Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000_07_24 COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 24, 2000 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding. Councilmembers Present: George Atwell, Mervin V. Jackson, Leonard McDonald, David Schmidt, Vice-Mayor Umstattd, Robert Zoldos, and Mayor Webb. Staff Members Present: Bob Noe, Town Manager, William Donnelly, Town Attorney, Deputy Town Manager Phillip Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Michael Tompkins, Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler, Director of Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Chief of Police Joe Price, Chief of Plan Review Paul Gauthier, Chief of Comprehensive Planning Jerry Mucci, Budget Officer Mike Freda and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Aoenda of Council meetino of Julv 25. 2000. There was no discussion. 2. Leesburo Commons - Status Reoort Jerry Mucci advised the public hearing for Leesburg Commons has been scheduled for August 8, 2000. Mr. Mucci outlined the major issues of this application. He recapped that staff has recommended denial while the Planning Commission has recommended approval with conditions. A revised version of the Special Exception conditions was provided Council. Council member Jackson asked for clarification on the phasing plan. Mr. Mucci stated that the applicant could build up to 300,000 of the ultimate 585,000 square feet of retail without an office component. He added there is no mandatory office at any given time. Mr. Mucci explained the different components of site and the percentages dedicated to each. Bob Sevila, attorney for the applicant, addressed Council stating their plan to build retail to attract office can help the Town achieve the office they are seeking. Mr. Sevila displayed a conceptual site plan. He added that issues related to this application would be addressed at the public hearing. Mr. Chip Burton, representing Peterson Companies, explained the alternative interchange designs. Council member McDonald questioned whether the alternative designs proposed by the applicant would create traffic backups? Mr. Burton stated they maintain the level of service the town requires. Mr. Sevila added that the cost of a full cloverleaf is excessive. Council Work Session Minutes for July 24.2000 Page 2 Councilmember Umstattd commented on the main street concept now proposed. Mr. Sevila added they are proffering to entrance and architectural details. Councilmember Umstattd asked if the square foot of office proposed at build out could be achieved if the height increase of 70 feet is not granted? Mr. Burton stated they have not worked out the numbers, but it would be difficult. Councilmember Umstattd asked how much they are proposing for future transportation improvements? Mr. Burton stated that has not been determined yet. Mr. Burton discussed a $6,500,000 contribution and additional contributions to be determined. Councilmember Umstattd asked that a photo of the proposed interchange be provided at the public hearing. Mayor Webb amended the agenda to move items 3-6 to follow item 9. 3. Fairview Street ImDrovements - Status of CIP Tom Mason commented that the revised preliminary plans for Fairview Street improvements have been received, and staff is ready to meet with residents to explain the project and solicit comments. He added that the project should be ready to bid in the winter with construction starting in spring, 2001. Mr. Rick Kniaht, a resident of Fairview Street, addressed Council asking that this project be given priority. He discussed issues that the residents would like addressed in their community. Mr. Noe added that Council has done everything that has been asked, however, there is a challenge in completing capital projects. Mayor Webb asked why capital projects continue to fall further behind? There was further discussion with reference to staff shortages contributing to the problem. Mr. Mason stated they are preparing a RFP to hire a construction management company to assist and expanding their search for applicants. Mr. Mason outlined the capital projects that are due for completion by the end of summer and what they will be working on in the spring. Councilmember Atwell suggested possibly having a special work session to establish priorities on capital projects. 4. Chancellor Street Extension ReDort Tom Mason outlined four possible routes with associated costs for a public road or an emergency vehicle access from the end of Chancellor Street to Dry Mill Road. Mr. Mason added that an emergency vehicle access would likely not be effective. Council Work Session Minutes for Julv 24.2000 Page 3 Councilmember Schmidt asked how we deal with the fact that some of the proposed trails extend outside the town limits? Mr. Mason replied that permits would have to be obtained from VDOT and the County. Vice-Mayor Umstattd commented that she would not be in favor of building a full-scale road or an access extension considering the cost. Councilmember Atwell confirmed that the projected cost does include right-of- way acquisition. He commented that Council needs to take a hard look at this issue and would not be in favor of an inadequate band-aid solution. Councilmember Schmidt commented that Option C for a bike trail option would be his preference. Citizen Comment Andrew Gupta, resident of Southwest Leesburg, addressed Council. Mr. Gupta requested that that Council consider Route C outlined in the July 17, 2000 report from the Director of Engineering and Public Works. He stated that emergency access to all communities is necessary to ensure the safety of residents. Susan Sheoa, resident of Stribling Court, addressed Council citing the dangers of bicycle traffic on Rt. 15, adding there should be access to the bike trail for people in her neighborhood. Mike Steinhaas, resident of Chancellor Street, addressed Council. Mr. Steinhaas asked Council to not forget the survey that supports a trail along Rt. 15 from Davis Avenue down to Woodlea Drive. Mr. Steinhaas asked that the record reflect his disappointment with Council's desire to construct the bike trail! emergency access road at the end of Chancellor's Street when affected residents have asked that it not be bu i It. Michael Locklear. 913 Chancellor Street, addressed Council. He asked that the emergency access road not be built. The survey results indicated that aRt. 15 bike path would be the first choice of citizens on this side of town. Mike Coolev. resident of Nickels Drive, addressed Council stating that he would support the trail if it were financially prudent. Bill Reooqle. on behalf of Woodlea Manor homeowners, addressed Council stating that prior to the Rt. 15 survey, another survey was done with the overwhelming majority in favor of funding such a path. He expressed concern with children in Woodlea only having Rt. 15 to reach the bike trail. Mr. Repogle added that since the Rt. 15 trail probably won't be constructed for 7-10 years, a safe passage into town is needed in the interim. 5. Even!:reen Mill Road Extension Mayor Webb talked about an option for extending Evergreen Mill Road, providing tunnel access under the Rt. 7 bypass and/or a pedestrian crossing over Rt. 15. This would connect Izaak Walton pond. Council Work Session Minutes for July 24,2000 Page 4 Vice Mayor Umstattd asked about the cost of a pedestrian crossing? Tom Mason stated he could provide sketches and numbers in late September. Mayor Webb asked for a consensus from the Council. Councilmember Atwell suggested that Council take the time to discuss pedestrian access throughout town. Mayor Webb discussed a master trail plan from the mid 80's and suggested that Kaj Dentler provide a copy of this to each council member. Councilmember McDonald suggested further exploration of the Evergreen Mill Road. It will address how we get into town and it is on the side of Rt. 15 that opens up everything that is accessible. He talked about the proposed Tuscarora Creek Trail, which could connect with Rt. 621. Councilmember Schmidt stated the Chancellor Street access needs to be addressed now since the Rt. 15 trail is 7-10 years away. Mayor Webb suggested a separate work session on pedestrian access and trails after the Residential Traffic Task Force has provided its' report and another session on the issue of Chancellor Street and a bike trail somewhere else in the Southwest. Councilmember Zoldos concurred stating the task force is already addressing pedestrian access and trails. He suggested that Parks and Recreation and Engineering work together to provide proposals on all three areas. Mayor Webb stated that when this comes back to Council they will look at the Master Sidewalk Plan, the Master Trail Plan, and recommendations made by the Transportation Task Force. Councilmember Umstattd discussed pedestrians crossing the bypass between Ft. Evans Road and Ft. Evans Road. She asked Calvin Grow and Tom Mason to request state funding for this crossing at the Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting. Tom Mason added our 6-year plan has an urban diamond interchange at the intersection of Edwards Ferry Road and the bypass, which would include a bridge and pedestrian crossing. 6. Maior Issues Bob Noe introduced the Major Issues to Town Council stating that the management staff of the town has been working on this document for several months. Phil Rodenberg gave a brief overview of the 12 key issues confronting the town separated into two groups, Shaping and Guiding Growth and Organization Change. Council Work Session Minutes for Julv 24,2000 Page 5 Councilmember Atwell commented that he thinks this can be one of the most important things the Council does in the next year or two, and suggested that time should be spent discussing these key issues. Councilmember Umstattd discussed staff/council relations recommending the addition of "every staff member should be empowered to add comments". Mayor Webb commented that she is delighted with the document; however, is disappointed in the transportation section since it does not mention pedestrian access or bike trails. 7. Courthouse Lawn Committee The purpose of the Grounds and Facility Task Force is to address how the courthouse lawn will be used. Mayor Webb suggested that Kristie Lalire be appointed. It was decided that the Town Manager would make the appropriate appointment. 8. Loudoun County Facilitv and Office Space Task Force Mayor Webb commented that Loudoun County has asked for a representative to this task force. George Atwell volunteered to serve in that capacity. 9. How the Town Appoints Boards and Commissions Councilmember Zoldos commented that he believes the Town Code addresses issues with boards and commission. He would like to see added the rotation of the chairman and vice-chairman and attendance as a condition for each board and commISSIOn. Councilmembers Atwell, Schmidt and Umstattd spoke in support of the Mayor's proposal for councilmembers to nominate with full approval by Council. Councilmember McDonald and Jackson commented they prefer using the existing process with the majority vote of Council. Councilmember Atwell added that language should be added that the commission member serves at the will and pleasure of Council. Vice-Mayor Umstattd made a motion that Option 1 be adopted as the procedure for appointing boards and commissions. Coouncilmember Schmidt seconded the motion. Councilmember Zoldos commented he prefers the existing process with the addition of language in the Town Code. Mayor Webb clarified that her proposal would still allow the interview process; the individual council member would interview and make a recommendation to the full council who would then make the appointment. Council Work Session Minutes for July 24,2000 Page 6 The motion passed on the following vote: Aye: Atwell, Umstattd, Schmidt, and Mayor Webb Nay: McDonald, Jackson and Zoldos Vote: 4-3-0 Mayor Webb asked staff to bring a formal motion tomorrow night's council meeting. 10. Town Plan Amendments to remove Davis A venue Extension from the Transportation Policv Map - Status Report Michael Tompkins reported this amendment was initiated by the Tri-Commission. The Planning Commission held a public hearing in November 1999 and in December 1999 the Tri-Commission recommended deferral since there was possibility the Town would acquire the Izaak Walton site. Since this site was been acquired by the Town, this amendment will be returned to the Planning Commission for a recommendation. 11. WWII Memorial Contribution Mayor Webb recapped this contribution request of $1,000 was made by the Loudoun Community Action Commission at last Council meeting. Vice-Mayor Umstattd verified that any contribution would be made thru the Community Action Group for the wwn Memorial. She asked if documentation if this an authorized group. Mayor Webb asked for clarification from staff to be brought forward at another meeting. 12. Annexation Briefin2: William Donnelly, Town Attorney, discussed procedures governing annexations (contested and uncontested) as outlined in a summary of the statutory provisions provided by the Virginia Commission on Local Governments. He stated that he was very surprised to learn that very few annexations have been contested in recent years. Councilmember Zoldos asked Mr. Donnelly if there was a prepared a report on legal action with regard to the Shellhorn acquisition? Mr. Donnelly said that would have to be discussed in closed session. It was decided that Council would convene in closed session at the retreat to discuss this issue. 13. Vir2:inians to Vir2:inians Pro2:ram Council Work Session Minutes for July 24,2000 Page 7 Mayor Webb reported that a Town of Blacksburg delegation will be arriving at 11:00 a.m. on July 27,2000 to discuss the Virginians-to-Virginians program and encouraged councilmembers to participate. 14. Dennis Property Lee Phillips presented a response to the Dennis family presentation from an earlier meeting. Mr. Phillips pointed out the site, the entrenchments and explained that the roadbed on the Potomac Crossing site could be preserved for a hiking trail to connect Balls and Red Rock Regional Parks. If the trail follows the roadbed, it will pass through a cul-de-sac in both the Edwards Landing and Potomac Crossing subdivisions, which have already received rezoning and preliminary plat approval. Mr. Phillips added that Arcadia Development has offered to lose two lots to accommodate the trail thru the subdivision pending approval of their future Town Plan Amendment and Rezoning applications. Further, the grading plan for Potomac Crossing is expected to have approval next week. Mr. Phillips recommended that the trail be looped around the cul-de-sac. Bob Noe stated the Dennis brothers have offered a walking tour of the site to anyone who is interested. Mayor Webb asked if the rough grading plan approval could be delayed. Mike Tompkins stated that we have little power to stop the process since the applicant has met all of the regulations. Bill Donnelly stated that we could ask the applicant to voluntarily delay the earth moving process. He added that legally approval on any rezoning request by Arcadia Corporation couldn't be linked with this issue. 15. Status of County Plan Amendment Process and ReQuest for Meetin2 Michael Tompkins stated that the County is soliciting the town's input with relation to the UGA. The County Planning Commission would like to meet with the Town at the end of August in anticipation of a September public hearing. Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested that the Mayor and Chairman of the Planning Commission represent the Town at the August 29,2000 meeting. Mayor Webb asked that a letter be prepared to Mr. York asking the county to provide an agenda in advance of the August meeting. 16. Balch Library Mr. James Lucier, Chairman of the Balch Library Commission, introduced the members of the commission as well as the Friends of the Library who were present. Council Work Session Minutes for July 24,2000 Page 8 Mr. Lucier reported that the library addition is near completion and invited Council to the opening ceremonies (date to be announced later). He talked about the history and statewide reputation of the Balch Library. It was reported that another $150,000 in donations have been received ($50,000 from the Rust Family, $50,000 from the Westmoreland Davis Foundation, and $50,000 from an anonymous donor as a memorial to African Americans). Karen Titus addressed Council and discussed the history of the Balch Library and how the Town became involved. Karen Jones, Friends of the Library, reported that over $300,000 has been raised so far and their plans are to develop a foundation to administer the funds. Mayor Webb thanked the Balch Library Commission and Friends of the Library for their report. Mayor Webb asked how they can coordinate more effectively things they would like to do with the Library. The Chairman said they plan to focus on a vision document for presentation to Council. Council Atwell commented that a master plan committee is being created within the Balch Commission. Councilmember Schmidt commented that there could be some crossover between the Economic Development Commission and the Balch Library. Frank Buttery commented that the Balch Library could add so much fabric to the Town and ask for dialogue from Council on what they would like to see for the future of the Library. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m. 1-,1<<1 ~ . / II tf:t(f'