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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1992_03_10TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 1992 A regular meeting of the Leesburg Town Council was held on March 10, 1992, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. INVOCATION was given by Councilmember Donald A. Kimball SALUTE TO THE FLAG was led by Councilmember Georgia W. Bange ROLL CALL Councilmembers present Georgia W. Bange James E. Clem Christine M. Forester Donald A. Kimball Claxton E. Lovin William F. Webb Mayor Robert E. Sevila Staff members present Town Manager Steven C. Brown Assistant Town Manager for Economic Development and Administration Peter Stephenson Director of Engineering and Public Works Thomas A. Mason Town Attorney George Martin Clerk of Council Barbara Markland APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Ms. Bange, the regular meeting minutes of February 25, 1992 and February 12, 1991 and the special meeting minutes of January 31, 1991 and February 12, 1991, were approved as written. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None PETITIONERS Mr. Thomas Nalls, Chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC), addressed the Council presenting a status report of the EDAC. He thanked the Council for the amendments that were provided for the EDAC's Charter. It has revitalized the commission and given some new blood into the system and some very cai)able people. Organizationally, the EDAC has been broken down into three subcommittees. One is the steering committee consisting of three people that oversee the operations. The other two are functioning subcommittees, a business retention and development subcommittee, chaired by Joby Reynolds and the employment attraction subcommittee chaired by Joe Trocino. Each subcommittee meets once a month and the overall commission meets once a month as well. Many years ago the EDAC attempted to become a Virginia Certified Community through the state economic development program. A lot of things were done toward that certification. The last issue was placing property under "option" which was a requirement that the town have certain lots and acreage under option. For some reason we could not get those lots qualified. This time we have invited those people to come to the county to pre-qualify sites. Mike Tompkins has recently met with the EDAC and has given us an overview of the Town Plan update. Minutes of March 10, 1992 The EDAC hopes to be involved with the entire process of the Town Plan update. EDAC member Gladys Burke has submitted a list of concerns and issues from the business community. We are going through that list to find the sort of things that will have a positive impact on them. This is the time when government needs to be consumer oriented, helping people to survive. The government needs to be service oriented, customer related and attitude sensitive. The Council should consider a training program for staff to emphasize the importance of consumer oriented government services. Name tags, suggestion boxes, encourage people to be creative in their problem solving, reward problem solving. The EDAC decided to take their monthly compensation and recycle it back into the community to establish programs to try and help businesses. EDAC in conjunction with Shenandoah University is putting together a program of 8 seminars that address survival in the 90's for small businesses. Mr. Travis Sample, representing the EDAC and Shenandoah University, addressed the Council briefly detailing each of the workshops. Mr. Sample's proposal is attached and made a part of the official record. The workshops are planned to be held at the new Rust Library for a proposed fee of $50.00 to $60.00 for all eight workshops. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE TOWN OF LEESBURG DRAFT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Mr. Stephenson, addressed the Council presenting the staff report and a slide presentation. He reviewed the town's Draft Solid Waste Management Plan. The plan was submitted as a draft to the Virginia Department of Waste Management in July 1, 1991, as required by the state. The department of waste management reviewed the town's plan and provided comments back to staff. Staff is in the process of addressing the comments. A public hearing is required and all public comments are to be forwarded to the state. The plan is to be completed by staff and approved by the Council and forwarded to the state by the end of June 1992. Mr. Kimball asked, of the three categories single-family, commercial and multi-family, which generates the most solid waste? Mr. Grayson, of Grayson's Refuse, addressed Mr. Kimball stating residential generates more waste. Mr. Kimball asked what would prohibit the town from simultaneously requiting recycling for all three categories? Mayor Sevila stated that funding is a concern. The Council has recently engaged in an in depth discussion and debate over whether or not the Council would have to curtail some of the refuse collection services that are currently provided in lieu of tax increases. Every time another detail or aspect to refuse collection is added more cost is added. Therefore, cost must be considered as a factor in the phasing of recycling rather then one fell swoop of town-wide mandatory recycling. Mr. Kimball asked if the town could establish a third or fourth drop off center? Mr. Brown stated that these sites are not easy to acquire. This is a service that is being offered by Grayson's at no charge to the town. Mr. Kimball asked that the town consider this. There was no public comment. The Mayor closed the public hearing. MOTION On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Clem, this matter was referred to a future Administration and Public Works Committee. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Mr. W~bb reported that there was no attendance by citizens at Saturday's Listening Session. Minutes of March 10, 1992 Mr. Lovin congratulated Mr. Brown and Mr. Shoemaker for the award that the Water Pollution Control Facility won. Mr. Lovin expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of Bill Ray who passed away on Friday. Mr. Ray was involved in a lot of activity in the town. He ran Plaster's men's clothing store for many years, and was a past president of Leesburg Kiwanis Club. Mayor Sevila stated that Bill Ray was Chairman of the Loudoun County Planning Commission. He has been for many years a devoted public servant and business citizen in our community. Mayor Sevila asked that staff prepare a Resolution of Respect extending our sympathy to his friends and family. Mr. Clem expressed his sympathy to the family of Lee Keyes, Commissioner of Revenue. This is also a loss to the community. The Loudoun Hospital Center is having their annual follies. He encouraged everyone to attend. The show has been a hugh success this year. Tickets can be purchased at Leesburg Pharmacy, Loudoun Memorial Hospital and from Mr. Clem's wife. He thanked Chief Kidwell for the fine Police report prepared by the Police Department. Mr. Kimball thanked Mr. Nalls for the EDAC report. He suggested that the town provide a voter registration booth during the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival. He commented on the court of shops located on Harrison Street. He stated that Mr. Echols has been a very passionate and articulate communicator of town issues. Mr. Kimball visited Mr. Echols' establishment and found it to be a thriving business. He is impressed by the large number of businesses that have located at this location. Mrs. Forester attended the Leesburg Crime Prevention Council meeting on Saturday. She urged citizens to get in touch with Officer Taylor and start a neighborhood watch if they do not already have one. A group from Tavistock Farms raised concern about a couple of cul-de-sacs in Tavistock that have no houses on them where people are getting access to those streets and getting access to houses from their backyards causing vandalism and problems. She asked that staff look into this concern. The crime prevention council will be sponsoring, on March 22, at 7:00 p.m., Country Time USA Music Concert. Admission will be $6.00 per person. The concert will be held at Loudoun County High School. All proceeds will go to the Leesburg Crime Prevention Council and help fund the DARE Program and neighbhorhood watch programs. Ms. Bange reported on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held this morning. The William T. Rust, Jr., Parks and Recreation Building was dedicated this morning at 9:00 a.m. The commission is working on many things and will soon have the draft report ready to present to the Council. The commission is working on the Independence Day celebration at the park. They would like, this year, to not charge admission. The fire department for many years has sponsored and paid for the fire works but because of expenses the fire department will not be able to provide the fire works this year. Ms. Bange encouraged supporters to help pay for this year's fire works. MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Brown noted that the Council did receive a copy of the written Activity Report. The Annual Police Report is prepared in-house by Sgt. John Smith. Sgt. Smith and the Chief do an~ excellent job. The WPCF received one of three awards given state-wide. Superintendent Steve Cawthron was ve~' instrumental in the town receiving this award. The town has received the signed easement from a property owner near the airport which will now allow the town to proceed with the obstruction removal project. Minutes of March 10, 1992 MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Sevila stated that he, Mr. Brown and Traffic Engineer Calvin Grow attended the Board of Supervisor's public hearing on the gasoline tax to make a presentation on behalf of the town. The county is currently deciding how to spend the gasoline tax that will be collected this year. The estimate is approximately $1 million. We have asked the county to continue the 20 percent commitment to the town and in addition 3 other turn lane improvement projects were mentioned. This would be a total contribution of $74,000.00 from the county. The projects that these funds would go to are a right turn lane out of Cardinal Park Drive onto Route 7, a turn lane into Country Club Drive off of Route 15 South and a right turn lane off of Route 621 at Route 15. The Mayor, Peter Stephenson and Jim Haynes attended a meeting with the United States Customs Service on February 27, to discuss the possibility of having part time customs services at the Leesburg airport. Direction and assistance was received from them in order to pursue the issue further. LEGISLATION lO. (a) MOTION On motion of Mrs. Forester, seconded by Ms. Bange, the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted. 92-26 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING OF STREETS AND DISPLAY OF BANNER FOR THE LEESBURG RENAISSANCE FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL ON APRIL 25 AND 26, 1992 WHEREAS, one of the objectives of Leesburg Renaissance is to sponsor special events to enhance the town's economic development efforts; and WHEREAS, Leesburg Renaissance has planned a Flower and Garden Show for downtown Leesburg which will transform King Street and Market Street into four city blocks of botanical landscaped gardens and related retail vendors; and WHEREAS, Leesburg Renaissance will promote the event throughout Loudoun County and the suburbs of Washington, D.C.; and WHEREAS, last year's event succeeded in attracting over 10,000 visitors to downtown Leesburg; and WHEREAS, the event requires the closing of Market Street between Church and Wirt Streets and King Street between Cornwall and Loudoun Streets as well as the Market Street exit and entrance to the Park & Shop parking facility. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. Market Street between Church and Wirt Streets and King Street between Cornwall and Loudoun and the Market Street entrance and exit to the Park & Shop parking facility are hereby authorized to be closed from 9:00 P.M., April 24, 1992, until 9:00 P.M., April 26, 1992, for the purpose of the Leesburg Renaissance Flower and Garden Festival. SECTION II. A display banner advertising the event is authorized to be placed on the East Market Street median just west of the Route 7/15 by-pass. SECTION III. Appropriate town forces are authorized to assist with the operation of the event. SECTION IV. Downtown businesses will be notified of the event and closings in advance. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None Minutes of March 10, 1992 10. (b) MOTION On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Clem, the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted. 92-27 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY WHEREAS, several items of surplus property have outlived their usefulness to the town; and WHEREAS, the property must be disposed of at an advertised public auction; and WHEREAS, an auction has been set for noon on Wednesday, April 15, 1992, at the Public Works Warehouse. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. The manager is authorized and directed to sell at public auction on April 15, 1992, the following surplus property: 2 1984 Fords I 1987 Ford I 1984 Chevrolet 2 IBM Quietwriter Printers Miscellaneous bicycles SECTION II. The manager shall publish appropriate notices of the items available in the April I and April 8 issues of the Loudoun Times-Mirror. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None 10. (c) MOTION On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Lovin, the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted. 92-28 - RESOLUTION - MAKING A REDUCTION OF THE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS INSTALLATION IN THE BATTLEFIELD SHOPPING CENTER WHEREAS, the town's Director of Engineering and Public Works has reviewed the public improvements installed to date in the Battlefield Shopping Center and confirmed that the value of work performed exceeds $589,600.00; and WHEREAS, a letter of credit from Nations Bank (formerly Sovran Bank N.A.) in the amount of $737,000.00 was provided by the developer and approved by the Council to guarantee installation of public improvements in the Battlefield Shopping Center, and this letter of credit was reduced to $195,169.00 by Resolution 91-193 adopted on September 10, 1991. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. The letter of credit from Nations Bank (formerly Sovran Bank N.A.) in the current amount of $195,169.00 is reduced to $147,400.00. SECTION H. The Town Manager shall notify the developer that liability for the letter of credit has been reduced as outlined in Section I of this resolution, and that this reduction does not constitute acceptance of public improvements by the town or relieve the developer of responsibilities outlined in the contract for public improvements for the Edwards Ferry Road/Route 15 Bypass Improvements. Minutes of March 10, 1992 voTE Aye: Nay: 10. (d) Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila None MOTION On motion of Mr. Clem, seconded by Mr. Webb, the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted. 92-29 - RESOLUTION - MAKING A REDUCTION OF THE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS INSTALLATION FOR THE EDWARDS FERRY ROAD/ROUTE 15 BYPASS IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, the town's Director of Engineering and Public Works has reviewed the public improvements installed to date for the Edwards Ferry Road/Route 15 Bypass Improvements and confirmed that the value of work performed exceeds $2,000,000.00; and WHEREAS, a letter of credit from Nations Bank (formerly Sovran Bank N.A.) in the amount of $2,500,000.00 was provided by the developer and approved by the Council to guarantee installation of public improvements for the Edwards Ferry Road/Route 15 Bypass Improvements, and this letter of credit was reduced to $1,750,000.00 by Resolution 91-195 adopted on September 10, 1991. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. The letter of credit from Nations Bank (formerly Sovran Bank N.A.) in the current amount of $1,750,000.00 is reduced to $500,000.00. SECTION II. The Town Manager shall notify the developer that liability for the letter of credit has been reduced as outlined in Section I of this resolution, and that this reduction does not constitute acceptance of public improvements by the town or relieve the developer of responsibilities outlined in the contract for public improvements for the Edwards Ferry Road/Route 15 Bypass Improvements. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None MOTION On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Ms. Bange, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. VOTE Nay: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila None Clerk of Council Robert E. Sevila, Mayor