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Home My Public Portal About2002_08_12 Council Work Session August 12, 2002 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Councilmembers Present: Frank Buttery, Mervin Jackson, Melinda Kramer, Marty Martinez, David Schmidt, and Mayor Umstattd. Councilmembers Absent: Robert Zoldos Staff Members Present: Town Attorney William Donnelly, Deputy Town Manager Phil Rodenberg, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Finance Paul York, Director of Information Technology Michel Agujia, Director of Human Resources Dona Wolf, Chief of Current Planning Lee Phillips, Capital Projects Coordinator Nagi Elsewaissi, Budget Officer Mike Freda, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Lieutenant Brian Rourke, Planner Nick Colonna, Budget Analyst Bob Berkey, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Management Intern Adam Brown, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Agenda for Council Meeting of August 13, 2002 a. Awardina a contract to Onvx Enaineerina. Inc. for Council Chamber audio-visual imorovements and services uo to $261.000 and authorizina an aoorooriation of additional Adelohia franchise funds Phil Rodenberg discussed the proposed system for improvements to the Council Chamber. Mr. Rodenberg clarified that Onyx Engineering will be able to provide timely service although they are located in Richmond. Further, he clarified that a web connection capability is there. b. Suooortina the orooosed Loudoun Countv Zonina Ordinance Revision establishina the Joint Land Manaaement Area-20 Zonina desianation for the Leesbura Joint Land Manaaement Area Phil Rodenberg discussed the recommendation to support the proposed Loudoun County JMLA-20 zoning district provided that the County retains the Keynote Employment and General Business land use designations on the General Plan for the Leesburg JLMA. Further, the Mayor will represent the town's position during the County Planning Commission public hearing. Mayor Umstattd commented that proposed revisions would help protect the airport. Councilmember Buttery verified that the Board of Supervisors would consider the County Zoning Ordinance in late September or early October. Councilmember Schmidt asked if the annexation committee had looked at this proposal? Town Attorney Bill Donnelly stated staff supports this proposed zoning but the annexation committee has taken no official position. Town Council worksession minutes for August 12. 2002 Page 2 c. AmendinG Sections 12.1-51 and 12.1-52 of the Personnel Manual reGardinCJ emolovee health insurance benefits Dona Wolf advised Council that a portion of the health insurance premiums are proposed to be passed on to employees due to a 30% increase in healthcare premiums from Loudoun County. Council member Schmidt asked for further explanation of the costs passed on to employees. Ms. Wolf stated that employees considering retirement have had several questions as to how these changes will affect them. Councilmember Martinez asked what steps can be implemented to prevent this from happening again? Ms. Wolf stated that a new memorandum of understanding would be signed with the County, which should provide more clarification. Vice-Mayor Jackson verified that portions paid by employees would be determined by the Town Manager. Councilmember Buttery asked for additional information on the break down of employee claims. Further, he asked that a system be implemented to recoup funds if a mistake is made by Loudoun County. d. AmendinG the FY 2003 BudGet and makinG an aoorooriation in the amount of $333.000 to the Police Deoartment from Federal EmerGencv Resoonse Funds for eGuioment and traininG Lieutenant Brian Rourke addressed Council with a recommendation to amend the FY 2003 budget and an appropriation from the Federal Emergency Response Funds for emergency equipment and training purchases. Councilmember Martinez asked whether any biological gear would be purchased? Lt. Rourke stated that the Fire and Rescue Departments would be responsible for the biological gear. Mayor Umstattd questioned whether a Hazard Mitigation Plan is required by FEMA before they will provide funds in the event of a disaster. 2. Town Branch Tom Mason provided a Town Branch briefing on the status of capital projects, plans for interim maintenance and improvements, and the impact of upstream development in Loudoun County. Mr. Mason recommended proceeding with the current scheduled capital project and carrying out the planned maintenance activities, which include vegetation control, sediment removal and erosion repairs anticipated to cost approximately $17,000. He suggested that maintenance be scheduled for mid- to late October since the hurricane season is significant to repairs. Town Council worksession minutes for August 12, 2002 Page 3 Further, he stated additional funds would be required for a higher level of maintenance at Raflo Park. Council member Buttery asked what our alternatives would be? Mr. Mason stated that other options would be widening the channel, berms, and large relief culverts. Councilmember Buttery verified that on a regular basis only two properties are affected. Larry Barnett and J. B. Anderson addressed Council with concerns relating to how long it has taken the Town to resolve the flooding issues along Town Branch. Mr. Anderson stated that six homes are affected on Monroe Street. Further, there is a lot of silt buildup between Dry Mill Road and King Street. He also expressed concerns with the potential impact of a major storm on the Valley View Apartments. He stated that fall is too late for general maintenance. Councilmember Schmidt stated that he is supportive of the Town's efforts and suggested additional funding in the FY04 budget. Mr. Anderson suggested solidifying the banks of the branch to keep down vegetation. Councilmember Kramer suggested stepped up maintenance work. It was the consensus of Council to make the proposed maintenance a priority. Mr. Barnett added that the last efforts of the Town prevented flooding for six years. 3. Relocation of the Visitors' Bureau Marantha Edwards discussed the issue of the relocation of the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Bureau. She stated the Visitors' Bureau is now located beyond walking distance of the historic district and that signs have been relocated to simplify traffic patterns to their new location. Other efforts underway to direct visitors to Leesburg are a kickoff meeting on September 6, 2002 by Frazier and Associates to introduce a new way-finding system and funding for the Leesburg Executive Airport Gateway Project, which will include provisions for visitor information to users of the airport. Ms. Edwards outlined various options for consideration that would mitigate the Visitors' Bureau relocation: (1) town hall brochure rack, (2) Loudoun Museum as a welcome/convenience center, (3) Balch Library staff utilization, and (4) continuing to strengthen the cooperative environment with the merchants in the historic district. Councilmember Schmidt stated he likes the cooperative effort with merchants and suggested an "Ask me where to find it in Leesburg" sign could be displayed by participating merchants. Town Council worksession minutes for Auqust 12. 2002 Page 4 Councilmember Martinez suggested efforts be made to entice pilots to come into Leesburg to shop and eat. Doug Foard, Director of the Loudoun Museum, addressed Council. He introduced Larry Stipek, Chairman of the Loudoun Museum Board. Mr. Foard invited Council to stop by the Museum to view their changes. He added that they would be glad to assist as a visitor's center. Larry Stipek stated he welcomes the opportunity to have a continued partnership with the Town. Linda Callagy addressed Council. She expressed the Visitor Center's excitement for their new location. She stated they have gone to downtown merchants and given out maps to the new center and will continue to promote Leesburg. 4. Preview items for September 9, 2002 Town Council worksession a. Proposed 20-Year Comprehensive Plan for parks, recreation, open space, trails, and greenways - Public Hearing. No comments b. Proposed Master Plan for Veterans' Park at Balls Bluff Park - Public Hearing No comments c. Street name change request Planner Nick Colonna outlined the proposal to rename a segment of Sycolin Road. He verified for Council that affected property owners have been notified. d. Purchase of Mobile Command Center Mayor Umstattd verified that this purchase would be made from the $333,000 funding from the Federal Response Funds. e. Space Needs Councilmember Martinez asked about the status of the North Street building currently being used by the Loudoun County School Board? Phil Rodenberg will check with Loudoun County to see if they are going to retain the building. Mayor Umstattd reminded Council of the upcoming September 11th ceremony. Phil Rodenberg introduced the recently hired budget analyst, Bob Berkey, to Council. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. r- u), tlW dith W. Ahalt lerk of Council