HomeMy Public PortalAbout2006_04_25
COUNCIL MEETING
April 25, 2006
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammier, Susan Horne,
Melinda Kramer, Marty Martinez, Bob Zoldos and Mayor Kristen Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Barbara Beach, Assistant
to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich,
Director of Finance Norm Butts, Director of Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Director of
Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Chief of Police Joe Price, Director of Parks
& Recreation Kaj Dentler, Director of Human Resources Nancy Fixx, Balch Library
Manager Alexandra Gressitt, Management/Budget Officer Mike Freda, Deputy
Director of Capital Projects Management Renee LaFollette, Tourism Coordinator
Marantha Edwards, Management Specialist Tami Watkins and Deputy Clerk of
Council Debi Parry.
AGENDA
ITEMS
A. Invocation by Councilmember Zoldos
B. Salute to the Flag was led by Councilmember Kramer
C. Roll Call showing all present.
D. Minutes
a. March 14, 2006 regular meeting
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember
Kramer, the minutes of the March 14 regular meeting were approved by a
7-0 vote.
b. March 27, 2006 work session
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember
Burk, the minutes of the March 27 work session were approved by a 7-0
vote.
c. March 28, 2006 regular meeting
On a motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember
Horne, the minutes of the March 28 regular meeting were approved by a
7-0 vote.
E. Presentations
a. Bird Flu Report - Benita Boyer, Loudoun County Health
Department
Ms. Boyer provided a presentation regarding pandemic influenza
preparedness. She discussed the history of pandemic influenza and how
that relates to the recent fears regarding the avian flu. Further, Ms. Boyer
reminded everyone to cover their coughs, wash their hands and stay
home when sick.
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Paqe 2
Councilmember Kramer expressed concern that so many people from
all over the world visit this area and verified the Federal and State
governments have a plan in place to deal with the chance that this flu may
enter our Country through one of our major airports.
Ms. Boyer stated Dulles Airport has become a federal quarantine
center with a staff that has worked hard to put safeguards in place.
Vice Mayor Martinez asked about the efforts being made to educate
the citizens in this area.
Ms. Boyer stated Loudoun has taken the lead in the state to get the
information to the citizens.
Councilmember Burk asked if there is a plan in place should the
pandemic flu arrive here.
Ms. Boyer stated the Loudoun County Health Department is working
with the County's Emergency Operations Team to add an annex to the
emergency plan dealing with pandemic influence.
Councilmember Burk verified we do not know when or if the avian flu
will enter the United States.
Chief Joe Price stated we do have many disaster plans in place that
would be used in this situation and those have been carried out in
exercises both in the County and the Town.
Councilmember Horne asked what Council can do to help in the
preparation efforts.
Ms. Boyer asked that Council continue to support Mr. Wells and Chief
Price who are both on the task force.
John Wells stated the important message right now is that we are
taking the components of various plans and making them specific to deal
with the potential of a pandemic flu. He stated he would present updates
to Council on a regular basis.
Councilmember Zoldos asked Ms. Boyer to comment on the
controversy surrounding quarantine centers as cited in a recent USA
Today article.
Ms. Boyer stated the State of Virginia passed a quarantine and
isolation law which gives the Commissioner of Policy and the Governor the
right to declare a quarantine; however, the airport is a federal facility.
She said the County did have people on quarantine during the SARS
outbreak a couple of years ago.
Councilmember Zoldos expressed concern that Dulles Airport does not
have the facilities to accommodate passengers from 10 planes at one
time. Further, he stated he believes the airports will be the gateway by
which this pandemic flu will arrive in the United States.
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Page 3
Ms. Boyer stated she recently received the activated plan from the
airport and there has been extensive education done at the airline level.
She stated the County conducted a full blown exercise last fall to
communicate with all of the jurisdictions surrounding the airport.
Councilmember Hammier asked for advise regarding, given particularly
pets like cats are outside and in contact with what may be infected
animals.
Ms. Boyer stated no steps should be taken at this time. She stated if
the avian flu has been found in the United States people may want to limit
the time their pets spend outdoors.
Mayor Umstattd discussed the extensive precautions being taken in
France and asked if the avian flu enters the United States what kind of
day-to-day precautions should be taken.
Ms. Boyer stated no major precautions are needed at the current
phase; however, that will change as the threat level increases.
Mayor Umstattd asked what outreach efforts are being made to
businesses to brief them on the situation and offer assistance if it comes
to the point where schools are closed and people with children are unable
to leave for work.
Ms. Boyer stated some outreach efforts have been made regarding gap
analysis and telecommuting.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Ms. Boyer for her outreach efforts. Further,
she stated experts are recommending each family have a six to eight
week supply of food and water in their home.
b. Proclamation - Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
On a motion by Councilmember Hammier, seconded by
Councilmember Horne the following motion was approved by a 7-0 vote
and presented to Grand Master Choi:
PROCLAMA TION
ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
MA Y 2006
WHEREAS, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution declaring
the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in 1979; and
WHEREAS, President George H. W. Bush extended the celebration to
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992; and
WHEREAS, The United States Congress passed Public Law 102-450 in
October 1992, designating May of each year as Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, Asian/Pacific Americans represent more than 30 ethnic
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Paqe 4
backgrounds and are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Virginia is home to a rich and diverse population, drawing
people from nations around the world; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize their achievements and
continued contributions to Loudoun County, the Town of Leesburg, and our
nation.
THEREFORE, the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Leesburg in
Virginia hereby proclaim the month of May of the Year 2006 as Asian/Pacific
American Heritage Month, and urge the citizens of Leesburg to join in
recognizing the contributions made by Asian/Pacific Americans and to
celebrate their contributions to our nation's history.
PROCLAIMED this 25th day of April 2006.
c. Proclamation - 240th Anniversary Old Stone Church
On a motion by Councilmember Hammier, seconded by Vice Mayor
Martinez, the following motion was approved by a 7-0 vote and was
presented to George Titus:
PROCLAMA TION
Commemoration of the 240th Anniversary of the deeding of the Old Stone
Church Site in Leesburg, Virginia
MA Y 2006
WHEREAS, on May 11, 1766 Nicolas Minor, a founder of the Town of
Leesburg, deeded lot 50 to Robert Hamilton for four pounds for "no other
use but for a church or meeting house and grave yard"; and
WHEREAS, on September 28, 1768 the deed was recorded in the
Clerk's Office of the Loudoun County Courthouse and delivered to the
Methodist society; and
WHEREAS, this property, the Old Stone Church site was the first
Methodist-owned property in America; and
WHEREAS, the property was razed in 1902 and the site is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places and is designated a Heritage Landmark
of the United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, the Old Stone Church Foundation is responsible for the
care and preservation of the Methodism's Old Stone Church site in
Leesburg and is celebrating the 240th Anniversary of the deeding of said
property; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Leesburg values and celebrates preservation
and cultural heritage tourism; and
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Page 5
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize this achievement and
continued contributions to the Town of Leesburg, Loudoun County and our
nation.
THEREFORE, the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Leesburg in
Virginia hereby proclaims the 240th Anniversary of the deeding of the Old
Stone Church site in Leesburg, Virginia located at the corner of Cornwall
and Liberty Streets.
PROCLAIMED this 25th day of April 2006.
d. Proclamation - National Municipal Clerk's Week
On a motion by Councilmember Kramer, seconded by Vice Mayor
Martinez, the following motion was approved by a 7-0 vote and was
presented to Deputy Clerk of Council Debi Parry:
PROCLAMA TION
MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK
APRIL 30 - MA Y 6, 2006
WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital
part of local government exists throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public
servants; and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk provides the professional
link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of
government at other levels; and
WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their
neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all; and
WHEREAS, The Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on
functions of local government and community; and
WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the
administration of the affairs of the Office of the Municipal Clerk through
participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual
meetings of their state, province, country and international professional
organizations; and
WHEREAS, It is most appropriate that we recognize the
accomplishments of the Office of the Municipal Clerk.
THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia
hereby proclaim April 30 - May 6 of the Year 2006 as Municipal Clerks
Week, and further extend appreciation to our Municipal Clerk, Judy Ahalt,
our Deputy Clerk Debi Parry and to all Municipal Clerks for the vital services
they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they
represent.
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Page 6
PROCLAIMED this 25th day of April 2006.
F. Petitioners:
Todd Severance, 406 Dodd Court, addressed Council. He thanked Mr. Wells
and staff for their efforts in reducing the real estate tax rate to 18 cents. He stated
as he has spoken with the residents of Leesburg he has found that their number one
concern is the increases in the real estate tax bill. Further, he stated his concern
that long time residents may have to move because they can not afford the
increasing tax bills.
Mr. Severance stated his recommendation for the passage of the budget at
the proposed tax rate stating we must do better for our citizens next year. Further,
he proposed several recommendations to decrease the budget in the future.
Nancy Sutton, Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers, addressed Council. She
thanked Council for their past support of her organization and addressed several
services her organization provides that are not provided by other organizations.
Further, she asked that Council reinstate the initial recommended amount of $11,845
for her organization.
David C. Miles. 206 Wirt Street, stated he had challenged Council to keep the
tax rate neutral to last year by looking to increase productivity and reviewing the
increases in the department budget proposals. He commented on the residents
concerns that tax bills are continuing to increase.
Andy Johnston, Loudoun Cares, thanked Council for including funding for
Loudoun Cares in the budget and expressed concern with the new policy to cut
funding for the non-profit health and human services by 25 percent and phase out all
funding over a four-year period. He recommended cutting the requests by only 10
percent this year to give the non-profit organizations time to make up for the short
falls in funding. Further, he expressed his gratitude for the $1,000 allocation for
Loudoun Cares and stated if it would better help some of the other non-profits he
would return that money to the Town to be allocated to them.
John Sabourin, attorney for U.S. Homes, stated he met with Barbara Beach
and Bob Sevila today regarding the issue of the damaged trees on Mr. Renee
Dennis's property and they were unable to reach a compromise. He presented
photographs of Mr. Dennis's property along with the estimate his client obtained for
replacing the dead/dying trees. Further, he stated it is his client's position that the
clean-up was completed on Mr. Dennis's property.
Kevin Wriqht, 109 Pershing Avenue, stated a real estate tax rate of 17 cents
is needed to maintain the current tax bill for the average family; however, the
proposed rate of 18 cents represents a tax increase. He made several
recommendations to decrease the budget including a reduction in the proposed
salary increases, reduce increases in contractual services, charge a convenience fee
for credit card use for Parks & Recreation Services, and defer CIP project 07-03.
Further, he complimented Council for taking steps to reduce the Town contributions
to charities.
Mr. Wright also commented on the need to increase the Town's commercial
tax base.
Town Council meetinq of April 25. 2006
Page 7
Earl Hower, Tree Commission Chairman, presented the Urban Forestry
Management Plan to Council. He highlighted several sections of the plan and stated
a special public presentation of this plan is scheduled for Monday, May 15 at 7:00
pm. Further, he stated on Monday, June 19 the Tree Commission will hold a work
session to discuss additional details and to make further recommendations to Council
regarding the implementation of the plan.
Giqi Robinson, 207 Prince Street, stated her disappointment with the
proposed budget for the Town. She made several recommendations including a
quarterly CIP report to residents beginning in July 2007, sending a copy of the
proposed 2008 budget to every HOA in Town and having free copies available at
Town Hall for all residents, ensuring all budget work sessions are open to the public
and allow for public comment, provision of quantifiable increases in service for each
department and a summery of all goals obtained or missed by each department
head, and communicating all changes to the proposed budget to the public before
the Council vote on the budget and tax rate. Further, she complimented staff and
Mr. Wells for their effort in preparing the budget.
Ken Reid, 607 Talmadge Court, stated a group of students from Cool Spring
Elementary School won the Odyssey of the Mind state competition for their grouping
and will be traveling to Ames, Iowa for the World Championship. He stated they are
the only team to advance to the World Championship from Loudoun County.
Further, he stated the team needs approximately $9,000 to get the team, equipment
and chaperones to Iowa and appealed to the public for their assistance.
Bob Sevila, attorney for Renee Dennis, stated he and Mr. Sabourin tried to
reach an agreement regarding the situation with Mr. Dennis's property and were
unable to do so. He stated U.S. Homes proposal does not included the removal of
the dead trees from Mr. Dennis's property as was originally agreed.
The petitioner's section closed at 9: 15 p.m.
G. Public Hearing
None
H. Legislation
FY 2007 Budget Matters
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Burk, the
following motion proposed:
2006-0-6
ORDINANCE
Setting the Tax Rate.
Councilmember Hammier proposed a substitute motion, seconded by
Councilmember Zoldos, to set the real estate tax rate at 17 cents per $100 dollars of
assessed value.
Councilmember Hammier stated we heard from many petitioners this evening
who have gone door-to-door in the Town and heard how important it is to reach an
equalized tax rate. She stated an equalized rate is achievable and thanked Mr. Wells
and staff for their work to reach the 18 cent rate.
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Page 8
Council member Zoldos concurred with Councilmember Hammier's comments.
He stated Council can not control assessments, but we can control our tax rate. He
stated we need to reach a revenue neutral budget by cutting approximately
$680,000 from the General Fund and suggested deferring the employee salary
increases for six months.
He stated if you vote for the 18 cent proposed tax rate this will be the second
year in a row that Council has increased taxes for the citizens of the Town.
Councilmember Kramer stated Council has worked very hard to decrease
the tax burden on our citizens.
Mayor Umstattd stated we have a large list of capital projects that have been
waiting as long as 20 years to be completed. She stated we have had to take over
the responsibility of the State with no help from the County this year and there is no
way out of the gridlock unless we pay for this ourselves. Further, she stated it is to
the Council's credit that we have been able to take on these ambitious capital
projects while decreasing the tax rate two years in a row.
Councilmember Hammier stated she fully supports the Capital Improvements
Project program and the 17 cent rate is achievable without an effect on the CIP.
She stated she fully supported the additional staff for the Capital Projects
Management Department to ensure the capital projects stay on track. Further, she
stated we can say we lowered the tax rate, but what makes a difference to
homeowners is the bill they receive in the mail.
Councilmember Hammier stated by reducing this budget by $680,000 we
could provide real relief to the homeowners while still maintaining a high level of
service and completing the capital projects.
The substitute motion for a tax rate of 17 cents failed by the following vote:
Aye: Hammier and Zoldos
Nay: Burk, Horne, Kramer, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Vote: 2-5
The original motion for a tax rate of 18 cents was approved by the following
vote:
Aye: Burk, Horne, Kramer, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Hammier and Zoldos
Vote: 5-2
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Kramer,
the following motion was proposed:
2006-0-7
ORDINANCE
Adopting the 2007 Budget
Councilmember Hammier proposed an amendment to Section I to change the
total General Fund budget amount from $43,438,999 to $42,758,999.
Mayor Umstattd asked for a detail of the proposed cuts.
Town Council meetinq of April 25. 2006
Paqe 9
Councilmember Hammier stated a portion of the cuts would come from
capping the salary increases at 7.5 percent and directing the Town Manager to look
for additional cuts or revenue such as the service charge fees at Ida Lee.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Zoldos.
The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
Aye: Hammier and Zoldos
Nay: Burk, Horne, Kramer, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Vote: 2-5
Councilmember Horne read an excerpt from an email she received
from Mr. Ed Fleming who stated the budget should not be reduced at the expense of
the Town's employees. She stated she was concerned that more citizens did not
come forward to express their opinions on the budget and stated we need to find
better methods of communication with our citizens. Further, she stated her support
for Mr. Wells' proposed budget and tax rate of 18 cents.
Council member Burk stated we are picking up the projects that the State
should be funding which adds to our financial burden. She stated to put the tax
decrease on the backs of the employees who serve you is not fair and it is important
to retain and recruit the best employees.
Vice Mayor Martinez thanked Councilmember Horne and Mr. Fleming for their
comments. He stated the employee's salaries have been targeted before to reduce
the budget; however, we should be looking at ways of making the government more
efficient and cost effective. Further, he stated Council should look for other sources
of revenue such as what will be produced by the various commercial projects coming
on line.
Vice Mayor Martinez proposed a friendly amendment to the budget to
reinstate the cuts made in the non-departmental funding. He stated we should have
given them a year to prepare for these cuts.
Councilmember Horne did not accept the friendly amendment.
An amendment was proposed by Vice Mayor Martinez to reinstate the non-
departmental funding and was seconded by Councilmember Hammier.
Councilmember Hammier asked what would be reinstated and what the
impact would be on the tax rate.
Mr. Wells stated reinstating the original proposed amounts for the non-
departmental funding would not affect the 18 cent tax rate.
The amendment to reinstate the non-departmental funding failed by the
following vote:
Aye: Hammier, Kramer and Martinez
Nay: Burk, Horne, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd
Vote: 3-4
Councilmember Hammier echoed Vice Mayor Martinez's comments that the
Town needs to look for additional sources of revenue rather than relying on property
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Page 10
taxes. She stated she strongly feels the tax burden should not fall on the
homeowners while we are waiting for our commercial projects to come on line.
Councilmember Zoldos stated it is true that the Town is funding projects that
should be the responsibility of the State; however, the projects are truly being
funding by the homeowners in the Town. He stated it is important for Council to
never forget that we represent the citizens of this Town and the voters will
remember the actions of Council on May 2.
Councilmember Burk stated she personally pledges to raise $1,000 for
Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers.
Mayor Umstattd stated four years ago Council held a retreat and it was
decided that our focus would be solving the transportation and drainage issues in the
Town. She stated in her experience no other Council has been this dedicated to
solving these problems and this budget is a good example of what this Council is
capable of. Further, she stated her appreciation that the bulk of the salary increases
are dedicated to our lower paid staff members.
She stated she will vote for this budget for the above reasons and because
this is a very responsible budget.
Councilmember Hammier stated she supports a salary increase capped at 7.5
percent which is achievable at an equalized tax rate.
Councilmember Zoldos verified employee salaries and fridge benefits account
for approximately 12 percent of the budget. He stated he would not support
eliminating the pay raises for the staff, rather he would like to limit them.
Vice Mayor Martinez stated this is not a pay raise, rather it is a way to bring
the employee salaries up to a standard level for the services they provide.
There was further discussion regarding the employee salary rates and
retention and recruitment needs regarding the police department.
The original motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
Aye: Burk, Horne, Kramer, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Hammier and Zoldos
Vote: 5-2
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Hammier,
the following motion was proposed:
2006-72
RESOLUTION
Adopting the 2007-2011 Capital Improvements Program
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Kramer, Martinez, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
On a motion by Councilmember Hammier, seconded by Councilmember
Town Council meetinq of April 25. 2006
Paqe 11
Zoldos, the following motion was proposed:
2006-73
RESOLUITON
Establishing a Revenue Stabilization Reserve
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Kramer, Martinez, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez, the
following consent agenda was proposed:
2006-74
RESOLUTION
Initiating a comprehensive amendment to the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance.
2006-75
RESOLUTION
Initiating amendments to the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations to
incorporate mandatory provisions of Section 15.2-2241 of the State code, consider
incorporating appropriate provisions that reflect the purposes and intent of the 2005
Town Plan.
2006-76
RESOLUTION
Approving a supplemental appropriation of $75,000 for replacement of faulty
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning HVAC equipment and the repair of locker
room tile at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center.
The consent motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Kramer, Martinez, Zoldos, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
REGULAR AGENDA
None
I. Boards and Commissions
a. Airport Commission
No comment
b. Thomas Balch Library Commission
No comment
c. Board of Architectural Review
No comment
d. Cable Television Advisory Commission
No comment
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Page 12
e. Economic Development Commission
Councilmember Horne reminded everyone of the Business Appreciation
Awards Ceremony on May 16. She stated the Doing Business in Leesburg
Guide is in draft form and has been sent out for comment.
f. Environmental Advisory Commission
No comment
g. Information Technology Commission
No comment
h. Parks and Recreation Commission
No comment
i. Planning Commission
Mayor Umstattd asked Planning Commission Chairman Kevin Wright to
report on the Crescent District Master Plan vote.
Mr. Wright stated last Thursday the Planning Commission completed
it's review and voted to recommend approval of the Crescent District Master
Plan. He stated he will provide a presentation along with the Chairs of the
Economic Development Commission and the Board of Architectural Review
when this item comes forward to Council.
Mayor Umstattd thanked everyone for their efforts on this master plan.
j. Tree Commission
No comment
k. Standing Residential Traffic Committee
No comment
J. Old Business
None
K. New Business
On a motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Horne, the
following motion was proposed:
MOTION
Consideration of setting a date for the Board of Architectural Review Appeal -
Commerce Bank/Leesburg Plaza - May 9, 2006.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Kramer, Martinez, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Horne, the
following motion was proposed:
2006-77
RESOLUTION
Town Council meeting of April 25. 2006
Page 13
Declaring the developer of Edwards Landing Subdivision Section 3 in default of its
contract to restore areas and replace trees damaged by its construction activities and
authorizing the Town Manager to prepare and sign the documents necessary to
utilize the performance guarantee funds.
Councilmember Hammier stated last night we were legally advised by our
attorney that this would be our course of action if there was not settlement by the
parties. She asked if this was still the attorney's recommendation.
Ms. Beach stated it is her recommendation that Council take this action;
however, Council is not bound to do so.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Kramer, Martinez, Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
On a motion by Councilmember Horne, seconded by Councilmember Kramer,
the following motion was proposed:
2006-78
Establishing an Ad Hoc SE/SW Trail Committee
Mayor Umstattd stated 10 individuals have expressed interest in serving on
this committee.
Council member Horne proposed that the committee be established, but that
two additional weeks be given to establish the membership of the committee.
Councilmember Zoldos expressed his opposition to establishing this
committee. He stated in 1998 he served on a trails task force that reported to
Council, further, the Parks & Recreation Master Plan already establishes the trails to
be built in the Town. Further, he expressed concern that Council just approved
$50,000 for a trail study that is not necessary.
Councilmember Horne stated although there is a SW trail in the parks master
plan the trail was removed from the Capital Improvements Program by a prior
Council. She stated this is a move to put a SW trail back in the program and to
reenergize the citizens to look for a creative out-of-the-box solution to this need.
Further, she stated the Lowenbach Subdivision committee is a very good example of
how citizens can come together to find a solution.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the $50,000 is minimal compared to what will
be needed to construct a trail that was last estimated at $1.3 million.
Mayor Umstattd stated she does not disagree with Councilmember Zoldos'
opinion regarding the $50,000; however, it was clear that Council would approve the
allocation. She stated it is her opinion that the Task Force should begin their work
by reviewing the current Master Plan to see if it meets the citizen's needs.
Council member Hammier stated her concern that we don't have a
comprehensive plan to facilitate trails in this part of the community; however, she
Town Council meetinq of April 25. 2006
Page 14
was targeting an equalized tax rate. She stated when this committee submits their
report we will have to look at how we are going to fund completion of the plan.
Vice Mayor Martinez stated he supports the establishment of the committee
and the trail study to look outside-the-box for a solution to help the SE and SW
quadrants. He stated what will take real courage will be the future Council that will
have to be decided on a solution and find the money to fund it.
Mayor Umstattd verified the $50,000 for the trail study is not specifically
referenced in the resolution.
Kevin Wright, Planning Commission Chairman, stated the $50,000 was added
to the Capital Improvements Program as design money for what ever trail the
committee identifies.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Kramer, Martinez and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Zoldos
Vote: 6-1
Strategic Annexation Discussion
Councilmember Hammier stated Council needs to work on communicating
concisely with the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on our strategic goal to
increase our commercial base. She recommended that staff provide a work plan to
the Planning Commission subcommittee for their meeting on May 11. Further, she
requested that the Planning Commission provide recommendations to Council on that
work plan at the May 23 meeting.
L. Council Comments
Councilmember Hammier expressed her condolences to the family of Don
Obert, Jr. who was a former Parks and Recreation Department employee.
She thanked the citizens who came tonight representing the Old Stone
Church. She stated they will have a ceremony marking the anniversary on May 6 at
the corner of Cornwall and Liberty Streets.
Councilmember Hammier welcomed Let's Dish as a new business to the Town
stating they held a ribbon cutting earlier today.
She thanked the Parks & Recreation Department for their efforts with the
Flower and Garden Show this past weekend. Further, she thanked the Citizen's
Support Team for their efforts on behalf of the Town and stated there was a
reception held for them last night.
Councilmember Hammier also thanked Mayor Umstattd for attending the
Opening Ceremony for Girls Softball on Saturday morning.
Further, she reminded the citizens of the municipal election on May 2.
Councilmember Zoldos had no comments.
Council member Horne congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department for
their success with the Flower and Garden Festival last weekend.
Town Council meetinq of April 25. 2006
Paqe 15
She commended the over 180 volunteers who were involved in the Keep
Leesburg Beautiful clean-up. She thanked Council member Burk for her partnership.
Councilmember Burk commented on the Flower and Garden Festival stating it
was well attended and she was very impressed.
She reminded everyone that Shenandoah University's Teacher of the Year
event at Tuskies on Friday stating there are 11 finalists representing the best of
Loudoun's teachers.
Councilmember Burk congratulated Judy Ahalt and Debi Parry and thanked
them for their hard work.
She thanked Councilmember Horne stating it has been a wonderful
experience working on the 2nd Annual Keep Leesburg Beautiful Day.
Vice Mayor Martinez thanked Ms. Boyer for her presentation on the pandemic
flu.
He thanked Nancy Sutton and Andy Johnston for addressing Council and for
their efforts on behalf of the community.
Vice Mayor Martinez reported attending the Flower and Garden Festival
stating it was a wonderful event.
He thanked the Citizen's Support Team stating they do a great job.
Vice Mayor Martinez thanked the Council candidates for expressing their views
tonight.
He stated he enjoyed working on Keep Leesburg Beautiful Day and thanked
Council members Burk and Horne for their efforts.
Vice Mayor Martinez thanked Judy Ahalt and Debi Parry for their efforts
stating they always do a wonderful job.
In closing he thanked Council stating he appreciates the fact that they all can
agree to disagree and still say hello to each other after the meetings.
Councilmember Kramer had no comments.
M. Mayor's Comments
Mayor Umstattd stated the opening ceremony for the Leesburg Girls Softball
Teams held at Heritage High School.
She thanked Kaj Dentler, Kate Trask and Robert White for their efforts with
the Flower and Garden Festival.
Mayor Umstattd stated the Ribbon Cutting for Lets Dish at Prosperity Center
was one of the most creative we have ever had. She stated Lets Dish was named
the 2nd Best Business to work for by one of the business magazines and we are
delighted to have them in Leesburg. Further, she stated State Senator Mark Herring
Town Council meetinq of April 25. 2006
Paqe 16
attended the ribbon cutting with his wife and asked that Council keep him informed
regarding any avian flu issues.
N. Manager's Report
John Wells stated the Loudoun Diversity Task Force will host a roundtable
discussion entitled "A Dialog on Latino Cultures" on Wednesday, May 3 from 12:00 to
1: 30 pm at Ida Lee.
Mr. Wells acknowledged the hard work of the Parks and Recreation, Police
Department and Engineering and Public Works staffs for their hard work on the
Flower and Garden Festival.
Mr. Wells thanked Nicole Ard for her hard work with the Keep Leesburg
Beautiful project and supporting the initiatives of Councilmembers Burk, Horne and
the rest of Council.
Councilmember Hammier stated the National League of Cities is hosting an
online seminar on April 28 and 29 regarding a comprehensive community plan for
workforce and affordable housing. She stated that may be something staff could
report back with important policy information for Council to consider.
o. Adjournment
On a motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Councilmember Kramer,
the meeting adjourned at 10:46 p.m.
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