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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 2003_tcmin 11403.doc