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