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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001_06_11 Council Work Session June 11, 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. 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 Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Director of Finance Paul York, Chief of Comprehensive Planning Randy Hodgson, Budget Officer Michael Freda, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Budget Analyst Andrew Russell, Planner Delane Parks, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS The Leesburg Town Council convened in open session at 7:05 p.m. at which time Vice-Mayor Umstattd, with a second by Councilmember Jackson, made the following motion: Pursuant to Section 2.1-344(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia, I move that the Leesburg Town Council convene in a closed meeting for discussion of a legal matter. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Aye: Atwell, Jackson, McDonald, Schmidt, Vice-Mayor Umstattd, Zoldos and Mayor Webb Nay: None Vote: 7-0 Town Council reconvened into an open session at 8:40 p.m. Vice-Mayor Umstattd, with a second by Councilmember Zoldos, made the following motion: In accordance with Section 2.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia, I move that Council certify that to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by Council. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Aye: Atwell, Jackson, McDonald, Schmidt, Vice-Mayor Umstattd, Zoldos And Mayor Webb Nay: None Vote: 7-0 Town Council Work Session Minutes for June 11. 2001 Paqe 2 1. Agenda for Council Meeting of June 12, 2001 a. Reouestino VDOT fundino for hiohway oroiects within the Town of Leesburo in the Viroinia Transoortation Develooment Plan for Fiscal Years 2001-2002 throuoh 2006-2007. Tom Mason outlined the three major projects requested for VDOT funding. He stated the public hearing is scheduled for July 9th in Fairfax and suggested the Mayor or her representative attend to present the Town's request. b. ZM-2000-05 - Amendment to the aooroved Potomac Crossino Rezonino and Conceot Plan and Proffers - Public Hearino Randy Hodgson outlined the proposed changes to the rezoning concept plan and proffers for Potomac Crossing. Mr. Hodgson discussed rezoning issues concerning the Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail. He stated since there are entrenchments in the Hunton Place area, staff has asked the developer to not build on 13 lots. To date the applicant has not agreed to this. He stated the applicant has proposed a proffer to provide an open space access thru Hunton Place to the entrenchments. The Planning Commission has recommended approval on a vote of 5-1. Mr. Hodgson added that since the Planning Commission recommendation, the applicant has proffered out 7 additional uses for the mixed-use center. Councilmember Schmidt verified that trees would have to be removed for the ballfields. Councilmember Zoldos verified that part of the passive park area is in the floodplain. Councilmember McDonald verified the park is on Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Councilmember Jackson questioned whether there is a need for apartments in Leesburg. Vice-Mayor Umstattd verified that seven additional uses have been removed from the mixed-use center. Further that the entrenchments do encroach on a few of the Hunton Place lots and thus far the applicant has not excluded these as building lots. c. TP-2000-02 - Amendino the Land Use Element of the Town Plan for Potomac Crossino Residential and non-residential density - Public Hearino Randy Hodgson outlined the proposed changes to the Land Use Element of the Town Plan. He stated staff is recommending the addition of a medium density residential category, the addition of a mixed-use category, and the definition of a mixed-use center and policy to the land use element. Mayor Webb questioned whether small mixed-use centers are viable at this time. Town Council Work Session Minutes for June 11. 2001 Paqe 3 Councilmember Zoldos asked that photos, drawings, and a list of the portions of this application that staff is not supporting be provided for tomorrow night's meeting. Doug Fleming, agent for the applicant addressed Council. Mr. Fleming stated that current proffers reflect the results of meetings with Potomac Crossing citizens. Further, Mr. Fleming noted they are at 2.71 dwelling units per acre after considering dwelling unit density credit. Mr. Fleming confirmed Arcadia is asking for credit for the parkland given by the previous owner. Mayor Webb talked about the preservation of the entrenchments and those lots that are impacted on Hunton Court. Mr. Fleming discussed the historical significance of the entrenchments and questioned why other developers have not been asked to save entrenchments. He stated they have agreed to construct a bridge across the ravine to access the Heritage Trail as well as a plaque. Mr. Fleming stated the only area where they have not been able to reach agreement with staff is the development of the most desired lots on Hunton Place. Mayor Webb asked if this rezoning is all or nothing? Mr. Fleming stated that the citizens who live closest to the commercial area are more satisfied since they have proffered out uses. He stated the application does not work without the apartments; the multi-family units are essential to their plan. Vice-Mayor Umstattd expressed concern with the feasibility of the retail component. Don Miller, with Arcadia Corporation, addressed Council stating that a bank and daycare center would most likely locate in the mixed-use center. Mr. Fleming stated they are certain there is a market for upscale apartments. d. Initiatino amendments to the subdivision and land develooment reoulations and zonino ordinance reoulations to increase review fees. Mike Freda outlined the need to amend review fees in order to maintain a high level of service. He discussed the time spent by staff on plan review and the cost factors that should be reflected in review fees. He added that fees have not increased since 1996. Delane Parks, Planner, discussed a fee comparison with other jurisdictions. He stated we propose to recover 50% of the actual cost. Town Council Work Session Minutes for June 11. 2001 Paqe 4 Councilmember McDonald suggested that we use fees comparable with Loudoun County. 2. Dominion Telecom Status Reoort Bill Donnelly stated that negotiations are continuing on this application. An economic development incentive plan has been proposed by Dominion Telecom in response to the issues raised by the IT and Economic Development Commission. This plan would offer discounts to businesses. Tom Hogg, with Dominion Telecom, stated the two primary issues, to relocate overhead facilities to underground and compensation for the public right-of-way use, have been resolved. Mr. Hogg discussed the proposed incentive plan and who would qualify. He stated the Economic Development and IT Commissions have endorsed their incentive plan. Mike Rogers, representing the IT Commission, addressed Council supporting the proposed franchise. Mr. Hogg clarified questions raised by Councilmember Zoldos on the terms of pricing, the multi-tiered discount, and the right to withdraw by Dominion Telecom. Chip Yorkgitis, Counsel for Dominion Telecom further clarified the withdrawal issue as related to regulatory requirements that may dictate cancellation. Councilmember Zoldos asked that the three-year term be modified to 20-10- 5. 3. Everoreen Mill Road Pro Rata Charoes Bill Donnelly discussed relief from the sewer and water charges for annexed homes on Evergreen Mill Road with failing septic systems or wells. Mr. Donnelly stated the current water prorata is $937. The current sewer prorata is $360 and was established by an agreement with the School Board. He added failure to collect water prorata charges would violate the School Board contract. Mayor Webb suggested that annexed homes be brought in as soon as possible. Further, she asked that the School Board be contacted asking consent to a reduction in the sewer prorata. Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked that the water prorata be eliminated for these homes. 4. Authorizino a Caoital Proiect and Makino an Aoorooriation for the Everoreen Mill Road Sewer - oreview item for council meetino of June 26, 2001. Randy Shoemaker stated this appropriation would authorize a capital project and appropriation for the Evergreen Mill Road Sewer that will provide funds for the design and construction of the sanitary sewer to the existing residents along Evergreen Mill Road. Town Council Work Session Minutes for June 11. 2001 Paqe 5 5. Prooosed Ooeratino Chanoes for Coalition of Loudoun Towns Meetinos Mayor Webb stated this proposal from John D. Marsh, Mayor of Purcellville, is to eliminate minutes/summaries of C.O.L.T. meetings and the elimination of dues paid by each Town. It was the consensus of Council to transmit a letter to Mayor Marsh in support of the proposed operational changes. 6. FY-2002-2006 Caoital Imorovements Prooram Andrew Russell outlined the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for FY- 2002-2006. Mr. Russell stated the proposed adjustments to the out years of the CIP are based on project priorities identified by the Manager's Office, Department of Engineering and Public Works and the Department of Parks and Recreation. He added no projects have been removed from the CIP, however, the Arboretum has been moved to the appendix. He discussed the benefits of the proposed out year adjustments as outlined in the staff report. He added that by maintaining our 22-cent real estate tax rate we are depleting our reserve fund. It is projected the tax rate would have to be raised 10 cents in order to have a 10% reserve fund in 2002. Mr. Russell added with the recommended adjustments we will have to reduce our expenditures or increase revenues in order to (1) continue to support the increased general fund operating budget, (2) meet our capital improvement needs, and (3) maintain a 10% reserve. Councilmember Atwell thanked Mr. Russell for the excellent presentation and stated we cannot continue to do things as we have been without a tax increase. Council member Schmidt asked staff to provide further clarification on personal property and real estate tax revenues. Councilmember Schmidt suggested deleting the S. King Street underground utilities and moving forward the Harrison Street Sidewalk. 7. Town Suooort for 4-H Team Councilmember Schmidt asked that Council consider recognizing the Loudoun 4-H Team for their achievement in winning the Virginia State 4-H Championship. 8. Town Office Soace Ootions Phil Rodenberg presented options for staff office space. He provided three options to addressing the space problem, (1) renovate the Inglenook building, (2) lease finished office space, and (3) construct a Loudoun Street addition to town Hall. Mr. Rodenberg added that the space committee has recommended the Option 3. Mayor Webb stated the issue of parking has to be dealt with. She expressed concern with the renovation of the Inglenook and would consider renovation of office space closer to town hall. Town Council Work Session Minutes for June 11. 2001 Paqe 6 Councilmember Atwell suggested building on the east side of the town hall parking garage, parking be utilized on Liberty Street, and a small amount of space be rented in the interim. Councilmember Zoldos suggested an interim move into the Inglenook site and town hall shift work to help alleviate the crowding. Council member Schmidt stated he would consider the expansion of town hall. Mayor Webb suggested possible second floor office space at the Tally-Ho theatre. Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested renting office space at another location, possibly at the airport. Bob Noe stated the numbers indicate buying as opposed to renting space. Mayor Webb asked that other funding options be explored to finance a Loudoun Street addition. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m.