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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000_05_22 COUNCIL WORKSESSION May 22, 2000 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Clem presiding. Councilmembers Present: George F. Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald, Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos, BJ. Webb and Mayor Clem. Staff Members Present: Bob Noe, Town Manager; William Donnelly, Town Attorney; Director of Finance, Paul York; Budget Officer, Mike Freda, Deputy Town Manager, Phil Rodenberg; Director of Engineering and Public Works, Thomas Mason, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development, Michael Tompkins; Director of Utilities, Randy Shoemaker; Chief of Plan Review, Paul Gauthier; Chief of Comprehensi ve Planning, Jerry Mucci; and Clerk of Council, Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS 1. A2enda for Council Meetin2 of Tuesdav. Mav 23. 2000: Vice Mayor Webb asked that the public hearing for the elementary school site be discussed since there is new material from staff. ZM-2000-03. Jerry Mucci outlined the new information in the May 22,2000 memo which summaries the most recent actions between the town and school board staff. The major issues to be resolved are right-of-ways dedications for a roadway for Keystone Drive, Potomac Station Drive, the bicycle/pedestrian trail, and the parallel access road to the other properties fronting on Route 7. These rights-of-way need to be acquired in such a manner that will assure the Town will receive maintenance fees from VDOT. Councilmember Umstattd asked if the school board has proffered that the rezoning site would only be used for a school? Mr. Mucci stated that the school board has agreed to include that in their proffers. Paul Gauthier clarified that all of the major issues are still open but that language can be added to the proffers to solve the issues at a later date. Mr. Ed Hatrick, Superintendent of Schools for Loudoun County, addressed the Council and thanked Mr. Noe, Council and staff for the unprecedented way in which they have worked on the elementary school site. He assured Council that their concerns would be addressed. Mr. Hatrick added that the school board projects a Fall, 2001 opening the elementary school. Fee Waiver for MADD. Councilmember Zoldos questioned whether this issue had been addressed at a previous meeting. Mr. Noe added that the issue had been left unresolved, therefore, it is being returned for consideration. COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 5/22/00 Page 2 Loudoun County Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Mr. Noe asked that the Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposed by the County of Loudoun to allow communal facilities for public institutions in UGAs be deferred until after the Loudoun Museum expansion presentation. Loudoun Museum Expansion. Tracey Gillespie thanked the Council for their continued support of the museum. Ms. Gillespie introduced the members of the Loudoun Museum Board of Directors in the audience and Paul Solin, architect for the project. Ms. Gillespie recapped that in September, 1998 a resolution was adopted endorsing this project. Mr. Solin presented and discussed the expansion site plan, elevation drawings and floor plan. Councilmember Atwell asked if the concept plan includes any renovations to the existing museum? Mr. Solin replied that only the mechanical system would be upgraded. Sue Williams, Loudoun Museum board member, addressed the Council stating the library board would like to have a long-term lease and financial commitment from the Town. Ms. Webb commented that the kick-off of the capital campaign for this project is slated for January 1, 2001. West Market Street and Route 7 Ramp Maintenance. Tom Mason outlined the two options for maintenance of these ramps, (1) to remove the overgrown landscaping and replace with new plant material and mulch and (2) to remove the existing landscaping and replace with a brick median and new plant material. Mayor Clem suggested a guardrail might be necessary for safety reasons and exploration as to whether VDOT would fund the guardrail. Councilmember Zoldos suggested that the entrance should be done similar to the eastern entrance to Town. It was decided Tom Mason would explore options with VDOT and return with a recommendation to Council in time for the fall planting season. Councilmember Atwell stated he would like entrances the town can be proud of and suggested long range plans be considered by working with VDOT to satisfy a safety and cosmetic approach. Commission Vacancies. Councilmember Zoldos commented that through oversight the original members of the Information Technology Commission were never appointed by resolution and recommended that Doug Chaplow and Alex Fogelson be appointed to fill the vacant positions. Vice Mayor Webb advised that Dewey Hill would not be seeking reappointment to the Airport Commission. Mayor Clem stated that Susan Rutherford would not be seeking reappointment to the Planning Commission. COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 5/22/00 Pa2e 3 Councilmember Umstattd advised Council that she and Chairman Glikas of the Planning Commission would recommend the reappointment of Clifton Vaughan and Lawrence Schonberger. Vice Mayor Webb requested the Clerk of Council to contact those members whose terms are expiring to ask for a letter of interest if they desire to be reappointed. Then the vacancies can be advertised. Loudoun County Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Allow Communal Facilities for Public Institutions in UGAs. Randy Shoemaker outlined this plan amendment to allow communal facilities in the Urban Growth Areas to serve public facilities. He stated this plan amendment was proposed primarily to site an elementary school in Hamilton. Mr. Shoemaker states this proposal directly conflicts with state water control board law that only allows two facilities in the Dulles Area Watershed. The first being Leesburg Plant, which is grand fathered and a LCSA regional facility on Broad Run. Therefore, Leesburg should be excluded from any amendment of the comprehensive plan to allow for package treatment plants or discharges within our urban growth area. Vice Mayor Webb stated package treatment facilities and wells in the urban growth area not in the best interest of Leesburg. Councilmember Umstattd added that she would like the Board of Supervisors to know that Town Council is taking action on this item at their next meeting. Vice Mayor Webb stated that she has a call in to Chairman York to apprising him of the Council's position. There was further discussion as to whether a resolution would be an attack on the County of Loudoun. Councilmember Umstattd expressed concern that if we make it more difficult for the County to place a school in the urban growth area will they have the incentive in the future to place the schools farther away from Leesburg. Vice Mayor Webb stated she too would not like to see the county move this type of development further away from an urban core thus impacting the sprawl problem. She further added these types of issues should be discussed at the joint county and town meetings. Mr. Noe stated that in his opinion resolutions are how the council speaks and he does not feel that it would be offensive to respond to the County in that manner. Mayor Clem added that the Council should send a message that the Town wants to be exempt from inclusion in this proposed amendment. COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 5/22/00 Pa2e 4 Councilmember Atwell stated that he too has concerns with where future schools will be built and that a resolution to the County would be in order. Councilmember McDonald stated he would be in favor of a resolution from Council and also suggested that public institutions be more clearly defined. Councilmember Umstattd asked if this should go forward in violation of the state water control board, does that in any way have a negative impact on Leesburg's treatment facilities? Mr. Shoemaker stated that it would have no impact on the Town's discharge. Mr. Shoemaker added that he recently had a conversation with the regional office of DEQ and it was reiterated that only two facilities are allowed and if an application is made to DEQ for a discharge for a package plant; it would be denied. Mayor Clem left the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Airport Commission Report Steve Hutchens outlined the current status of Leesburg Airport stating it is the second busiest in Virginia excluding the commercially served airports and has 230-based aircraft. They plan in 2001 is to build additional t- hangers and expand the north apron and parking lot. Mr. Hutchens outlined a conceptual plan for future terminal expansion. He commended Juan Rivera on the contribution he has made to this airport with his involvement in the Virginia Department of Aviation. Also, from the management standpoint Mr. Rivera is very helpful in obtaining grant money and has contributed significantly to the airport's growth in the terms of capital projects. He closed saying that the airport is quite an asset for the Town. Mr. Hutchens clarified for Councilmember Umstattd that the terminal expansion would provide the needs of Leesburg for quite a few years; however there will still be room for additional expansion. Mr. Hutchens responded to Vice Mayor Webb's question about the South Hanger condition. He stated that the t-hangers are in need of repair and expansion. Councilmember Atwell asked about an additional 500 ft. at the end of the south runway. Mr. Hutchens stated it is still in the master plan. Vice Mayor Webb talked about protecting the airport and surrounding property so that inappropriate development does not take place. She added the Sycolin Road realignment and the Shellhorn property could have a significant impact on the airport if there is not cooperation from the County. Councilmember Umstattd stated she had spoken with Scott York and Mark Herring and they are mindful of the Town's needs. COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES FOR 5/22/00 Pa2e 5 Vice Mayor Webb commended the commission on ajob well done. Councilmember McDonald stressed the economic importance of Leesburg Airport to the Town and County. Councilmember Umstattd recommended the Loudoun County Board of Supervisor's be invited to a reception at the airport. Vice Mayor Webb suggested a summer reception. Bob Noe gave notice to the Council that he would be asking for a Closed Session tomorrow night to discuss the acquisition of real property and to consult with the town attorney on legal matters. Further, he reported that any meeting between the town and county representatives of the AADP Committee would be a public meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. ~ Id. a::tJ udith W. Ahalt Clerk of Council