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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000_04_11COUNCIL MEETING April 11, 2000 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Clem presiding. Councilmembers Present: George F. Atwell, Mervin V. Jackson, Leonard McDonald, Kristen C. Umstattd, Vice Mayor Webb, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Clem. Staff 14embers Present: Robert S. Noe, Town Manager, William E. Donnelly, Town Attorney, Assistant Town Manager for Economic Development John Henry King, Director of Engineering & Public Works Thomas A. Mason, Director of Planning, Zoning & Development Michael Tompkins, Planner Stacey Rothfuss, Public Information Officer Susan Farmer, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, and Acting Clerk of Council Mary Mack. AGENDA ITEMS A. Invocation was led by Councilmember McDonald. B. Salute to the Flag was led by Councilmember Umstattd. C. Roll Call showing all members present. I::). Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Harry Householder for coming to the rescue of a neighbor in serious distress. E. Proclamations: Receiving the proclamation was the Chairman of Leesburg Economic Development Commission LaMott Smith and Chairman of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Merv Forney. A Proclamation Business Appreciation Week 2000 WHEREAS~ the Town of Leesburg in Virginia is pleased to have a thriving base of business and industry to support the local economy; and WHEREAS, these businesses provide essential employment opportunities for the citizens of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia; and WHEREAS, these businesses provide local revenues from which the entire local citizenry benefit; and WHEREAS, these businesses also make significant contributions in our communities to promote educational opportunities for our children and promote a variety of activities which increase the quality of life of the area; and WHEREAS~ we recognize and appreciate these businesses; Leesburg Town Council Minutes for 4/11/00 Page #2 NOW, THEREFORE, we the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg, hereby recognize our existing businesses, and by virtue of this proclamation give notice to our citizens that we are "Honoring a New Century of Business in Virginia", and FURTHER, that the week of May 14-20, 2000 is Business Appreciation Week in the Town of Leesburg in Virginia. The second proclamation for the evening was: A Proclamation 2000 Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2 WHEREAS, the incidence and prevalence of child abuse and neglect have reached alarming proportions in the United States, WHEREAS, Virginia and the Citizens 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 RZBBON 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 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia do hereby proclaim the month of April 2000, as CHTLD ABUSE PREVENTTON MONTH in Leesburg, and call upon our citizens to observe the month with appropriate programs, wearing of blue ribbons, and other activities. Vice Mayor Webb announced two telephone numbers for children and families for help in the instance of child abuse. Minutes: On motion of Councilmember .lackson, seconded by Councilmember McDonald, the following minutes were unanimously approved: a. Minutes for Work Session - March 13, 2000 b. Minutes for Regular Session - March 14, 2000 c. Minutes for Work Session - March 27, 2000 d. Minutes for Regular Session - March 28, 2000 G. Petitioners: Leesburg Town Council Minutes for 4/11/00 Page #3 The following petitioners addressed the Mayor and Council: Douq Goolsby, 906 Chancellor Street, speaking in favor of the South King Street trail, pointing out its advantages as a future connection to the 621 Park and the schools on Evergreen Mill Road. He also spoke of the economic advantages of the South King Street trail versus the Chancellor Street trail. Cheryl Steinhice, resident of 904 Chancellor Street, speaking against the Crestmont project. She also asked for consideration of the South King Street trail as opposed to the Chancellor Street trail. Nancy Burfield, resident of Babson Circle, speaking in support of the South King Street trail and the need for safe pedestrian passage on King Street. Tom Steinhice, 904 Chancellor Street, spoke in support of the South King Street trail and against the trail on Chancellor Street. Ellen James, resident of 902 Chancellor Street, read a letter from her neighbor, Cynthia Boyce, in support of the South King Street trail, advising that the Chancellor Street trail is purely recreational, while the South King Street trail meets the needs of the citizens. David Heatwole, representing the Umbrella Offering project, working with students. He asked the Council for consideration of a contribution of a grant for $3,000 for this effort. He announced the endorsement from Interfaith Relief. Gem Binqol, for the Coalition for Leesburg's Future, thanking the Council for their consideration of the request for use of the Council Chambers for the candidates forum. There were no further petitioners. H. Public Hearing: Rezoning Application #ZM-161, Ryland at Stratford, Concept Plan and Proffer Amendment and Amendment and Modification of Section 13-75(992)(d) of the Subdivision and Land Development Requlations. Planner Stacey Rothfuss presented the staff report for this application. Randy Minchew presented the report for the applicant. He introduced Ken Berg of Ryland Homes who outlined the planned units and stated that this request would result in a 21-unit reduction. Mr. Berg stated that private roads allow greater flexibility in design. Lisa Chapman, a resident of Stratford, was recognized and stated that she is withdrawing her opposition to the plan, because the recreational center has been returned to its original location. Allison Kozlowski, 207 Jennings Court in Stratford, said that she too is withdrawing her opposition because they have moved the recreational Center and also because they will have a separate Homeowners Association. Leesburg Town Council Minutes for 4/11/00 Page #4 Michael Galvin, resident of 102 Jennings Court. thanked Ryland for working with the residents and stated that he is also withdrawing his opposition. Mayor Clem announced that the public hearing will remain open for ten days, and the application will be on the next work session agenda for discussion. The public hearing was closed at 9:10 p.m. I. Councilmember comments: Am B. J. Webb reported on HR2372 The Private Property Rights Implementation Act passed by the House on the 16th, with consideration pending by the Senate. She 'spoke of a need for the Council to respond to the State Senators. She asked that this matter be put on the next workshop session. Robert Zoldos reminded everyone of the Tenth Annual Flower and Garden Festival scheduled for April 29th and 30th. Mervin Jackson stated he had no comments. Kristen Umstattd reminded everyone that there are four days remaining for citizens to purchase their automobile decals. She reported that a draft of the proposed new Zoning Ordinance is under review by the Planning Commission. She spoke of a concern regarding a new requirement on structures in the downtown and its economic impact on citizens. Georqe Atwell reported that he has toured the Balch Library construction project and stated that everything appears to be in good order, stating he feels that the completed project will be something to be proud of for generations to come. Leonard McDonald announced that the public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 25th, advising that this is the time to be heard. He also stated that he will be supporting a tax reduction. Mayor's comments: Mayor Clem reported that he attended the Gallery Walk on April 7th, that there was a good turnout for the Arbor Day celebration and that he also attended a Leadership Loudoun session on how to work with the media. He announced that there will be a budget work session on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. He further announced that Mr. Uran has made a generous donation to Graydon Manor and Jeremiah House. Mayor Clem personally thanked staff member Barry Thompson for his efforts in securing a donation of a free dumpster from Waste Management for Interfaith Relief. Manager's comments: Hr. Noe announced the appointment of Phillip L. Rodenberg to the position of Deputy Town Manager, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager in Williamsburg, He will be reporting some time in early May. He stated that interviews have been completed for Town Clerk and hopefully an appointment will be made in the near future. L. Legislation: ORDINANCES Leesburg Town Council Minutes for 4/11/00 Page #5 NO ordinances were proposed for this meeting, CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember McDonald moved the following consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Jackson: 2000- 70 - A RESOLUTZON: authorizing an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation for development and administration of a Project to Coordinate Traffic Signals on East Market Street by the Town of Leesburg. 2000- 71 - A RESOLUTZON: authorizing an addendum to the agreement with VDOT for right-of way acquisition and construction administration and management of the Catoctin Circle Widening Project in the Town of Leesburg from South King Street to South Street 2000- 72 - A RESOLUTZON: accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Exeter First Addition. 2000- 73 - A RESOLUTZON: authorizing an agreement and approving a performance guarantee and water and sewer extension permits for Stowers, Section 1. 2000- 74 - A RESOLUT]:ON: endorsing a name change for the Northern Virginia Planning District Commission. 2000- 75 - A RE$OLUT]:ON: authorizing use of the Council Chambers by the Coalition for Leesburg's Future. 2000- 76 - A RESOLUTZON: making appointments to the Balch Library Advisory Commission Councilmember Jackson asked Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason to clarify that a left turn light at Harrison and Catoctin Circle will be a part of the widening project for Catoctin Circle. Mr. Mason confirmed that this will be done. Councilmember Umstattd asked Mr. Mason regarding pedestrian crossing at East Market Street and Catoctin Circle and if the widening project will impact this problem. Mr. Mason stated it would not have an impact. He stated that the East Market Street widening project will include a new signal at that intersection and should provide for some improved timing for pedestrians. Construction for that is over a year away. Mr. IVlason stated that the South King Street widening project will be completed before start on the Catoctin Circle project. Vice Mayor asked about other pedestrian crossings on East Market Street. Mr. Mason stated that it is being investigated, but there are no plans at this time. He stated that mid-block crossing is allowed by law, but stated at the present time there are no fixes for the concerns. The consent agenda was then approved by the following vote: Aye: Atwell, Jackson, McDonald, Umstattd, Webb, Zoldos and Clem Nay: None Leesburg Town Council Minutes for 4/11/00 Page #6 I REGULAR AGENDA ] On motion of Councilmember Umstattd, seconded by Councilmember Zoldos, the following motion was proposed and unanimously adopted. 2000- 77 - A RESOLUTION: authorizing a license agreement for 204 Liberty Street, S.W. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p,m. ~erk of-~ouncil Jp~es E. Clem, Mayor