A WP&FG Sports Extravaganza will take place this summer on Sunday, July 13, 2014 as one of many kick-off events! The Sports Extravaganza will take place from 2-4pm in Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street (the future location for the 2015 Athletes Village).

These games, which will include venues throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, are going to be huge. The Opening Ceremony on June 26, 2015 will take place at DC's Nationals Park and the games will close on July 5th at Wolf Trap. Most sporting events will take place on fields and facilities in Fairfax.   Not only will these games stimulate tourism in Fairfax County, but it is also an opportunity to showcase our impressive public safety capabilities.

These international games encourage fitness, readiness and competition among police, fire & rescue, correctional officers, TSA officials, and any sworn public safety personnel. The games are also a lot of fun to watch! Check out the Fairfax 2015 website at fairfax2015.com to learn more and sign up for regular updates as we approach next year's exciting finish line!

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Looking back through the month of June, there is a lot to report. And looking ahead at July, there is a lot to look forward to. Here are a few updates you may be interested in:

The 42 member task force included pretty much everyone who might have an opinion or position on the issue. Support for and opposition to the question of a meals tax were strongly expressed during meetings. The task force did an excellent job of laying out the pros and cons and complexities of putting the question of a meals tax to the voters.

The task force reported their findings to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, June 17. You can review the work of the task force at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mealstax/. 

I agree with the task force report that the question of a meals tax should only be put on the ballot if there is a good chance it would be successful. I don't think that would be the case right now, especially on the heels of an increase in the sales tax passed last year for transportation. Additionally, both residents and businesses (especially restaurants) are struggling from the effects of the recession and the economy.

It is my opinion that a meals tax should not be put to referendum. Considering the opposition that has already been mounted, I believe that the referendum would fail. If and when a meals tax is put to referendum it must be a solid package that both the residential and business communities can be supportive of.

2. Action Deferred on Lorton Landfill

On June 17th, the Board of Supervisors deferred action on a land-use application to extend the life and expand the size of the privately owned (EnviroSolutions, Inc) Lorton Construction Debris Landfill. If the application is approved, the applicant is planning on "re-branding" the landfill, once it is closed, as a green energy demonstration site.

This case has county-wide implications and has caused a great deal of concern in the South County community. During the public hearing and in community meetings and forums, I have become concerned that the original application goes too far and would have too much of an impact on the surrounding community.

The "berm" requested in the ESI application is actually a "Mechanically Stabilized Earthen Berm." It is not a hill in the dictionary sense of the word, but is essentially a very large vegetated retaining wall that would surround the entire landfill. My colleagues and I have concerns that the berm presents long-term liability issues for the County and the community.

As part of the deferral, I laid out a framework for a potential compromise. This compromise would include closing the landfill in 2025 as opposed to ESI's request for 2040. I also suggested reducing the "berm" from the requested 70 feet to either no berm at all or one that is not more than 20 feet.

I am hopeful that with some changes, the application will provide the County with the landfill capacity needed to meet our revitalization goals while also addressing adverse impacts to the surrounding community. I very much appreciate the public process that has taken place that has helped to identify and work through concerns with the application.

It is my hope that the applicant will consider revising its proposal in a way that addresses these impacts. Decision only on the ESI application is scheduled for 5 p.m. on July 29th.

3. Fairfax County's Green Building Policy Promotes Sustainability

At our Board Meeting on July 1st, the Board of Supervisors voted to revise our existing Green Building policy in the Policy Plan of the Comprehensive Plan. The updated policy reflects advances in available rating systems, technologies and strategies available for green buildings.

Fairfax County's Green Building Policy is a major component of our Board's Environmental Agenda and my own efforts toward making Fairfax County a leader in energy efficiency. Business leaders understand the value of this policy not only for its environmental benefits, but also the savings they achieve and the competitive advantage of low energy costs.

The policy more clearly defines the characteristics of a desired rating system. Now that an increased number of green building rating systems are available on the market, businesses have more direction from the policy when it comes to selecting a rating system for their building or development.

The policy now includes language to support natural lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and recycling management practices. Since the adoption of the policy in 2007, over 100 businesses in Fairfax County have committed to green building standards through the rezoning process. 

The Green Building Policy is all about promoting sustainability in Fairfax County. This policy helps position office buildings, residential developments, industrial sites and other developments for an energy-efficient and competitive edge well into the future. 

4. Silver Line Opens July 26

Last month I sent out a Special Breaking News Byline to announce a date (Saturday, July 26th!!) for the new WMATA Silver Line to begin service. This is exciting news and I look forward to celebrating this historic extension of Metro into Tysons and Reston. Please go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/silverline/ for information about station locations and amenities, bus service serving the new stations, and information about both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Silver Line project.

5. Summer Concerts, Food Trucks and Wine Tastings

As a new addition to our Government Center Farmers Market, food trucks will soon make appearances on select Thursdays in Parking Lot B (next to the Farmer's Market). Follow me on Facebook and Twitter to find out which food trucks are coming next.

The second season of my Evenings on the Ellipse Concert Series kicks off on July 3rd with Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie, a bluegrass band whose members hail from all over the region. Concerts begin every Thursday at 5:30pm and wrap up by 7pm.  Free wine tastings for concert audiences are back, with both Paradise Springs Winery and The Winery at Bull Run alternating their tastings. So bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a relaxing Thursday Evening on the Ellipse.

Concerts and wine tastings are brought to you thanks to our generous

Corporate sponsors. See performances scheduled for July and August at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/downloads/ellipseflyerweb.pdf