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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1993_04_14SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL APRIL 14, 1993 A special meeting of the Leesburg Town Council was held on April 14, 1993, at 4:30 p.m., in the first floor executive conference room, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a request for town endorsement to relocate the hospital to the Leegate site. Notice having been delivered to all members of the Council prior thereto. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT George F. Atwell Georgia W. Bange Ronald W. Blake Joseph R. Trocino Kristen C. Umstattd William F. Webb (Absent) Mayor James E. Clem STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Director of Engineering and Public Works Thomas A. Mason DISCUSSION Mayor Clem stated that the Leegate site is the only site in Leesburg still under consideration by the hospital, other than the current site. He stated that the Council needs to hear from the hospital as to what type of information is needed and what is required to satisfy the hospital's needs. He stated that the town is not generally in this sort of position where it entertains this type of investing in properties. Mr. Michael Costello, representing First Potomac Development Company, stated that there are two categories of issues that the Council needs to address. One can be done now which is the policy question. There are different constituencies within the town asking the Council for different actions. There is a group that feels very strongly that the hospital should remain at its current site. On the other hand, there is the hospital's board of directors who have made an institutional decision that their long-term survival is not assured at the current site and that they need to move to a different location that would provide better access from the east and west. From a policy standpoint the Council is being pressured from both directions. From the ownership's standpoint we are cautious about entering into this without the strong, unified support of the municipality because otherwise our site could get tied-up in a lengthy process of fighting between various groups. The types of issues that the hospital is concerned about in selecting a site include development of infrastructure. Currently there is only one entrance to Leegate. An inte}section has to happen at the site. This has to be processed through the town government. A second issue is whether or not there is any economic involvement on the part of the town government from an economic development standpoint to help this project work. It seems that the overall, 20,000 people in Leesburg have an overriding interest in the hospital staying within the corporate limits of Leesburg. The overwhelming interest of the town is to keep the hospital within the corporate limits. This is a critical juncture because if we cannot unify now on that point then we may virtually have the effect of driving the hospital out of town. Mr. Costello then reviewed drawings of the proposed site. Councilmember Atwell stated that his personal preference, at this point, is that the hospital stay in its current location. Councilmember Blake stated that he understands Mr. Costello's position. He agreed to support the Council's original resolution. Councilmember Bange agreed to support the Council's original resolution and prefers the hospital remain at its current site. Councilmember Umstattd asked Mr. Costello how much of the infrastructure costs does he think the town would have to pay. Mr. Mason reviewed the proposed infrastructure items related to the hospital locating at Leegate. Ms. Umstattd asked if Mr. Costello was asking the Council to rescind its prior resolution and adopt a new one which would offer to pick up some of the infrastructure costs. Mr. Costello answered no. He stated that what he will ultimately offer to the hospital is the purchase of x acres of land at x price. The land will not be developed with the infrastructure in place. If the hospital elects to accept that offer then they will in essence be the developer at that point. Mr. Costello said he is not asking that the previous resolution be rescinded. He suggested a revised and/or amended resolution stating that the Town Council acknowledges the Leegate site as being on the final list for selection by the hospital - while the Council prefers the hospital to stay where it is - of the sites that have been named the Council endorses the one in the Town. Ms. Bange stated that by amending the adopted resolution or taking another vote may be sending a wrong message. (Councilmember Umstattd departed from the meeting) Mr. Blake agreed to amend the current resolution since the hospital has narrowed the sites down to five which excludes the hospital's current site. Mr. Atwell agreed to stand by the current resolution. MOTION Mr. Blake made a motion to amend Section II of Resolution No. 93-53 to state.., leave the hospital within the corporate limits of Leesburg. The motion was seconded by Mr. Atwell. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Atwell and Blake Nay: Bange and Mayor Clem Abstain: Trocino Absent: Umstattd and Webb MOTION Ms. Bange made a motion to reaffirm Resolution No. 93-53 as adopted. The motion failed for lack of a second, therefore, Resolution No. 93-53 remains in effect and unchanged. MOTION - On motion of, and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned. 4/14/93 -2-