HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003_03_10Council Work Session
March 10, 2003
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, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent:
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, Chief of Police
Joe Price, Director of Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Director of Economic Development
Betsy Fields, Director of Finance Paul York, Director of Parks & Recreation Kaj
Dentler, Airport Director Doug McNeeley, Human Resources Director Dona Wolf,
Budget Officer Mike Freda, Chief of Plan Review Paul Gauthier, Capital Projects
Administrator Nagi Elsewaissi, Budget Analyst Bob Berkey, Assistant to the Town
Manager Nicole Ard, Management intern Adam Brown, Assistant to the Clerk Debi
Parry, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
Agenda for Council Meeting of March 11, 2003
a. Special Exception 2003-01, Leesburg Station Auto Wash
(Amendment to Special Exception 2001-08) - Public Hearing
Susan Swift stated this special exception is to amend condition #8 of the
originally approved special exception for the car wash. Further, she stated
the new design for the car wash is not in compliance with the approved
special exception.
Ms. Swift outlined the following reasons for staff's recommendation for
denial: (1) this application is not in compliance with the original plan; (2) the
building design is not compatible with the surrounding buildings; and (3) the
proposed building design does not reflect the train station theme of the
original application.
In addition, Ms. Swift stated the footprint of the proposed building is
slightly larger to accommodate the indoor vacuums.
Councilmember Schmidt asked how the height of the proposed building
compares with the height of the Middleburg Bank Building?
Ms. Swift stated they were approximately the same.
Councilmember Martinez asked if staff had a problem with the proposed
2nd floor office use?
Ms. Swift stated their concerns were with the design and height of the
building.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he disagreed with the staff report and
recommendation. He stated the applicant had addressed and resolved all
Town Council work session minutes for March 10, 2003 Page 2
concerns raised by the nearby property owners. Further, he stated the
changes under this special exception were made to address the concerns of
the Town staff and the adjacent property owners.
Councilmember Kramer verified that all issues have been resolved with
the adjacent property owners.
2. Briefing on NTSB report from 2002 plane crash in Leesburg
Doug McNeeley expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims of the
most recent crash. He further stated the NTSB has not yet released a final report
regarding the March 1, 2003 crash.
He outlined the responsibilities of the airport and the safety precautions that
are taken there to assist the pilots. Further, he stated there have been eight
airplane crashes within five miles of Leesburg since 1982. He outlined the locations
of those crashes and stated there is no connection between the two most recent
crashes.
Mr. McNeeley stated the airport is taking further steps to increase safety. He
stated the airport would be implementing a GPS watch approach within the next two
years, which will guide the pilots into the airport. Also, the airport is investigating
the cost of constructing and staffing a fulltime control tower.
Further, Mr. McNeeley stated it has been recommended that the Iocalizer be
moved to face the south so as to avoid the planes coming in over the residential
areas. He stated that is not a viable option, because the 10 nautical mile approach
needed would encroach into Dulles International Airport's airspace.
to FAA
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1983.
lVlark Lowdermilk, of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, stated according
recommendations the pilot must make the decision of whether the weather is
enough to make a safe landing or take off impossible. The airport can and
issue advisories, but the ultimate decision must be left to the pilot. He
stated that nationwide there have only been 49,724 airplane accidents sinc~
Councilmember Martinez asked if Mr. Lowdermilk had noticed anything that
could be changed at the Leesburg Executive Airport and implemented immediately to
increase safety?
Mr. Lowdermilk stated the Leesburg Executive Airport is one of the best in the
state.
Mr. Joe Delia, of the FAA, stated several systems could be implemented
including extending the approach lighting system.
Councilmember Schmidt asked if there were any special announcements
regarding the weather conditions on the afternoon of March :LSt.
Mr. McNeeley stated the weather stations were operating properly and the
ceiling clouds and forward visibility were properly broadcast.
Councilmember Zoldos stated this flight was on an instrument flight plan, for
which the pilots and the aircraft must be properly certified.
Town Council work session minutes for March :~0, 2003 Page 3
Mayor Umstattd stated Mr. Donnelly had sent out an email with some
questions regarding the airport safety. She asked that Mr. McNeeley address those
questions in his report at the regular Council meeting.
Donald Shea, 305 W. Market Street, stated he regrets the loss of life in this
case, but is concerned because the plane landed so close to his home. Further, he
thanked the Town and the emergency workers for responding to his concerns.
Mr. Shea recommended a flight path directing planes over a non-residential
area.
Bob Brown, 301 W. Market Street, extended his sympathies to the families of
the victims and stated he shares the same concerns as Mr. Shea. He asked the
Town to take steps to make the residents feel safer. Further, he thanked the rescue
personnel and everyone involved in assisting his family when the plane crashed in
his back yard.
3, User Fee Study Results - t4aximus (Chris Zitow)
Chris Zitow stated the user fee study was developed from a full cost
methodology. This will allow staff to determine the need and justification for raising
costs. Further, she stated that Maximus has provided the staff with the tools to
update the fee study as needed. She outlined how the Town's fees compare with
other local jurisdictions and a total cost recovery program.
Ms. Zitow was joined by Mr. Bruce Cohen and Mr..left Gossrow who further
outlined the user fee study, as well as the indirect fee study.
Councilmember Zoldos asked why the fees charged at Dulles International
Airport were considered in the study of the Leesburg Airport fees as opposed to
looking at other smaller regional airports?
Mr. Gossrow stated Dulles International Airport was used in this study simply
to look at the large portfolio of fees they charge to see what other fees the Leesburg
Airport could charge.
Councilmember Schmidt asked if the Town's parking garage fees had been
considered in this study and whether a fee increase is recommended?
Mr. Cohen stated there was a comparison done of the costs charged by other
localities for garage fees.
Mr. Gossrow stated these results would assist Council in determining which
fees should be raised. He recommended considering if the benefit of the services is
greater for the town or the consumer. Tf the benefit is greater for the consumer, a
good argument could be made for raising the fees.
Councilmember Martinez asked for an example of a fee where a full cost
recovery should be made?
IVlr. Cohen stated development project fees would be a good example.
Councilmember Zoldos asked why a unit cost increase for Thomas Balch
Library Services was omitted?
Town Council work session minutes for March 10, 2003 Page 4
Mr. Gossrow stated the cost for service was $38 dollars and the narrative
indicated that it was their feeling that was not an equitable cost.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the report recommends that the Balch Library.
conduct a survey of what other local libraries charge for services and asked why
Maximus had not done that in their process?
Mr. Gossrow stated that was not included in the RFP.
Councilmember Zoldos stated there should have been a conclusion or
synopsis at the end of the study rather than having to go thru each line item to find
the recommendations.
Mr. Gossrow stated in terms of costs there was nothing that seemed out of
line with other localities. Further, he stated there could be a fee charged for garbage
or recycling collection.
Councilmember Buttery verified staff would forward a recommendation of
what fees should be increased.
Councilmember Kramer verified that through this process staff has gained the
knowledge to monitor and update this information over the next few years.
Mayor Umstattd stated her support of the study and stated her concerns with
charging a fee for trash collection, l~t was her feeling that such a fee would result in
illegal dumping.
Mike Freda stated staff has taken the recommendations of Maximus and
developed recommendations for fee increases throughout the Town. He further
stated this would come up more in the budget discussions.
Mr. Noe stated Maximus has done an excellent study and they have provided
the methodology for a reference document that will be used for sometime.
4. South King Street Trail
Kaj Dentler outlined the project and stated it is a joint venture between the
Town of Leesburg and County of Loudoun who has agreed to pay 60%.
Bill Ference outlined the project issues. He stated this trail would begin at
Davis Avenue and follow Rt. 15 to Governor's Drive. He outlined the various
advantages and disadvantages of the project including building walls to protect the
users of the trail from the traffic flow on Rt. 15 along the Tuscarora Creek Bridge,
where the trail would narrow. Further, Mr. Ference stated a portion of the trail would
be demolished and re-built when the Virginia Department of Transportation widens
Rt. 15.
Councilmember Schmidt asked if any consideration had been given to
implementing a crossing light at the ramp coming off of the bypass?
Mr. Ference stated that has been considered and would have to be worked
out with Calvin Grow.
Town Council work session minutes for March :~0, 2003 Page
Councilmember Schmidt stated this trail design is not safe and recommended
that children not use it.
Further, Councilmember Schmidt verified about fifty percent of the trail would
be demolished when the widening of Route 15 takes place.
Councilmember Schmidt asked if any thought had been given to an above
ground bridge in the long term after the widening of Route 157
Mr. Ference stated once the road was improved that would be the logical
option.
Councilmember Martinez asked if the trail could be sloped on Davis Avenue to
decrease the potential for falling off of the curb?
Mr. Ference stated the sidewalk would be pulled back from the curb on the
corner of Davis Avenue.
Councilmember Martinez asked if it would be possible to move the retaining
wall back in order to prevent it from being demolished during the road
improvements?
Mr. Ference stated it was a possibility, but would be very expensive.
Councilmember Martinez verified staff would be working with the Virginia
Department of Transportation to minimize the demolition of the trail during the
improvements to Route 15.
Councilmember Zoldos asked how the pedestrians would be separated from
the traffic?
Mr. Ference stated this would be done by improving the curbs, widening the
grass strips, and installing the concrete barriers.
Councilmember Zoldos concurred with Councilmember Schmidt regarding the
poor safety of the trail.
Further, Councilmember Zoldos asked if the county would provide $250,000
and an additional $70,000 toward the trail?
Mr. Dentler stated under the original agreement the County agreed to provide
$250,000 for the cost of the project, with the assumption that the Town would pay
40%. Further, they have agreed to provide the extra $70,000 provided the Town
would put up an equal 40%.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the project does not reach the level of safety
that he considers being necessary for the residents and it is not advisable for the
Town to spend money to build a trail that will be demolished when the Virginia
Department of Transportation begins the improvements on Route 15.
Councilmember Jackson stated there have been good discussions about this
about this trail between the Council, Board of Supervisors, staff and the Virginia
Town Council work session minutes for March 10, 2003 Page 6
Department of Transportation. He stated after the demolition of the trail, the state
would pay 98% of the reconstruction fee.
Councilmember Kramer stated there are a number of residents who have to
walk this road now and even if this trail isn't the best solution, it would be much
safer then the route the residents currently take.
Mr. Dentler stated staff is not asking for funding, just guidance.
Mayor Umstattd stated her support of the project as the issue is to make it
safer than it is now. Further, she asked staff to provide information on how much
money only improving the areas that currently have no sidewalk or path could save?
Terry Laycock stated the issue would go before the Loudoun County Board of
Supervisors Transportation Committee on March 24th.
Ms. Sally Kurtz, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, stated the Board's
support for the trail project and asked Council to come to a consensus on where the
Town stands with regards to this project.
Councilmember Martinez stated his support of the project to create a safer
situation for the pedestrians. He stated the project, as it stands, isn't the ideal
solution, however it is safer than what is there now.
Councilmember Zoldos stated it is the responsibility of the Council to provide
trails with the maximum level of safety for the residents.
Ms. Peggy Coleman stated she had concerns with this proposal, but is pleased
there will be barriers between the pedestrians and the road. Further, she
recommended the construction of the Chancellor Street trail as an alternative.
Councilmember Buttery stated his support for this trail. Further, he stated
this trail is a step in the right direction towards connecting all parts of the town to
the downtown.
Councilmember Kramer concurred with Councilmember Buttery.
5. NE Leesburg :~mprovements
Nagi Elsewaissi stated this project would be an addition to the already
approved NE Leesburg Improvement project and would install sidewalks, curb and
gutter on Prince Street, Queen Street and Blue Ridge Avenue at a total cost of $1.5
million dollars.
Councilmember Buttery stated he had received calls from residents stating
they wanted to preserve the rural feeling of their neighborhood and did not want the
improvements.
Mayor Umstattd asked if the curb and gutter improvements would improve
drainage on the roads and what the cost would be to just implement these
improvements and not build the sidewalks.
Mr. Elsewaissi stated the cost would be approximately $:~50,000.
Town Council work session minutes for March :~0, 2003 Page 7
Councilmember Buttery asked if installing the curb and gutter would increase
the width of the streets?
Mr. Elsewaissi stated the streets would maintain a consistent 20-foot width.
Further, he stated with the curb and gutter improvements as well as the sidewalk
improvements the roads would be widened to 30 or 36-feet, depending on the
segment.
Larry Schonberger, 2:~2 Prince Street, stated the majority of the residents of
Prince Street are opposed to the improvements. Further, he stated the residents
want the rural natural streetscape and the proposal as it currently exists is adequate.
Chuck Jones., Prince Street, stated it is incorrect to say the majority of the
residents are opposed to sidewalks when you look at the neighborhood as a whole.
Further, he stated curb and gutter improvements would increase water runoff and
asked Council to uses consistent standards throughout the entire neighborhood.
Becky Craft, 208 Prince Street, stated the streets do not need to be the same
and the proposed improvements are unnecessary.
Barbara Elden, 21:~ Prince Street, stated her concurrence with Mr.
Schonberger and Ms. Craft's comments.
Jenny Blanca and Ms. Montgomery of 220 and 218 Prince Street asked that
the streets be left as they are.
Gigi Robinson, 207 Prince Street, stated she did not desire any improvements
to her street.
Councilmember Schmidt stated he would like to wait until the budget process
begins to decide what improvements to make.
Councilmember Martinez asked to see the results of the survey sent to the
residents.
Councilmember Zoldos asked if a compromise could be reached with 20-foot
streets with curb and gutter but no sidewalks.
Vice-Mayor Jackson thanked the residents for participating in the discussion.
Councilmember Buttery thanked the residents as well and stated the original
plan seems reasonable.
Councilmember Kramer stated she felt the issue needed further consideration.
Mayor Umstattd thanked the residents for coming and stated the
improvements should not be forced upon the residents. Further, she asked that a
letter be sent to the residents informing them of when the issue will come back to
Council.
6. Town Branch design recommendation
Nagi Elsewaissi outlined the two proposals for the Town Branch
improvements. He stated option 1, which would prevent further flooding but not
Town Council work session minutes for March 10, 2003 Page 8
remove the houses from the floodplain, would cost $250,000. Option 2, which would
prevent further flooding and remove the houses from the floodplain, would cost
approximately $700,000. He stated staff is recommending approval of option 1.
Councilmember Martinez asked other than cost, why was staff recommending
option 17
Mr. Elsewaissi stated this option would meet the general objective and is
consistent with the current stormwater master plan.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like to hear which option the residents
would prefer.
Councilmember Kramer stated the residents brought their property in the
floodplain and benefit from FEMA's floodplain insurance. She asked how long the
improvements would prevent flooding?
Mr. Elsewaissi stated the floodplain has not changed since 1982.
Larry Barnett, 22 Monroe Street, stated his support for the first option.
.].B. Anderson., Monroe Street, stated the flooding has increased over the
years. He stated option 1 would be a step in the right direction; however the key to
making it work is the maintenance of the creek. Further, he stated his biggest
concern is safety.
Barrett Everhart, :L8 Monroe Street, stated the flooding is becoming more and
more frequent. Further, he stated option I is the best solution.
Mr. Elsewaissi stated he would work with the residents in the implementation
of the improvements. Further, he stated the design of the project has already been
funded, but the actual project will be in the proposed C[P.
7. Budget "101" Model Presentation (Matt Chwalowski)
Councilmember Zoldos introduced Mr. Chwalowski and stated that he
had offered to provide his time for free to assist the Town in this process.
Mr. Chwalowski outlined some recommendations for Council to consider in
their budget deliberations. Further, he offered some next steps to be presented at
the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Zoldos thanked Mr. Chwalowski for taking time out of his
schedule to assist the town.
FY 2004 Proposed Budget Presentation
was the consensus of Council to defer this item until tomorrow night.
9. Fort Evans Road cul-de-sac issue
Paul Gauthier outlined the site and the history of traffic problems within the
Leesburg Park center. Further, he recommended improvements to the existing
entrance onto Edwards Ferry Road as the first remedial priority.
Town Council work session minutes for March 10, 2003 Page 9
Mr. Gauthier also stated there is strong neighborhood opposition to opening
this cul-de-sac,
Councilmember Schmidt verified the Division of Motor Vehicles did not what
the cul-de-sac opened.
Mr. Gauthier stated when the Division of Motor Vehicles first opened their
office in Leesburg Park they wanted the cul-de-sac opened to allow for two
entrances. However, when he called their main office in Richmond recently, they
stated they would like the cul-de-sac closed because that area is now used as a
motorcycle testing area and is the only motorcycle testing area in Loudoun County.
Councilmember Schmidt asked if the business would support an in/out access
to the bypass in the area of the Tractor Supply store?
Mr. Gauthier stated that option had not been explored with the business
owners. However, if that access were created the businesses would loose a lot of
parking spaces.
Councilmember Zoldos thanked Mr. Gauthier for his presentation. Further, he
stated he now understands the problems associated and sees the need for keeping
the cul-de-sac closed.
Councilmember Kramer asked if it would be possible to have a right-turn
deceleration lane coming off of the by-pass into Leesburg Park.
Mr. Gauthier stated the problem with that option would be the stacking in the
right-turn lane, and creating a limited access line, which the State Transportation
Board is usually reluctant to open.
:LO. CH2M Hill Engineering Services Contract for Kenneth B. Rollins Water
Treatment Plan Expansion
Randy Shoemaker recommended approval of contract amendment #1 to the
December :~0, 2002 engineering service contract for the Water Treatment Plant
Expansion Project in the amount of $299,400.00. He further stated these changes
are within the overall contract amount of $2,000,000.00.
There was no Council discussion of this item.
Fire & Rescue Deed
Bill Donnelly stated his recommendation that the Mayor be authorized to
execute a deed of subordination to facilitate the financing of the renovation and
expansion of the Loudoun County Rescue Squad's facility on Catoctin Circle.
Councilmember Zoldos asked staff to prepare legislation for tomorrow night to
ask the County to forgive the loan. Further, he asked if the Rescue Squad ceases to
exist on this land would the land then go back to the Town.
Mr. Donnelly stated if the loan were foreclosed on the land would then revert
to the County.
~[t was the consensus of Council to consider this item on tomorrow's nights
agenda.
Town Council work session minutes for March 10, 2003 Paqe ]0
12. Monroe Vocational School - Use of Uran Funds
Mayor Umstattd asked if subsidizing the Monroe Vo-Tech program would be a
legal use of funds?
Paul York verified this would be legal.
Mr. Donnelly suggested contacting Mr. Uran to ensure his feelings
that this would be an appropriate use of the monies that have been donated
to the Town.
Mr. York stated he didn't feel this additional step would be needed
because it has been clear that Mr. Uran earmarked a portion of these funds
for education.
Councilmember Buttery asked staff to provide Council with a copy of the
notes Mr. Uran provided for the use of the funds.
Councilmember Zoldos asked there be a full accounting be done of all monies
received by Mr. Uran.
Mayor Umstattd concurred with Councilmember Zoldos' request.
13,
Preview items for March 24, 2003 Work session
a. Permit Parking Zone on the north side of North Street, NW
between Wirt Street, NW and North King Street - Public
Hearing
b. Permit Parking Zone on the east side of Church Street, NE
between Cornwall Street, NE and North Street, NE - Public
Hearing
c. Acquisition of parcel adjacent to Carr Water Tank
There was no Council discussion of these items.
New Business:
Mayor Umstattd asked, in relation to the request for the County to forgive the
debt on the Rescue Squad facility, that staff get a letter from them asking that this
be done.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m.
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