HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001_01_22
Council Work Session
January 22, 2001
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding.
Councilmembers Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald,
David Schmidt, Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Webb.
Loudoun Countv Board of Suoervisors Present: Mark Herring and Jim Burton
Plannino Commission Members Present: Lyle Werner and Dave Kennedy.
Loudoun County Plannino Commission Members Present: Chairman George
Kirschenbauer, John Herbert and Kathryn Miller.
Staff Members Present: Bob Noe Town Manager, William Donnelly Town Attorney,
Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Deputy Town Manager for Economic
Development John Henry King, 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 Finance Paul York, Chief of Police Joe Price,
Chief of Comprehensive Planning Randy Hodgson, Traffic Engineer Calvin Grow,
Budget Officer Mike Freda, Chief of Current Planning Lee Phillips, Tourism
Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Andrew Russell, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Rust Library Expansion report by the Rust Library Board.
Mr. Bob Twigg, Leesburg representative to the Loudoun County Library Board
of Trustees, addressed Council asking for support in the expansion and renovation of
the Rust Library. Mr. Twigg introduced Doug Henderson who provided the following
overview.
Mr. Henderson stated that the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has
budgeted for the expansion of the Rust Library. The first phase of the expansion is
proposed for 15,000 square feet. He stated they are requesting additional funding of
$7.7 million to allow for renovation. The Library Board asked Council to transmit a
letter to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in support of the expansion and
renovation.
2. Loudoun County Planning briefing on the draft General Plan and
Countywide Transportation Plan.
Loudoun County Planning Director Julie Pastor outlined the goals of the draft
General Plan. She stated environmental policies are one of the key issues of the
plan. Further, fiscal management and economic policies are incorporated into the
plan. The geographic policy areas consist of (1) Suburban, (2) Rural, (3)
Transition, and (4) Towns.
The Suburban Policy area encompasses the eastern Loudoun communities of
Sterling, Ashburn, Dulles and Potomac.
The Rural Policy area comprises two-thirds of the County land area with
emphasis on protecting rural character and limiting residential development.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22, 2001
Page 2
The Transition Policy area has three sub areas. The key concept is to provide
and promote a greenbelt on the western edge of the policy area. Also, Evergreen
Mill Road is designated as a historic roadway district status. The Transitional area
recommends three different residential options; one unit per 25-acre, residential
clusters, and a countryside village and anticipates rezoning in this are.
The Towns Policy area emphasizes the importance of towns as the civic,
social, business and economic center. It specifically designates the urban growth
areas for Leesburg, Round Hill, Hamilton and Purcellville.
Ms. Pastor stated they have received the Town's request to maintain the
urban growth area, to emphasize the use of greenbelts between Rt. 7 and Rt. 15,
and to identifying funding for Crosstrail Boulevard and to keep downtown Leesburg
as commercially viable.
She also discussed the policy for other Loudoun towns.
The following issues were identified by staff for the Planning Commission to
discuss: (1) clarification of rural residential strategy, (2) pave-in-place vs. long-term
maintenance of unpaved roads, (3) strategy for greenbelt implementation, (4)
job/housing balance, (5) extension of central sewer and water in transition policy
area, and (6) proffer guidelines.
Mayor Webb asked about the transportation policy changes, in particular, the
Western Transportation Corridor and Crosstrail Boulevard.
Ms. Pastor stated the Commission is focusing on the draft plan and how it
works with the Countywide Transportation Plan amendments. They are working on
a transportation model and will be testing with and without the Western
Transportation Corridor.
Councilmember McDonald expressed concern as to whether the County is
considering the elimination of a Western Transportation Corridor.
Ms. Pastor reiterated the plan does not recommend eliminating the corridor; it
says that it should not end at Rt. 7 and should not be Rt. 15.
Supervisor Jim Burton stated he is opposed to the Western Transportation
Corridor as he believes it will not relieve congestion.
Mayor Webb stated the Rt. 15 Bypass has failing levels of service now.
Supervisor Burton commented that Rt. 15 safety problems are a high priority with
the County.
Councilmember Zoldos discussed the transition area and how to restrict
where central water and sewer ends.
Ms. Pastor stated the transition area was established to affirm such a
boundary in the urban growth area.
Councilmember Zoldos reiterated that he believes the Western Transportation
Corridor is absolutely essential since we are at gridlock today.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22, 2001
Page 3
Councilmember Atwell expressed concerns with the possible elimination of the
Western Transportation Corridor since Leesburg is ground zero for Loudoun County,
adding governing bodies need to have the political will to build a Western
Transportation Corridor without exits. Further, traffic will increase to and from
Dulles Airport since the Plan calls for it's continued growth.
Supervisor Burton responded it is naIve to believe that a new bridge and
highway between 1-270 and northern Virginia without exits or interchanges can be
built and would result in a reduction of traffic congestion.
He added public transit in the toll road corridor is utmost in his mind.
Councilmember Atwell asked how Mr. Burton and Mr. Herring perceive the
Urban Growth Area of Leesburg in 5 years?
Supervisor Herring responded that continued outward expansion of the UGA is
sprawl type growth; growth needs to be in a concentrated area. He added that
planned residential areas on the south and north ends of Town would be better taken
out of the UGA and kept rural in character. The southeastern portion should be left
in to allow the town to finish an urban growth area study.
Supervisor Herring stated that he does not believe the County can wait to
make their decision on the Plan until the town has completed their UGA study.
Supervisor Herring stated he is of the view that it is important for the
government to carry out it's own growth and development policies. He would like to
expand the county administration offices in downtown Leesburg; the County
government should set the standard.
Supervisor Burton said that there is a limit of government in downtown.
Mayor Webb asked for coordination of efforts to deal with the space needs of
the Town, County and School Board.
Councilmember Umstattd stated transit and downtown viability are her major
issues.
Julie Pastor stated the Western Regional Park and Ride Lot would come on
line next year. They have a proposal to look more globally at transit, which will be a
first step of "transit corridors" as specified in the plan.
Supervisor Herring stated that the best information he has is that rapid
transit will be available in 2003, with converting to rail in 2010 at Dulles Airport, Rt.
606 and Rt. 772.
Councilmember Schmidt echoed support for a Western Transportation
Corridor.
Mayor Webb commented she would not like to see communal wastewater
systems concerns around Leesburg.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22, 2001
Page 4
The following letter addressed to Town Council from the Edgar J. Orme and
Nancy L. Orme Revocable Trust reference the Revised Loudoun County General Plan,
Draft Dated November 14, 2000 was read into the record:
Dear Mayor and Council:
It has come to our attention as Trustees for the Edgar J. Orme and Nancy L. Orme
Revocable Trust, ("Trust) that Agenda Item #2 on your Town Council Worksession
for Monday, January 8, 2001, includes a briefing by Loudoun County Planning on the
above-referenced Plan and the County-wide Transportation Plan.
Mr. and Mrs. Orme are the beneficial owners of the Trust and approximately 400
acres of real property (the "Property") approximately 300 acres of which is located
within the Urban Growth Area ("UGA") of the Town of Leesburg (the "Town"). The
balance of the Property is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Route
621, Evergreen Mills Road, and Route 649, Hogeland Mill Road, outside of the Town's
UGA. All of the Property has been farmed by the Orme Family for many years and is
currently zoned County A-3.
On behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Orme, we support the current draft Plan's retention of the
Town's existing UGA and the inclusion of the majority of the Property within the
existing UGA. We encourage you to support and transmit this position to the County
of Loudoun ("County") at your meeting tonight and future meetings with the County
with respect to the Plan.
The subject draft Plan further proposes creation of a 2,000-foot wide "Greenbelt Area
around the Town and within the Urban Growth Area", draft plan pages 8-12. The
language quoted references "the 100-year floodplain of the Sycolin Creek...provided
that the County's stream valley buffer policies also apply".ld., pages 8-12. If the
quoted language were applied to this Property, it would severely restrict the usage of
this land. Therefore, on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Orme, we also request that you
encourage the County to delete this Greenbelt area as it specifically refers to this
Property at this and future meetings with the County.
In the event you have any questions or concerns with respect to this letter, please
contact Deborah C. Welsh, one of the Trustees, at 120 Edwards Ferry Road, NE,
Leesburg, VA 20176, (703) 777-5590.
Thank you for your favorable consideration of the concerns set forth in this letter.
Very truly yours,
Deborah C. Welsh, Trustee
Mayor Webb referred to an article in American City and County magazine on
on transportation issues.
2. Agenda for Council Meeting of January 23, 2001.
a. SE-2000-23 - Star Concrete Public Hearino
Randy Hodgson outlined this application by Star Concrete for outdoor
storage at the office and warehouse facility proposed at the intersection of
Lawson Road and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22, 2001
Page 5
Mr. Hodgson stated the major issue is with screening from Lawson Road.
Further, the Planning Commission has recommended conditional approval.
Mayor Webb confirmed the frontage improvements would be made along
Lawson Road.
b. Amendino FY-2001 Budoet Public Hearino
Mike Freda commented that as of December 31, 2000, 50% of the
general/airport/utility operating fund has been expended and 40% of the
projected revenue has been collected.
The projected general fund revenues for FY-2001 will be approximately
$615,000 above budgeted revenues.
The proposed requests are recommended for funding in the amount of
$770,000 from the general fund and $962,000 from the Utilities Fund. He
outlined the recommended funding sources.
Councilmember Atwell commented on a $565,402 unrestricted surplus
from the FY-2001 budget.
Mr. Noe stated the $615,000 is what is anticipated as a balance on June
30, 2001. Councilmember Atwell said this is what should be used for a mid-
year budget instead of using a debt contingency fund.
Mr. Noe stated a commitment has been made to fund the pay and
classification study, the urban growth study, and CIP projects.
Mayor Webb stated concerns with money being spent before it is
submitted to Council for approval.
Mr. Noe said that most capital projects have been over budget and he is in
the process of putting more policies and procedures into place to see that
does not occur in the future.
Councilmember Schmidt stated he would be pursuing funding for a
signage study and grants writer. He also suggested that the renovations on
E. Market Street are excessive and the possibility of including part of the
expense in the FY-02 budget.
c. TP-99-02 to remove Davis Avenue from the Transoortation Policv
Mao Public Hearino
Mike Tompkins stated this Town Plan amendment was initiated by Council
in 1999. The reason for the amendment is to protect the wet lands, to
eliminate the cost of the road, and to provide the first step for a future park.
Davis Avenue was not included in the model for the transportation study
conducted by VDOT and its elimination would not adversely affect the
functioning or level of service of the road network.
d. TEA-21 Grant Aoolication Public Hearino
Phil Rodenberg outlined this grant application to the Virginia Department
of Transportation to replace overhead utility lines with underground lines
along South King Street between Fairfax Street and the W&OD Trail.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22, 2001
Page 6
Mr. Rodenberg stated the town's match for this grant would be $88,000
(20%) and the deadline for submittal is January 31, 2001.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked if there is a possibility that individual
homeowners will be assessed for service hookups? Mr. Rodenberg said they
have budgeted for assistance to homeowners.
e. Submittino a 2001 VA Recreational Trails Fund Grant Aoolication
for Phase II of the Ida Lee Park Trail
Kaj Dentler outlined this application for Phase II of the Ida Lee Park Trail
stating the Town's share of $200,000 would need to be budgeted for fiscal
year 2002.
Mayor Webb added this trail will serve older neighborhoods and is much
needed for safety reasons.
Councilmember Zoldos concurred stating all trails around town should be
connected.
4. Residential Traffic Task Force Recommendations incorporated into
Vision for Town
Elizabeth Whiting stated the Residential Traffic Task Force would be available
for recommended sequencing of the pilot projects and specific recommendations for
legislation from the Task Force Report.
Wayne Henderson stated protecting the inner core of residential neighbor-
hoods is very important.
Mayor Webb asked staff to include legislation in two weeks to create a
standing committee to deal with vehicular and pedestrian transportation issues.
5. Cable TV Advisory Commission - Council Chamber Improvements per
Adelphia Cable
Mr. Chuck Shotton with the Cable TV Advisory Commission addressed Council
stating the terms of the Adelphia franchise call for the Town to be granted $285,000
to improve the audiovisual system in the Council Chambers. He asked for input on
equipment requirements and comments from the Council and other people using the
Council Chambers for meetings.
Mayor Webb asked that input be provided Mr. Rodenberg and forwarded to
the Cable Commission.
6. Leesburo Commons
Michael Tompkins outlined the major issues of this application (1) to amend
the town plan to permit destination retail as a catalyst to attract office/employment
development, (2) interchange design, (3) phasing of office/retail uses, and (4)
regional transportation improvement contributions and credits.
Mr. Tompkins review the proposed changes from the applicant dated
December 19,2000.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22, 2001
Page 7
Further the Zoning Administrator has completed a line-by-line review of the
proffers. The Chief of Plan Review has recommended that a maximum of 50%
credit be claimed towards the Transportation Improvement Fund.
Mayor Webb stated that the proffers do not indicate the cost of this
interchange to taxpayers.
Kevin McCorv, Kristen Court, asked about the transportation design and the
effect on Rt. 7, a breakdown of office/retail, and the impact on downtown Leesburg.
Mr. Bob Sevila, representing the applicant, addressed Council. He outlined
the changes to this application since the September 11th public hearing. They are
(1) 85,000 square foot reduction in retail uses, (2) reclassification of 100,000 square
feet of uses to commercial, (3) only one fast food restaurant, (4) limiting to one in-
line big retail store on a street front, (5) proffering to constructing a Leesburg
entrance sign on Rt. 7, (6) landscaped median along Rt. 7 and along property
frontage, (7) construct and provide access to two soccer fields on the property, (8)
modify phasing plan to guarantee a minimum of 450,000 square feet of office uses,
(9) cooperate with Town to construct the interchange at earliest date, (10) provide
fiscal impact study which demonstrates a significant positive fiscal impact on town
revenues, (11) updated rezoning application notebook.
Mr. Sevila provided a response to 11 issues raised by the Chief of Plan Review
comments dated January 19, 2001. It was decided that Tom Mason would respond
to the applicant after he had a chance to look at the provided response. The Chief of
Plan Review has major concerns with a left turn signal and an alternative to the
grade separated interchange.
Mayor Webb verified with the applicant that only one large retail space
exceeding 100,000 square feet is proposed and the requested 300,000 retail will not
be met. The applicant verified there is 400,000 square feet of retail.
Mr. Sevila added they would have more office development sooner in their
phasing plan.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd discussed the temporary easement for soccer fields. Mr.
Sevila said it is their intention to construct and maintain the road until public access
is provided.
Councilmember Jackson questioned what the option would be if FEMA did not
allow modification of the area where the soccer fields are proposed. Mr. Burton
stated they would find a way to make the soccer field area usable.
Council member Zoldos verified that approximately 10 acres is set aside for
soccer fields.
Mr. Sevila stated the zoning concept plan would be revised to show the 1-1
uses and soccer fields.
Councilmember Atwell asked where the first 150,000 square foot of retail
would be built? Mr. Burton said they plan to concentrate on the Main Street.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22, 2001
Page 8
Councilmember McDonald verified that the one large retail would be an in-line
and all development will be subject to BAR approval.
Councilmember Umstattd asked for verification that the applicant agreed to
pay for a bout 1/3 of the i ntercha nge on Rt. 7.
Mr. Sevila stated the applicant's contribution to regional transportation is over
and above the cash contributions of approximately 1. 7 million. In addition there are
various at grade improvements, which the Town has the option to defer construction
on and devote those funds to the improvements of the interchange.
Councilmember McDonald discussed the cost of the temporary at-grade
improvements and the fact that if all those funds are not used they can be
transferred to building the interchange.
There was discussion on how individual portions of this application will be
voted on and whether the application is complete at this time.
Bob Sevila stated that following tonight's discussion, the concept plan would
be modified to include the soccer fields, the proffer changes, and to reflect the
Department of Engineering and Public Works comments.
Mike Tompkins stated the Zoning Administrator's comments have not seen by
the applicant and several items identified by the applicant need further discussion.
Mayor Webb added the interchange at Rt. 7/Crosstrail and River Creek do not
appear to be completely defined.
Mayor Webb recommended this application return to work session on
February 12, 2001 and a vote will be taken on February 27th.
After further discussion it was decided that a formal motion would be brought
forward on January 23, 2001 stating that the Leesburg Commons application will be
reviewed at the Town Council worksession on February 12, 2001. The deadline for
submittal of all materials shall be the close of business on February 1, 2001.
Legislative action will take place on February 27, 2001 for all components of this
application.
7. Preview Items for the February 13, 2001 Aoenda
a. Loudoun County suooort for Leesburo Airoort
Phil Rodenberg explained that the Town and County have been discussing
a possible contribution from Loudoun County for the Leesburg Airport to assist with
the expansion and renovation of the terminal building.
Mayor Webb stated that the Airport Commission has not been made aware
of this and suggested a memorandum be provided the commission outlining the
details. Council will then act with an appropriate recommendation from the Airport
Commission.
8. Other Business
There was discussion on how to handle the pending state statutefor tax relief
to the elderly.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 22,2001
Page 9
Mr. Donnelly stated this additional authority is optional.
With reference to legislative alerts, Council will be called only if it is an item of
political interest. All others will be transmitted bye-mail.
It was the consensus of Council to support the elderly relief.
Councilmember Schmidt asked that legislation be prepared for the Jafari
application that speaks just to a service facility.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
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