HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002_03_11
Council Work Session
March 11, 2002
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding.
Council members Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Leonard McDonald,
David Schmidt, Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Webb.
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Town Manager Bob Noe, Town Attorney William Donnelly,
Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom
Mason, Interim Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Lee Phillips, Chief of
Police Joe Price, Human Resource Director Dona Wolf, Deputy Director of Utilities
Aref Etemadi, Traffic Engineer Calvin Grow, Chief of Comprehensive Planning Randy
Hodgson, Chief of Plan Review Paul Gauthier, Planner Nancy Kitchens, Budget Officer
Mike Freda, Water Pollution Control Facility Superintendent Steve Cawthron, Officer
James Spurlock, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Management Intern
Larry DiRe, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Agenda for Council Meeting of March 12, 2002
a. Approving Special Exception SE-2001-0S - Jerry's Chevroletl
Oldsmobile
Nancy Kitchens discussed the two remaining concerns with this special
exception application, fencing along the west property line and access to
Market Street.
Ms. Kitchens verified that the applicant is agreeable with the conditions
of this special exception.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd expressed concern that condition #16 may cause
a trash problem behind the property.
Paul Gauthier clarified the differences between condition # 5 and #7
for Councilmember Zoldos.
Officer Spurlock addressed Council explaining how the improvements
along the fence line will help eliminate some of the trash build-up at the
site.
Vice-Mayor Umstattd verified there would be an alleyway between the
two fences.
b. Authorizing the institution of annexation proceedings against
Loudoun County, Virginia.
Phil Rodenberg made a recommendation that Council authorize the
Town Manager to file an annexation petition with the Commission on Local
Government. The recommendation would be to file on March 14th so the
Commission on Local Government may link it with the AllFirst petition.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for March 11. 2002
Page 2
Mr. Rodenberg summarized the petition to annex and explained why
annexation is necessary and expedient and in the best interests of all.
Councilmember Schmidt suggested an amendment to the second
whereas of the draft resolution to add "at a rate substantially below that
allowed in the Loudoun County Comprehensive Plan",
Councilmember Atwell recommended a two-month continuance of the
Commission on Local Government's hearing on annexation. This would
allow more time for mediation and citizen input. He added this
continuance would not delay the proposed filing of the petition on March
14th.
Councilmember Zoldos concurred stating we would want a new
schedule to specifically include dates for the beginning and end of
mediation.
There was a discussion with reference to the County's lack of response
to the Town questions, which were presented in January.
2. Brumsey Court Trees
Bob Noe advised Council that Winchester Homes has presented a proposal to
make compensation to the homeowners for the replacement of the trees on Brumsey
Court.
3. FY 2003 Budget
Bob Noe outlined his proposed budget for FY 2003. The highlights included
increased staffing to meet the expectations of Council and citizens, no new bond
financing, a 2-cent tax increase and a 0.5% increase in meals tax.
Mr. Noe outlined his recommended priorities list for funding. Further, he
provided several budget alternatives, which wou Id fund a specific number of
priorities.
Budget Officer Mike Freda discussed how the tax increase would equate to
citizens, i.e. meals tax - 5-cents on a $10 meal and real estate tax - $40 on a
$200,000 home.
Mr. Freda explained our revenue sources and general fund expenditures.
He stated that a 2.5% COLA and up to a 5% merit increase is recommended
for employees.
Council discussed when they would begin budget deliberations. It was
decided that at tomorrow night's meeting they would determine a date begin their
review of the budget.
4. Virginia Department of Transportation addition of certain streets for
maintenance payments.
Calvin Grow outlined an annual request to Virginia Department of Highways to
add eligible Leesburg streets for maintenance payments.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for March 11. 2002
Page 3
He added legislation would be forwarded to the next Council meeting.
5. Biosolids Product Distribution &. Marketing Program
Aref Etemadi explained the Leesburg WPCF biosolids system and their
recommendation for product distribution and marketing of the organic fertilizer.
The Utilities Department recommends use on town-owned property and distribution
at no cost to in-town property owners.
Steve Cawthron, Superintendent, WPCD discussed the nutrient value of the
biosolids project. He added this system would provide a back-up option to solids
disposal.
Councilmember Schmidt had concerns with commercial users selling the
product to residents.
It was the consensus of Council to provide the product to citizens within the
corporate limits and restricting commercial users from resale.
A resolution will be forwarded to the next Council meeting.
6. Architect Selection - West Loudoun Street Building
Bob Noe recommended that Council conduct an additional interview with two
of the firms - Hanno Weber & Associates and Bowie Gridley Architects - for the
architectural and engineering services contract for a town building on West Loudoun
Street.
Mr. Noe clarified this building will be constructed entirely from the Utility Fund
and leased back to the General Fund.
It was the consensus of Council to ask both firms to make a presentation at
the Council work session on March 25th.
6A. Litter Control
Councilmember Schmidt asked for an update on long-term litter control,
where the responsibilities lie, how are we managing the problem, and the possible
use of volunteer organizations.
Tom Mason responded that the Town has the responsibility within the
corporate limits; private property is the responsibility of the property owner; and
public roads, which are maintained by the Town, are the responsibility of the Town.
The state maintains the area of Rt. 7 from the east corporate limit into the
bypass and the bypass around the south part of the town to the west.
Mr. Mason added the VDOT level of maintenance has been poor; therefore,
the Town supplements VDOT by mowing and control of litter.
There was a discussion on the use of volunteers thru the Adopt-A-Street
Program and the possible use of inmates through the Sheriff's Department.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for March 11. 2002
Page 4
7. Preview Items for Council Work Session of March 25, 2002
a. Leesburg Station Car Wash - SE-2001-08 - Public Hearing
Vice Mayor Umstattd asked that a color drawing of the proposed car
wash be provided at the work session.
Councilmember Zoldos verified there would not be a water problem on
Catoctin Circle as the car wash has dryers.
He advised he will be sharing a video of Balls Bluff Park from the Potomac
at the next council work session.
Further, Councilmember Zoldos asked for research on free town decals for
volunteer fire and rescue personnel.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
~L L1J. Ci '-I..uf
iu-dith W. Ahalt
Clerk of Council