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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 seve re should further 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. 2003_tcwsmin00310.doc Of E~] ncil