HomeMy Public PortalAbout2005_03_22COUNCIL MEETING March 22, 2005
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:40 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan Horne,
and Mayor Kristen Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: Melinda Kramer, Marry Martinez, and Robert Zoldos
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, Chief of Police Joe
Price, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift,
Management/Budget Officer Mike Freda, Downtown Coordinator Lisa Capraro, Capital
Projects Engineer Renee Follett, Planer Wade Burkholder, and Clerk of Council Judy
Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
B.
C.
D.
:l:nvocation by Councilmember Horne
Salute to the Flag was led by Councilmember Hammler
Roll Call showing Councilmembers Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent.
Minutes
a. 3anuary 10, 2005
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember
Hammler the minutes of January 10, 2005 work session was approved by
a 4-0-3 vote.
b. 3anuary 25, 2005
On a motion by Councilmember Hammler, seconded by
Councilmember Burk, the minutes of the January 25, 2005 regular
meeting were approved by a 4-0-3 vote.
Presentations
a. Scottish Visitors
Mayor Umstattd recognized Jim Sacco, Janet Mueller and Janice
Phoebus from Loudoun County High School and presented them with a
Certificate of Appreciation in honor of their sister school partnership in an
educational exchange between Dunfermline High School and Loudoun
County High School which has benefited the students of both schools since
1983.
Certificates of Welcome were also provided for the exchange students
from Dunfermline High School and their chaperones.
b. Proclamation - Arbor Day
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember
Home, the following proclamation was presented to Tree Commission
members, R. Max Peterson and Kathleen Prichard:
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page 2
PROCLAHA TZON
ARBOR DA Y
APRIL 9, 2005
WHEREAS, in 1872.1. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska
Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of
trees; and
WHEREAS, this special day, called Arbor Day, was first observed with
the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska; and
WHEREAS, trees reduce the erosion of topsoil, moderate
temperature, reduce heating and cooling costs, clean the air, produce
oxygen and provide a habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, trees in our town increase property values, enhance the
economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Leesburg has been recognized as a Tree City
USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for sixteen consecutive years
and desires to continue its tree planting ways.
THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg in
Virginia hereby proclaim April 9th as the official Arbor Day for the Town of
Leesburg in 2005 and urge all citizens to support efforts to conserve our
trees and woodlands.
PROCLAIMED this 22nd day of March 2005.
The proclamation was approved by a 4-0-3 vote.
Mr. Peterson thanked Council and invited them to attend a stakeholder
meeting on April 27 regarding the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Ms. Prichard invited Council to attend the annual Arbor Day
Celebration at Banshee Reeks Park on Saturday, April 9.
Business Forum Report
Jim Sisley provided a report on the Small Business Forum held
Wednesday, March 3 at Tda Lee Park.
He stated five business sectors were identified - restaurant, retail, real
estate and law, technology, services and press/media. The following
problems were discussed and recommendations provided by the various
groups: lack of parking, traffic congestion, lack of foot traffic, lack of
affordable rents, lack of retail variety, inconsistent retail hours, need for
strong central leadership in town government, lack of parking for
downtown employees, insufficient square footage supply, high cost of
business signage under current regulations, marketing, and expansion of
downtown.
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page 3
Mr. Sisley suggested that Council endorse the following plan: (1) the
Small Business Forum organizers will meet with the Economic
Development Commission; (2) provide an analysis of the issues and their
solutions; and (3) Council will consider adopting the analysis results and
publication of the final report and action plan.
Mayor Umstattd suggested forwarding to all the participants the recent
study the town just completed on parking garage vacancies. She stated
the fewest vacancies at any one time are 44 spots. She stated the
vacancies are on the third and fourth levels and the moving of town staff
to Liberty Street will not free up spaces on the levels where citizens want
to park. She added the perception of no parking is keeping shoppers
away.
She also stated the town would have to check the legalities of the
reverse tax aspect.
Councilmember Burk stated the business forum was a very good
event. She suggested that the next time we should set the tone by first
stating the concerns.
Councilmember Horne stated her appreciation to all of the participants.
She stated it is a worthwhile effort to bring that many people together to
create positive solutions for community. She stated she did not see
anything relating to preserving first floor retail and hopefully this will be
discussed at EDC level. Further, she really likes the concept of
consistency of hours, the idea of a retail gap analysis and pursuing
cooperative marketing. She encouraged Crossroads and the Downtown
Business Association to identify branding different districts thru the
Crescent District Master Plan.
Councilmember Hammler thanked Jim Sisley and Page Buscema for
their leadership. She stated her desire to have a new term for the historic
district, such as central business district. She added the downtown
should be our mixed use center.
She stated increasing supply is important adding the cost per square
footage for commercial space in Leesburg is on par with the Reston area
and the need to have a more accessible parking. Further, she added the
need for more for profit businesses.
c. BAR Appeal - Persnickety Palm
Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher stated the appellant applied to the
Board of Architectural Review for two signs: (:~) a projecting sign located
above the 2nd story window sill on Loudoun Street, and (2) a wall sign
above the 2nd story window sill on Wirt Street.
He stated the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) denied the
proposed projecting sign and wall sign on the grounds that the signs as
proposed did not meet the design guidelines applicable to the H-! Historic
Overlay District with regard to location. Further, the appellant contends
that the signs as proposed to meet the design guidelines and that the
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page 4
decision of the BAR is "contrary to law, arbitrary and constitutes an abuse
of discretion."
Mr. Boucher stated the BAR suggested a sign plan for the building as it
has numerous tenants with competiting signs. Further, he stated the
applicant did provide alternatives for sign locations.
Mr. Boucher stated Council may (1) reverse or modify the decision of
the BAR in whole or in part, if it finds upon review that the decision of the
BAR is "contrary to the law or that its decision is arbitrary and constitutes
an abuse of discretion", or (2) it may affirm the decision of the BAR.
Councilmember Hammler verified the BAR officially denied the sign
request, but it could be returned by Council to continue discussion.
Councilmember Burk asked if the BAR offered to meet in a work
session with the applicant.
Bob Sevila, attorney for the applicant, Persnickety Palm at 102 West
Loudoun Street, addressed Council. Mr. Sevila stated his client is the
largest tenant in the Loudoun Street building and has full frontage on
Loudoun Street and an entrance and frontage on Wirt Street.
Mr. Sevila provided photographs of various signs thorough the
downtown district, some being multiple signs on a single building.
He stated his client left the BAR meeting with only one alternative for a
sign location (on Wirt Street) and the possibility of a sandwich board sign.
He provided Council with the numerous alternatives for the placement of
signs.
Further, Mr. Sevila stated retail businesses rely on signs and the lack
of inadequate signs may force a business out of the downtown or to close.
He asked Council to reverse the BAR decision and allow modification
for a projecting sign on Loudoun Street and a wall sign on Wirt Street that
doesn't violate the height restrictions.
Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Sevila if he would want a vote on this
appeal tonight.
Councilmember Hammler stated her hope that both parties could work
toward a compromise. She suggested a sign on Loudoun Street denoting
going around the corner to the entrance of the business.
Councilmember Horne verified the business has been open since
February 22 with a sandwich board sign directing customers to their store.
She added the town is not setting a good precedent for communicating
with new businesses and added this is a good opportunity for the BAR to
work with the applicant to accomplish their goals. Further, she stated this
is an issue of fair and equitable treatment and the reality is that there is a
trend of second floor retail in the downtown.
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page
Councilmember Burk agreed. She stated her concern that the BAR
was under the impression that the applicant had been notified about a
work session.
Mr. Boucher stated the BAR will have a special meeting on Monday and
suggested that Persnickety Palm come to this meeting.
Mayor Umstattd stated Paige Buscema is willing to work with
Persnickety Palm adding it would be to their advantage for them to work
together given the additional foot traffic and a projecting sign on Loudoun
would benefit Eyetopia and Persnickety Palm.
The Mayor stated there seems to be a leaning toward the BAR
mediating with the two business to come up with a solution.
Mr. Sevila asked for a two week deferral to allow for a BAR meeting on
Monday.
Town Attorney Bill Donnelly stated deferring is an option. Although, it
seems the BAR members are still looking for a plan which would have to
have agreement with all tenants.
Councilmember Burk stated she feels strongly the citizen volunteers on
the BAR follow the guidelines and we should honor their efforts. Further,
with more second floor businesses, there is a need to start looking at how
we are going to accommodate that.
The Mayor agreed we are going to have to start permitting second
floor signage.
Bill Donnelly asked Brian Boucher if the Zoning Ordinance sign
regulations prohibit 2nd story signs?
Mr. Boucher stated it does, however, the BAR is given the power in the
H-! district to vary normal sign requirements including sign location.
Mayor Umstattd advised Mr, Sevila that Council would revisit this issue
at the first meeting in April.
Petitioners
The petitioner's section opened at 9:12 p.m.
Karen McCloud, Loudoun Museum, addressed Council providing
accomplishments and highlights of upcoming events planned at the museum.
She reported Leesburg Hauntings was a very successful event this year. The
museum was awarded Loudoun County Visitor's Association Tourism
Promotion/Campaign Award for 2004.
She reported visitation and membership are up significantly and they have
increased their outreach to the local schools. Ms. McCIoud reported a special event
this spring, Braddock's March to Change and the French and ]:ndian War Exhibition.
The public opening will be April 9 along with a Family Fun Day.
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page 6
Ms. McCIoud reported receiving a grant from the Loudoun Education
Association for their Braddock's March Exhibition for elementary schools. She stated
their logo for the next three years is, "Centuries of Change".
She closed by saying they are meeting their mission by caring for the
collections, interpreting Loudoun history, educating the public, and fostering heritage
tourism.
Liz Whiting, Standing Residential Traffic Committee, reported the committee
has taken their third field trip to Arlington County on traffic calming. She stated the
trip was focused on the Southwest Ad Hoc Traffic Committee.
As a Loudoun Museum Board member she recognized board members who
were present and encouraged Council to attend the April 9 Braddock's March to
Change and The French & indian War Exhibition and the Family Fun Day event.
Dan Matici., 955 Rhonda Place, addressed Council as a Kincaid Forest resident
and member of the HOA Board of Directors. Mr. Matici encouraged Council to
consider rezoning the main entrance to Kincaid Forest to residential to negate the
impact on the community.
.lerry Shamla, 606 Patrice Drive, thanked Council as hiring counsel to fight
Dominion Virginia Power.
Mr. Shamla recommended a change to the Town Plan to rezone the entrance
to Battlefield Parkway and Kincaid Boulevard to a residential use.
Further, he expressed concern for the increase in real estate assessments and
the impact they will have on citizens.
Paige Buscema, :~05 Bugle Court, NE, addressed Council regarding the
proposed sign for Persnickety Palm. She clarified her business is located at 102
Loudoun Street and they are located at 21 Wirt Street. Her concern was that a sign
on Loudoun Street would create a situation where she will be a tour guide to
Persnickety Palm.
Ms. Buscema added that at no time has any member of Persnickety Palm
contacted her to discuss a sign plan. She also noted the BAR on the same night was
also seeing a request from a massage therapist for a projecting sign on Wirt Street.
They were denied and asked to comply with the current sign plan for that entrance.
Persnickety Palm was given an option to have a sign on Wirt Street. She stated she
would like to Persnickety Palm have adequate signage, but without disrupting other
businesses.
Tom $oderholm, 6 Ayr Street, addressed Council regarding another accident
that occurred at the intersection of Ayr and Market Street. He added traffic calming
measures are needed at that location.
Mr. Soderholm asked for assistance in securing a permit for the LAWS Race
on Dry Mill Road. He requested that town officials contact the Loudoun County
Board of Supervisors, Virginia Department of Transportation, and our state
legislators for assistance.
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page
The petitioner's section closed at 9:30 p.m.
G. FY 2006 Budget Presentation
Town Manager 3ohn Wells announced that the Town of Leesburg has received
an updated credit rating from Moody from A1 to AA and Standard and Poor from AA-
to AA. He stated this is a reflection on the elected leadership and will result in a
lower debt service. Mr. Wells acknowledged Council, Norman Butts and our financial
advisors, Davenport and Associates, for their efforts.
Mayor Umstattd stated this has been a wonderful team effort.
Mr. Wells presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2006 and letter of
transmittal.
Mr. Wells stated he will be advertising a real property tax rate of 22¢ per
hundred dollars of assessed value but has recommended funding at a level one-half
cent below the advertised level (21.5¢). He added this is a slight decrease from the
revised 2005 budget. He provided a summary of all funds and the capital budget,
totaling $:[08.8 million.
He stated the economic and community outlook is positive adding the
balanced budget is built on solid financial management principles included in the
recently adopted fiscal policy. Mr. Wells stated the proposed budget maintains the
15% fiscal reserve, reduces the reliance on carryover funds by 58%. Further, the
capital projects spending is proposed based on a thorough review of all of the town's
individual capital projects and a review of all available proffer dollars.
He stated the Airport Enterprise Fund has been evaluated and it should break
even within the five-year pro forma time period.
He stated this budget addresses community needs and services as identified
in the recent strategic planning session. Further, the workforce investment will
build a positive work environment. He stated he proposes maintaining our current
pay-for-performance system, which rewards our employees within a range of two to
five percent. A two percent cost-of-living adjustment is proposed along with the
necessary funding to maintain our existing health insurance benefits.
Mr. Wells stated his goal for Leesburg to be recognized as one of the best
local government employers in Northern Virginia.
He stated the aggressive capital program addresses Council priorities and
meets debt ratios. Further, he discussed other management initiatives either
underway for to begin in the months to come. They include a rewrite of the
employee personnel manual, adjustment of tax collection dates for vehicle tags, an
analysis of funding alternatives, implementation of an off-site records storage
system, a request to Council to endorse a staff/private sector review of the current
development process, Council-directed initiative to assess the impact of the new
parking ordinance, and opportunities for under grounding utilities in the Historic
District.
Mr. Wells concluded by stating that as we approach the build-out of the town,
it will be important to continue to closely monitor our revenues, expenditure and
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Paqe 8
capital budgets. He added our long-term budget outlook should not assume reliance
on real property tax increases.
Councilmember Hammler thanked Mr. Wells stating she is proud of our
accomplishments.
Councilmember Horne echoed the appreciation of Mr. Wells and staff. She
added bringing him on aboard has been a great accomplishment.
Councilmember Burk thanked Mr. Wells.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Mr, Wells and staff for the hard work and stated her
appreciation for the sensitivity of the impact on taxpayers.
H. Legislation
ORDZNANCES
None
CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the
following consent motion was proposed:
2OO5-48
RESOLUT]:ON
Authorizing an agreement and approving a performance guarantee and water and
sewer extension permits for Catoctin Circle Center.
2005-49
RESOLUT:[ON
Authorizing a time extension for completion of public improvements and approving a
performance guarantee for CVS/Pharmacy # 1415-2.
2005-50
RESOLUTTON
Accepting public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and approving
a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Northlake, Section 8.
2005-51
RESOLUT:ZON
Accepting the public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and
approving a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Northlake, Section 4.
2005-52
RESOLUTTON
Accepting the public improvements, releasing the performance guarantee and
approving a maintenance guarantee for public improvements at Potomac Crossing
Storm water Management Pond and Pump Station.
The consent motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page 9
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
REGULAR AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Home, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the
following motion was proposed:
2005-53
RE$OLUT]:ON
Awarding contracts for construction management and project management
continuing services contract to Alpha Corporation, KC! Technologies, Volkert &
Associates.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez, and Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember
Hammler, the following motion was proposed:
2005-54
RESOLUTTON
Approving a design change order for Fort Evans Road C!P in excess of 25% of the
original contract amount.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Horne, the
following motion was proposed:
2005-55
RE$OLUTTON
Approving TLSE-2004-27 Arby's at Potomac Station to permit a fast food restaurant
with drive-thru service.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the
following motion was proposed:
2OO5-56
RESOLUTTON
Approving TLSE-2004-0028 Loudoun National Bank to permit a 10,750 square foot
banking facility with drive-thru service.
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page
Councilmember Hammler verified the BAR is providing a courtesy review of
the architectural details of this building and the applicant's architect will keep the
BAR involved in the process.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Hammler, seconded by Councilmember Burk,
the following motion was proposed:
2005-57
RESOLUTZON
Approving amendments to the FY 2005 Police Department Budget and making an
appropriation for $71,600 awarded through a Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention
Grant.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Home, the
following motion was proposed:
2005-58
RESOLUTTON
Encouraging the Virginia Department of Transportation to enhance clean-up efforts
on Routes 7, 15, Route 15 Bypass, and Ft. Evans Road.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the
following motion was proposed:
2005-59
RESOLUTZON
Supporting the efforts of Keep Loudoun Beautiful and encouraging community
participation in a town-wide clean-up day to keep Leesburg beautiful on April 23,
2005 and throughout the year
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
New Business
a. CPAF4's
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page
kw
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Home,
the following motion was proposed:
2005-60
RESOLUTION
Urging the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to halt all work off developer
initiated CPAM's.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
b. Loudoun Street Task Force
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Burk,
the following motion was proposed:
2005-61
RESOLUTION
Establishing the Loudoun Street Citizens Task Force
Mayor Umstattd asked to add a clause to allow for the addition of
members in the future. She requested that Paige Buscema be added to the
list.
Councilmember Horne stated the initial consideration was to have people
who understood commercial development and filter comments through the
committee. This would allow Ms. Buscema the opportunity to have input.
Mayor Umstattd stated she has seen projects fail because people have
been excluded. She added the Downtown Business Association was not
aware there was going to be a vote on the task force tonight.
There was further discussion about the process.
The Mayor suggested a strong merchant component.
Councilmember Horne explained her proposed process and commented
that any changes to the committee would be reviewed by the entire Council.
The Mayor's amendment to add Paige Buscema as a member of the task
force and the addition of a paragraph that any changes would be made by
Council as a whole was accepted.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos absent)
Old Business
a. Noise Ordinance
.]ohn Wells stated the Noise Ordinance would be presented to Council in
the near future.
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page 12
Economic Development Work Plan - Business Retention &
Attraction
Mr. Wells stated this will be presented to Council at the next meeting.
c. Parking fines
Councilmember Burk asked the status of the parking fines?
Mr, Wells stated there is a resolution in the packet to keep the parking
fines at $10.
Councilmember Burk made a motion, seconded by Councilmember
Hammler, to leave the parking fine at $10 instead of the suggested $40.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-3 (Kramer, Martinez and Zoldos)
Boards and Commissions
a. Airport Commission
Mayor Umstattd thanked Cindi Martin and the Airport Commission for the
frugality with which they approached keeping the airport flying and solvent
and the fact that we are anticipating breaking even within the next five years.
b. Thomas Balch Library Commission
Councilmember Burk reported that on April 6 from 7-9 p.m. the library will
have a presentation on "Notable Women in Virginia's Past" by Dr. Sandra
Treadway. She also reported the librarian took the commission on a tour of
the reorganization and commended them on their efforts in cataloging the
collections. She also thanked the Loudoun County Public Library for their
assistance. In addition, The Friends of the Balch Library will hold an ice
cream social on May 22.
c. Board of Architectural Review
No comment
d. Cable Television Advisory Commission
NO comment
e. Economic Development Commission
Councilmember Horne stated the Business Appreciation Awards are due in
the Economic Development office by March 28. She added those nominees
will be recognized at an event at the Birkby House in May.
Further, the commission has been working on the Town Plan and believes
additional office space should be developed around town. She reported that
commission member Ara Bagdasarian is working on a study for a destination
incubator for emerging technology.
f. Environmental Advisory Commission
Councilmember Burk stated the commission has endorsed the
Environmental Policy presented by Kathleen Leidich and have expressed an
Town Council Meeting for March 22, 2005 Page
interest in helping with the town-wide clean up. :In addition, they are
discussing the implementation of a business recycling program.
g. Znformation Technology Commission
No comment
h. Parks and Recreation Commission
Councilmember Hammler stated the next step regarding the Symington
donation is a town-wide survey to be distributed by the end of March.
i. Planning Commission
The Mayor reported the Planning Commission held their public hearing on
the Meadowbrook application. 125 citizens showed up and none were in favor
of the application. She stated Keep South Leesburg Beautiful spoke for many
of the citizens.
Further, the Planning Commission decided to hold a work session with
Centex on the Meadowbrook application
j. Tree Commission
Councilmember Burk stated Barbara Heinrich, Chairperson of the W&OD
Trail Taskforce, briefed the Tree Commission on the Dominion Virginia Power
plan.
k. Standing Residential Traffic Committee
No comment
N. Councilmember Comments
Councilmember Hammler stated her pleasure with the news regarding the
upgraded bond rating.
She disclosed a meeting with Andy Shuckra, Keane Enterprises, on March 9,
also participating was Tom Solderholm, Cindi Martin and Nagi Elsewaissi.
Councilmember Hammler stated the second public input session on
Lowenbach was very successful adding a follow-up meeting will be held on April 4 at
7:30 p.m.
She thanked Verizon and Ivy H. Smith for the discussion at last night's
Council meeting and asked citizens to call if they encounter any problems with the
installation of the cable. She stated it will be great to have fiber in Leesburg.
She thanked Loudoun Museum for the briefing and officially congratulated the
museum for the award they received from the Loudoun Convention and Visitors
Association.
Councilmember Hammler stated she is pleased to see that the Employee
Benefit Leave Accrual for activated duty employees is being reinstated.
She reported an upcoming Gang Awareness meeting with Congressman Wolf
on March 30th at 7:30 p.m. at Seneca Ridge Middle School.
Town Council Meetinq for March 22, 2005 Page
She reported that Shirley Hall on behalf of Women's History Month organized
a wonderful dramatic presentation of women in the Bible to take place on April 2 at
2:00 p.m. at St. James Church.
She welcomed George Mason University to Loudoun County. She also
congratulated her daughter, Kathryn, for having her artwork on display at the post
office.
Councilmember Horne encouraged citizens to take ownership of their town
and get involved in the April 23 Keep Leesburg Beautiful clean-up.
She stated her concern about the perception of a lack of parking in the
downtown. She suggested the Economic Development Department work with the
local media to come up with a plan to spotlight parking availability.
She reported attending Delegate Joe May's breakfast and asked him to
reinstate the photo red-light cameras.
Councilmember Horne stated she serves on the Youth Advisory Board of the
Sorenson Institute and participated in interviewing applicants from Northern Virginia
students for their program for future political leaders.
Councilmember Burk commended the teachers from Loudoun County High
School for organizing the sister school partnership with the high school in Scotland.
She reported attending the Tourism Awards Program and was impressed with the
presentation on the value of tourism. She stated it struck her that the tourist
industry saves each resident $500 in taxes.
She reported attending the Symposium on Aging and commented that a
senior citizen has asked that Nicole Ard talk to the seniors about town services.
She commented on the fact that gubernatorial candidates, Lt. Governor Tim
Kaine and Attorney General Kilgore will be here in a few days stating they both
realize the importance of Leesburg and Loudoun.
She congratulated the Crossroads organization for their election of new
officers and thanked Council for their willingness to hear from the business
community regarding parking in the downtown area.
N. 14ayor's Comments
Mayor Umstattd announced that Mr. Irwin Uran has donated $250,000 to the
Police Department. The funds are to be used for the enhancement of department
upgrades and equipment.
The Mayor reported that Tim John has directed the Nell Simon play, Rumors,
and did a wonderful job.
She thanked .lerry Shamla for his compliments about the Utilities Department.
The Mayor read a statement from .loe Holbert regarding the filming of a
segment for the Penn & Teller Show shown on the Showtime Channel featuring the
research techniques of our paranormal research group. Further, she thanked Joe
Holbert and the Leesburg Ghost Tour for putting Leesburg on the map.
Town Council Meetinq for March 22, 2005 Page 15
Mayor Umstattd stated she and Councilmembers Burk and Kramer talked with
the Lieutenant Governor Kaine regarding citizen concerns with the Dominion Virginia
Power proposal to install overhead power lines. She added he was very supportive
and stated he will help us lobby the State Corporation Commission when the
application is filed.
The Mayor congratulated the Hampton inn for the Superlative Employee
Award.
She disclosed a meeting with David 3ordan, the developer who wants to
rezone seven acres at Kincaid Forest from commercial to residential.
O. Town I~lanager Comments
.lohn Wells complimented Susan Swift and her staff for setting up the big
screen television during the Planning Commission meeting.
P. Adjournment
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Mayor Umstattd, the
meeting adjourned at 11:02 p.m.
ATTEST:
k o~ counc~ ' ///~
2005_tcmin0322