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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008_11_25 COUNCIL MEETING November 25, 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, Ken Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd. Council Members Absent: None Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Deputy Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Director of Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Finance Norm Butts, Assistant Director of Capital Projects Management Tom Brandon, Comprehensive Planner David Fuller, Economic Development Manager Marantha Edwards, and Clerk of Council Lee Ann Green AGENDA 1. Call to Order ITEMS 2. Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Umstattd 3. Invocation was lead by Council Member Dunn 4. Roll Call showing all members present 5. Minutes a. Work Session Minutes of October 27, 2008 On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Butler, the minutes were passed 7-0. b. Regular Session Minutes of November 12, 2008 On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Butler, the minutes were passed 7-0. 6. Adopting the Meeting Agenda (Amendments and Deletions) Council Member Wright made a motion to adopt the meeting agenda with the following changes: Moving items 12a-d to Consent, adding Item 14c (Motion - VDOT regarding Battlefield Parkway) to New Business for Action. Vice Mayor Hammier seconded the motion and asked to add Item 14d (Creating a Loudoun Street workgroup) to New Business for Action. Mr. Wells noted Item 9c will need to be deleted from the agenda. Council Member Wright and Vice Mayor Hammier agreed to this change. Council Member Butler asked to separate the different parts of the motion. He asked the items moving to Consent should voted separately from the new items for action. Council Member Wright restated the motion to move Items 12a-d to Consent, and to delete Item 9c. The motion was approved by the following vote: Town Council Meetinq of November 25. 2008 Page 2 Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 Council Member Reid made a motion to add Items 14c and d as described. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hammier. Aye: Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: Butler Vote: 6-0 7. Presentations None 8. PETITIONERS The Petitioners section was opened at 7:40 p.m. David Miles, N. King Street, stated he is presenting this as an independent resident and a business owner in the Town. He stated he is not invested in the building proposal or the park proposal. He stated he is a Town Planning Commissioner and currently sits on the Town EDC as the Planning Commission's representative. He asked that adequate critical thinking and rational discussion take place with regards to the question of the PPEA proposal or the park on the valuable land in front of the parking garage. He questioned whether all parties understand the tenets of a PPEA including its significant use restrictions. He stated the total cost of taxpayer commitment either direct or indirect need to be fully investigated. Jim Sisley. 1117 Franklin Court, S.W., stated he is a 15 year resident of the Town and is a real estate professional in Leesburg. He stated he interviews people as they come to the community and as they exit the community. He stated both proposals, the PPEA and the park, have merit. He stated the Town has spent thousands of dollars and a lot of time on studies on how to make the downtown more viable. He stated the tax base is unbalanced creating a burden on the residential community. He stated it can be fixed, but will require a change of attitude. He stated the PPEA has a potential to generate tax revenues. He stated it is difficult to maintain credibility as a fiscal conservative if you pass up opportunities to lower the tax burden on citizens. Scott Gustavson stated he is a commercial real estate broker in Town and is the vice chair of the Economic Development Commission. He stated non-profit groups rent office space. He stated in the downtown the vacancy rate for office space is only 3%. He stated the EDC took a leadership role in listening to the two groups. He stated the group representing the park stated the development costs are estimated to be about $300,000, but did not have information on maintenance. He stated the park group indicated the economic benefits of parks are realized in two ways - social benefits of green spaces and their impact on productivity and well being, as well as positive value benefits for surrounding properties. He stated the group with the PPEA project spent most of their time discussing the PPEA process with an ultimate goal of creating something better than the public or private sector can pull off on their own. He stated he expects the leadership of the Town to investigate both options. Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Page 3 Lisa James, 3 North King Street, stated she is here to speak about holiday parking in the downtown. She stated not having free holiday parking will put the downtown merchants at a distinct disadvantage over other locations that have free parking. She stated the new website instructs people to use the town garage. She stated she has a petition. Mayor Umstattd asked business owners in the audience to stand. Council Member Martinez asked those businesses to identify themselves, if they wished to. Judv Kozacik, Loudoun Street Park Committee, stated parks enhance cities and towns. She stated the $300,000 cost was developed by a landscape architect. She stated building a park is simpler than building a building. She stated the price can be lowered by $50,000 by using smaller trees. She stated the Town says it takes about $15,000 to maintain a park. She stated there are numerous studies where property values went up and businesses had increased traffic due to proximity of a park. She stated her group welcomes a time to sit down and talk. She stated they still want a ground level park. Neelv Law, EAC Chair, stated she is here to talk about trees. She stated the tangible and economic benefits of concrete versus greenspace are difficult to compare. She urged the Town to see the adoption of a Tree Preservation Ordinance as a priority. She stated the EAC supports the future use of 6-12 Loudoun Street as a street-level public park that would advance the Town's urban tree canopy goals and all the benefits they convey and incorporate on-site reuse of stormwater runoff. The EAC used the presence of a park on this site as a means to facilitate the connectivity of space, people and pedestrian traffic in the downtown area and as another step towards the Town's redevelopment issues which will provide economic, environmental and social issues for town residents and visitors, alike. She stated the tree planting in the dry pond at Kincaid Forest was very successful. She noted over 70 volunteers successfully planted over 230 trees in the dry pond. Dieter Meyer, 214 Andover Court, stated he is in favor of free parking downtown for the holidays. He stated he fully supports the proposal for the PPEA that Mr. Burnett has put forth. He stated a building has always been masterplanned for this site. He stated Hanno Weber's design was awarded the American Institute of Architect's Award of Excellence for Urban Design. He stated putting a building on this site will be completing Mr. Weber's vision. He stated a building on this site fulfills the Town Plan's central sector land use objectives and all the studies and reports performed for the Downtown either directly or indirectly recommend a building for this site. He stated the PPEA will help the existing downtown environment. He stated it ties into the proposed alley project and pulls visitors down the street. He stated a building would be in keeping with the BAR guidelines for the Historic District since this site was always planned to be built out to the sidewalk. Melanie Miles, Loudoun Street Park Committee, stated she has a lot of disagreement with the previous speakers who were in opposition to the park. She stated she attended the EDC meeting where the park proponents presented their proposal. She stated the statement the park proponents did not want to work with the PPEA people was taken out of context. She stated they were not being negative, but were not experts. She stated the Town Plan showed only greenspace on this site because when the Town Plan was written, the Town did not have the money to put in a building. She stated she has a lot of reservations since a PPEA is for nonprofit uses Town Council Meetinq of November 25. 2008 Page 4 and would like clarification on this issue. She asked Council to think about all the things that have been presented over the last several months. Martha Robin, Loudoun Street Park Committee, stated she went to visit some friends in Frederick over the weekend and visited their downtown including the Carroll Creek Bridge area. She stated a park like this could be outside art, a focal point that brings people downtown. She stated the buildings are great and we have a lot of buildings planned for the crescent district, but there are not a lot of other opportunities for something to stay green downtown. The Petitioners section was closed at 8:20 p.m. Council Member Reid questioned whether a PPEA can be used to build a building with both public and private uses. Ms. Irby stated the building would have to be primarily public use, loosely defined as 90% public use, 10% private use. She stated Chamber of Commerce, education institutions, etc. could qualify for public use. Council Member Dunn asked that Ara Bagdasarian's comments be included into the record. They are as follows: "I will be unable to attend the Council meeting this evening, so I would like to share my thoughts on the Loudoun St. options for the Town. As you know, the EDC has vetted both prospective plans from the Park project and the PPEA initiative and passed a motion in favor of the PPEA for the potential economic development benefits to the Town. As an advisor to Council, I would offer the following suggestions for your consideration: 1. Establish a working group to organize a public forum to learn what the community would like to see on the parcels. This is an important decision for the Town and should be thoroughly reviewed and all options considered. Possible uses could include: - visitors center w/public restrooms - offices for the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Cetner and Mason Enterprise center - together - Children's museum - restaurants on the first floor - a park - whatever the community deems most relevant to the Town 2. Set a timeline for a recommendation to Council based on the community input and feedback. This is important because we do not want this land to go un-utilized for another decade! That is certainly a key factor in this recent rush to land redevelopment (both park and PPEA). 3. Make a decision to move forward with a project after taking all aspects/benefits/feed back into consideration. Town Council Meetinq of November 25. 2008 Page 5 I would urge you to continue this process and take the next step as outlined above. This is a tremendous opportunity for the Town and we should take the necessary actions to ensure what is decided is best for the Town. I wish you a great meeting this evening and a Happy Thanksgiving. Ara" 9. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Butler, the following consent items were proposed: a. Authorizing a Joint Public Hearing for Special Exception Application TLSE 2008-0011. Margaret Paxton Memorial Learning and Resource Campus RESOLUTION 2008-175 Authorizing a Joint Public Hearing for Special Exception Application TLSE 2008-0011, Margaret Paxton Memorial Learning and Resource Campus b. Amending Resolution #2008-161 to Change the Developer to Gary E. Samuels and Barbara L. Samuels for Tavistock Office Park RESOLUTION 2008-176 Amending Resolution #2008-161 to Change the Developer to Gary E. Samuels and Barbara L. Samuels for Tavistock Office Park c. Awarding the North King Street Drainaqe Construction Contract RESOLUTION 2008-177 Awarding the North King Street Drainage Improvements Project Construction Contract d. Awarding the Country Club Drive Drainage Construction Contract RESOLUTION 2008-178 Awarding the Country Club Drive Storm Drainage Improvements Project Construction Contract e. Cancellation and Removal of Governor's Drive Drainage Improvement Proiect from the Capital Improvement Program RESOLUTION 2008-179 Cancellation and Removal of Governor's Drive Drainage Improvements Project from the Capital Improvements Program f. Awarding the Architectural and Engineering Desiqn Services Contract for the Ida Lee Park Maintenance Facility Project to Peck Peck and Associates RESOLUTION 2008-180 Awarding the Architectural and Engineering Design Services Contract for the Ida Lee Park Maintenance Facility Project to Peck Peck and Associates Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Page 6 The motion was approved by the following vote Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. None 11. ORDINANCES a. None 12. RESOLUTIONS a. New Life Energy Generation Bio-Diesel Lease On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Butler, the following was proposed: RESOLUTION 2008-181 Authorizing a Lease Agreement with New Life Energy (NLE) for Lease of space at the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) for Generation of Bio-Fuel for use in Virginia Regional Transit Authority's Trolley Council Member Wright questioned whether the motion's movers understood the rent has been negotiated at $100 per month. Mr. Wells confirmed this information and added the Town would benefit from approximately $100 per month fuel savings. The motion was approved by the following vote Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 13. OLD BUSINESS None 14. NEW BUSINESS FOR ACTION a. Letter to Loudoun County regarding Airport Tax Tim Deike presented the facts regarding the proposed additional personal property tax on aircraft. He stated the main purpose of the proposal to increase this tax is to gain revenue from the aircraft at Dulles Airport. Mr. Deike described the consequences of additional personal property taxes on Leesburg Airport. He stated 100% of the aircraft owners currently based at Leesburg Airport have indicated they will move to neighboring airports that do not have a personal property tax if this additional tax is approved by the Board of Supervisors. He stated the Town will lose revenue from hangar and tie-down fees as well as rental of office space in the terminal building. He stated Stafford County instituted a similar tax and now has an empty airport. He noted the effect on Dulles Airport could have serious implications for the Cou nty. Town Council Meetinq of November 25, 2008 Page 7 Vice Mayor Hammier questioned what the status is of this proposed tax increase. Mr. Wells stated it is in the Finance Committee awaiting recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. He stated the Board's Finance Committee is still looking at this tax as an option for the budget. Vice Mayor Hammier stated she is continually mentioning at the County EDC that they should not levy this tax. She stated it is ironic the County does not contribute any funds to the airport. Council Member Martinez stated he is communicating Leesburg's position very loudly to the supervisors. He questioned whether other organizations are supporting Leesburg's position on this tax. Mr. Deike stated the National Airplane Owner Pilots Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Air Transport Association, FAA, and the Virginia Department of Aviation support the Town's position. Mayor Umstattd stated she felt the Town will be collateral damage in the County's effort to increase tax revenues at Dulles. Council Member Martinez noted a lot of the airplanes at Dulles are not based at Dulles and many of the big carriers can just move their planes to another jurisdiction. Mr. Deike stated there are only three fixed based operators out of Dulles and one airport management company. He stated they can change the registration for the planes. Council Member Reid stated the Town should embrace Dulles in the letter as well. He requested the impact of a similar tax on other airports be included. Council Member Wright made a motion to send a letter to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors regarding the aircraft tax with appropriate enhancements as discussed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Reid. Council Member Butler stated he and Council Member Martinez are collecting all the pertinent information. Mayor Umstattd noted there is already a personal property tax on aircraft, so this is a proposed increase in the personal property tax on aircraft. The motion was approved by the following vote Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 b. Holiday Parking Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Page 8 Council Member Martinez made a motion to rescind the motion adopted on the November 12 meeting to implement Holiday Parking. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wright. Council Member Butler asked for a straw poll. Mayor Umstattd suggested maintaining status quo on the street and free parking in the garage. Council Member Reid suggested two hours free on the street and free in the garage. Council Members Butler and Martinez stated they would support this. Vice Mayor Hammier stated she would support this and also direct staff to have a parking summit. Council Member Dunn stated he does not like to rescind decisions. He stated we should make a motion to have free parking in the garage since we already have two hours free on the street. Council Member Butler stated he is not sure amending the motion is proper. He stated Robert's Rules would require recision and then a new motion. Ms. Irby stated it would be cleaner to rescind the motion and make a new motion. She stated Council Member Dunn's suggestion is not improper, but recommended rescission of the original motion. Council Member Martinez stated we should give businesses plenty of time to weigh in on the parking issue. The motion to rescind passed by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: Dunn Vote: 6-1 Council Member Martinez made a motion to allow free holiday parking both on the street and in the garage starting the Wednesday before Thanksgiving until the day after New Years. The motion failed for lack of a second. Council Member Dunn made a motion to allow free parking in the garage and two hour free parking at meters throughout the downtown starting Thanksgiving Day and ending at midnight on New Years Day. Council Member Reid seconded the motion. Council Member Wright asked for a friendly amendment to set a parking summit date for Saturday, January 24 at 9 a.m. at Town Hall. Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Paqe 9 Council Member Dunn stated he wants the summit, but cannot accept the friendly amendment because he would like more information as to how much revenue would be lost by offering free parking downtown. Council Member Reid said Saturday does not work for all people. Council Member Wright withdrew his friendly amendment. Council Member Martinez clarified that staff would be used to write tickets to ensure the meters turn over every two hours. Mr. Wells stated no additional costs will be added since the Town already enforces the two hour parking meter limits and parking garage staff can be used to help with enforcement. Council Member Wright stated he is supporting two hours free on the street. He stated the meters need to turn over every two hours. He reminded everyone the meters are always free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends. Council Member Dunn questioned how this year's notice compares to previous years. Mr. Wells stated in 2005, the first year the program was implemented, the resolution came to the Council in October and was also discussed by the EDC. He stated the second year, he stated it came to the Council in September and was also discussed by the EDC. Since there were no changes, the third year, it was not brought before the EDC and was seen by Council on November 14. On the issue of whether the Council is sympathetic to the Downtown merchants, Council Member Dunn questioned whether we give advertising assistance to the outlet mall or the Walmart shopping center. Marantha Edwards stated we pay to advertise in some of the outlet mall's advertising. She stated we help the LDBA, the Downtown, and the Leesburg Antique Dealers Association. Council Member Dunn stated the Town does assist the Downtown. He stated there is a cost to free parking. He stated it is a gift and should not be abused. He stated there is no proof of increased profits or increased foot traffic from downtown businesses because of the free parking. He stated the free parking creates less available parking, more traffic from people circling the block looking for parking, and is a hindrance to the pedestrians. He stated it is a loss of revenue to the Town that will have to be made up somewhere else. He stated it is worth $0.50 to a dollar for the shopping experience downtown. He invited everyone with businesses downtown to take part in the parking summit. Vice Mayor Hammier stated the biggest mistake in terms of this entire process is the public relations value. She stated we have been misinterpreted as saying shoppers are not invited downtown. She stated she has always Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Page 10 supported focusing on the right public relations - there is plenty of parking and it is a wonderful experience to come shopping downtown. Council Member Butler reminded everyone this is free parking and there is no intention to collect any parking fees. He noted this is not less free than last year, just an effort to turn over the meters. He requested an amendment to make the free holiday parking a recurring fixture. Ms. Irby stated a code amendment would be necessary to change the parking structure on a permanent basis. Council Member Butler withdrew his motion. Council Member Reid stated the purpose for the free parking is for retail customers. He questioned whether paid tenants of the parking garage would have free parking. Mr. Wells stated as in prior years, the parking in the garage is free. He stated those parking in the basement and those parking in reserved spaces would be given a break on their payment equal to free parking for the period. He stated he would ask Town staff to park at Liberty Street to give more spaces for shoppers. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: Dunn, Butler, Hammier, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: Martinez Vote: 6-1 c. Battlefield Parkway/Rt. 7 Interchanqe Council Member Wright made the following motion: MOTION Sending a delegation of Council and staff to meet the Virginia Secretary of Transportation regarding the Battlefield ParkwayjRt. 7 Interchange The motion was seconded by Council Member Reid. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: Dunn, Butler, Hammier, Martinez, Reid, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 7-0 d. Loudoun Park/PPEA Vice Mayor Hammier made the following motion: MOTION Directing the Town Manager create a guideline for a work group to discuss the Loudoun ParkjPPEA proposals including composition of the group and recommended timeline Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Page 11 Council Member Dunn seconded the motion for discussion purposes. He questioned if a task force is allowed in the PPEA structure. He stated he would like to see both groups come together to work out the issue. Mr. Wells stated there is nothing to preclude such a group. Vice Mayor Hammier stated everyone has the best interests of the downtown at heart. She stated this will be a very collaborative and fruitful working group. Council Member Dunn stated there is a way we can get a ground level park and a building. He stated we can come up with a solution everyone can be happy with. Council Member Wright stated he would support the idea of a working group. He stated he expects a balanced group that can weigh all the pros and cons. Council Member Reid suggested a model similar to the firehouse discussions held last year. He stated he envisions something between the PPEA team and the people who are advocating the park with a trained faci I ita tor. The motion passed by the following vote: Aye: Dunn, Butler, 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:. i. Council Member Wright asked for a parking summit on January 24 at 9 a.m. ii. Council Member Wright asked for a follow-up to the letter to the Governor regarding Dominion Power. iii. Vice Mayor Hammier asked for reconsideration of the BAR, appeal process and overall structure. iv. Council Member Reid stated a tree preservation ordinance needs to be pushed forward. v. Council Member Reid stated he would do research on the Lucketts' Bypass and the County-wide transportation plan and may bring a resolution and background information forward. vi. Mayor Umstattd agreed on the Tree Ordinance. 16. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Martinez stated he had a couple of meetings with Peter Kalaris on Meadowbrook and Mike Banzhaf. He stated he has been appointed by the Governor to the Board of Virginia State Health Professions. He wished everyone a happy and safe Holiday. Council Member Dunn stated 145 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln established our permanent day of Thanksgiving. He read the following excerpt: Town Council Meetinq of November 25, 2008 Page 12 "The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which ware so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, other bounties have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful presence of Almighty God. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens". Council Member Dunn added 100 years later, on November 4, 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving with these words: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them. Let us therefore proclaim our gratitude to Providence for manifold blessings - let us be humbly thankful for inherited ideals - and let us resolve to share those blessings and those ideals with our fellow human beings throughout the world. Let us gather in sanctuaries dedicated to worship and in homes blessed by family affection to express our gratitude for the glorious gifts of God; and let us earnestly and humbly pray that He will continue to guide and sustain us in the great unfinished tasks of achieving peace, justice, and understanding among all men and nations and of ending misery and suffering wherever they exist." Council Member Dunn stated the President would not live to see that day, for it was 45 years ago on November 25 that he was laid to rest beneath an eternal flame at Arlington National Cemetery. He stated while we have come to celebrate Thanksgiving as a way to remember the pilgrims who landed in what was then considered the northern portion of the Virginia colony. He asked that we truly remember that it is not by our works that we give thanks, but the blessings bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father. Vice Mayor Hammier disclosed numerous calls and emails regarding George Mason University. She stated she had one meeting today, also attended by the Mayor, that included Dr. Detrick Stephan, Cooley Goodard representing many different clients in town, Jerry Coughter, Terry Sharer, Tom Dunlap representing a private bio-tech company, and Larry Rosenstrauch from the County. She thanked all the state legislators who took the time out to meet with Council Members. She asked for an update on the Paxton property regarding water hook-up fees and what might be their intentions for the rest of the property. She stated she received a call regarding Senate Bill 751, which may be reintroduced in January. She stated she asked Ms. Irby for all the information staff has forwarded to other municipalities so she can follow-up with other local elected officials she met at VML, particularly those with senators represented on the Local Government Committee. She wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving, particularly the troops stationed overseas who will be spending the Holiday away from their families. Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Page 13 Council Member Wriqht stated he enjoyed the visit from Samcheok, Republic of South Korea. He stated it was interesting to see the commonalities between the two peoples. He stated now that the Holiday Parking has been decided, a press release will need to be released to inform the media outlets of the facts. He disclosed a meeting with Peter Kalaris and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Council Member Butler stated he voted against the agenda change because he feels the public might perceive there had not been enough notice regarding the PPEA/Loudoun Street vote. He stated the Tech Commission will have a seminar on Online Shopping Safety on December 1. He stated the Council meetings will be streamed on the website at the first meeting in December so people will be able to pick the agenda item they want to see and then can see just the part they want. He stated he enjoyed the visit from the South Koreans and the Tae Kwon Do demonstration. He stated the tree planting was a wonderful group effort which will make the dry pond much nicer. He wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Council Member Reid disclosed a meeting with Mike Banzhaf and Richard Cabot about Leegate. He stated he had a call from John McGranahan from Hunton and Williams about the HHHunt application which will have a public hearing on December 9. He stated at the EDC meeting, there was dissatisfaction with the fact the Council did not address their resolution favoring a building, not a park for Loudoun Street and how the Council handled the holiday parking situation. He congratulated the Council on resolving the Holiday parking situation. He stated he has been talking with area banks. He stated none of them are taking the bailout money. He stated the bailout in Washington is a joke and is ridiculous the politicians in Washington voted for this. He stated in the monthly issue of Better Roads Magazine, Virginia is ranked in the middle for structurally deficient bridges. He stated he is hoping some of the billions the President-Elect is planning to invest in transportation infrastructure will come to Virginia. He stated the tree planting was very enjoyable and asked the media to get the photographs from Gem Bingol. He stated he enjoyed the meeting with the Korean delegation from Samcheok City. He stated he will be lighting the Hannukah menorah at the ceremony on Friday night. He wished everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. 17. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Umstattd disclosed a phone call last Friday from John McGranahan of Hunton Williams regarding the proposed nursing home facility on the Loudoun Country Day School property on Fairview. She stated she met with Mr. Banzhaf and Mr. Cabot about changing some of the uses at the Autopark on Route 7. She thanked everyone from Council for helping to host the Koreans. She thanked Council Members Butler and Martinez for attending the event at Ida Lee and thanked Council Member Martinez for sitting at the head table for the event at Heritage High School. She related Grand Master Choi broke eight cinderblocks using his bare hands to receive a $1600 donation to Blue Ridge Hospice. She stated Eugene Barber, the post commander of the American Legion Post in Leesburg has passed away. She requested a Resolution of Respect for him. She noted Washington Gas has sent an offer of assistance with heating for those in need. She stated funds are available to assist low and fixed income customers, but Virginia residents only have until December 1 to apply by contacting the local department of Social Services, or the statewide information and referral line at 1-800-230-6977. She wished everyone a warm and pleasant Thanksgiving and safe travel. 18. MANAGER'S COMMENTS Town Council Meeting of November 25. 2008 Page 14 Mr. Wells stated the BAR passed the Historic District Guidelines on schedule and they have been referred to the Planning Commission. He stated the Town will not lose any revenue from a budgetary standpoint because when the budget is put together, the Town assumed free Holiday parking. He stated the Town is working with the County to install a sign at the County parking garage notifying people of free parking on nights and weekends. He stated the Seventh Annual Turkey Bowl would take place at Heritage High School on Wednesday, November 26 at noon. He stated the Town team will be taking on one of the County teams. He wished all the residents, staff, and Council a happy Thanksgiving. 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 9:30 p.m. ~I\ ( '\i~ .. " . --~~~ ~. \J nst n C. mstattd, Mayor '\7-::> Town of Leesburg ( ,ATTEST: i r / \ ill 11 " ( ( l' -ll Rt.Ul--==s- ~_._-- . Clerk of COl!,lnci~ 2008_TCMINl125