Budget Question # 21: Does the City Manager have any specific proposals for expenditure of the Night/Weekend Zoning Inspector contingency carried over from FY 2021 and 2022? (Mayor Wilson)
Response:
City Council adopted an updated noise ordinance in December 2021. Because the ordinance implemented policy changes such as permissible times for do-it-yourself construction and noise levels for plainly audible sound, staff proposes to use this position on an interim basis to provide added support for noise management efforts. The position would, on an interim basis, be assigned to the Office of Environmental Quality in the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) with an initial emphasis on evenings and weekends. In addition to supporting noise enforcement, the position could also support SUP enforcement, property maintenance (Code), street lighting concerns, and other duties as assigned. The position would work collaboratively with staff from the Alexandria Police Department (APD) when responding to noise.
Noise enforcement is currently a cooperative effort of T&ES and APD. Currently, T&ES staff respond from 8 am to 6 pm (Mon-Fri) with support from APD depending on the noise source. APD currently provides coverage from 6 pm to 8 am, and all day on weekends and holidays. The proposed interim approach would add limited T&ES staffing coverage to after-hours (evening and weekend) periods in support of APD.
Staff expects this interim approach would be in place until the City Manager can make a recommendation on a more comprehensive approach to right-of-way inspection and management. The Manager’s Office has begun an interdepartmental effort including T&ES, Code Administration, Planning & Zoning and APD to develop scenarios for City Council’s consideration.