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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008_08_12 COUNCIL MEETING August 12, 2008 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Council Members Present: David S. Butler, Thomas S. Dunn, II, Katie Sheldon Hammier, Marty Martinez, Ken Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd. Council Members Absent: None Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Director of Public Works Tom Mason, Recreation Programs Manager Kate Trask, Environmental Planner Irish Grandfield, Clerk of Council Lee Ann Green AGENDA 1. Call to Order ITEMS 2. Salute to the Flag was led by Council Member Martinez 3. Invocation was lead by Council Member Dunn 4. Roll Call showing all present 5. Minutes a. Work Session Minutes of July 21, 2008 On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Vice Mayor Hammier, the minutes were passed 6-0-1 (Reid abstaining due to his absence the night of the meeting) b. Regular Session Minutes of July 22, 2008 On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Wright, the minutes were passed 6-0-1 (Reid abstaining due to his absence the night of the meeting) 6. Adopting the Meeting Agenda (Amendments and Deletions) On a motion by Vice Mayor Hammier, seconded by Council Member Wright, the agenda was adopted with the addition of a presentation of the Patriot Cup 7-0. 7. Presentations On a motion by Vice Mayor Hammier, seconded by Council Member Martinez, the following presentations were passed 7-0: a. Resolution of Respect - Former Mayor Dewey Hill. Mayor Umstattd read the following resolution into the record: RESOLUTION OF RESPECT G. Dewey Hill, .Jr. Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Page 2 WHEREAS, G. Dewey Hill, Jr., of Leesburg died August 3, 2008, at the age of 87; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hill, a retired insurance agent, was well respected in the community and gave generously of his time and talent to civic and government organizations; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hill was elected to the Leesburg Town Council in 1967 and served on the Utility and Public Works Committee; and WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Leesburg entrusted him to fill the seat of retiring mayor, Kenneth B. Rollins, upon his election to the Virginia General Assembly in January of 1973; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hill was elected Mayor and served as such until 1976; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hill worked tirelessly to develop the town's water and sewer system thus ensuring the future prosperity of the Town of Leesburg. THEREFORE, RESOLVED that the Mayor and members of the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia extend their sympathy and respect to Mr. Hill's family and to all who knew him; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution of Respect be spread upon the minutes of this meeting and that a copy be sent to his family. PASSED this 12th day of August 2008. b. Resolution of Appreciation - Potomac Gallery The Town Council presented Linda Callagy and Julie Doiron the following resolution of appreciation: Resolution of Appreciation Potomac Gallery WHEREAS, sisters Linda Callagy and Julie Doiron established The Potomac Gallery as a family business of fine art and framing in Leesburg 16 years ago, and WHEREAS, it became apparent that drawing people downtown after normal business hours was key to the success of downtown businesses and restaurants, and WHEREAS, The Potomac Gallery, led by Linda and Julie, was a key player in leading downtown retailers and restaurants to organize the First Friday Gallery Walks, held the first Friday of each month, and Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Paqe 3 WHEREAS, Linda led the Loudoun Tourism Council as its president in its continuing support of the Town of Leesburg as the jewel of its historic district, and WHEREAS, The Potomac Gallery was the recipient of the 2002 Town of Leesburg HERITAGE AWARD which is presented to a business that has made preserving the integrity and character of Leesburg's unique history a priority for 16 years, and WHEREAS, the Leesburg community would like to salute the innovation, leadership and support of Linda Callagy and Julie Doiron and The Potomac Gallery in Historic Downtown Leesburg, THEREFORE, RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia recognizes The Potomac Gallery and its owners Linda Callagy and Julie Doiron, for their long-standing commitment to the Town of Leesburg as a premier business and community partner. PASSED this 12th day of August 2008. c. Watershed Commission Update Chairman of this subcommission of the Environmental Advisory Commission, Neely Law, gave a brief presentation to Council on the activities of the Watershed Commission. Council Member Wright stated the dry pond in Evergreen Meadows is a prime candidate for reforestation since the residents were under the impression that the dry pond would be forested. He questioned whether there is a requirement for a paved access road around the dry pond since this is contrary to the effort to reduce pavement. Ms. Law stated the Urban Tree Canopy analysis will be an excellent resource and tool for Town staff to find out where the opportunities for reforestation are possible. She stated the Home Depot grant would allow them to identify other opportunities to implement the dry pond reforestation. Council Member Butler agreed that the Evergreen Meadows dry pond is an excellent candidate for reforestation. He asked Ms. Law for a brief description of the environmental actions taking place at the proposed site for the new high school. Irish Grandfield stated Town staff has worked extensively with the School Board and has come up with a comprehensive program. He stated one of the key functions is an extended path of storm water management to route the storm water through a series of management processes before it reaches the trout stream. He stated they have committed to a reforestation plan for the stream corridor which would recover and improve parts of the stream that were damaged by cattle. Council Member Reid questioned whether school site dry ponds were candidates for reforestation. He thanked Ms. Law for her leadership. Town Council Meeting of Auqust 12, 2008 Page 4 Ms. Law stated there were several schools that were listed as great opportunities, but there are other sites that were also available. She stated individual sites would be reviewed for their potential. d. Loudoun Convention and Visitor's Center Presentation Cheryl Kilday discussed the activities of the Loudoun Convention and Visitor's Center. She presented several videos that were produced to show what a special place Leesburg and Loudoun County is. Jeremy Harvey stated the 36 mini-documentaries would be on the LCVA website, You-Tube and several other video distribution websites. e. Patriot Cup Presentation Mary Hope Worley and Norm Styer of Leesburg Today, presented the Patriot Cup to Inova's Leesburg Campus for their winning float entry in the Fourth of July parade. Ms. Worley stated this is the first winner of the Patriot Cup Float Competition. She stated she expects this to go on for years and get more competitive as the years go by. She thanked Leesburg Today for their sponsorship of the cup competition. She stated the winner each year will be added to the cup. James, representative of Inova's Leesburg Campus, thanked Leesburg Today for their sponsorship of the Patriot Cup. He stated 25 employees volunteered to participate outside of work. He stated it was a team building exercise and promoted camaraderie. Mayor Umstattd stated the Council appreciates Inova Loudoun for their contributions to the community. She thanked Mary Hope Worley and Norm Styer for their support in creating the Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations. 8. PETITIONERS The Petitioners section was opened at 8:37 p.m. Rorv Clark, 108E South Street, S.E., stated he represented the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation. He stated the Board of Trustees has presented the idea to the School Board to name the new high school after the only Virginia governor from Loudoun County. He stated that Westmoreland Davis doubled the amount of money the state spent on education while he was governor. He stated the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation sponsors many educational programs. He requested that the Council support the naming of the new high school after former Governor Westmoreland Davis Foundation. Sandra Martinez, 40498 Banshee Drive, stated she is the mother of an autistic son and the Director of Constituent Services for Delegate David Poisson. She spoke in favor of Virginia House Bill 83 which addresses the lack of insurance coverage for services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She stated Virginia will be the ninth state to pass a similar mandate. Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Page 5 Cynthia Davis, 815 Larch Valley Drive, NE, urged the Council to support House Bill 83. She stated her oldest son has been diagnosed with autism. She stated this Bill will help families struggling with the financial burden of autism. Cassandra Oldham, 43064 Battery Point Place, stated she is very early on her journey as a parent of two autistic children. She stated her employer organized a fundraiser that enabled her to get services for her children through the summer. She stated she is asking for the same insurance coverage that military families receive. She stated the future of her children is very bleak because she can't afford the necessary treatments. John Cullinane. 401 Mosby Drive, S.W., stated he represents the Good Shepherd Alliance. He announced the upcoming Walkathon on September 20. He thanked the agencies that make the Walkathons possible. He stated there would be an educational component to help raise awareness about homelessness. Heidi Malacarne. Leesburg, stated all the traffic is being funneled through Tavistock. She stated she has brought this up to the SRTC, but there is a conflict of interest on the SRTC. She requested that traffic mitigation be put in at key intersections along Tavistock Drive. Council Member Reid stated he is tired of this. He stated the SRTC is not making any progress. He stated they need to work on the commercial truck parking as well. He stated a sidewalk might also be critical. Ms. Malacarne requested a handicapped crosswalk at Tavistock and Hallyard with four-way stop signs. Council Member Reid stated when Battlefield Parkway opens, there will be an inordinate amount of traffic using Tavistock Drive. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. O'Connor Boundary Line Adjustment The public hearing was opened at 9:12 p.m. Jeanette Irby stated this has been a long process. She stated the Veteran's Park BLA has to be completed first. She stated the time line is to try to get this done so the School Board can begin construction this fall for an anticipated opening in two years. The public hearing was closed at 9: 13 p.m. The following was proposed by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Wright: RESOLUTION 2008-122 Approving an Adopting a Boundary Line Adjustment Agreement to Change the Boundary Line between Loudoun County, Virginia and the Town of Leesburg The motion was approved by the following vote: Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Page 6 Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 b. Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments to Reflect Chanaes in the Land Development Process c. Subdivision and Land Develooment Regulations Text Amendments to Reflect Chanaes in the Land Development Process d. Design and Construction Standards Manual Text Amendments to Reflect Changes in the Land Development Process The public hearings were opened at 9:14 p.m. Brian Boucher stated the necessity of these text amendments were caused by the reorganization in the land development process including the formation of the Department of Plan Review. Vice Mayor Hammier congratulated staff on making the changes in the land development process on schedule. Council Member Reid suggested a future work session discussion on regulations to shorten the review process. The public hearings were closed at 9: 17 p.m. On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member Butler, the following was proposed: ORDINANCE 2008-0-20 Approving TLOA 2008-0003 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments to Reflect Changes in Department and Individual Responsibilities based on the July 1, 2009 Land Development Review Process Reorganization The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 On a motion by Vice Mayor Hammier, seconded by Council Member Dunn, the following was proposed: ORDINANCE 2008-0-21 Approving TLOA 2008-0005 Subdivision and Land Development Regulations Text Amendments to Reflect Changes in Department and Individual Responsibilities based on the July 1, 2008 Land Development Review Process Reorganization The motion was approved by the following vote: Town Council Meetinq of August 12. 2008 Page 7 Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Council Member Martinez, the following was proposed: ORDINANCE 2008-0-22 Approving TLOA 2008-0006 Design and Construction Standards Manual Text Amendments to Reflect Changes in Department and Individual Responsibilities Based on the July 1, 2008 Land Development Review Process Reorganization The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 10. CONSENT AGENDA On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Council Member Martinez, the following consent agenda was proposed: a. Authorizinq an Agreement and a Sewer Extension Permit and Approving a Performance Guarantee for Village at Leesburq Interim Sanitary Sewer Pump Station RESOLUTION 2008-123 Authorizing an Agreement and a Sewer Extension Permit and Approving a Performance Guarantee for Village at Leesburg Interim Sanitary Sewer Pump Station b. Approvinq a Supplemental Appropriation of $1.300.00 to the FY 2009 Parks Department Budget Resultinq from Private Donations Made to the Town to Offset the Cost of Completing the Virginia Tech Memorial Grove RESOLUTION 2008-124 Approving a Supplemental Appropriation of $1,300.00 to the FY 2009 Parks Department Budget Resulting from Private Donations Made to the Town to Offset the Cost of Completing the Virginia Tech Memorial Tree Grove with a Metal Plaque c. Declaring a Public Necessity and Use Exists. Authorizing Offers to Acquire Permanent Easements for Edwards Ferry at Colonial Square Drainaqe Improvements Proiect RESOLUTION 2008-125 Declaring a Public Necessity and Use Exists, Authorizing Offers to Acquire Permanent Easements for Edwards Ferry at Colonial Square Drainage Improvements Project Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Paqe 8 d. Authorizing Pick Up of the Employee's Contribution to the Virqinia Retirement System RESOLUTION 2008-126 Authorizing Pick Up of the Employee's Contribution to the Virginia Retirement System The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 12. RESOLUTIONS a. Makino an Appointment to the Technology and Communication Commission - Rob Gilligan On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Dunn, the following was proposed: RESOLUTION 2008-127 Making an Appointment to the Technology and Communication Commission The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 b. Standinq Residential Traffic Committee Oroanizational Changes Council Member Wright stated that the proposed resolution fixes the appointment process two years from now, and asked that language be added to fix the interim committee appointments. Council Member Martinez stated it was his feeling that it would be appropriate for the Standing Residential Traffic Committee to weigh in on the proposed changes. He made a motion to table this item until the next Council meeting, seconded by Vice Mayor Hammier. The motion to table was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 Council Member Dunn encouraged the two presenters of the proposal to get together and come up with common language. c. Recommending a Name for a New High School in Leesburg On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Vice Mayor Hammier, the following was proposed: Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Page 9 RESOLUTION 2008-128 Recommending the New High School in Leesburg be Named for Westmoreland Davis The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 Council Member Reid made a motion to reconsider, seconded by Vice Mayor Hammier. The motion to reconsider was passed with the following vote: Aye: Reid, Butler, Hammier, and Dunn Nay: Wright, Martinez, and Mayor Umstattd Council Member Reid proposed to move the Resolution with amended language to name one of the athletic fields for the O'Connor family. The amended Resolution was seconded by Council Member Dunn. Vice Mayor Hammier made a friendly amendment to change the language to "recommend". The amended resolution was passed by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 d. Endorsing the Northern Virginia Regional Commission Bylaws On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member Reid, a motion to disapprove the proposed resolution was made. The motion to disapprove was passed by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez abstaining) 13. OLD BUSINESS There was no discussion pertaining to the following agenda items: a. Future Plans for Cangiano Tract b. Site Plan Review Time Limits 14. NEW BUSINESS FOR ACTION a. Exeter Tunnel Closure On a motion by Vice Mayor Hammier, seconded by Council Member Wright, the following was proposed: RESOLUTION 2008-130 Approving an Appropriation of an Amount Not to Exceed $50,000 for the Closing of the Tunnel Under Battlefield Parkway to Exeter Town Council Meeting of Auqust 12. 2008 Page 10 Vice Mayor Hammier made a friendly amendment to add the language "due to vandalism and other safety concerns". Council Member Dunn suggested using the tunnel as a time capsule. He stated he had contacted Loudoun Museum. He stated most of the time capsules are encased in concrete. Council Member Martinez stated he would rather see a time capsule under the Town Green, rather than under Battlefield Parkway, but suggested this be added to the next work session agenda for discussion. Council Member Wright suggested looking into getting grant money to pay for the time capsule. Vice Mayor Hammier stated that on a note related to the safety issues in Tavistock Farms, Federal grants had been given to the State and the Governor was looking for safety projects to fund. The amended resolution was passed by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 b. Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorders On a motion by Council Member Dunn, seconded by Council Member Martinez, the following motion was proposed: RESOLUTION 2008-131 Endorsing House Bill 83 to Require Private Health Insurers and Plans to Provide Appropriate and Equitable Coverage for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Council Member Butler made a friendly amendment to add the word "strong" support. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 15. New Business For Consideration at a Future Meeting a. Request for additions: Council Member Wright asked for the following: i. Status of the Morven Park sidewalks ii. Prioritizing transportation issues Council Member Dunn asked to consider reaching out to the public by meeting in the communities. He asked for a list of HaAs and their management companies. He asked that the Council consider a newsletter. He stated the Town's website is not easy to navigate. He requested Town Council Meetino of August 12. 2008 Paoe 11 attendance of all the Boards and Commissions for the past 24 months. He stated it is very important for Council Members to attend state level meetings if they have volunteered to be the liaison for those committees. He stated the Town needs a grant writer. Vice Mayor Hammier stated that she feels these are good items to bring up at the Retreat. Council Member Reid asked for an update on unified billing. He stated he is concerned that there is nonpayment of certain fees, such as parking fees. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Reid welcomed Barbara Notar, the new deputy town attorney. He disclosed a meeting with Cafritz regarding the Marriott Residence Inn property and the proponents of the Loudoun Street Park. He apologized for missing the ground breaking for the outdoor pool. He asked that the following statement be added into the record: "I would suggest Calvin Grow and staff devise cost estimates for this, time for installation as well as a cost for a regular crosswalk and one with the "wagon wheel" effect that we have at Catoctin and East Market. I also suggest that a cost estimate be derived for crosswalks at Plaza and Catoctin, given the constraints by the berm and need to extend the footpath. Finally, I would suggest staff devise cost and time estimates for installing a light at Catoctin and Battlefield and maybe at Plaza and Battlefield, too; whether such a light would meet the warrants and whether funds could be procured from the county. However, based on the input last night, I do favor Council taking action next week to get the process going -for both intersections - and not waiting for the SRTC's next meeting, which won't meet until August 18. Mr. Wells assured me he would find the money so it does not eat into the SRTC's overall budget of $60,000 for town-wide projects. In addition, Councilman Dunn informed me that the intersection of Battlefield and Balls Bluff Road in Potomac Station (his neighborhood) has had crosswalks for nine years without incident, and only now has the traffic light been installed. So, based on all this, I see no reason to delay the installation." Council Member Reid stated he was concerned by comments in the newspaper by the consultant on the arts center. He stated he hoped for an up or down statement as to whether it is feasible or not. He stated he is not looking for a rose-colored scenario. He stated he appreciated the alert from the Chief of Police regarding the recent break ins. He commented on the vandalism in the Greenway Farms neighborhood. He stated he was touched by the people coming to the meeting talking about their autistic children. He stated his neighbors are doing a fundraiser, Miles of Miracles, to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He stated Shenanigan's is sponsoring the first annual Ride for the Most Good, on September 27th to benefit the Salvation Army. He stated that while we are enjoying the Olympics, the press seems to have forgotten that China's totalitarian government oppresses its people. He stated it is fun to watch the Olympics but we need to be cognizant of where it is being held and hope that one day people in China will be able to elect their officials like we do in the United States. Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Paqe 12 Council Member Butler stated he is thoroughly enjoying the Olympics. He stated it is wonderful when the world can get together and play "games". He stated the more contact we have with other countries, is better, but the conflict in the country of Georgia is unfortunate in the extreme. He stated it is not normal to have this unfortunate event occurring during the Olympics. He stated he hopes the Virginia General Assembly can find the funds to fund the required roads. He stated a lot of important roads are either unfunded or partially funded. He stated he enjoyed the pool ground breaking. He stated he attended part of the National Night Out. He commended the Leesburg Police Department on their outreach to the neighborhoods with National Night Out. He stated he felt that a lot of the items brought up by the Watershed Committee will one day not be optional. He stated he did some research on autism. He stated what bothers him the most is that the incidence of autism has gone up significantly over the past 20 years, but there is no definitive cause. He stated he is looking forward to the retreat. Council Member Wright disclosed a meeting with representatives of Oaklawn about some changes to their development. He stated he looks forward to the pool opening on time. He congratulated Brian Boucher and Kate Trask on their new roles with the Town. Council Member Martinez congratulated Brian Boucher and Kate Trask. He apologized to Judy Kozacik for not being at the work session last night. He stated he recognizes the importance of this discussion. He stated he was also interested in the VDOT discussion. He stated we need to find a safe solution for the residents to cross the bypass. He stated we need to find the political will to pay for a solution. He stated VDOT has told Heritage High School that the signal is warranted and should be installed in 18 months. He asked if staff can push this up in the queue. He stated the Council needs to have goals to achieve a vision of a pedestrian/bicycle friendly town. Vice Mayor Hammier stated she joined Council Member Reid in the meeting with Cafritz. She stated she is very excited to see they are moving ahead with their plans for a possible extended stay hotel on Plaza Street. She stated she received a call from Hobie Mitchell regarding the downtown. She stated she met with Melanie Miles about the Loudoun Street park. She stated she attended the Marshall's grand opening. She echoed what Council Member Butler stated about National Night Out. She said the turnout was remarkable and the interaction between the officers and the community speaks to the type of community that we have. She stated we need to look out for one another. She thanked Chief Price, Officer Tidmore and the rest of the police department. She stated she loved the ground breaking for the pool. She stated we get projects done. She stated she is looking forward to the ribbon cutting for the pool. She stated she wants to make sure the school board and the school staff stay true to their words with regards to their districting. She stated that she was very moved by the speakers who talked about their family situations with autism. She stated that there needs to be funding set aside for special education. She stated she appreciates the upcoming events and hopes to get the word out about the first annual Walk for Muscular Dystrophy on October 12. She reminded everyone about the Smart's Mill 5K on October 4. She stated all residents should set aside September 14 for the Leesburg Anniversary celebration. Council Member Dunn thanked Council for supporting the resolution for HB 83. He stated this puts us in a leadership role. He stated he will be reaching out to Town Council Meeting of Auqust 12. 2008 Page 13 VML for assistance in getting the word out. He stated he would be reaching out to the other cities and towns in Virginia give them our resolution. He stated he attended the Economic Development Committee of the VML. He stated all the committees were preparing their legislative agendas. He stated that staff has done a good job in helping him transition to his new role as Council Member. He stated Leesburg is a place for kids. He stated we have to give families with children a reason to come downtown. 17. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Umstattd thanked Council Member Dunn for taking the initiative on bringing forth HB 83 for the Council to support. She noted the open house at the Leesburg Executive Airport on August 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Council Member Martinez. She reminded Council of the Retreat on August 3 at Balch Library. She thanked Vice Mayor Hammier and Council Member Martinez for covering at ribbon cuttings when she was unable to attend. She stated the YMCA had their 10k and 20k races on Sunday. She added that Wendell Fisher was there for his last race in his capacity of the President of the Loudoun YMCA. She congratulated her husband, Chuck Moss for finishing the 20k race with 8-minute miles. She reminded Council of the Freedom Salute at Heritage High School on Saturday. She stated this is a recognition of the sacrifices our service men and women made in Iraq. 18. MANAGER'S COMMENTS John Wells stated the Freedom of Information Act seminar is planned for September 24 at 7 p.m. at Ida Lee. He stated Virginia Regional Transit (VRTA) Saf- T-Ride would be adding another bus to reduce the turnaround time across the bypass during peak hours. He requested some guidance on how the Council would like the agenda set up for the retreat/strategic planning session. He endorsed the Leesburg 250th anniversary ale as being very good and noted the ceremonial keg tapping would be on September 5 at 6 p.m. at Vintage 50. Council Member Wright stated the Council should brainstorm several issues to discuss during the planning session. Mr. Wells suggested identifying and listing the items prior to the planning session. Council Member Reid supported this idea. He stated in the interest of time, it would be good to get this step completed prior to the session. Vice Mayor Hammier requested that the Board of Supervisor's priorities should be included in the information provided for the planning session. Council Member Dunn suggested a Council Calendar to help Council keep up with events. Mayor Umstattd concurred that a calendar that shows not only town functions, but other things Council needs to attend would be very helpful for Council. Town Council Meeting of August 12. 2008 Paqe 14 Council Member Reid questioned what is going to happen with the website. Mr. Wells stated he asked for a schedule of the website reworking today and should have that for Council soon. 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 10:19 p.m. 2008_TCMIN0812