HomeMy Public PortalAbout2007_06_26
COUNCIL MEETING
June 26, 2007
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Council Members Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammier, Susan Horne,
Marty Martinez, Ken Reid, Kevin Wright, and Mayor Kristen Umstattd.
Council Members Absent: Council Member Martinez arriving at 8:19 p.m.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole
Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Chief of Police Joe Price, Director
of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Parks & Recreation Kaj
Dentler, Director of Economic Development Betsy Fields, Assistant Director for Parks
Bill Ference, Captain Jeff Van Gilder, Downtown Coordinator Lisa Capraro,
Management Specialist Tami Watkins and Deputy Clerk of Council Debi Parry
AGENDA ITEMS
A. Invocation Council Member Reid
Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Umstattd
B. Roll Call Council Member Martinez arrived at 8: 19 p.m.
C. Minutes
a. Work Session Minutes of February 13, 2007 (February 20,
2007)
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member
Wright, the minutes of February 20, 2007 were approved by a 6-0-1
(Martinez absent) vote.
E. Petitioners
The petitioners section opened at 7: 33 p. m.
There were no petitioners.
The petitioner's section closed at 7:34 p.m.
F. Presentations
a. Public Art Commission Report
Judy Craun, Public Art Commission Chairman, stated the Commission
is currently working on the public art policy, public art guidelines, public art
plan and public funding for the project.
Tami Watkins stated during the second half of the year the
Commission will be working on developing a plan for public art. She stated
Leesburg is in a good position as we do not have as many layers of
bureaucracy related to public art. Further, she stated in developing the Public
Art Master Plan the Commission and staff will use existing documents, such as
the Town Plan and Parks & Recreation Master Plan to help identify
opportunities for public art.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
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Ms. Watkins stated when the Public Art Task Force made its
presentation to Council they discussed opportunities for funding such as
grants, gifts and financial contributions and staff has identified a grant
opportunity through the National Endowment of the Arts which could fund
start up grant projects. She outlined efforts to work with developers to
proffer funds or space for art. Further, she outlined the One Percent For The
Arts funding option that would designate one percent of funding for capital
projects to be added to the public arts fund.
Ms. Watkins recommended Council consider a motion tonight to
consider an alternative to the traditional one percent whereby the
Commission would become involved in recommending public art projects to
Council as part of the budget process.
Ms. Craun thanked the members of the Commission in attendance.
Council Member Burk stated the motion will be presented at the end of
the report.
Ms. Watkins provided examples of art projects throughout the Country.
Ms. Craun introduced Liesel Fenner, Manager of Public Art for
Americans for the Arts.
Liesel Fenner highlighted the work Americans for the Arts is doing
nationally and discussed different types of public art programs such as
temporary installations, purchasing or borrowing existing artwork for
permanent or temporary exhibition and selecting an artist to design and
create permanent public artwork for a designated site.
Ms. Fenner outlined options for public and private funding and
provided examples of public art which serves the dual purpose of benefiting
the environment. She stated right now the arts are generating $166 billion
dollars in local and state revenues. Further, she stated Commission is
following best practices and commended them for the excellent draft policy
they have drafted.
Council Member Burk commended Ms. Craun for her performance as
Chairman of the Commission. She stated the Commission is extremely
excited and she looks forward to continuing to work with them to develop
actual projects.
Vice Mayor Horne stated the Commission has done a fabulous job in
researching this issue and thanked them for their hard work.
Ms. Craun stated she and Ms. Watkins have discussed presenting a
class at next year's Americans for the Arts Conference on how to start a
public art commission.
Council Member Hammier stated we are very fortunate to have this
leadership from an arts perspective as Leesburg is a destination with a unique
character and sense of place. She commented on several beautification
efforts ongoing in the Town such as the flower baskets in the Historic District.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Page 3
Further, she stated in looking at things we need to do we should look at what
we are trying to create in the role of the Town of Leesburg for projects like
the Town Branch and the alleyway.
Council Member Wright verified Council has sole judgment over public
art placed in Town. He stated as the Commission is working through the
policy he would like to see what funding measures are being considered.
Ms. Craun stated the funding concerns will be addressed when the
Commission presents their guidelines. She stated the policy will be ground
rules, while the guidelines will be more specific.
Council Member Reid asked Ms. Fenner if most communities have
gUidelines for both public and private murals.
Ms. Fenner stated there is information regarding these policies on the
Americans for the Arts website; however, Council can be more specific to
those issues in their adopted policy.
Council Member Reid asked if the Town plans to develop Board of
Architectural Review (BAR) guidelines for public art requests. He stated he is
concerned about regulating the content of a mural on a private building.
Further, he asked if the Economic Development Commission should take the
lead on the performing arts center or if it should be led by the Public Art
Commission.
Ms. Craun stated it would be premature for her to comment. She
stated the final Task Force will be presented in July.
Mayor Umstattd thanked the Commission for their hard work. She
stated in general it would wonderful to have a public art effort in Town;
however, she is concerned about the use of public funds for the acquisition or
maintenance of art. She stated she could support a policy by which we could
encourage developers to proffer funds for public art. Further, she stated she
is happy to see that the Council will have approval of the projects as she
would not want anything obscene in the Town.
Council Member Burk stated there a motion under new business
tomorrow night to authorize staff to continue on with this to look at the
guidelines and funding mechanisms and asked if it would be appropriate to
move that motion now.
Ms. Watkins stated staff is looking for agreement from Council that
that Commission should continue to develop the guidelines to include looking
at funding mechanisms such as proffers and grants. Further, she stated the
next report would be provided to Council in July.
On a motion by Council Member Burk, seconded by Vice Mayor Horne
the following motion was proposed:
MOTION
Authorizing staff to work with the Public Art Commission to complete the
Public Art Policy and develop a recommendation for funding Public Art Projects
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Page 4
Council Member Hammier stated she concurs with Mayor Umstattd's
comments regarding the need to be specific and not write a blank check.
Further, she asked that staff begin researching available grants now.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and
Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
b. Economic Development Commission Report
Ara Bagdasarian, Economic Development Commission (EDe)
Chairman, stated Council and the EDC held a joint meeting last month and
the Commission has taken the discussion from that meeting and created an
Economic Development Map for Leesburg with three visions for the Town, (1)
Customer Service Focus, (2) Destination for Arts, Entertainment, and Dining,
and (3) Leverage Emerging Growth Opportunities.
Council Member Burk supported these efforts stating the Commission
has been active in getting its vision in place.
Vice Mayor Horne thanked the Commission for their efforts. She
encouraged the Commission to include a timeline and measurements for
success when bringing forward items to Council for funding.
Council Member Martinez commended the Commission on their efforts
and proactive steps. He concurred with Vice Mayor Horne's comments.
Council Member Hammier thanked the Commission for their ongoing
efforts with emerging growth opportunities and their partnership with the
Public Art Commission in working to bring performing arts to the Town.
Council Member Wright thanked the Commission for their effort in
bringing this vision together. He verified efforts to recruit new businesses
and maintain existing ones is captured under the heading of leveraging
emerging growth opportunities.
Council Member Reid concurred with Vice Mayor Horne's comments
regarding measurements for success. He commented on the ongoing market
studies stating we know what the problem is, the key is to tackle the
problem, which is being done through the Commission's task forces.
Council Member Wright proposed a motion to endorse the Economic
Development Map for Leesburg as presented.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Horne.
Council Member Reid proposed a motion to change the name of the
Medical Automation Task Force to Medical Automation/Life Sciences Task
Force.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
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Mr. Bagdasarian addressed Council Member Reid's earlier comment
regarding the downtown market study stating everyone you ask feels they
know the answer to the problem; however, this study will give is quantifiable
data to determine what the market is.
Council Member Hammier stated given the Economic Development
Commission has not had the opportunity to discuss how they would like to
reword things, so she would not support any amendments at this point.
Mayor Umstattd stated Council did not anticipate a motion of
endorsement tonight and stated we need to first suspend the rules.
Council Member Wright, seconded by Vice Mayor Horne made a motion
to suspend the rules to allow a vote on this item tonight.
The motion to suspend the rules 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 Council Member Wright, seconded by Vice Mayor
Horne, the following motion was proposed:
MOTION
Endorsing the Economic Development Map for Leesburg as presented
on June 26, 2007
Council Member Reid withdrew his previous amendment.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and
Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
c. Report on Dog Incident
Chief Price stated he is joined tonight by Captain Jeff VanGilder and
Mr. Koening and Chief Miller of Loudoun County Animal Control. He stated
tonight he will present an overview of an incident occurring on June 6, which
is currently under an internal investigation.
Chief Price stated an officer was dispatched to the vicinity of Mayfair
Drive and North Street for a complaint of dogs running at-large and charging
children at a bus stop. Upon arrival at the scene the officer advises the other
unit to stay in service as he doesn't see the dogs and requests a check with
animal control on prior investigations.
Chief Price stated the officer was approaching the front door of the
residence when he noticed some movement to the north side of the house.
He approached that side of the house and the dogs emerged from the screen
door and charged at him. The officer retreated and fired one shot. Further,
he stated this occurred 22 seconds after the last radio transmission.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Page 6
Chief Price outlined various independent witness statements and the
officer's statement. He stated the officer fired in self defense as the dog
leaped to attack. Further, he stated prior to this incident the Leesburg Police
Department has been working with Animal Control to discuss ways to improve
communication and dispatch.
Mr. Tom Koenig, Loudoun County Department of Animal Care and Control.
outlined their investigation of the dog shooting incident and stated the
Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has determined the officer did not violate
the law.
Vice Mayor Horne asked if Council has access to the report showing how
far the officer was from the dog when the shot was fired.
Mr. Koenig stated their study findings are consistent with the officer's
report.
Vice Mayor Horne stated it is very distressing to have a situation like this
where someone looses their pet, kids are terrorized at their bus stop and dogs
are running loose. She stated pet owners are responsible for ensuring that
their pets are kept in a fenced area and verified they were not home at the
time of the incident. Further, she commented on the need for increased
training for our officers.
Mr. Koening stated the first approach is to look at our communication
system to ensure we are working collaboratively.
Council Member Martinez asked the conclusion of Animal Control's
investigation of the pet owners.
Mr. Koenig stated Animal Control had been working with the residents of
this house and had spoken to them the day before this incident. Further, he
stated he has followed up with the owners to ensure the remaining dogs are
secu re.
Council Member Hammier stated a number of residents had complained
about these animals before and if Animal Control was at the residence the day
before why were repairs to the screen door not requested.
Chief Kim Miller, Department of Animal Care and Control, stated her office
had received two complaints the evening before the incident and a week
before. She stated she met with the owners the evening before the incident
and advised the owners that due to the aggressive nature of the animals they
needed to keep them inside. Further, she stated the screen in which the dogs
escaped from during this incident had been repaired; however, the dogs
chewed through it.
Council Member Hammier commented on the need for increased training
related to these situations.
Council Member Wright asked what is Animal Control's protocol would've
been had they arrived first on the scene.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Page 7
Mr. Koenig stated he has not visited the scene. He stated his officers
receive unique training and had they arrived first on the scene they would've
approached the house or the dogs in the manner that they had been trained.
Further, he stated public safety and personal safety are of the utmost
importance.
Council Member Wright stated the need to take lessons learned from the
situation and continue to work with Animal Control to improve
communications and get them on the scene quickly.
Council Member Reid asked if there were any people or children in the
vicinity when the shots were fired.
Chief Price stated there was no one within 50 or 60 feet.
Council Member Hammier asked if there are any charges pending against
the owner of the dogs.
Chief Miller stated the case is still open and no charges have been filed as
of yet.
Mayor Umstattd stated her concern is that the dogs had left their property
more than once and had threatened children at the bus stop. She stated she
has no problem with how this situation was handled and the ongoing
collaboration with Animal Control. Further, she stated the situation is
unfortunate, but you have to put the safety of the children first.
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Amending the Town Code to establish a Utility Rate Advisory
Committee
The public hearing was opened at 9:26 p.m.
Mr. Wells stated the Committee will be composed of nine voting
members with an interest or expertise in utilities. He stated seven members
are to be Town residents and two members are to reside outside of the Town
and be customers of Town utilities. Further, he stated the member's terms
will run concurrent to the Council Member's terms and will be limited to two
consecutive terms with the exception of the out-of- Town members who are to
have a two year term limited to two consecutive terms.
Mr. Wells stated the key duties include the goal of an initial review of
the utility rates to occur no later than the end of October and annual review
of information provided by staff necessary for the establishment of utility
rates and present a recommendation to Council no later than January 31 of
each year.
Council Member Burk stated she is excited this is coming to fruition.
Vice Mayor Horne stated Council needs to make appointments to the
Committee quickly and reminded Council that they agreed to not appoint any
individual who is suing the Town.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
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Council Member Martinez asked that the language in the resolution be
clarified to state that each Council member will nominate one in-Town
resident for appointment and the two out-of- Town appointments will be
nominees of the whole.
Mayor Umstattd verified that amendment would not require a re-
advertisement.
Council Member Martinez stated he is supportive of the Committee and
once in place, he would like the Committee to meet with the out-of-Town
customers.
Council Member Wright echoed Council Member Burk's comments.
Council Member Reid expressed his support for the creation of this
Committee. He stated this is an advisory Committee and the utility rates will
always be set by Council; therefore, it will always be a political decision.
Further, he stated barring a ruling by the Supreme Court this summer, he
feels the Town is allowed to enact a 100 percent surcharge on out-of- Town
residents and he would not want to see massive increases for in-Town
residents.
There were no speakers.
The public hearing was closed at 9:34 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member
Martinez, the following motion was proposed:
2007-0-14
ORDINANCE
Amending Chapter 2 (Administration) of the Code of the Town of Leesburg,
Virginia, 1976, as amended by adding a new Article XIII (Utility Rate Advisory
Committee)
Mayor Umstattd stated she will vote against this ordinance as our
current system is not broken. She thanked Council Members Burk and Wright
for their efforts in this matter stating they are very sincere in their belief that
this is the proper course of action.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid and Wright
Nay: Mayor Umstattd
Vote: 6-1
b. Passive Park agreement with Morven Park
The public hearing was opened at 9:36 p.m.
Kaj Dentler stated this is a proposed agreement with the Westmorland
Davis Foundation for the use of 28 acres across from Morven Park for a
passive park with limited facilities such as natural trails and an off leash area.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
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He stated in May staff met with the residents of the Old Waterford Knoll
subdivision at which time their concerns were discussed and most were
addressed. Further, he stated after the meeting the homeowner's
association board endorsed the plan.
Bill Ference addressed the five concerns of the residents including; (1)
installing a three-way stop sign at Old Waterford Road and Fairview Street
with a speed bump at the entrance to the park, (2) placing the off-leash area
at least 400-500 feet away from homes, (3) creating a barrier or buffer
between the homes and the park, (4) conducting a study to ensure that storm
water will not flow into the neighborhood or into the existing pond, (5)
building a trail/pathway for residents to walk safely to the park and widen the
road at the existing bridge/culvert area.
Kaj Dentler stated staff has been able to come to an agreement with
Morven Park on the general business terms of the lease for 20 years with
three separate five year renewal options.
Council Member Reid verified we will have to restore the land at the
end of the lease. He asked what would happen if Morven Park converted the
property to a for-profit use.
Mr. Dentler stated Morven Park purchased that land to preserve it and
they feel that this use fits within their plans. He stated in the future they
may want to put a home or two on the land to reclaim their investment in
that property, but that is something that they would determine in the future.
Council Member Wright verified the actual cost of the agreement is one
dollar per year and the potential costs are any increase in insurance or
potential Council tax costs. He stated the other costs are to be determined
and include the cost to develop the park.
Ms. Beach clarified the resolution includes a clause that it is subject to
the annual appropriation by Council.
Council Member Hammier asked how much the Town pays to lease the
20-acre Olde Izzak Walton Park.
Mr. Dentler stated the Town pays approximately $113,000 including
$14,000 in taxes.
Council Member Hammier stated this park is a huge benefit to the
Town. She expressed her gratitude to the Westmoreland Davis Memorial
Foundation Board and everyone who has been working on this lease. Further,
she asked that language be added to the resolution to clarify that we are able
to provide this park to our residents for one dollar per year.
Vice Mayor Horne expressed her appreciation to the Westmoreland
Davis Memorial Foundation. She asked that staff provide monthly reports on
the progress of the park. Further, she expressed concern with the potential
of a speed bump on Old Waterford Road as individuals transporting sick
horses to the Morven Park Equine Medical Center will have to travel on that
road.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
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Council member Burk stated this is very exciting and thanked
everyone for their efforts.
There were no speakers.
The public hearing closed at 9:55 p.m.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member
Hammier, the following motion was proposed:
2007-98
RESOLUTION
Approving an agreement with the Westmorland Davis Memorial Foundation
for use of 28 acres located along Old Waterford Road for a passive park that
would include limited facilities such as picnic tables, park benches, natural
trails, and an off-leach area for dogs
Council Member Hammier proposed an amendment to the first line of
the resolution to state that the park is being provided for one dollar per year.
The amendment was accepted by Vice Mayor Horne.
The amended motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and
Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
H. LEGISLATION
CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member Burk, the
following consent agenda was proposed:
2007-99
RESOLUTION
Extending the 2007 Holiday Schedule to include the entire day of December 24 and
December 31
2007-100
RESOLUTION
Approving Battlefield Parkway (Kincaid Boulevard to Route 7) Town/VDOT
Administrative Agreement and authorizing the Town Manager to execute this
agreement
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Paqe 11
REGULAR AGENDA
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Vice Mayor Horne, the
following motion was proposed:
RESOLUTION
Approving a supplemental appropriation of $13,200 to the Council's FY08 Budget to
provide the Loudoun Art's Council with a contribution for the downtown First Friday
program
Council Member Wright expressed concern that the Loudoun Art's Council
missed the budget deadline and have made this request out of cycle. He stated the
First Friday program is wonderful; however, he cannot support this request tonight
because it was rushed and presented out of cycle.
Council Member Reid concurred with Council Member Wright's comments.
Mr. Wells stated the Loudoun Art's Council had previously been funded in the
current fiscal year at $20,000. He stated they had a change in the Executive
Director position and an application was not submitted until after the budget had
been adopted.
Council Member Wright asked what would happen if this funding is not
granted.
Mr. Wells stated he had asked the Loudoun Art's Council to attend tonight;
however, they were unable to do so. He stated he is unsure how this would affect
the First Friday program.
Council Member Hammier proposed a motion to table this action for two
weeks to allow the Loudoun Art's Council to make a presentation to Council.
The motion to table was seconded by Council Member Wright.
The motion to table was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Hammier, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Burk, Horne and Martinez
Vote: 4-3
I. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
a. Airport Commission
Vice Mayor Horne stated the airport held their open house and
Shared Flight Aviation held their ribbon cutting last week.
b. Thomas Balch Library Commission
Council Member Burk stated the library just held the third lecture
in their lecture series for the Loudoun County 250th anniversary. She
stated it was well attended and the final lecture in the series will be held
September 16 at 2:00 p.m.
c. Board of Architectural Review
Council Member Reid stated the fire station application will be
discussed on the 16.
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Paqe 12
d. Cable Television Advisory Commission
No comment.
e. Commission on Public Art
No comment.
f. Economic Development Commission
No comment.
g. Environmental Advisory Commission
No comment.
h. Information Technology Commission
No comment.
i. Parks and Recreation Commission
Council Member Wright reminded citizens of the 4th of July
festivities.
j. Planning Commission
No comment.
k. Tree Commission
No comment.
I. Standing Residential Traffic Committee
Council Member Reid stated the July 11 meeting may be
rescheduled if Council is meeting with the Loudoun County Board of
Supervisors that evening.
J. OLD BUSINESS
None
K. NEW BUSINESS
a. Leesburg High School Site
Council Member Burk stated she has spoken with Loudoun County
School Board staff and was told that now is a good time to present this
letter as the school is still in the initial phase of design and this will not
delay construction. Further, she stated she spoke with three School Board
Members and they said they would be very grateful for this letter.
On a motion by Council Member Burk, seconded by Vice Mayor
Horne, the following motion was proposed:
Vice Mayor Horne thanked the Environmental Advisory Commission
for their work on this letter.
Council Member Martinez thanked Council Member Burk for her
efforts.
MOTION
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Page 13
Authorizing a letter to be sent to the Loudoun County School Board
regarding consideration of environmental issues on the site of the new
high school on the O'Connor tract north of Ida Lee Park
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Wright, and
Mayor Umstattd
None
6-0-1 (Reid out of the room)
Nay:
Vote:
b. Cable Commission Appointment
Council Member Burk, seconded by Council Member Martinez,
proposed a motion to suspend the rules to allow this item to be voted on
tonight.
The motion to suspend the rules was approved by the following
vote:
Aye:
Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and
Mayor Umstattd
None
7-0
Nay:
Vote:
On a motion by Council Member Burk, seconded by Council
Member Martinez, the following motion was proposed:
2007-101
RESOLUTION
Making an appointment to the Cable Commission - Evan Macbeth
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammier, Horne, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and
Mayor Umstattd
None
7-0
Nay:
Vote:
c. Babe Ruth All Star Team
Council Member Martinez stated last week he was approached by one
of the coaches for the 13 year-old Babe Ruth District All Star Team who is
looking to raise money to fund their travel expenses related to their
tournaments. He stated the tournaments will begin before the next Council
Meeting, therefore he requested that Council suspend the rules to discuss the
potential of offering a contribution of $1,000 tonight.
Burk.
The motion to suspend the rules was seconded by Council Member
The motion to suspend the rules failed by the following vote:
Aye: Burk and Martinez
Nay: Hammier, Horne, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd
Vote: 2-5
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Paqe 14
L. NEW BUSINESS FOR CONSIDERATION AT A FUTURE MEETING
Council Member Wright requested the following items be placed on a future
agenda for discussion; (1) a staff report on any potential public/private partnerships
or other funding options to expedite the Loudoun Street project, (2) a staff report
regarding Stanly Caulkins' suggestions for the Liberty Street property, and (3) a staff
report on the feasibility of placing inserts in the utility bills to facilitate
communication of events and other items with the public.
Council Member Reid requested the following items be placed on a future
agenda for discussion; (1) a follow-up report from staff on the overcrowding issues,
(2) a discussion of a non-solicitation ordinance (3) a discussion regarding the cost of
brick sidewalks in the Historic District, and (4) a presentation by Bob White of
Landmark Reality discussing the economics of the H-2 Corridor and the Crescent
District.
Mayor Umstattd stated the Economic Development Commission and Planning
Commission might also be interested in hearing Mr. White presentation.
Council Member Martinez suggested that the presentation be made to the
Economic Development and Planning Commissions prior to Council.
Council Member Burk stated she is not interested in discussing a non-
solicitation ordinance.
Council Member Reid stated this would allow Council to look at enforcement of
non-solicitation ordinance do deal with situations with day-laborer activity at Sheetz
and 7/11.
Council Member Wright stated the Planning Commission is currently working
on the overcrowding ordinance.
Ms. Beach stated she worked with Brian Boucher to draft an email which was
sent to Council discussing the non-solicitation issue.
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Reid disclosed a meeting with Bob White regarding the
parkway office complex.
He stated there was an article in the Washington Post outlining the Northern
Virginia Transportation Authority's top projects for funding, which included four
projects within Loudoun County and at least two others that will ease traffic for
County commuters. He stated the cost for the projects will not come out of the $16
million to be given to Loudoun County. Further, he asked that at the next work
session Council consider sending a letter to the Board of Supervisors and the
Northern Virginia Transportation Authority thanking them for putting these projects
at the top of their list and urging the Board of Supervisors to immediately implement
these fees.
Council Member Reid acknowledged the work of Irwin Uran who died Saturday
at the age of 81. He stated his funeral was held today at the synagogue that he built
with his own money. Further, he stated Mr. Uran did so much for this community
and asked that Council present his widow and daughter with a plaque at a future
meeting.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
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Council Member Wriqht echoed Council Member Reid's comments regarding
Mr. Uran stating he had a great love for Leesburg and has given so much to the
Town.
He stated it seems Comcast is dragging their feet on the utility box issue and
asked them to be better corporate citizens and resolve this situation.
Council Member Wright stated he enjoyed the Fife and Drum Muster Parade
stating we had good representation from cores across the nation.
He stated he is looking forward to the 4th of July events coming up next week.
Council Member Hammier expressed her condolences and gratitude to the
Uran family.
She congratulated the community clinic on their ribbon cutting.
Council Member Hammier stated she is looking forward to the ground
breaking of the Route 7/River Creek Parkway interchange on July 3.
She disclosed a phone call with Dr. Sam Adamo regarding the Festival Lakes
project and its potential effect on Loudoun County Public Schools.
Council Member Martinez echoed Council Member Reid's comments on Mr.
Uran stating his prayers are with the family.
Vice Mayor Horne expressed her condolences to the Uran family.
She reminded citizens of the July 4th festivities and the Loudoun County Fair
in July.
She wished the citizens a safe and happy 4th of July celebration.
Council Member Burk expressed her condolences to the Uran family.
She stated on June 14 the Leesburg Downtown Business Association (LDBA)
held their elections and donated a bench to Dodona Manor in memory of Chuck
Jones.
Council Member Burk reported attending the ribbon cutting for Shared Flight
Aviation stating this is their corporate headquarters and they are already looking to
expand.
She urged citizens to continue emailing the Loudoun County Board of
Supervisors in opposition to the Crosstrail development. She stated Council will be
meeting with the Board on July 11 regarding this issue and she invited citizens to
attend.
Council Member Burk reminded citizens of the July 4th festivities and urged
them to come join the fun.
Town Council Minutes for June 26. 2007
Page 16
N. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Umstattd stated the Airport Commission's Finance Committee is
meeting with Mr. Banzhaf, attorney for Peterson Companies, tomorrow. She stated
the meeting will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the offices of Toth Financial Services.
She echoed Council Member Burk's comments on Shared Flight Aviation
stating they are hoping to offer a charter flight business and the Town is happy to
have them.
Mayor Umstattd expressed her condolences to the Uran family stating he
donated over $1 million to our police department and hundreds of thousands of
dollars to charities benefiting the children of the Town. She stated Mr. Uran was a
very private man and many of those he helped have no idea where that help came
from.
She disclosed a meeting with the owners of Johnson's Charcoal Beef House
who are hoping to sell their property to Chevy Chase Bank.
Mayor Umstattd thanked everyone involved with the wonderful picnic that
was held for our troops headed to Iraq and their families. She stated 107
guardsman from the Leesburg armory are headed to Camp Shelby in Mississippi for
three months of training and then to Iraq.
Mayor Umstattd stated she attended the formal farewell ceremony for the
troops at Heritage High School today. She thanked the family members and troops
for their sacrifice and generous praise of those who organized the picnic.
O. MANAGER'S COMMENTS
Mr. Wells extended his condolences to the Uran Family stating Mr. Uran
improved the quality of life for many individuals in Leesburg and Loudoun County
through his generous donations.
P. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Vice Mayor Horne, seconded by Council Member Wright, the
meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
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2007 _tcmin0626