HomeMy Public PortalAbout2005_07_26COUNCIL MEETING July 26, 2005
7:00 p.m. Landmark Corporation.
Mr. Bob White with Landmark Reality addressed Council regarding a 10-acre
office center site and the 20-acre Leesburg Auto Park tract. He stated the two
parcels are bounded by Battlefield Parkway, Russell Branch Parkway, Keystone
Boulevard and Route 7. Further, he outlined the site plan for the office center and
the difficulties with the site including the road network and the lot width issues.
Mr. White outlined the proposal for the Leesburg Auto Park including four
dealership buildings. He stated there is a substantial proffer package with it
including Keystone Boulevard and Russell Branch Parkway. Further, he stated they
are committed to developing these parcels by-right and as close to conformity with
the Town Plan as possible.
Mr. White outlined four transportation improvements that will need to occur
to ensure the sustainability of these uses on this parcel. 1) The diamond interchange
at River Creek Parkway and Route 7; 2) the at grade interchange at Russell Branch
Parkway and Battlefield Parkway; 3) the inter-parcel access with a temporary ingress
and egress to the site until the road infrastructure is complete; 4) continuous flow of
Russell Branch Parkway from Battlefield Parkway to Crosstrails Boulevard to connect
this site to the Village at Leesburg site.
There was no Council discussion.
COUNCIL MEETING
July 26, 2005
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:32 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Coun¢ilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan Home,
Melinda Kramer, Robert Zoldos, and Mayor Kristen Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: Marry Martinez, Robert Zoldos left the meeting at 8:30
pm.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Interim Town Attorney Elizabeth Whiting,
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, Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler,
Director of Economic Development Betsy Fields, Director of Finance Norm Butts,
Thomas Balch Library Manager Alexandra Gressitt, Comprehensive Planner Steve
McGregor, Comprehensive Planner Nick Colonna, Comprehensive Planner Bruce
Douglas, Recreation and Programs Manager Kate Trask, Management Intern Tami
Watkins, and Assistant to the Clerk of Council Debi Parry.
AGENDA ITEMS
]:nvocation by Councilmember Zoldos
Salute to the Flag was led by Eagle Scout Andrew Cypher and Scott Cypher.
Roll Call showing Vice Mayor Martinez absent and Councilmember Zoldos left
the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 26, 2005 Page 2
Dw
I~linutes
a. 3une 13, 2005 regular meeting
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember
Zoldos, the minutes of the June 13, 2005 meeting were approved with minor
edits by a 6-0-1 vote (Martinez absent).
Presentations
a. Resolution of Respect - Chuck 3ones
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember
Burk, the following Resolution of Respect was read into the record:
Resolution of Respect
Charles G. "Chuck" Jones
WHEREAS, Charles G. "Chuck" Jones, a long-time Leesburg resident,
suffered an untimely death on June 30, 2005 at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jones served on the Leesburg Planning Commission
from July 2004 to the present; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jones served on many Leesburg committees and
advisory groups including the Leesburg Crossroads Board, the Leesburg
Downtown Business Association Board, the Lowenbach Citizens Task Force
and the Citizens Advisory Committee for the 1997 Draft Comprehensive Plan;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jones served on many Loudoun County organizations
as well including serving as a member and Chair of the Open Space Advisory
Committee; the Joint Town/County Task Force on Greenways and Trails, the
Transfer of Development Rights Task Force, Chair of the County Open Space
Plan and Chair of Lhe Rural Economic Development Task Force; and
WHEREAS, regionally Mr. Jones served as Charter Director and
President of the Land Trust of Virginia, Tnc.; and
WHEREAS, Mr..lones's career as a realtor and developer in Loudoun
County showed his commitment to preserving the environmental assets and
features of a property and fitting the community around them.
THEREFORE, RESOLVED the Mayor and members of the Council of
the Town of Leesburg in Virginia extend their sympathy to the Jones family
and ask that this Resolution of Respect be spread upon the minutes of this
meeting and that a copy be given to the .]ones family.
PASSED this 26TM day of July 2005.
The Resolution of Respect was passed by a 6-0-1 vote (Martinez
absent) and presented to Karen Jones and family.
b. Certificate of Appreciation - Clifton Vaughan
Town Council minutes for the meeting of .luly 26, 2005 Page 3
The Certificate of Appreciation for dedicated service to the Town of
Leesburg and the Leesburg Planning Commission from March 1989 to July
2005 was approved by a unanimous vote of those Council members present.
Mr. Vaughan was not in attendance and Mayor Umstattd requested that the
certificate be mailed to him.
c. Certificate of Recognition - Eagle Scout Andrew Cypher
On a motion by Councilmember Zoldos, seconded by Councilmember
Hammler, a certificate of Recognition was presented to Mr. Andrew Cypher for
achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout and for dedicated service to the Town
of Leesburg and its residents. The motion was approved by a 6-0-1 vote
(Martinez absent).
Petitioners
The petitioner's section opened at 8:04 p.m.
Tim Bigler, 811 Casla Court, stated on .lune 26th at 1:00 p.m. a gentleman
forced his way into his home through a side door. He stated he subdued the
individual, called 911 and it was 11 minutes later when the police responded.
Further, he stated when the police responded they determined that no crime had
been committed and refused to arrest the individual.
Mr. Bigler stated the individual identified himself as a realtor for the house
next door and stated he accidentally entered the wrong house. He stated the Officer
called the gentleman's wife to verify his story. Further, he asked Council to take
steps to prevent this in the future.
Betty Bigler, 811 Casla Court, stated she and her children were not home at
the time of this incident. She asked Council to change the police policies.
Mayor Umstattd stated she has spoken with the Town Manager and the Chief
of Police regarding this incident. She stated Chief Price contacted the
Commonwealth Attorney's office regarding this incident and the Commonwealth
Attorney declined to press charges. Further, she apologized for the situation and
thanked Mr. & Mrs. Bigler for addressing Council.
Councilmember Zoldos asked that Chief Price provide a report to Council at
the next work session regarding the 11 minute delay in response.
Mayor Umstattd invited Mr. Bigler to attend the meeting.
Elaine Thompson, Friends of the Thomas Balch Library Black History
Committee, thanked Council for their support. She outlined a number of projects
that committee has completed stating they have published four books since 2004.
Further, Ms. Thompson presented a copy of their latest book, "~[n The Watch Fires",
to Mayor Umstattd.
Ken Reid, 607 Talmadge Court, stated he moved to the Town to escape high
taxes and red tape. He stated Leesburg has an infatuation with regulating things
and this has discouraged people from moving here. He stated Council's decision to
create a Arts Commission to regulate what can be painted on the side of a building is
the pinnacle of irresponsibility. Further, he suggested Council would be better
served by creating a Public Safety Commission.
Town Council minutes for the meeting of ]uly 26, 2005 Page 4
Mr. Reid stated his frustration with the current parking enforcement in the
downtown. He stated having the Finance Department in charge of enforcement is a
conflict of interest and the meters should be enforced by the Police Department.
The petitioner's section closed at 8:23 p.m.
Public Hearing
a. 2005 Leesburg Town Plan.
The public hearing opened at 8:26 p.m.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he had to leave the meeting due to a work
commitment. He stated he will receive a briefing from Ms. Susan Swift
tomorrow and stated his support for the diamond interchange.
Steve McGregor stated the Planning Commission has been talking to the
public over the past two years and the result of those discussions is the
certified May 13 draft Town Plan. He stated the plan is presented in three
sections with an attached suggested work program. Further, Council is asked
to adopt the Town Plan in Sections A, B, and C and to endorse the work
program.
Mr. David Fuller outlined the Land Use Element of the Draft Town Plan.
He stated there are an extensive set of objectives which outline the Planning
Sectors, Land Use Categories and include the Urban Growth Area and the
.loint Land Management Area. Further, he outlined each of the Land Use
Categories including three residential, two retail/commercial, three office, two
industrial, open space and institutional categories.
Mayor Umstattd stated Council has received letters and petitions from
residents concerned with the expansion of the Historic District to the
intersection of Pershing Avenue and Market Street. She asked what level of
expansion is anticipated.
Mr. Fuller stated these properties are proposed for this distinction
because of their historic and architectural significance. He stated the
properties included in the Historic District also benefit from increased property
values.
Councilmember Kramer stated the homeowners need to be involved in
this process.
Mayor Umstattd stated many citizens have requested that language be
added to the Draft Town Plan to state "When the Town Plan presents a stated
range of densities for a land use category it is the Town Council's position that
the lower end of the stated range provides the most appropriate use of the
property. Clear justification is needed before development at a higher density
is warranted or appropriate." Further, she stated Council has also heard from
:~,400 citizens in the southwest that the Leesburg South property should be
planned for R-l.
Mr. Nick Colonna addressed the Transportation Element of the plan. He
stated the objectives are to improve the transportation options for the Town
Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 26, 2005 Page 5
by promoting multi-modal options. He stated cooperation of government at
all levels is required to improve transportation.
Mr. Colonna stated the Community Facilities and Service Element
covers a broad range of services provided by the public sector. He stated the
emphasis is to provide a higher level of services, whether it be the Town,
County or private contractors.
Mr. Colonna outlined the Housing Element of the Town Plan stating it is
important that the Town maintain high quality residential areas while
accommodating the workforce population growth and being mindful of
affordability.
Mr. Colonna outlined the Economic Development Element stating it
looks at regional trends and sectors including emerging technologies, the
airport, tourism, government and high end jobs. Further, he stated it is
important to be mindful that design reflects the Town character.
Mayor Umstattd stated it is costly for residents to maintain their
houses and requiring residents to achieve a certain maintenance level could
be costly and force residents to leave their homes. She stated we do not
currently have a way to help people to maintain their homes if they do not
have the means to do so.
Mr. Colonna stated the Plan does not currently impose maintenance
levels; however, staff hopes to come up with a program that is cost effective
and doesn't necessarily revert the burden on to the residents.
Councilmember Burk asked if our Economic Development Department
reaches out to seek employers to move to the Town.
Mr. Wells stated it is a combination of both. He stated the Town
currently has a limited number of office complexes and one of the things that
has been discussed for the budget is money to allow staff to reach out to
business owners.
Councilmember Hammler asked what methodology was used in
determining what the transportation needs would be in attracting regional
office users?
Mr. Colonna stated the staff is looking to develop an action program
for the transportation needs. He stated if the market is there and users come
in, the town will match up the transportation to the needs.
Mr. Douglas outlined the Natural Resources Element of the plan. He
stated it is the plan's intent that the preservation or restoration of the green
infrastructure be a requirement for new development or redevelopment of
both private and public projects. Further, he stated within the built
environment the plan encourages the planting of native trees to supplement
the Town's tree canopy.
IVlr. Douglas outlined the Parks and Recreation Element stating this
seeks to promote a comprehensive system of regional, community and
Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 26, 2005 Page 6
neighborhood parks and trails by ensuring land use decisions are consistent
with the Parks Master Plan.
Mr. Douglas outlined the Heritage Resources Element stating this
seeks to expand upon the Heritage Resources Preservation Program, which
the Town already has. He stated the Town's heritage resources are part of
what makes Leesburg special and the plan seeks to further enhance this by
offering potential expansion of the H-1 and H-2 Districts.
Mr. Douglas outlined the Community Design Element which contains
policies to achieve high quality design for new development and
redevelopment throughout the Town, including areas that are not within the
Historic District.
Mr. Fuller outlined the implementation and scheduled for adoption.
Brian Cullen, Keane Enterprises, stated the portion of the Oaklawn
property abutting the Dulles Greenway is currently designated as Community
Office/Light :Industrial. He asked that the designation be changed to Regional
Office.
Ken Reid, 607 Talmadge Court, stated the visioning sessions were a
wonderful process and truly exemplified the way the Town works to get the
citizens involved. He expressed his concern with the plan's call for King
Street to be developed with heaving landscaping and traffic calming. He
stated this was not requested by the citizens and Route 15 is listed in the plan
as an arterial road and by developing it as a corridor for the .lourney Through
Hallowed Ground it is left open to mischief.
Mr. Reid expressed further concern with the change in designation of
all cloverleaf interchanges to diamond interchanges. He asked for the land
dedication to remain for future need. Further, he expressed his concern with
the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Evergreen Mill Road being
developed as an at-grade interchange.
Mr. Reid suggested that a dedication page be added to the Town Plan
to honor Chuck .1ones and that consideration also be given to mention David
Kennedy and Cliff Vaughan.
Charles King, Keep South Leesburg Beautiful, discussed his group's
opposition to the Meadowbrook proposal and asked that the entire Leesburg
South parcel be designated as R-1. He stated his group is asking the Town to
finance an independent fiscal analysis for each major development application
and that all road improvements be completed at phase zero. Further, he
addressed concerns with a number of elements in the Meadowbrook plan.
Ann Bolinger, 406 Salyor Way, addressed Council as a resident, a
member of Keep South Leesburg Beautiful, and the Southwest Quadrant
representative on the Standing Residential Traffic Committee. She expressed
her concern with traffic issues in the southwest quadrant of Town and also
with the Meadowbrook proposal.
Town Council minutes for the meeting of .luly 26, 2005 Page 7
Peter Kalaris, owner of the Leesburg South property, addressed
Council. He stated when his family bought the property in 1981 it was in the
County and being considered for annexation into the Town. He stated as
early as 1982 the northern portion of his property was recognized as the
prime retail spot in south Leesburg. Further, he stated when Evergreen Mill
Elementary School was proposed his family built the water line from Country
Club across their property to service the school and any future development
they might have.
Mr. Kalaris expressed his concern with the 150,000 square foot cap on
total commercial space in the Town Plan as it would prevent the construction
of the kind of special commercial center they would like to see on the
property. Further, this would limit the 35 acre parcel to a .1 floor area ratio.
Numa Jerome., Edens Avant, stated his company will develop the retail
center on the Leesburg South parcel. He stated he sees Meadowbrook as the
creation of a special environment that is more than just a neighborhood
center. Further, he stated they would like to incorporate an additional anchor
and find stores with character; however, they need to be given more than
10,000 square feet for the second anchor and more than 150,000 square feet
for the total project.
Robert Reck, 508 West Market Street, addressed Council regarding the
proposal to incorporate five homes into the H-1 District. He stated he and his
neighbors do not want to be incorporated into the H-1 District and he
submitted a petition to Council.
Colleen Snow., attorney for Leegate, stated the property was zoned as
industrial and is now zoned as regional office with the option of retail and
residential. She stated they have met with the residents of Kincaid Forest
and they support the residential use adjacent to their neighborhood and
regional office along the Route 7 corridor. Further, she outlined three
objectives for mixed use developments that they would like included in the
Town Plan, including phasing to reflect market demands, a statement that
mixed-use should be vertically and horizontally integrated, and a statement
that there should be office density along the major corridor.
Hub Turner., 1107 Bradfield Drive, expressed his concern with the
Meadowbrook proposal and traffic in the southwest quadrant. He questioned
the need to change all cloverleaf interchange designations to diamond
interchanges and cautioned Council that the diamond formation would not
handle the volume of traffic.
Benjamin Lay, attorney for the owner of the property at Sycolin and
Lawson Roads which is zoned B-3; he expressed his concern with three
provisos in the community office designation along this corridor including; 1)
a single access point opposite Hope Parkway for all three parcels on this
portion of Sycolin Road, 2) any retail uses are located only in office buildings;
and 3) a 50-foot vegetative buffer.
Deborah Welsh., attorney for Mark Montgomery, stated Mr.
Montgomery's property is located between Costco and the Edwards Landing
townhomes. She stated the property is currently zoned B-3 and is designated
Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 26, 2005 Page 8
in the plan as community office. Further, she stated the appropriate
designation is community commercial which would allow a better transition
between the big-box retail and the residential uses.
Paul Arnone, 42427 Cochran Mill Road, stated he owns 300 acres
south of Leesburg in the JLMA. He stated they are planning to develop a
small residential and retail development with access to Goose Creek. He
stated the Town Plan designates the property as light industrial and asked
Council to reconsider that proposal before adoption of the plan.
Pat Horrocks, 350 Sycolin Road, addressed Council. Ms. Horrocks
stated her appreciation for the Planning Commission's designation of
community office at this location; however, they have limited the three pieces
of adjacent property to a single access which could lock her out of the market
if one of the adjourning properties presents a plan first.
Gem Bingol, 205 Primrose Court, addressed Council. She stated it
would be useful to include a watershed map in the Town Plan to facilitate
understanding of how the land interacts with the streams. Further, she
stated the Environmental Advisory Commission has passed a resolution that
should be presented to Council soon.
Ms. Bingol expressed her concerns with various mixed-use
developments and asked Council to prohibit residential use in the Regional
Office use along Route 7. Further, she stated there are other wetland areas
and watershed issues that should be mentioned in the plan.
The public hearing closed at 10:36 p.m.
There were no further Council comments.
TLTA-2004-0002 Village at Leesburg - Route 7 at River Creek
Parkway/Crosstrail Boulevard interchange design amendment
The public hearing opened at 10:37 p.m.
Chris IVlurphy stated the issue Town Plan amendment was initiated to
change the interchange designation from a cloverleaf to a diamond.
He outlined the location of the interchange and stated staff recommends
approval. Further, he stated on February 11th VDOT issued a letter stating a
diamond interchange is appropriate for this location and on June 23rd the
Planning Commission voted to approve this application.
Councilmember Burk verified approval of this application would simply
change the designation in the Town Plan and would not imply approval of the
overall KS! application. She asked about the need for noise mitigation.
Mr. Murphy stated there will be a specific design that will come up in
the future and noise mitigation will be discussed at this time.
Councilmember Horne verified construction of a diamond interchange
would eliminate two existing traffic signals at Route 7. Further, she verified
the needs of the Holiday Tnn access will also be addressed.
Town Council minutes for the meetinq of July 26, 2005 Page 9
Councilmember Hammler stated it is her understanding that Randy
Greehan will provide language to clarify any vested rights issues. Further,
she stated cloverleaf interchanges can hold more traffic; and studies
show a diamond interchange is appropriate for this location.
Mayor Umstattd expressed concern with the noise abatement and
hotel access issues. She stated the Town received a July 5th letter from
VDOT stating they do not want the cloverleaf interchanges changed to
diamonds and asked why they changed their minds.
Mr. Murphy stated staff speculates that VDOT would approve this one
because of the analysis behind it; however, the other intersections may not
have as much analysis behind them.
Eddie Byrne, KSI, addressed Council on behalf of the applicant. He
thanked Council for allowing this Town Plan amendment to move forward. He
stated his concurrence with the staff report.
David Tocki, Potomac Station Homeowner Association, stated the
association supports the transition from a cloverleaf to a diamond interchange
with the caveat that the noise abatement issues be addressed. Further,
he stated KSI has been very willing to address the association's concerns.
Rich Stallard, 825 Sandpoint Court, stated his support for the diamond
interchange.
Hub Turner, 1107 Bradfield Drive, expressed his concern with traffic
issues in the Town. He asked that each intersection be analyzed
independently to determine if a diamond or cloverleaf interchange is
appropriate.
The public hearing closed at 10:59 p.m.
There were no further Council comments.
H. Legislation
I ORDTNANCE J
On a motion by Councilmember Kramer, seconded by Councilmember Burk,
the following motion was proposed:
ORDINANCE
2005-O-10
Amending Section 10-171 of the Leesburg Town Code regarding the establishment of
meter zones and parking time limits therein.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Kramer, Umstattd
Nay: Horne, Hammler
Vote: 3-2-2 (Martinez & Zoldos absent)
Councilmember Burk asked that a report be provided to Council in six
months.
Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 26, 2005 Page 10
Councilmember Horne stated the parking management plan is scheduled to
be reviewed in September.
Mr. Wells stated the parking plan was initiated in April and at that time
Council asked that a report be give after six months. He stated the six month time
frame will end in September and a report will be provided to Council in October.
Councilmember Horne asked that the language be amended to change the
language in Section :1 to make the six-hour parking zone a four hour parking zone.
The amendment failed for lack of a second.
The original motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye:
Nay:
Vote
Burk, Kramer and Mayor Umstattd
Hammler and Horne
3-2-2 (Martinez and Zoldos)
CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Hammler, seconded by Councilmember
Horne, the following consent motion was proposed:
RESOLUTION
2005-115
Approving a supplemental appropriation for a donation of $2,400 to allow Leesburg
youth to participate in the Commonwealth Youth Conference for leadership
effectiveness.
RESOLUTION
2005-116
Purchase of nine police vehicles authorized in the FY06 Budget.
RESOLUTION
2005-117
Authorizing time extensions for completion of public improvements and approving
performance guarantees for Stratford Landbay C and Landbay D.
The consent motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Home, Kramer, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Martinez and Zoldos absent)
REGULAR AGENDA ]
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Zoldos,
the following motion was proposed:
RESOLUTION
2005-118
Authorizing a Town Attorney contract - Barbara P. Beach
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 26, 2005 Page 11
Aye:
Nay:
Vote:
Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd
None
6-0-1 (Martinez absent)
The following item was deferred to the FY 2007 budget discussions:
RESOLUTZON
Approving a music instruction program for financially disadvantaged, at-risk youth in
Leesburg.
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Kramer,
the following motion was proposed:
RESOLUTZON
2005-119
Authorizing the extension of utilities to the O'Connor property for a new high school
site.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Horne, Kramer and Mayor Umstattd
Nay.' Hammler and Zoldos
Vote: 4-2-1 (Martinez absent)
Sarah Smith, Leesburg representative to the Loudoun County School Board,
stated this is an important project and Council is acting in good faith.
John Andrews, Chairman of the Loudoun County School Board, stated Town
staff and Loudoun County Public Schools staff had worked well and will continue to
work together as we go forward. He thanked Council for their consideration of this
item.
Mr. Wells stated Councilmember Zoldos had brought up the issue of a possible
conflict with the Town Plan regarding school size and lighting. He asked Ms. Susan
Swift to address this issue.
Ms. Swift stated there is a policy in the Town Plan written during the drafting
that might affect the site as it were to be proposed now. She stated staff will work
to amend the language so it is consistent with what is proposed now.
Councilmember Horne stated she expects the School Board and the County
will work with Mr. Mason to mitigate any traffic impacts. Further, she expressed her
concern with the possibility of extending water and sewer lines across land that will
remain in the County stating the Town needs to have a say in controlling the land
use in this area.
Councilmember Zoldos expressed his concern that Council has not decided
how the water and sewer will be extended. He suggested deferring this item until
the questions are answered.
Councilmember Zoldos made a motion to table, seconded by Councilmember
Hammler.
Town Council minutes for the meetinq of .luly 26, 2005 Page 12
The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Hammler and Zoldos
Nay: Burk, Horne, Kramer and Mayor Umstattd
Vote: 2-4-1 (Martinez absent)
Councilmember Hammler thanked Mr. Andrews and Ms. Smith for attending
this meeting. She stated the school is needed; however, if Council doesn't take the
opportunity to properly plan this gateway into the Town we will find that another
jurisdiction will take that control away leaving us to hope for the best. Further, she
stated she would not support a vote on this item tonight.
Mayor Umstattd stated a vote is needed tonight to allow the School Board to
proceed with plans for the school. She stated there is time to decide the other
issues later.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye:
Nay:
Vote:
Hammler and Zoldos
Burk, Horne, Kramer and Mayor Umstattd
2-4-:L (Martinez absent)
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Home, the
following motion was proposed:
RESOLUTION
2005-120
Making an appointment to the Leesburg Planning Commission - Brett Burk
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Martinez and Zoldos absent)
Boards and Commissions
a. Airport Commission
No comment
Thomas Balch Library Commission
Councilmember Burk reported the Commission will not meet in August.
c. Board of Architectural Review
Councilmember Burk stated the Board discussed an application for an
addition to a house on King Street and were not able to come to a decision.
She stated the Board has scheduled a special meeting with the applicant to
discuss the matter further.
Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Wells to provide any applicants turned
down by the BAR with information regarding the appeals process. She stated
the Town is required to do that; however, she has been told that information
has not been provided in the past.
d. Cable Television Advisory Commission
Town Council minutes for the meeting of July 26, 2005 Page 13
No comment
e. Economic Development Commission
Councilmember Horne stated she attended the latest Commission
meeting; however, she had to leave early due to another commitment.
f. Environmental Advisory Commission
Councilmember Burk reported the Commission has almost completed
its recycling survey and it will be sent to the downtown businesses soon.
Information Technology Commission
No comment
h. Parks and Recreation Commission
Councilmember Hammler stated the phone survey regarding the
disposition of the Symington donation has been completed. She stated
residents indicated their first preference to be an outdoor pool followed by an
expansion of the recreation center, land acquisition and an indoor tennis
center. She stated a feasibility study has been completed on the outdoor
pool, expansion of the recreation center and an indoor tennis center and the
study will be reviewed by the Commission in September. Further, a second
community meeting will be scheduled for late September or October and a
recommendation will be forwarded to Council in December with a vote
anticipated early next year.
Planning Commission
No comment
j. Tree Commission
No comment
k. Standing Residential Traffic Committee
Councilmember Horne reported the Committee completed the
Southwest traffic calming recommendation and they are meeting with
residents to get feedback.
Old Business
a. Board of Architectural Review signage approval issues
b. Dodona Manor Flag Display
c. Journey Through Hallowed Ground
d. Recognition of National Guard Troops
The Town Manager stated there is nothing new to report on the above items.
New Business
a. Water Hydrant Abuse
Councilmember Kramer recounted a recent meeting with a gentleman
from a pool company who was taking water from a Town hydrant to fill up a
new pool. She stated there have been more and more occurrences of
unauthorized use of water hydrants by various companies. Further, she
cautioned residents to be aware and to report any suspicious use to the
police.
Town Council minutes for the meeting of .luly 26, 2005 Page 14
Mayor Umstattd stated a prior Council was assured that the Town had
installed a system to prevent the theft of water from hydrants. She asked
that staff provide a report at the next work session.
b. Parking Tickets
Councilmember Burk asked if Council would receive a report from staff
on parking ticket issuance.
Mr. Wells stated he and Mr. Butts are preparing a report for Council.
Councilmember Home stated she has received complaints regarding
the parking enforcement and has also received some suggestions for
improvement. She stated several employees at the court house have
received multiple tickets.
c. Emergency Procedures Management
Councilmember Hammler asked when staff would provide a report on
Emergency Procedures Management.
Mr, Wells stated Chief Price has drafted a report and Council will
receive a briefing at a future work session,
d. Special Events Policy
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember
Horne, the following motion was proposed:
RESOLUT]:ON
2005-121
Approving the revised Town of Leesburg Special Events Policy.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Martinez and Zoldos absent)
Council Comments
Councilmember Kramer had no comments.
Councilmember Burk asked if it was appropriate for Council to have received
a presentation from Landmark since the application has not been submitted to the
Town.
Mayor Umstattd stated anyone has a first amendment right to come before
Council to speak about anything. She stated she asked Landmark to come before
Council because they had met with her in private and she felt Council would benefit
from hearing about their application.
Councilmember Burk disclosed her meeting with Sally Gillette and Centex on
July 19th.
Councilmember Burk stated she would not be in attendance at the August 8th
meeting.
Town Council minutes for the meeting of .luly 26, 2005 Page :~5
Councilmember Burk stated this Council has not created an Arts Commission;
however, they have created a citizen's task force to investigate the necessity of a
commission to promote the arts in the Town.
Councilmember Home stated Ms. Till Benny has been in the hospital recently
and she wished her well.
She disclosed a meeting with representatives from Leegate and KS]: and will
be meeting with representatives from Meadowbrook next week.
She thanked Council for hosting the LEAD Virginia reception with the Venable
Law Firm as a co-host. LEAD Virginia is seeking nominations for their next class and
citizens can get more information by visiting www.leadva.org.
She stated she has had several citizens contact her regarding the vacancy on
the Planning Commission and she hopes to have a nomination for the next meeting.
She stated the 4-H Loudoun County Fair is this week and you can go to their
website www.loudouncountyfair.com to get further information regarding the
schedule of events.
She commended the Police Department and the town's citizens for meeting to
create a boys and girls club in our community.
She expressed her appreciation to Liz Whiting for her efforts as :[nterim Town
Attorney. She welcomed Barbara P. Beach as our new Town Attorney stating she
brings strong credentials.
Councilmember Hammler thanked the residents who came to speak regarding
the Town Plan public hearing and thanked the Planning Commission for their efforts.
She stated she was touched by the presentation of the Resolution of Respect
for Chuck Jones and stated her support for comments that the Town Plan should be
dedicated in his memory.
She stated Cliff Vaughan will be missed as Chairman of the Planning
Commission and thanked him for his hard work.
She thanked Carter Braxton Realty for their generous donation.
She disclosed a meeting with KS:[ and stated she will also be meeting with
representatives from Meadowbrook.
She stated she will make a nomination to the Airport Commission at the next
meeting.
She welcomed new Town Attorney Barbara Beach stating Liz Whiting has
been a wonderful asset to the Town.
She wished Clerk of Council .ludy Ahalt a speedy recovery.
Town Council minutes for the meetinq of July 26, 2005 Page 16
She expressed her gratitude and thanked the Virginia National Guard Troops
who are returning home.
r4. Mayor's Comments
Mayor Umstattd stated the Leesburg Book Store organized an amazing effort
involving 30 downtown merchants to celebrate the release of the new Harry Potter
book. Further, she stated they will be recognized at the next Council meeting.
She stated she has spoken with the Leesburg Book Store and Paige Buscema
regarding the need for more events such as this.
She stated the Leesburg Books-A-Million store also organized a wonderful
Harry Potter event and sold more books at their store than any other Books-A-Million
in the country,
She apologized for not attending the LEAD Virginia reception stating she
attended the Virginia Association of Planning District Commission's annual
conference. She stated there was a seminar on transportation issues and a number
of interesting presentations.
She disclosed meetings with representatives from Centex and Landmark. She
stated the presentations tonight and tomorrow night were provided at her request.
N. 14anager's Report
John Wells stated Ms. Barbara Beach will officially start work on September 1.
Further, Annie McDonald has been hired as the new Preservation Planner and will
start on September 1.
He stated the Thomas Balch Library has developed a new brochure which
speaks to the library as a professional research hub. He stated the leaks in the
library roof have been repaired.
He stated the County has suggested September 22 as a date for a follow-up
meeting with the Council and asked that Council members advise staff of their
availability.
Mayor Umstattd stated September 22 is when the Northern Virginia Regional
Commission meets so that date might not work.
meeting adjourned at 11:36 p.m.
Adjournment
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Horne, the
erk of Council
2005_tcrnin0726