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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