Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova

 

In This Issue
Local Government 101
Budget Public Hearings
Community Emergency Response Guide
Affordable Housing
Joint Environmental Task Force
Environmental Initiatives
Bamboo Growth
Read Away Your Fines
Job Fair
Scam Jam
Volunteer Appreciation Week Spotlight
Disability Inclusion Conference
Fairfax Connector

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Did You Know?
Fairfax County's official celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day is called SpringFest! The event is held annually at the Sully Historic Site. This year, SpringFest will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 10am - 4pm.



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                     April 2019
Greetings, 

"Hello little friends. Welcome back! After the wettest year on record and what seemed like an endless, dreary winter, it made me so happy to see your little blossoms poking up through the soil in my front garden. Your appearance was perfectly timed to accompany our Board's discussion on environmental issues, climate change, energy efficiency and what Fairfax County can do to protect the precious earth that nurtures us."
 
I was talking to the flowers, of course! But these delicate little spring blooms are such a good introduction to this April Byline. Their appearance did, and does, coincide with the making of a strong commitment on the part of both the Board of Supervisors and the School Board to put a renewed focus on the environment.  At a joint Board of Supervisors - School Board meeting this past Tuesday, our Boards agreed to the establishment of a new committee called the Joint Environmental Task Force (or The JET). The mission of The JET states: "Working with staff and engaging the community, members of The JET will identify areas for collaboration between the General County and FCPS to further Fairfax County's efforts in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The JET is charged with developing implementation strategies for bringing these efforts forward."
 
Members of The JET will consist of two members of the Board of Supervisors and two members of the School Board, assisted by senior staff. The JET's structure will be modeled after the County's highly effective Fairfax County Successful Children and Youth Policy Team (SCYPT), through which the County's One Fairfax policy came to fruition last year.
 
Also on Tuesday during our Environmental Committee, the Board of Supervisors discussed the formation of an Energy and Climate Action Planning Team to assist our Board in developing the overarching goals and objectives of a Fairfax County Energy and Climate Action Plan. This will include the establishment of a Community Advisory Team consisting of stakeholders from business and community interest groups, who will participate in plan development.
 
Lots ahead on the environmental front!
 
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In addition to our focus on environmental issues, the County is deep in Budget Season. Public Hearings on the FY 2020 Budget are on April 9, 10 and 11. See inside this Byline for more information on ways you can make your voice heard.

Information regarding the Budget can be found on the County's Website at fairfaxcounty.gov/budget, and in my March Byline article here
 
When the Board adopts the budget every year, we are investing in the County's priorities. It's important for the community to be at the table when priorities are discussed.
 
Thanks so much for your interest in your County government!

Sincerely,
  


Sharon Bulova
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

What Does Local Government Do? (Hint: A Lot!) 
 
Ever wonder what the difference is between Fairfax County's Department of Transportation and VDOT? Or the Comprehensive Plan verses the Zoning Ordinance? How are line item priorities funded for our schools? In just over 4 minutes, learn about what we do in local government and major services we provide in my latest "Fairfax County Fast Facts" video:

Fairfax County Government: What We Do
Fairfax County Government: What We Do
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Upcoming Budget Public Hearings: April 9, 10 and 11
 
Public hearings  on the FY2020 Budget will be held this coming week in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035) on April 9, 10 and 11. To sign up to speak, please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form.

If you cannot make these meetings in person but would still like to testify, you are invited to submit video testimony to be played in front of the Board of Supervisors and audience members in the Board Auditorium. To submit a video, please visit fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/budget-public-hearing-video-testimony.

As always, there are many ways to share your views on the budget with the Board of Supervisors before we mark-up the budget package on April 30. We look forward to your emails, letters, phone calls, facebook posts, tweets and in-person testimonies as we make these important budget decisions together as a community. Thank you in advance for your engagement and participation.  Learn more about the FY2020 budget process. 

Community Emergency Response Guide Now Available
 
Disasters happen. They don't happen often or everywhere, but it's best to be ready when they do. With planning and preparation, you can make a difference. You can reduce a disaster's impact on you, your family and your community. To help you be ready, our Office of Emergency Management has released the Community Emergency Response Guide (CERG), a new, free resource to help you plan out what to do before, during and after a variety of potential disasters and emergencies. The guide includes checklists, templates and other key information to help you prepare for more than a dozen different natural hazards, human-caused hazards and "everyday" emergencies. The CERG is available for download at fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement/cerg and can also be viewed in hard-copy at county libraries and District Supervisor offices. 

Affordable Housing Recommendations for Fairfax County
 
On March 12 at our Board of Supervisors' Budget Committee Meeting, the Affordable Housing Resources Panel (AHRP) presented recommendations regarding the future of affordable housing in Fairfax County. Members of the AHRP were appointed by the Board of Supervisors and include representatives from the nonprofit, private and public sectors. The AHRP met monthly from October 2018 to February 2019 and was charged with providing budget guidance recommendations for Fiscal Year 2021. The Panel produced recommendations that included a numeric goal of housing units to be preserved and developed over the next 15 years, specifically to be affordable to households earning 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income, and resource investments and tools that could be implemented to meet this housing goal. 

The Panel's recommendations can be found here. To learn more about some of the affordable housing initiatives Fairfax County is already working on, take a look at this short video by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD):

Highlights: Fairfax County Annual Housing Report
Highlights: Fairfax County Annual Housing Report
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Joint Environmental Task Force (JET) to be Launched in Fairfax County

On April 2, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the Fairfax County School Board held a joint meeting to discuss ways to collaborate on initiatives related to climate, energy and the environment. Resulting from this meeting, a joint committee was established called the Joint Environmental Task Force (The JET). Similar to the organizational model set forth by the Fairfax County Successful Children and Youth Policy Team (SCYPT) Committee, members of both the Board of Superviso rs and the School Board will serve on this committee.

Both Boards have a desire to move forward on a number of environmental fronts, and this joint committee will help us identify and focus our priorities. Environmental issues intersect with many aspects of community life and require a "One Fairfax" lens in order to address them comprehensively. I am pleased with this collaborative approach and look forward to innovative and visionary ideas stemming from this committee!  The JET will have its first meeting in the coming weeks and is projected to be in place indefinitely.

Get Free LED Lightbulbs & Discounts on EV Charging Stations and Solar

LED Lightbulb Exchange:
You can get up to five, free LED lightbulbs at Fairfax County libraries in April and May and save on your monthly electric bill. We're giving away the bulbs at six libraries because we want to help you save money and protect the planet. Get a free LED - and if you bring in up to four of your incandescent or compact fluorescent lightbulbs, we'll exchange them for LEDs. The ENERGY STARĀ®-certified LEDs we're giving away offer a warm white light that's equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent lightbulb. You could save $75 a year by replacing your five, most frequently used, traditional, incandescent bulbs with LEDs. NewsCenter sheds some light on the story.

Are you ready to watch your electricity meter run backwards? You could be if you go solar, letting the sun power your home or business.  For a limited time, you can get discounted prices on solar panels - and now, for the first time, electric vehicle charging stations - for your home or business through Solarize Fairfax County.  This program offers one-time, low prices with companies chosen through competitive bids. Fairfax County is partnering with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and nonprofit Local Energy Assistance Program to offer this program.  Solarize Fairfax County runs from April 16 through June 14 , 2019.  Learn more at information sessions starting on April 9 , and as a first step towards savings, sign up for a free, no-commitment assessment to see if solar is right for your home or business. Visit solarizenova.org for details. 

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What You Need to Know about Bamboo in Fairfax County
 
Because of its ability to grow fast, spread quickly, and create tall, thick evergreen formations, many property owners plant bamboo as a privacy hedge for screening purposes. Once planted and established, however, running bamboo can aggressively take over yards, traveling and spreading as much as 15-feet horizontally per year as the rhizomes grow underground like tentacles and push up new cane stalks. Running bamboo can be destructive to the natural environment and suppress native plant species where it is permitted to grow, creating issues for adjacent property owners and local jurisdictions. Because of these effects, planting or neglecting to remove running bamboo threatens the value and physical integrity of both public and private property in Fairfax County.
 
There are two main types of bamboo: Clumping bamboo (sympodial or pachymorph) is noninvasive, with short roots that spread slowly in small clumps. Running bamboo (monopodial or leptomorph) is invasive, and spreads quickly through the growth of long, horizontal stems, called rhizomes.  
 
In 2018 the Virginia General Assembly voted to designate running bamboo as a noxious weed, giving localities the option and authority to control it through the adoption of a local ordinance. In lieu of adopting a local bamboo ordinance, Fairfax County has decided to provide outreach and education to residents concerning the hazards of bamboo, and the responsibilities of residents who choose to plant or maintain it on their property.
 
Property Owner Responsibilities and Suggestions:
  • Although not prohibited from being planted, it is good practice for property owners who choose to plant or maintain running bamboo to take reasonable and responsible steps to control its spread. Bamboo that grows beyond a person's property boundaries, either onto adjacent private property or onto a public right-of-way, is a nuisance that has negative environmental impacts.
Maintenance and Containment:
  • Maintain a minimum 10' distance between the edge of the bamboo and any adjacent property line or public right-of-way line.
  • Install or implement an appropriate underground containment measure, effective at preventing running bamboo from spreading within ten feet of any adjoining property not owned by the landowner, or any public right of way or public roadway.
Removal:
  • The growth and removal of bamboo can have detrimental effects on adjacent trees and vegetation. The quick and early removal of bamboo can reduce the long-term impacts to those trees and vegetation.
  • Continued removal of new plants and sprouts will be necessary to limit plant propagation; however, ongoing regular cutting and mowing will eventually kill most plants by exhausting their food reserves.
  •  Various herbicides are available to kill bamboo but should always be used in strict accordance with label directions. Treated areas should be monitored regularly for any new seedlings or regrowth.
  •  Digging plants out is costly and may require heavy equipment, may be time consuming, and may not be a permanent solution.

For more information, please call Fairfax County's Department of Code Compliance at 703-324-1300, TTY 711 or view the bamboo information sheet

Read Away Your Fines During National Library Week (April 6 - 13)
 
Money may not grow on trees, but reading pays off! As part of National Library Week (April 6 - 13) Fairfax County Public Library invites library users with blocked accounts to clear their fines with the Read Away Your Fines program. Library card holders of all ages can remove $1 in fines for each 15 minutes they read (up to $15). Library users will be able to pick up a reading log to track their reading times, and can turn it in at any Library branch. Interested readers can check with their local Libraries and some branches will host silent-reading open houses to support those who would like to Read Away Their Fines.

2019 Fairfax County Government Job Fair

Fairfax County Government is hosting a Job Fair next Thursday and Friday, April 11 and 12 from 4pm to 7pm. Representatives from many county departments will be there. Come learn about job openings and the types of jobs available in local government. We'd love to see you there! More information

Second Annual "Scam Jam" Fraud Fighting Event  | April 27
 
Every day, hundreds of local residents lose their hard-earned money to a variety of fraud schemes. In fact, every 2 seconds, a con artist steals someone's identity! To strike back against scammers, AARP Virginia and Fairfax County Government's Silver Shield Task Force are bringing together top experts and law enforcement officials to present at a free informational Scam Jam. The presenters will discuss scams targeting Virginians, such as fake solicitor schemes, bogus investment deals, lottery scams, email fraud, a grandparent ruse and the latest identity theft shams.  A shred truck will be on-site from 8 a.m. to noon (or until the truck is full). A  drug take-back box  will also be on hand for safe medicine disposal.  Light refreshments and lunch will be served.  Registration is required at  www.aarp.org/FairfaxScamJam  or call 1-877-926-8300.

Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna Celebrates National Volunteer Month

April showers bring May flowers, but it also is the time of year designated to thank volunteers who make a difference in the lives of others. April became National Volunteer Month in 1991 as part of President George H.W. Bush's 1000 Points of Light campaign.  Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) is one of many non-profit organizations that has depended on volunteers to help with its mission. For over twenty-one years, SCOV has matched volunteers to seniors forming companionships and friendships through supportive programs and services, personal enrichment and volunteer engagement. This interaction has reduced isolation and encouraged individuals to make new friends and serve others. SCOV volunteers have provided nearly 12,000 medical and companion rides to care receivers covering over 140,000 miles or, in other words, traveling halfway to the moon!
 
To recognize National Volunteer Month, SCOV hosts an annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in April where the staff, board and community come together and say thank you for all they do. As older adults add days to their life, SCOV adds life to their days! To learn more about becoming a volunteer with SCOV, please visit their website at  www.scov.org .

Including Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Community Life


Fairfax County Public Schools offers amazing programs and services to help children of all abilities in our school system thrive, but what happens when residents with developmental disabilities are no longer in school? What transportation options and social opportunities exist? How are public safety officers trained to interact with adults in the community who may be on the spectrum? Who hires people with disabilities? How do businesses treat customers with disabilities?

SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, June 29 from 8:30am - 1pm, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Arc of Northern Virginia will host a conference on these very topics at the Fairfax County Government Center. The conference will include booths, networking, a panel discussion and breakout sessions for parents, families, the business community, law enforcement, non-profits and individuals with disabilities who want to learn more about all the ways Fairfax County welcomes and includes residents with development disabilities in community life. This event is co-hosted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Arc of Northern Virginia.       

Fairfax Connector Service Changes Include Two New Routes!
 
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently approved new Fairfax Connector bus service - Routes 308 and 467 and service changes to existing service - Routes 161/162,   321/322, 334, RIBS 1/3, and 699. Service changes are implemented periodically to improve overall service for customers through better connectivity, increased dependability and enhanced service reliability. Prior to these changes, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held public input meetings in November 2018 at Key Middle School and at the Fairfax County Government Center. 

New Routes:
 
Route 308 (new service) - Richmond Highway
This new route will provides weekday and Saturday service between Franconia-Springfield Metrorail Station and Mount Vernon Hospital via Jeff Todd Way and Richmond Highway.
 
Route 467 (new service) - Vienna-Tysons
This new route will provide complementary, mid-day and evening service to Route 462.  Route 467 will provide mid-day, late evening and Saturday service from the Vienna Park neighborhood to the Mosaic District, the Town of Vienna, and Tysons.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Route 467 on April 4, 2019

 
Changes to Existing Routes:
 
Route 161/162 - Hybla Valley Circulator
The change adjusts time between Routes 161/162 to improve on-time performance and will eliminate one late-night trip on Route 161.
 
Route 321/322 - Greater Springfield Circulator
The change will adjust rush-hour service frequency to every 30 minutes and implement a minor re-route of service off of Indian Run Parkway to Bren Mar Drive.
 
Route 699 - Government Center - Downtown D.C.
The change will add one (1) morning and one (1) afternoon trip on Route 699 to address increased demand for service and allow for increased ridership.
 
Route 334 - Newington Circulator
Last year, Route 334 was adjusted to operate in the same pattern during the morning and afternoon, due to Virginia Department of Transportation construction in the area of Backlick and Cinder Bed Roads. This change will make the detour route alignment permanent.
 
The changes will improve travel time on Routes RIBS 1 and 3 and adjust the routes for new development at Tall Oaks, this change will eliminate the turn-around at the Tall Oaks development, rebalance routes by adjusting running times on route segments, and continue to serve Wiehle Avenue bus stops north and south of North Shore Drive.
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