HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001_03_26
Council Work Session
March 26, 2001
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Webb and Vice-Mayor
Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald,
Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Webb.
Councilmembers Absent: David Schmidt
Staff Members Present: Bob Noe Town Manager, William Donnelly Town Attorney,
Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Deputy Town Manager for Economic
Development John H. King, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason,
Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler, Chief of Comprehensive Planning Randy
Hodgson, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Tourism Coordinator Marantha
Edwards, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Zoldos asked that discussion on the Urban Growth Area be
added to the end of tonight's agenda.
Councilmember Atwell asked that Council proceed with the adoption of a
resolution to either accept or endorse the County Facilities & Office Space Task Force
report.
Mayor Webb moved Item #4 - Fee Waiver Request to be discussed under 1.c
of this agenda.
1. Aoenda for Council Meetino of March 27, 2001
a. Acceleratino the Bradfield Drive connection
Lee Phillips gave a brief overview on the status of accelerating the opening
of Bradfield Drive and related issues.
He reported the Woodlea traffic light is due for installation by June, the
light at Meade Drive and Rt. 15 is scheduled for completion in August 2001,
and a traffic light at Country Club Drive and Rt. 15 is in the CIP for 2003.
Further, the streetlights on Bradfield Drive will cost approximately $12,000-
$15,000 and would require easements from the homeowners for their
installation. In addition, he recommended traffic calming measures for
Bradfield and Nickels Drive and monitoring of speeding by the police
department.
Councilmember Atwell verified the developer would be responsible for the
construction of the connection at Bradfield Drive and it will take
approximately 60 days to construct.
Councilmember Zoldos verified the streetlights will be similar to those in
Country Club and the cost of a traffic signal at Country Club Drive would be
$120,000. He also commented on the fact that the lights at Meade Drive and
Country Club Drive would have to be moved with the widening of Rt. 15.
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Mayor Webb suggested that since the light at Edwards Ferry Road and
Catoctin Circle has been removed from the CIP, the funds for that light be
transferred for use at Country Club Drive and Rt. 15.
Council member McDonald was in agreement with transferring the funds to
Country Club Drive.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested that preparations be made for the
opening of Bradfield Drive, but it should remain closed until the traffic lights
at Meade Drive and Woodlea are functioning.
Mayor Webb asked the Town Manager to communicate with the developer
with reference to accelerating the light at Meade Drive.
It was the consensus of Council to accelerate the installation of a light at
Country Club and Rt. 15.
The Mayor asked that the contractor be contacted as to when they plan to
complete the Bradfield Drive connection and their priority of the project.
Tom Mason stated he would get a written timetable from Winchester
Homes to ascertain when the job can be completed.
It was decided to hold this item at worksession for two more weeks to
allow staff time to compile a comprehensive plan for the project.
Councilmember Jackson stated that he had made a commitment at the
Planning Commission to not open Bradfield Drive until it is at 95% of
completion.
Dawn Barrett. Lawford Drive, addressed Council stating that the safety of
the citizens on Meade Drive should be a priority. She suggested barricading
Meade Drive until the traffic lights can be installed.
Mayor Webb asked Mr. Mason to include the feasibility of this suggestion
with his next report to Council on this issue.
b. SE-2009 - St. Johns the Aoostle Parish - Public Hearino
Randy Hodgson outlined this special exception request to amend a
previously approved conditional use permit for St. John the Apostle Parish on
Oakcrest Manor Drive.
Mr. Hodgson added the Planning Commission has recommended
conditional approval.
There was a discussion with reference to Church Street extended and the
determination that it has not been dedicated for public purposes. The
Loudoun County Attorney's office has determined that the church may have
the ability to use the Church Street right-of-way by a prescriptive easement.
Bill Donnelly suggested this be confirmed by the attorney for St. John's.
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Mr. Atwill, attorney representing St. John's, agreed with Mr. Donnelly on
the prescriptive easement and asked for favorable consideration of this
special exception.
c. Fee Waiver reauest - Fife and Drum Muster
Kaj Dentler outlined the staff recommendation for disapproval of a fee
waiver request by Anne Quinn on behalf of the Loudoun Border Guard Fife &
Drum Parade Muster. In addition staff recommended a $2.00 per person, per
visit charge for use of the showers at the recreation center.
Mayor Webb expressed concern with how long it has taken the Parks and
Recreation Department to respond to the applicant's request for fees.
Ms. Quinn addressed Council stating she received a letter from the Parks
and Recreation Department on March 13th outlining the fees they would be
charging for police and public works for the parade and the park and
recreation staff. She questioned the number of staff recommended to close
the streets and monitor the parade route.
Mr. Noe added the closing of intersections with people skilled in traffic
control is recommended for the protection of citizens and parade participants.
Ms. Quinn stated at their previous event $400 in fees were waived.
Councilmember Zoldos recommended the use of Uran funds to offset the
fees and allowing use of the showers.
Councilmember Atwell commented on conflicting information that has
been presented adding that he would not be inclined to waive fees unless it
was in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of residents.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked staff to prepare a resolution granting a waiver
of the fees in the amount of $1,280.
Mayor Webb commented on the number of participants and the tourism
dollars that will be generated by this group.
Councilmember McDonald asked if we have tourism monies that can be
used to offset the fees?
John Henry King stated there are tourism dollars available, but he would
not want to set a precedent.
Mr. Noe mentioned another alternative to place this organization on the
town's contribution list for permanent funding.
Ms. Quinn reminded Council that this group performs for several town
functions, such as the Christmas Parade and the 4th of July, at no cost.
Councilmember McDonald suggested that a resolution be presented to
make a contribution in kind to this organization to offset the fees.
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It was the consensus to provide a resolution using tourism money to
offset the fees for consideration at tomorrow night's meeting.
d. Adootino a soecial events oermit oolicy
Kaj Dentler outlined the proposed special events permit policy which has
been endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and the
Economic Development Commission.
Mayor Webb expressed concern with N. King Street closures and the
response time to citizen applications for special events.
Mr. Dentler stated the policy recommends a gO-day response time.
Council member McDonald suggested the use of volunteers for certain
events.
Councilmember Atwell stated the proposed policy is not clear on a lot of
issues. He has concerns with the definition of activities not to be advertised
for profit. Further, he commented he cannot vote on this policy until some
issues are clarified.
Mayor Webb left the meeting at 8: 15 p.m.
e. Rt. 15/South Kino Street Trail
Supervisors Kurtz and Herring were present representing the Board of
Supervisors.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd recommended that the Town Council enter into a
joint project with the County of Loudoun to develop a pedestrian/bicycle trail
on Rt. 15 South from Governors Drive to Davis Avenue, subject to a mutually
acceptable memorandum of understanding between the two jurisdictions.
Mayor Webb indicated preliminary estimates from Virginia Department of
Transportation for the trail is $200,000. Further, three members of the
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors suggested the County would be willing
to pay 60% of the cost. Guardrail designs are still being explored by VDOT.
There was discussion of possibly transferring Chancellor Street trail funds
to the Rt. 15 trail. Also, it was clarified that Loudoun County will not
construct a bike trail for a Dry Mill Road connection to the W&OD Trail.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd reminded that the two are not connected.
Terry Laycock, Assistant to the County Administrator, indicated that a
design has not been decided upon for the bridge across Tuscarora Creek.
Councilmember Jackson verified that the bridge width would be 5 feet with
a barrier to separate traffic from the bikers.
Council member Zoldos stated he can support the concept but has
concerns with the safety of the bike riders along Rt. 15. Further, he
recommended a design and engineering study to determine cost before a
memorandum of understanding be entered into with the County.
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Supervisor Kurtz verified that the County would fund up to $250,000 of
the project.
Councilmember Zoldos suggest a 60/40 split be considered for the design
study as well.
Councilmember Atwell verified that VDOT recommends the bridge across
the Tuscarora Creek be 5 feet in width with no barrier.
It was decided that the Town and County would work together to draft a
memorandum of understanding.
Terry Laycock verified the County would not allocate funds to exceed
$250,000.
Councilmember Zoldos reiterated the importance of a design and
engineering study to further clarify what the costs may be.
Supervisor Herring suggested a memorandum of understanding limiting
the town's contribution as well as a limit on the County's contribution. This
would allow either party to withdraw support if the costs exceed what they
plan to contribute.
Councilmember Atwell stated he could only support an engineering study
at this time.
f. Awardino a contract for North Area Develooment-Ph. II at
Leesburo Executive Airoort to Tyree oroanization in the amount of
$1,967,284.13.
Cindi Martin, interim airport director, commented that the Town Attorney
is reviewing the agreement.
Councilmember Atwell asked if the bonds have been sold for this project?
Bob Noe responded he believes so, but will verify that at tomorrow night's
meeting.
g. Adootino a oolicy for olacino oyerhead utilities underoround on
certain streets in Leesburo
Tom Mason outlined a resolution that has been prepared with conditions
as outlined by Council at the October 16, 2000 meeting.
Councilmember McDonald questioned whether Catoctin Circle should be
included, as it is not a major thoroughfare in the Historic District or a major
thoroughfare leading to the Historic District.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested the resolution be amended to delete
Catoctin Circle.
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h. Authorizino the Town Manaoer to execute a contract with K.W.
Poore and Associates for the Urban Growth Area Annexation Study
in the amount not to exceed $155,222.
Phil Rodenberg commented that $175,000 has been budgeted for this
study, however, negotiations have resulted in a contract amount not to
exceed $155,222. He stated that Phase I should be available in 90 days,
Phase II 60 days later, and a final draft by October 1, 2001.
Councilmember Zoldos expressed concerns with the County eliminating a
portion of our UGA, but asked if we can still annex our former UGA area.
He commented on the Loudoun County Planning Commission meeting in
which it recommended that the Town's UGA be reduced from Rt. 15 north to
Rt. 621. He added that although there was no formal resolution from
Council about selective reduction of the UGA, the County knew it was the
consensus of the Town to keep our entire UGA.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested a formal resolution to the Board of
Supervisors asking that they not support the Planning Commission's
recommendation. Further, that no reduction be made until the Town has
completed it's UGH study.
Councilmember Zoldos added that a CPAM is required if there is a
deletion.
Councilmember Atwell suggested Council send a strong message by
resolution stating the Town would like to have their study completed so they
will know the advantages and disadvantages of any elimination of the UGA.
He suggested the County is doing us a disservice to make a reduction without
comments from Leesburg. He added the Leesburg representative to the
Board of Supervisors is not acting in the interest if the citizens of Leesburg.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested a resolution to the County objecting to
selective reduction of our UGA.
Mr. Rodenberg advised the study contract can be amended to show the
area to be studied is the UGA as of January 1, 2001.
2. Dominion Telecom
Phil Rodenberg introduced Mike Lanier, Dominion Telecom's Director of
Engineering and Construction.
Mr. Lanier outlined a preliminary plan to provide wholesale point-to-point
capacity to support other service providers. He added they have already installed
lines on Catoctin Circle.
Councilmember Zoldos asked how they could have installed cable without
Town approval. Mr. Lanier stated it was installed under a Virginia Power right-of-
way permit.
It was verified that Dominion Telecom currently has no other franchise
agreements in Virginia.
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Councilmember Zoldos asked what would be the benefits of this franchise to
the town? Mr. Lanier stated any benefits would be indirect, they will be providing
connecting lines to other providers, such as Adelphia.
Councilmember Zoldos recommended this proposal be reviewed by the IT and
Economic Development Commission.
5. Presentation of citizens survey results of 20-year Comorehensive Plan
for Parks, Recreation and Ooen Soaces
Kaj Dentler introduced Diedre Niessn with WB&A Market Research who
conducted a survey of Town citizens. She gave a brief presentation of the survey
results. It was reported that 649 of the 4,000 surveys were returned and is the
basis of these results. The survey results were positive but showed room for
improvement.
Bill Donnelly expressed concern with the survey not being a random sampling
type stating the results are not statistically accurate.
6. Member comoosition of the BAR
Vice-Mayor Umstattd reported the Planning Commission has recommended
they continue to have a commission member on the BAR, but in a non-voting
capacity.
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She also reported the Board of Architectural Review has recommended
discontinuing having a Planning Commission member on the BAR.
It was decided to return this issue to a future Council meeting.
7. County Soace Committee
Councilmember Atwell recommended that Council adopt a resolution to
support Loudoun County's Facilities & Office Space Task Force Final Report.
It was decided legislation would be presented at tomorrow night's Council
meeting.
8. Richmond American Waterline Reimbursement
Randy Shoemaker explained that Richmond American had upgraded a
waterline in the Stowers Subdivision at the request of the Town.
However, this work was completed without a signed contract. Richmond
American is now submitting an invoice for reimbursement for the work done.
Mr. Shoemaker stated the Town is in agreement with the final cost and
recommends payment. He added this is an exception to how we normally would
reimburse.
Council member Atwell suggested some penalty be assessed for not following
the rules. Councilmember McDonald agreed.
9. Loudoun County Redistrictino Process
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Vice-Mayor Umstattd advised the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will
be holding a public hearing on March 31, 2001 to hear comments on the number of
election districts the County should have.
Councilmember Atwell recommended forwarding a resolution to the County
urging them not to divide Leesburg into more than 2 districts.
This item will return to the next Council meeting on April 10, 2001.
10. Main Street Seminar
Vice-Mayor Umstattd advised that Mayor Webb would not be able to attend
the National Town Meeting on Main Street Conference in Indianapolis.
There was discussion with reference to sending a representative in Mayor
Webb's place.
11. Preview Items for Aoril 10, 2001
a. Authorizing a public hearing on bond refinancing for Winsdor at
Fieldstone Apartments
Town Attorney, Bill Donnelly, advised that the owner of Fieldstone
Apartments would like permission to hold a public hearing to allow them to
refund tax-exempt bonds to allow for bond refinancing. This public hearing is
a state code requirement.
It was the consensus of Council to authorize a public hearing.
12. Other Business
Bob Noe advised Council that the town's management staff will be in training
April 4,5,and 6.
The meeting adjourned at 10: 10 p.m.
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