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Leesburg Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2016
The Leesburg Planning Commission met on Thursday, February 4, 2016 in the Town Council
Chamber, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Staff members present were Susan
Berry -Hill, Renee LaFollette, Tom Brandon, Bill Ackman, Calvin Grow, Scott Parker, Jason
Cournoyer, Rich Williams, Scott Coffman, Amy Wyks, Robert Etris, Shelby Caputo and Karen
Cicalese
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by Chairman Welsh Chamblin
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chairman Welsh Chamblin, Commissioners Babbin, Barnes, Burk, Harper,
Kidder, and Robinson
Absent: Council Member Burk
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Commissioner Harper
Second: Commissioner Burk
Vote: 7-0
Susan Berry -Hill, Director, Planning & Zoning informed the Commission that the Crescent
Parke application work session has been postponed to the February 18th Planning Commission
meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
DISCLOSURE OF MEETINGS
None
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Chairman Welsh Chamblin thanked the exiting Chair, Commissioner Harper, for all her hard
work. She noted that it was great to work with her and learn from her and looked forward to
continuing to work with her.
PETITIONERS
Sarah Richardson, 349 Shenandoah Street, SE, Leesburg, noted that her home is adjacent to
the proposed Crescent Parke development. She expressed concerns regarding a discrepancy
in what the developer has presented in terms of buffering and the area remaining forested
with a trail; and what Staff has presented in that it would be deforested; and heavily graded
with a retaining wall. Additional concerns included flooding and impact of the development
on her and her neighbor's quality of life.
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February 4, 2016 Minutes
Peggy Coleman, 209 Pathway Court, SW, Leesburg, came forward and expressed concerns
regarding the Crescent Parke Development and the Town of Leesburg's Twenty Year Trail
and Greenways Master Plan. She requested the Planning Commission recommend to Town
Council that the Park Proffer be used in the Crescent Design District as there is a critical
need for green infrastructure within the Town of Leesburg.
Lottie Coleman, 209 Pathway Court, SW, Leesburg, came forward to address the Crescent
Parke Development and expressed concerns regarding preservation of the dog park and open
greenspace and asked that recreation proffer be used to maintain, improve and expand the
dog park.
Commissioner Kidder requested that the petitioner's comments be made available to them in
writing prior to the Crescent Parke work session on February 18`h
PUBLIC HEARING
None
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
None
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
Presentation of 2016-2021 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), Renee LaFollette,
Director, Department of Public Works and Capital Projects, and Tom Brandon, Capital
Projects Manager
Tom Brandon explained that the purpose of the meeting tonight was to present the draft CIP for
next year in advance of the Planning Commission public hearing scheduled for February 18,
2016. The Directors from those Departments that have projects in the CIP are in attendance to
answer any questions the Commission may have.
A Capital Improvement is for construction, renovation/demolition or acquisition of property that
will cost more than $60,000 and has a useful life of at least five years. The process to prepare
the CIP generally follows the same pattern each year. Several years ago the Town adopted a
policy to have a bi-annual budget and the CIP follows this time frame. FY 2017 is the second
year of the bi-annual budget and is a revision of the FY2016 CIP. Revisions are made by
exception only and include a budget change greater than $100,000 or a schedule change greater
than six weeks. The Department of Public Works and Capital Projects prepares the CIP in
conjunction with the other Department Directors that have projects in the CIP. The Finance
Department preforms a financial analysis and includes adjustments for project management
costs. Lastly, the Town Manager approves the recommendations prior to the CIP going forward
to the Planning Commission. The direction for the CIP is to make it realistic which means
limiting the CIP to projects that have realistic scopes of work, identified funding sources and
realistic schedules. Town Council has given direction to concentrate on transportation, storm
drainage, improvements to the downtown, and a realistic schedule. The Town Plan is the basis
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February 4, 2016 Minutes
for the CIP and the CIP is meant to implement the Town Plan. Following are the adjustments for
FY 2017:
Completed Projects
Five projects have been or will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2016 and include the
following:
• Downtown Improvement Sections —King Street from Loudoun Street to Market Street,
and Loudoun Street from Church Street to East Market Street
• Hope Parkway Extension
• Lowenbach Street Improvements
• Security System at Water Pollution Control Facility
• Water Plant Second Carbon Feed System
New Projects
Three New projects have been added to the CIP and include the following:
• Downtown Water Feature at Mervin Jackson Park (mid -year adjustment in FYI 6)
• Security System at Water Pollution Control Phase II — A new phase has been added to
this project to provide security at the building and additional locations such as the pump
stations throughout the Town
• Proffer Contribution to Loudoun County Public School Board for Navy Junior ROTC
facility at Loudoun County High School — This is not a traditional CIP project, however
it gives the Town a mechanism to provide proffered funds, already collected, to be
presented to the school system to be used to reconstruct the Junior Navy ROTC facility at
Loudoun County High School
Budget Increases
• Skate Park Renovation — The original budget was based on rebuilding the skate park
in its existing footprint on the existing site; however a decision was made this fall to
move to a different portion of the site which has increased the cost.
• Battlefield Parkway (Route 15 to Dulles Greenway) — The budget increased due to
general increases in construction costs being experienced in Northern Virginia. The
increases will be covered by outside sources as the Town is getting additional funds
from VDOT, NVTA, and Loudoun County to cover these additional costs.
• Sycolin Road Widening Phase IV - The budge increased due to general increases in
construction costs being experienced in Northern Virginia. The increases will be
covered by outside sources as the Town is getting additional funds from VDOT,
NVTA, and Loudoun County to cover these additional costs.
• Traffic Management System — This is an upgrade of our traffic system in Town which
began this year and it is being expanded, thus requiring a budget increase
• Lower Sycolin Sewer, Phase II — This is under construction now. There have been a
couple of change orders and additions to that project and the budget has been adjusted
to reflect those increases.
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February 4, 2016 Minutes
Funding Changes
These are not budget increases; but rather money that the Town is getting from outside sources.
NVTA has committed more funds to the two studies the Town has underway and the budget has
been revised to reflect the additional funding.
• East Market Street/Battlefield Parkway Interchange
• Route 15/Edwards Ferry Road Interchange
Schedule Changes
• Skate Park Renovation — delayed due to change in site (6 months)
• South King Street Widening Phase II — delayed to re -bid construction (6 months); the
construction bids received last spring were very high and Staff repackaged and re -bid the
project this fall. The new bids came in at roughly $650,000 less that the original bids
• Airport Stormwater Management Plan and Drainage Study — delayed to match schedule
for on-going Airport Master Plan Update (9 months)
Mr. Brandon described the CIP process moving forward and requested questions and comments
from the Planning Commission
Commissioner Kidder asked for an estimate of when the skate park will be completed. Mr.
Brandon answered that it would be the winter of 2016/2017.
Commissioner Kidder asked When the Airport Master Plan is estimated to be completed. Mr.
Brandon answered that it would be approximately a year from now.
Commissioner Harper asked about the Dominion Power fee of $250.00 for each light replaced as
she had not noticed operational impacts on this project in previous CIPS. Mr. Brandon answered
that the charge reflected actual estimated cost from Dominion Power and did not think it was a
change as it had been included in last year's CIP.
Commissioner Harper asked for clarification regarding the proffer contribution to Loudoun
County Public Schools (LCPS) and asked if the process was that the funds were given to LCPS
and it was the responsibility of LCPS to build the ROTC facility at Loudoun County High
School, and if so why is there a $5,000 project management expense to the Town if this is an
LCPS project. Mr. Brandon answered that was the correct process. Jason Cournoyer,
Management and Budget Officer, explained that the project management costs are actually part
of the proffer management agreement we have with the County. Proffers are going to be
provided to the County on a reimbursement basis and Renee LaFollette, Director, Department of
Public Works and Capital Projects, and the Project Managers are going to review the
documentation LCPS provides to ensure the costs are accurate and applied to the right project
prior to providing reimbursement.
Commissioner Harper asked about the Davis Avenue bridge replacement and why there was not
a transportation level of service attributed to that bridge. Mr. Brandon explained that the level of
service she is referring to is not a traffic level of service; but rather a condition level of service.
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February 4, 2016 Minutes
That bridge has some issues and some spot repairs have been completed; however the forecast is
that it will require some major repairs in the next couple of years.
Commissioner Harper asked about the funding sources for the East Market Street and Battlefield
Parkway exchange and why over $1 million is going to project management. Mr. Mason
explained that the funding the Town is receiving from NVTA covers the cost of the project; not
the internal project management costs. The Town needs to cover the internal costs separately
from the funding received from NVTA. Commissioner Harper expressed concern that the Town
was taking out loans to cover salaries that were already being paid out of the general fund. Mr.
Mason clarified that their salaries are not paid from the general fund. Ms. LaFollette further
clarified that this was a policy decision, made by Council about five years ago, to use Capital
Projects funds to pay Capital Projects personnel salaries.
Commissioner Robinson stated that if this was the case it did not meet the five year life CIP
criteria. Ms. LaFollette explained that the decision on that was to capture the entire cost for the
project and to include staff cost. It was Commissioner Robinson's opinion that the CIP criteria
was wrong and needed to be annotated and adding an explanation that salaries do not have a five
year life.
Commissioner Harper asked what was the life of a general obligation bond is. Mr. Cournoyer
explained that the project management costs are the salaries and the internal operations and also
become capitalized as part of the fixed asset until the project is complete. These costs are
tracked at a project level in order to enter our fixed asset system. In that regard they are a
capitalized expense.
Commissioner Burk noted that it was the project and not each piece of the project that passes the
five year mark.
Ms. LaFollette noted that the discussion was getting off track as the role of the Planning
Commission, in their review of the CIP, is to determine if the project meets the requirements of
the Town Plan and not the funding of the projects.
Commissioner Harper noted that Hope Parkway had been completed in the fall of 2015 and
asked why there was $1.8 million for this project in the CIP. Ms. LaFollette responded that it
was for FY 2016.
Commissioner Babbin expressed concerns regarding snow removal from sidewalks and asked if
it would be possible to take a portion of the funds allocated for sidewalk improvements and
utilize them to maintain the sidewalks we do have. Ms. LaFollette explained that Capital
Projects funding is not eligible to be used for a maintenance activity. Commissioner Babbin
asked if it would be appropriate for the Planning Commission to include a recommendation to
find money in the general budget for maintaining the capital improvements we already have.
Ms. LaFollette answered that it would be an appropriate request. Commissioner Babbin noted
that she would like to have this discussion after the public hearing as it is her opinion that
sidewalk clearing is a basic government service that the Town is not providing very well.
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February 4, 2016 Minutes
Commissioner Babbin noted that there had been discussion about moving the location of the
skate park. The existing site is very valuable and the skate park use was causing some problems
for neighboring businesses. She asked if any money had been spent on this project yet and was
this something that can be revisited to determine if the skate park is really something from the
capital projects budget that we want to spend this amount of money on. She suggested
consideration to move the park to another site where the land is already owned by the Town; sell
the Catoctin Circle parcel; and put the proceeds in the general fund to address other needs in the
Town. Rich Williams, Director, Parks and Recreation, explained that Council deliberated the
location of the skate park for months. After evaluating all the different sites within Town; both
Town owned; County owned and private land; the decision was made to maintain ownership of
the entire Catoctin Circle site while providing half of the current location to the rescue squad.
Council is not interested in selling the property and the decision was made to relocate the skate
park on the site as it was felt that this location was the best location for the skate park as it will
remain in that central Catoctin Circle corridor and remain in close proximity to the WO&D trail.
Commissioner Babbin noted that had been a proposal to move the skate park to Ida Lee; however
the Department of Parks and Recreation advised against it. She asked Mr. Williams to explain
why Ida lee was not an appropriate location. Mr. Williams answered that the Staff
recommendation was to move the skate park to the gravel lot on the existing site as it was felt
that the Catoctin Circle site provided a more centralized location with easier access and
supervision as it is very open and not in a wooded area. There was concern that moving the
skate park to Ida lee would result in over developing the park itself as they try to maintain
passive areas within the park. If in the future, Ida Lee becomes the area where everything goes
by default, the Town will begin to lose the specialness of the park property and will create a
different environment there. Commissioner Babbin expressed concerns about moving this
project forward too quickly as there is a possibility that the Town may eventually own Olde
Izaak Walton Park if the Crescent Parke application is approved and asked if that location had
been considered. Mr. Williams answered that from a Staff recommendation standpoint; Izaak
Walton Park has difficulty in that the buildable area of the park is all in floodplain area.
Locating the skate park in the area where the building and dog park are located would require the
removal of either the building or the dog park. In addition, that park is more passive in nature
and is not the most suitable site for an active recreational amenity. The park does not have a
high level of visibility and typically when you place skate parks in parks that don't have high
levels of visibility; behavioral issues come in to play. Commissioner Babbin noted that she
would like to have a more thorough Planning Commission discussion and possibly make a
recommendation to Town Council.
Commissioner Burk noted that he happened to be filling in as the Planning Commission liaison
on the evening that the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the skate park. They went
in to quite a lot of depth and had plans for each of the potential locations and the Commission's
findings and recommendations mirrored Staff s recommendation. He felt there was a compelling
argument to leave the park where it is as it is centrally located; close to the WO&D Trail; and its'
proximity to the Crescent Place development.
Commissioner Kidder noted that she had followed the skate park discussions closely and there
were numerous public hearings and lots of public input as well as Staff's input regarding the
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February 4, 2016 Minutes
location. The Crescent Place development makes this whole area become more central and more
populated. It was her opinion that it is appropriate to locate the park in a central and useable
location that is accessible to the trail as well as a walkable distance from residences in the area.
Commissioner Babbin asked for more detail regarding the water feature at Mervin Jackson Park
in terms of how it will look and what the ongoing maintenance costs would be. Mr. Williams
explained that the feature would be a section of concrete with water jets that would shoot up
approximately three feet and would be encircled by either plant material or hardscape that would
create a buffer area between the fountain and the entrance to the parking garage, the alley way
and Loudoun Street. It would be enclosed with hardscape and plant material to ensure the safety
of the children. Maintenance costs would be approximately $1,000 per year if you add chemical
costs. It is very much a self-contained unit. Chemical readings would be monitored remotely as
they would be transmitted from that site to Ida Lee and managed by pool operators. There would
be physical site checks preformed on a weekly basis. If there is a mechanical failure, those
maintenance costs would increase as with any piece of equipment. Commissioner Babbin asked
if it would be drained and cleaned each winter. Mr. Williams answered that there is a holding
tank that holds water which is recirculated and filtered. It would be winterized for the winter
months, removing all the water out of the system.
Commissioner Babbin asked about the downtown improvement project and what is left to be
done. Mr. Brandon answered that there is money, not for this coming year, but in an out -year for
additional improvements. This money could be used for several things. The original
improvements came in at a higher cost than what was originally budgeted so they did not
complete all the projects originally planned. Council could also ask for other projects to be done
downtown. When they went through the master plans for downtown improvements there were a
number proposed and those projects were prioritized and have been completed. The widening of
sidewalks north of Market Street on King Street has been designed and is ready to go; however
we ran out of budgeted funds before that could be completed. Commissioner Babbin noted that
there were plans for furniture and asked if there were any plans for outdoor dining at those
restaurants in the sections where the sidewalks have been widened. Mr. Brandon answered that
Council is discussing that currently and there are several restaurants that have approached the
Town regarding the process to set up outdoor dining. The Town Attorney is working on
developing that process and getting it into the Town Code. This process will continue into the
spring. This would not be a capital project and would be funded privately.
Commissioner Babbin asked if there is going to be a crosswalk in the middle of the street
between Loudoun and Market Streets and what it would consist of. Mr. Brandon answered that
this will be done in the spring before the end of the fiscal year. It will be a raised crosswalk at
the end of the northern alley that exits onto King Street.
Commissioner Robinson asked why there was 50% left in the fund if all the improvements have
been completed between Market and North Street. Mr. Brandon answered that that figure
pertains to this fiscal year and was spent on King Street and Loudoun Street in 2016. There is no
money allocated in FY16 and FYI 7. The only remaining funding is the $891,000 for future
projects in FYI 9.
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Commissioner Robinson asked about downtown street lighting and asked if and when we were
going to get funding from VDOT. Mr. Brandon answered that the Town has an agreement with
VDOT and have met with Dominion Power and will be moving forward. The Town will be
getting a schedule from Virginia Power and hope to have this project completed this year. The
underground work has been completed; the Town will construct the bases and Dominion Power
will install the lights. Commissioner Robinson asked why the Town is building the bases. Mr.
Brandon explained that Dominion Power does not build bases, however the Town will be
reimbursed from VDOT for the bases. Ms. LaFollette further explained that they did not put in
the foundations for the lights when the sidewalk was completed because the anchor bolts for the
lights would have been sticking up 6" and would create tripping hazards.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin asked if the Town would be using energy efficient light bulbs. Mr.
Brandon answered that the last time he had had discussions with Dominion Power, this particular
style of light did not have an LED version. He noted that he would follow up with Dominion on
this.
Commissioner Kidder asked if the lights had been ordered. Mr. Brandon replied that they have
not been ordered. Commissioner Kidder expressed concern over the design of the streetlights
and requested Planning Commission discussion on recommending changing the style of the
lights to more reflect the historic nature of the Downtown.
Commissioner Robinson expressed concern regarding the Jr. ROTC building being funded by
proffers collected for schools. The resolution states that the Town Manager would receive
assurance from Loudoun County prior to dispensation of funds collected and the school funds
would be used for schools in the Town of Leesburg. Mr. Cournoyer gave a brief explanation of
how proffer funding has been provided to the County. The Town has been collecting capital
related proffer contributions for schools since approximately 2005. The process requires
Loudoun County Public Schools to request funding for school projects within the Town: The Jr,
ROTC program is a project within the County CIP that the County had requested to use the
Leesburg proffered funding for this project. The Town had provided funding to the County last
year, approximately $2.18 million dollars for this project; and due to project cost increases -
additional funding has been requested. The funding in this draft CIP reflects that balance. It is
in the CIP now due to the process agreed upon in the initial request which determines how to
process the payments of the proffers. The remaining balance for this project, which is an
incremental increase from the initial project budget, will be paid on a reimbursement basis. Thi
will ensure the Town only provides the proffered contributions for expenses associated with the
Jr. ROTC project. The amount reflected in the CIP is an estimate as the County does not have a
full scope of the project.
Commissioner Robinson asked what line item in the budget reflects the proffered contribution.
Mr. Cournoyer answered the funds are held in reserve; at Town Council's discretion, and is not
an appropriated amount. Ms. Berry -Hill clarified that there is a line item for school proffers in
the financial accounting and is separate from the general fund. Mr. Cournoyer explained that it
is a contribution for future use and requires Council appropriation. The amount is reflected in
the Town's annual statements.
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Commissioner Robinson asked why there were two water parks in the CIP. Mr. Williams
explained that one water park was on Loudoun Street at the Mervin Jackson Park and the other
was an enhancement to the AV Symington Aquatic Center at Ida Lee which would add a spray
ground feature. The spray feature will add an additional amenity to the existing facility and
will make it a more attractive amenity as a whole. This feature will have a different scope and
different types of elements than the one at Mervin Jackson Park which will be considerably
smaller.
Commissioner Robinson noted that the skate park project was initially around $400,000 and now
is close to $1 million and asked if this figure included all the estimations for construction and if it
were approved and ready to proceed. Mr. Williams said the total cost is a complete turn -key
package for this package. The driver for the additional cost has been the soil and materials being
used. The money has been approved; however Council is being updated on the project and the
additional costs associated with it.
Commissioner Kidder asked if the contribution from Fire & Rescue was included. Mr. Williams
answered that it was.
Commissioner Robinson noted that the SRTC had expressed concerns regarding the Battlefield
Crosswalk across Route 15 as the timing of the lights would prevent pedestrians from being able
to cross the entire road. Mr. Brandon explained that Calvin Grow had done some analysis
utilizing the 3.5 feet per second federal government standard and determined that pedestrians
would be able to cross the entire street. Commissioner Robinson asked if it would be ADA
compliant and Mr. Brandon answered that it would be. Commissioner Robinson requested
Planning Commission discussion on the removal of this project from the CIP and taken up in the
$57 million dollar project when it becomes an intersection.
Commissioner Robinson asked about traffic monitoring for traffic lights and asked how this was
being done. Mr. Brandon answered that the Town has a Signal Technician and his responsibility
is to monitor it remotely. The majority of the signals have cameras and he also receives reports
from the police. If there is an unusual situation, it is his responsibility to make adjustments as
necessary. Ms. LaFollette further explained that this project replaces all of the controllers in
every traffic signal in Town and upgrades the computer system that runs all of the traffic signals.
The current one is outdated and there are a number of trouble calls that the Signal Technician has
to deal with.
Commissioner Babbin asked what type of police enforcement the cameras were used for. Mr.
Brandon answered that the cameras were used for monitoring by the police as they monitor
traffic as well. It is also helpful during an emergency situation as it allows the police to see what
the problem is and enables them to make changes in the traffic flow if necessary. Commissioner
Babbin asked if these cameras could be used to ticket traffic offenders. Mr. Brandon answered
that they were not. State law mandates that the Town would need to get approval from the State
to have red-light or speed cameras. A few years ago, the Town made some applications to the
State, however they were not approved. Commissioner Babbin asked if the camera system being
proposed would allow for this type of monitoring if approved. Mr. Brandon answered that it
would not; a different camera system would be required.
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February 4, 2016 Minutes
Commissioner Robinson asked why the Davis Avenue bridge was the Town's responsibility.
Ms. LaFollette answered that the bridge was located in the public right-of-way.
Commissioner Robinson asked about the Chesapeake Bay TMDL and whether some of the
responsibility for this falls to the HOA, and if so, would the HOA's be paying for the pond
retrofitting. Mr. Brandon answered yes some of the ponds being retrofitted as part of this project
are owned and maintained by the HOAs but they are not required to pay for the retrofitting as it
benefits the Town in terms of their MS4 Permit. The Town does have a State grant to assist in
the program; however the Town will be paying the remainder as this project is not benefitting the
HOAs. Commissioner Robinson expressed concern that the HOA's are not held responsible for
the maintenance of their ponds and to ensure they meet the MS4 Permit standards.
Commissioner Robinson noted that most of the contribution to the Tuscarora Flood mitigation
project was coming from other sources and asked if it were possible to ensure that the other
sources were paying then fair share as there are some up -stream areas that might be able to
contribute to this mitigation. Ms. LaFollette explained that there have been discussions along
those lines and the decision that has been made is to keep the funding source with the Storm
Water Local Assistant Fund Grant and general obligation bonds to keep this project on track and
on schedule. Town staff in the Plan Review department have been in discussions with the
developer up -stream to assist with additional stream restoration and detention up -stream. They
are not required to do the stream restoration in that area; however Plan Review has been able to
convince the developer to do stream restoration to tie into our project above and beyond what
they are required to do.
Commissioner Robinson asked if the 33" Sewer Line Project should be moved forward in the
CIP as this was a study to look at the health and fitness of a sewer line. Amy Wyks, Director,
Utilities, explained that this section collects for the south east and the south west; the north east
and north west are not served through this line. This was projected for 2021 as they were able to
do some preliminary investigation last year and it was determined that this was a realistic time
frame. If the Planning Commission would like to make a recommendation to move it forward,
the Utilities Department would support that. Commissioner Robinson noted that she would like
to have continued discussion on this project.
Commissioner Robinson asked when security at the Water Pollution Control Facility became an
issue. Ms. Wyks answered that the clearing of the land for the construction of Lowes Russell
Branch Parkway the facilities have left the buildings, which were once basically hidden, more
visible and the determination was made that it was necessary to have security measures for the
buildings. There are a lot of buildings on site and security cameras are necessary to monitor the
site. The only site that is currently monitored is the water plant. There will also be fences with
secure card accessed gates.
Commissioner Robinson asked for clarification on the intersection improvements for Catoctin
Circle and Edwards Ferry Road. Mr. Brandon explained that the previous courthouse
expansion provided a proffer in anticipation of the expansion increasing traffic at this
intersection to a point where it would warrant a traffic signal. This project has been in the CIP
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since then It was determined that the Lowenbach improvements would be completed prior to
making any improvements at this intersection. The Lowenbach improvements will be completed
this year. The new courthouse expansion demonstrates that the traffic at the intersection will
warrant a traffic signal. Staff's general opinion is that even though the warrants are there; the
intersection preforms okay with the four-way stop under current conditions. Traffic tends to
backs up to Washington Street many afternoons; however the delays are fairly moderate. Until
some studies are done, Staff does not know what ultimate land configuration would be needed at
that intersection. Commissioner Robinson asked if it would be within the Planning
Commission's prevue to recommend removal of that item from the Priority Future CIP. Mr.
Brandon answered that the Planning Commission could make that recommendation.
Commissioner Kidder noted that the Planning Commission has asked that this item be deleted for
the past six years. She suggested a language change such as what was agreed to in the
Courthouse expansion which requires that a study be done and allows flexibility for the type of
intersection improvement.
Commissioner Kidder asked about the relationship of the Davis Avenue bridge and the Crescent
Parke application. Mr. Brandon answered that this project was placed in the CIP prior to this
application coming forward and is intended to replace the existing bridge to provide access to
Olde Izaak Walton Park. This project does not involve any expansion or upgrading of the
bridge.
Commissioner Kidder asked if the police station expansion had been eliminated from the CIP
previously. Mr. Brandon explained that the full expansion was never in the six-year CIP. It was
in the Priority Future CIP for several years and was removed last year. This was determined
through Staff discussions and a recommendation from the Police Department that they were not
ready for that to be a Priority Future project. Commissioner Kidder noted that she would like to
see an updated needs analysis prior to recommending approval for this expansion. Mr. Brandon
explained that this project was added back into the Potential Future CIP based on the previous
needs analysis and what has happened in the interim. A needs analysis would need to be done
prior to any money being spent on the project. Commissioner Kidder requested further Planning
Commission discussion on this item.
Commissioner Harper noted that this project has been discussed for a number of years and the
Planning Commission had, at one time, requested a needs analysis; however she did not
remembering ever seeing one. Ms. LaFollette explained that a full needs based analysis was
done and she believed it had been shared with Council and the Planning Commission at that
time. The analysis is at least five years old. The needs analysis drove the project for the
technical building expansion and also included a $25 million expansion to the police station
building itself. This was previously shown in the Priority Future CIP. It has been added back
this year at a lesser scale.
Commissioner Babbin asked for an explanation on Priority Future vs Potential. Ms. LaFollette
explained that the Priority Future projects are the high priority transportation projects, drainage
projects, etc. that either have funding sources available or have been directed by Council to be
considered as high priority projects. The Potential list is the list of projects that have been
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ranked and brought forward to the Planning Commission where it was determined that the
project remain in the CIP. These projects are not prepared to move forward as they lack a
funding source; the full study has not been done to develop the full scope and costing of the
project; and are not ready to be in the active six year CIP.
Commissioner Barnes requested that Staff from the Police Department be at the Public Hearing
to further explain this project.
Commissioner Barnes asked about the status of the Airport projects. Scott Coffinan, Airport
Manager explained that the Airport perimeter fence project had been completed this past year.
The Airport Master Plan Update is underway this year which also includes a storm water
analysis. Commissioner Barnes asked about the runway extension. Ms. LaFollette explained
that the runway extension project has been in the Potential Future List for a number of years. It
is shown on the Airport Master Plan but it has not moved beyond the Potential Future status due
to FAA requirements on cost benefit analysis, land acquisition, etc. Mr. Coffman explained that
the project as well as alternatives will be reviewed during the Master Plan update. It is very
expensive project will require a relocation of Sycolin Road. The airport's biggest need is hangar
space due to the growth of the airport and increased aircraft traffic. Commissioner Barnes asked
if it would be possible to recommend moving the hangar project forward in the CIP. Ms.
LaFollette answered that the hangar project was in 2019 where it is programmed in the FAA and
DOAD funding cycle. Commissioner Barnes asked to have additional Planning Commission
discussion on the hangar project and storage.
Commissioner Kidder suggested adding the runway extension project to this discussion. Dennis
Boykin, Airport Commission Chair, noted that the cost of the hangar project is approximately $6
million; all of which is covered by income generated from the rental of the hangars. The
problem they face is how to finance the project.
Commissioner Kidder asked what the time frame was for the Master Plan Update. Mr. Coffman
said that it has been underway for approximately three months and it is a twelve month process.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin asked for the location of the water feature within Mervin Jackson
Park and if the water infrastructure needed for the park was in placed or part of the cost. Mr.
Williams answered that it would be in the grassy area between the parking garage entrance and
the alley way. Ms. LaFollette answered that the water infrastructure was include in the project
cost.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin asked if there were plans for the other green space area. Mr.
Williams answered that there was no further development planned for that portion of the park
Commissioner Barnes asked if there would be a changing facility at the park. Mr. Williams
answered that there was not a changing facility included in this project.
Commissioner Kidder asked about relocation of the dog station at Mervin Jackson Park. Mr.
Williams explained that it would be shifted to a different location within the Park.
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Leesburg Planning Commission
February 4, 2016 Minutes
Commissioner Welsh Chamblin referenced the Evergreen Mill Road Widening Project and asked
if Heritage High School was in the Town. Mr. Brandon answered that Heritage High School was
in the Town; however the portion of Evergreen Mill Road in front of the school was in the
County. Chairman Welsh Chamblin asked if it was in the County's CIP to widen their portion;
and if not; did Staff feel that this widening would help off-load schools and the Battlefield
Parkway and Greenway traffic. Mr. Brandon explained that it is not in the County CIP and while
there have been discussions about the portion south of Town he could not speak for the County.
Staff did feel that the widening would be beneficial in controlling traffic flow in that area.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
None
COUNCIL AND REPRESENTATIVES
None
STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Robinson noted that a lot of concernwasexpressed regarding the Battlefield
crosswalk and sidewalk project at the SRTC meeting_ Also there is a trend where more and more
housing areas are asking for stickers because a two car garage is not fitting all their vehicles.
Commissioner Welsh Chamblin attended the BAR meeting where the courthouse design was
discussed and work on this will continue over the next few meetings. The EAC also met and
discussed the Flower and Garden Festival and the continuation of the. Rain Barrel Workshops.
There was also talk of the EAG giving away one native plant -and/or free each day of the Flower
& Garden festival.
NEW BUSINESS,;_
Selection of Planning Comm
The following selections were
Sharon Babbin EDC
Brett Burk — Tree Commission -
Doris Kidder — COPA and EAC
Gigi Robinson — PRC and SRTC
Lyndsay Welsh Chamblin - BAR
Liaisons to other Boards and Commissions
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Leesburg Planning Commission
February 4, 2016 Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 PM
Ap roved by:
i
J�A
Karn Cicalese, Commission Cleric
n
i,ndsay WeI6 Chamblin, Chairman
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