Sully District Council of Citizens Associations

P.O. Box 230042
Sully Station, VA 20120-0042

Agenda for 10 March 2025 Sully District Council of Citizens Associations Meeting
by Jeff Parnes

Stop! — Is your Organization/Association a member of the Sully District Council of Citizens Association? If Not, Why Not? The dues are only $10 a year In numbers there is strength Your membership helps pay for our WebEx license and the maintenance of website We want and need your membership Join today!

1. The Sully District Council of Citizen Associations will meet in person at 7:00 p.m. on 10 March 2025 at at Rocky Run Middle School, 4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151
2. Time to renew your association's membership in the Sully District Council. Our membership application can now be submitted on line! Please complete it, and then print a copy to enclose with your check.

Has your community made plans to join us for 2025?

3. Sully District Council is Social!
• Sully District Council Tweets! Follow us at @SullyDistrict!
• Sully District Council is on Facebook! Like us at @SullyDistrictCouncil!
• Sully District Council is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel at Sully District Council!


4. Jim Neighbors, the Sully District Council Secretary, has recently updated the JSDLU&TC Land Use Matrix XLSX PDF.


5. The next Sully District Council of Citizens Associations Membership meeting will be only in person at Rocky Run Middle School, 4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 at 7:00 p.m. 10 March 2025.
6. Topic:
7. FY 2026 Budgets for Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools
• This meeting is jointly sponsored by
  • Sully District Council of Citizens Associations
  • Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith
  • Sully District School Board member Seema Dixit
• The event will take place in-person in the lecture hall of Rocky Run Middle School. If you need more information, please email sully@fairfaxcounty.gov.
• The Budget at a Glance has important information, including highlights, summaries, and the budget schedule. If you would like to provide input during the process, you can do so through email (FY26Budget@publicinput.com), phone (703-890-5898, code 7574), and online. To testify at a budget public hearing in person, by video or by phone, sign up here. Call the Clerk to the Board’s Office at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) or email clerktothebos@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.
• Take the Survey, Submit Feedback on the FY26 Budget Proposal
  • The county is seeking community feedback on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget Plan. You are encouraged to participate through various channels to help shape the county's financial priorities and decisions.
  • The FY 2026 Advertised Budget includes a proposed 1.5-cent increase in the real estate tax rate, $60 million in spending reductions, and funding increases for employee compensation, schools and county services. Consideration of a Food and Beverage Tax has also been recommended to help diversify revenue sources.
  • An online survey is now available for residents to share their perspectives on budget priorities: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/fy26budget
7. The JSDLU&TC will meet on Monday, 17 March 2025.
   
   • Topics:
     1. 7:00 — Proposal for senior housing at the Community of Faith UMC at 13224 Franklin Farm Road
        
        • As part of the county's Site Specific Planning Amendment (SSPA) process, the Community of Faith UMC is proposing to develop 157 units for seniors, specifically targeting low and moderate-income residents.
        • The committee will evaluate a draft listing of issues and concerns relative to this application for submittal / presentation at the Franklin Farm community meeting on March 24th.
     2. 8:00 —Minor and Editorial Revisions and Changes to Reflect Virginia Code Updates
        • Jim Hart recommends that we might want to take a look at this ZOA before it goes to the PC on March 19th . This grab bag amendment happens once a year, and sometimes a few substantive changes slip in under the radar. There are a lot of new items.
        • Much of this seems logical or harmless, but there are a couple items which might be of interest. In some years, labeling changes as “minor and editorial” revisions might be a stretch. There also might be a few items this year where citizens or groups might have a question. This topic rarely gets a lot of citizen engagement, and we have seen a lot of “streamlining” in the last few years.
        • See item 8, it sounds like data centers are proposed to have taller fences and walls by right. But for example up against residential should that be by right? How much is too much? What would it look like? Should neighbors have notice and an opportunity to comment? Text is on p. 14 of the staff report.
        • From the county's webpage:
          • The proposed amendment includes minor and editorial revisions including updates in accordance with state law, as outlined in Topic #10 of the current Zoning Ordinance Work Program. This is an annual Work Program item that is intended to keep the Zoning Ordinance up to date by identifying revisions necessary to correct errors, resolve inconsistencies, provide clarifications and improve readability, as well as propose other changes that are limited in scope, including revisions due to change in the State Code. Many of these revisions are identified by staff as they use the Zoning Ordinance daily.
          • Questions regarding this zoning ordinance amendment should be directed to the Ordinance Administration Section by phone at 703-324-1314 or by email. 
          • Planning Commission Public Hearing: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
          • Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
          • Staff Report (Download)
     3. 9:00 — In commemoration of St. Patrick's Day, committee members are encouraged to partake of a short round of Irish beers at the Sedona Taphouse following our meeting. Might be green beer or just a standard hardy brew.

8. Old Business
• The tentative Sully District Council of Citizens Associations schedule for 2025 (subject to change) (agendas may not be available until the week/day of the meeting):
• 29 January: Sate of Sully by Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith
• 26 February: Police and Public Safety
• 10 March: Jointly sponsored town-hall on FY 2026 budgets for FCPS and Fairfax County
• 23 April: FCDOT/VDOT
• 28 May: General Assembly Report by Delegates and Senators representing Sully in Richmond
• 25 June: General impacts of Data Centers — air, JLARC, water, land combined discussion with JLARC Study Presentation by one of our representatives familiar with the study
• 26 July and 23 August — No Summer meetings currently scheduled
• 24 September: Joint with the LWVFA - State legislative candidates night
• 22 October: Sully BRAC appointees report
• 19 November: Affordable Housing
• 17 December: Economic Development Authority
• The Route 28 Bypass Project is Canceled
• On February 4, 2025, the Prince William Board voted to cancel the Route 28 Bypass Project. After careful consideration, the PWC DOT recommended canceling the project due to several challenges with land acquisition, environmental concerns, historic property considerations and cost. The cancelation of the Route 28 Bypass will provide opportunities to investigate other alternatives and cost-effective solutions with innovative transportation designs that will improve the traffic flow along the Route 28 corridor to reduce congestion while considering future land use plans.
• To read the full Board resolution, please click here
9. Items of General Interest:
   • Metro Board seeks new members for public advisory panel to review police investigations and training
   • The Metro Board of Directors is seeking members of the public to serve on its public advisory body that makes recommendations to the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) to enhance training and policies.
   • The Metro Transit Police Investigations Review Panel (IRP) is an independent advisory body that was created in June 2020 as part of the Board's authority-wide review of equity matters and continuing efforts to foster public trust between MTPD and the public.
   • The seven-member panel – including four members of the public and three members with law-enforcement experience from outside agencies – reviews investigations to look at the integrity of the investigation, thoroughness and fairness of the process, and the adequacy of training consistent with best practices in law enforcement. Based on this information the panel makes recommendations to MTPD.
   • The four public members of the panel consist of one representative each from the District, Maryland, and Virginia and one at-large member. Metro is seeking to fill the Virginia, Maryland, and at-large positions.
   • Members of the community living within Metro's service area (DC, Montgomery and Prince George’s County, Maryland and Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church in Virginia) are encouraged to apply. Applicants may not be current or former MTPD employees, relatives of MTPD members, current elected officials, or candidates for public office.
   • Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, March 14th. For additional information and to apply online go to the Investigations Review Panel page on Metro's website. Applications are available in accessible formats upon request by calling 202-962-2511 (TTY 202-962-2033).
   • Glass Recycling Drop Off at Sully Community Center
   There is a new glass recycling container located at the Sully Community Center. This is one of two new recycling containers that have come to the Sully district, the other being at the Chantilly Regional Library.
   • Sully District Office is Updating its HOA List
   The Sully District Supervisor’s Office is updating its community HOA/Civic Association list. They use this list to conduct community outreach for land use applications and other important events in Sully. If you are the contact for your HOA or Civic Association, please send an email to sully@fairfaxcounty.gov with the following information: Association Name, Association Website URL, Contact Person, Contact Email, Contact Phone Number, HOA Mailing Address, would you like to subscribe to Supervisor Smith’s weekly Sully newsletter? and would you be interested in having Supervisor Smith attend one of your HOA/Community meetings?
   • Reassessment of School Boundaries
   • FCPS is conducting a comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries for the first time in 40 years.
   • Themes:
   • Boundary Stability
   • Community Engagement
   • Fixing the Problems
   • Moving 6th Grade to Middle School
   • What to Expect:
   • Limited, if any, boundary revisions for most schools.
   • Attendance islands will be eliminated.
   • Split feeders will be reduced or eliminated.
   • More children biking or walking to school.
   • Shorter bus rides.
   • Middle schools will transition to Grades 6-8
   • For more information see FCPS's website
   • Public Comment Opportunity: Draft FY2026 One-Year Action Plan
   Starting February 5 through March 18, the County is seeking public comment on the Draft FY 2026 One-Year Action Plan, which describes the specific activities for which federal funds received annually to support housing, human services, and community development priorities will be applied to achieve the overall goals and strategies contained in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan for FY 2022 — FY 2026 (the Consolidated Plan). 
   • VDOT will be seeking input from transportation stakeholders statewide on the draft content of the Virginia MUTCD
   • We all spend time driving around Northern Virginia and observing how vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians interact with each other.
   • VDOT is in the process of adopting the FHWA’s 11th edition of the MUTCD and developing a new comprehensive Virginia MUTCD (rather than a separate Supplement which has been adopted by VDOT in the past). As part of this adoption, VDOT will be seeking input from transportation stakeholders statewide on the draft content of the Virginia MUTCD.
   • VDOT is requesting stakeholders who would like to participate in this review effort (and associated webinars or trainings) to please provide your contact information at this link: https://projects.vhbapps.com/vdotmutcdreview/
   • What’s happening now? VDOT is currently in the process of seeking general public input on the Federal MUTCD via Virginia’s Regulatory Town Hall site. See below for where we are in the public input process
   • If you are not familiar with the FHWA produced Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), please let Lewis Grimm know and he can provide you with a link to the public website. Here is a presentation from the summer of 2024 outlining key elements of the 11th Edition of the MUTCD published in December 2023.
   • Announcing the Connect Fairfax County Program
   FCPD is launching Connect Fairfax, a free program aimed at improving public safety by allowing County residents and businesses to register their security cameras with FCPD's Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC). This valuable crime-fighting tool helps them quickly reference a map of relevant cameras that may contain actionable evidence for our detectives to review. Registering your camera does not grant FCPD access to your footage —it simply lets FCPD know where cameras are located so they can request footage if needed. Learn more here.
   • 'Sustain Fairfax' Campaign Promotes Collective Action to Address Climate Change
   A new county-sponsored public awareness campaign draws attention to actions that residents can take to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable practices that will ensure a greener, healthier future. The Sustain Fairfax campaign makes it easy for residents to get involved. It lists actionable steps, as well as resources, information and opportunities to participate in various climate action programs and initiatives. 
   • Federal Workforce Resource Hub
   Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and over 3,800 federal contractors. Fairfax County has created a Federal Workforce Resource Hub that serves as a resource to help navigate current and future issues for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits and businesses who may be affected by actions, changes or disruptions to federal services or employment.
   • Learn About Beavers and Co-Existing With Them on Your Property
   Beavers are an established part of native wildlife and offer many benefits but may be seen as a nuisance if found on your property. Learn tips for co-exisiting with them when you find them too close to home. 
   • How to Report Potholes
   The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains most primary and secondary roads in the county and fixes potholes. Look up who maintains every road in the county. Use VDOT’s online reporting tool to pinpoint exactly where you see a pothole. Report potholes directly from your mobile device and include images. You can call VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) to report potholes or to ask who maintains a road. Check here for more information
   • Help play a pivotal role advocating for Metro customers by participating in the Riders’ Advisory Council, The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Friday, March 14. `
     • The Metro Board of Directors is seeking applicants to serve on its Riders' Advisory Council (RAC) to provide input on service, policies and other initiatives that assists Metro's Board of Directors in its decision-making.
     • Over the past year, Metro's RAC has helped the Board navigate major decisions that will impact the system for decades to come. Members provided valuable feedback and engagement on the Better Bus Network, the L’Enfant Wayfinding pilot, and the planning and implementation of shuttle service during last year’s Red Line summer shutdown.
     • Metro customers across the region are encouraged to apply to fill four vacancies on the 15-member advisory council.
     • In the coming year, RAC members will be an important part of the discussion as Metro prepares for the future. Some Metro initiatives members are expected to be engaged on include the implementation of the Better Bus Network this summer, the rollout of Metro’s “Tap. Ride. Go.” open fare payments, and communications and technology improvements such as the MetroPulse app.
     • More information can be found on WMATA's webpage

10. Scheduled Meetings/Events
• Empower & Elevate Employment Resource Fair
Fairfax County is partnering with Faith Communities in Action to host an employment resource fair with employers offering job opportunities, resources for finding employment, resume building assistance, and information for potential entrepreneurs. There will also be speakers from the Fairfax County Department of Human Resources, Department of Family Services Employment and Training, Economic Development Authority, and Coordinated Services Planning. The event will take place on Sunday, March 23 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at Mount Olive Baptist Church.
• Community Meeting for Franklin Farm SSPA: March 24
Fairfax County has started its review of proposed sites for changes in the comprehensive plan for locations across Fairfax County, including in the Sully District. There will be a virtual meeting on Monday March 24 from 7 - 9 pm that will discuss the proposed affordable multi-family residential development in Franklin Farm and two other sites. If you have any questions, please email DPDSSPA@FairfaxCounty.gov. 
• Fairfax Federation 27 March Meeting
• County and School FY 2026 Budget Resolution consideration
  7 pm at the Providence District Governmental Facility
• Annual Native Seedling Sale Program
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) is conducting its Annual Native Seedling Sale Program. The NVSWCD has run this program for over 40 years, which offers native seedlings at an affordable price. The seedlings will be available for pickup at the Sleepy Hollow Bath and Racquet Club in Falls Church on Friday, March 28, from 9am - 4pm and Saturday, March 29, from 9am - 12pm.
• Bike to Work Day: May 15
This year's Bike to Work Day will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 6:30 - 9:30 am. Fairfax County has more than two dozen pit stops for bicyclists. Commuter Connections, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) and other local governments will host more throughout the National Capital Region. The first 16,000 who register and check into a pit stop by bike will receive a free T-shirt. Additionally, snacks, beverages and giveaways will be provided at select pit stops while supplies last. There will be a pit stop at the Sully Governmental Center. Those who telework are also encouraged to participate by biking to a pit stop and then back home to work for the day. And for longer commutes, many pit stops are located near transit hubs or park-and-ride lots, making biking a great first- and last-mile option for commuting. For more information, check Fairfax County's Bike to Work Day webpage.
• Fairfax Federation Citizen of the Year Honors Banquet
• 2023 & 2024 Years Citizens of the Year Honorees and Banquet information
  The Fairfax County Citizens of the Year Seventy-First Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, the Seventeenth of May, 2025 at the Springfield Golf & Country Club
  COY: 2023, Jay Johnston and 2024, TBD
  Citation of Merit: 2023, Karen Corbett Sanders and 2024 TBD
  For more information click here
11. Next Sully District meetings:
    The next Sully District Council meeting will be held on Monday, 23 April 2025.
    • Topic: Transportation Issues In and Around Sully District
    • Fairfax County Department of Transportation
    • Virginia State Department of Transportation
    • Next month's Joint Sully Land Use and Transportation Committee will be held at the Sully Government Facility Meeting Room, 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA, 20151 and is scheduled for Monday, 21 April 2025.
    At this time there are no items to consider

Respectfully submitted,