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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1991_04_16SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL APRIL 16, 1991 A Special Meet/ng of the Leesburg Town Council was held on April 16, 1991, at 8:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street. Leesburg, Virginia, pursuant to notice thereof having been delivered to all councilmembers prior thereto. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. Present were: Mayor Robert E. Sevila, Councilmembers Georgia W. Bange, James E. Clem, Christine M. Forester, Donald A. Kimball, Claxton E. Lovin and William F. Webb. Also present were Acting Town Manager Steven C. Brown, Director of Finance Paul E. York, Planner Marilee Weir, Town Attorney George Martin, Deputy Town Attorney Deborah Welsh and Deputy Town Clerk Barbara Markland. Mayor Sevila stated that the primary purpose for the special meeting was to consider the purchase of Dodona Manor. Mayor Sevila stated that out of the previous Administration and Public Works committee. meeting came a request to consider a special sign permit application. Mr. Brown stated, that the request is for a banner for the Flower and Garden Festival sponsored by Leesburg Renaissance on April 27 and 28. Leesburg Renaissance is requesting authorization to hang the banner at the corner of Market and Church Streets from April 22 through April 29. Mr. Webb made the motion to grant a temporary sign permit to hang the Leesburg Renaissance Flower and Garden Festival banner at the corner of Market and Church Streets from Monday, April 22, through April 28. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clem. Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None Mr. Brown stated that a copy of the original option agreement with three proposed amendments, and a subdivision plat. was distributed to the Mayor and Council. The current proposal is that the town purchase lot 1 of the subdivision which includes the house on I acre for $1.214 million which includes the town's $700,000 and the state's $490,000 plus interest earned on the state grant. The remaining subdivision would be retained by the Marshall Fund through a mortgage with the Winn family. On April 11, the Planning Commission reviewed the minor subdivision plat and deferred action until April 18. The third amendment has been distributed to the Deputy Town Attorney, Bond Counsel and the state. Comments have been received from the state, non of which appear to be "show stoppers." A resolution has been proposed which would authorize the execution of the third amendment to the original option agreement. Mrs. Welsh, addressed the Council reviewing the third amendment as follows: Number 2. Section 8., subparagraph (i) - should read: i) $700,000 which constitutes the amount from the Town of Leesburg towards the purchase of the property; and 3. Section 9. Deed and Title, subsection (a) is amended which would state that instead of a special warranty deed, this will be a general warranty deed with English Covenants of Title for the purchase of Lot I only. It will be subject to the exceptions as set forth in the title commitment that we have had since the initial option agreement. The conditions to the property have not changed. There have not been any further liens or encumbrances put upon the property. 4. Section 13. Possession. Possession of Lot 1 of the property would be given upon payment of the purchase price, however, the seller would retain the right to remove personal items from the pioperty during a 45 day period following settlement. As a consideration of that, all risk of loss for the items left in the house following the settlement would remain with the seller and the seller would also agree to indemnify the buyer against any and all claims, loses or damages that the buyer may incur as a result of the removal of that personal property from the premises. . 5. Section 20. Historic District. This would be added so that as soon as Dodona Manor is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register, the buyer would record a preservation easement. We do not have the terms for the easement at present as this cannot be done until such time as it is accepted from the Virginia Landmarks Register. This would be in a form approved by the buyer, seller and the Virginia Board of Historic Resources for the perpetual preservation of Dodona Manor. 6. Section 23. Lease. would provide that the buyer state its intent to work with and create and enter into a five year lease to the George C. Marshall Home Preservation Fund, Inc. for the repair, restoration, maintenance, development and management of the property. This would all be at the Special meeting minutes of April 16, 1991 expense of the Marshall Fund. Mrs. Welsh went on to review the third amendment noting a change in the following. 7. Section 24. Settlement Conditions. (d) third line should read: special, as provided in Paragraph 9 (a) and 10 (a) of the Option Agreement, . . . The following was also added: (e) Settlement of this option agreement and the amendments thereto is contingent upon receipt by the buyer of an environmental audit/study prepared by designated agents of the buyer at the expense of the George C. Marshall Home Preservation Fund, Inc., certifying that said property is free from any and all environmental conditions and/or hazards including but not limited to ground contamination and hazardous waste materials as would give rise to a claim pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and any other actions pursuant to state or local laws, ordinances or regulations from any environmental condition of the property. Mrs. Welsh continued to review the third ~mendment noting a new paragraph 12 as follows: 12. Paragraph 4. Exercise of Option. Any and all option fees paid pursuant to this agreement and the amendments thereto shall not be applied as a credit towards the purchase price. Change former Paragraph 12. to 13. Mr. Nestor Sanchez, Vice President of the Marshall Fund, addressed the Council. He reported that Mr. Harrison is in Lexington for a meeting of the Marshall Foundation. Mr. Harrison is working out the details for approval of a large fund raising campaign totaling $6 million of which $3 million will come to Leesburg and $3 million to the foundation. Mr. Sanchez stated that the Marshall Fund has enjoyed cooperating with all the parties concerned. We believe that this is a very good solution for concluding settlement on the Dodona Manor property. He thanked the town staff who has worked very hard, the st~ff of the Marshall Fund and the members of the Council who had the vision of saving the house. Mr. Sanchez reviewed a chart describing some of the sources of funds that have been raised and pledged, to date, to the foundation. It was certainly the foundation's hope that everyone would be united in the purchase of Dodona Manor. We want the entire Leesburg community behind the project to memorialize our greatest citizen, General Marshall. The town's contract with Mrs. Winn has been renegotiated to reflect current prices of land in this area. The price, as a result, has been reduced by $500,000. Recognizing the reduced tax receipts since the original contract, the town's participation has been reduced by 50% from $1.4 million to $700,000. The project has cost the town no money during the past two plus years. The Marshall Fund has made the quarterly payments. The $700,000 which the town will pay comes from the Bond fund. The town issued the bonds to cover this expense and other capital project improvements. It is probable that within two to four years, the town's ivestment of $700,000 will be entirely repaid to the town as the Marshall Fund completes the consolidation of the entire project under its name. This is a wonderful e×zmple of cooperation between public and private financing. The Marshall Fund will have the complete responsibility of maintenance, development, and operation of the oroperty beginning immediately. In a~ much as it will be leasing the property from the town under the terms in which the Marsi~all Fund can purchase the town's interest. At that time the town will have its money back with interest and we will have provided Leesburg an asset that will stimulate the economy and the cultural life of the community for years to come. All with no expense to the town. Mr. Sanchez referred to a Tourism Income fact sheet and briefly reviewed it with the Council. He noted that in 1990 there were about 40 million tourists who visited the United States. The Town of Leesburg was visited by 33,000 tourists. Therefore, there is a large pool of people visiting our country, that we believe that by having such an attraction the town will certainly benefit from this. We petitioned, in November, one of the top 25 corporations in America to provide us with help. It is a joint proposal, in which the company was asked to donate the services of one of their top key executives for a period of two years to work on a program which would set up a Marshall legacy group of 500 people. Each of whom will contribute $12,000.00. This would be an elite group of national and Special meeting minutes of April 16, 1991 international figures. The total receipts will be $3 million to the Marshall Foundation in Lexington and $3 million to the Marshall Fund in Leesburg. On Friday, the corporation informed us that the proposal has been approved. In 30 days their executive will be on hand to start the project moving. At that time a public announcement will be made and the executive will be introduced. During the past year we approached 16 countries in Europe, that were helped by the Marshall plan, with a proposal that each country contribute its share of a $4 million campaign that we are launching. The portion of each countries contribution is based on that countries gross national product. On Friday, we were officially notified by one of the sixteen countries to accept the proposal. Their contribution amounts to $100,000.00. We believe that a large number, if not all of them, will accept the proposal. The money win take a couple of years to come in. On April 28 and 29, at Dodona Manor, we are having an open house for the Leesburg community. Mrs. Liz Pendzich, representing the Marshall Fund, addressed the Council summarizing the settlement costs. Under the current contract the cost is $3,4 million. The contributions that will go towards the purchase price at settlement are: The $400,000 Winn Family contribution, the Virginia state grant which is $514,000, the town contribution of $700,000 and the Marshall Fund will provide a note in the amount of $1,786,000. Because of Mrs. Winn's tax consideration, she prefers not to take it all in cash but to take it as an installment sales, spread out in 8 years. The subdivision will be Lot 1 to the Town of Leesburg, and the .remainder of the land to the George C. Marshall Fund. The town's bond counsel indicated that in order for the town to make its contribution, the town had to have some property and the house in its name only. The only way to do that was to subdivide the property. Mr. George Welti, a resident addressed the Council. He stated that if he were to appraise the land alone, building it would bring the total value of 229 Edwards Ferry. Road which adjoins Dodona Manor, based on the sale of adjoining property which he sold in 1989, 3.9 acres would be $2.4 million. If we add $600,000 for the to $3 million. This is a fair price. The economic benefits will be enterprises will profit from an added increased tax revenues. great to the Town of Leesburg and its citizens. Commercial stimulus to tourism. This will translate into new jobs and The historic importance of Dodona Manor is 1000 times that of Morven Park or Oatlands. George Marshall can probably be rated among the five greatest Americans of the twentieth century. The Town of Leesburg should take great pride in preserving the Marshall residence for the benefit of ourselves today and for future generations of citizens of all free nations. Mr. John Love, a resident of Leesburg, addressed the Council. He stated that the financial investment alone is a sound idea. It is an opportunity for the town to make an investment in the education of the school children in Leesburg and Loudoun County and children across the country. Mr. Bill Mulokey, a resident of Edwards Ferry Road, addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. He stated that the town does have the money. The town has already borrowed $700,000 to fund future capital investments. This money can only be used for capital investments. It cannot be used to pay off other debts. It cannot be used to pay employee salaries. Using the money will not increase the tax rate. The money is already being paid for at the current tax rate and the debt service amounts to one half cent out of the current $.17 cent per $100.00. This purchase will not result in increased taxes from operating expenses. Dodona Manor will be maintained and improved by private donations. Rather than increasing the tax rate, this action will result in greater revenue to the town in the form of sales taxes, meals taxes, transient occupancy taxes and business licenses. The town is being asked to spend $700,000 to buy a $1.2 million property. We can preserve Leesburg's historic heritage. We can invest in Leesburg's future. Linda Cox, a resident of Waterford, Virginia, addressed the Council. She stated that the Town of Leesburg will survive without Dodona Manor but has the Council considered how much revenue the $700,000 participation price tag will return to the Town. One must spend dollars to make dollars. This is a classic example. The Town of Leesburg will realize national status and the corresponding revenues from visitors and conference attenders who will be sleeping, eating and shopping in the Leesburg acea. The most important reason for the preservation of Dodona Manor is the fact that it is history. Your positive vote will activate national governments, major corporations and private individuals. All of whom will make this project a reality. The hometown should not fail to lead the way. Mr. Bruce Calhoun, a resident of 207 Washington Street, addressed the Council asking them to consider not spending any public funds for this endeavor. Mr. Alfred Dennis, a resident of Leesburg since 1941, addressed the Council expressing his support of Dodona Manor. Ms. Tony Wilson, a merchant in the Historic District for the past ten years, addressed the Council stating that throughout the ten year period she has witnessed a decline of tourism. It is now virtually extinct. Revenue has dried up. It is time this town capitalized on its valuable assets. Dodona Manor is one of those valuable assets. Special meeting minutes of April 16, 1991 Mrs. Alice Calhoun, addressed the Council speaking on behalf of the 420 members and friends. of the Preservation Society of Loudoun County in support of Dodona Manor. We th~nl~ the members of the Town Council for contributing many hours of hard work towards saving this important part of America's history. Mr. Clifford Wanard, Secretary Treasurer of Calumet Incorporated a business at Market Station, addressed the Council. It would be great to say that Leesburg has something that represents heritage of the United States of probably one of the few men who were too great to be President of the United States. George C. MarshaU was a soldier, a statesman and a humanitarian. Dr. Jack Cook, a resident of Leesburg, addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. He stated that Dodona Manor will be used for conferences, tourists and in many ways by the town. The Council should look, with vision, at what is going to happen in this small town over the next twenty years. Mr. Paul Beng~son, a resident of 109 Loudoun Street, S.W., addressed the Council. He stated that for the record it would be interesting to know if all the speakers live in town or out of town. The George Marshall fund has done an excellent job during the past two years. There really has been a lot of secrecy as far as the town has been concerned and that bothers a lot of citizens. We don't know what is going on. As a citizen of the town, I am against using public funds for such an endeavor. I have spent the past two years renovating a 220 year old home in Leesburg and the costs are astronomical. Dodona Manor is not General Marshall's birth place. The purchase of this property, the subdivision of it is an eleventh hour proposal. This is happening very fast. There may be some hidden engineering and cost problems. On the question of trust, in the future, lets have no further secrets. Lets put this out in the public forum and go on from there. Mr. Ray Cheronis, a board member on the Marshall Fund, addressed the Council thanking them for all the work they have done. There have been countless hours, rheems of paper and a lot of good work and thinking went forward from these Council meetings. He wished to express his gratitude to the Council, to the board and the people present tonight. The George C. Marshall plan allowed a lot of people in europe to be free and to live in freedom. Mr. Tom Jewell, a long time resident of Leesburg, addressed the Council. He stated that when he was a child he would walk past General Marshall's house on his way to school. He had no idea, for all practical purposes, who General Marshall was other then he was a general. When the town ran out of water, General Marshall brought in pumps and got the water flowing again. The Town Council has a very difficult task in front of them. Council's in the past have gone through many difficult decisions. Those cumulative decisions have made this a great place to call home. We have the opportunity in front of us now to take one more step in that process and open this town to a tremendous number of european guests. It is an absolute necessity that we work in every way possible to make this effort a success. Mr. Fred Linin~er, a resident on Edwards Ferry Road, addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. He hopes that the Council will allow the town to take advantage of this unique opportunity. It is our chance to take actions in Leesburg for positive development. Mr. Letson, a resident of 326 Edwards Ferry Road, addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. He stated that he is convinced that every effort is being made to make Dodona Manor as self sustaining as possible. He recommends that the support of the Town Council be given. Mrs. Kri~en Umstat~d.~ a resident of 353 Foxridge Drive, S.W., addressed the Council. She stated that General Marshall was truly an american hero. It is my honor to be directly related to him, by marriage. His first wife was a cousin of my grandfather's. All that being the case, it is not fair to ask the taxpayers to support a muse,~m of this sort. I live in a community where some people cannot afford to furnish their homes, others cannot afford health insurance. Mr. Mulokey made a compelling point earlier about the fact that this money is already dedicated to capital improvements. The problem is if you spend it on this we don't have it to spend on something else that may be an absolute necessity. I am also concerned about the $1,786,000 that the Marshall Fund is supposed to use to pay off the note and for maintenance. So far very little money has actually been raised. The Council is asking the residents of this town to pay the equivalent of perhaps 2 to 7 nations worth in contributions. We have one country willing to give $100,000 - that is an entire country, yet we are supposed to pay seven times that. I am concerned about the fact that if the Marshall Fund cannot come up with sufficient monies to keep this project going the taxpayers of Leesburg will have to do it for them. Special meeting minutes of April 16, 1991 Ambassador John Upstun, retired, addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. There are some very practical considerations - the use of public money. In an economic downturn, the comments have been very relevant. However, we must look toward the future and Leesburg is an historic place. The long range benefit and value historically to the Town of Leesburg will be enhanced by a positive decision on the Council's part. Mr. Fulton Moore, Jr., addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. This is a project that needs to be carried through. Mr. Bill Hanes, a resident of Woodberry Road, addressed the Council is support of Dodona Manor. He stated that our town has a unique and historical opportunity to honor a great american. The purchase of the home makes sense from an ultimate land use point of view. The likely hood of another strip shopping center on this site is a shocking and unthinkable thought indeed but I don't believe that it could be legally prevented if the town does not conclude this purchase. I am willing to pay increased taxes for the preservation of this site and the development of it. It is a unique opportunity and to let it slip through our fingers would be shocking. He urged the Council's continued support. It would be a crime to permit this piece of ground to be utilized in any fashion other than the restored, preserved home of one of the greatest figures of the twentieth century. Mr. Terry Titus, a resident of Wage Drive, addressed the Council in support of the project but in opposition of the town's sizeable donation for which there is no guarantee of return. He stated that for only one week's work he collected 300 signatures supporting the project but opposing the donation. Mr. Titus submitted the petition to the Clerk. How can the Council, with a total loss of $721,000, an almost certain significant tax increase and utility rate increase, take action to support this project. Mr. Titus asked the Council why it was considering buying land at $3.4 million when it is assessed at $2.5 million? Why doesn't the town engage its own independent appraiser to alleviate any question of value? Isn't it curious why such a historic building was specifically omitted from the historic district and other registers by the contract? Assuming $700,000 is borrowed to give toward the purchase, are the bond holders going to loan this money interest free? If not, assuming the bond interest is 7 percent, $50,000 in interest per year must be raised from the taxpayers. How do you justify this expenditure to the town employees who could potentially lose their jobs, not receive a raise or the citizens who have no sidewalks or streets that need repaired? Doesn't it seem hard to believe that this project could double or triple the originally anticipated $500,000 per year meals and lodging tax? Has the town verified any of this information? How is the town going to be represented in the operation of the project? Why doesn't the town have its own architect, construction engineer, building contractor estimate the cost of restoration? If all of this money that has been announced tonight is available, why does the town have to contribute at all? Mr. Titus asked that each councilmember justify their own position on this project prior to their vote. Mrs. Patricia Devine, a resident of Leesburg, addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. Mr. Leonard McDonald, a resident of Leesburg, addressed the Council. He stated that he is opposed to the use of public funds and monies for a project that should be in the private sector and monies raised from the private sector. There is more opposition to this project then the Council recognizes. He feels frustrated that some of the members of this Council would consider spending tax dollars when the voters of this county, not once but twice, have turned down school bond referendums. People talk about the educational value of the Marshall home, however, I am not sure that even General Marshall would be in support of public funds. Where is the money that people said could be raised so easily from the private sector? Government is business and business decisions are tough now but they have to be made. Please consider your vote. Ms. Luetta Watkins, a Leesburg resident, addressed the Council in support of Dodona Manor. When it comes to Dodona Manor, the preservation is based on keeping it with an intent to educate those who come on after us. For certainly what we might know would be lost to the generations to come when we are no longer here to tell them. It is important to preserve Dodona Manor for the future. Ms. Watkins read a statement that was first made by Thomas Jefferson. "If a natiov expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization it expects what never was and never 'will be." Mayor Sevila read a letter dated April 16, 1991 from Senator Charles L. Waddell. Senator Waddell's letter is attached and made a part of the minutes. On motion of Mr. Kimball, seconded by Mr. Lovin, the following resolution was proposed and adopted. 91-83 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO OPTION AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF DODONA MANOR, HOME OF GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL WHERF. J~, the Town of Leesburg on October 25, 1988, pledged general obligation bond funds pursuant to Ordinance No. 88-0-35 for the purchase of Dodona Manor; and Special meeting minutes of April 16, 1991 WHEREAS, the George C. Marshall Preservation Fund, Inc. was created to raise the balance of the funds necessary to acquire the property; and WHEREAS, the Council on August 8, 1990, authorized an extension of the option agreement for the purchase of Dodona Manor which requires settlement on the purchase by March 31, 1991; and WHEREAS, the Council on March 28, 1991, authorized another extension of the option agreement to require purchase by April 30, 1991; and WHEREAS, the Leesburg Planning Commission will meet on April 18, 1991, to consider the proposed subdivision of the property to create lot 1 for purchase by the town and lots 2 and 3 for purchase by the George C. Marshall Home Preservation Fund, Inc. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: The Mayor of the Town of Leesburg is authorized and directed to execute a third amendment to the option agreement by and between Molly B. Winn and the Town of Leesburg as attached hereto and to execute all documents necessary to accomplish the purchase of Dodona Manor upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Option Agreement of May 26, 1989, and the first, second, and third amendments thereto, in a form approved by the town attorney. Mr. Webb asked what would happen if the Planning Commission does not approve the subdivision. Mayor Sevila stated that the contract is contingent on Planning Commission approval of the subdivision. Mr. Webb stated that the town could not afford this project. He supports the preservation of Dodona Manor but not with taxpayer's money. Mr. Lovin stated that he was elected to the Council in 1988 and a public hearing was held on this matter in October 1988. He was present at that meeting and voted. At that meeting the town pledged $1.2 million toward the purchase of Dodona Manor. It was a pledge - no money was ever given. We were given a time frame to come to settlement. He favored the project in 1988. A unique situation about the vote tonight is that it is a vote that the realization will not be known for quite some time. The easy, safe thing to do is to vote no but I'm not sure that is the right thing to do. It will take a vote of vision. I will support Dodona Manor as I have supported it all along. The situation tonight is better then it was in 1988. The long term value of Dodona Manor will prove itself. Mr. Kimball stated that he has been an early, firm supporter of 'this project. His support has remained consistent and is not wavered tonight. This is a good project. I congratulate the committee for the work that they have done. Mrs. Forester thanked the press for getting the word out with regard to this meeting tonight. This was a great opportunity to have another public forum to discuss the pros and cons of Dodona Manor. She fully supports Dodona Manor and has supported it from the beginning and will continue to support it. This is a once in a life time chance for the Town of Leesburg to make a contribution to our children and our children's children and to preserve something that is very special and precious. Ms. Bange stated that she fully supports the preservation and restoration of Dodona Manor. It would be a wonderful addition to the Town of Leesburg. She stated that less then a year ago I took an oath of office that she would represent the citizens of the Town of Leesburg. Since the last extension of the option agreement, she has had people stop her on the street, in the grocery store, K Mart, etc., and many of those people have said "its okay money is no problem when there is plenty of it but when my taxes go up a penny to help pay off that bond I am going to have trouble." There is almost a 4 to I citizen comment against using public funds for Dodona Manor. That is the way she will have to vote tonight. Mr. Clem wished to congratulate the George C. Marshall Fund and Foundation. They have a bold, ambitious program ahead of them. He wished them all the luck in the world. According to his math we will be looking at least $12.4 million to complete the project. $3.4 million to purchase the home, $3 million to build the conference center, $2 .million for the restoration and another $4 million endowment. In 1989 when the Council voted on the bond issue - it was to address capital improvements o roads, streets, sidewalks. It was after the bond issue was passed that we went back to the bond market and changed it to accommodate the George C. Marshall Home, thereby pushing some of the capital improvement projects out. Money is tight at this time. That bond money can be diverted and used for capital improvements. There are a lot of needs in this town. Mayor Sevila stated that he will cast a vote in favor of the resolution. He stated that in 1988 the property was zoned B-2 and it is zoned B-2 today. The possibility of a Toll House development on this property is not a far out possibility. It is a real likelihood if somebody does not act courageously, drsmatically and immediately to prevent that from occurring. We were very fortunate, in 1988, that the moment the Town Council received a letter from the Winn family, we had before us a group of volunteers who said they were willing to explore with ways to see that that property can be preserved and protected for the long term. That group who committed to us that night stated that they would work hard to complete their mission. I can tell you they have honored their commitment to us. Thier motive is one thing, to preserve a very important historic asset in our community for this town. Not for anybody's personal benefit. I have been impressed by that effort. I am impressed by their results today. I am saddened that they cannot walk in here with $15 million and say go buy it - that would Special meeting minutes of April 16, 1991 be lovely but they can't. These days no one can do much of anything they were planning to do in 1988. That is not anybody's fault and it should not be misinterpreted as an indication of a lack of public support or a lack of national or international support for this project. It should be interpreted for what it is. A lack of available funds right now on the part of many of the people who committed early on to contribute to this project. They will be back. Our economy will be back. I hope when the economy is back and the funds are back we will all look back at this day when we as a Council voted to buy a very important historic asset. Every official document that this town has adopted for the purpose of controlling and regulating land use makes meaningful reference to historic preservation and its importance historic, cultural preservation to the Town of Leesburg. The town has been involved in historic preservation for at least the past 40 years. I have thought about this meeting for the past week and what was appropriate to say and the appropriate way to vote. I thought it would be neat to miss this meeting tonight and duck this decision all together. I thought about elected officials in other communities and how neat it must be that they never have tough issues like this. They don't have decisions like this to make because they don't have a Dodona Manor, literally, in their downtown. We do. We have an incredibly unique opportunity and if we don't act tonight to preserve that property we will be looked back on in the future as the Council who let the opportunity slip right through thief fingers - and when Toll House II is constructed we will be looked on ss the Council that made that possible. I don't want to be among those. I would rather be counted among those who had the courage and guts to make the tough decision. It would be very easy to vote no. It would be very easy to respond to the 300 people who signed the petition. It would be very easy to count telephone calls, for and against and recite the ratio and vote in favor of the number that called the most. But that is not what we are elected to do. We are not elected to conduct an individual and private referendum on every tough issue that comes our way. We are expected to use our own judgement. We are expected to weigh the consequences of investing $700,00 of the town's money in an asset that is worth $1.2 million, today. ! thought about the tax rate. What affect is this going to have on the tax rate. That is everybody's concern. Taxes have been a problem this year because revenues are down. Revenues are down because our local economy, like the regional economy is suffering. What is this going to mean to us in terms of increased taxes - not a penny - not a half a penny because the money has been in our coffer since 1988 and we've been paying interest on it. It will not result in an increase. Of the tax that we do pay in this town, how much of it is going to retire the debt on the $700,000 - one eighth of one cent or 13 percent of one penny will go annually to pay for Dodona Manor. We are the guardians and fiduciaries and trustees of the town's money. The money that belongs to the citizens of this town. We are charged with the duty of acting responsibly when we spend that money. I believe given the fact that these tough negotiations that have occurred over the last 30 to 60 days have resulted in restructuring a deal that is so much better then the one we all approved in 1989. We are getting the property free and clear. It is our duty to provide and protect the historic, cultural heritage of this community. A vote in favor of this is consistent with that duty and obligation. Mr. Kimball stated that this is the very Council that adopted a tax decrease two years ago. We are all cognizant of responsibility for spending public funds. Mr. Webb stated that regardless of how the vote goes, tonight, he intends to make a personal contribution and he intends to support the Council's decision. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 4 to 3. Aye: Councilmembers Forester, Kimball, Lovin and Mayor Sevila Nay: Councflmembers Bange, Clem, Webb On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Ms. Bange, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Robert ~. Sevila~ Mayor ~o~n of Leesburg Barbara Markland Deputy Clerk of Council (This page is intentionally left blank)