Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002_06_24 Council Work Session June 10, 2002 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Webb presiding. Councilmembers Present: George Atwell, Mervin Jackson, Kristen Umstattd, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Webb. Councilmembers Absent: Leonard McDonald and Dave Schmidt Staff Members Present: Town Manager Bob Noe, Town Attorney William Donnelly, Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Airport Director Doug McNeely, Director of Finance Paul York, Chief of Police Joe Price, Director of Information Technology Michel Agujia, Director of Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Management Intern Larry DiRe, Management Intern Adam Brown, Chief of Comprehensive Planning Randy Hodgson, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Agenda for Council Meeting of June 11, 2002 a. Authorizing Friday, July 5, 2002 as a paid holiday for Town employees. Bob Noe advised Council that the State of Virginia and County of Loudoun have authorized this holiday to its employees. There was no Council discussion. 2. Leesburg Economic Development Commission recommendations on Downtown planters and benches This item was deferred until downtown businesses could be contacted. 3. Audio-Visual upgrades of Council Chambers: Selection of Firm Mr. Nelson Hoyt with Onyx Engineering, Inc. was present. Phil Rodenberg discussed the selection process and why Onyx Engineering, Inc. is the best choice to provide upgrades to the Council Chamber. He added the funding is provided by Adelphia Communications through the franchise agreement. Mr. Rodenberg stated the intent is to follow a turnkey process. There will be an input session involving the Cable and Information Technology Commissions. Michel Agujia commented that the IT Department fully supports this recommendation adding that this a competitively priced bid. Council asked for clarification on how much custom cabinetry and millwork would be needed, whether the microphones have on/off switches, training, and overcoming the light conditions in the Council Chamber. 4. Adelphia - Peter Quam Peter Quam, Adelphia General Manager, and Joe Price, Regional Manger were present to answer questions regarding the financial status of Adelphia Communications. Mr. Quam stated that their upgrades are 90% complete. They have completed the 1- net interconnection of eight buildings and are on schedule to meet their deadline. He added that their overall volume has increased. Town Council Work session minutes for June 10. 2002 Page 2 Mayor Webb asked whether the franchise would be sold? Mr. Price stated there are no definite plans in place as to what may be sold. It is the full intent of the corporate headquarters to not file for bankruptcy. The vice president of operations has said they will meet all franchise agreements. Chuck Shotton, Chairman of the Cable Commission, addressed Council stating the commission has gotten the same impression from Adelphia that they are working to meet their deadlines according to the franchise agreement. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the IT Commission, addressed Council and with a question for Adelphia as to when broadband connectivity will be available. Mr. Quam stated the southeast section of town is being tested currently and the entire town should be completed in 2-3 months. 5. Water meter change out contract Randy Shoemaker gave a brief explanation as to the history of the system in place at the present time. He discussed the proposed fixed network system. He sated that proposals have been received from five vendors and the VSI group has been selected to upgrade the water meter reading system. Representatives were present from the VSI Group and Hexagram. They answered some concerns with reference to frequencies used and whether the new system would interface with our current system. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the IT commission, verified that security of the system was encrypted. Vice-Mayor Umstattd questioned whether there would be any interruption of service during the hangout period. Mr. Shoemaker stated homeowners would be given notice and that service would only be interrupted 5-10 minutes. 6. Dedication of Trees to Susan Farmer James Roberts with the Balch Library Commission addressed Council stating that two Japanese red maple trees to be planted at Balch Library will be dedicated to Susan Farmer. Mayor Webb suggested that the Town Arborist be consulted as to the correct planting season and that a larger caliber of tree be considered. 7. Utility Lines Division Maintenance Facility land acquisition. Randy Shoemaker outlined this proposal to acquire land next to the wastewater treatment plant on the Leegate property. He stated the cost of the land would be approximately $1.3 million and project program costs total is $2.65 million. Mayor Webb suggested obtaining a more recent appraisal. Mr. Shoemaker advised Thomas Reed, Certified Real Estate Appraiser, has advised that there is no measurable change since the last appraisal. Mr. Shoemaker also verified that the Town would have no responsibility for construction of the bridge at Battlefield Parkway over the NCRPA bike trail. Town Council Work session minutes for June 10. 2002 Paqe 3 8. Healthcare Task Force update Mayor Webb advised that the Healthcare Task Force would present its report to the Loudoun County Board of supervisors on July 1, 2002 at 10: 30 a.m. She also reported that Reston Hospital has announced plans to build a facility at Broadlands. 9. Hawkins Property Rezoning - ZM-Ol-04 Mayor Webb advised Council initiated this rezoning. Randy Hodgson outlined this proposed rezoning from 1-1 to R-16, which would allow the construction of 36 townhouse units. He added this use would lessen the amount of traffic through the Fox Chapel development. This rezoning has a public hearing scheduled for June 25, 2002. 10. FY 2003-2007 CIP Mike Freda gave an overview of the CIP for FY 2003-2007. He commented fewer projects are being undertaken than past years. Mayor Webb questioned why $3.3 million is shown of the office building. Mr. Noe stated that it was his impression that Council wanted the town office building returned to Council after the budget. Councilmember Zoldos requested that staff prepare a budget 101 course for next yea r's budget. Mayor Webb questioned why Harrison Street sidewalk/drainage has moved forward on the CIP. Tom Mason stated the item shown is only for design and purchase of land. This item will return to Council on June 25, 2002. 11. 3rd Quarter Budget summary report, FY 2002 Mike Freda outlined the summary for the 3rd quarter. Councilmember Zoldos asked whether town decals could be crosschecked with personal property tax. Paul York advised this is not possible because our software is not compatible. Mr. Freda added that the increase in revenues is not as serious as originally thought. There was a discussion on the Town's share of the state sales tax. Paul York stated the Town receives 8.5% of the 1% sales tax. Vice-Mayor Umstattd verified with Paul York that the Town receives the entire tax benefit from the Leesburg Corner Outlet Mall. 12. Preview Items for June 24, 2002 Town Council Work session: a. Amending CIP Policies and Procedures There was no discussion on this item. Town Council Work session minutes for June 10. 2002 Paqe 4 New Business 13. Bluemont Concert Series Councilmember McDonald expressed disappointment with the lack of information available for the Bluemont Concert Series. He asked the Town Manager to contact them to remedy this issue. 14. Citizens Support Team There was a discussion with reference to the radio frequency that the Citizens Support Team is using. Chief Joe Price stated that the support team would remain on the 453 MHz frequency. There is the ability to create a patch with the support group and the police department. 15. Balls Bluff Park Naming Councilmember Zoldos had a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission for naming Balls Bluff Park to Veterans Park. Secondly, the recommendation for individual baseball fields at Freedom Park was: (1) Steve Reavis Field, (2) Robert Huber Field, (3) Lou Casciano Field, (4) Ed/Betty Mayr Field, and the football field for Clyde Sexton. 16. Gilcorp Bill Donnelly discussed the proposed refinancing of the County Government Center Building and the role of Gilcorp. He added the refinancing is for approximately $30,000,000 and would not affect the Memorandum of Understanding we have with Loudoun County. He stated the directors of Gilcorp would have to be contacted to sign the necessary paperwork. Further, Loudoun County officials will be present at tomorrow night's Council meeting to answer any questions. 17. Valley View Trees Bob Noe advised that one of the trees on Valley View Avenue have been removed and two more are slated for removal. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. J : mi n utes/tcws061 002