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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002_01_21 Council Work Session January 22, 2002 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding. Councilmembers Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald, Kristen Umstattd, and Mayor Webb. Councilmembers Absent: David Schmidt and Robert Zoldos Staff Members Present: Town Manager Bob Noe, Town Attorney William Donnelly, Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Parks and Recreation Director Kaj Dentler, Finance Director Paul York, Chief of Police Joe Price, Deputy Director of Utilities Aref Etemadi, Budget Director Mike Freda, Chief of Comprehensive Planning Randy Hodgson, Facilities Manager Rich Williams, Management Intern Larry DiRe, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Agenda for Council Meeting of January 23, 2002 a. FY-02 Mid-year Budget Public Hearing Mike Freda outlined the Town Manager's recommendations under the General and Utilities Fund. Mr. Freda added that as requested the public notice did include the addition of a planning position and Bradfield Drive streetlights. However, the Town Manager is not recommending the planning position at this time and the Bradfield Drive streetlights were recommended for review in the FY 03 budget. 2. 2nd Quarter Budget Summary Report, FY 2002 Mike Freda summarized the town's operating expenditures and revenues for the current fiscal year. The operating budgets are expended as follows: General Fund - 55%, Utility Fund - 38%, and Airport Fund - 43%. He added that after a review of these 2nd quarter numbers a $1 million deficit in revenues may be realized for FY 2002. Council discussed the effect of possible real estate assessment increases and the loss of revenue at the airport as a result of 9/11. Mike Freda suggested a more in-depth look at local taxes and the possibility of some increases. Mayor Webb was in concurrence with staff's recommendation to consider a 3.5% department budget reduction in each department and that it be in effect until the 3rd Quarter report. 3. Standing Residential Traffic Committee Amendments to the Residential Traffic Management Plan Liz Whiting, Chairman of the Standing Residential Traffic Committee, addressed Council concerning proposed amendments to the Residential Traffic Management Plan. Town Council Worksession Minutes for January 22. 2002 Page 2 Changes were proposed in the following areas: (1) add-on penalties for speeding in a neighborhood, (2) cut-thru truck restrictions, (3) residential cut-thru traffic, (4) multiway stops, and (5) "watch for children" signs. Council commended the committee for their thorough report and thanked them for their suggested changes to the traffic management plan. Mayor Webb asked that Council move forward to adopt these changes and provide legislation to make the Standing Residential Traffic Committee an official Town commission. 4. Entrance sign for Kenneth B. Rollins Water Treatment Plant Aref Etemadi, Deputy Director of Utilities, addressed Council with a recommendation for the entrance sign at the water treatment plant. He stated this sign would be similar to the entrance sign at Ida Lee Recreation Center. It was the consensus of Council to contact Linda Wallace for approval of the picture of Kenneth B. Rollins. Councilmember Atwell added that he is not supportive of using "Memorial" in the sign. S. Shellhorn Update Randy Hodgson gave a report on the Shellhorn pre-application conference held at Loudoun County. He stated Shellhorn is comprised of three applications, (1) the park and recreation facility, (2) the fire and rescue facility, and (3) the water tower (the Town's application). He added the preferred schematic layout provided by the County shows Crosstrail as a dotted two-lane roadway with an access point just below fire and rescue building. Further, the County transportation planner indicated the special exception application for the Shellhorn tract would require a traffic study. Further the Board of Supervisors mandated a study for a typical four-lane section for CrossTrail Boulevard. Mr. Hodgson stated the Town would be required to apply for a commission permit and a special exception for the water tower. Mayor Webb discussed the issue of the county moving this plan forward without a transportation component. She stated the traffic problems put the health, welfare and safety of citizens at risk. Councilmember Atwell concurred stating the Town does not create the majority of Leesburg's traffic problems. There was further discussion on the County's position not to incur expenses for Crosstrail Boulevard or frontage improvements to Sycolin Road. 6. General Assembly Legislative Update Phil Rodenberg outlined the bills that have been introduced in the General Assembly that directly affect Leesburg. Town Council Worksession Minutes for Januarv 22. 2002 Page 3 Mayor Webb commented on the legislation curbing the SCC's power regarding the review of power plants. Vice-Mayor Umstattd clarified the HB426 revenue bond transportation project includes Rt. 7 projects between Rt. 15 to Rt. 28 in Loudoun. Mayor Webb talked about the 6-year VDOT plan. She suggested we need to find other ways to meet our transportation needs - such as the PPTA legislation that is available. She stated Dick Keller has advocated the need to get off the 20-year plan and institute a 50-year plan. 7. Award of Contract for exercise and fitness equipment related to the Ida Lee Recreation Center Expansion. Kaj Dentler addressed council with a recommendation to award a contract to various vendors in the amount $291,437 for fitness and exercise equipment for the rec center expansion. There was a brief discussion on the different equipment that would be purchased. 8. Annexation Process Update Councilmember Atwell discussed a resolution authorizing the institution of annexation proceedings to be filed no later than February 15th. This would give staff and legal counsel permission to continue to pursue the annexation of designated areas in Loudoun County. Vice-Mayor Umstattd asked about a letter from Carter Glass suggesting the postponement of filing deadlines. Councilmember Atwell stated he intends to go forward as planned. Bill Donnelly said the metes and bounds description would be part of submission to COLG. He said it follows the general outline of what Council has already voted to support. Mayor Webb asked staff to find out when this description will be available for Council to review. 9. Broadcast of Planning Commission Meetings by Adelphia Cable - Councilmember McDonald Councilmember McDonald stated that the Leesburg Cable Commission has recommended broadcast of the Leesburg Planning Commission by Adelphia. He added the Adelphia franchise agreement requires them to broadcast four meetings. Mayor Webb stated that Adelphia has not been able to successfully broadcast two Council meetings a month and suggested that any additional meeting broadcasts be postponed until the new equipment has been installed. Town Council Worksession Minutes for January 22. 2002 Paqe 4 Mr. Rodenberg added that the Cable and IT Commissions are assisting in an RFP for upgrading equipment for the Council chamber. 10. New Business Aref Etemadi, Deputy Director of Utilities, discussed the concerns with the open ditch on Rt. 621. He stated the Town is in the process of reviewing plans for the sewer contract for the new high school. In the mean time, the gas company has installed a gas line in conflict with where our sewer line is to be installed. Mayor Webb suggested that since the gas company has created a delay, the citizens along Rt. 621 should be reimbursed for their pump and haul services. Councilmember Atwell stated that the installation should have been more closely monitored and erosion control measures should have been used. Vice-Mayor Umstattd suggested we should pay closer attention to these issues. The Mayor asked that a letter be sent to Washington Gas to raise their awareness of the issues. Phil Rodenberg updated Council on the vulture problem. The harassment campaign will begin on January 28th. Mr. Noe advised Council that he would be requesting a closed session to discuss Dodona Manor at tomorrow night's meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.