another due to withdrawal. The Board also established new administrative procedures for communication with the Assessor's Office and timelines for meeting minutes.
- Maintained 2022 assessment of $954,500 for 114 N Fairfax St. (4-0)
- Closed case #056-22AB for 703 Lincoln Ave as withdrawn (4-0)
- Set 5 business days as the standard for BOE requests to the Assessor's Office
- Established goal to complete meeting minutes within 10 business days of a meeting
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The meeting was held to discuss scheduling items for the City Council's agenda. The participants reviewed dates for regular sessions, work sessions, and committee meetings through February 2023. No substantive policy decisions were made.
Board of Equalization
The Falls Church Board of Equalization is meeting to hold hearings on four property assessment appeals (cases 031-22AB, 032-22AB, 035-22AB, and 024-22AB). The meeting is open to the public, with virtual access via Microsoft Teams and written comments accepted until 1pm on the meeting day.
- Hearing for appeal 031-22AB
- Hearing for appeal 048-22AB
- Hearing for appeal 035-22AB
- Hearing for appeal 024-22AB
The Board of Equalization heard two real estate assessment appeals. One property assessment was reduced by $37,000, while another assessment remained unchanged. Two other scheduled case hearings were withdrawn.
- Reduced 2022 assessment for 214 E. Columbia St. to $1,322,700 (3-1)
- Maintained 2022 assessment for 500 Greenwich St. at $644,700 (3-1)
- Case 031-22AB (6960 Birch St.) withdrawn
- Case 048-22AB (216 Great Falls St.) withdrawn
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization will hold a meeting to conduct hearings on three property assessment appeals (cases 030-22AB, 066-22AB, and 020-22AB). The agenda is otherwise procedural (call to order, roll call, adjournment).
- 030-22AB Hearing
- 066-22AB Hearing
- 020-22AB (agenda item)
The Board of Equalization reviewed three property assessment appeals. One assessment was reduced to a split difference between the city and owner, one was set at the assessor's recommended level, and one remained unchanged.
- Set 711 Poplar Drive assessment to $834,600 (3-0)
- Set 1112 N Sycamore St. assessment to $627,600 (3-0)
- Confirmed 814 Park Ave assessment at $1,651,100 (3-0)
- Affirmed policy to hear and adjudicate cases even when appellants do not attend
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council will meet to approve minutes from October and a strategic planning session, hold a round table discussion, and discuss strategic goals. No votes on ordinances, contracts, or fee changes are listed.
- Approve minutes from October 20 meeting
- Approve minutes from October 29 strategic planning meeting
- Round table discussion
- Discussion of strategic goals
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board approved a variance to allow a rear setback of 28.12 feet instead of 40 feet for a screened porch. The Board also approved the meeting minutes from July 14, 2022.
- Approved Variance Application V1634-22 for a screened porch within the footprint of the existing deck at 621 Laura Drive (5-0)
- Approved July 14, 2022, meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstention)
Human Services Advisory Council
The council approved the October 20, 2022 meeting minutes and coordinated the FY2024 Community Services Fund grant timeline. Members agreed to invite all applicants to give presentations during the January 12 meeting.
- Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes
- Agreed to invite all Community Services Fund applicants for presentations
- Agreed to start the Community Services Fund application process in October moving forward
- Scheduled Community Services Fund presentations for January 12, 2022, at 6:00 PM
Board of Equalization
The Falls Church Board of Equalization is meeting to hear two assessment appeals, items 039-22AB and 043-22AB. The meeting will be held in the Oak Room 207E with virtual access via Microsoft Teams.
- 039-22AB Hearing
- 043-22AB Hearing
The Board of Equalization heard two property assessment appeals for the 2022 tax year. One assessment was reduced based on uniformity and quality adjustments, while another was maintained at its original value.
- Reduced assessment for 603 Timber Lane to $1,415,000 (3-0)
- Maintained assessment for 126 Haycock Rd. C-4 at $318,300 (3-0)
Urban Forestry Commission
The Commission reviewed a proposed Transition Zone Ordinance Amendment and agreed to draft a letter to the Planning Commission. The letter will address canopy coverage, set-back amounts, and the reduction of the 80% lot footprint maximum.
- Approved October meeting minutes
- Agreed to draft letter to Planning Commission regarding T-Zone Ordinance canopy coverage, set-backs, and lot footprint
Library Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees approved the October 19, 2022 meeting minutes and unanimously elected Patrick Cronin as Vice Chair. The Board received presentations on strategic planning, the budget process, and staffing levels.
- Approved October 19, 2022 Meeting Minutes
- Elected Patrick Cronin as Vice Chair (unanimous)
Library Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees and staff participated in a strategic planning retreat led by consultants from Re-Thinking Libraries. The session focused on discussing the Findings Book review and identifying values and priorities to guide future initiatives. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization will hold a meeting to hear three property assessment appeals. The agenda includes only these hearings and standard procedural items. No other decisions or discussions are listed.
- 009-22AB Hearing
- 034-22AB Hearing
- 051-22AB Hearing
The Board of Equalization heard three property assessment appeals for the 2022 tax year. The Board upheld one assessment and granted reductions for two properties based on land adjustments and comparable sales data.
- Maintained $797,800 assessment for 815 Lincoln Ave (unanimous)
- Reduced assessment for 507 E. Columbia St to $2,848,900 (4-0)
- Reduced assessment for 513 W. Broad St Unit #405 to $597,800 (4-0)
Board of Equalization
The Falls Church Board of Equalization will hold a meeting on November 10, 2022, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the Laurel Room at 300 Park Avenue, with virtual access via Microsoft Teams. The agenda includes hearings on four property assessment appeals (cases 05-22AB, 013-22AB, 017-22AB, and 018-22AB). Public comments may be submitted by email until 4:00 PM on November 9, 2022.
- Hearing on assessment appeal 05-22AB
- Hearing on assessment appeal 013-22AB
- Hearing on assessment appeal 017-22AB
- Hearing on assessment appeal 018-22AB
The Board of Equalization heard three property assessment appeals, upholding two original valuations and reducing one. The board also accepted a withdrawal of an appeal for 1001 Sycamore Street.
- Accepted withdrawal of appeal for 1001 Sycamore St (unanimous)
- Rejected appeal for 444 W. Broad St. Unit #528; assessment stands at $550,100 (3-1)
- Reduced assessment for 1313 Seaton Lane from $862,100 to $855,000 (3-1)
- Confirmed assessment for 111 Tinner Hill Road at $230,300 (4-0)
Electoral Board
The Electoral Board canvassed general election results and approved the counting of 121 provisional ballots. The board also formally restated the delegation of specific duties to the Director of Elections / General Registrar.
- Approved counting 121 of 122 provisional ballots (unanimous)
- Restated delegation of officer training and campaign finance duties to Director of Elections / General Registrar (unanimous)
- Canvassed and added 43 late-received absentee ballots to totals
City Council: Council Agenda Meeting with Staff
The meeting was held to discuss the scheduling of items for the City Council's agenda. The only formal action taken was the approval of electronic participation for one council member.
- Approved electronic participation by Ms. Lian (5-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees met for a strategic planning pre-retreat. Consultants from Re-Thinking Libraries presented an analysis of survey data, community sessions, and visual voting pop-up sessions. No substantive policy decisions were made.
- Adjourned meeting at 7:05 p.m. (unanimous)
City Council Committee: Appointments
The committee interviewed three new applicants and reviewed several appointment and reappointment requests. The committee entered a closed session to discuss prospective candidates before reconvening in open session.
- Interviewed Jeffrey Person for Human Services Advisory Council
- Interviewed Tiffany Morris for Historic Architecture Review Board
- Interviewed Gene Gresko for Planning Commission
- Entered closed session to discuss candidates (3-0)
- Certified closed session compliance (3-0)
Housing Commission
The Commission approved the rent and sales price charts for Affordable Dwelling Units (ADU) for fiscal year 2023. Members also received updates on the Amazon 2 Homeownership Program and the Amazon 3 Acquisition Strike Fund.
- Approved FY 23 ADU rents and homeownership sales prices (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from the Oct 11, 2022 meeting
Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee
The committee approved a scholarship renewal and reviewed a report on staffing gaps and resident needs. Members discussed future fundraising events, internship program refocusing, and holiday resources for residents.
- Approved July 19, 2022 Meeting Minutes
- Approved scholarship renewal
Electoral Board
The Board approved the October 4 meeting minutes and reviewed staffing, early voting data, and the election timeline. Members discussed legislative priorities for 2023 and held a closed session regarding a personnel issue.
- Approved October 4 minutes with corrections
- Entered closed session to discuss an officer of election HR issue
- Certified closed session compliance via roll call vote (3-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority voted to support the East End Small Area Plan and approved funding for public art identification. The board also changed its future meeting location and received updates on ARPA-funded projects.
- Supported staff's efforts with the East End Small Area Plan (7-0)
- Approved up to $2,000 for Art Walk ID plaques/decals
- Voted unanimously to move future meetings to Viget offices in George Mason Square
- Approved September 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Postponed action on sidewalk public improvements pending further inventory
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council will review action steps submitted by member organizations and discuss prioritizing five strategic goals with a five-year timeline. Topics include hiring a consultant for a communications plan, the FCAH liaison role, and the Public Art Manager position.
- Review of action steps for each strategic goal from member organizations
- Discussion on prioritizing 5 strategic goals and creating a 5-year timeline
- Advocating for a one-time consultant to create a communications plan including website overhaul and social media
- Discussion of Corey's position as FCAH liaison
- Discussion of Public Art Manager
The Council reviewed five strategic goals and incorporated comments from member Ron Anzalone. The committee finalized recommendations for action steps and assigned timelines for each. The final document will be sent for review and approval at the November meeting.
- Finalized recommendations for strategic plan action steps and timelines
City Council Committee: Legislative
The committee reviewed the City's 2022 Legislative Program for 2023 updates and the 2023 Charter Amendment Resolution. Proposed dates for a work session (Nov 21st) and adoption (Nov 28th) were discussed. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded.
City Council Committee: Economic Development
The committee met to receive updates on holiday lighting, Founders Row leasing and demolition, and commercial leasing reports. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization will hold hearings on three cases (028-22AB, 058-22AB, 027-22AB) where property owners are contesting their real estate assessments. This is a routine quasi-judicial proceeding for residents who have appealed their tax valuations.
- Hearing on BOE Case 028-22AB
- Hearing on BOE Case 058-22AB
- Hearing on BOE Case 027-22AB
The Board of Equalization approved assessment reductions for three neighboring townhouses after determining 2022 values were high compared to 2021 sales data. The board used one property as a reference point and applied differentials based on modernization and unit location. A motion to allow remote participation for the Chairperson was also approved.
- Approved remote participation for Chairperson Aaron Ford (4-0)
- Reduced 201 Great Falls St. assessment from $929,800 to $865,000
- Reduced 203 Great Falls St. assessment from $906,700 to $843,000
- Reduced 205 Great Falls St. assessment from $930,300 to $833,000
- Rescheduled next meeting from November 1 to November 10
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council will hold a regular meeting to review the Small Area Plan with Emily Bazemore, discuss updates on the Art Walk, and consider changes to the Strategic Plan goals. The meeting includes approval of September minutes and a round table discussion.
- Review of Small Area Plan with Emily Bazemore
- Update on Art Walk
- Strategic Plan Committee Report and review of changes to Goals
- Discussion of Action Steps under Goal #1
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization will meet to adopt its rules of procedure and e-participation guidelines, elect officers (chair, vice chair, secretary), and set hearing dates for the remainder of 2022. The meeting is open to the public with virtual access via Microsoft Teams.
- Adopt Board of Equalization Rules of Procedure
- Adopt E-Participation Guidelines for board members and appellants
- Elect officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary
- Set hearing dates through end of 2022
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council will meet virtually to discuss new business. The primary agenda item is a discussion regarding AHC Goals led by Laura.
- AHC Goals
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council is meeting to discuss the City Council Work Plan for FY 23-FY24 and establish AHC goals. The body will also review progress on the Falls Church Art Walk and an audience survey.
- City Council Work Plan for FY 23-FY24
- AHC Goals
- Falls Church Art Walk
- AEP6: Audience Survey Progress
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council will meet to review a draft master plan for the Fellows Property and discuss the Park Avenue Great Streets Project. The body will also review strategic planning and the Falls Church Art Walk logo.
- Draft Master Plan for the Fellows Property
- Park Avenue Great Streets Project presentation
- Falls Church Art Walk logo update
- AEP6 audience survey progress
- Strategic planning update
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council will review the June minutes and conduct a round table conversation. The agenda includes discussions regarding a storm drain mural project and updates to the Falls Church Art Walk logo.
- Storm Drain Mural in front of Creative Cauldron
- Falls Church Art Walk logo update
- Strategic Planning discussion
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council will review previous meeting minutes and conduct a round table conversation. The agenda includes discussions regarding strategic planning, the Falls Church Art Walk, and mural projects.
- Falls Church Art Walk: request to add Falls Church Arts and Arts & Frame
- Storm Drain Mural Project
- Tinner Hill Mural Project: Foxes Music Mural
- Tinner Hill Mural Project: Calls for Walls
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council is holding a special meeting regarding the Storm Drain Art Project. The council will review art proposals submitted by students from Meridian High School.
- Review of Storm Drain Art Proposals by Meridian High Students
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council will meet to discuss strategic planning and provide updates on ongoing initiatives. The body will review the Falls Church Art Walk, the Arts & Prosperity Report, and the Storm Drain Art Project.
- Strategic Planning
- Falls Church Art Walk
- Arts & Prosperity Report
- Storm Drain Art Project
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council is holding a special meeting regarding the creation of a Public Art Walk. The council will review self-guided routes, costs, quotes, and budget options. Discussion will also include event formats and promotion strategies.
- Review of self-guided routes for the Public Art Walk
- Review of costs, quotes, and budget/funding options
- Discussion of event format and promotion
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council is meeting to review placemaking plans for West Falls Church. The body will also discuss council charges, the Falls Church Art Walk, and a local history magazine.
- West Falls Church placemaking landscaping and amenity plans
- AHC Charges, Member Agreement, and Member Composition
- Falls Church Art Walk
- Arts & Prosperity Report
- Local History Magazine
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the creation of a Public Art Walk. The discussion includes goals, potential partners, budget strategy, and event formats.
- Discussion of self-guided routes and promotion for Part 1
- Discussion of event format and promotion for Part 2
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts and Humanities Council will review member charges, responsibilities, and agreements. The council will also discuss updates to the littlecity.org website, the Falls Church Art Walk, and the Beyond our Walls Library Project.
- Review of AHC Charges/Responsibilities
- Review of AHC Member Agreement
- Discussion of AHC Member Composition
- Updates to www.thelittlecity.org website
- Falls Church Art Walk updates
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council will meet virtually to discuss new and old business. The agenda includes a presentation from developer Atlantic Realty Companies regarding One City Center.
- Presentation by Atlantic Realty Companies regarding One City Center
- Review of Arts & Humanities Council Strategic Plan
- Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study
Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church
The Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church is meeting to review the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study. The council will also conduct a SWAT analysis as part of its Strategic Plan Review.
- Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study
- Strategic Plan Review SWAT Analysis
- Approval of November minutes