Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2012_tcmin0424COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Council Members Present: David Butler, Kelly Burk, Thomas S. Dunn, Katie Sheldon Hammler, Kevin Wright and Mayor Umstattd. Council Members Absent: Council Member Martinez was absent. 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, Business Retention Coordinator Debi Parry and Clerk of Council Lee Ann Green AGENDA ITEMS 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. INVOCATION: Mayor Kristen Umstattd 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: Council Member Kelly Burk 4. ROLL CALL: Showing Council Member Martinez absent 5. MINUTES a. None. _.. 6. ADOPTING THE MEETING AGENDA On the motion of Council Member Butler, seconded by Vice Mayor Wright, the meeting agenda was approved with the addition of an item approving the next Town Hall Art Gallery exhibit. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Burk, Dunn, Hammler, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Proclamation: Meatless Mondays On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Vice Mayor Wright, the following was proclaimed: PROCLAMATION Supporting "Meatless Monday" 1 Pa c COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 WHEREAS, this country is facing a national epidemic of chronic medical conditions linked to diet and exercise including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers and obesity; and WHEREAS, the leading culprit in this epidemic is the surge in our consumption of saturated fats that come primarily from meat and dairy products and trans fats found in junk food; and WHEREAS, to combat this the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health has endorsed a practical approach to lower our overall fat intake by cutting out meat one day a week; and WHEREAS, by doing this we could effectively eliminate one - seventh of the saturated fats in our diet; and WHEREAS, going vegetarian one day a week would also conserve valuable natural resources normally used to produce meat; and WHEREAS, Loudoun's Green Business Challenge will be awarding points for efforts to reduce consumption of meat and dairy through initiatives such as Meatless Mondays. THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia hereby proclaim support for "Meatless Mondays" and urge the residents of the Town of Leesburg to improve their health and conserve valuable natural resources by participating in this endeavor. PROCLAIMED this 24"' day of April, 2012. b. Proclamation: Arbor Day Tree Planting at t Harper Park Middle School On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Vice Mayor Wright, the following was proclaimed: PROCLAMATION ARBOR DAY TREE PLANTING APRIL 2 7, 2012 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 2 1 toag COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 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, and 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, William S. Shipp, Principal, and Helen deGroot, Life Sciences Teacher, both of Harper Park Middle School have agreed, along with certain students from the school, to assist the Town by planting an Arbor Day tree on the school grounds. THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia hereby proclaim that the Town's official Arbor Day tree for 2012 will be planted at Harper Park Middle School on April 27, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. PROCLAIMED this 24th day of April 2012. 8. PETITIONERS The petitioner's section was opened at 7:38 p.m. Linda Shotton, Chair of the Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC), reviewed the EACs annual report. She pointed out that the EAC experienced a severe loss with the passing of Virginia McGuire. She stated a tree has been planted at Raflo Park as a memorial to her, which is a Magnolia Virginia. She stated a formal dedication ceremony is being planned. She stated that former Chair, Neely Law's, ability to take her doctorate in ecology and still remember that the town needs to operate as a business was very educational to the commission. She stated the EAC is still accepting nominations for the Tolbert Award. She stated that anyone, particularly young people, who are doing an outstanding job in ecology and the environment, can be nominated for this award. KD Kidder, stated she is the owner of Photoworks and has been in business downtown for 33 years. She thanked Council for supporting the Arts and Cultural District and urged Council to support the amendments and changes to the ordinance. She stated the historic district has been stagnating for some time, but there is hope as First Friday is making a comeback and the Flower and Garden Show is always successful. She stated they can invigorate the downtown. The petitioner's section was closed at 7:42 p.m. 3 Y� COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 9. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA On a motion by Vice Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member Martinez, the following item was moved for approval as part of the Consent Agenda: a. Adopting the Northern Virginia Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (December 2011) RESOLUTION 2012 -046 Adopting the Northern Virginia Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (December 2011) b. Authorizing Consideration of Alternate Line of Duty Insurance Carriers RESOLUTION 2012 -047 Authorizing Consideration of Alternate Line of Duty Insurance Carriers C. Awarding a Contract to PBGH, LLC for Financial and Compliance Audit Services RESOLUTION 2012 -048 Awarding a Contract to PBGH, LLC for Financial and Compliance Audit Services d. Supplemental Appropriation for Capital Asset Replacement Reserve RESOLUTION 2012 -049 Amending the FY 2012 General Fund Budget and Making a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $73,770 from the Capital Asset Replacement Reserve e. Approving the Next Town Hall Art Gallery Exhibit — J. Riley Stewart RESOLUTION 2012 -050 Town Hall Art Gallery — Approval of the Next Art Exhibit by J. Riley Stewart The Consent Agenda was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Burk, Dunn, Hammler, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Amending Chapter 6, Article II of the Town Code — Airport Policies and Fee Revisions The public hearing was opened at 7:44 p.m. 4 E7a c COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 Kaj Dentler gave a brief summary of the important points of this code amendment: • Three specific amendments that have been endorsed by the Airport Commission • Section 6 to establish temporary commercial operator permit and fee, which is a policy that was established and approved by Council in December as part of the new Rules and Regulations for the airport. Allows anyone who is not a tenant at the airport to carry out their business at the airfield, such as a mechanic or concessionaire. • Proposed fee for temporary commercial operator permit matches Manassas Airport. • Changing the fee schedule for aircraft financing to make it uniform with the fee for aircraft sales Council Comments/ Questions: • Why not make the fee for aircraft financing higher rather than lower? Staff response: Did not feel it was necessary. Fiscal impact is $200 or less. Decision was endorsed by the Airport Commission • Concern with lower and lower revenues from the airport • Does changing the fee match other airports in the area? Staff response: Do not have the answer at this time. Staff has done a fee comparison. • Understanding of intent of the code change is to provide additional maintenance service options to the users of the airport and provide the airport with control of who is on the airfield providing such services There were no members of the public wishing to address the proposed code changes. The public hearing was closed at 7:48 p.m. On a motion by Vice Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member Butler, the following was proposed: ORDINANCE 2012 -0 -013 To Amend the Leesburg Town Code Chapter 6 (Aviation), Article II (Leesburg Executive Airport) to Add Section 6 -26 (Temporary Commercial Operator Permit); to Amend Appendix B (Fee Schedule) to Add Section 6 -26 Leesburg Executive Airport Temporary Commercial Operator Permit Fee,-'and to Amend Section 6 -22 Leesburg Executive Airport Fixed Base Operator License Fee for Aircraft Financing The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Burk, Dunn, Hammler, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) 5 COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 b. Amending Chapter 7 of the Town Code — Arts and Cultural District The public hearing was opened at 7:50 p.m. Pam Butler, Chair of the Commission on Public Arts, gave a brief summary of the important points related to this proposed code amendment: • Arts and Cultural District Task Force has recommended three amendments to Chapter 7 of the Town Code intended to make it easier for arts related businesses to actively participate in the district and bring increased foot traffic to the downtown: • Amend the definition of a qualified arts organization to include graphic arts design businesses • Move the deadline for existing downtown arts related businesses to apply for membership in the district to August 31, 2012 • Eliminate requirement for submission of a business plan for businesses having been in continuous operation for more than five years Debi Parry presented a summary of the important financial points related to this proposed code amendment: • Over a ten year period, estimated cost for including graphic arts related businesses would be approximately $4,500 • Adjustment of the projected numbers assume one additional graphics arts business that would cost approximately $1,200 over a ten year period • Total cost for the program over a ten year period is estimated at $38,592 • Goal of the district is to foster the growth of the arts and cultural base while attracting new businesses to stimulate growth in the community • Consider added financial benefit of increased foot traffic downtown Council comments/ questions: • When did this go into effect? Staff response: Went into effect July 1, 2011 • Are there any numbers on how it has affected the local economy? Staff response: Removal of the hurdle of submission of a five year business plan will encourage greater participation in the arts and cultural district • Why the increased cost? Staff response: Inclusion of graphic arts design businesses account for the lost revenue. No numbers are yet available on possible increase in revenue from the increase in number of qualified businesses. Staff is in the process of developing metrics to track the benefits of the arts and cultural district • Incentive for businesses creating a business plan is removed. Staff response: Application does require the business to provide some detailed information about their business operations • How many businesses have joined the Arts and Cultural District? Staff response: Three businesses that have applied. Their applications are on hold pending tonight's action 6 1 Page COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 • The County EDC has sent their Arts and Cultural District overlay back to staff for more work • Why the August 31 deadline; why a deadline at all? Staff response: August 31 deadline was chosen to give businesses enough time to apply. Providing incentives that affect tax deadlines, a structured date is needed. Gary Dickens: representing Jerry's Flowers and Gifts, stated they are one of the three applications that are on hold. He stated that Jerry's sees flowers as fine art. He stated that inclusion in the Arts and Cultural District would be part of a marketing campaign for flowers as fine art. The public hearing was closed at 8:12 p.m. On a motion by Vice Mayor Wright, seconded by Council Member Butler, the following was proposed: ORDINANCE 2012 -0 -014 To Amend Sections 7 -3 (Definitions) and 7 -5 (Eligibility Requirements) of the Leesburg Town Code Chapter 7 (Arts and Cultural District) The motion was approve was approved by the following vote: Aye: Butler, Burk, Dunn, Hammler, Wright, and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Aye: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent) 11. RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS a. None. 12. ORDINANCES a. None. 13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. None. 14. NEW BUSINESS a. None. 15. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Dunn: No comments. Vice Mayor Wright: Annual Pie in the Face fundraiser for Relay for Life is May 4. He stated Council Member Martinez, Town Manager John Wells, Director of Plan Review Bill Ackman, Heritage High School's Athletic Director Ron Petrella, Technology and Communication Chair J. B. Anderson, and himself will be taking a pie in the face. He stated those wishing to bid on the opportunity to throw a pie can contact COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 Human Resources Director Nancy Fixx. He stated the Dogs for Dollars Fundraiser raised just under $800 for Relay. Council Member Burk: Thanked everyone for welcoming her back. She stated she looks forward to working with everything. Council Member Hammler: Disclosed meetings with Jay Soto from Clark Realty and Bob Gordon discussing Barber and Ross. She welcomed Amy Wyks as the new Director of Utilities. She stated the rain barrel workshops are coming up next weekend and encouraged everyone to participate. She stated she is the official back up for Council Member Martinez for NVRC and is looking for a substitute as she has another commitment. She listed the volunteer luncheon at Balch on April 25"' as an important event. Further she stated there will be a Preakness Party at Morven Park in May to benefit Loudoun Therapeutic Riding. Council Member Butler: Disclosed a meeting with Clark Realty regarding the Barber and Ross property. He stated the Flower and Garden show was excellent. He stated the Tree Commission handed out a lot of trees and the EAC handed out a lot of flyers for the rain barrel workshops. He stated he will be attending the Arbor Day tree planting on Friday with the Tree Commission. He welcomed Council Member Burk. He stated that J. Riley Stewart's photography is excellent and he is looking forward to seeing the entire exhibit. He stated Council Member Martinez, who is in Korea on behalf of the Council, said he spoke with Senator Janet Howell on the way to Korea and they both decided that Richmond cannot be fined. Further, the food is good, but he doesn't recognize it. He is meeting with ambassadors and mayors. 16. MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Umstattd welcomed Council Member Burk. She stated even before being sworn in, she attended the Valor Awards on behalf of the town. 17. MANAGER'S COMMENTS John Wells welcomed Council Member Burk on behalf of himself and all the staff. He noted a new version of the Council Planning Calendar was provided to Council. He noted the agenda item on Form Based Code is for the May 7 meeting. He recommended Council read this in advance and ask staff any questions. He distributed removable refrigerator stickers to Council that work on the new refrigerators as opposed to magnets. Further, he stated the town has purchased a hybrid vehicle — a Ford Escape. It is being used in the utility department for water turn ons and offs. 18. CLOSED SESSION a. None. 8 1 ll gt COUNCIL MEETING April 24, 2012 19. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Council Member Butler, seconded by Vice Mayor Wright, the meeting was adjourned at 8.•26 p. m. A'Z E -� Clerk of Coi" 2012 Ccmin0424 Krste °n C. Urhstattd, Mayor Town of Leesburg 9 1 f�,��