AN ORDINANCE to amend Chapter 4 (COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS) of Title 2 (GENERAL GOVERNMENT) of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, by adding thereto a new Article I (ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMMISSION).

WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Alexandria finds and determines that:

1. The Alexandria Archaeological Commission was established by Resolution No. 371, adopted by the city council on February 25, 1975, and modified by Resolution No. 1279 on November 24, 1987;
2. The City of Alexandria possesses a unique character and heritage that is desirable to preserve for this and future generations;
3. The City of Alexandria adopted Ordinance No. 3413, The Archaeological Protection Code, on November 18, 1989;
4. The Alexandria Archaeological Commission was the first such commission established in the United States;
5. It is desirable to establish goals and priorities to promote archaeological programs, and to preserve, promote and display the extraordinary artifacts which have been and will be recovered in the future;
6. Archaeology has played a significant role in the City of Alexandria since 1961; and
7. The Alexandria Archaeology Commission encourages citizens to take active leadership roles in archaeology and to develop professionalism in volunteerism; now, therefore,

THE CITY COUNCIL OF ALEXANDRIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

Section 1. That Chapter 4 of Title 2 of The Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended, be, and the same hereby is, amended by adding thereto a new Article I to read as follows:

ARTICLE I
Alexandria Archaeological Commission
Sec. 2-4-80 Creation, composition and organization.

• (a) There is hereby established a standing commission known as the Alexandria Archaeological Commission.
• (b) The commission shall consist of 15 members to be appointed by the city council. The composition shall be as follows:
1. five members at large;
2. one citizen member from each of the three planning districts;
3. one member from the Alexandria Association;
4. one member from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce;
5. one member from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors;
6. one member from the Alexandria Historical Society;
7. one member from the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage;
8. one member from the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology; and
9. one member from the Historic Alexandria Foundation.
• (c) Members of the commission shall be appointed in the manner prescribed in title 2, chapter 4, article A of the city code; provided that members who are the representative of an organization shall be nominated by the organization and confirmed by city council. The members shall serve for a term of four years; provided, that the members of the commission in office as of January 21, 1995, shall continue to serve the unexpired portion of their term of office; and provided further, that the members who are the representatives of an organization shall cease to be a member at such time as they shall cease to be a member, in good standing, of the organization for which they serve as representative.

Sec. 2-4-81 Functions; powers; duties.

• (a) The functions of the commission shall be as follows:
1. to develop goals and priorities relating to the preservation and public interpretation of sites and resources which contribute to the history and heritage of Alexandria from the beginning of human settlement, as well as that of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States;
2. to promote the archaeological programs of the city with local, state and federal governments, private foundations, the general public, and area schools and colleges;
3. to disseminate archaeological and historical data for public information, city use, and preservation planning purposes;
4. to protect archaeological sites and artifacts from neglect, desecration, damage and destruction, and to assure proper evaluation and study of such sites and artifacts;
5. to promote the exhibitions and programs of the Alexandria Archaeology Museum;
6. to plan, develop and recommend short, mid- and long-term archaeological plans and programs;
7. to develop a site registry of all lands in the city, whether public or private, known or believed to be of significant archaeological value;
8. to encourage financial contributions, volunteerism and leadership opportunities that supplement and complement the city’s archaeology program and the Alexandria Archaeology staff in a manner consistent with its high professional integrity;
9. to enhance the visibility of the City of Alexandria as a leader in archaeology throughout Virginia, the United States and the world;
10. to encourage the integration of archaeological and historical information and site preservation into master plans and development efforts;
11. to make recommendations to city council regarding additional activities involving Alexandria’s archaeological program, including conservation and curation;
12. to coordinate and encourage the development of educational programs with local high schools and universities whereby students may receive credit by studying Alexandria through archaeological methods;
13. to encourage owners of private ands which contain or may contain archaeological sites to seek advice from and work with Alexandria Archaeology prior to and during any development;
14. to promote public awareness and participation in the preservation and study of archaeological sites and artifacts;
15. to provide recommendations to individuals and communities on preservation of archaeological sites, resources and artifacts and on the formation of standards and guidelines;
16. to support the staff of Alexandria Archaeology and its volunteers;
17. to promote the use of the highest professional standards by Alexandria Archaeology staff in the collection, conservation and curation of the Alexandria Archaeology collection and associated records, maps, photographs and tapes;
18. to propose local ordinances and state statutes to promote the goals and aims set forth above.
• (b) The commission is empowered to adopt rules and regulations in regard to procedure and other matters so long as the same are not inconsistent with the city code, and including, but not limited to, the establishment of committees through which to Cary on its functions and purpose.
• (c) The commission shall hold at least 10 regular meeting each year, and as many special meetings as the commission may deem advisable.

Section 2. That this ordinance shall become effective upon the date at the time of its passage.

PATRICIA S. TICER
Mayor
Final Passage: January 21, 1995