HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000_11_14COUNCIL MEETING November 14, 2000
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding.
Councilmembers Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald,
David Schmidt, Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos, and Mayor Webb.
Staff Present: Robert Noe, Town Manager, William Donnelly, Town Attorney, Phillip
Rodenberg, Deputy Town Manager, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom
Mason, Planner Delane Parks. Budget Analyst Andrew Russell, and Clerk of Council
Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA TTEMS
A. Invocation by Councilmember Atwell.
B. Salute to the Flag was led by Councilmember Zoldos.
C. Roll Call showing all members present.
D. Minutes:
On a motion by Councilmember Zoldos, seconded by Councilmember
Schmidt, the minutes of the November 30, 2000 and November 31, 2000 were
approved as amended.
E. Presentation:
On a motion by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by Councilmember
Schmidt the following resolution of respect was approved unanimously.
RF, SOLUTION OF RF, SPECT
BURR POWELL HARRISON
WHEREAS, Burr Powell Harrison, died on November 1, 2000; and
WHEREAS, Burr Powell Harrison was bom in Leesburg and returned after
serving in World War II in the U.S. Army at the Pentagon in Washington, DC and later in
China and India, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and.
WHEREAS, Burr Powell Harrison was a founding partner in Armfield, Harrison
& Thomas Inc. in Leesburg; and
WHEREAS, the Leesburg historic downtown owes much to his efforts in the
1950's when he was president of Colonial Leesburg, Inc. Mr. Harrison led the effort to
establish the Leesburg Planning Commission and to restore and revitalize Leesburg's
Historic District; and
Town Council Minutes for November 14, 2000 Page 2
WHEREAS, he founded the Piedmont Environmental Council in 1972 and was
instrumental in gaining local autonomy for Oatlands Plantation, which is owned by the
National Trust for Historic Preservation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harrison help found the Preservation Society of Loudoun
County and also founded the Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harrison's last great endeavor was the effort to preserve Dodona
Manor, General George C. Marshall's Leesburg home; and
WHEREAS, Burr Powell Harrison's love and devotion for his hometown of
Leesburg, County of Loudoun, and the Commonwealth of Virginia were manifested in a
lifetime of service to organizations and causes associated with the preservation of
Virginia's heritage, protection of its rural landscape, and enrichment of the lives of both
present and future generations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, in January 2000 Mr. Harrison was declared as "Citizen of the
Century" by the Loudoun Times Mirror; and
THEREFORE, RESOLVED that the Mayor and members of the Council of the
Town of Leesburg in Virginia extend their deepest sympathy to the members of the Mr.
Harrison' s family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution of Respect be spread upon
the minutes of this meeting and that a copy be sent to his family.
PASSED this 14th day of November 2000.
B. J. Webb, Mayor
I=. Petitioners
Bonnie Westfall addressed Council announcing the Annual Holiday Decoration
Contest sponsored by Middleburg Bank and the Town of Leesburg. She outlined the
different categories for which cash prizes will be awarded adding the judging will
take place on December 13, 14, and 15th ,
Stanley Caulkins, 11 South King Street, addressed Council. Mr. Caulkins
discussed the parking problems in downtown Leesburg explaining that it is his
observation that a lot of the merchants are using the street parking for their own
personal use.
Bill Pittman addressed Council in opposition to the rezoning at 24 Church
Street. He stated that the criteria used for this rezoning is in error and
unreasonable. Mr. Pittman added the rezoning will downgrade the property and this
rezoning request is based solely on financial gain.
Town Council Minutes for November 14, 2000 Page 3
Robert Hincherick addressed Council in opposition to the rezoning at 24
Church Street. He asked that the property be protected and preserved as a
residential and that office uses not be allowed.
G. Public Hearings
a. $E-2OO0-08
Delane Parks gave an overview of this special exception application for the
construction of additional parking to accommodate the permitted by-right building
addition at Loudoun Sport and Health Club located at 131 Fort Evans Road NE. He
added that the Planning Commission has recommended approval with certain
conditions. Further the applicant has provided a letter of agreement to the conditions
and there was no public comment of a negative nature at the Planning Commission
public hearing.
Randy Minchew representing the applicant addressed Council. He
commented the new owners of this property have poled the membership and they
are in favor of the expansion and renovation of the site. Further, the applicant is in
full support to the imposed conditions.
Councilmember Zoldos verified that addition would match the style of the
existing building.
Mayor Webb verified that the lighting on the tennis courts would have no
adverse impact,
The public hearing opened at 8:05 p.m.
The public hearing closed at 8:06 p.m.
This item will return to council with legislation at the November 28th
meeting.
H. Council Comments
Councilmember Schmidt reported that he would be meeting with the Leesburg
Commons applicant, the Peterson Company. Further the Economic Development
Commission is working very well as a team with the new members. Their next
meeting will be November 15th' and then they will be meeting the 4th Wednesday of
the month.
Councilmember Umstattd reported that she had attended the Veterans Day
ceremonies hosted and produced by Loudoun Valley High School.
Councilmember Jackson had no comments.
Councilmember Atwell thanked Council for their support of his efforts with the
Salvation Army. He also disclosed that he met last week with the Leesburg
Commons applicant.
Councilmember Atwell congratulated the Residential Traffic Task Force for a
job well done.
Town Council Minutes for November 14, 2000 Page 4
Councilmember Zoldos disclosed that he too had met with the Peterson
Companies in reference to Leesburg Commons. He thanked the residents of S. King
Street for their endurance and patience during the construction project through their
neighborhood. He also thanked Tom Mason for a job well done.
Councilmember McDonald disclosed that he had met with Bob Sevila in
reference the Leesburg Commons project. He thanked Tom Mason and staff for all
their work on the S. King Street project. Further he thanked the Residential Traffic
Task Force for their detailed report.
Mayor Webb reminded Council of the United Way program that is underway.
Mayor Webb stated that she had participated in a Veterans Day program at Loudoun
County High School,
Mayor Webb advised Council of two new legislative items to be discussed
under new business. They are the endorsement with the formation of the Loudoun
Hayor's Healthcare Commission and calling on the Federation for American
Immigration Reform to cease advertising campaign.
The mayor thanked the Residential Traffic Task Force for their efforts, She
further that we please be safe during this holiday season and share with others.
Town Manaqer's Comments:
Bob Noe advised Council of the recent upgrade of the town's bond rating from
A+ to AA-. He recognized Paul York and the Finance Department for their efforts in
making this possible, adding that there are only two other towns in the State that
share that high of rating.
I. LEGZSLATTON
ORDINANCES ]
None
CONSENT AGENDA J
On a motion by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by Vice-Mayor Umstattd
the following consent items were proposed:
RESOLUTI:ON 2000-222
Authorizing an agreement and approving a performance guarantee and water and
sewer extension permits for Potomac Station Section 8G,
RESOLUTTON 2000-223
Authorizing a time extension for completion of public improvements and approving a
performance guarantee for Woodlea Hills.
RE$OLUTTON 2000-224
Affirming the installation of underground conduits for future fiber optic lines within
the limits of the South King Street improvements project and making a transfer of
funds.
Town Council Minutes for November 14, 2000 Page 5
RESOLUTION 2000-225
Receiving the final report prepared by the Residential Traffic Task Force for review
towards future adoption of a Residential Traffic Management Plan.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Atwell, Jackson, Schmidt, Umstattd, Zoldos, Vice-Mayor Umstattd and
Mayor Webb.
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
REGULAR AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by Councilmember
McDonald the following motion was proposed.
RESOLUTION 2000-226
Denying Rezoning Application #ZM 2000-02 for 24 Church Street
Vice-Mayor Umstattd stated that she is in favor of approval of this application
since the applicant has addressed the concerns that have been placed before him.
The traffic problem has been taken care of by the creating of the new traffic pattern
through the property. The proffers have addressed the issue over control of future
development. She stated she would be voting against denial of this application.
Councilmember Schmidt stated we need to make tough decisions to preserve
the look and feel of the historic district. The older homes are some of our most
precious assets. He will be voting to deny the rezoning.
The motion for denial was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Atwell, Jackson, McDonald, Schmidt, Zoldos and Mayor Webb
Nay: Umstattd
Vote: 6-z
J. New Business
Vice-Mayor Umstattd made a motion to nominate Connie Fletcher to the
Board of Architectural Review to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kelly
Gaitten. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Jackson and approved with all
voting aye.
On a motion by Vice-Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Councilmember McDonald,
the following motion was proposed:
RESOLTUZON 2000-228
Calling on the Federation for American Immigration Reform to immediately stop its
advertising campaign.
Councilmember McDonald added that immigration has no bearing on the
growth factor.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Atwell, Jackson, McDonald, Schmidt, Zoldos, Vice-Mayor Umstattd, and
Mayor Webb.
Town Council Minutes for November 14, 2000 Page 6
Nay: None
Vote: 7~0
On a motion by Councilmember Jackson, seconded by Vice-Mayor Umstattd,
the following motion was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2000-229
Endorsing the formation of the Loudoun Mayors Healthcare Commission and
authorizing the mayor to appoint town representation to the commission.
Councilmember Schmidt commended the mayor for taking the leadership in
this issue. He asked what the budget impact would be to the Town?
Mayor Webb responded the finances would be minimal. The mayor
commented that she would carry this motion to the Coalition of Loudoun Towns
meeting Purcellville tomorrow night.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Atwell, Jackson, McDonald, Schmidt, Zoldos, Vice-Mayor Umstattd, and
Mayor Webb.
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
Mayor Webb asked that the downtown business owner and employees park on
the upper level of the parking garage to leave the lower level available for the
shoppers and visitors.
The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
rk of Council
Mayor
Town of Leesburg