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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002_04_03budget work session Council Budget Work Session April 3, 2002 BPjAmoco Room, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 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: Town Manager Bob Noe, Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Human Resource Director Dona Wolf, Director of Finance Paul York, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Management Intern Larry DiRe, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Webb called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. It was the consensus that Council would only discuss non-departmental budget requests at tonight's session. NE Ouadrant Coalition Ron Eamich was present to request $15,000 in funding for the NE Coalition. He discussed the services this organization provides to the youth of Leesburg including the YMCA Summer Camp and the Homework Club. He stated next year the Homework Club would be extended to the Mayfair Commons complex. Councilmember Schmidt verified the Coalition was 90% funded by the Town of Leesburg last year. Librarv Foundation / Auaust Court Davs Mark Humphrey was present requesting funding in the amount of $7,500 for the Library Foundation. Mr. Humphrey talked about the success of the Annual Library Sale, stating they had a net profit of $44,000 last year. He added that the Council appropriation is used for advertising the book sale in the Washington Post so that they can reach a regional market. There was a brief discussion as to the status of August Court Days. Bluemont Concert Series/First Niaht Mr. Peter Dunning was present requesting funding in the amount of $20,000 for the Bluemont Concert Series. He explained that they would use any Council appropriation for general support services. He outlined the various programs that are provided by his organization. Councilmember Atwell had questions concerning the large fund balance carried by the Bluemont Concert Series. Loudoun Museum Mr. Doug Foard was present requesting funding in the amount of $30,000 for the Loudoun Museum. Budaet Work Session Minutes for Aoril 3. 2002 Paae 2 Mr. Foard stated the most urgent requirement of the museum is the future use of town properties. He talked about the steps they are taking to move forward with their improvement/expansion project. The steps included moving shop back to the Log Cabin, moving their entire collection to the Odd Fellows Hall, staff moving from the second floor into space occupied by the collection and the raising of funds from the private sector. The Mayor verified that the museum received grant funds in excess of $200,000 from Loudoun County. Small Business DeveloDment Center Caroline Mansi was present requesting funding in the amount of $10,000. Also present from their organization was Leland Mahan and Fred Moorfield. Ms. Mansi said they have been in business for 15 years and cannot meet the growing demand for service to the community. Ms. Mansi pointed out that currently in Leesburg they only provide one seminar monthly, but with funding from the Town they will be able to provide two monthly seminars. There was a discussion as to how the business community gives back to this organization. Loudoun Countv Visitors Association Linda Callaghy was present requesting funding in the amount of $150,000. Ms. Callaghy explained how the funding would benefit the Town. She stated that operating costs for LCVA have increased 30%. Ms. Callaghy stated they are promoting the Smithsonian, Leesburg Walking Tour, tour groups and meetings; all of which will generate meals tax for Leesburg. YMCA Mr. Wendell Fisher was present requesting funding in the amount of $10,000. Mr. Fisher explained the Outreach and Big Friends Programs sponsored by the YMCA. He stated the requested funds would help provide another assistant director. Loudoun Countv TransDortation Association Mark McGregor was present requesting funding in the amount of $57,915. He stated that currently they have 3 buses covering 6 routes and 1 ADA bus covering two routes. Their ridership is approximately 2,600-3,000 per month. He stated they are working with the Traffic Safety Committee and the Disabilities Board. Mr. McGregor added they are requesting a grant from the State for clean air vehicles. Council had several questions relating to more direct bus routes, parking spaces for the buses. Georae Marshall Foundation Steve Price was present requesting funding in the amount of $25,000. Budoet Work Session Minutes for April 3, 2002 Paoe 3 He updated Council on their interior restoration efforts that will begin this month. Further a gardening project will be undertaken by a local a garden organization and a furniture donation from the Marshall family. Mr. Price stated that the house is only conducting tours by special arrangement. He added the requested funds would be used toward their operating budget. Vice-Mayor Umstattd questioned whether they have any event income? Loudoun Volunteer Careaivers Nancy Sutton was present requesting funding in the amount of $16,500. She explained funding would be used to increase their staffing by one part-time position and cover a deficit of the projected budget. Ms. Sutton related that they currently have 70 clients with 30 volunteers to serve their needs. Councilmember Schmidt and Vice-Mayor Umstattd commented the Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers are providing much needed services. Leesbura Volunteer Fire Comoanv Marty Mantell was present requesting funding in the amount of $125,000. He provided a Thermal Imager recently purchased by the fire department for Council inspection. Also, they are investing in upgrading security at their buildings by initiating a pass card system. He stated there has been an increase in their operating costs and the number of volunteers. They also plan to renovate the Loudoun Street station. Council discussed equality for all local fire departments and the hope that Loudoun County would forgive the debt on the Leesburg Fire Station. Leesbura Volunteer Rescue Sauad Patty Russell was present requesting funding in the amount of $125,000. She stated they have a proposed budget of $550,000 this year. They gave a brief outline of facts, such as 3700 calls in 2001, 98% in Leesburg; 989 calls in the first quarter of 2002; 80 volunteers working between 12 and 30 hrs per week. Further, new OSHA requirements dictate new gear that will cost $1500 per person. Councilmember Zoldos verified that at least 4 career personnel are on duty daily. Mayor Webb discussed the critical situation of ER Bypass at Loudoun Hospital. MADD Bob Noe suggest the addition of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for funding in the amount of $500. The meeting adjourned at 10: 15 p.m. ?)l~~~,Tk~ erk of Council '