HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001_03_12
Council Work Session
March 12, 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.
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, 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 March 13, 2001
a. Rescindino Resolution No. 87-220 and acceleratino the Bradfield
Drive connection
Lee Phillips gave an update on this issue. He noted that residents along
Bradfield Drive and any cul-de-sac off of Bradfield Drive have been notified of
this proposed street opening. Also a public notice has been placed in the
Leesburg Today advising that Council will receive public comment at tonight's
meeting.
Mr. Phillips stated staff recommends initiating Phase 1 of the traffic-
calming plan due to the speeding problem in Country Club. He added that
he received a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Raul requesting that Resolution No. 87-
220 not be rescinded.
Mr. Phillips discussed the traffic lights proposed for S. King Street/Rt. 15
South, which would affect this neighborhood.
It was verified that approximately 93% of the homes in Woodlea are
completed and that those yet to be finished are on the front end of Woodlea
on Moore Drive.
Citizen Inout
Hub Turner, Bradfield Drive, addressed Council with concern for the safe
transition of the Bradfield Drive opening. He asked that stop signs be
installed prior to the opening of the street.
Pattv Puckli, Nickels Drive, addressed Council asking that safety measures
be put into effect prior to the opening of Bradfield Drive.
Ed Burgess. Bradfield Drive, addressed Council with safety concerns on
Bradfield Drive. He asked that stop signs be installed and for a police
presence in the area to deter speeding.
Marilvn Lee. Nickels Drive, addressed Council with concern with the
accelerated opening of Bradfield Drive. She asked that Council be proactive
with safety measures prior to the opening of the street.
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Dawn Barrett, Meade Drive, addressed Council asking that the resolution
be rescinded to open Bradfield Drive to help in the reduction of traffic on
Meade Drive. She suggested that stop signs be installed prior to the
opening.
Joe Anae, Bradfield Drive, addressed Council with concerns of the
increased volume of traffic on Bradfield Drive. He asked that stoplights be
installed on Rt. 15 to coincide with the opening.
Robert Kane, Babson Circle, addressed Council asking for installation of
traffic signals, additional lighting, and stop signs prior to the street opening.
Roland Carlson addressed Council with concerns for the increased traffic
on Bradfield Drive. He asked for additional lighting on Bradfield Drive and the
installation of stoplights on Rt. 15.
Lori Ciafre, Meade Drive, addressed Council in support of rescinding a
resolution that would relieve traffic on Meade Drive. She asked the Town to
be proactive with traffic lights.
Susan Kemp, Bradfield Drive, addressed Council requesting traffic lights
be installed prior to the opening.
Kathv Bradlev, Bradfield Drive, addressed Council with safety concerns for
children who play in the cul-de-sac.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested that safety measures be installed prior to
the opening of Bradfield. Further, she suggested that both the traffic light at
Woodlea and Meade be in place prior to the street opening.
Tom Mason stated he would provide a report at the next work session on
safety measures that need to be installed, street lighting issues, and the
status of the Meade Drive traffic light.
Councilmember Zoldos supported Vice-Mayor Umstattd's comments and
asked further consideration be given for the installation of a traffic signal at
Country Club Drive.
Councilmember Jackson was also in agreement with Vice-Mayor
Umstattd's comments.
Mayor Webb encouraged safety measures be in place prior to the opening.
Council member Schmidt expressed concern with the installation of traffic
signals holding up the opening of Bradfied Drive and thus the continued
impact on Meade Drive.
It was the consensus of Council that action on Resolution No. 87-220 be
deferred to the March 26th /27th meeting.
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b. ZM-2000-06 - Richlynn Proffer Amendment - Public Hearino
Randy Hodgson outlined this proffer amendment application by Ward
Corporation.
Councilmember Zoldos verified the Rt. 643 improvements would not be
affected by these proffer amendment changes.
Mr. Hodgson stated the Planning Commission has recommended approval
with certain conditions.
Councilmember Umstattd discussed the Planning Commission's concern
with reference to the transportation impact along Tavistock Drive. Mr.
Hodgson stated that office uses will generate less traffic than some of the
other 1-1 uses.
She also questioned whether there are plans for a traffic light at Sycolin
and Tavistock Drive.
c. Permittino withdrawal of Leesburo Commons rezonino aoolication
and associated aoolications
Bill Donnelly discussed the request from the Leesburg Commons applicant
to withdraw their rezoning and associated applications without prejudice. A
withdrawal with prejudice cannot be refiled within 12 months; a withdrawal
without prejudice can be refiled at any time.
Mr. Donnelly noted the large amount of review time by staff and the fact
that the cost far exceeds the filing fees collected on this application. He
suggested that review fees be discussed during the budget process.
Councilmember McDonald and Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested a review of
our fee structure. However, they would not recommend collecting any
retroactive fees.
Mayor Webb discussed taking a look at how we look at land use
applications; we should be looking at big land use items. She stated she is
comfortable with staff's recommendation for withdrawal without prejudice.
d. Reouestino the Viroinia Deoartment of Transoortation to acceot
certain streets
Tom Mason clarified this is their annual request to the Virginia Department
of Transportation to accept streets for maintenance payments.
e. Endorsino the deyelooment of a reoional Dark for central Loudoun
by County of Loudoun on the Shellhorn orooerty
Councilmember Schmidt asked that the proposed resolution language be
amended in Section I to specify a number of ball fields.
Council member Zoldos stated that Section III language is too general. He
proposed an amendment under Section III as follows, "due to the concerns by
the Leesburg Town Council that the Board of Supervisors may consider
construction of County Offices on the Shellhorn property, the Town Council
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Page 4
approves this resolution with the understanding that future county planning
documents will be consistent with the Leesburg Town Plan policies, and the
town's Urban Growth Area (UGA) as described in the Town Plan will be
observed in the future Loudoun county general and urban plans."
Vice-Mayor Umstattd stated she could support Councilmember Schmidt's
proposal, however, she has concerns with the amendment proposed by
Councilmember Zoldos.
Councilmember Atwell expressed concern with language implying we don't
want administrative offices on the Shellhorn property as some office uses may
be compatible for the site.
It was suggested that additional thought be given to the wording of
Section III and presented at tomorrow night's meeting.
2. Urban Growth Area Annex Study - K.W. Poore &. Associates
Mr. Phil Rodenberg introduced the consulting team of K.W. Poore and
Associates who is proposing to perform the Urban Growth Area Annexation Study.
Ken Poore, Milton Martin and Matt Bolster with K. W. Poore and Associates,
Tom Crush and John Steadman with Wiley & Wilson, and Carter Glass of Mays &
Valentine were present and gave a brief overview of their past experience and
background.
Mr. Poore outlined the two phases of their proposal. Phase 1 will address
growth and development issues and review of existing documents. Phase 2 will be a
fiscal analysis. If it is the wish of the Town, Phase 3 will make a recommendation to
the commission on local government. He concluded they are aware of Loudoun
County's timetable for their comprehensive plan amendment and they feel they can
progress enough to make beneficial suggestions to the County.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked if the consultant team has a sense of what the
town's objectives are?
Mr. Poore stated they would review the current Town Plan, the previous
annexation agreement and meet with the town and staff to clarify the general
direction the town wishes to take.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked what effect annexation would have on our water
usage from the Potomac River. Secondly, with reference to the fiscal impact of
annexation, would a scenario for annexation and city status be presented?
Mr. Glass said there are some legal limitations for city status, however, that is
not part of the current scope of the project. It may not be something you would
want to pursue because of legal limitations.
Councilmember Atwell stated the proposed scope is comprehensive and he is
not interested in pursuing city status at this time. He wants the best information on
the urban growth area and then would consider the option for annexation.
Council member McDonald stated we are still paying the bill in school sites for
the 1984 annexation. Although he is not a proponent of city status, the last
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annexation gave that right away until 2009. He stated he does not want to give
away something that would be advantageous to the people in town.
Mayor Webb asked Mr. Poore to consider the possibility of drafting the Phase
2 concurrently with the Phase 1.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked if there is any legal reason why the Town would
be forced to annex while there is still a UGA recognized by the County plan and
would we be free to annex if the county were to eliminate a UGA?
Mr. Glass said there should not be a problem unless there are contractual
limitations in the 1984 agreement.
3. Meetino with County on Draft General Plan
Mayor Webb suggested some grammatical changes to staff comments for
presentation to the Loudoun County Planning Commission on the Loudoun County
Draft General Plan at their March 20th meeting.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked that #5 be reworded to clarify the mapping of
greenbelt areas.
4. Land use citizen task force
Councilmember Zoldos discussed clarifying the goals for the citizens land use
task force.
He suggested the task force have up to 15 members, with a goal to provide a
report to Council by Dec. 31, 2002 to coincide with the comprehensive plan review.
Their goal will be to review the town land use policies and how well they
implement the town plan goals. Their broad scope would provide a work plan that
provides for economic development. This will get citizens involved in what will
impact them.
Mayor Webb stated she would like to take Councilmember Zoldos' comments
and include input from other Council members. This discussion should be
considered again after the budget process.
Councilmember Atwell agreed this is an important issue. However, it may be
something that gets in the way of the review process of the comprehensive plan. He
added this issue might be under the purview of the planning commission.
Kristen Umstattd stated there was discussion at the Planning Commission that
this did fall under their purview. They would like to start looking at big picture
issues.
Councilmember Schmidt commented that he would like to see residents
notified when development is about to take place, however this can be delayed until
the budget process is completed.
Mayor Webb asked that the scope of work provided by Councilmember
Zoldos, the newspaper article, and staff comments be taken to the Planning
Commission.
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5. Rt. 15 South Kino Street Trail
Kaj Dentler discussed this project brought forward by the County of Loudoun
because of a concern for pedestrian safety along Rt. 15. VDOT has provided a
$300,00 estimate for this temporary trail.
The county is proposing to pay for 60% of that amount, a maximum of
$250,000. The county funds are coming from the gas tax. Leesburg will be
responsible for $120,000 or 40%.
The county will make a presentation at the next worksession on their proposal
for aRt. 15 South King Street Trail.
Mr. Dentler recommended moving forward with the design and engineering
study for this project. He also recommended that the Town enter into a
memorandum of understanding with the County prior to starting the project.
Councilmember Zoldos said he does support this concept and a design and
engineering study up to $50,000. He also recommended a memo of understanding
with the County.
There was a discussion on ramps and road crossings for the pedestrians on
this trail.
Mayor Webb asked that VDOT be present at the next meeting.
It was decided to defer further discussion on this project until March 26th
at which time County representatives and VDOT would be present.
6. Member Comoosition of the BAR
Mayor Webb commented that the Board of Architectural Review has not
discussed this issue.
Mike Tompkins added that it was discussed at their February 24th meeting but
a decision was not reached since only 4 members were present.
This item will return on March 26th.
7. Plan for comoletion of caoital oroiects
Tom Mason outlined a plan to improve the process of completing capital
projects. Their plan involves hiring a consultant to assist in reviewing the current
capital project process and town projects will be given top priority over private land
development plans. Additionally they have filled the capital projects manager
position and are ready to make a recommendation to hire companies for project and
construction management.
Also, a Capital Projects Completion Schedule has been developed and they
will have monthly coordination meetings. Currently, they are accepting applications
for two engineering positions and a right-of-way position.
Mayor Webb expressed concern with the utility companies causing delays.
Mayor Webb asked if the funding is still adequate for capital projects that
were approved some time ago and have not been constructed?
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Tom Mason stated that some additional funding might be necessary on some
projects.
Bill Donnelly clarified we can give priority to town projects, but developer
projects must still be reviewed under certain time limits. He stated we could meet
our legal requirements and still give priority to town projects.
8. Draft oolicy for olacino existino overhead utility lines underoround
Tom Mason outlined the criteria being considered for placement of utilities
underground.
Councilmember McDonald suggested that Council provide a policy instructing
staff to including these costs for future projects as part of the CIP.
Councilmember Zoldos concurred, saying it should be included at the design
and engineering stage.
Mayor Webb discussed the continued difficulties with Virginia Power on town
projects and suggested contacting senior management officials to enlist their help.
This item will return to Council with legislation to adopt a policy for placing
utility lines under ground.
9. Preview Items for the March 27, 2001 Aoenda
a. Award of contract for North Area Develooment - Phase II at
Leesburo Executive Airoort to Tyree Oroanization in the amount
of $1,967,284. 13
Cindi Martin, Interim Airport Director, stated the completion date of
this project has not yet been negotiated.
Councilmember Atwell asked that Bill Donnelly review the contract
before it is signed.
b. SE-2009 - St. John the Aoostle Parish - Public Hearino
Randy Hodgson previewed this application to add two additional cemetery
areas, to construct a 1,552 square foot addition, to relocate the proposed
church from the location shown on the approved permit, and to operate a
pre-school/child chare center.
He added the Planning Commission has recommended approval subject to
eight conditions.
Bill Atwill, attorney for the applicant, and Father Brooks were present.
Councilmember Atwell asked the status of the ingress/egress from the
cemetery onto North Street? Tom Mason stated this is not a public right-of-
way, but the county has an ingress/egress easement. He added that the
Catholic Church property extends all the way to North Street.
Tom Mason said the county would make the improvements from North
Street to their parking lot entrance.
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Mayor Webb suggested we talk with the County Attorney to help the
church clear up their right-of way issue.
c. Dominion Teleohone franchise orooosal
Vice-Mayor Umstattd verified this would be a non-exclusive franchise.
Phil Rodenberg added this company will only be installing a transport line
and that a representative will be at the next council meeting to make a
presentation to the Town.
d. Construction manaoement services for caoital oroiects
Tom Mason stated that as a result of a request for proposal they will be
recommending two contracts be awarded for construction management and
project management for capital projects.
He added the contracts are being finalized and a contract award
resolution will return to the March 27th meeting.
10. Other Business
Councilmember Schmidt expressed concern with promoting Izaak Walton Park
and making it ready for use by the public.
Mr. Dentler stated his staff and volunteers have been cleaning up the site,
however, funds have not been allotted at this time. He added there is an extensive
algae problem at the pond, and a bath matrix survey of the pond has been
authorized.
It was suggested to get the community involved in the cleanup.
Council member Zoldos asked staff to investigate an 80-foot sanitary sewer
easement across the park from the Stratford property. He reported the Tree
Commission has been working on the cleanup of the site and the Parks and
Recreation Commission are exploring ideas for improving the site.
Council member Atwell requested a complete analysis of the utility fund in
order to evaluate whether the automatic increases in utility fees proposed by the
Utility Department are warranted.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
~ J(l a~
udith W. Ahalt
Clerk of Council