HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002_10_07
Council Work Session
October 7, 2002
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Frank Buttery, Mervin Jackson, Melinda Kramer, Marty
Martinez, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd
Councilmembers Absent: 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, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Director of
Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Chief of Police Joe Price, Director of Parks and Recreation
Kaj Dentler, Director of Information Technology Michel Agujia, Chief of
Comprehensive Planning Randy Hodgson, Deputy Director of Utilities Aref Etemadi,
Parks Manager Bill Ference, Utilities Engineer Amy Wyks, Zoning Administrator Brian
Boucher, Planner Nancy Kitchens, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Tourism
Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Management Intern Adam Brown and Clerk of
Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Agenda for Council Meeting of October 8, 2002
a. SE-2002-01 - Used auto sales and services at 309 Parker Court -
Public Hearina
Nancy Kitchens outlined this special exception application for a used car
sales and accessory auto service facility at 309 Parker Court SE. She stated
the three main issues (1) additional lighting, (2) storage of waste material,
and (3) movement of tractor-trailer delivery trucks have been resolved.
Ms. Kitchens added that staff and the Planning Commission have
recommended conditional approval.
b. Adootina a street name chanae for Svcolin Road - Public Hearina
There was no staff presentation.
Councilmember Zoldos suggested that we use block number ranges on
the existing street signs in lieu of changing the name for Sycolin Road. Mayor
Umstattd, Councilmembers Jackson and Martinez were in agreement.
c. 20-Year Comorehensive Plan for Parks. Recreation. ooen soace.
trails and Greenwavs
Kaj Dentler stated his recommendation remains the same as before.
Mayor Umstattd suggested amending the resolution to eliminate the
Chancellor Street Trail and that any new trails would be done with sensitivity
to neighborhood concerns.
Councilmember Zoldos pointed out that Mr. Goolsby is in agreement with
the proposed language of the resolution. He further stated the Chancellor
Street and S. King Street Trails are probably comparable in price and that the
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Page 2
Tuscarora option is not feasible. He stated that current language gives the
Parks and Recreation Department an option; it does not say the Chancellor
Street trail will be built.
He stated he strongly believes it should not be removed from the Master
Plan because history shows that many people are supportive of the trail.
Councilmember Martinez stated the Chancellor Street Trail should be
removed from the plan.
Vice-Mayor Jackson stated that the concerns of the neighbors should be
considered and Chancellor Street Trail should only be pursued if there are no
other alternatives.
Councilmember Buttery stated he is impressed with Mr. Goolsby's
proposed language. He suggested the language, "which are compatible with
neighborhood concerns", should remain. Further, any Chancellor Street Trail
would have a viable path to connect with Dry Mill Road.
Councilmember Kramer stated she does not want to pursue a Chancellor
Street Trail. She stated other options should be considered, especially since
the County has indicated they do not support funding for a Dry Mill Road
connection.
Doug Goolsby addressed Council and suggested leaving the language that
would allow for pursuing other alternatives and consideration of citizen
concerns.
Mr. Goolsby commented the Tuscarora Creek Trail option is not feasible.
He added that the Residential Traffic Task Force has recommended a pilot
project for construction of a trail from the Tuscarora Apartments to the S.
King Street Trail.
2. Citizens Corp - Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson, Deputy Coordinator with the Loudoun County Emergency
Management Office addressed Council. He spoke about the new Citizen Corp
initiative in Virginia. He stated programs at the local level will build on programs
already in place, such as the Neighbohood Watch Program, FEMA'S Citizens
Emergency Response Team (CERT), etc.
New programs proposed are a medical reserve corps, volunteers in public
safety and terrorism prevention.
Mr. Johnson stated that CERT is the first program that will be implemented in
Loudoun. The Lucketts Ruritan Club has already asked for assistance in
implementing such a program. He further stated that emergency management
officials can prepare for disasters, educate the citizens about what to expect
following a major emergency, train in lifesaving skills, and organize teams so they
are an extension of first responder services.
Mayor Umstattd asked what the Town of Leesburg could do to help?
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Page 3
Mr. Johnson stated the role of a citizen council would first have to be
identified and that names of citizen groups, volunteers and other individuals with
interest would be helpful.
Councilmember Zoldos advised he would be attending a citizen corps session
in Arlington County.
Mr. Johnson stated it would take approximately 60-90 days to implement a
program that would deal with major emergencies, such as a tornado or high wind.
Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Johnson to speak at the next COLT meeting on
October 16th.
3. Boundary Line Adjustment Update (Councilmember Zoldos)
Councilmember Zoldos reported the County Annexation Committee met on
September 30th and forwarded a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. On
September 30th the county committee recommended going forward with a voluntary
annexation that retains county land use approval and conditions it on the town
rejecting the private annexation petition.
The Board of Supervisors endorsed the annexation committee
recommendation and forwarded to the Town their position contingent upon the Town
rejecting the annexation petitions currently before the Commission on Local
Government.
The county will pursue discussions with the town regarding expanding the
corporate limits within the context of a Voluntary Settlement of Annexation. Further,
they request that a thorough planning process be used to achieve this settlement
agreement. Among the provisions to be included as a part of this settlement
agreement would be: (1) uses and densities for the areas to be annexed: (2) public
facility site for the area to be annexed; (3) coordination of transportation
improvements; (4) provisions for the county government property; which would
implement a plan of development for the park and other proposed uses; and (5) a
timing strategy for the annexation tied to a level of buildout.
Further, the Board of Supervisors stated the area to be considered for
annexation discussion will include a portion of the Hunter-Dowdy parcel northeast of
the W&OD Trail; the Siemens parcel; the county owned properties; and the Walde
tract. They wish to exclude the Greenway and the Cangiano properties. They also
noted that getting utilities to the county properties would be a priority.
An open, public process should be agreed upon between the Town of
Leesburg and the County of Loudoun as a part of the discussions about the
annexation.
Councilmember Zoldos reported the county also discussed a separate issue
with regards to package plants on the county property.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the county proposal consisting of approximately
990 acres, 600 of which are county owned, does very little for the Town.
Further, Councilmember Zoldos commented that if the petitions are removed,
it gives the Town no bargaining power and not much of an instrument to put
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restrictive covenants into the agreement. He stated the county and the Town have
resolved a lot of the issues that are still in effect, such as providing public utilities to
the Joint Land Management Area.
Councilmember Zoldos asked for an annexation committee meeting at 7:00
p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2002 to discuss how they will move forward to
educate the citizens on the annexation.
Councilmember Martinez stated that the annexation committee has not met
to discuss the county proposal.
Councilmember Buttery asked to be provided a copy of the AADP's and the
JLMA documents.
Mayor Umstattd suggested hearing from the Dulles Greenway as to why they
do not want to be included in the annexation/boundary line adjustment.
4. Office space and parking options (Mike Banzhaf)
Mike Banzhaf, representing the owners of the Loudoun Times Mirror property,
addressed Council with reference to a proposal to construct a two-story office
building, upgrading the existing facade, and additional surface parking spaces. He
stated that initially there would be 7,000-10,000 square feet of office space available
for lease. Mr. Banzhaf suggested the town might want to consider leasing this
space as an option to the expansion of Town Hall.
Additionally, his client is considering the construction of a five-story parking
structure with pedestrian walkways and three buildings along Loudoun Street. The
dollar cost of the garage is about $4,000,000.
He suggested a joint partnership with the Town to construct the proposed
parking garage.
Councilmember Martinez verified they would have 10,000 square feet of
useable office space.
Councilmember Zoldos stated such a plan would enable the Town to preserve
dollars for future expansion and provide additional parking spaces. He suggested
any parking structure provide public restrooms.
Vice-Mayor Jackson stated the Loudoun Street buildings are a good idea.
Councilmember Buttery asked that the proposal be presented in writing.
Councilmember Kramer stated this is a creative idea and suggested public
restrooms be included in the proposal. She stated it would be an imposition for town
staff to walk to other facilities.
Mayor Umstattd stated that leasing over a 10-year period would be less than
the architect fees. The Mayor asked if the Arundel family would be willing to donate
the land for the parking garage to the Town?
Mr. Banzhaf stated he would check with the owners. Further, he discussed an
option for the Town to ground lease the site for construction of a garage.
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Page 5
Councilmember Zoldos stated this could be the Town's parking garage for the
future.
Bob Noe commented on the impact of this proposal on employee moral and
efficiency. He said that he has been involved in similar situations in other
jurisdictions and it does have an adverse impact on morale. He stated he would like
to have the opportunity to prepare a staff report on this proposal.
He added the public perspective is that it is better to own than lease property.
Further, the impact of additional parking garages in the historic district should be
considered?
It was the consensus of Council that Mr. Banzhaf would provide a written
proposal.
5. Water and sewer fee reimbursement fOllow-up
Nicole Ard gave a report on her findings with reference to reimbursement to
C. S. Monroe Technology Center for water and sewer connection and availability fees
related to residential construction at 804 Wage Drive.
Mayor Umstattd verified this residence is a market based house and asked
whether the availability fees were included in the house price?
Ms. Ard stated that the fees have already been paid and she will research the
market value of house to determine if the fees have been passed on.
Randy Shoemaker added that the fees total $17,292.19. This amount
includes $10,571 in public facility fees and $6,721.19 in connection and construction
fees because the school elected to use town services.
6. Water Tank Siting Study
Randy Shoemaker stated he would like to outline the recommendations by
Whitman, Requardt & Associates with reference to their study of water tank sitings.
He stated the 1987 "Water System Master Plan" recommended improvements by
2010 including two sites in the Main Pressure Zone (one in northern Leesburg and
another in southern Leesburg, inside the bypass), aRt. 643 Tank, and the Hogback
Mountain Tank.
To date the town has only constructed one of the additional tanks.
Mr. Shoemaker introduced Jim Avirett and Bob Krallinger with Whitman,
Requardt & Associates who prepared the "Water Tank Siting Analysis and Low
Pressure Evaluation" report which includes 24-hour average day storage.
The consultants recommended conforming to 1987 study with the following
exceptions: (1) Main Zone - only one additional tank is needed with a capacity of
1.5 MG. The recommended tank site is identified as the property adjacent to the
existing Carr Tank with the Rehau site as a backup recommendation; (2) Route 643
(Sycolin) Zone - two tanks are necessary with a 2.5 MG total capacity. The
recommended tank site is the High Point Development followed by Shellhorn for the
second future tank site; (3) Western Pressure Zone - creation of a mini-zone with a
booster station for Woodlea Manor.
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Page 6
Councilmember Zoldos verified that the additional tanks would provide a 24-
hour capacity as opposed to the 18-20 hours we currently have.
Councilmember Martinez verified that the 24-hour capacity does not include
fire storage.
Councilmember Buttery proposed retaining the Catoctin Ridge site clarifying
that we have a five-year window on the special exception.
Randy Shoemaker stated that if the special exception were to expire it could
be revisited.
Mayor Umstattd stated the High Point site would cause the most
neighborhood concern.
Councilmember Zoldos verified that all but the Catoctin Circle site would need
property acquisitions.
Council member Buttery stated he would need more time to digest these
adjustments and suggested a discussion at another worksession.
6. Legislative Agenda for the 2003 General Assembly
Phil Rodenberg outlined the recommended agenda for the 2003 General
Assembly session.
Mayor Umstattd asked that erosion and sediment control be added.
Councilmember Zoldos was designated as the voting representative for the
Virginia Municipal League conference.
7. South King Street Trail
Kaj Dentler reported on the joint Town/County project to accommodate safe
pedestrian and bike traffic along South King Street. Mr. Dentler stated that
approximately 1,800 linear feet of trail and sidewalk would be required for the South
King Street trail from Davis Avenue to Governor's Drive.
Mr. Dentler stated he has walked the site and it has many difficulties including
the perception of being unsafe.
Council discussed the issues concerning this trail, such as the cost for an
interim solution, lack of citizen use of the trail, the need to somehow remedy the
existing unsafe conditions along South King Street.
Councilmember Zoldos asked for a report on the cost of blacktop from
Governor's Drive to the Rt. 7 Bypass.
Council member Martinez added that the area from Governor's Drive to the
Bypass is the most critical.
8. Town Hall Visitors Center
Marantha Edwards outlined her recommendation that Loudoun Museum be
used as the primary location in the Historic District for visitor information.
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She stated the museum is currently being used in this role and has restrooms
available to visitors.
Councilmember Zoldos disputed the costs associated to staff Town Hall as a
visitor's center. He added that regardless of the location of the visitor's center
additional signage would be needed. He suggested the use of volunteers to man the
center.
Councilmember Buttery questioned spending monies on the restrooms at the
museum and the liability associated with volunteer staffers.
Mayor Umstattd stated that adjoining towns are dealing with similar issues.
Bob Noe stated he could not support using volunteers. Further, modifications
to Town Hall would be required to assure staff security. He stated Loudoun Museum
is the easiest solution.
Ms. Edwards stated the main issues are signage and the confusion of having
two visitor centers in Leesburg. Since the museum is already there it would cause
less confusion.
Councilmember Martinez stated the museum is already being utilized as the
visitor's center.
Mary Beth Mohr, with Loudoun Museum, addressed Council stating their
building is handicap accessible from the outside.
Ms. Edwards stated she has spoken with the Loudoun County Visitor's Center
about sharing in the cost of a kiosk.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like a better explanation of the costs
provided for capital improvements and staff support.
9. Draft Zoning Ordinance - Overview and Review of Articles 1-4
Brian Boucher stated the three major objectives of this revision to the 1990
zoning ordinance is to: (a) incorporate the goals and policies of the Town Plan; (b)
complete a structural reorganization of the ordinance; and (c) correct deficiencies
and incorporate the Zoning Administrator's opinions into the text of the document.
Mr. Boucher briefly outlined the proposed changes in Articles 1-4.
Bill Donnelly, Town Attorney, stated the revisions are excellent. Further it has
been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and praised by
NVBIA(Northern Virginia Building Industry Association).
Councilmember Martinez stated he likes the use of flow charts.
Councilmember Zoldos commended Mr. Boucher and thanked him for his
efforts.
Vice-Mayor Jackson also commended Mr. Boucher for his efforts.
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Mayor Umstattd asked that power plants not be permitted as a by-right use.
10. Request for approval to schedule nighttime milling and paving
operations in the downtown area
Tom Mason explained the proposed schedule for milling and paving of certain
streets in downtown.
11. Preview items for October 21, 2002 Town Council Work Session
a. Kenneth B. Rollins Water Filtration Plant, sludge storage tank
mixing project contract award.
There was no discussion on this item.
b. Amending Chapter 12.1, Article 24 of the Personnel Manual
regarding gifts, gratuities and expenses.
There was no discussion on this item.
c. International Pavilion Boundary Line Adjustment
There was no discussion on this item.
d. Water Pollution Control Facility Expansion Design Services
Agreement
There was no discussion on this item.
12. Other Business
Councilmember Zoldos discussed the issue of availability of broadband
Internet services for the Town residents.
Bill Donnelly stated that proposals to provide high-speed Internet connections
are becoming quite frequent.
The Planning Commission has a proposal before them for wireless Internet
service as a home occupation.
Mr. Donnelly suggested that we consider the big picture. He stated that
Council should make a policy decision as to regulate or take a hands off approach.
It was the consensus of Council to have a special worksession jointly with the
Information Technology Commission and the Economic Development Commission to
discuss these issues.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
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