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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1992_04_14TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 14, 1992 A regular meeting of the Leesburg Town Council was held on April 14, 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 Councilman Donald A. Kimball SALUTE TO THE FLAG was led by Councilman William F. Webb 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 Finance Paul E. York Director of Engineering and Public Works Thomas A. Mason Director of Utilities Randolph W. Shoemaker Public Information Officer Susan Farmer 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 March 24, 1992 and September 10, 1991, were approved as written. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION/PROCLAMATION Mayor Sevila presented Mrs. Julia Rom with a Certificate of Appreciation for 3 years of service on the Board of Architectural Review. Mayor Sevila presented town employee Mr. Richard "Dick" Ramaley with a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of dedicated, loyal service to the Town of Leesburg. MOTION On motion of Mr. Clem, seconded by Mrs. Forester, the following proclamation was proposed and unanimously adopted. PROCLAMATION CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH WHEREAS, the incidence and prevalence of child abuse and neglect have reached alarming Minutes of April 14, 1992 proportions in the United States, where 13,894 incidents of child abuse and neglect were substantiated in Virginia during the fiscal year 1990-1991; and WHEREAS, Virginia and Leesburg face a continuing need to support innovative programs to prevent child abuse and assist parents and family members when child abuse occurs; and WHEREAS, in Virginia and Leesburg we have dedicated individuals and organizations who work daily to counter the problem of child abuse and neglect and to help parents obtain the assistance they need; and WHEREAS, all children deserve freedom from verbal, emotional, sexual, and physical abuse and neglect; and WHEREAS, we believe all children deserve to have BLUE RIBBON DAYS, including loving hugs, warm homes, tender care, parents and adults who listen and promote self esteem; and WHEREAS, it is indeed appropriate and fitting to focus attention upon the problem of child abuse and neglect in Virginia and Leesburg. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: I, Robert E. Sevila, Mayor, of the Town of Leesburg hereby proclaim the month of April, 1992, as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in Leesburg, and call upon our citizens to observe the month with appropriate programs, wearing of blue ribbons, and other activities. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None PETITIONERS Mr. Robert G. Lorenz, a resident of Leesburg, addressed the Council seeking approval for the installation of a street light on Rockspring Drive. He stated that Traffic Engineer Calvin Grow was contacted to research the request noting that a light was warranted. The cost to the Town of I~sburg for the street light is $4,038.00. Mr. Brown, addressed Mr. Lorenz stating that there are no funds available in the current budget. Staff recommends that the Council consider appropriating the funds for the next fiscal year which is July 1. This matter will be made a part of the budget deliberations. Mr. A. C. Echols addressed the Council stating that there was a strong need for tourism in downtown Leesburg. He stated that the msjor problem with downtown is a lack of businesses. Mr. Alton Echols concerned with Leesburg's economy. Town needs to attract more business (antiques)/tourism. Town should hire a tourism officer/development officer. Requests Council participation. Parking should be free in garage and remove all meters from the town streets. Mr. Echols handed out some information entitled "Town of Leesburg Prosperity or Economic Despair for it's Citizens and Business Community". Mr. Echols' handout is attached and made a part of the official record. MOTION On motion of Mr. Kimball, seconded by Ms. Bange, item ll.(a) was taken out of turn. Mr. Lovin stated that he would vote no on the motion. He stated that the agenda is set and it is only fair to take ll.(a) in order. Mrs. Forester amended Mr. Kimball's motion to take item 11 Legislation in it's entirety out of order. Mr. Kimball and Ms. Bange had no objection with the amended motion. VOTE Aye: Nay: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Webb and Mayor Sevila Councilmember Lovin Minutes of April 14, 1992 LEGISLATION 11. ia) MOTION On motion of Ms. Bange, seconded by Mr. Kimball, the following resolution was proposed unanimously adopted. 92-40 RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO INITIATE LEASE and NEGOTIATIONS WITH INTERFAITH RELIEF WHEREAS, Interfaith Relief is an organization of volunteers from area churches which feeds needy citizens in the Leesburg area; and WHEREAS, Interfaith Relief has requested that the town assist in their operations by leasing town-owned property located at the south end of Liberty Street at no rent for the purpose of installing a food bank and kitchen; and WHEREAS, discussions before the Administration and Public Works Committee of Council have resulted in several questions and concerns regarding the process; and WHEREAS, residents of the area surrounding the proposed site have been notified and have expressed some questions regarding the change in use; and WHEREAS, related legal questions must be resolved prior to Council authorization; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Town Council to assist with the relocation of this important community service. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: The town manager is authorized to initiate negotiations with representatives of Interfaith Relief, Inc. regarding a lease of town-owned property on Liberty Street. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None 11. (b) MOTION On motion of Mrs. Forester, seconded by Mr. Lovin, the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted. 92-41 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE SELECTION OF AI,F,X BROWN & SONS, INC. AS SENIOR MANAGING UNDERWRITER FOR THE PROPOSED WASTEWATER REVENUE BOND ISSUE WHE~, on February 11, 1992, the Council authorized the issuance of a Request For Proposals to select a senior managing underwriter for the town's proposed revenue bond issue funding the expansion and upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant; and WHEREAS, proposals were received on March 6, 1992, from ten investment banking firms; and WHEREAS, the proposals were reviewed by the town's selection committee which compiled a short list of four firms which were then interviewed; and WHEREAS, based on the written proposals received, oral interviews, and the evaluation criteria, the selection committee has concluded that Alex Brown & Sons, Inc. is the firm best qualified to serve the town as senior managing underwriter for the wastewater treatment plant revenue bond issue. Minutes of April 14, 1992 THEI~FORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg that Alex Brown & Sons, Inc. is hereby appointed the town's senior managing underwriter for the proposed wastewater treatment plant revenue bond issue. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None 11. (c). (d), (e). (f), (~), (h). (i), (j) MOTION On motion of Mr. Clem, seconded by Mr. Kimball, the following resolutions were proposed as consent items and unanimously adopted. 92-42 - RESOLUTION - TOWN OF LEESBURG, VIRGINIA DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO REIMBURSE ITSELF FROM THE PROCEEDS OF A FINANCING FOR EXPENDITURES TO BE MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE TOWN'S WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia ("Town") has determined that it is necessary or desirable to advance money to pay the costs of expanding and improving the town's wastewater collection, processing and treatment system and to reimburse such advances with proceeds of one or more financings; and WHEREAS, the town declared its intent to reimburse itself from proceeds of the wastewater treatment plant revenue bonds based on preliminary regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service through Council Resolution No. 91-189, dated September 10, 1991. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. Council Resolution No. 91-189, dated September 10, 1991, is hereby repealed. SECTION II. The town adopts this declaration of official intent under Treasury Regulations Section 1.103-18. SECTION I]I. The Town Council reasonably expects to reimburse advances made or to be made by the town to pay the costs of expanding and improving the town's wastewater collection, processing and treatment system for the town, from the proceeds of its debt~ The maximum amount of debt expected to be issued for such purpose is $26,000,000 and the maximum amount from the proceeds of such debt expected to be used to reimburse the town is $2,500,000. SECTION IV. Beginning no later than 30 days after the adoption of this resolution and ending on the date on which the debt is issued, this resolution will be reasonably available for inspection by the general public during normal business hours, at the office of the town manager. SECTION V. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. 92-43 - RESOLUTION - AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE PEER MANOR OFFSITE STORM SEWER WHEKEAS, the Peer Manor Offsite Storm Sewer is an important storm drainage system improvement; and WHEREAS, current funding for this project is partially provided by offsite prorata contributions and bond funds, and surplus bond funds are available from other recently-completed capital improvement projects for the funding of this project; and WHEREAS, bids were solicited under Section 8.1, Competitive Sealed Bidding, of the Leesburg Purchasing Regulations for the construction of these improvements; and WHEREAS, the bids were received on April 1, 1992 and were evaluated pursuant to the bid Minutes of April 14, 1992 documents, Town Purchasing Regulations and the Virginia Public Procurement Act, and a recommendation of award has been made by the Director of Engineering and Public Works; and VFHEREAS, William B. Hopke Co., Inc. is the lowest bidder and has been declared to be both responsible and responsive; and THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. The Town Manager is authorized and directed to execute, on behalf of the town, a lump sum construction contract with William B. Hopke Co., Inc. for the base contract amount of $138,000.00 for the Peer Manor Offsite Storm Sewer Project. SECTION II. The following transfers of capital project funds are hereby authorized. Ao Transfer $35,300.00 from Capital Project Account 9301 Phase VI Storm Drainage Project to Capital Project Account 9304 West Market/Loudoun Street Improvements (Peer Manor Offsite Storm Sewer). Bo Transfer $17,70.0.00 from Capital Project Account 9307 Dry Mill Road Improvements to Capital Project Account 9304 West Market/Loudoun Street Improvements (Peer Manor Offsite Storm Sewer). Co Transfer $125,000.00 from Capital Project Account 9311 West Loudoun Drainage Improvements to Capital Project Account 9304 West Market/Loudoun Street Improvements (Peer Manor Offsite Storm Sewer). 92-44 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRIC SERVICE WITH VIRGINIA POWER WHEREAS, a steering committee composed of representatives of the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Association of Counties has successflxlly negotiated an agreement with Virginia Power to provide local governments with electricity for the period July 1, 1991, to June 30, 1994; and WHEREAS, the new rates will be retroactive to July 1, 1991, and will provide for no increase in the basic rate previously charged for the first two years; and WHEREAS, during the third year of the agreement, rates will increase 5%. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia that the manager is authorized to execute an agreement with Virginia Power for the purchase of electric service for the period of July 1, 1991, to June 30, 1994. 92-45 - RESOLUTION - ENDORSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LEGAL CLINIC AT THE WOMEN'S SHELTER WHEREAS, the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter (LAWS) is the only shelter for battered women and their children in Loudoun County; and WHEREAS, the purpose of LAWS is to work for an end to domestic violence; and WHEREAS, the shelter is applying to the Virginia Law Foundation for a grant to start a needed legal clinic; and WHEREAS, the legal clinic is consistent with the goals of the shelter to provide a safe place for the survivors of domestic violence; to empower, inform and advocate for battered women and their children; and to educate the community about domestic violence. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. The Leesburg Town Council supports the work of the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter on behalf of battered women and their children. Minutes of April 14, 1992 SECTION 11 The Leesburg Town Council supports the efforts of the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter to begin a Legal Clinic in order to better serve its clients. SECTION HI. The Leesburg Town Council encourages the Virginia Law Foundation to fund the establishment of a legal clinic at the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter. 92-46 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING A LEASE EXTENSION WITH LOUDOUN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION FOR TOWN-OWNED OFFICE SPACE WHEREAS, the Town Manager executed a nine month lease with the Loudoun County Transportation Association on September 26, 1991, in accordance with Town of Leesburg Resolution No. 91-184; and WHEREAS, the present lease, which requires no payment of rent, expires on June 16, 1992; and WHEREAS, on March 26, 1992, Mr. David M. Dougherty, Jr. of the Loudoun County Transportation Association provided a written request to renegotiate the lease of office space with the Town of Leesburg for another year; and WHEREAS, on April 7, 1992, the Town Council Administration and Public Works Committee recommended authorizing the manager to negotiate a new one-year lease with the Loudoun County Transportation Association for an appropriate rent; and WHEREAS, the Loudoun County Transportation Association is an organization that works to enhance the quality of life of Leesburg citizens by offering community-wide bus transportation; and WHEREAS, the town additionally continues to assist with this needed service by providing fuel and vehicle maintenance. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: The Town Manager is authorized and directed to prepare a new lease of town-owned office space for use by the Loudoun County Transportation Association for an appropriate rent. The term of the lease shall be twelve (12) months effective June 17, 1992, with unilateral cancellation by either party with thirty (30) days notice. The new lease shall include restriction on fuel and maintenance to current levels so that the town will not be responsible for costs incurred for servicing clients outside the town limits. The terms of said lease shall be reviewed and approved by the Town Attorney. 92-47 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT AND APPROVING A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE AND WATER AND SEWER EXTENSION PERMITS FOR PHASE ONE ROAD CONSTRUCTION FOR HIGH POINT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. The manager shall execute the contract for public improvements for the improvements shown on the plans approved by the Director of Engineering and Public Works for Phase One Road Construction for High Point. SECTION II. The extension of municipal water and sewer for Phase One Road Construction for High Point is approved in accordance with Sections 15-9 and 19-18 of the Town Code. SECTION III. The corporate surety bond in a form approved by the town attorney from the Fidelity and Deposit Company in the amount of $218,485.00 is approved as security to guarantee installation of the public improvements shown on plans approved by the Director of Engineering and Public Works for Phase One Road Construction for High Point. 92-48 - RESOLUTION - RESCHEDULING THE MAY 5, 1992, PLANNING AND ZONING AND ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETINGS WHEREAS, the Council's Planning and Zoning and Administration and Public Works Committees are scheduled to meet on May 5, 1992; and WHERF.,~, these meetings will interfere with the May 5, 1992, town election: Minutes of April 14, 1992 THEREFOI~, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: The Council's Planning and Zoning and Administration and Public Works Committee meetings scheduled to meet on May 5, 1992, are rescheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 6, 1992. 92-49 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEESBURG ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 18 DEFI1VITION OF A BED AND BREAKFAST INN AND ARTICLE llA-7, SECTION (6) SPECIAL EXCEPTION STANDARDS FOR BED AND BREAKFAST INN RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: A notice of public hearing to consider an amendment to the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance Article 18 Definition of Bed and Breakfast Inn and Article 11A-7, Section (6) Special Exception Standards for Bed and Breakfast Inn shall be published in the Loudoun Times Mirror on April 15, 1992 and April 22, 1992 for public hearing on April 28, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 25 West Market Street~ Leesburg, Virginia. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None PUBLIC HEARING - To consider the proposed budget for fiscal year July 1, 1992 - June 30, 1993 Mr. Brown addressed the council presenting the staff report. He pointed out that the tax rate was advertised. He stated that this is a public hearing for next year and is also a hearing on the proposed increase in the real estate tax rate to .205 cents. He acknowledged the efforts of a number of people that helped put the budget together. They are the department directors, assistant town manager, Susan Farmer, Della Clark, Nancy Fixx and Mary Mack. The document was produced in house almost 100 percent. Mr. Brown also acknowledged the Town Council who has worked very hard since September over several exhausting budget workshops to come up with some recommendations which have been included in the budget. It is a very dedicated effort by everyone. Mr. Brown presented a slide presentation showing that the proposed budget is balanced at a level of spending that is three years old. He stated that the proposed budget calls for $9.75 million in general funds. The 1989-90 general fund spending was approximately $9.7 million. The $9.75 million budgeted for the next fiscal year is a 11 percent reduction from last year and $150,000 less then two years ago. The town's current tax rate is $.19. The proposed tax rate is $.205 which is still reasonable when compared to the ten largest towns in Virginia. Assessed values in 1991 were $1.6 billion. In 1993 they will have dropped a couple hundred million. The average homeowner's tax bill should remain about the same. Other revenue enhancements is a proposed cigarette tax increase from the current $.5 cents per pack to $.15 cents per pack. Also included is a vehicle license fee increase from $20.00 to $25.00. Economic development and tourism efforts will be continued. The utility fund includes funds for the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant. Federal funding is also anticipated for the airport fund. Budget workshops have been scheduled every Monday at 6:30 p.m., from now until the budget is adopted. DISCUSSION Mr. Kimball stated that during his four years on the Council this has been the most satisfying budget year in his experience. Mr. Brown and his stsff have answered the Council's questions. Mr. Brown has been very responsive and informative. The Council has scrutinized the budget line upon line. He thanked Mr. Brown and staff for the job they have done in presenting the proposed budget. Mayor Sevila thanked Mr. Kimball for his comments and also thanked Mr. Brown and his staff. Minutes of April 14, 1992 Mr.' Bruce Roberts representing Leesburg Renaissance addressed the Council. He thanked the Council for having the wisdom to enter into this public/private partnership. He stated that the Town needs a strong business community. It is important to continue to work together. We need to bring people into town by antiques/entertainment. The town needs to form an economic plan and physical plan. Now is the time to promote economic development. Mr. Roberts strongly urges Council to keep Leesburg Renaissance funding as close to last year's amount as possible. Ms. Patti Snodgrass Executive Director of Leesburg Renaissance addressed the Council also requesting that funding be kept as close to last year's amount as possible. Mr. Dick Wright representing LCCVB addressed the Council stating that town funds and support need to continue. Mr. Marc Weiss representing Bluemont Concert Series requested that funding continue at the same amount as last year. Mr. Peter Dunning representing Bluemont Concert Series requested that funding continue at same amount as last year or as close as possible. Mayor Sevila recalled a case in which a citizen/tax payer group challenged action taken by a government in spending money to promote performing arts. In this case that made its way up to the Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes said basically, that "no government ever exceeded its bounds when it invested its funds in the improvement of the quality of life of its citizens." Mr. Kimball addressed Mr. Weiss and Mr. Dunning stating that he has been acquainted with their efforts over the past years and has attended quite a number of them. He applauded their efforts. Mr. Norman Myers a local business man addressed the Council requesting the following. · A sign at the triangle that reads: '~q/elcome to Downtown Historic Leesburg" Continue with the events and festivals but add a lot more - 3 is not enough. More entertainment is needed. Promote the town's image, and theme. VDOT signs when a festival is being held should say: "There's a festival happening please come into our town" More help is needed from the BAR - encouragement - what can we do in the town - not what we can't do. Zoning enforcement - what can we do in the town - not what we can't do. · Tax incentives to bring more retail into Leesburg. · The DBA is in terrible shape. Their money is now going to Leesburg Renaissance. Need Christmas decorations for downtown and some type of lease enforcement as do the larger shopping malls, that would help pay for advertising and Christmas decorations, etc. Need a better liaison between the town and organizations (LRA, DBA, LCCVB, etc.) 50 percent of meals tax should go back into the organizations (LRA, DBA, LCCVB, etc.) · The town needs an economic development officer. · Create incentives for office space rental. · Conduct brainstorming sessions. Mr. Sam Legard asked what harm would it cause to have free parking in the garage and how much revenue the town would lose by doing so? He stated that the town should try harder to bring business Minutes of April 14, 1992 into Leesburg. He stated that the problem still exists with burned out buildings in town and they are an eyesore. Mr. Brown stated that as a long as a health hazard did not exist there was very little that the town could do on private property. Mr. Kimball suggested researching these properties to see if taxes on them have been paid. Mr. Alton Echols - asked for a common help for the whole Town of Leesburg. He urged the Council to take funds from the budget for organizations (LRA, DBA, LCCVB, etc.). Mayor Sevila closed the public hearing. Mr. Brown announced the schedule of budget workshops. They are scheduled for every Monday through the first of May. Staff anticipates adoption of the budget at the end of May. Budget workshops are held at 6:30 p.m., in the lower level conference room. Mr. Lovin stated that this Council and the elected Council of 1988 has been responsible for Leesburg Renaissance, has funded the LCCVB and has responded to citizen concerns about parking. The parking garage was built without any tax increase. The Town of Purcellville converted a food store into a town municipal office building and raised their tax rate to $.23 cent. The vote was six to one to fund Leesburg Renaissance. Leesburg and the County of Loudoun are the only two jurisdictions that are funding the LCCVB. There has to be a spirit of cooperation and a positive attitude by people in the downtown business area. There needs to be a general attitude change in downtown Leesburg. MOTION On motion of Mr. Clem, seconded by Ms. Bange, this matter was referred to the April 27, budget workshop. Mayor Sevila stated that those members of the public who spoke have encouraged this government to take a more pro-active role in the destiny of this town's commercial future. The manner and method by which they have suggested that we take that role is one that involves in every case additional expenditures over and above what we are currently investing and programs that have been adopted in the past to support the downtown, to support commercial enterprise in ou~ town. It is very easy to back away from every "revenue enhancement, i.e., tax increase" and say the people don't want it. The people who had enough gumption to come to this meeting tonight told us that they want us spending more money on their future because they recognize that the investment of those funds in their future and in this town's future means economic prosperity and hopefully a long term leveling of the real estate tax rate at a level which, by comparison, is one of the lowest in the state and for a community of our size is in fact the lowest in the state. Only one speaker, tonight, who addressed revenue suggested we eliminate one source of revenue - our parking garage. That suggestion is not without merit but it certainly means the cost of operating our parking garage will have to be born from other sources within the budget. VOTE Nay: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila None COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Webb stated that he attended the Arbor Day celebration and was disappointed at the attendance. The event was well planned and executed. He expressed his appreciation of the citizen concern regarding the budget. Mr. Lovin congratulated Ms. Rom, former member of the BAR. Ms. Rom did an incredible job serving on the BAR. He congratulated Nancy Fixx, Personnel Officer, who was appointed Regional Secretary to the Executive Committee for the United Way. The contributions that the town employees make to the United Way, on all levels, is note worthy when the town employees received no raise last year or this year and a Minutes of April 14, 1992 proposed 2.7 percent pay cut. Mr. Clem echoed Mr. Webb's comments with regard to Arbor Day. He asked Mr. Brown to pass along, to Ms. Haines and Mrs. Cushman of the Finance Department, a gratitude of thanks for the work they are doing selling town decals. Mr. Kimball acknowledged Mr. Alton Echol's efforts to bring new business into town. It is proof positive that even in a down market that you can still make. Obviously Mr. Echols has found the key. He has done some creative and innovative things and is a credit to our community. He expressed his appreciation to the town's street crews for the work they are doing on South King Street. The streets in Leesburg are clean and attractive which provides a positive visual appearance to our community. He stated that the request for tax exemptions for retail merchants is a valid recommendation and bares some research. He stated that the local, state and federal government did not bring this recession on and they will not make it go away. Government can aid the process by helping to provide a positive climate for growth. This Council has attempted to that and have succeeded in some areas. The citizens need to realize that this Council shares their concern for the economy. It takes a joint effort. With regard to the comment made about Leesburg Renaissance and the six to one vote - Mr. Kimball stated that he was the one that initially voted against additional funding. It is an organization that needs to get more on an even keel which is difficult to do in these economic times. One area that was a problem, which has been resolved, is reducing the fee to join Leesburg Renaissance. This is a positive step. Of all the comments received tonight asking for government funds, there have been no recommendations on how to increase the revenue to get those funds. Mrs. Forester stated that she attended the EDAC committee meeting and talked with them about their commitment to the downtown. She looks forward to working closely with them and with downtown to continue the revitalization. She attended the memorial drive groundbreaking at GWU and also the groundbreaking for the Xerox Training Center expansion. This points out that there is commitment to this area and there is commitment and concern in this community. Businesses that want to be involved and want to see the town move out of the recessionary economy. She also attended the Arbor Day celebration and wished to thank Gary Huff and his staff, the EAC and also the Arbor Day Committee for all their hard work. On Saturday the Leesburg Crime Prevention Council will hold a bake sale in front of the Giant. She encouraged everyone to support it. These funds go to help the DARE Program and projects for the education of our children. She expressed concern about economic development and the plea for funds. She agrees with them stating that the only reason this Council looked at cutting those func~ is because the majority of this Council said they would not support an increase in revenues from any sources. Our hands were tied in that area and we had to look at where we could make the cuts. We have made very deep cuts in the town budget. The only lobby we did not hear from tonight and is probably the lobby that is suffering the most are our town employees. They are not only taking a 2.7 percent pay cut but they are looking at working harder and doing more with less. We cannot continue to balance the budget on the backs of our town employees. I would implore the members of this Council, that after hearing the pleas for funds tonight, how would they respond if they heard those same pleas from the employees of this town? We have some hard work to do)major decisions to make and major thinking about our priorities and how we are going to get the revenues we need to help all of the very worthwhile causes and to balance the town budget. Ms. Bange stated that she attended the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Two grants were applied for by Gary Huff and it looks like these may be granted. The grants are for improvement to buildings and an access road. Minutes of April 14, 1992 WAGE Radio will be hosting a "Light Up the Sky" event on May 14, to help raise funds to help pay for the fire works on July 4th at Ida Lee. We are still in the process of looking at the budget. There were two msjor groups that were non-vocal - the town employees and also the general population of the Town of Leesburg. None of these people will be left out as we consider the budget. We will be as fair as we possibly can. The 2.7 percent pay cut is the elimination of 7.5 paid holidays. Ms. Bange stated that she would not support this. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Sevila stated that he and Calvin Grow attended the April 1, public hearing on the VDOT Six Year Plan. The town received some positive feedback, however, no commitments were made. Senator Waddell and Delegate Mires were also present to speak on behalf of the town's request. Staff has talked about tax incentives as a way to stimulate and encourage business in the downtown. Staff has looked into the State Code for any authority that the town might have to do that sort of thing - the lack of response is indicative of the fact that such incentives are not available. He suggested that staff draft legislation to present to the General Assembly next year. With regard to the Arbor Day celebration, Mayor Sevila suggested combining this event next year with the Flower and Garden Festival as it was done last year. He attended the first roundtable discussion at Dodona Manor. There was a very impressive panel of speakers. Saturday, April 25, is opening day for little league at JR Festival. He encouraged everyone to attended. MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Brown reported that the Council did receive a copy of the written activity report. He thanked John Johnson, Susan Farmer and Gary Huff for the particular contributions to the Arbor Day event. The EDAC Business Seminar will begin on April 30 and run through June 17. April 15, is the last day to purchase town tags. The town's Surplus Auction sale is scheduled for 12 noon on April 15, at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. NEW BUSINESS 12. MOTION On motion of Mrs. Forester, seconded by Mr. Clem, the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted. 92-50 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT AND APPROVING A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE AND A WATER EXTENSION PERMIT FOR THE LEESBURG BAPTIST CHURCH WATERMAIN EXTENSION, PHASE I RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: SECTION I. The manager shall execute the contract for public improvements for the improvements shown on the plans approved by the Director of Engineering and Public Works for Leesburg Baptist Church Watermaln Extension, Phase I. SECTION II. The extension of municipal water for Leesburg Baptist Church Watermain Extension, Phase I is approved in accordance with Section 19-18 of the Town Code. SECTION III. The irrevocable bank letter of credit in a form approved by the town attorney from Minutes of April 14, 1992 the Bank of Loudoun in the amount of $36,100.00 is approved as security to guarantee installation of the public improvements shown on plans approved by the Director of Engineering and Public Works for Leesburg Baptist Church Waterrnain Extension, Phase I. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None 12. MOTION On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Clem, the following resolution was proposed and unanimously adopted. 92-51 - RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZING THE DISPLAY OF BANNERS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF- WAY FOR THE LOUDOUN ABUSED WOMEN'S SHELTER AND WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER "RUN 5K FOR THE ROSES~ WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 92-31, Town Council authorized the dosing of streets for the five kilometer run around downtown Leesburg on April 25, 1992; and WHEREAS, in addition to the closing of streets on the day of the event, the Women's Resource Center desires to display banners prior to the event; and WHEREAS, the proposed banners and banner locations are described in the attached request from Ms. Jane Sasser, dated April 8, 1992. THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as follows: Two (2) banners, each not to exceed a maximum size of 2'x 6' are authorized to be securely displayed within the public right-of-way between April 15, 1992, and April 25, 1992. The specific location of the banners shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Engineering and Public Works. DISCUSSION Mayor Sevila stated that the citizens surrounding the streets that will be closed for this event must be well informed in advance of the street closings. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball, Lovin, Webb and Mayor Sevila Nay: None Mayor Sevila re-opened the budget public hearing to include a letter written by Mr. Frank Ratio. Mr. Raflo's letter is attached and made a part of the official record. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Mrs. Forester reminded the citizens of the candidate debate scheduled for 7:30 p.m., on Thursday. MOTION On motion of Ms. Bange, seconded by Mr. Clem, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Bange, Clem, Forester, Kimball,Lovin, W/~bb and M~ ~aW b and M Se ' a Clerk of Council