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.
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