HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003_01_14COUNCIL MEETING January 14, 2003
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Frank Buttery, Mervin Jackson, Melinda Kramer, Marry
Martinez, David Schmidt, and Mayor Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: Bob Zoldos
Staff Present: Town Manager Robert Noe, Town Attorney William Donnelly, Deputy
Town Manager Phillip Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom
Mason, Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler, Director of Planning, Zoning
and Development Susan Swift, Director of Information Technology Michel Agujia,
Director of Human Resources Dona Wolf, Airport Director Doug McNeely, Budget
Officer Mike Freda, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Assistant to the Town
Manager Nicole Ard, Management Intern Adam Brown, Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt,
and Assistant to the Clerk Debi Parry.
AGENDA ITEMS
A. Invocation by Councilmember Martinez.
B. Salute to the Flag led by Boy Scout Troop 663.
Roll Call showing Councilmember Zoldos absent.
D. Minutes:
On a motion by Vice-Mayor Jackson, seconded by Councilmember Buttery, the
minutes of the December 9, 2002 worksession were approved with editorial changes
by a 5-0-1-1 vote; Martinez abstaining and Councilmember Zoldos absent.
On a motion by Vice-Mayor Jackson, seconded by Councilmember Schmidt,
the minutes of the December 10, 2002 meeting were approved with editorial
changes by a 5-0-1-1 vote, Martinez abstaining and Councilmember Zoldos absent.
E. Presentations:
a. Certificates of Appreciation to Hampton Inn Suites
Mayor Umstattd presented Certificates of Appreciation to Alex Mai, General
Manager and Jackie Gosses, Director of Sales and Marketing for "providing hospitality
and accommodations to Virginia Power workers and Leesburg citizens during the
recent ice storm and subsequent power outage." Certificates were also presented
Richard Born, Vice- President of Hotel Operations and Dan Klingermann, owner, who
were not in attendance.
F. Petitioners:
Brad McNeely, 610 Blue Ridge Avenue, addressed Council with reference to
the proposed improvements along Washington Street. Mr. McNeely asked that the
improvements be moved to the east side of the street citing safety issues and impact
on property values.
Laura Walsh echoed the same concerns asking Council to reconsider the
proposed Washington Street improvements.
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 2
Chester DeWitt, 14540 Mountain Road, Purcellville addressed Council. Mr.
DeWitt asked for support of the permit application by Custom Cruisers for their 17TM
Annual Car Show in June. He stated closing the downtown streets for their show is
the only viable solution.
Bob Brown, Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, asked Council to overrule
the decision of the Parks and Recreation Department and allow street closings for
their annual car show. He stated the street closings would have little or no impact
on the downtown merchants and would benefit the restaurants. Further, Jock's
Exxon is supportive of their efforts.
Jerry Gilbert, 11:~ Colleen Court, Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, stated
the car show would provide tourism to Leesburg. Further, they have already done
magazine advertising for the event.
Caroline Mansi, Loudoun County Small Business Development Commission,
addressed Council thanking them for their support during the past year. She
reported they hold two seminars per month at ]~da Lee Recreation Center and that
20% of their clients are from Leesburg. Further, they will be asking for $15,000 in
funding from the town in the FY04 budget.
Allen Miller, 41344 Reservoir Road, Leesburg, addressed Council. Mr. Miller
asked Council to please reconsider the staff recommendation on the Custom Cruisers
event planned in June.
Bob Primack, 217 Shenandoah Street, addressed Council. Mr. Primack
discussed the need for a tourist facility in downtown Leesburg. He stated the
downtown should not suffer because of the loss of the Loudoun Convention and
Visitors Association (LCVA) office downtown.
Mr. Primack requested an equal number of signs for the historic district and
LCVA. Further, he recommended that LCVA highlight Leesburg at their center and
that a large map of Leesburg be displayed.
Jane Harmon, Yesterday's Memories, addressed Council with concerns that
the LCVA signs direct visitors away from the historic district.
Lily Edens, Yesterday's Memories, addressed Council stating current signage
makes it difficult to ascertain where the historic district is located.
Further, she stated that two-day events which close streets, greatly impact
the revenues of downtown merchants.
.1. B. Anderson, 308 Valley View Avenue, addressed Council with reference to
a letter sent to Monroe Street residents regarding a public meeting on improvements
to the Town Branch. Mr. Anderson stated that promised improvements have yet to
happen.
He stated that no one has been held accountable for the Town Branch
improvements and asked that Council commit to the citizens.
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 3
With reference to the Custom Cruisers show, Mr. Anderson asked that
consideration be given to the impact on fire and rescue services.
Lyle Werner, 406 S. King Street, addressed Council on behalf of the Historic
District Residents Association. She encouraged Council to review the Special Events
Policy again. She stated that 13 events close downtown streets and suggested
consideration of the impact on the residential neighborhoods in the downtown.
Ms. Werner added that LCVA is not at fault for the poor signage in Leesburg.
She stated that Frazier & Associates would hopefully remedy that situation when
they have completed the way-finding system for Leesburg.
Karen Jones addressed Council stating the Economic Development
Commission would like to ensure a friendly business environment in Leesburg. She
asked Council to not reject the Custom Cruisers application for their car show in
downtown.
Ms. Jones expressed support for the downtown parking study. Further, she
asked that the consultants be allowed to do their job on signage and reminded
Council that the first draft of the downtown implementation plan will be returned to
Council in mid-February.
Connie Fletcher, 232 West Market Street, addressed Council with reference to
signage in Leesburg. She stated that LCVA tried to stay in downtown and moving
their office has not taken business away from downtown.
Vice-Mayor Jackson asked when the way-finding system would be complete.
Phil Rodenberg stated that a draft should be available in the next few weeks.
Marantha Edwards provided a timeline for the way-finding system.
Chester DeWitt, Custom Cruisers, read a letter from Mr. Ed Felker in support
of the Custom Cruisers request to close downtown streets for the annual car event.
Public comments ended at 8:55 p.m.
Mayor Umstattd advised that ]:tem 5 on the agenda would be moved forward
to follow Councilmember comments.
Public Hearing:
There were no public hearings.
H. Council Comments:
Councilmember Schmidt stated the public comments had been very
thoughtful tonight,
He thanked Karen Jones for reporting on the Economic Development
Commission activities and their strategy.
Councilmember $chmidt advised that he would like to add a new business
item to discuss Washington Street and the surrounding northeast area street
improvements.
Town Council Minutes for January :[4, 2003 Page 4
Councilmember Martinez stated he is optimistic about the New Year and
believes the Town is heading in a positive direction. He stated that Leesburg has
become a town that we would want our children to live in.
Vice-Mayor Jackson stated he is thankful for 2002. Over the holidays he
attended activities at Kindercare and the Emancipation Proclamation service at Mt.
Olive Baptist Church. Also in attendance were Karen Jones, Nicole Ard and Marantha
Edwards.
Councilmember Buttery commented on the success of 1st Night Leesburg
thanking Peter Dunning and the volunteers for all of their hard work. Further, he
thanked residents who call Council on local issues.
Councilmember Kramer also commented on the success of First Night
Leesburg and stated that she is excited about the direction of Council.
]:. 14ayor's Comments:
Mayor Umstattd gave an update on the success of First Night Leesburg stating
over 5,000 people were in attendance. She expressed appreciation to the town staff
and citizens for their support of this event.
Mayor Umstattd asked for a moment of silence in respect of Charles Monroe,
Chairman of the Arlington County Board of Supervisors, who suddenly passed away.
She asked staff to draft a resolution of respect for the next Council meeting.
She reminded citizens of the annual Martin Luther King March at 10:00 a.m.
on Monday, January 20, 2003.
Further, the Mayor reported on the January 11, 2003 opening of the new
Birthing Inn at Loudoun Hospital Center and the opening of the Cornwall Emergency
Department is scheduled for .]anuary 20th.
Town t4anager Comments
Bob Noe recognized Phil Rodenberg and Michel Agujia for their efforts in the
implementation of the new Audio-Visual System in the Council Chamber.
He stated the Town has been recognized by the Virginia Regional
Transportation Association as a government partner in advancing their mission of
providing "Access to Mobility". Also they recognized Phil Rodenberg, Mark McGregor
and Kelly Gower for their efforts.
Mr. Noe reminded Council that January 23rd is Virginia Association of
Counties/Virginia Municipal League Legislative day.
He stated that after further consideration, staff is not recommending an
amendment on real property assessments to the legislative agenda. He added that
philosophically the state should not dictate local assessments.
K. Leqislation
ORDINANCES
None
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 5
CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Vice-Mayor Jackson, seconded by Councilmember Martinez,
the following consent motion was proposed:
2003-:!.
RESOLUTION
Making a reduction of the performance guarantee for public improvements installed
in the Dry Mill Townhouse subdivision, Phase 2B.
2003-2
RESOLUTION
Accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving
a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Exeter Hills, Subdivision 5B.
2003-3
RESOLUTION
Accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving
a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Fort Evans Road.
The consent agenda was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Buttery, Jackson, Kramer, Schmidt, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Nay'- None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
REGULAR AGENDA
Councilmember Schmidt, seconded by Councilmember Buttery, proposed
tabling the following motion to allow time for the homeowners association to be
notified of this bond release:
RESOLUTION
Accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving
a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Greenway Farm ultimate storm
water pond.
The motion to table was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Buttery, Jackson, Kramer, Schmidt, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Buttery, seconded by Vice-Mayor Jackson, the
following motion was proposed:
2003-5
RESOLUTION
Naming the terminal at Leesburg Executive Airport in honor of Stanley Caulkins.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Buttery, Jackson, Kramer, Schmidt, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
Stanley Caulkins was present to receive the resolution in his honor.
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 6
The Airport Director, Doug McNeely, Airport Commission Chairman, Stephen
Axeman and Vice-Chair Sid Lissner were present to honor Mr. Caulkins.
The Mayor and Council commended Mr. Caulkins' on his contributions to the
Leesburg Executive Airport and the citizens of Leesburg.
On a motion by Councilmember Schmidt, seconded by Councilmember
Martinez, the following motion was proposed:
2OO3-4
RE$OLUT:]:ON
Approving amendments to the FY 2003 budget and making appropriations for the
Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2003.
Vice-Mayor Jackson, seconded by Councilmember Buttery, made a motion to
amend the budget to remove the $30,000 requested for a parking study.
The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
Aye: Jackson, Buttery, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Schmidt, Kramerand Martinez
Vote: 3-3-1 (Zoldos absent)
The original motion by Councilmember Schmidt was approved by the
following vote:
Aye.: Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Jackson and Buttery
Vote: 4-2-1 (Zoldos absent)
2003-6
RE$OLUT:]:ON
Permitting the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia to use the downtown area of
Leesburg on Saturday, June 28, 2003 for the oldies street dance and car show on
Market Street from Church Street to Wirt Street, and on King Street from Loudoun
Street to Cornwall Street with street closings.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Jackson, Buttery, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1
Vice-Mayor Jackson asked that a worksession be scheduled to discuss
downtown issues with the Economic Development Commission and the Downtown
Committee.
On a motion by Vice-Mayor .lackson, seconded by Councilmember
Martinez, the following motion was proposed:
2003-7
RESOLUT]:ON
Authorizing award of contract in the amount of $:[02,500 to Geographic Technologies
Group, :[nc. for Phase I of the implementation of an Enterprise Geographic
Information System.
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 7
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Jackson, Buttery, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-:~
On a motion by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember
Schmidt, the following motion was proposed:
2003-8
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Town Manager to sign contract addendum number 2 with Campbell &
Paris Engineers for runway design services.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Jackson, Buttery, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Buttery, seconded by Vice-Mayor Jackson, the
following motion was proposed:
200:3-9
RE$O! TUION
Receiving the Planning Commission's Annual Report for 2002
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Jackson, Buttery, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
2003-:~0
RESOLUTION
Receiving the Zoning Administrator's Annual Report for 2002
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Jackson, Buttery, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
200J-;L1
RESOLUTION
Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Loudoun
County regarding participation in the County's group health self-insurance plan
Councilmember Martinez asked for verification on the amount?
Mr. Noe stated the current estimate is $790,000.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Jackson, Buttery, Kramer, Martinez, $chmidt and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 8
Boards and Commissions
a. Airport Commission
Mayor Umstattd stated that Councilmember Zoldos had he been in
attendance, would have supported the resolution naming the terminal
building at the airport in honor of Stanley Caulkins.
bo
Thomas Balch Library Commission
No comment
Board of Architectural Review
No comment
d. Cable Commission
No comment
Economic Development Commission
No comment
Environmental Advisory Commission
No comment
Information Technology Commission
No comment
h. Parks & Recreation Commission
Councilmember Martinez stated the Commission would forward a
recommendation to Council to reduce the Ida Lee Recreation Center rates for
senior citizens,
i. Planning Commission
No comment
j. Tree Commission
No comment
Standing Residential Traffic Committee
No comment
New Business
a. Northeast Leesburg Improvements
Councilmember Schmidt, seconded by Councilmember Buttery,
proposed a motion to delay the Northeast Leesburg Improvements Project
until Council has had the opportunity to review this project at the January 27th
worksession.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Buttery, Kramer, Schmidt, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Martinez and Jackson
Vote: 4-2-1 (Zoldos absent)
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 9
b. Mayor Umstattd proposed establishing a sister city relationship with
Sam Cheok, South Korea. :It was the consensus of Council to discuss this
issue at the next Council meeting.
c. Closed Session to discuss a personnel matter.
On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Councilmember
Martinez, the following motion was proposed:
Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia, ! move
that the Leesburg Town Council convene in a closed meeting to consider a
personnel matter, specifically the annual performance evaluation of the Town
Manager.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Aye:
Nay:
Vote
Buttery, Jackson, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt, and Mayor
Umstattd
None
6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
Council adjourned into a closed session at 10:08 p.m.
Council reconvened and the following motion was proposed by Mayor
Umstattd, seconded by Councilmember Martinez:
Tn accordance with Section 2.2-3712(D) of the Code of Virginia, T
move that Council certify that to the best of each member's knowledge, only
public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements
under the Virginia Freedom of ]:nformation Act and such personnel matters as
were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were
heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by Council.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Buttery, Jackson, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt, and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Schmidt, seconded by Vice-Mayor
Jackson, the following motion was proposed:
Amending the Town Manager's contract to increase his salary by five
percent (5%), effective September 20, 2002.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Buttery, Jackson, Kramer, Martinez, Schmidt, and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Zoldos absent)
Town Council Minutes for January 14, 2003 Page 1(
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
ik~l"~'~fi C. ~J'rnstattd,-Mayor' ,~
Town of Leesburg ~
A-I-I-EST:
k of Council
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