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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