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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2005_03_08COUNCIL MEETING March 8, 2005 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan Horne, Melinda Kramer, Robert Zoldos, and Mayor Kristen Umstattd. Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney William Donnelly, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of the Office of Capital Projects Nagi Elsewaissi, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, Senior Planner Wade Burkholder, Management Intern Tami Watkins, and Assistant to the Clerk of Council Debi Parry. AGENDA ITEMS A. Invocation by Mayor Umstattd. B. Salute to the Flag was led by Councilmember Horne. C. Roll Call showing Vice Mayor Martinez absent. Minutes a. January 25, 2005 regular meeting This item was deferred. E. Presentations None F. Petitioners The petitioner's section opened at 7:35 p.m. Donald Hyde, Fountainhead Company, addressed Council regarding his proposal to acquire the Talley Ho and apply for a special exception to construct condominiums on top two floors while maintaining a retail use on the bottom. He stated because of the proposed residential use in the building he will be required to provide 1.5 parking spaces per unit which would be approximately 30 spaces. Since the regulations were recently changed so that payment can not be made in lieu of providing the parking, he asked Council to grant itself the power to waive the parking requirement for an approved special exception request within the downtown where the existing building is within 500 feet of the municipal parking garage. Mayor Umstattd stated perhaps this item should be listed on the next Council work session for discussion with staff. Councilmember Kramer stated she has had the same problem with her building in Winchester. She asked Council to review this request with an open mind given the fact that the building is land locked and it is our desire to bring residential uses back into the Historic District. Councilmember Burk asked how many units would be in the building? Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 2 Mr. Hyde stated there would be 15 to 20 units. Further, he stated his company plans to develop the building in accordance with the existing zoning requlations. Councilmember Horne asked if Mr. Hyde plans to put office space in the lower level? Mr. Hyde stated the Talley Ho currently rents the space. He stated he is aware of the pressures currently placed on these small theatres; however, he does not feel that he should comment on a tenant who is complying with their lease. Councilmember Home stated the Talley Ho is near and dear to the hearts of many people. Councilmember Zoldos asked if the intent is to purchase parking in the garage? Mr. Hyde stated he would do that if it is required by Council; however, the way the regulations are written it is his belief that Council could waive the parking requirement all together. Councilmember Zoldos stated parking is scarce in the downtown and if residents are using the parking garage it would mean day, night and weekend use. He stated it is his concern that the town be able to provide parking for the businesses and the residents in town. Councilmember Hammler stated she is looking forward to further discussion of this item. Mayor Umstattd concurred with Councilmember Zoldos' concerns. She stated it is an interesting concept and she would like to discuss it at the next work session. Further, she asked for Mr. Hyde's timetable. Mr. Hyde stated he intends to file for a special exception and would like to proceed as quickly as possible. Councilmember Burk asked if it would be possible to get a count of how full the parking garage is everyday? Mr. Wells stated staff is already working on a report regarding the status of available parking in the garage. Steve Axeman, Chairman of the Leesburg Airport Commission, addressed Council concerning the Town/Oaklawn Agreement. He stated the Council is sending mixed signals regarding the Leesburg Executive Airport by supporting the Oaklawn development and opposing the Creekside development. Further, he discussed the ramifications of having residential uses adjacent to airports and thanked Mayor Umstattd for her letter to Bruce Tulloch. The petitioner's section closed at 7:50 p.m. Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 3 Public Hearing a. TLSE-2004-O029 Loudoun County High School expansion to permit a building addition and reconfiguration of the bus loop - Joint Public Hearing with Planning Commission Planning Commission members in attendance included Cliff Vaughan, Bridget Bangert, Chuck ]ones, and Kevin Wright The public hearing opened at 7:51 p.m. Wade Burkholder outlined the location of the school. He stated the property is zoned R-4 and according to the Zoning Ordinance a special exception is required for a school use in this district. Further, he stated the applicant is requesting a net expansion of 23,434 square feet, an expansion of the bus loop and removal of the temporary cottage classrooms. Mr. Burkholder outlined the plan details and stated the Loudoun County Public School system has agreed to donate $100,000 for traffic improvements. Further, he stated staff recommends approval with conditions. Mayor Umstattd stated she has spoken with Randy Vlad and the school system has agreed to add an additional condition that work will not begin before 7:00 a.m. She stated under the Town Code work could begin as early as 6:00 a.m.; however, there are homes in close proximity to the school. Tom Sullivan, Director of Construction for Loudoun County schools, introduced Michael Zanin with Hayes Large Architects, LLP. Mr. Zanin stated the purpose of the project is to provide contemporary facilities to enhance the educational program for the students and to remove the cottages from the site. He stated the main features of the project include inserting the Library/Media Center in the center of the building and providing a second level circulation path through the building. Further, he stated the project will be broken down into five phases and outlined each stating construction will begin in April of this year and conclude in 2006. Councilmember Hammler stated in the past the county has used power washing to remove any collection of dust or dirt on neighboring houses due to construction. She asked if that would also be the case here? Mr. Sullivan stated that was done after the construction of several new schools, including Frances Hazel Reid. He stated he does not anticipate it will be needed; however, they will provide the service if necessary. Chairman Vaughan stated his concern with the possibility of overflow parking into the surrounding neighborhoods during construction and asked what steps will be taken to ensure that does not happen? Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 4 IVlr. Sullivan stated they have surveyed the site and have designated certain staging areas to minimize the occurrence of overflow parking. He stated it is a bit of a challenge given the size of the site. Chairman Vaughan verified the school principal is prepared to address the issue if necessary. He asked about the off site transportation improvements and the $:L00,000 contribution by the school system. Mr. Burkholder stated the figure was reached by the school system after an internal discussion. He stated they determined they contribute a quarter of the traffic to that area and therefore agreed to contribute the $100,000 to the overall estimated $800,000 cost for improvements. Further, he stated through the special exception we can't make a financial contribution a requirement of approval and therefore staff did not push the issue. Mr. Mason stated the school board was required to prepare a traffic study as part of the special exception and it was determined the current conditions are below the levels of service that our current standard requires. He stated because the school system will not be increasing traffic there was no mechanism to require them to pay a partial or full amount for the improvements. Further, he stated staff is now in the process of establishing a CIP project for this area. Chairman Vaughan verified the number of parking spaces will be 470 even though given the size of the building the number should be over 500. Mr. Burkholder stated the Zoning Ordinance designates parking requirements based on the maximum design capacity of the building, which would be 545 spaces. The school is not at maximum capacity and therefore the net increase they are providing meets the requirements of the special exception. Councilmember Zoldos stated there is a grassy area that could provide up to 32 additional parking spaces if necessary. Planning Commissioner Bangert verified that the additional classrooms would not increase capacity; rather they are replacing the existing cottages. There was further discussion regarding the technical education p rog ram. Chairman Vaughan stated as you pull up to the school and park parallel to the structure the area there is mud and gravel. He asked if the project would address this issue? Joe Mancini, engineer for the project addressed Council. He stated that section of Dry Mill Road is not a legal parking area and therefore improvements to it were not proposed. Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 5 Chairman Vaughan stated he would like to see curb, gutter, and sidewalk installed in that area. Councilmember Horne concurred with Chairman Vaughan. She stated that is a part of the school and now that graduation ceremonies are being held there and any improvements that could be made would be a nice addition. Mr. Mancini stated he would look into it. There were no petitioners. The public hearing closed at 8:33 p.m. The Planning Commission convened in the 2nd Floor Conference Room to continue their discussion of the item. Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like to move that Council suspend the rules to vote on this item tonight after hearing from the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission returned at 9:21 p.m. Chairman Vaughan stated the Planning Commission suspended its rules and agreed by a vote of 4-0-3 to approve the special exception with two additional conditions. The first being that curb and gutter and/or landscaping improvements be made along Dry Mill Road and the second that the after hours work end no later than 9:00 p.m. so the work would begin at 7:00 a.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m. Mayor Umstattd thanked the members of the Planning Commission for attending. She stated Council would discuss the issue later tonight. b. TLSE-2004-0027 Arby's at Potomac Station to permit a fast food restaurant with drive-thru service. The public hearing opened at 8:35 p.m. Brian Boucher stated the site is in front of the existing Giant along Battlefield Parkway. He stated the applicant proposes a 3,250 square foot restaurant with a drive-thru window. Further, he stated the applicant is in compliance with the parking, stacking, buffering, and landscaping requirements. Mr. Boucher outlined the elevation as approved by the Board of Architectural Review and stated the applicant is also erecting an eight foot brick wall to buffer the property from the grocery store. Further, he stated staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval with conditions. Councilmember Horne verified the dumpsters are surrounded by landscaping and enclosed by a gate. She stated her concern that the Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Paqe 6 dumpsters not be the first thing people see when they pull into the shopping center. There were no speakers. The public hearing closed at 8:46 p.m. c. TLSE-2004-O028 Loudoun National bank to permit a 10,750 square foot banking facility with drive-thru service. The public hearing opened at 8:47 p.m. Brian Boucher stated the bank site is located on Catoctin Circle, SE. He stated the site currently has two buildings on it, both of which will be razed. Further, he stated the applicant meets the special exception requirements for a 10,750 square foot bank with drive-thru service. Mr. Boucher stated the applicant has agreed to install a lO-foot S-2 buffer along the entire perimeter of the building. He stated 12 stacking spaces are required and 14 are proposed by the applicant. Further, he stated staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval with conditions. Councilmember Zoldos verified access to the bank is from Catoctin Circle and the bank fronts South Street. Mr. Boucher stated there is one issue with the site that will require a modification to the Design and Construction Standards Manual. He stated a funeral home is located across South Street from the site and typically we try to get entrances to line up across the street from each other; however, the applicant wants to move the entrance further back on South Street to provide more distance from Catoctin Circle. Further, he stated the Director for Engineering and Public Works must grant approval. Bob Sevila, attorney for the applicant, discussed the issue of moving the South Street entrance to the property back further from Catoctin Circle and causing a misalignment between the bank property and the funeral home. He stated the applicant is satisfied with the condition that permission for this will have to be granted by Mr. Tom Mason. Councilmember Burk verified it would be used as an entrance and an exit. Mr. Sevila provided elevations of the bank stating the bank will not feature just a blank wall facing the entrance on Catoctin Circle. He stated the applicant's architect has consulted with the Leesburg Crossroads group concerning the overall appearance of the site. Further, he stated the applicant has agreed to all the conditions. Councilmember Kramer stated it is a very nice building and she appreciates the applicant's willingness to make the investment. Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page ? Councilmember Burk asked if there would be issues with removing the gas tanks given the site was previously a gas station? Mr. Sevila stated those issues have been resolved. Councilmember Horne verified there are sidewalks on South Street and Catoctin Circle. She expressed concern that the building is very formal and does not seem to fit in with the neighboring business. Further, she stated there is a blank brick wall that makes it difficult to integrate the formal building to the drive-thru. Mr. Sevila stated he has had discussions with the architect regarding the blank wall and they discussed perhaps adding a Loudoun National Bank seal or crest, There was further discussion regarding the architecture of the building and the roof over the drive-thru. Councilmember Hammler stated this really is one of the most important redevelopment efforts going on in town. She asked to what extent the parking lot might be put behind and the building moved closer to the sidewalk given the ultimate plan is to make the area more pedestrian friendly. Mr. Sevila stated that was discussed at the Planning Commission level and it was determined that it is not possible from a practical or esthetic standpoint. Mayor Umstattd stated she concurs that something should be done to soften the color of the drive-thru roof. Further, she stated she is pleased that Loudoun National Bank is willing to invest this much in the architectural appearance. There were no speakers. The public hearing closed at 9:21 p.m. H. Legislation ORDZNANCES The following motion was deferred: ORDTNANCE Amending section 10-171 of the Town Code regarding meter locations. CONSENT AGENDA On a motion by Councilmember Kramer, seconded by Councilmember Zoldos, the following consent agenda was proposed: 2005-40 RESOLUTTON Awarding an annual contract for construction of improvements to the water distribution system. Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 8 2005-41 RESOLUTION Accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Sycamore Hill Phase :[I, Section T. 2005-42 RESOLUTON Accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at the Dry Mill Townhouse Subdivision Phase 2A and Phase 2B. 2005-43 RESOLUTION Accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at the Stratford-Ryland Stormwater Management Pond. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Nay: Vote: Burk, Hammler, Home, Kramer, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd None 6-0-1 (Martinez) REGULAR AGENDA On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Kramer, the following motion was proposed: 2005-44 RESOLUTION Approving the Town/Oaklawn Agreement and authorizing the Town Manager to execute this agreement. Councilmember Zoldos stated we need to move forward with the runway protection zone acquisition and he would like to receive a status report at the next worksession. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-! (Martinez) The following motion was deferred: RESOLUTION Admission to :[da Lee Park Recreation Center for the immediate families of active members of the United States Armed Forces serving in :[raq or Afghanistan. Boards and Commissions a. Airport Commission No comment Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 9 b. Thomas Balch Library Commission Councilmember Burk stated the commission has not met yet this month. c. Board of Architectural Review Councilmember Burk stated the board has not met yet this month. d. Cable Commission No comment e. Economic Development Commission Councilmember Home stated the small business forum was held last week. She stated the forum was hosted by the Economic Development Commission, the Leesburg Downtown Business Association, and Leesburg Crossroads. Further, she stated she is looking forward to the report. f. Environmental Advisory Commission No comment g. Tnformation Technology Commission No comment h. Parks and Recreation Commission Councilmember Hammler stated a joint meeting with the Loudoun County Parks and Recreation Commission was held last Saturday. She stated the county invited Barb Hikdreth, Chair of the task force on the W&OD trail and she offered the opportunity to brief Council if we so desired. Further, she stated in Arlington the task force is dealing with significant issues under the guise of pruning trees and we need to take steps now to deal with the before and after. i. Planning Commission Mayor Umstattd stated there is a proposal in Kincaid Forest to develop what was supposed to be a commercial center into 38 town homes and that issue will come to Council soon. She stated Ken Reid spoke at the last Planning Commission meeting stating we have not reflected a number of citizen comments in the draft Comprehensive Plan. j. Tree Commission Councilmember Kramer reported the Tree Commission meeting was postponed until later this week. She stated it may be timely to have the issue discussed under the Parks and Recreation Commission section presented to the Tree Commission. k. Standing Residential Traffic Committee Councilmember Horne stated the committee is scheduling a second field trip to Arlington to look at the traffic calming efforts they have. Councilmember Zoldos asked when the Southwest subcommittee would be reporting their findings to Council. Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Wells to check into that. Old Business a. Noise Ordinance No Comment b. Use of the Town Council Chambers On a motion by Councilmember Hammler, seconded by Councilmember Zoldos, the following motion was proposed: Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 10 2005-45 RESOLUT:I:ON Authorizing use of the Council Chambers by the Paxton Board of Visitors. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) b. TLSE-2004-O029 Loudoun County High School expansion to permit a building addition and reconfiguration of the bus loop. On a motion by Councilmember Zoldos, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the following motion was proposed: Suspending the rules for purposes of voting on special exception TLSE- 2004-0029. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Zoldos, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) Mayor Umstattd stated the conditions proposed by the Planning Commission should be considered as amendments. She asked that they be read into the record. Mr. Burkholder stated the first amendment regarding the exterior work is that it not commence prior to 7:00 a.m. and shall conclude prior to 9:00 p.m. He stated the second amendment was that the applicant shall mitigate frontage improvements along Dry Mill Road at the entrance to the school by either curb and gutter and/or landscaping. On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Home, the following motion was proposed: 2005-46 RESOLUTXON Approving Special Exception TLSE-2004-O029 Loudoun County High School expansion to permit a building addition and reconfiguration of the bus loop. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Nay: Vote: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd None 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) c. Virginia Scenic Byway System On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Hammler the following motion was proposed: Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 2005-47 RESOLUTTON Nominating Route 15 in the Town of Leesburg for inclusion in the state's Scenic Byway System. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Nay: Vote: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Zoldos, and Mayor Umstattd None 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) K. New Business None L. Council Comments Councilmember Hammler disclosed a phone call on the first of March with Terry Titus and Chris Tacinelli regarding an update on a meeting with VDOT today. She stated she had several phone conversations with Bruce McCarn on March 5 and March 7 and have since spoken and have been in constant contact with John Wells in determining the best way to orchestrate and move forward the information to Council. Councilmember Hammler stated she watched Thursday's Planning Commission meeting from home and was impressed with the level of commitment and preparedness of the commission. She stated this has given her a better understanding of the need for more commercial use. Further, she stated Council needs to look at elevating what we are doing from an economic development standpoint to bring in the types of applications we are seeking. Councilmember Hammler stated her appreciation for the Keep South Leesburg Beautiful briefing last night. She stated many of us are going to be actively involved in working with constituents to make sure that the next rewrite of our draft Town Plan includes the type of language that articulates our vision for many of these large parcels. The Youth Music Promotion and Preservation Association is now a 501C and is looking for families to host a foreign musician .lune 28 through .luly 6 for the second ]:nternational Gathering of Youth Orchestras 2005. She stated this is a wonderful opportunity for Leesburg that will enrich us in so many ways. Councilmember Zoldos requested that the Economic Development Director provide Council with a report at the next meeting regarding the action items they are working on regarding efforts to attract and maintain businesses. He apologized for not attending the business forum stating he is looking forward to hearing the report. Councilmember Zoldos stated he has heard many complaints regarding Verizon's contractor, Ivy H. Smith, regarding complaints of damage to property and improper clean-up. He stated as far as the town is concerned Mr. Wells and Mr. Mason have spoken with the contractors and have asked them to correct the deficiencies. Further, he stated unfortunately the town has little recourse given the work is taking place on private property; however, the town is accepting complaints and staff has done a good job of monitoring them. Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page 12 Councilmember Zoldos thanked Mr. Wells and Kathy Leidich for their efforts to add a trolley stop at the Food Court of the outlet mall. Councilmember Horne stated as a follow-up to the resolution Council approved last week regarding the Loudoun Street Property she would like to ask Council's support for the establishment of a Loudoun Street Task Force. She stated this would create a means for community input regarding the public/private partnership approach for the Loudoun Street property. Further, this task force would create a frame work for soliciting private interest in an office retail structure at this location. Councilmember Horne stated she would recommend including Scott Gustavson, Tom .lewell and Rich Vaaler who are in real estate and are Leesburg business people and residents. She stated she also has in mind representatives from Leesburg Crossroads and the Economic Development Commission. Further, she asked that a resolution be placed on the agenda for approval in two weeks. Mayor Umstattd asked how the group would receive input from the Leesburg Downtown Business Association and the Historic District Residents Association? Councilmember Home stated she envisions that the task force would hold a community forum and ask for input from groups. The Task Force would then consider whether the suggestions are part of a viable business model. Further, if we are going to be taking this to the private sector it needs to be in a framework that they would understand and could support. Councilmember Burk asked if Council would be given the opportunity to recommend people for this group, or would this be limited to those already mentioned? Councilmember Home stated she is trying to limit a steering committee that would basically put the forum together and develop a way to solicit input and evaluate it to make sure it makes sense and report back to Council. Mayor Umstattd asked if this could be mentioned to the Leesburg Downtown Business Association before the vote to make sure they don't feel left out? Councilmember Horne stated she would like to include them as participant. Councilmember Horne stated she and Councilmember Burk held a meeting on Saturday and were blown away be the encouraging comments received from groups around town regarding the possibility of having a litter clean up day in Leesburg. She stated a representative from Keep Loudoun Beautiful attended and stated they have minimal penetration in Leesburg for their spring clean-up. Further, she stated she and Councilmember Burk have decided to host a Keep Leesburg Beautiful Day on Saturday April 23 with a kick-off program and a training session for coordinators with the assistance of Mary Beth Mohr and Keep Loudoun Beautiful. Councilmember Home stated she received a call from Congressman Wolf's aid, .1.T. Griffen and he has gone back find funds for Battlefield Parkway. She stated the town should receive more information soon regarding the amount of money the town will receive. Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Paqe 13 Councilmember Burk stated the litter campaign on April 23 is open to everyone and every group and interested parties should contact the town. She commented on her attendance at the Small Business Forum stating she is looking forward to hearing the report. Councilmember Burk stated she attended a meeting with Shenandoah University who is partnering with George Washington University and the Howard Hughes Institute to train the future biotechnicians in the pharmogenitics field. She stated they hope to have their first graduating class within two years and hopefully we will be able to keep these people here in the Leesburg and Loudoun area. Further, she stated they are excited that the town and county are looking into establishing a biotech area here; however, without workers the buildings would stay empty. Councilmember Burk stated the preservation of our American heritage is so important and once it is gone you can never get it back. She commended the citizens working on the Hallowed Ground program stating it will greatly benefit our children's children. Further, Councilmember Burk wished everyone a happy St. Patrick's Day. Melinda Kramer stated she appreciates the number of programs the Council members are taking on to benefit the community, specifically Councilmember Horne's efforts on Loudoun Street. She stated it would be beneficial for the Council to receive a quarterly report on this effort. Councilmember Kramer suggested that Council members Burk and Horne distribute information regarding their Keep Leesburg Beautiful Day to the local schools as that is a good way to get the word out. Councilmember Kramer stated the recent business forum showcased the most positive energy and overwhelming support from people in our community that she has seen in the business area. She stated it really is the first time we have been at that level as a community and it is very encouraging. Councilmember Kramer wished her daughter, Jordan, a Happy Birthday. M. Mayor's Comments Mayor Umstattd stated the Northern Virginia Regional Commission held a retreat at Balch Library and she thanked Councilmembers Hammler and Horne who came to welcome them. She stated it was interesting attending that and then going to the business forum because of the issues that are critical in the region are also critical in Leesburg; the primary one being a lack of affordable housing. Further, she stated it is a significant concern among our business who are having a difficult time attracting qualified workers who can afford to live here. Mayor Umstattd stated the issue of affordable housing was also raised at a recent Planning Commission meeting when Ted Kalriess stated he had just offered an $85,000 a year job to someone who couldn't find an affordable place to live within a 30 minute drive of Leesburg. She stated she was happy to see one fundamental difference between the region and the town whereas the region is very worried about gang related crime, that didn't come up too often at the business forum. Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page Mayor Umstattd stated she would like to bring Council's attention to a recent Planning Commission meeting where an applicant felt the town should divert $1,000,000 from the section of Battlefield Parkway between Route 7 and Kincaid Boulevard to the section between Fort Evans Road and Edwards Ferry Road. She stated she indicated that she would not support that request because the section of Battlefield between Route 7 and Kincaid Boulevard has consistently been the town's top transportation priority. Further, she stated it would be a mistake given how hard Congressman Wolf has worked to secure funding for this section of Battlefield Parkway. M. Manager's Comments .lohn Wells stated Vice Mayor Martinez had ask that comments consistent with those provided earlier by Councilmember Zoldos be made available to the public on the issues with Verizon. Mr. Wells stated in follow up to the auditor's comments last night, rather than waiting twelve months to get the comments back staff will bring back a report in 3uly on the six month progress made. He stated many of the items mentioned have to do with the new chief accountant, which was the position added by Council in the last budget cycle. Further, he stated staff feels that position was the missing piece in terms of helping our organization's financial operations. Mr, Wells stated the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce has notified this year's recipients of the Valor Awards and they include four Town of Leesburg employees, He stated one of them is Andy Shadwick who is in our Finance Department and is a volunteer fire fighter and is being recognized as part of a group for heroic efforts dealing with a car accident in January of 2004, Sergeant T.~I. Moore and Sergeant Doug Shaw will be recipients of the Bronze Medal of Valor for dealing with a suicide attempt over the past year. Also, Officer John Pearson will receive the Life Saving Award for a choking rescue. Further, he stated that program will be held later this month and the town is very proud of these efforts. Mr. Wells stated since ::L983 Loudoun County High School has been participating in a Scottish student exchange program and the Scottish students will be here between March 25 and April 4. He stated staff will prepare certificates for approval at the March 22 Council meeting and Council is invited to attend a dinner with the students on March 28. Further, the students will be touring Town Hall on March 31. Councilmember Horne asked if something besides a certificate could be presented to the students when they come? Mr. Wells stated staff is working on identifying items. Mayor Umstattd thanked Gladys Burke of AD.~ Enterprises for providing mugs for the NVRC retreat, She stated Tiger Claw Tae Kwon Do held its sixth Annual Kick- A-Thon last Saturday to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and they did a wonderful job, Town Council Minutes for March 8, 2005 Page N, Adjournment On a motion by Councilmember Zoldos, seconded by Councilmember Horne, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m. ATTEST: C. Ul-nstattd, Mayor Town of Leesburg