Council Reporter for the Jan. 13 Meeting
 Pictured from left to right: Mayor Catherine Read and City Councilmembers Anthony Amos, Billy Bates, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, and Thomas Peterson.
The city council met on Jan. 13. View the Council Reporter. A summary is provided below.
Consent Agenda
- Approved the City of Fairfax Board, Commission, and Advisory Committee Handbook.
- Approved a resolution amending the membership of the City Human Services Committee.
Public Hearings
- Held a public hearing on the Fern Street Connector Path (No Council action). The proposed project will construct a bicycle and pedestrian path in the city right-of-way between Fern Street south of Route 29 and Park Road. The proposed design includes a 10’ path and amenities such as lighting, benches, and native trees. View the presentation.
- Approved enacting an ordinance amending currently existing City Code provisions relating to wastewater lateral repair and replacement reimbursement amounts and clarifying how sewer availability charge credit is applied to existing structures.
- Approved enacting an ordinance adopting printed Supplement Numbers 16-26, inclusive, to the City Code, which was last recodified in 2000.
- Approved enacting an ordinance amending the City Code, pertaining to required financial disclosures by certain enumerated officers and employees of the city.
- The city council did not approve the grant supplemental appropriation resolution in the amount of $4,600,000 for Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concessionaire Funding for the George Snyder Trail. (Councilmembers Hall, McQuillen, and Peterson opposed.)
The city was awarded $20.6 million in concessionaire funding for the George Snyder Trail project. The city recently received construction bids that exceed the $16 million remaining in the project budget. The estimate to complete the project exceeds the remaining budget by $4.6 million. The city requested additional concessionaire funding via the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, which is the entity that makes recommendations for this funding to the Commonwealth Transportation Board. On Nov. 13, 2025, NVTA recommended approval of this funding to the CTB, and the CTB approved this funding request at their Jan. 6, 2026, meeting.
Public Hearing Not Required
- Approved, unanimously, to amend the agenda via the replacement of agenda item #9a, "Consideration of an award of construction for the George Snyder Trail Project" with "Consideration of a resolution to cancel the George Snyder Trail Project (VDOT UPC 112816)."
Approved, 4-2, that the city council adopt the resolution to cancel the George Snyder Trail Project in its entirety, as presented. (Councilmembers Amos and Hardy-Chandler opposed.)
A city council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 27. View the agenda (subject to change). Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in City Hall. Watch meetings live on Channel 12 (COX/Verizon) and online, or catch a replay at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit the city meetings website.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Schedule, Jan. 19
Monday, Jan. 19
- Closed: city government offices, DMV Select, General District Court, Historic Blenheim
- Open: Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center (visitor center only)
- CUE Bus: modified weekday service
Holiday Refuse and Recycling Collection Schedule
There may be a delay in yard debris collection due to the holiday schedule. Please leave items at the curb. Info: fairfaxva.gov (search “Refuse Holiday”), 703-385-7837
- Jan. 19: no service
- Jan. 20: Monday and Tuesday routes collected
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Build-Your-Own Worm Composting Workshop, Feb. 7
Learn tips and tricks for successfully composting with worms and build your own worm composter to take home. This workshop is co-sponsored by NVSWCD, Clean Fairfax Council, Pollinative, and the City of Fairfax.
Register today.
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Read the State of Urban Forest Report
The city’s State of the Urban Forest report for 2025 is here! The annual update from the urban forestry team highlights accomplishments and stewardship activities from the year, plus a first look toward what’s next in 2026.
Read the report.
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Free Public Safety Training Offered at Fire Station 3
When an emergency happens, are you ready? Learn life-saving skills at free public safety training from February through May at Fire Station 3.
Classes are offered at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month by members of the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department and the City of Fairfax Fire Department.
Classes cover hands-only CPR/AED, stop the bleed, stroke awareness, fire extinguisher use, smoke alarm basics, and more.
Enrollment is limited, so sign up today.
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Who are Your Women of Influence? Call for Nominations
Do you know a woman making a powerful difference in our community — through leadership, service, advocacy, or dedication to others? Nominate her for the Fairfax City Commission for Women’s 2026 Women of Influence Awards.
The Commission for Women added a new award category, Rising Star, to recognize emerging leaders younger than 35.
Learn more.
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Chocolate Lovers Festival Returns to Old Town Fairfax, Feb. 6-8
Sweet treats for a sweet cause! Proceeds support local charities and nonprofits. Don't miss these fun activities!
- Taste of Chocolate (Sherwood Center)
- Liquid Chocolate
- Make Your Own Chocolate Bar
- Children's Activities
- Performances
- Musical Cakes
- Historic Site Tours
- Eye Candy
- Golden Ticket
- Hot Chocolate Bar
Taste of Chocolate will be held at the Sherwood Center. Take the free "Chocolate Express" shuttle to and from Old Town Fairfax to enjoy all things chocolate.
Learn more.
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