HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000_09_25
COUNCIL WORKSESSION
September 25, 2000
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding.
Council members Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald, David
Schmidt, Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Webb.
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Bob Noe Town Manager, William Donnelly Town Attorney,
Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom
Mason, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Michael Tompkins, Director of
Finance Paul York, Economic Development Director John King, Director of Parks and
Recreation Kaj Dentler, Chief of Police Price, Mike Freda, Lee Phillips, Calvin Grow, John
Callahan, and Clerk of Council Pro Tem Mary Mack
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Aaenda for Council Meetina of Seotember 26. 2000
a. Public Hearina - Calendar Year 2000 Bond Issue
Director of Finance Paul York reviewed the plans for this maximum amount
$16,000,000 bond issue. He named the projects to be funded and the schedule
for the issue with the actual sale date for October 31.
There was a question regarding the expansion of Town Hall not being a
budget item. Mr. York explained that it would be an item for discussion at the
mid-year budget considerations in late December or early January. He explained
that there are no further plans for an additional bond issue during this current
fiscal year. Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked for information regarding the debt
service. Mr. York replied in the neighborhood of 1.4 to 1.5 million annually.
b. Common Parkina Courts
Lee Phillips reviewed this proposed legislation. He explained that certain
projects would be grand fathered so they would not be non-conforming.
Councilmember Schmidt questioned the matter of disclosure. Town Attorney
Donnelly explained the difficulties involved. Tom Mason reported on the annual
maintenance costs involved with acquiring and maintaining certain private
streets. He stated that no evaluation of current conditions has been included.
Councilmember McDonald confirmed that this legislation does not preclude the
use of private streets for a single-family home.
c. Deleaatina the Director of Enaineerina and Public Works authority to
aoorove oerformance auarantees and extensions. reductions and
releases
Vice-Mayor Umstattd pointed out Mr. Donnelly's memo listed several options
regarding this legislation. She stated that she feels option #2 would alleviate her
concerns, Mayor Webb stated she agreed with that.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for September 25,2000
Page 2
Councilmember Atwell stated he continues to be unalterably opposed to these
changes and he will be voting against it. Councilmember Zoldos stated he too
would be voting against this matter.
2. Cable TV Ordinance/Franchise - Status ReDort
Jean Rice of Rice Williams Associates was present to give a status report. She
was present to discuss the transfer issue. She pointed out that the franchise has an
exception for a transfer to allow changes within the corporation within the immediate
family-primarily for tax purposes. There was discussion regarding the upgrade.
Noel Brown was present and explained that there is currently a delay in receiving
fiber optic cable, but they hope to have overcome that in the near future and be able to
do a very extensive upgrade to 870 MHz, reporting that much of the "leg" work is
already underway. Mr. Brown stated they do not know who will be replacing him, but he
introduced Mr. Dell Hanley, his supervisor, is the area manager and stating he will be
the point of contact for the Town and the County until a new general manager is named.
Councilmember Zoldos confirmed the dates for certain upgrades. He also questioned
the schedule for the Town's intra-government connections.
Councilmember Zoldos also questioned the placement of a studio in Leesburg.
He stated he has a major issue in allowing the transfer under the current agreement.
Councilmember McDonald was asked to coordinate a meeting with Adelphia for
discussion of the transfer issue.
3. West Market Street RamD and Entrance Sians
Tom Mason reviewed three options: #1 - landscaping only $16,000; #2 - brick
pavers and a 3-rail fence, no landscaping - $50,000; and #3 - Option #1 plus a new
enhanced sign - $20,000. He pointed out that Option #2 requires no maintenance
costs. There was discussion and the consensus was for Option #3, with Councilmember
McDonald asking to meet with Mr. Mason regarding the plant materials to be selected.
Mr. Mason was directed to prepare legislation for the next meeting.
4. Middlebura Bank Office Buildina and Catoctin Circle Frontaae
ImDrovements reauirements
Councilmember Atwell recused himself from participation in this matter. There
was discussion regarding time frames and Mr. Donnelly explained that extensions could
be granted if the building is completed and the VDOT work has not been started. He
stated that there are safety issues in conjunction with the completion of the office
building.
Councilmember Zoldos questioned if this was setting a precedent. Mr. Donnelly
stated that the precedent would only be for similar circumstances, which would warrant
similar action.
5. Residential Task Force - Dresentation of final reDort
Chairman Liz Whiting introduced the members of the task force and then
proceeded to summarize information from the final report with the assistance of other
task force members, Wayne Henderson, Susan Horne and John Ross. Council thanked
the groups for their hard work and asked that the group return on October 16th or 30th
work sessions for a question and answer period and discussion of the final report after
Council has had an opportunity to read the report.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for September 25,2000
Page 3
6. Loudoun County Economic Develooment Plan
Rosemarie Pelletier introduced Larry Rosenstratt, Director of the Department of
Economic Development, Lou Caninoco, Chair of the Loudoun County Economic
Development Commission, Bob Higgins, a member of the policy and implementation
committee. She gave a brief overview of the County's Economic Development Plan
stating they anticipate the Supervisors will give final endorsement of the final plan on
October 2. Councilmember Zoldos asked about references to the Leesburg Executive
Airport. She stated there are some in the plan.
7. Suoervisor Mark Herrina - oresentation reaardina traffic calmina and
other olannina information from trio to Germanv
Supervisor Herring gave a visual presentation of traffic calming seen on his
recent trip to Germany. He also had information regarding the use of buses and rooftop
gardens.
Mayor Webb announced a meeting with the County regarding the UGA and the
County's Comprehensive Plan tentatively scheduled for October 5th at 4:30 p.m. She
also mentioned the possibility of a breakfast meeting with them on Monday, October 16th
at 7:00 a.m. Mr. Noe was directed to check with Mr. York's office regarding this
meeting.
Mr. Noe advised the Council that he would be asking for a closed session of
Council tomorrow evening for acquisition of real property.
Councilmember Schmidt asked for a staff report and cost estimate regarding the
conduit for fiber optics for the South King Street project.
Councilmember Jackson stated that two letter have been received regarding
installation of fiver optics.
The meeting adjourned at 10: 15 p.m.
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