The Alexandria City Council held a Public Hearing on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1:25 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall (301 King Street). This was the final council meeting in the historic chamber before renovations. The meeting included proclamations, a public discussion period, approval of consent items, and individual public hearings on the city's legislative package, affordable housing bonds, zoning text amendments, and major development projects.
All right, good morning, everyone. It's nine thirty-two. We're gonna go ahead and begin our Saturday public hearing. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Gaskins. Here. Vice Mayor Bagley. Councilman Aguirre. Councilman Chapman. Councilman L newby. Here. Councilwoman Green. Councilman McPhyth. Here. All right. Well, good morning, everyone. It's so good to see so many people here for the Saturday public hearing. I do want to take a minute just to remind everyone that the purpose of our meeting is to um conduct the business of the city. And we encourage and we welcome public participation, but we're also going to make sure that the meeting proceeds in a respectful and orderly manner. And so just so everyone's on the same page, disruptive behavior, including shouting, repeated interruptions, and or any other conduct that interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting is not permitted. And if the behavior continues, you may be removed from the meeting. So we ask that you conduct yourself in a meeting and a manner that allows the meeting to proceed effectively and respectfully for everyone in attendance. All right, so if I if I count you off, will you start dancing? It's that we have everybody you look amazing. All right, I'm gonna start off with the proclamation, and then can somebody raise a hand as to where the microphone should go next for sort of there we go to Chris in the middle. Beautiful. All right. All right. Well, I'm I'm thrilled to be asked uh to do anything involving dance. Uh so this is a wonderful morning for you all to be here. The proclamation reads whereas Alexandria values the vitality and cultural written richness of its small businesses, and sustaining one for 50 years is an extraordinary achievement, reflecting exceptional skill, resilience, and community trust. And whereas Chris Collins is an extraordinary Alexandrian, a young dancer who discovered his passion early, nurtured it through education, and devoted his life to sharing the joy of dance with generations of children and families. And whereas Chris founded Chris Collins dance studio in 1975, beginning with a small rented classroom, and his parents, Bill and Ruth Collins, were instrumental from the start. Bill signing the first lease and assisting behind the scenes, and Ruth serving as the joyful, welcoming front desk presence for decades. Support without which CCDS could not have succeeded in its early years. And whereas, in honor of their legacy, Chris presents the annual Ruth and Bill Collins Award of Excellence to a dancer who exemplifies outstanding skill, character, leadership, and kindness. And whereas Chris married Vicky in April 2001, and she has become an essential part of his CCDS family, making this milestone celebration hers as well. And whereas throughout its history, the studio has embraced the philosophy that we measure success in smiles, reflecting its belief that joy, confidence, and personal growth are the truest measures of achievement. And whereas over five decades, CCDS has welcomed thousands of Alexandria children and families, nurturing creativity, discipline, and confidence, and its students have gone on to become accomplished performers, teachers, professionals, parents, and community leaders, shaping generations of extraordinary Alexandrians. And whereas C C DS, it is a home away from home, where dancers, teachers, and families form a close-knit dance family built on support, mentorship, and lifelong friendship. And whereas the Chris Collins Dance Company has earned broad recognition, repeatedly named a studio of excellence for kindness and sportsmanship and regularly winning regional and national awards for outstanding dancing, choreography, technique, and performance. And whereas in June 2026, the studio celebrated its 50th anniversary, showtime production, marking half a century of artistic achievement and community impact. Now therefore I, Sarah Vagley, on behalf of Aliyah Gaskins, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the entire Alexandria City Council, do hereby proclaim December 13th, 2025 as Chris Collins Dance Studio, 50th anniversary day in the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and extend our deepest appreciation to Chris Collins, an extraordinary teacher, mentor, entrepreneur, and community leader, along with his dedicated staff and generous generation generations of dancers and families who have made the studio a beloved and enduring part of Alexandria's cultural fabric. In witness whereof, I have hereinto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Alexandria to be affixed this 13th day of December, 2025. I didn't know I would have to speak, but I'm I'm kind of overwhelmed. Most of the people, in fact, all of the people on the stage weren't even warm when I opened up. So 50 years is a long time when we've come a long way. Thanks to a fabulous staff and our family of students. It's a great thing to be a part of City of Alexandria. And we're gonna continue into the future.