HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008_07_22
COUNCIL MEETING
July 22, 2008
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Council Members Present: David S. Butler, Thomas S. Dunn, II, Marty Martinez,
Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd.
Council Members Absent: Katie Sheldon Hammier and Ken Reid.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy
Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Director of Public Works Tom Mason, Assistant Director
of Capital Projects Management Renee LaFollette, Transportation Engineer Calvin
Grow, Recreation Programs Manager Kate Trask, Management Specialist/Deputy
Clerk of Council Debi Parry
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
ITEMS
2. Salute to the Flag was led by Council Member Dunn
3. Invocation was lead by Mayor Umstattd
4. Roll Call showing Vice Mayor Hammier and Council Member Reid absent
s. Minutes
a. Organizational Meeting Minutes of July 7, 2008
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member
Butler, the minutes were passed 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
b. Work Session Minutes of July 7, 2008
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council
Member Wright, the minutes were passed 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
c. Regular Session Minutes of July 8, 2008
On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Council Member
Wright, the minutes were passed 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
6. Adopting the Meeting Agenda (Amendments and Deletions)
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member
Martinez, the agenda was adopted as presented 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
7. Presentations
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member
Butler, the following presentations were passed 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent):
a. Special Presentation by Senator Mark Herring - General
Assembly recognition of Leesburg's 2S0th Anniversary
Senator Herring read the following resolution passed by the General
Assembly into the record:
Town Council Meetinq of July 22, 2008
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Senate Joint Resolution No. 164
Commending the Town of Leesburg on the occasion of its 2S0th
anniversary.
Patrons - Herring and Vogel; Delegates Caputo, Marshall R.G.,
May, Poisson and Rust
Agreed to by the Senate, February 7, 2008
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 15, 2008
Whereas, 2008 marks the 250th anniversary of the establishment of
the Town of Leesburg, a historic and memorable event that will be
commemorated throughout the year; and
Whereas, in September 1758, by an act of the Virginia House of
Burgesses, Nicolas Minor laid out 60 acres of land with lots and streets for a
town adjoining the Loudoun County Court House to be called Leesburg; and
Whereas, during the early 18th century, settlers with great
entrepreneurial spirit came to Leesburg for its strong sense of community and
market-to-town opportunities; and
Whereas, as the county seat for Loudoun County, Leesburg was the
center of commerce for agriculture, industry, and transportation in Loudoun
County and throughout Northern Virginia; and
Whereas, military history is memorialized in areas throughout
Leesburg, including significant events that occured during the French and
Indian War, the American Revolution, the American Civil War, and the town
served as a training area for troops during the Spanish-American War; and
Whereas, James Monroe, Charles Houston, George C. Marshall, and
Arthur Godfrey are among the many influential and famous individuals who
have contributed to the lasting legacy of the Town of Leesburg; and
Whereas, Leesburg continues its vital commercial role as the center of
the crossroads of Northern Virginia, situated at the intersection of State
Routes 7 and 15 and the terminus of the Dulles Greenway; and
Whereas, Leesburg and its citizens continue to preserve their historical
identity while embracing commercial, residential, cultural, and ethnic growth
that have made it the largest town in Northern Virginia; now, therefore be it
Resolved, by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
General Assembly commend and congratulate the Town of Leesburg and its
proud citizens on the occasion of their 250th anniversary; and be it
Resolved, Further, that the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this
resolution for presentation to the Town of Leesburg's Anniversary Committee
as an expression of the General Assembly's best wishes for a glorious
anniversary year of celebration.
Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2008
Page 3
b. Special Recognition - David B. Schmidt
The Town Council presented Council Member David B. Schmidt with a
plaque in honor of his service to the Town from 2000 to 2004 and 2008.
c. Certificate of Appreciation - Sergeant Mark Davis
Council passed a Certificate of Appreciation for Sergeant Mark Davis in
honor of his continued participation in and support of the 12th Annual
Leesburg Police Poker Run, which raised over $15,500 for Special Olympics of
Virginia.
d. Fourth of July Parade Awards
Certificates for Best Walking Entry (Under 15) were presented to the
following members of Patriotic Peddlers:
Dania Smith
Tom Smith
Marianna Smith
Carina Smith
Cortland Blake
Julie Koehler
Gerdhart Koehler
Sophie Koehler
Lena Kohler
The Klemm Family
Certificates for Best Float Entry (Under 15) were presented to the
following members of Scouts of Ball's Bluff:
Hannah Khan
Maya Khan
Erika Lagoy
Sam Lagoy
Max Lagoy
Catherine Janicki
Sydney Johnston
Emmie Johnston
Sydney Allworth
Colin Runholt
Jack Farmer
Julianna Sims
A Certificate for Best Walking Entry (Over 15) was presented to Blue
Ridge Grayhounds.
A Certificate for Best Interpretation of Theme (Over 15) was presented
to Old Dominion Corvette Club.
A Certificate for Most Creative Entry (Over 15) was presented to JP
Shores Landscaping.
A Certificate for Best Float Entry (Over 15) was presented to Temple
Hall Regional Park.
A Certificate for Best Performance Entry (Over 15) was presented to
Boliviana Dancers.
An Appreciation Plaque was awarded to BB&T Bank in appreciation of
their continued support of the Town of Leesburg's July 4th Parade.
e. Proclamation - National Night Out
Mayor Umstattd reminded citizens of the National Night Out on August
5th and stated the Proclamation would be presented to the Fields of Leesburg
and Exeter Communities.
Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2008
Page 4
f. Certificate of Appreciation - Debi Parry
Council presented Debi Parry with a Certificate of Appreciation for her
tireless efforts in the fight against cancer as the Team Leader of the
Government Steps Relay for Life Team, coordinating all activities leading up
to the event, and for being a member of the "All Day/Night" Relay Crew.
g. BAR Presentation
Teresa Minchew, Board of Architectural Review Chairman, stated
additional funding has been found to finish the BAR Guidelines. She stated
the current staff schedule fast tracks the completion of the guidelines and
does not allow for BAR review. Further, she read the following resolution of
the BAR into the record:
A Resolution: Requesting Changes to the Schedule for the Completion of the
Revised Old and Historic District Design Guidelines and Review
of the Document by the Planning Commission and Town Council
Whereas, the Board of Architectural Review of the Town of
Leesburg (the "BAR") strongly desires the timely and appropriate update of
the Design Guidelines for the Old and Historic District (the "Design
Guidelines") and has and continues to diligently work toward that goal; and
Whereas, the initial draft of the revised Design Guidelines prepared by
the consultant did not reflect the BAR's intentions to such an extent that a
nearly wholesale re-draft of the document, complete with very detailed edits,
was deemed necessary by the BAR; and
Whereas, funding originally allocated by the Department of Planning
for the revision of the Design Guidelines did not contemplate the extra time
required by the consultant to incorporate the edits of the BAR on the re-draft
and thus funding ran out and the continued revision of the Design Guidelines
was prepared; and
Whereas, the BAR has not had the opportunity to make certain
important organizational and structural changes to the document which can
only be effectively made after receipt and review of an updated draft
incorporating all requested changes to date; and
Whereas, additional funding has apparently been allocated to allow for
the continued revision of the Design Guidelines and new contract terms with
the consultant have apparently been negotiated; and
Whereas, the Town Council has apparently requested that staff
schedule a public hearing in front of the Town Council on the revised Design
Guidelines by fall of 2008, and significant time and effort has been spent on
the part of the Preservation Planner in creating a schedule (attachment 1)
that met the requirements of the Town Council and of the consultant; and
Whereas, the scheduled as prepared will result in the BAR having no
opportunity to review the latest draft for conformance with the BAR's
previously requested changes, which are significant, prior to the Planning
Commission and Town Council public hearings; and
Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2008
Page 5
Whereas, the schedule as prepared will result in the BAR having no
opportunity to make certain vital organizational and structural changes to the
documents, integral to the usability and integrity of the document, prior to
the Planning Commission and Town Council public hearings; and
Whereas, the BAR strongly believes that review of the proposed
revised Design Guidelines by the Planning Commission and the Town Council
according to the proposed schedule would be confusing and would waste
valuable time for Planning Commission members and Town Council members,
not to mention the citizens and potential applicants who would be making
comment on an incomplete document; and
Whereas, the schedule as prepared will result in the document being
presented to and voted on by the Planning Commission and by the Town
Council in three pieces, not incorporating the final revisions of the BAR,
without a vote for adoption by the BAR and quite possibly with opposition
from the BAR; and
Whereas, a viable existing set of Design Guidelines, crafted specifically
for the Town of Leesburg in 1994 with minor period updates, is currently in
place, and can continue to provide guidance for applicants and BAR members
until such time as the revised guidelines can be properly prepared.
Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Board of Architectural Review of the
Town of Leesburg in Virginia respectfully requests that the Town Council
authorize the revision of the schedule for adoption of the revised Design
Guidelines for the Old and Historic District to allow for the document to be
revised, reorganized, and presented as a whole by the BAR prior to any public
hearing in front of the Planning Commission or the Town Council, even should
this schedule revision result in a slight push back in the ultimate hearing
dates; and
Be It Further Resolved that the Board of Architectural Review
encourages the Town Council to i) seek agreement from the consultant to a
final revision by the BAR incorporating all three sections with comments,
which is not currently contemplated in the schedule, and ii) seek agreement
from the consultant to provide the final version of the document in a form
which can be manipulated and revised by Town staff, to better allow for
further minor alterations through the expected long life of the document; and
Be It Further Resolved that the Board of Architectural Review
encourages both the Planning Commission and the Town Council to include
the Preservation Planner in the work sessions or other discussions held on the
revised Design Guidelines in order to facilitate understanding of the revised
document.
Council Member Dunn asked what date Ms. Minchew would recommend for
having the document completed.
Ms. Minchew stated the BAR has been a third party and it is her
understanding that staff worked with the consultant to find time in the consultant's
schedule for the proposed revisions. She stated the final component of the Design
Guidelines is scheduled to be provided to the Town on September 12 and asked that
Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2008
Page 6
the Design Guidelines be given to the BAR at that time so they can make their final
revisions. She stated this should only delay the existing schedule by four weeks.
Council Member Dunn verified the BAR is estimating a month beyond the
current schedule.
Council Member Wright asked Mr. Wells how the schedule was organized. He
stated Council has said several times that we need to get the guidelines done.
further, he stated there is no step in the schedule for the BAR to review the edits;
however, this process can not be open ended as the guidelines need to be
completed.
Mr. Wells stated in working with the consultant staff was trying to work
towards Council's desire to receive this no later than the fall for public hearing. He
stated that was the reason for the document being submitted for review in multiple
steps. He stated staff has tried to accelerate the work while trying to allow for
review by the BAR; however, Council's direction was to get this to the document
adopted by a particular date and that was what staff followed.
Council Member Wright asked when the Design Guidelines would be given to
the Planning Commission if it were provided to the BAR on September 15
Ms. Minchew stated the guidelines could be turned over in two weeks if
conditions are ideal. She stated every product they have received so far has not
been what was expected. She stated the BAR wants to ensure that this is a quality
document before it is received by the Planning Commission or Council. Further, she
stated a month for review would be ideal, but it could be done in two weeks.
Council Member Wright stated that would allow the Planning Commission to
have the document by the second meeting in October or first meeting in November.
Further, he stated Council would then receive the document by the second meeting
in November or first meeting in December.
Ms. Minchew stated the current schedule has Council receiving the final
portion of the document by the second meeting in November.
Council Member Butler asked why we continued to work with this consultant if
the product required so many edits.
Ms. Minchew stated the BAR was not involved in choosing the consultant and
were told that this is just the way it is given the money that was allocated.
Council Member Butler asked Mr. Wells to comment.
Mr. Wells stated he would like to see the contract and deficiencies before
commenting.
Council Member Butler stated he has no patience for consultants who do not
deliver quality work. Further, he asked if the end of January would be acceptable for
delivery of the final Design Guidelines document.
Ms. Minchew stated that would be a more realistic goal. She stated it is
important to speak with the consultant to see if this fits in their schedule.
Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2008
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Council Member Butler stated he would like enough time to produce a quality
document that all parties accept and is worthy of the Town.
After further discussion it was decided that staff would work with the
consultant and the BAR to determine if a final wrap up date no later than January 31
could agreed to.
Mayor Umstattd thanked the BAR for their tolerance and politeness after
being taken out of the loop, which was not the intention of Council. She thanked
Council Member Dunn for suggesting that the BAR provide this presentation tonight.
Further, she stated it would be beneficial to Council to find out what went wrong at
every step of the way so it does not happen again.
8. Petitioners
The petitioners section was opened at 8: 16 p.m.
There were no speakers.
The petitioner's section was closed at 8:16 p.m.
9. Public Hearing
1. Veteran's Park Boundary Line Adjustment
The public hearing was opened at 8: 16 p.m.
Jeanette Irby stated the County approved this agreement last week.
Further, she stated this has been a long time coming and once this document
is recorded staff will begin processing the boundary line adjustment for the
O'Connor property.
Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Mason to describe this property.
Mr. Mason stated Veteran's Park is a parcel of land which is adjacent to
Balls Bluff National Cemetery and parcels are owned by the Town of Leesburg
and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. He stated both parcels will
be brought into the Town boundaries. Further, he stated the Veteran's Park is
included in our Capital Improvement Program.
Council Member Dunn stated as we proceed on the park we need to
remember there is still history in that land which should be duly marked.
Mayor Umstattd asked that staff send a letter to Judge Frank Buttery
to inform him of our progress on this project. She stated when he was on
Council he was instrumental in getting the Town to acquire this land.
There were no speakers.
The public hearing was closed at 8:21 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council
Member Dunn, the following was proposed:
Town Council Meetinq of July 22, 2008
Page 8
RESOLUTION 2008-113
Approving the Boundary Line Adjustment between the County of
Loudoun, Virginia, and the Town of Leesburg, Virginia (Veteran's Park)
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Martinez, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
10. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Council Member Wright,
the following Consent Agenda was proposed:
a. Making a Reduction of the Performance Guarantee for Public
Improvements Installed in the Interchange at the Intersection of East
Market Street (Rt. 7), Rivercreek Parkway and Crosstrail Boulevard
RESOLUTION 2008-114
Making a Reduction of the Performance Guarantee for Public
Improvements Installed in the Interchange at the Intersection of East
Market Street (Rt. 7), Rivercreek Parkway and Crosstrail Boulevard
b. Annual Program for Street Millinq, Resurfacing, Concrete Repairs,
Handicap Ramp Installations and Brick Sidewalk
RESOLUTION 2008-115
Approving the Annual Program for Street Milling, Resurfacing, Concrete
Repairs, Handicap Ramp Installations and Brick Sidewalk
c. Supplemental Appropriation of $4,000 to the FY 2009 Budget Resulting
from a Donation to the Community Outreach Program from the
Heritaqe Square Homeowners Association
RESOLUTION 2008-116
Approving a Supplemental Appropriation of $4,000 to the FY 2009
Budget Resulting from a Donation to the Community Outreach
Program from the Heritage Square Homeowners Association
d. 2008-2009 Council Meetinq Calendar
RESOLUTION 2008-117
Setting the 2008-2009 Council Meeting Calendar
e. Application for Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Revenue
Sharinq Funds
RESOLUTION 2008-118
Making an Application for Virginia Department of Transportation
(VDOT) Revenue Sharing Funds
f. Amending Resolution #2008-94 Councilmanic Appointments
Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2008
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RESOLUTION 2008-119
Making Councilmanic Appointments
The Consent Agenda was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Martinez, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
11. Ordinances
None
12. Resolutions
a. Awarding the Ida Lee Outdoor Pool Construction Contract
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council
Member Wright, the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2008-120
Awarding the Ida Lee Outdoor Pool Construction Contract
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Martinez, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
b. Battlefield Parkway Crosswalks (Exeter)
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council
Member Wright, the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2008-121
Authorizing the Installation of Pedestrian Crosswalks in the Exeter
Community
Mayor Umstattd asked that a crosswalk across Battlefield Parkway at
Chadfield Way be added.
The friendly amendment was accepted by Council Members Martinez
and Council Member Wright.
Council Member Wright asked that the resolution be amended to read
"The Town Manager is directed to have appropriate crosswalks installed on
Battlefield Parkway between King Street and the Route 15 Bypass" to also
allow for a possible crosswalk at Fieldstone Drive.
Mr. Wells stated he would understand that direction to mean that staff
would not install a crosswalk at Fieldstone Drive the developer is already
planning to do so.
Council Member Wright verified Mr. Wells would further understand
that while Council has discussed the possibility of four crosswalks at one
intersection, so the scope may be adjusted to what staff is most comfortable
with.
Town Council Meetinq of July 22, 2008
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The friendly amendment was accepted by Council Member Martinez.
Council Member Dunn stated Council had discussed installing four
crosswalks at the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Catoctin Circle;
however, after driving around today he found the only place where the Town
has done that is at busier intersections such as Catoctin Circle and King
Street. Further, he stated he would like to see the crosswalks installed;
however, he would not want to move too quickly.
Council Member Wright stated the intent of his amendment is to give
staff the flexibility to change the scope as necessary upon further review.
Further, he stated he is looking forward to follow-up on the tunnel.
Council Member Martinez stated he was hoping to see a program to
educate the drivers and asked if that should be added to the resolution or if it
can be expected.
Mr. Wells stated anytime crosswalks are installed there is adequate
notification such as the Police Department's flashing signs.
Council Member Martinez requested that the HOA be notified of this
decision so they can begin notifying the residents.
Council Member Butler stated whether we end up with one, two or four
crosswalks at Catoctin Circle is a decision for staff to make. He reminded
staff that often in the past the traffic staff has been accused of having a bias
towards motor vehicles and against pedestrians; however, given
environmental issues and the price of gas he would like the bias point to be
moved slightly more to the pedestrian side. Further, he stated we need to
be doing as much as we can for pedestrians to encourage that mode of travel.
Council Member Dunn stated we need to educate walkers, bikers and
joggers as well.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Martinez, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
c. O'Connor Boundary Line Adjustment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council
Member Butler, the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2008-122
Notice of Intention to Approve and Adopt a Boundary Line Adjustment
Agreement Between the County of Loudoun, Virginia, and the Town of
Leesburg, Virginia and Authorizing Publication of a Notice
Council Member Wright stated this is the property where the new high
school will be constructed and will help the School Board get the project
constructed in time for their targeted school year opening.
Town Council Meetinq of July 22, 2008
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Council Member Dunn verified this has nothing to do with
condemnation. He suggested that O'Connor High School would be a good
name to consider as their family has donated a lot of land for schools in the
Town.
Council Member Butler stated the County's plans for environmental
protection on this land are excellent.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Martinez, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-2 (Hammier and Reid absent)
13. Old Business
There was no discussion of the following items:
a. Future Plans for Cangiano Tract
b. Site Plan review time limits
Council Member Martinez asked the status of the County Government Center
site selection process.
Mr. Wells stated the County has asked for detailed proposals from the three
remaining applicants and he expects that this process will take another couple of
months.
14. New Business For Action
None
15. New Business For Consideration at a Future Meeting
a. Request for additions:
Council Member Wright requested the addition of a follow-up on the
Morven Park Road sidewalks and Herndon's letter regarding their legislative
initiatives and how that relates to our legislative agenda.
Council Member Dunn asked for a report on the status of the dog park.
He asked that Council review the resolutions on their disclosure policy.
Mayor Umstattd asked that a copy of the resolution on Council's
disclosure policy be provided to Council. She stated she is not sure if the
form is identical to what was approved in the resolution.
Council Member Wright stated it would be helpful to circulate the 2004
and 1996 resolutions.
Council Member Dunn asked that there be a discussion of FOIA
requirements at a work session or at the Council retreat. He stated there was
a meeting with an HOA that may have been close with the number of Council
Members in attendance and publically speaking. Further, he encouraged
Council to look at ways going forward on how we will be tightening the belt as
we enter this new budget season.
Town Council Meetinq of July 22, 2008
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Mayor Umstattd stated requested that an item be added to the August
Meeting for a Council Vote on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's
proposed amendment to its bylaws.
b. Referral to future meeting, direction to staff, or objection to items:
i. Charter Bill and Review Panel - Changes to the Charter for the
2009 Session
Ms. Irby asked Council to let her know ahead of time if Council
is actually contemplating a Charter amendment for the 2009 Session.
Mayor Umstattd stated she would like to see an amendment to
permit Council to take the month of August off.
Council Member Wright stated based on the fact it is August
now the broader rewrite discussion should wait.
Ms. Irby asked that Council send their requested Charter
changes to her.
ii. Cost Estimate to Close Exeter Tunnel
16. Council Comments
Council Member Butler stated over the last couple of Saturdays he has had
the opportunity to attend the Acoustic on the Green concerts and the attendance has
been surprisingly high and encouraged all citizens to attend. He stated last week he
attended the VML Newly Elected Council Member training and commented on some
of the sessions he attended and on the issues facing other towns in Virginia.
Further, he stated he was able to provide guidance to some jurisdictions with
information provided by our Town Staff regarding water and sewer rates.
Council Member Wriqht disclosed attending a meeting yesterday with
representatives from H.H. Hunt regarding their proposed project on the property
where Loudoun Country Day School is currently located. He disclosed meeting today
with Cafritz Interests regarding their interest for a hotel in the Plaza Street area. He
reported attending the VML training for Newly Elected Council Members last week as
he was not able to attend two years ago. He stated one of the benefits is the
information you get from the information sessions and another is the information you
get from other jurisdictions facing similar situations. He stated he shared with Mr.
Wells a document the Town of Bridgewater sends as a mailer to their residents with
an overview of the budget and a list of questions and answers to announce their
budget public hearing in addition to the newspaper ads. Further, he stated staff is
still finalizing the form based code documents and the joint meetings should begin in
September.
Council Member Martinez disclosed meeting with representatives from the
Market Square at Potomac Station project and Cafritz Interests regarding a potential
new hotel in Leesburg. He invited Council to attend the Championship Game of the
9-10 year old State Little League tournament, which will be held at Freedom Park.
He commented on the positive comments he receives regarding the fields at
Freedom Park and how quickly staff is able to turn over the fields after a game. He
Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2008
Page 13
thanked Council for their action tonight to install crosswalks in the Exeter
neighborhood. He asked that staff look at what can be done to make the Town more
pedestrian friendly, especially the downtown area.
Council Member Dunn reported attending the Leesburg Downtown Business
Association meeting stating it was a great meeting and the members are looking to
pull together to produce a group marketing program to put a new face on businesses
in downtown Leesburg. He stated the VML is a great resource for the State and our
community. He commented on a briefing by the Newport News Chief of Police
regarding the need to act quickly to remove graffiti from buildings and stated it is
important that Leesburg make it known there is no place for gang activity here. He
commented on Danville's initiative to prepare for economic development and attract
an IKEA construction warehouse to their community creating 780 new jobs and
stated Leesburg needs to get to the point where we are ready to make things
happen. He stated Thursday he will attend his first VML Economic Development
Committee meeting in Richmond. Further, he disclosed meeting with Cafritz Interests
regarding a potential hotel on Plaza Street and a meeting, phone message and email
from representatives of the Market Square at Potomac Station development.
17. Mayor's Comments
Mayor Umstattd disclosed a meeting with Cafritz Interests this morning. She
thanked Mr. Wells and Ms. Edwards for joining her in this meeting and stated the
Cafritz representatives stated the Leesburg Town staff were far better prepared for
this type of meeting than some of the other jurisdictions they have met with. She
stated on July 15 she met with Rick Lanham and a representative from Clark Realty
on the Market Square at Potomac Station proposal. Further, she disclosed meeting
with representatives of H.H. Hunt regarding their proposal for an assisted living
facility on the current Loudoun Country Day School site.
Mayor Umstattd mentioned Council Member Martinez nearly got a standing
ovation from 500 Little Leaguers and their parents for being Mr. Little League in
Leesburg. She stated she attended the kick off ceremony for the Little League
Tournament with Vice Mayor Hammier and Council Member Martinez. She thanked
Council Member Martinez for his comments on Freedom Park and stated it was
former Council Member Schmidt who encouraged Council to accelerate the
construction of Freedom Park and his wife, Elizabeth, who suggested the name
Freedom Park in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Council Member Martinez stated it is amazing how good news travels fast in
the sports community and he expects that we will get a couple more Little League
tournaments every year. Further, he stated regarding FOIA, as long as we are
attending an HOA meeting he does not believe there is a requirement for notice if
more than two Council Members attend.
Mayor Umstattd stated there is no problem as long as Town business is not
cond ucted.
Ms. Irby stated if multiple Council Members attend a meeting it is suggested
that the meeting be disclosed.
Council Member Martinez stated he attend an Exeter HOA meeting with Mayor
Umstattd, Vice Mayor Hammier and Council Member Reid.
Town Council Meetinq of July 22, 2008
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18. Manager's Comments
Mr. Wells yielded his comments to Ms. Irby.
Ms. Irby introduced Barbara Notar as her Deputy Town Attorney stating Ms.
Notar will begin on Monday. She stated Ms. Notar has been a part of the Leesburg
community for a long time.
Ms. Notar stated she is excited to start on Monday and is honored to be
Leesburg's Deputy Town Attorney.
Council Member Butler stated he neglected to disclose a meeting with
representatives of Market Square at Potomac Station.
19. Closed Session
There were no Closed Sessions
20. Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member
Wright, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
I en . Umstattd, Mayor
Town of Leesburg
2008_ TCMIN0722