HomeMy Public PortalAbout1993_10_04SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 4, 1993
A special meeting of the Leesburg Town Council was held on October 4, 1993, at 4:30 p.m., in the
first floor executive conference room, 25 West Market Street. Notice having been delivered to all members
of the Council prior thereto. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the town's legislative endorsements
for the 1994 Virginia General Assembly.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present
George F. Atwell
Georgia W. Bange
Ronald W. Blake
Joseph R. Trocino
Kristen C. Umstattd
William F. Webb
Mayor James E. Clem
Staff members present
Town Manager Steven C. Brown
Deputy Town Manager Peter Stephenson
Town Attorney George Martin
Also present was: Senator Waddell, Delegate Mims, Jean Brown, Joe May and David Chadwick
Mr. Brown welcomed everyone. Mr. Stephenson then handed out and began reviewing a memo to the state
legislators, dated October 4, 1993. The Council's priority legislative matters were discussed as follows:
Community Appearance
The desire to achieve clear authority to condemn and address several buildings which are severely fire
damaged and abandoned was discussed. George Martin stated that last year's Attorney General's opinion
provided no statutory conclusion. Also, nuisance and zoning laws do not address enough either. Mr. Mires
suggeste~! a possible charter amendment. Senator Waddell agreed that this may be the best route, provided
the towt: conducts its requisite notice and public hearing in advance.
Law Enforcement
Mr. Martin stated the town's desire to allow communities that have adopted the state code by reference to
forego readopting each year those sections regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mr.
Mims suggested first receiving an Attorney General's opinion as to the constitutionality of this matter. Also,
mention at the Virginia Municipal League conference to see if other communities are concerned.
Mr. Stephenson described the lengthy process in receiving confiscated goods revenues back from the state.
Senator Waddell suggested that perhaps a resolution of concern could be adopted, however, it may be difficult
to legislate a change in this process.
Mr. Brown described the town's needs for additional grant assistance, and problems with present HUD criteria
re: Loudoun House. The legislators took this information under advisement.
Condemnation Authority
Delegate Mims described his efforts last year to give all large towns "quick take" authority in common;
however, it met with some resistance as most large towns already have such authority individually. Senator
Waddell suggested getting copies of and reviewing town charters from Vienna and Blacksburg. Delegate Mires
suggested sponsorship of a charter amendment to give Leesburg the same condemnation authority as Loudoun
County.
Revenue Enhancement/Equit3t
Both rental property tax revenue and sales tax revenue inequitieswere discussed per the memo. Councilman
Atwell commented that VML is studying the BPOL tax this year in depth, as businesses oppose this gross
receipts tax. He also stated that VML may support a change in the sales tax formula from school age
population to percentage of total population, which would increase our receipts. Delegate Mires asked if the
town had discussed these concerns with the county staff. Steve said not at length.
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Clerk of Council~- f
mes E. Clem, Mayor
Town of Leesburg