HomeMy Public PortalAbout2006_08_08
COUNCIL MEETING
August 8, 2006
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammier, Susan Horne,
Marty Martinez, Ken Reid, Kevin Wright, and Mayor Kristen Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent:
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole
Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Director of Engineering and Public
Works Tom Mason, Sgt. Vanessa Grigsby, Director of Economic Development Betsy
Fields, Management Specialist Tami Watkins and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA
ITEMS
A. Invocation by Council Member Wright
B. Salute to the Flag was led by Council Member Burk
C. Roll Call showing Council Member Martinez arriving at 8: 10 p.m.
D. Minutes
a. June 16, 2006 Work Session
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member Burk,
the minutes of the June 16, 2006 work session was approved by a 4-2-1 vote.
(Council Members Hammier and Reid abstaining and Council Member Martinez
absent)
b. July 11, 2006 Work Session
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member
Wright, the minutes of the July 11, 2006 regular session was approved by a
5-0-1-1 vote. (Council Member Hammier abstaining and Martinez absent).
E. Presentations
a. Certificate of Appreciation - Dulles Greenway
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member Burk,
a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to the Dulles Greenway.
b. Certificate of Appreciation - Public Arts Task Force
On a motion by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member
Hammier, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the Public Arts Task
Force.
F. Petitioners
The petitioners section opened at 7:47 p.m.
Claire DeAngioletti, Georgetown Court, addressed Council regarding the
proposed outdoor pool at Ida Lee Park. She asked Council to keep the planning of
the pool in the forefront stating the demand for simplicity of the pool and not to
overbuild it.
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 2
Dan Tevis, 544 Crestwood Street, addressed Council stating that some view
him as a threat. He stated he was here tonight to get justice done.
He stated he has made repeated calls to Chief Price to discuss the
investigation, but they cannot be given out since they are internal documents.
He asked if an investigation can be made through the State Police since Chief
Price gives the impression that he is answerable to no one.
He asked the Chief to deliver the internal reports to the Mayor Umstattd by
close of business tomorrow.
Mayor Umstattd she would take the request under advisement.
Sandy Kane, 815 Kenneth Place, SE, addressed Council. She ask the status
of the Park and Ride Lot and whether the County's decision is etched in stone. She
stated Sycolin Road and Evergreen Mill Road cannot handle additional traffic from a
park and ride site.
Waterford Homes. Susan and Jorge Melo asked Council if there were
questions regarding the property they would like to purchase on Cedar Walk Circle?
Vice Mayor Horne verified Waterford Homes wishes to build a single-family
dwelling on the property.
Councilmember Reid asked that work force housing be considered on the site.
The public hearing closed at 8:01 p.m.
G. Public Hearing
a. All way stops at Woods Edge Drive - Public Input Session
The public input session opened at 8:22 p.m.
Sharon Wright. 1806 Woods Edge Drive, stated she represents 20
homeowners and the safety of the children should be the number one priority
in considering the stop signs.
Liz Whiting, Chair Standing Residential Traffic Committee, stated the
Committee's recommendation is to install all way stops at the intersections of
Woods Edge Drive and Tinsman DrivejPowhatan Court and at Woods Edge
Drive and Lackawanna Way.
She added staff conducted special studies, performed public education
and enforcement followed by studies and concluded that perceived high
vehicular speed and the large population of young children in the
neighborhood confirmed the need for protective measures.
Further, the studies determined that cut-thru traffic is also a problem.
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 3
Laura Kite, 1811 Woods Edge Drive, stated the second study still
shows the speed did drop off, but the April study showed 60% of the vehicles
were speeding.
The public input session closed at 8:27 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Reid, seconded Council Member
Wright, the following motion was made:
2006-144
RESOLUTION
Establishing all way stops at Woods Edge Drive
Council Member Hammier stated we learned from the Meade Drive
stop signs that running the stop signs was an issue.
Liz Whiting added four way stop signs have to be looked at individually
and stop signs do initially reduce traffic speeds.
Council Member Hammier stated she would like feedback in three
months.
Council Member Burk stated we should not become complacent
because the stop signs are installed.
Council Member Martinez verified the signs could be installed
tomorrow.
The public hearing closed at 8:34 p.m.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
b. Dangerous and Vicious Dog Ordinance
The public hearing opened at 8:35 p.m.
Town Attorney Beach stated this Ordinance will bring the Town into
compliance with the State Code and protect other cats and dogs.
She added the Town and Animal Warden will now enforce the same
code section.
Mary St. Clair, 14 Phillips Drive, thanked the Mayor, John Wells and
Barbara Beach for getting this matter resolved.
The public hearing closed at 8:39 p.m.
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 4
On a motion Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member Burk, the
following motion was proposed:
2006-0-15
ORDINANCE
Repealing Section 4-17 (Dangerous and Vicious Dogs) of Article II (Control of
Dogs and Domestic Cats) Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) of the Code of the
Town of Leesburg, Virginia, 1976, as amended.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
H. Legislation
I ORDINANCES
None
CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member Burk, the
followi ng consent motion was considered:
2006-145
RESOLUTION
Awarding Phase I Perimeter Fencing Construction at Leesburg Airport
2006-146
RESOLUTION
Approving a supplemental appropriation for the reimbursement of $15,000 for the
negotiation of the Verizon Cable Franchise
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
REGULAR AGENDA
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member
Wright, the following motion was made:
2006-147
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Town Manager to initiate the process of sale of public property and
authorizing the advertisement of a public notice and public hearings regarding the
sale of Cedar Walk S.l PCL.B 879-947, .10 acres of vacant land in Leesburg, known
as PIN 188-18-4063-000.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 5
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
The following motion by Vice Mayor Horne failed for the lack of a second.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Town Manager to initiate the process of potential sale of public
property and authorizing the advertisement of public notice and public hearings
regarding the sale of Andover Meadow S.2 PCL.A 743-546, .59 acres of land in
Leesburg, known as PIN 230-15-1394-000.
On a motion by Council Member Hammier, seconded by Council Member Burk,
the following motion was proposed:
Note: This item was discussed out of order.
2006-148
RESOLUTION
Town Sponsorship of the Medical Automation International Conference
Vice Mayor Horne asked the Town's return on their investment for our use of
public funds.
Betsy Fields stated Loudoun County will be hosting the Medical Automation
International Conference at Lansdowne Resort, annually for the next five years. The
conference organizers represent a significant opportunity to showcase Leesburg as a
business location to the decision makers (C-Ievel executives).
She stated this will give the Town an opportunity to network and possibly
have some say on choosing venues.
Vice Mayor Horne asked if we would have access to names and addresses of
attendees.
Ms. Fields stated we will be able to access attendee list and have two
conference registrants.
She stated the EDC recommends the Town sponsor the Gala Dinner which
would allow the Town to send up to 16 representatives to the Gala Dinner and two
representatives to the full conference. Further, sponsorship of the dinner is $8,000
which is proposed to be funded from the Town Manager's contingency fund.
Council Member Martinez stated he looks forward to the Economic
Development Commission taking a proactive roll in this event.
Council Member Hammier thanked Dr. Terry Sharrer for briefing the Economic
Development Commission. She stated this international event will be an opportunity
for Leesburg to be marketed as the global destination for biotech companies. She
stated Dr. Felder has a proven track record for medical automation patents which
spawn new companies. This will become an enormous catalyst that will spark Class
A Office to come on line. She also stated that Howard Hughes has jump started this,
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 6
but we need the translation piece. Howard Hughes Research but we need the piece
that will truly drive the economic development and key opportunities.
Council Member Reid stated this would be the first step to bringing biotech
interests to Leesburg. He thanked Council Member Hammier for bringing this
conference to the attention of the Town.
Vice Mayor Horne stated given the effectiveness of commercial real estate in
the Dulles Corridor, hopefully we could get some of the biotech companies to locate
in Leesburg.
Council Member Martinez stated he fully endorses this item. However, he has
concerns with the dwindling contingency fund and suggested funding in the Economic
Development budget or budget for in the future.
Council Member Hammier asked that the verbatim comment from the EDC
Chairman Ara Bagdasarian be made part of the public record as follows:
"The EDC endorses and recommends the sponsorship of the Medical Automation
Conference by the Town of Leesburg.
There is an old saying that "Luck occurs when preparedness meets opportunity."
The EDC believes that the town is prepared and the opportunity is now here. The
Town has identified its growth sectors of the future that can leverage the assets the
town possesses ultimately creating more employment in the town as well as
increasing the commercial tax base. The opportunity to stake a leadership role in
an emerging economic sector has arrived, and we have can take the first step today
by sponsoring the Medical Automation conference.
Medical Automation is an emerging discipline in the world of healthcare and life
science and an emerging sector in the world of innovation and high growth business.
Medical Automation is a sector that Leesburg is uniquely positioned to leverage as a
means of economic development locally that can have outcomes globally.
The unique assets that Leesburg has to offer a fertile environment for Medical
Automation are:
1. Howard Hughes Medical Institution
2. George Mason University
3. Inova Health System
4. Telecommunications Infrastructure
Medical Automation brings together the best innovations in Information Technology,
Biotechnology, and even Nanotechnology to deliver new devices, methodologies, and
services that enhance the quality of our lives and decreases the cost of healthcare.
By sponsoring the Medical Automation conference, we are not only showing the
world that Leesburg is taking a leadership role in this emerging sector, but it also
plants a seed for Leesburg's future that Leesburg us pro-business advocating growth
while sustaining and enhancing a quality of life.
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 7
Leesburg, VA will be the first region in America to develop an environment to nurture
the Medical Automation sector providing the resources for new ventures to emerge
from the technology transfer from research and collegiate innovation.
We, the EDC, strongly encourage the Leesburg Town Council to support the Medical
Automation Conference and business community by approving our request in the
amount of $8,000.00 to sponsor the Medical Automation Conference at Lansdowne
on November 1, 2006.
We appreciate your support, consideration, and cooperation during this business
endeavor."
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
MOTION
Crosstrail follow-up
On a motion Council Member Hammier, seconded by Council Member Reid,
Council proposed to send a letter to Chairman York requesting the Joint Policy
Committee be convened as established in the Annexation Agreement and AADP's and
a second letter addressed to the Loudoun County Planning Commission Chair
Whitmore, responding to questions directed to the Town with regard to the Crosstrail
application.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member Martinez, the
following motion was approved:
2006-150
RESOLUTION
Making an appointment to the Environmental Advisory Commission - Steve
Hauptman
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
I. Boards and Commissions
a. Airport Commission
Council Member Horne stated the Commission is in the process of
reworking their ground and office leases.
b. Thomas Balch Library Commission
Council Member Burk stated the Commission has not met this month.
Town Council Minutes for Auqust 8. 2006
Page 8
c. Board of Architectural Review
Council Member Reid stated he attended the National Preservation
Conference in Baltimore and the Town is much further ahead of other
jurisdictions.
d. Cable Television Advisory Commission
No comment
e. Commission on Public Art
Council Member Burk stated the Commission had their organizational
meeting.
f. Economic Development Commission
No comment
g. Environmental Advisory Commission
Council Member Burk stated there had not been a meeting this month.
h. Information Technology Commission
Council Member Martinez stated a survey will be conduced...
i. Parks and Recreation Commission
Council Member Wright stated the Commission will meet this coming
Saturday.
Mayor Umstattd asked if the new plans for the pool at Ida Lee include
a picnic area.
j. Planning Commission
Council Member Wright stated officers were elected at their last
meeting; Chairman Ted Kalriess, Vice Chairman Earl Hoovler, Parliamentarian
Brett Burk.
k. Tree Commission
No comment
I. Standing Residential Traffic Committee
Council Member Reid stated the Committee will meet Monday.
J. Old Business
a. Charter Bill
Town Attorney Beach stated Council and staff is reviewing proposed
Charter.
K. New Business
a. Freedom Park - Park and Ride
A motion was proposed by Council Member Reid to send a letter and
resolution as drafted by staff to the Loudoun County Board Chairman, Scott
York.
The motion failed for the lack of a second.
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 9
Council Member Martinez made a motion to forward a resolution to the
County to consider an alternate back up park and ride site or other alternate
locations within the Leesburg corporate limits.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Horne.
Further discussion ensued regarding the location of a park and ride
site.
Council Member Martinez, seconded by Vice Mayor Horne, made a
motion to table this discussion.
Vice Mayor Horne added we should direct correspondence to
Leesburg's Supervisors Clem and Kurtz.
Council Member Wright stated the Barber and Ross special exception
should be processed first.
After further discussion it was determined this issue would be revisited
at the next Council meeting.
b. Anti-hate Crime Resolution
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council
Member Hammer, the following motion was proposed:
2006-151
RESOLUTION
Reaffirming the Town's commitment to inclusion as a fundamental
aspect of our community.
Council Member Reid stated this intent was to reference the
specific incident in Aldie and wished to propose that as a friendly
amendment.
Council Member Hammier expressed her desire to keep the
resolution as is.
Vice Mayor Horne stated she needs more time to look at the
information provided on this subject.
Council Member Reid, seconded by Vice Mayor Horne, made a
motion to table this action until the next Council meeting.
The motion to table failed by the following vote:
Aye: Council Member Horne and Council Member Reid
Nay: Council Members Burk, Hammier, Martinez, Wright and
Mayor Umstattd
Vote: 2-5
The original motion was approved by the following vote:
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 10
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Vice Mayor Horne abstaining)
Vice Mayor Horne suggested considering another resolution
eliminating the reference to the National League of Cities.
A motion was proposed by Council Member Wright, seconded
by Vice Mayor Horne, to consider another resolution delete the
mention of the National League of Cities.
2006-149
RESOLUTION
Reaffirming the Town's commitment to inclusion as a fundamental
aspect of our community.
Council Member Reid asked that reference be made of the Aldie
Hate Crime incident.
Council Member Burk stated it should reference all hate crimes.
Council Member Martinez stated the resolution should reflect
our community.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and
Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
L. Council Comments
Council Member Burk stated the EPA recently awarded the Piedmont
Environmental Commission a grant to look at the Tuscarora Creek watershed.
She mentioned ways to prevent watershed from our homes.
She stated First Friday this month was fabulous and wished good luck to a
new hair salon, Hair for Me.
Vice Mayor Horne echoed her colleague's comments regarding First Friday.
She disclosed a meeting with Beck Dickerson on August 2 regarding a
disconnect between the Historic District Guidelines and Zoning with regard to
parking.
She congratulated Brenda from Serependity on the Vine for the wonderful
relationship she had with the Town and hopefully she will continue to be involved in
Town matters.
Vice Mayor Horne discussed the problems with young people and the
downtown merchants. She asked the young people to step up and demonstrate
maturity as the citizens in the downtown don't want to be terrorized.
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Paoe 11
Council Member Martinez stated it has been a long summer for children and
they get bored and have no place to go. He asked the parents to step up and be
aware of where their children are and what they are doing.
He stated he met with Liberty's Promise and they will give a presentation at
the next Council meeting.
He stated he also met with Beck Dickerson regarding downtown parking.
Further, he stated he is looking forward to the Medical Automation
Conference.
Council Member Hammier stated she talked with Pat McKinney about the
issue with children teens at her coffee shop.
She thanked the Economic Development Commission and Betsy Fields for
their involvement in the Medical Automation Conference and hopefully the
excitement will become contagious.
Council Member Wright stated Council feels strongly and will not tolerate hate
crimes or crime of intimidation.
Council Member Reid thanked Council Member Martinez for saving the park
and ride and hate crime resolution.
He stated the Sterling Players will be performing the musical 1776 and
encouraged Council to attend.
M. Mayor's Comments
Mayor Umstattd stated Council Member Wright made a good point regarding
condemning hate crimes.
She stated her appreciation for National Night Out held in Virginia Knolls as
well as the support of the Police Department and their Support Team. She thanked
Target for their contribution and sponsoring the event.
She stated she heard a lot of positive feedback about Town staff.
She welcomed "Hair for Me", a hair studio located at 18 Royal Street.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Stilson Greene, Pat McKinney and Jim Sisley for
working to resolve the issues with teens at the Crossroads event.
N. Manager's Report
John Wells stated on Thursday, August 10 the Health Department will be
discussing the Pandemic Flu issues. For more information visit
www.loudoun.gov/flu.
O. Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Vice Mayor Horne, the
meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Town Council Minutes for August 8. 2006
Page 12
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