City Council Meeting

Barbara Smithpublic commentThank you so much for the opportunity to address the mayor and the city council. My name is Barbara Smith, and I represent the City of Fairfax Young at Heart Senior Center Advisory Council. Since February 28th, someone from the Advisory Council has provided public comment on the second and fourth Tuesdays in support of the proposed Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center project. We've all expressed our appreciation for the program and support received from the Parks and Rec Department and especially from Anne Chase and her staff at Green Acres. To summarize, I spoke about the aging conditions of Green Acres in both the parking and public transportation issues we encounter. Chuck provided the extravagant cost it would take to renovate or replace the current Green Acres facility.

Tony mentioned that the most required repairs to Green Acres have been delayed in anticipation of completion of the Willard Sherwood project. Deborah laid out the ADA inadequacies and also provided the petition signed by almost 200 seniors. Susan spoke of the seniors' quality of life and linked the Willard-Sherwood project to the city's slogan of Live Life Connected. And Kevin pointed out that Green Acres is not green and that the Willard-Sherwood project would reduce our carbon footprint in the future. I'm not here to rehash what we've already talked about. I want to paint you a picture of who we are. Our members include the greatest generation, the baby boomers, and much to my chagrin, and it looks like Generation X snuck in when we weren't looking.

Mike Fabiopublic commentStill a little choked up from that last presentation we had there. Mike Fabio, Chain Bridge Road, Mayor Reed and City Council. April 7th was noteworthy for the Willard Sherwood project. First you had a joint meeting with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during which you learned that they eagerly support the project, that they want your approval right away to save money on construction costs, that they anticipate that the new health center will the county health locations and it will not only continue to provide us with services but will draw people from the entire county and they were quick to point out that this would be a boon for business in old town then that same night you had an update on city services and support for older

adults you were told that 34 percent of city residents are 50 or older and that that figure is expected to grow, that concerns for the availability of services for seniors rank high in the community survey, that older adults need a place to gather and socialize to participate in activities and remain engaged in the community, and that loneliness and social isolation are public health concerns both physically and mentally, and that the demand for these services will increase in the coming years. The exercise and activities provided at Willard Sherwood will address these needs and contribute to better health and stem the rising cost of health care, not only for individuals, but also for the community. And tonight you observe

Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. What better way to celebrate this than by voting for willard sherwood willard sherwood will also provide meeting spaces for the community our smarter growth group used to meet at the library but booking ahead became impossible now we have our meeting at green acres but it would be nice to be back in the center of town with nice indoor parking especially during inclement weather and also navigating parking entryway and stairs at green acres is very challenging for our disabled members but Willard Sherwood is not just for seniors and children all ages will be allowed to participate in basketball volleyball pickleball and run on indoor tracks I grew up in a blue-collar town but we had a community center as a

recent college grad I relished the nights where I could go there for young adult activities it was a great way to blow off steam meet people and make contacts so will it be with Willard Sherwood please don't put money into the ship we are a small town but that does not mean that we must be small-minded vote yes to approve Willard Sherwood thank you

Judy Fisherpublic commentGood evening. Having lived in the city for over 50 years, I have witnessed many decisions by many city councils. As a small city geographically located at the center of Fairfax County, we have benefited from partnerships with the county. The most visible evidence of this cooperation is the best library in the area, which is located in our center. The Willard Sherwood Community Center would be another star in our midst. Fairfax County provides many services to the city, which we could not match without this partnership. Willard Sherwood Community Center is an investment in this continued cooperation, which the City Council, which the City could not duplicate. To renege on the plans agreed to and in progress sends a negative message and may have repercussions beyond the loss of this important facility.

I urge you to approve this project and to authorize the bonds necessary to complete the project. on both questions to move forward to build the Willard Sherwood Community Center. Thank you.

Thomas Rosspublic commentGood evening, Mayor and Council, and thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. on two items on your agenda tonight. Item 9A is consideration of an award of construction contract to Fort Myer Construction Corporation to undertake the Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvement Project. Item 9B is consideration of a resolution to proceed with the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center. I strongly urge you to support both items. As you know, the Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvement Project has been supported by previous city councils and by the community over the years and has undergone extensive planning and public input. It will substantially upgrade a key transportation corridor that has served this community for years, increasing public safety and promoting alternatives to automobile use.

Megan Jamespublic commentGood evening, Mayor. Members of City Council, my name is Megan James. The clerk has my address. I'm here tonight to urge you to move forward with the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center. This project is not just a building. it's an investment in how Fairfax City supports people at every stage of life. For our children, this means access to expanded child care, early intervention services, and safe, enriching spaces to learn and grow. Right now, families are already struggling to find affordable child care. This project doesn't just maintain what we have, it expands it in a meaningful way. For our seniors, it means a modern, accessible space to stay active. Current Green Acres facility cannot continue to meet those needs.

center located in the facility that aligns with the city's vision for smart growth. It strengthens our community fabric by making services accessible without relying on a car. The Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center also represents a critical partnership with Fairfax County Walking away now doesn't just halt construction It risks long-term damage that uh to the relationship and Undermines future opportunities to collaborate on projects that benefit our residents Financially, we've already invested significant time and resources into planning If we stop now we lose that investment and are left with fewer services and aging infrastructure that's the worst of all worlds. Finally, there's an opportunity to lead. A green, high-performance

Cappy Russellpublic commentMadam Mayor, members of the City Council, my name is Cappy Russell. I live in the Daniels Run Woods neighborhood. The clerk has my exact address. I came tonight to reiterate my support for the Willard Sherwood Center and encourage you all to vote in favor of its funding and construction. If I'm being honest, it's a little confusing and a little disheartening that a project with so many obvious benefits and so many years of support from city residents and officials would feel so tenuous. But this council's equivocations have given me the opportunity to reflect on why I chose to move to Fairfax City 11 years ago and what I'd like to see in the years going forward. So I chose Fairfax City in rough priority order because I found a house the right size and place and price.

Maureen Barsottipublic commentGood evening, members of council. My name is Maureen Barsotti. The clerk has my address. I have been a proud member, I'm sorry, proud resident of the city of Fairfax for over 20 years. I am here tonight to express my wholehearted support for the Willard Sherwood project. This is more than an investment in a building, it is an investment in the people of our city and the future of our community. This project is essential community infrastructure. It will serve as a multi-generational hub for all residents, children receiving therapy, parents attending programs, or seniors participating in a friendly game of pickleball. This center will serve the diverse needs of our city, creating a welcoming and accessible space for everyone, both now and for decades to come.

Lauren Hillmanpublic commentHello, my name is Lauren Hillman. The clerk has my address. A few months ago, Mayor Reed spoke with my son's Boy Scout troop about local issues. And when she mentioned the Willard Sherwood Center, it's a mouthful, isn't it? The Scouts all perked up and they wanted to know all about it. They're very excited to have something like that here in the city that they can walk to, that they can bike to, a gym, a running track. just really excited about it. Those kids, those scouts, those future leaders are the future of Fairfax City. Those kids will be damaged if this center does not get funded. Those kids and countless members of our community who rely on public services. Canceling this project would be an appalling decision. This city council has already cost our citizens

Melissa Shinaberryclerkby voicecouncil member McQuillan aye council member Bates aye council member Council Member Hardy-Chandler? Aye. Council Member Hall? Aye. Council Member Amos? Aye. Motion passed unanimously. We will go to the next agenda item, which is a consideration of a resolution to proceed with the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center project, including an addition or improvements to the existing Sherwood Community Center and any amendments to the joint development agreement that may be necessary. I'm going to recognize Brooke Hardin, our community development and planning director to provide the staff presentation.

Brooke HardinstaffGood evening, Mayor. Members of the Council, pleased to be before you this evening on the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center project. As noted on the agenda, for Council's consideration this evening is a resolution to proceed with the project. With me tonight and available for questions are members of the project team, including Stacy Summerfield, Parks and Recreation, David Summers with Public Works, Dr. Jabari with the County Health Department, the City's Project Management Consultants with Blue Heron, Fairfax County Project Managers, and representatives from the Design and Construction Team, including Grimm and Parker Architects and the Christman Company General. contractor this is a joint development project between the city and Fairfax

with debt for the project anticipated to be issued in three tranches, the first being the next item on the agenda tonight for council's consideration. The next two tranches would occur on an annual basis, time to align with construction expenditures. This approach spreads the debt issuance over a three-year period, allowing the city to gradually absorb those impacts, as opposed to doing that all up front. the slide costs for a potential addition to the existing Sherwood Center to provide backstage spaces and renovations to the existing performance area have been finalized as well this design occurred in parallel with Willard Sherwood the total project costs for for that option is held steady at four

million dollars this cost though has not been included in the city cip nor is staff recommending to include it and proceed but of note not proceeding at this time does not preclude the option completely it has been fully designed so should city council design desire to allocate funds in the future that option is available nothing in the willard sherwood project would preclude the option from being implemented in the future the resolution included in the agenda packet would reaffirm the city's commitment to the phase two design and construction agreement that the city and county have been operating under since december of 2022 and authorize advancing the project to construction the agreement would continue

Stacey Hardy-ChandlerI move that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center project to proceed to construction with the exception of the optional renovation in addition to the performing arts space at the existing Stacy C Sherwood Community at this time and adopting amendments to the joint development agreement with the Fairfax County for the redevelopment of the Sherwood Community Center and Willard Health Center complex second

Thomas PetersonThe first thing is just maybe administratively. I'd like to ask to have my comment on the Willard Sherwood Center or entered into the record if there's no objection. And then to follow that, I would like to actually extend special thanks to everybody on staff who worked on the financing and the cost controls for that project, which were really, really crucial and frankly a game changer. our chief financial officer, our city manager, others were involved in that. I think the community really does appreciate knowing that the city staff has the ability and exercises it to do those kinds of things to make sure we're getting the absolute best value for everything we do and finding every last opportunity for efficiency.

Catherine ReadI believe this is opening weekend, and that is also part of our Spotlight on the Arts. There's a lot of events going on to support Spotlight on the Arts. this Sunday. The main street of downtown, there's a lot of excitement. I think there's going to be 50 different artists down there, so if you have an opportunity on Sunday, please go down and look at the art on the art walk. And with that, I am going to, oh, and thank you to everyone who helped with the Willard Sherwood project. Congratulations to Fairfax City, and also congratulations to Fairfax County. This is a tremendous project. They are a good partner, and I hope are going to be a good partner too so with that i'm now going to adjourn the meeting at 12 13 a.m