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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. ATTEST: 2006_tcmin0425