HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001_02_26
Council Work Session
February 26, 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.
Council members Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Bob Noe Town Manager, William Donnelly Town Attorney,
Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Assistant Town Manager for Economic
Development John Henry King, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason,
Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Michael Tompkins, Chief of Police
Joseph Price, Captain Clagett Moxley, Chief of Current Planning Lee Phillips, Chief of
Comprehensive Planning Randy Hodgson, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards,
and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Agenda for Council Meeting of February 27, 2001
a. Rescindino Resolution No. 87-220 and acceleratino the Bradfield Drive
Connection
Lee Phillips outlined the issues associated with opening Meade Drive and
the residents concerns. He further explained the steps to accelerating the
Bradfield Drive connection.
Councilmember Zoldos asked that the citizens along Bradfield Drive be
notified of the town's intent to open the street.
It was to decided to delay this item until the March 12/13 Council meeting
to allow for citizen notification and input.
b. Soecial Exceotion SE-2000-13 - Middleburo Bank - Public Hearinq
Randy Hodgson outlined this special exception for a drive-thru window at
the Middleburg Bank. Further the Planning Commission has recommended
approval with certain conditions.
Mike Banzaph representing Middleburg Bank addressed Council stating his
client has agreed to the Planning Commission conditions.
Councilmember Atwell questioned whether the mechanical equipment on
the roof should be screened from the public rights-of-way given the location
of the building in conjunction with the road.
c. Making an appointment to the Thomas Balch Librarv Commission
Vice-Mayor Umstattd outlined the credentials of Mr. William Roberts who
she will be recommending to fill the vacancy on the Thomas Balch Library
Commission.
d. Determininq that comoetitive sealed bidding is neither practicable nor
fiscallv advantaqeous for the orocurement of orooertv and casualtv
insurance
Town Council Work Session Minutes for February 26, 2001
Page 2
Bill Donnelly discussed the adoption of a resolution recommending
competitive negotiation as the preferred method to procure the town's
property and casualty insurance coverage in the event that it becomes
necessary to purchase insurance coverage for the town. He advised that
our current carrier, Hartford Insurance, has sold their public entity program to
St. Paul Insurance Company.
Council member Atwell stated he would advocate the use of competitive
negotiation to allow us more control over premiums.
d. Leesburq Commons
Mike Tompkins advised Council that the Leesburg Commons applicant has
asked to withdraw their application without prejudice.
Mayor Webb talked about the number of man-hours that have been
expended on this application and the issue of fees.
It was verified that if the applicant resubmits, new application fees are
applicable.
Council member Atwell asked that staff and Bill Donnelly review the pros
and cons of accepting this withdrawal with and without prejudice. This issue
will return to Council at the March 12 and March 13 meetings.
Most councilmembers expressed agreement with accepting a withdrawal
without prejudice.
Mayor Webb asked that development fees be discussed during the budget
process.
2. Urban Growth Area Annex Study Project Update
Phil Rodenberg stated the study team of K.W. Poore and Associates is
recommended for providing an Urban Growth Area Annexation Study to the town.
He outlined the study scope of services provided by the team. A briefing will be
provided Council on March 12 to include the consultant team's credentials and their
approach to the study.
Council discussed the size of the study area and setting priorities.
Council member Atwell suggest taking a position against selective reduction of
the UGA and annexing to control what goes where.
Mayor Webb suggested expediting the study as Loudoun County Planning
Commission contemplates completing their comprehensive plan in May.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd stated the proposed scope is very comprehensive; we
should focus our attention on what can easily be annexed into commercial.
3. Advertising Contracts
Bill Donnelly discussed the procurement of newspaper advertising services for
legal and employment notices by competitive negotiation. He added that price
might not be the only factor to consider; circulation should be given consideration.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for February 26, 2001
Page 3
Mayor Webb stated that she has a small ownership interest in Amendment I,
but would be voting on this issue.
Councilmember Atwell disclosed that he is a member of the board of
Amendment I and would recuse from discussion on the matter.
This item will return for council discussion on March 12th.
4. Work session on elementary school site
Randy Hodgson stated there are no sites within the town limits that are
appropriate for the school board. He added that $1.5 million has been budgeted for
land acquisition in the Town's Capital Improvements budget.
Mayor Webb added the AADP agreement states 15 acres are needed for an
elementary school site.
There was further discussion that the town should pick a site and offer it to
the County.
Mr. Donnelly added we should be able to approve the site we are going to
buy. He stated he would review the specifics of the AADP agreement.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked that we go ahead and let the school board know
that we are only paying for 15 acres.
Mayor Webb stated the Town is ready to move forward with a site; and
possibly meeting in a closed session with Dr. Adamo to discuss sites.
5. Land Use Planning
Mayor Webb discussed a newspaper article whereby Manassas, Virginia is
identifying properties in the community and what they would like to see on the site.
Councilmember Zoldos suggested a task force working with the Downtown
Committee to identify infill properties in Leesburg.
Councilmember Atwell commented on Supervisor Herring's statement that
there are plenty of properties inside the town limits that can be developed. He
suggested a meeting with Mr. Herring and other interested parties to discuss uses for
properties in the town limits. He also recommended that Council pursue this
meeting rather vigorously.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested including redevelopment areas.
Mayor Webb suggested redevelopment opportunities on Depot Court, also
suggesting the Downtown Committee is involved in identifying the properties and
potential uses.
It was also suggested that we consider areas outside the bypass.
Bill Donnelly added this concept is not new; it is just comprehensive land use
planning.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for February 26, 2001
Page 4
Mayor Webb stated we could start with the task force and incorporate their
suggestions into the comprehensive plan update.
Councilmember Zoldos stated this would be a good place for a public/private
partnership.
Mayor Webb stated this item will return to Council on March 12th and
requested Mr. Tompkins' assistance with appropriate language.
6. Purchase of Mobile Computer Software
Chief Joe Price addressed Council with reference to a recommendation to
approve the awarding of a sole source contract to VisionAir of North Carolina for the
purchase of software for the police mobile computer program. He stated this is an
add-on module that will accommodate future needs with no additional interface
costs.
Capt. Moxley gave a brief presentation on the software module.
Councilmember Zoldos asked if there are any range limitations? Chief Price
stated it could be used where there is cellular capability.
Councilmember Atwell suggest that sole source language be crafted in case
there is an appeal at the council meeting.
7. Downtown Leesburg Worksession Date
It was discussed that the tentative date would be March 31st at 8:00 a.m.
8. Room Naming at Thomas Balch Library
Councilmember Atwell endorsed the recommendation from the Friends of
Thomas Balch Library and the Balch Library Advisory Commission.
Mayor Webb concurred.
It was decided that legislation would return to tomorrow's meeting to
accepting the recommendation of the Friends of Thomas Balch Library and the Balch
Library Advisory Commission.
9. Loudoun Convention 8r. Visitors Association Presentation
Linda Callagy, Cheryl Kilday, Patty Rogers and Greg Harp represented the
LCVA.
Linda Callagy discussed the scope of programs that LCVA is providing the
Town of Leesburg. A list of 23 ways the programs have directly benefited the town
since July 1, 2000 was presented to Council.
Ms. Rogers gave a brief update on projects underway for the spring, one such
project being participation in an international travel show.
Greg Harp discussed new programs in the Visitors center.
Ms. Kilday addressed Council and asked for help in finding a location for the
Visitors Center. Further she asked for input on any additional programs Council
would like to see.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for February 26, 2001
Page 5
Councilmember Zoldos verified that the LCVA would need approximately
8,000-10,000 square feet of space for the visitor's center.
There was a discussion about where a visitor's center should be located to
attract the most people.
Mayor Webb suggested a connection at the Leesburg Airport. Councilmember
Atwell stated the idea of a kiosk is a good one.
Councilmember Schmidt added lack of signage adds to confusion among
visitors.
Councilmember Atwell asked about the reenactment of the Battle of Manassas
in early August. Ms. Kilday said it would involve approximately 10,000 reenacters
and total of 30,000 for the weekend. Ms. Kilday stated they are working with Prime
Media who is marketing the event.
Marantha Edwards said Prime Media would be sending a representative to the
Tourism Committee meeting next week. Councilmember Zoldos suggested a
representative brief Council on their plans.
10. Preview Items for the February 27, 2001
a. Richlyn Rezoning Public Hearing
b. Application for National Preservation Award
There was no discussion on these preview items.
11. New Business
Mayor Webb recommended a housekeeping item relating to a 1997 resolution
be discussed at tomorrow night's meeting.
Mr. Donnelly stated he would provide a report tomorrow night.
Councilmember Zoldos commented on a resolution from the Parks and
Recreation Commission regarding the Shellhorn tract and in support of the
development of the tract into a park for recreational purposes.
It was decided the resolution would be read into the record at tomorrow
night's meeting and staff will prepare a resolution for the March 13th meeting.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd discussed another housekeeping issue. In December
1991 Council adopted a resolution to extend water to a power plant site. However,
in 1997 Council took action to not go forward with a contract. She recommended
that resolution be rescinded since there has been no action on the property.
It was decided that since this is a potential legal issue it would be discussed
at closed session tomorrow night.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for February 26,2001 Page 6
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