HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011_tcmin0412COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 2011
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Council Members Present: David Butler, Thomas Dunn, II, Katie Sheldon Hammler,
Fernando "Marty" Martinez, Kenneth "Ken" Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor 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, Economic Development
Manager Marantha Edwards, Senior Management Analyst Bob Berkey, Senior
Management Analyst Annie Carlson, Library Director Alexandra Gressitt, Deputy
Director of Capital Projects Renee Lafollette, Transportation Engineer Calvin Grow,
Director of Parks and Recreation Rich Williams, Chief of Police Joseph Price, Director
of Human Resources Nancy Fixx, Deputy Director of Utilities Aref Etemadi, Director
of Planning Susan Berry Hill, Director of Plan Review Bill Ackman, and Clerk of
Council Lee Ann Green
AGENDA ITEMS
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION was led by Council Member Reid
3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG was led by Council Member Dunn. He stated this is
the 150` anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter.
4. ROLL CALL showing all Council Members present.
5. MINUTES
a. Special Session Minutes of March 21, 2011
On a motion by Council Member Reid, seconded by Council Member
Butler, the special session minutes were passed 7 -0.
b. Work Session Minutes of March 21, 2011
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member
Butler, the work session minutes were passed 7 -0.
c. Regular Session Minutes of March 22, 2011
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Vice Mayor
Wright, the regular session minutes were passed 7 -0.
6. ADOPTING THE MEETING AGENDA (Amendments and Deletions)
Council Member Reid made a motion, seconded by Council Member Butler to
approve the meeting agenda as presented after moving Item 13d to be heard immediately
following the public input session on the same topic.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammler, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
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Nay: None
Vote: 7 -0
7. PRESENTATIONS
a. Loudoun Crime Commission Presentation of AED
Frank Holtz, chairman of the Loudoun Crime Commission presented the
Leesburg Police Department with an AED, purchased with funds raised by the
Crime Commission. He stated it is important for every police vehicle to have an
AED as they are often the first responders.
b. Proclamation Arbor Day
On a motion by Vice Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member
Martinez, the following Proclamation was made:
PROCLAMATION
ARBOR DAY
APRIL 16, 2011
WHEREAS, in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board
of Agriculture that a special day should be set aside for the planting of trees; and
WHEREAS, this special day, called Arbor Day, was first observed with
the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska; and
WHEREAS, trees provide many benefits to our community, such as
reducing the erosion of topsoil, moderating temperatures, reducing heating and
cooling costs, cleaning the air and water, they also produce oxygen and provide a
habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, planting trees and maintaining mature trees in our town
increases property values, enhances the economic vitality of local businesses, and
beautifies our community; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Leesburg is recognized by the National Arbor
Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for twenty -one consecutive
years and desires to continue its tree planting ways.
THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg in
Virginia hereby proclaim April 16 as the official Arbor Day of the Town of
Leesburg for 2011.
PASSED this 12` day of April, 2011.
c. Proclamation Library Week
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On a motion by Vice Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member
Martinez, the following Proclamation was made:
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
APRIL 10 -16, 2011
Create Your Own Story Your Library
WHEREAS, libraries everywhere play a vital role in supporting the
quality of life in their communities;
WHEREAS, our nation's school, academic, public and special libraries
make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans, today, more than ever;
WHEREAS, librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all ages
and backgrounds find and interpret the information they need to live, learn and
work in a challenging economy;
WHEREAS, libraries serve as crucial technology hubs for people in need
of free Web access, computer training, and assistance finding job resources;
WHEREAS, libraries are part of the American Dream places for
opportunity, education, self -help and lifelong learning;
WHEREAS, library use is up nationwide among all types of library users,
continuing a decade -long trend;
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, library workers and supporters across
America are celebrating National Library Week.
THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg in
Virginia proclaim National Library Week, April 10 -16, 2011 and encourage all
residents of Leesburg, Virginia to visit Thomas Balch Library this week to take
advantage of the wonderful library resources available at your library and to
thank librarians and library workers for making information accessible to all who
walk through the library's doors. Create your own story your library.
PASSED this 12 day of April 2011.
d. Proclamation National Volunteer Week
On a motion by Vice Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member
Martinez, the following Proclamation was made:
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COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 2011
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
APRIL 10 -16, 2011
Whereas, National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has
grown exponentially in scope each year since, drawing the support and
endorsement of all subsequent U.S. presidents, governors, mayors and other
respected elected officials; and
Whereas, National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and
encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.
It's about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, in unison, we
have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals; and
Whereas, the members of the Leesburg Police Department Citizens
Support Team and the Leesburg Police Explorer Post play an essential role in
safeguarding the safety of the citizens of Leesburg through their volunteer efforts;
and
Whereas, the members of the Citizens Support team and the Explorer
Post have donated thousands of hours in volunteer service to our community
saving thousands of tax dollars; and
Whereas, experience teaches us that government by itself cannot solve all
of our nation's social problems; and
WHEREAS, volunteers are vital to our future as a caring and productive
community;
THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg, do
hereby proclaim April 10 -16, 2011 National Volunteer Week in Leesburg, VA,
and thank our volunteers for their contributions to our community and urge our
fellow citizens to volunteer.
PASSED this 12th day of April 2011.
S. PETITIONERS
The Petitioner's Section was opened at 7:49 p.m.
Edward Gorski, 204 Stratford Place, SW, stated he is the land use officer for
Piedmont Environmental Council. He urged the Council to oppose the Commonwealth
Transportation Board (CTB) attempt to designate the Western Transportation Corridor
as a corridor of statewide significance. He stated Congressman Wolf will be bringing a
resolution forward. He stated members of the CTB presented a motion to add a
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Northern Virginia north /south corridor of statewide significance that would encompass
the entire land area between Route 28 and Route 15 and connect Routes 1, 95, 495, and
66 with Dulles Airport and points north. He stated the maker of the motion pointed out
the need for additional river crossings in this corridor. He stated this designation was
created in 2009 to encourage multi -modal cross jurisdictional planning and localities
must insert the corridor into their transportation planning. He stated the county, town
and residents will have no control over the location, timing or size. He stated he is
concerned that this would eliminate Prince William County's east /west traffic
congestion by shifting thousands of cars into Loudoun County adding traffic to already
congested Rts. 15 and 7. He stated neither state transportation staff or the public have
had an opportunity to thoroughly examine the current proposal and there are no
resources to implement the proposal or maintain the infrastructure once constructed and
will likely siphon off scarce resources from other transportation priorities. He stated
Supervisor Burton will be bringing forth a resolution for the Board of Supervisors and
urged the Mayor to attend the Board meeting and voice the town's support for this
resolution opposing the designation of a northern Virginia north /south corridor of
statewide significance by the CTB.
Hilda Farfan, 109 Wirt Street, Apt. A, SW, stated she is a new resident who
moved here almost three years ago and loves this town. She stated there is a problem
with the parking situation in the historic district as the residences are sprinkled in
between businesses and crowds the residents out of spaces. She petitioned the Council
to reserve some assigned parking spaces for the residences.
Mayor Umstattd stated the Town Manager and the transportation engineer,
Calvin Grow, is working with the residents.
Council Member Reid stated he has met with the residents as well.
Rick Gekhart, 109 Wirt Street, Apt. B, SW, stated it is a serious problem. He
stated the bed and breakfast, the office buildings and the automotive garage all cause
parking problems. He stated every day, it is a struggle to plan his day around getting
back around 1 p.m. so he can get a parking space while people are at lunch. He stated
his car has been damaged at the Liberty Street lot. He stated there are a total of eight or
nine residences along the street that would like some type of permit parking.
Unidentified woman, stated she is here on behalf of the R.O.C.K. program as it
supplies a great service to the community. She stated the program is in the
neighborhood on Tuesdays and Thursdays serving children who are otherwise left at
home alone. She stated the program lets these children stay in a positive environment.
She stated this helps to keep these children from going into crime. She stated she is
speaking for the entire Town of Leesburg as taking this safety net away puts the children
in danger.
Amira Bray stated R.O.C.K. is something she looks forward to and she enjoys
seeing the police officers.
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Mayor Umstattd stated during last night's work session discussion of the budget,
there appeared to be a strong majority on Council to fully fund the R.O.C.K. program.
Adrienne Bray, resident of the Hancock neighborhood. She stated her daughter,
Amira, is a participant in the R.O.C.K. program and she has seen the neighborhood
change since the program started. She stated keeping this consistency in the children's
lives will make them better citizens in the long run.
The Petitioner's Section was closed at 8:08 p.m.
Council Member Hammler introduced Sandy Grossman to Council and noted he
is her nominee for the Standing Residential Traffic Committee replacing Frank Holtz.
9. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Council Member Reid, seconded by Council Member Hammler,
the following consent agenda was proposed:
a. FY 2012 VDOT Revenue Sharing Program Sycolin Road and Tavistock
Drive
RESOLUTION 2011 -038
Authorizing a Request for Matching Funds from the Virginia Department
of Transportation (VDOT) FY 2012 Revenue Sharing Program for Sycolin
Road Left Turn Lanes and Traffic Signal at the Tavistock Drive
Intersection
b. VDOT Six -Year Plan
RESOLUTION 2011 -039
Requesting Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Funding for
Highway Projects within the Town of Leesburg in the Virginia
Department of Transportation Six -Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal
Years 2012 -2017
c. Supplemental Appropriation of Insurance Payments from VACO
RESOLUTION 2011 -040
Amending the FY2011 General Fund Budget and Making a Supplemental
Appropriation in the Amount of $20,495 Resulting from the Receipt of
Insurance Payments from VACO for Damage to Guardrails Caused by
Vehicular Accidents
d. Making an Appointment to the Standing Residential Traffic Committee
MOTION 2011 -041
Making an Appointment to the Standing Residential Traffic Committee
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The motion to approve the Consent Agenda was approved by the
following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammler, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7 -0
10. COMMUNITY INPUT
a. Battlefield Parkway Construction /Closure of Edwards Ferry Road
The community input session was opened at 8:11 p.m.
Mayor Umstattd stated this is a proposal for the temporary closure of
Edwards Ferry Road over the summer so that two lanes of Battlefield Parkway
between Fort Evans and Edwards Ferry Road could be opened about three
months early in time for the opening of school rather than in December.
Henry Harris, stated he represents his mother, Mary Harris, who lives at
42843 Edwards Ferry Road, just to the east of the proposed closure. He stated
she has lived there since 1946. He stated he has been working with the town's
legal and engineering staff for a few years with respect to Battlefield Parkway and
stated the town is extremely well represented. He stated his family does not have
any objection to the closure. He stated he would like to be sure that emergency
services remain available during the period of closure so there is no significant
diminution in the response times for fire, police or other emergency services.
Mayor Umstattd questioned whether emergency services will be affected
by the proposed road closure.
Renee Lafollette stated she is trying to coordinate with Fire and Rescue.
She stated she talked with the town's police department and has three phone calls
into Fire and Rescue to get response times. She stated the plan is that no one,
including emergency vehicles would be able to get through that section of
roadway, but if the response times are shown to be drastically reduced, they will
work with the contractor to maintain some form of access through the
construction site for emergency vehicles.
John Rust, stated he lives across the street from the Harris family on
Edwards Ferry Road and his concern is for notice in case of an extension of the
closure in case the job runs longer than expected.
Scott Miller, 891 Stonefield Square, NE, stated he does not have any
objection to the closure but wanted to understand what would happen if the
construction takes longer and how long the road could remain closed.
Mr. Wells stated the remaining two lanes would be completed before the
end of the calendar year and there would be no closures associated with the
completion on Edwards Ferry Road. He stated in terms of going beyond the
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deadline, the key issue that has caused delays thus far have had to do with land
acquisition. He stated the contract has been awarded and the only thing that
would impact the length of time necessary to complete the construction would be
bad weather. He stated there is no incentive to keep the road closed longer than
necessary.
Steve King, 1503 Barksdale Drive, NE, stated he and his wife are in favor
of the closure.
On a motion by Council Member Reid, seconded by Vice Mayor Wright,
the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2011 -045
Approving the Temporary Closure of Edwards Ferry Road at the
Battlefield Parkway Intersection from June 20, 2011 through August 19,
2011
Council Member Dunn questioned whether there is a way to work on
Battlefield and still keep Edwards Ferry open until the contractor gets to the
intersection portion.
Ms. Lafollette stated staff has been working with the contractor for the
past three to four months to find the most economical and expedient way to get
the project completed. She stated this proposal is the quickest way to do it. She
stated while the closure is in place, all parts of the project will be under
construction and the contractor will be working six days a week. She stated if
weather necessitates it, they will go to seven days a week to shorten the period of
time. She stated she does not want to go into a commitment for seven days a
week because of the additional cost.
Council Member Reid thanked the community for participating in the
input session. He stated he believes that staff has done a very good job of
informing the community of the proposed closure. He stated when Sycolin Road
was paved to Ashburn a few years ago, it was closed for a lot longer, probably 4 -5
months. He stated even when it was a gravel road, it was heavily used.
He offered a friendly amendment to add language "but allow for
emergency vehicle access and two week's notice to the affected community
should the reopening be delayed beyond August 19, 2011 The motion was
accepted as friendly.
Vice Mayor Wright stated he also appreciated the public taking the time to
respond and also thanked staff for the outreach.
Council Member Dunn stated he hopes that staff can reduce the amount
of time the intersection is closed. He stated this will be a short term
inconvenience for a long term gain.
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Council Member Martinez thanked Mr. Harris for his comments about
town staff.
Council Member Hammler stated completion of Battlefield Parkway is
Council's #1 transportation priority and she appreciates staffs support in
accelerating completion of this section. She stated she would like to bring forth
some of the email concerns that have been expressed, such as cut through traffic
on Artillery Drive. She questioned whether there is any way to communicate
that Artillery Drive is not a through street.
Ms. Lafollette stated she has been discussing with the police department
what can be done to alleviate attempted cut through traffic. She stated one of the
keys is this closure will reduce cut through traffic. She stated staff has attended
HOA meetings for the community and have told them that they are willing to
attend HOA meetings throughout construction to continue to keep them
informed.
Council Member Hammler stated there is an opportunity to put signs out
telling the traveling public that the road is closed in anticipation of early
completion of improvements. She agreed that early completion of the road will
mean getting more cars off the bypass earlier.
Council Member Butler stated he was skeptical of doing this because he
has not generally found it to be effective to try to shave time off a construction
project, but because of the overwhelming majority of people in favor of the
temporary closure, he stated he sees no reason to object to it as long as the
concerns of the Artillery Drive neighborhood and the others who have spoken are
taken into account.
Mayor Umstattd agreed with Council Member Butler.
The amended motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammler, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7 -0
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. 2012 Tax Rate Ordinance
The public hearing was opened at 8:30 p.m.
Mr. Wells stated the advertised tax rate for 2012 is 19.5 cents which is part
of the Council's direction to deal with long term budget sustainability. He stated
this tax rate is tied to a longer term plan that calls for holding the tax rate flat for
the next three years with limited increases over the following three and an
aggressive effort to accumulate funds in the debt service reserve to deal with
additional costs in the out years.
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Mayor Umstattd verified that the 19.5 cents is the real estate tax rate,
which will be held level this year as well as the personal property tax rate.
There were no members of the public wishing to speak to this public
hearing.
The public hearing was closed at 8:33 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Vice Mayor
Wright, the following was proposed:
ORDINANCE 2011 -0 -008
Reordaining Section 20 -22 (Annual Levy and Rate of Taxes), Article II
(Taxation Generally), Chapter 20 (Licenses, Taxation and Miscellaneous
Regulations), and Appendix X (Fee Schedule) of the Town Code of
Leesburg Setting Tax Rates on Real Estate, Vehicles Used as Mobile
Homes or Offices, Aircraft, Tangible Personal Property, Real Estate and
Tangible Personal Property of Public Service Corporations, and Bank
Capital for Tax Year 2011
Vice Mayor Wright stated he appreciates that the town is able to hold the
tax rate below the equalized rate for another year. He stated he also appreciates
that the town is taking a multi -year view allowing for some predictability in the
approach to the budget, but also developing an overall sustainable plan. He
stated surplus in the early years will help pay down the balloon payment on debt
service and help avoid future increases.
Council Member Dunn stated he would like to see a lower tax rate. He
made a motion to lower the tax rate to 18.5 cents.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Reid.
Council Member Dunn stated each year Council claims that the taxes
have not been raised, but each year people end up paying more and more taxes.
He stated overall the budget shows there has been overspending in the town
budget for years and he feels the citizens of Leesburg deserve a break in this
economy.
Council Member Reid stated he thought about this overnight and was
perfectly willing to go with the level rate for two years but he said he received
calls from people whose assessments have risen. He urged Council to vote for
this rate cut and have the Town Manager come back with $500,000 in additional
cuts at the next meeting.
Vice Mayor Wright verified that a penny on the tax rate is about $550,000.
He stated he is not excited about the prospect of finding another $550,000 in
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additional cuts. He stated there was no support on Council for additional cuts
that were discussed at the work session on Monday. He stated Council is already
looking at restoring some of the cuts the Town Manager had proposed. He stated
feedback from the community is that the town is at the right spot. He stated
reducing the tax rate will affect the overall long term plan.
Council Member Hammier stated there is a perception that even at the
19.5 cent rate that there will be impact to services.
Mr. Wells stated there will certainly be impact to services with the
reduction of 28 positions. He stated he spent a good deal of the day looking at
resetting priorities and projects to address the fact that there will be fewer staff
and dollars to deal with needs. He stated one of the recommendations he would
make to Council would be to sit down and lay out what the operational plan will
be for the upcoming year across the funds.
Council Member Hammler stated she spent hours trying to come up with
a sustainable budget plan and feels strongly that this is a very disciplined budget
that reflects an enormous amount of work. She stated that the only thing that
Council has succeeded in doing at Monday night's work session was to add
things back into the budget and her suggestion to take a hard look at Fire and
Rescue costs that are already paid for by the county, was met with no support.
Council Member Butler stated it is not reasonable to try to set a tax rate so
that every residence in town has a tax bill that goes down. He stated because
assessments vary from community to community, and trying to achieve a lower
tax bill every year for everyone is unachievable. He stated he supports the 19.5
tax rate because it gives a small average tax cut.
Council Member Dunn stated over the past 10 years, the population of
Leesburg has risen about 45 but staff has increased by 100 He stated there
are unused services in town. He stated the Balch Library costs approximately
$460,000, which is not much less than one whole cent on the tax rate. He stated
the Balch Library services approximately 20 Leesburg residents per day and is a
research library and is not your average lending library. He stated reducing staff
by making the Library by appointment only and using only volunteers would
save a few hundred thousand dollars. He stated the town provides extra services
that do not have to be provided. He stated brush pick up and street sweeping
could be contracted out. He stated carrying a large amount of retirement funds
that could be contracted out would be a creative way of managing personnel
expenses. He stated this budget represents reduced spending that should have
been going on over the years instead of the wasteful spending that has been going
on for years.
The motion to amend by setting the tax rate at 18.5 cents failed by the
following roll call vote:
Dunn: Aye
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Reid: Aye
Wright: Nay
Martinez: Nay
Hammler: Nay
Butler: Nay
Umstattd: Nay
Vote: 2 -5
April 12, 2011
Mayor Umstattd stated the Town Manager and Council have done an
excellent job keeping the tax rate level with a proposal to hold the tax rate stable
for two additional years. She stated the cuts in services had to be made to keep
the tax rate where it is.
Council Member Martinez stated staff has been put in a terrible position
with this budget. He stated that trimming a budget by laying off positions is
irresponsible. He stated the town will be losing quality of life and level of service.
He stated he does not think that town staff is wasteful. He stated he is proud of
town staff. He stated he and the Mayor have worked hard to make the CIP a
living document of what will get done and now extending the CIP is being used
as a way to reduce the budget. He stated the town has worked hard to improve
its processes, yet staff is being told to do the improvements with less. He stated
people moved to Leesburg for some of the services that will be cut out. He stated
the Balch Library is not a waste but something for the citizens to be proud of. He
stated he is forced to accept the budget and tax rate because of the sustainability
of it, but he does feel things could be done better.
The original motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
Butler: Aye
Hammler: Aye
Martinez: Aye
Wright: Aye
Reid: Nay
Dunn: Nay
Umstattd: Aye
Vote: 5 -2
b. FY 2012 Budget
The public hearing was opened at 9:00 p.m.
Mr. Wells stated the materials handed out to Council reflect the straw
votes taken at the work session on Monday night. He noted that the amounts
added for Fire and Rescue reflect FY2011 funding levels.
David Galen, stated he represents the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue
Squad. He stated he represents 100 volunteers that are very dedicated to
providing emergency medical services to about 50,000 in and around Leesburg.
He thanked the Council for their support. He stated the Fire and Rescue Squad
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has put off a number of improvements and purchases, but they need to purchase a
new ambulance and about three AEDs. He stated AEDs each cost about
$30,000. He requested the Council maintain rescue squad funding at levels from
FY 2011. He stated the town supplies about one third of their budget.
Mayor Umstattd noted that the discussion last night directed staff to
include funds in the budget for the Rescue Squad at the FY2011 levels.
Ann Robinson, stated the volunteer fire and rescue came to her house and
she appreciated it.
The public hearing was closed at 9:07 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Dunn, seconded by Vice Mayor Wright,
the following was proposed:
ORDINANCE 2011 -0 -007
Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2012, Making Appropriations for FY
2012 for the General Fund, Utilities Fund, Airport Fund, and Capital
Projects Fund, Authorizing the Continuation of the Revenue Stabilization
Reserve; Committing the Fiscal Reserve of 15% of Expenditures for FY
2012; Authorizing Amendments to the Budget and Supplemental
Appropriations by Council Resolution; and Authorizing and Directing the
Town Manager to Take All Steps Necessary and Prudent to Effectuate the
Implementation of this Ordinance
Council Member Dunn stated it is not staff that has been wasteful, but the
Council has set policies that are wasteful and staff has to implement them. He
stated there are people on Council who are willing to continue wasteful practices.
He stated he still feels there is some waste in the budget; however, it has gone a
long way to making cuts that have been needed for some time. He stated most
residents will see no change in services through the work of the Town Manager
and staff.
Vice Mayor Wright stated this budget, as with all the other budgets he has
voted on, has things he likes and things he does not. He stated every year
Council debates R.O.C.K. and through this budget cycle's debate have identified
the program as a community benefit and priority. He stated that the number of
children who are served versus the cost shows a very efficient program. He stated
he is impressed with the amount of work that staff undertook coming up with a
sustainable long term budget plan which has exceeded his expectations. He
stated he is very mindful of how difficult this process has been on staff and has
been very impressed with the employees and the manner in which this was
accomplished.
Council Member Reid stated he voted against the level tax rate because he
wanted to see a lower rate. He stated his goal has always been to use the budget
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to set priorities. He stated for many years, he has sought to see staff reductions
and outsourcing in some areas. He stated he feels there could be some
efficiencies with R.O.C.K. and some faith based groups. He stated he supports
the budget, but agrees that Council should be prioritizing better.
Council Member Martinez stated he echoes the Vice Mayor's comments
regarding lay offs and thanked staff for the way the lay offs were handled.
Council Member Hammler stated there is quite a bit of good news in the
budget, but she wanted to highlight the significance of issues like oil prices and
health care costs. She stated the Council will have to set priorities and changes in
how the town does business. She stated fire and rescue services are very
important and the level of government that has the responsibility for those
services needs to step up to provide those services.
Council Member Butler stated that he agrees that fire and rescue is not
only critical, but should be funded by the county. He stated he has talked to
more people who have said they would prefer to pay more taxes rather than lose
the services that make the town special. He stated for future years, Council will
need to decide whether it wants to continue to cut the town to pieces.
Mayor Umstattd stated Vice Mayor Wright asked her not to forget to
thank the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors for agreeing to fully fund the
70% of the time that the town's officers are in the schools serving as School
Resource Officers. She stated the town very much appreciates that funding.
Further, she stated she is delighted the town is able to fully fund the R.O.C.K.
program for the coming year. She thanked Dave Galen and Brian Duddy for
coming out to speak on behalf of the Rescue Squad and the Volunteer Fire
Department. She stated while the amount that the town is able to contribute is
not as much as they had asked for, it does not lower the amount of funding from
last year. She agreed with Council Member Hammler that the town needs to
work with the Board of Supervisors to make sure that the County provides a
much higher level of funding to Fire and Rescue than is currently the case. She
stated she does not agree with this budget 100 but this is a compromise budget.
Council Member Dunn stated the economy is really responsible for
people's lower tax bills than anything that Council has done. He stated he
received a request not to cut any services. He stated it is a philosophical
difference between those who believe that government should do more and those
who believe that government should be doing the minimal such as providing for
the health and welfare of the community. He stated nobody he has talked to has
asked to be taxed more. He stated he is glad to have been able to fully fund the
fire and rescue teams. He stated it is easy to say that the R.O.C.K. program
keeps children off the street or keeps them from becoming criminals but there is
no hard evidence to support that. He stated for next year's budget he would like
to address the stats that show the benefit.
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COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 2011
12. ORDINANCES
a. None
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Butler: Aye
Hammler: Aye
Martinez: Aye
Wright: Aye
Reid: Aye
Dunn: Aye
Umstattd: Aye
Vote: 7 -0
13. RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS
a. Approval of the FY 2013 Proposed Budget for Fiscal and Planning
Purposes
Mr. Wells stated there is a correction to the document that shows the
waystation /bike stop at Raflo park in 2012 and 2013. He stated there will only
be one waystation /bike stop at Raflo Park.
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member
Butler, the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2011 -042
Approval of the FY2013 Proposed Budget for Fiscal and Planning
Purposes
Council Member Butler stated it is good to try to plan ahead even if you
know that things will change because it helps you make better decisions today.
Council Member Hammler stated her need to respond to the comment
that the Council is creating policy by reacting rather than directing. She stated
this resolution points to the opposite. She stated she is optimistic that there will
be tremendous progress on the things that were discussed last night. She stated
there has been a tremendous partnership and momentum built from an economic
development perspective with regards to the incubator and the airport.
Council Member Reid stated the two year budgeting process is a good
idea and urged the county to look at it. He stated he hopes the economy
recovers.
Council Member Dunn stated he never put responsibility for being
wasteful on staff or the Town Manager. He apologized for not being available for
the one email that was sent to him by Council Member Hammler. He stated he
will support this even though there is not really anything that can be done about
the 2013 budget other than talk about it. He stated while the Town Manager is
doing a fantastic job, it is the Council's job to set policy for the town.
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The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammler, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7 -0
COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 2011
Mayor Umstattd thanked staff for supporting looking at a two year
budget. She also thanked the Town Manager for constant communication with
Council members.
Council Member Martinez stated that Council members need to take
responsibility for their own actions and stop complaining when things do not go
their way. He stated that sometimes there are no hard statistics about whether
something works, but seeing those from the community come out and say that
R.O.C.K. works, he feels that is enough evidence for him.
b. Capital Improvements Program FY 2012 -2017
On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Council Member
Reid, the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2011 -043
Adopting the Fiscal Year 2012 -2017 Capital Improvements Program in
the Amount of $63,637,671
Council Member Martinez stated he would not be supporting this because
of the longer time span.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Reid, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: Martinez
Vote: 6 -1
c. Making Appointments to the Utility Rate Advisory Committee
On the motion of Council Member Butler, seconded by Council Member
Hammier, the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION 2011 -044
Making Appointments to the Utility Rate Advisory Committee
(Titus /Fondaco)
Vice Mayor Wright stated he wanted to compliment both out of town
applicants and believes that either applicant would have been a great addition.
Council Member Reid verified that Ms. Fondaco was not a litigant in the
water rate case.
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COUNCIL MEETING
14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. None.
15. NEW BUSINESS
a. None.
16. CLOSED SESSION
a. None.
Council Member Martinez stated that baseball season has started.
April 12, 2011
Mayor Umstattd stated that Ms. Fondaco has stated she was not, but she
was one of the founding members of the Citizens for Fair Water Rates group.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammler, Martinez, Reid, Wright and Mayor
Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7 -0
17. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Dunn stated he sets himself up as a convenient target when he
challenges the Council to be responsible and grown up officials. He stated it is a
challenge for some on Council. He stated he comes to the meetings never expecting to
get what he wants. He stated he expects very little from Council Members Martinez and
Butler and others who have a very liberal concept of the way government should be and
spend.
Council Member Reid thanked Council Member Dunn for an excellent pledge
and history of the flag. He stated the Washington Post had a nice insert today on the
150 anniversary of the Civil War. He stated he was surprised that LCVA did not put
an ad in this section. He stated he is proud of the Leesburg Police Department for
winning the top award at the Valor Awards, for their work on the serial stabber case. He
joked that his son, Jamie, has suggested that Market Street be renamed Bank Street
because of the number of banks there. He noted he would like to see the Balch donation
funds leveraged to provide income for both operations and maintenance. He stated he is
concerned about redistricting at the state level. He stated he likes the Governor's
Redistricting Commission proposal better and is concerned about the Senate plan that
splits Leesburg. He wished everyone a happy Easter and Passover.
Vice Mayor Wright stated he and his family are getting ready to go on vacation.
He stated Relay for Life is coming up the first weekend in June (4 -5). He stated the
Government Steps team is already registered and available to join. He stated it should
be another fun filled episode of Pie in the Face and is looking for volunteers which will
most probably be the first Friday in June.
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C
COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 2011
Council Member Hammler disclosed a phone conversation with Mike Banzhaf
about KSI and Crosstrails. She stated she appreciated Council Member Dunn's
comments about the flag and Council Member Reid's invocation. She stated the
presentations tonight restored her faith in humanity hearing about the many things that
people do to make this community a wonderful place. She noted last Friday town staff
gave a tremendous presentation to the Loudoun County EDC about all the highlights
the town can be proud of particularly the improvements in business processes. She
stated the Valor Awards were wonderful. She wished Mayor Walker of Lovettsville a
speedy recovery.
Council Member Butler stated budget discussions are the best part of the year.
He stated he did attend the Valor awards and they were wonderful. He stated that all
the input he got from the budget process was to keep services as they are or to increase
services. He stated he attended Central Loudoun Little League's opening ceremonies.
He stated he enjoyed Loudoun Earth Day celebrations.
18. MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Umstattd thanked the Loudoun Crime Commission for the gift of the
defibrillator. She echoed the Council's praise for the Valor Awards Ceremony. She
stated she attended the second year memorial service for Jammie Lane and she thanked
Chief Price and members of the police department for attending. She also wished
Mayor Walker a speedy recovery.
19. MANAGER'S COMMENTS
Mr. Wells stated he talked to Mr. Hemstreet today regarding the Council's
interest in attempting to meet some time prior to the November elections, possibly
before the August break. He thanked Council for their support working through this
budget process. He stated it has been said it would be very different in terms of format
and what needed to be addressed. He stated details will be brought back for Council
consideration.
20. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Vice Mayor Wright, the
meeting was adjourned at 10:06 p.m.
ATTE(aT:
l fl y
Clerk of Council
2011 tcmin04i'2
Kris e C. mstattd, Mayor
Town of Leesburg
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