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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2005_07_12COUNCIL MEETING July 12, 2005 7:20 p.m. Larry Rosenstrauch - Annual Growth Report. Mr. Larry Rosenstrauch, Loudoun County Economic Development, provided copies of the Loudoun County 2004 Annual Growth Summary to Council followed by a brief overview of the document. The demographics showed a 2004 population of 229,429 with an anticipated slowing down to 3% per year. He provided a comparison of per capita income for Northern Virginia jurisdictions. The labor market figures showed that Loudoun has slightly over 2% unemployment rate. Further, the number of passengers at Dulles International Airport has reached the highest level ever. Councilmember Horne asked for projections on future metro rail to Loudoun County? Mr. Rosenstrauch stated there are currently no projections; however with the build out of Moorefield and Loudoun Station would bring an additional 100,000,000 square feet of office space. Councilmember Hammler discussed the fact that so many Loudouners choose to commute downtown or to Reston and how these statistics tie in to us trying to bring those kinds of jobs here? Mr. Rosenstrauch stated a survey is done every year and shows 6% of residents commute downtown and 33% to Fairfax adding the more we bring the jobs here, the better opportunity the citizens will have. Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:37 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan Horne, IVlelinda Kramer, Robert Zoldos, and Mayor Kristen Umstattd. Councilmembers Absent: Marty Martinez Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Planning, Zoning and Development Director Susan Swift, Airport Director Cindi Martin, Management/Budget Officer Mike Freda, Director of Economic Development Betsy Fields, Director of Finance Norm Butts, Comprehensive Planner Steve McGregor, Recreation and Programs Manager Kate Trask, Management Intern Tami Watkins, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS :]:nvocation by Councilmember Horne Salute to the Flag was led by Councilmember Hammler Roll Call showing Vice Mayor Martinez absent Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 12, 2005 Paqe 2 Minutes a. April 25, 2005 work session On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Zoldos, the minutes of the April 25, 2005 work session were approved by a 6- 0-1 vote (Martinez absent). b. May 24, 2005 regular meeting On a motion by Councilmember Hammler, seconded by Councilmember Kramer, the minutes of the May 24, 2005 regular meeting were approved by a 5-0-1-1 vote (Martinez absent, Zoldos abstaining). Presentations a. Certificate of Appreciation - Brian Fugere A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Brian Fugere for his dedicated service to the Town of Leesburg and the Leesburg Parks and Recreation Commission from October 2003 to June 2005. 4th of .luly Parade Awards The following 4th of July parade winners were recognized: 16 years and older Category: The Baltimore West $iders Band for Best Musical Entry; Lawn Boy for Most Creative; Airshire Farms for Best Float; Welsh & Lanham for Best :Interpretation of Theme and Blue Ridge Gray Hound Adoption for walking group. 15 years and younger category: Gainesville Drum Core for Best Musical Entry; Dragon Young in Martial Arts for Most Creative; Ashburn ice House for Best Float; Patriot of Prospect Hills for Best interpretation of Theme; and Walking Lady Liberty for Best Walking Group. c. Parking Garage Update Norm Butts reported in the month of ]une the parking garage had a 28% vacancy rate, with the highest usage at mid-day. Councilmember Zoldos verified there are no monthly spaces available. Mr. Butts gave an update on parking enforcement. He stated two parking enforcement officers have been hired. They have gone through police department training and are authorized to write tickets. The parking enforcement officers began writing warning tickets on June 20 and after two weeks enforcement began with 260 tickets being written last week. Further, he advised that 80% of the downtown merchants are participating in the validation program. Mr. Butts stated there is an administrative review process if a ticket is appealed. Councilmember Home verified a parking vacancy analysis will be conducted each month. Town Manager ,lohn Wells stated we will continue to evaluate the new parking regulations. Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 12, 2005 Page 3 Councilmember Zoldos asked that we continue to follow up with the downtown merchants to see how they are be impacted. Mayor Umstattd stated one concern of the business community is that a person should be able to return to the meter, put in more money and stay longer than 2 hours. Further, she asked that instructions be provided to citizens to let them know what happens with a contested ticket. Fw Petitioners The petitioner's section opened at 8:10 p.m. Greg Woodlock reminded citizens the Leesburg Book Store will host a party in honor of the new Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince", on Friday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. on Wirt Street. Diane Huntley invited citizens to take part in the Quest for the Golden Snitch event. She added 30 businesses are participating and will have a clue posted on their window. Elizabeth Woodlock, 13 Wirt Street, addressed Council on behalf of the Leesburg Book Store. She stated their plans to donate books to the local youth orchestra. Lilly Rose Dunning, representing the Bluemont Concert Series, addressed Council and thanked them and the Town for their ongoing support. She reported that the 2005 series is being held at Freedom Park and thanked the Parks and Recreation staff, specifically Kate Trask, for their assistance. She expressed her hope they will be able to return to the Loudoun County Courthouse lawn next year. She announced the upcoming Bluemont Multi-Cultural Event to be held at Freedom Park on July 31 at 6:00 p.m. She stated they will be co-sponsoring this event with La Voz and the Loudoun Human Services Diversity Group. Chuck Bushrod., 23434 New Mountain Road, Aldie, VA addressed Council. Mr. Bushrod stated he works in the Loudoun County school system and sees first hand the traffic that schools create. He stated his concern with the impact of a new high school in the northeast quadrant of Leesburg. Mr. Bushrod asked that consideration be given to upgrading the roads before the schools are built. Steve Axeman, Jr. 221 Rosemeade Place, invited Council to attend the 70th Annual Loudoun County Fair on July 26-30. Marybeth Mohr, 314 Foxridge Drive SW, encouraged Council to pass the resolution supporting a Leesburg Arts Committee. She added the committee members should have a limited term and there would be no cost to the Town. The petitioner's section closed at 8:27 p.m. Public Hearing The public hearing opened at 8:28 p.m. Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 12, 2005 Page 4 Approving a supplemental appropriation of $1,505,942 for the acquisition of 45-acres of land on the west side of the Leesburg Executive Airport. Cindi Martin explained this supplemental appropriation is for the purchase of 45-acres of land on the west side of the Leesburg Executive Airport and has been identified for acquisition in the CIP budgets. Further, the purchase of these properties will provide the airport with the land area needed to accommodate the equipment shelter for the planned ILS and for a safety fence along the west side of the runway. Ms. Martin also stated a boundary line adjustment is necessary for each parcel prior to dosing on the property. Councilmember Hammler clarified that 95% of the funding will be provided by the FAA. The Town's portion is $30,119. There were no petitioner's for this public hearing. The public hearing closed at 8:31 p.m. H. Legislation ORDZNANCE None CONSENT AGENDA On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Hammler, the following consent motion was proposed: RESOLUTXON 2005-109 Making a reduction of the performance guarantee for public improvements installed in Potomac Crossing Section 10. RESOLUTXON 2005-110 Authorizing an agreement and approving a performance guarantee and water and sewer extension permits for River Creek, Phase 1, Section lB (Landbay B). The consent motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, Kramer, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) REGULAR AGENDA Action on the following resolution was deferred: Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 12, 2005 Page 5 RE$OLUT]:ON Authorizing the transfer of $25,000 from the Town Manager's Contingency Account to the Community Outreach Program within the Parks and Recreation Department's Fiscal Year 2006 General Operating Budget to support the Leesburg Youth Orchestra Project. On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Hammler, the following motion was proposed: RE$OLUT]:ON 2OO5-111 Approving a proffer policy for school capital costs 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) On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Zoldos, the following motion was proposed: RE$OLUT]:ON 2005-112 Approving a supplemental appropriation of $1,505,942 for the acquisition of 45-acres of land on the west side of the Leesburg Executive Airport. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, Kramer, Zoldos, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the following motion was proposed: RE$OLUT]:ON 2005-113 Endorsin9 the town staff recommendation of denial for the Crosstrai[ ZI~IAP 2005- 0011 Application Counciimember Home su99ested an amendment to acid phrasin9 statin9 the Town's intent to pursue a boundary line adjustment of this property. Councilmember Burk seconded the amendment. The motion to amend was approved by the fo]lowin9 vote: Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, Kramer, Zoldos and IVlayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) The amended motion was approved by the following vote: Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 12, 2005 Paqe 6 Aye: Nay: Vote: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, and Mayor Umstattd Zoldos 5-1-1 (Martinez absent) On a motion by Councilmember Zoldos, seconded by Councilmember Kramer, the following motion was proposed: RESOLUTION 2005-114 Establishing a Public Arts Task Force Councilmember Burk stated she would like to see the task force complete its work and report back to Council in six months. 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) Boards and Commissions a. Airport Commission No comment b. Thomas Balch Library Commission Councilmember Burk reported the Commission has not met this month. Board of Architectural Review Councilmember Burk reported the Board has not met this month. Cable Television Advisory Commission No comment e. Economic Development Commission Councilmember Horne reported the Doing Business Guide is currently circulating for comments. month. Environmental Advisory Commission Councilmember Burk reported the Commission has not met this Information Technology Commission No comment Parks and Recreation Commission No comment i, Planning Commission Mayor Umstattd reported there will be a celebration of Chuck Jones' life tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 p.m. at the Thomas Birkby House, j. Tree Commission Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 12, 2005 Page 7 No comment k. Standing Residential Traffic Committee Councilmember Horne reported the Committee is meeting with various homeowners' associations to share the plan they have come up with for traffic claming initiatives. Old Business a. Board of Architectural Review signage approval issues b. Dodona Manor Flag Display c. Journey Through Hallowed Ground The Town Manager stated there is nothing new to report on the above items. Councilmember Burk stated the Dodona Manor board met and they are delighted that the town is willing to put up the flags and requested they be put up between November ! - !6, K. New Business No discussion L. Council Comments Councilmember Hammler sent her condolences to the family of Chuck Jones. She stated she was able to spend quality time with Chuck during the Planning Commissioners Certification Course. She stated he touched many people and his involvement in the community and work on the Crescent District Master Plan, Town Plan, and Lowenbach Committee has been so important. She sent her condolences to the families members of those lost in the London terrorist bombings. She also discussed the need for an emergency plan briefing for Council. Councilmember Zoldos sent sympathies to Karen Jones and family in the loss of her husband, Chuck. He stated the need to carry on Chuck Jones' vision for the Town. He announced he has a vacancy on the Cable Television Advisory Commission which will be advertised in the local newspaper. Councilmember Zoldos stated he looks forward to working out the details for a parade in honor of the National Guard unit who has returned from deployment in Afghanistan. He stated his concern with trash pickup during rush hour on the major streets in Leesburg. He suggested the route be adjusted to allow pick up on side streets during the busy traffic hours. Councilmember Zoldos wished his daughter-in-law, Sherry, a Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary greetings to his wife, Kay. Councilmember Horne extended sympathies to the family and friends of Chuck Jones, especially to his wife and her dear friend Karen. Town Council minutes for the meetinq of .luly 12, 2005 Paqe 8 She stated she appreciated Chuck's heart and vision for the community. She added he had a great love for the preservation of our land and its environmental features. Councilmember Horne stated she will be looking for a replacement to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Home suggested a discussion with the Planning Commission on a permanent way to memorialize Chuck Jones. Councilmember Burk extended sympathies to Karen Jones for the tremendous loss of her husband, Chuck. She thanked Marybeth Mohr for her efforts in putting together the arts council memo. She stated her excitement with the Horsing Around Loudoun project adding corporate sponsorships are still available. Councilmember Burk thanked Council for supporting the Arts Task Force initiative stating arts will play an important role in the downtown area. She stated the Planning Subcommittee met this evening and came up with the following points: (:~) get the message to the Board of Supervisors that we want to have an active part in planning the areas around Town and the airport; (2) send a letter to the County expressing that intent, and (3) meet with the Planning Commission committee to ensure that our messages are the same. She encouraged citizens to contact the Board of Supervisors regarding issues that are important to the Town. Councilmember Kramer stated the .1ones family is in her prayers. She stated the 4th of .luly was a wonderful event. Further, she thanked Marybeth Mohr for her work in support of the Arts Task Force. M. Mayor's Comments Mayor Umstattd thanked Councilmembers Kramer and Hammler for hosting children from Latin America representing the orchestra performing at Heritage High School. The Mayor asked for an update on the memorial tree or bench at ida Lee for Chuck Bos. She extended her sympathy to the Chuck Jones family stating Chuck was held in high esteem by the Planning Commission. ]~n addition, she stated Council may want to think of a memorial for Chuck Jones. Mayor Umstattd stated she met with Landmark Real Estate and have recommended they give a presentation to Council regarding the Autopark parcel on the southside of Rt. 7. She stated they were interested in finding out whether Council would prefer a by-right development of that site. Town Council minutes for the meeting of .luly 12, 2005 Page 9 The Mayor stated a closed session will be held at the conclusion of this meeting to discuss the Town Attorney position. N, Manager's Report John Wells extended condolences to Karen ]ones and family. He stated the National Guard prefers to have an event closer to Veterans Day and staff will work with their representatives. Mr. Wells reported a generous donation from Jerry Martel of Carter Braxton Real Estate in the amount of $2,400 to the Police Department for costs associated with the Commonwealth Youth Conference for Leadership Effectiveness (CYCLE). He thanked the Police, Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments for their hard work on a very successful 4th of July Celebration at Tda Lee. He stated a Council briefing on emergency management will be forthcoming within the next few months. O, Adjournment On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the following closed meeting 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 selection of a Town Attorney. 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) Council convened in a dosed meeting at 9:09 p.m. Council reconvened in open session at 9:35 p.m. On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Councilmember Zoldos, the following certifying motion was proposed: In accordance with Section 2.2-3712(D) of the Code of Virginia, I 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 Information Act and such personnel matters as were identified in the motion by which the dosed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by Council. 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) Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 12, 2005 Page 10 On a motion by Councilmember Zoldos, seconded by Councilmember Kramer, the meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m. ATTEST:  erk of coUncil 2005_tcmin0712 To.wn of Leesburg