HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003_05_12Council Work Session
May 12, 2003
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Frank Buttery, Mervin 3ackson, Melinda Kramer, Marty
Martinez, David Schmidt, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: None
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, Airport Director
Doug McNeeley, Director of Finance Paul York, Director of Human Resources Dona
Wolf, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, Budget and Management Officer Mike
Freda, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, and Assistant to the Clerk of
Council Debi Parry.
AGENDA ITEMS
Agenda for Council Meeting of May :L3, 2003
a. Endorsing Congressman Frank Wolf's efforts to enhance safety
at Leesburg Executive Airport.
Mayor Umstattd reported that Councilmember Bob Zoldos, Stanley
Caulkins, Steve Hutchens, Dan Moats, Doug McNeeley and Tom Toth joined
her in a meeting with Congressman Wolf last week to ask for improvements
at the airport, including an ILS. Further, she stated ].T. Griffen, of
Congressman Wolf's staff, recommended that Council pass a resolution to
support the Congressman's efforts.
b. Tnitiating amendments to the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance
Section :L2.8.5 Modification of Screening and Buffer-Yard
Requirements.
Brian Boucher stated staff is looking for clear direction on this issue.
He stated if approved by Council, this amendment would go through the
public hearing process to allow for public comment before final approval.
Mark Nelis asked that this amendment be initiated stating that Council
should have the ability to modify the buffers.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the purpose of the special exception
process is to impose buffer requirements that exceed those outlined in the
Zoning Ordinance as opposed to decreasing them.
2. FAA Flight Standards presentation regarding Leesburg aircraft
accidents (Barry Barbini)
Mr. Barbini outlined the function of the Flight Standards District Office of the
FAA and the services they provide to local airports including certification,
surveillance, investigation and public assistance. He stated the office is comprised of
aviation inspectors for airworthiness, avionics, cabin safety and operations. Further,
he outlined the various responsibilities that his office takes in the event of an
accident which include the functions of the FAA facility or non-FAA facilities involved,
the air worthiness of the plane, competence of the airman, whether Federal Aviation
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Paqe 2
Regulation change is needed, whether airport is properly certified, if there was any
sort of security breech, whether airman met the proper medical qualifications or
whether there was a Federal Aviation Regulation violation.
Councilmember Schmidt thanked Mr. Barbini for his presentation stating it
was very helpful.
Councilmember Martinez stated this presentation should bring assurance that
someone is ensuring that the proper standards are met. He further stated although
accidents do occur, aviation is very safe.
Mayor Umstattd asked if data exists which would show a correlation between
the flight experience of pilots and accidents?
Mr. Barbini stated that data has been compiled and can be found on the web.
Further, Mayor Umstattd asked the feasibility of persuading Congress to
change a Federal Aviation Regulation to require increased flight experience before
landing at night or in bad weather and how to go about doing that?
Mr. Barbini recommended contacting the Flight Standards District Office.
3. Economic Impact Study for Leesburg Executive Airport (3im Bland, VA
Department of Aviation)
Doug McNeeley stated the Virginia Department of Aviation is here to present
the results of their Economic Impact Study for the Leesburg Executive Airport.
Further, he recognized General .lim Nitz, Region III Representative to the Virginia
Aviation Board. He introduced ~lim Bland of the Virginia Department of Aviation and
Angela .lamison of HNTB who prepared the report.
Mr. Bland stated he has managed the Airport Services Division of the
Department of Aviation for 29 years. He stated this is the 4th economic impact study
since 1986. Further, he stated the report is intended to provide an idea as to what
the airport means to the community in terms of direct and indirect revenues.
Mr. Bland stated the :1986 statewide impact was 4.4 billion dollars, the 1990
study showed an impact of 6.4 billion dollars and the :1995 study showed a statewide
economic impact of 13.9 billion dollars. He stated this study, which will be
completed in August, was 90 percent funded by the FAA and conducted by HNTB.
Ms. Angela .lamison stated surveys such as this are conducted on a continual
basis around the country. She outlined the different forms of economic impact that
the airports have on their community, such as on-airport impact such as jobs at the
airport, off-airport such as visitor spending, spin-off impact such as suppliers of
goods and services, and air dependent businesses.
Ms..lamison stated six different surveys were conducted to gather the
information and outlined each type of economic impact for the Leesburg Executive
Airport. The on-airport study showed that there are 257 jobs dependent on the
airport with a payroll of $8.53 million and $16 million in economic activity. The off-
airport study, or visitor spending, showed there are, on average, 3 1/4 visitors per
aircraft and that each person spends and average of $133.00 per trip which results
in 105 jobs, $2 million in payroll and $ 5 million in economic activity. The spin-off
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page 3
impact results in 255 jobs, $6.6 million in payroll and $18.94 million in economic
impact for the Loudoun and Fairfax County area. The airport dependent survey
showed that 1,200 jobs, from various businesses not at the airport, in the area are
directly dependent on the airport.
Councilmember Kramer asked the direct impact to the town?
Councilmember Zoldos stated without the airport, there would be no spin-
off revenue regardless of where the money is going.
Ms..lamison stated the total impact from on and off airport economic activity
is $40.5 million in addition to the airport dependent impact of $176 million. Further
the on-airport impact is specific to Leesburg, but the rest is specific to Loudoun and
Fairfax County. Further, she stated that if you break this information down it
equates to $175,000.00 per aircraft based at the airport and a $480 impact per
operation.
Ms..lamison stated Leesburg is the eighth busiest airport in the state.
Mayor Umstattd asked why the funds per aircraft were so big and the impact
per operation was so small?
Ms..lamison stated the impact per operation is so Iow because of the large
number of operations at the airport. She stated she didn't know the reason for the
high funds per based aircraft.
Mayor Umstattd verified that discounting Reagan National and Dulles,
Leesburg Executive Airport is the eighth busiest airport, but the second busiest
general aviation airport.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the Iow per operation impact could be due in
part to the fact that Leesburg Executive Airport does not charge landing fees and the
fuel prices are more reasonable. He stated it is cheaper to operate out of Leesburg
as opposed to Dulles or National.
Mayor Umstattd asked if it was cheaper to operate out of Manassas or
Winchester?
Ms. Jamison stated she does not have that type of data, however, economic
impacts of the airports could be compared once the final report is released.
Tn conclusion, Ms. ~lamison outlined the valuable services the airport provides
to the community such as recreation, shipping, search and rescue operations and
public safety.
Councilmember Martinez thanked Ms..lamison for her briefing. He
commented on the value of explaining the importance of the airport and the need for
getting visitors to the airport to stay in Leesburg as opposed to traveling outside the
town, He asked if the number of emergency operations were taken into
consideration when working on the ratio for the $480 impact per operation?
Ms..lamison stated that was not taken into consideration.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page 4
Councilmember Martinez verified the margin of error is four percent.
Councilmember Zoldos verified the figure of $40 million in economic impact
was based on 200! figures; therefore, the revenues may be higher now.
4. Wilson/Pershing second survey results
Nagi Elsewaissi stated the latest survey was sent out in April. That survey
shows residents requested sidewalks on both sides of the streets, however, he
recommends having the sidewalk only on one side to minimize the impact on the
neighborhood. He stated the need for a 36' road to meet design regulations and to
allow for the sidewalk, curb and gutter and parking on both sides. Further, Loudoun
County Public Schools has five buses that travel into this neighborhood and the extra
width would provide more room for them and emergency vehicles.
Councilmember Schmidt verified the reduction in the sidewalks would result in
a cost savings for the FY04
Councilmember Zoldos and Vice-Mayor .lackson asked to hear from the
citizens who attended the meeting,
Mayor Umstattd verified that Loudoun County Schools are not planning to
discontinue service to these roads because of the width issue.
Frank Ruggles, 10 Wilson Avenue, expressed concern with this project to
widen the road to 36-feet, install 18-inches of curb and gutter and 4-feet of sidewalk
on one side. He stated this would have too great an impact on the residents.
Further, he stated if the improvements are made in this manner many trees and
shrubs would be lost, and the utility poles moved closer to the homes. He asked
that the road only be expanded to 23-feet to save the trees and avoid moving the
poles.
Sarah Chafin., 204 Pershing Avenue, read the following petition into the
record;
We the undersigned residents of Pershing Ave, N.W. Leesburg, Virginia, would
consider supporting the Wilson Avenue and Pershing Avenue improvements project if
the street width on Pershing Avenue N.W. was changed from the currently proposed
36-foot width to a 30-foot width. The most recent resident survey of April 9, 2003
from the Dept. of Engineering and the Public Works did not give residents this
option, despite repeated requests from Pershing Avenue residents at meetings, etc.,
for them to do so.
The 1997 Town Plan for Leesburg Virginia, pg. 7-3, states that the Fairview
Subdivision is to be considered as a part of the Conservation District. To quote from
the Town Plan, "Leesburg has a number of older neighborhoods with a distinct sense
of place." With the consideration that Pershing Avenue is part of the Fairview
Subdivision and part of a Conservation District, we request that the street width
requirement of 36-feet be waived to a 30-foot width. Recently, such areas as the
Lowenbach Subdivision (which is part of the Conservation District), have received
this variance from the Town Council. The current Engineering Department plan for
Pershing Avenue waives the 36-foot width requirement down to 30-feet for the
entrance area from Market Street onto Pershing Avenue and for 280-feet north on
Pershing.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page S
Therefore, the entrance width and 280-feet further down Pershing will be
narrower than the rest of the street. This was done to preserve the stonewall on
town property near the entrance of Pershing. Residents of the street feel that if the
stonewall can receive a variance, so should the rest of Pershing, so that the street
will be of consistent uniform width. Variance on street width have been given by the
Town Council to other streets in Leesburg with similar amounts of traffic as Pershing
with no apparent problems for traffic flow, etc.
Additionally, the Engineering Department has stated it will not bury existing
power lines on Pershing, yet a representative from Dominion VA Power Co. stated
during a meeting with a resident that the power line poles will have to be moved
further onto personal property to accommodate the 36-foot width proposed.
Because the tree roots on the property of these residents extend further into the
street and because their trees branches will need to be trimmed to accommodate the
power line poles being moved further into their yards, the trees will adversely be
affected. An arborist, whom a resident consulted, stated that if roots and limbs were
cut at the same time or too close together, the tree would die.
The Dominion VA Power representative also stated that there would probably
need to be more poles on both sides of the street in order to update the lines. These
lines will show more when trees are cut down or die within a few years.
We request these power lines be buried while the street is under construction
for the project. We asked Mr. Nagi Elsewaissi to do this. He stated estimates he
received concerning this were too expensive and that the town would not do it. We
requested a copy of the estimates to verify the cost. We have not received them.
We request the Council investigate outside funding for the burial of power lines on
Pershing (as was done on Fairview St.). :If the street is scaled back to 30" as we are
petitioning, the money saved could be used to bury the power lines along Pershing
Avenue.
We petition to have a meeting with the Department of Engineering at which
we would request full disclosure on project topics such as when the project on
Pershing Avenue will begin, who will perform the construction work, and who the on-
site project mangers will be.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he would be happy to scale the project back to
a sidewalk on one side.
Mayor Umstattd stated the Council would look into the issue regarding
burying the power lines.
Mr. Elsewaissi stated it would cost approximately $750,000.00 to bury the
utility lines.
Ken Bently, 12 Wilson Avenue, thanked Council for re-issuing the survey.
Further, he stated his support of Mr. Ruggles' comments and imposing a 36-foot
road on this neighborhood is outlandish. Further, he stated parking on both sides of
the road is important because of the many residents and the church on Pershing.
Richard Freeman, 114 Wilson Avenue, stated he was surprised that the plan
for sidewalks on both sides had been changed. He stated sidewalks are key to keep
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page 6
children from playing in the street. Further, he stated that his next-door neighbor is
handicapped and would greatly benefit from a sidewalk.
Robert Farris, 202 Pershing Avenue, stated a 36-foot road is key to providing
improved ingress and egress for buses and emergency vehicles, which currently are
forced to back out of the street.
Peggy Saunders, 214 Pershing Avenue, stated her continued frustration with
the school system that does not want to bring the special needs bus down Pershing
Avenue to pick up her son. Further, she stated that the bus does not back down the
street, but she has to assist the bus driver with turning the bus around in the cul-de-
sac.
Earl Green, 105 Wilson Avenue, stated the need for a 36-foot road with
sidewalks on both sides, so residents do not have to walk in the street.
Ann Dunn., 22 Pershing Avenue, stated her concern with the removal of the
hill on Pershing Avenue. She stated this hill serves as a traffic-calming instrument.
Robert Spinks, 102 Pershing Avenue, asked that Council proceed according
with the results of the original survey.
Cathy Kennan, 21 Pershing Avenue, stated if the road were widened to 36-
feet, Council would need to bury the utility lines in order to reduce the impact on
more trees.
Ms. Chafin addressed Council again stating that even if the road were
widened to 36-feet a fire truck or school bus would not have the ability to turn
around.
Mr. Rugclles addressed Council again stating he is not opposed to urban
planning, rather he would like to preserve the look and feel of the neighborhood
Further, he stated that buses and emergency vehicles could use the alleys to
maneuver around the neighborhood.
Ms. Anna Kinney, 203 Pershing Avenue, stated only 50% of affected residents
responded to the second survey. She suggested looking at the results of the first
survey and using those results to determine the vote for the people who didn't
respond the second survey.
Mr. Farris addressed Council again stating emergency vehicles can't
transverse the alleys because of their narrow width. He reiterated his feelings that a
30-foot road would not facilitate easy ingress and egress for these vehicles.
Mr. Michael Cummincls, 101 Wilson Avenue, stated buses used the alleys in
the neighborhood to get from one street to another until one of them damaged his
wife's truck.
Vice-Mayor .lackson asked if the road were widened to 30-feet would the town
need a 10-foot easement to bury the utilities lines?
Mr. Elsewaissi stated that would have to be engineered before he could
provide an answer.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page ?
Councilmember Zoldos asked Mr. Elsewaissi if a 30-foot road with sidewalks
and parking on both sides would fit in the community?
Mr. Elsewaissi stated it would fit, but he would not recommend it because it
would go against the recommendations outlined in the Design and Construction
Standards Manual (DCSM).
Vice-Mayor .lackson verified that even if the town goes against the
recommendations in the DCSM; we will still receive payments from the Virginia
Department of Transportation as long as we meet their minimum requirements.
Mayor Umstattd asked the width of Fox Ridge Drive?
Mr. Elsewaissi stated he would have to check the width. Further, he stated
there are 30-foot wide streets within the town; however, those streets are not as
densely populated as Wilson and Pershing Avenues.
5. Awarding the refuse and recycling contract
Tom Mason stated the bids for this project are in and recommended awarding
the contract and four additive items to Con-serve l~ndustries (CS:[) in the amount of
$1,887,123.00. He stated staff is recommending the contract be awarded for one
year with the option to renew for up to four additional one-year periods.
Mr. Mason introduced Mr. Larry Hall and Mr. Steve Epstine of CS:[. Further,
he stated the cost of the contract is well within the amount budgeted for FY2004 and
the firm is located in Loudoun County.
Councilmember Schmidt asked if there is a provision within the contract that
the Town would pay more as new homes are brought in to service?
Mr. Mason stated the number of new homes would be revaluated each month
and additional costs added.
Councilmember Zoldos verified that CS:[ would provide the same level of
service as our current contractor. Further, he verified the cost is approximately
$15.25 per household per month.
Councilmember Martinez stated there have been questions in the past
regarding auditing the recycling to ensure that it is handled properly. He asked if the
contractor would be willing to share their documents showing the disposition of the
recyclables?
Mr. Hall stated such statistics could be provided on a monthly, quarterly and
annual basis.
Vice-Mayor Jackson stated his hopes that CS:[ will provide a better level of
service than what is being provided by the current contractor.
Mr. Mason stated he would supply the contractor with information regarding
past problems in hopes of correcting them.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page 8
Councilmember Zoldos also verified that CS:[ would be using new, compactor-
type trucks with flashing lights for this contract.
Councilmember Kramer asked if staff had been coordinating with the
Environmental Advisory Commission?
Mr. Mason stated a copy of his recommendation was sent to the commission,
but he had not received a response.
6. Fiscal Year 2004-2008 Capital Improvements Program
Mike Freda stated Council asked that staff look at the CIP to make it
manageable within the funding and staff resources. Consequently 12 projects have
been moved to the appendix, the pay-as-you go funding has been shifted to bond
financing and some projects out of the Fiscal Year 2005 category have been shifted
to the Fiscal Year 06 and 07 categories.
Further, most of the projects moved to the appendix are parks projects,
which include Ida Lee Trail, Phase III, Catoctin Circle Trail, Royal Street and East
Market. Also, some of the projects proposed for Fiscal Year 2003 and 2004 were
moved as well to make room for some of the backlog projects.
Mr. Freda provided a summary of projects and the funding sources. He also
outlined the bond-financing outlook for Fiscal Years 2005-2008.
Councilmember Schmidt stated this is a step in the right direction and
verified the previously funded items have already been funded through other sources
and General Fund items will require a transfer of approximately $55,000.
Councilmember Zoldos verified the Catoctin Circle Trail project, which was
moved to the appendix, is in addition to the first phase of the project which received
grant funds and will be completed by the end of the year.
Further, Councilmember Zoldos verified that this C:[P proposal could
be funded under the 22-cent real estate tax rate.
Vice-Mayor .lackson stated he would have to carefully consider any additional
bond funding since the Town is starting Fiscal Year 2004 with a shortfall.
Mr. Freda stated fiscal year 2005 would be a tough year, but Fiscal Years
2006 and 2007 should improve.
7. 3rd Quarter Financial Report
Mr. Freda stated the General Fund is at approximately 68% for expenditures;
however, the one item of concern is the Streets Division could have an overrun
because of snow removal efforts. The Utilities Department is at 71%, which is a little
above the three quarter mark, and is also related to snow removal.
Regarding revenues, Mr. Freda stated the General Fund is at about 63% ,
which is about the same as last year. The 2002 audit showed a $500,000 shortfall
and we are projected to have about the same this year. The Utilities Fund is at 84%
and the Airport Fund is at 71%.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page 9
Councilmember Zoldos asked Mr. Noe if there would be any reductions in the
Fiscal Year 2003 budget to meet any of the shortfalls that may occur?
Mr. Noe stated there have already been reductions to the FY03 budget to
allow the year to end with a :~0% fund balance and a small deficit. Further, the FY04
budget has been reduced beyond what is prudent and there may be implications to
reducing it any further.
8. Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company debt of $386,882 (Vice-Mayor
Jackson)
Vice-Mayor .lackson stated Council has received a letter from the fire
company asking the Town to forgive the debt. Further, their fundraising efforts have
not been as profitable as in past years and they need to expand their facility.
Mr. Noe stated he would like to provide a report to Council, which will give a
comprehensive history of this issue.
Councilmembers Schmidt and Martinez agreed to wait for Mr. Noe's report.
Councilmember Zoldos asked that an audit be done to see where they are
financially and if they would be willing to accept the debt relief in lieu of the town's
annual contribution to them.
Councilmember Buttery stated he would like to see Mr. Noe's report and
would like to consider Councilmember Zoldos' suggestion.
9. BLA for Fire/Rescue site at Shellhorn and O'Connor School Site (no
material)
Mayor Umstattd stated the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors has
suggested that the Mayor propose that the fire and rescue site at Shellhorn be
brought into the town by a boundary line adjustment. As part of that, the
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors would recommend to the board that the
provision of the O'Connor school site, along with the $300,000, would take care of all
obligations under the annexation agreement of the 80's.
Councilmember Schmidt stated there might be some things missing and
expressed his apprehension with going forward without seeing what is happening in
other areas. Further, he asked staff for an official position on whether or not the
town owes the county another school site.
Councilmember Martinez stated his belief is that this obligation has already
been met. Further, he asked if the Veteran's Park issue has already been taken care
of, and if not, could it be made part of this agreement?
Mayor Umstattd stated tying other issues into this could make it more
complicated.
Councilmember Zoldos stated his concern with assuming the county agrees
that the town has met its final school obligation. Further, he stated the town should
not extend water to the fire and rescue site or the O'Connor site until there is some
written statement that we have met our obligation for the final school site. Further,
he asked Mr. Donnelly to comment on this issue.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page ]0
Mr. Donnelly stated the Council passed a resolution directing the Mayor to
write a letter to the Board of Supervisors asking them to acknowledge the position
that the Council has taken, that the $300,000 will satisfy all of our obligations. He
stated there are details to work out such as the 92-acre tract, which lies between the
town boundary and the fire and rescue site, which already has water and sewer
extended to it, would not be brought in as part of this agreement. Further, he stated
the County has tapped into the town lines, which run out there, and the state of that
connection is questionable.
Further, Mr. Donnelly stated he would like to see a water tank site on the
Shellhorn property as part of the agreement.
Mr. Noe stated his sense is that the town ignored the portion of the AADAP
agreement, which said that school sites would be brought on according to the
population of the children in Leesburg. Instead, the town has bought school site on
whenever the County has requested. The town has not met the requirement in terms
of the numbers of school children before the town had to produce a site.
Further, Mr. Noe stated there are some very sticky issues involved with
extending water and sewer to the fire and rescue site. The county add-ons to our
water lines do not meet the town's standards.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the master plan for the Lower Sycolin water
and sewer should be followed including a water tank site on the Shellhorn property.
Further, he stated his feelings that the county wants to move their entire facility to
the Shellhorn property and that is why they would like water and sewer extended.
Mr. Noe stated the town staff has reviewed and approved a plan from the
county in the last month for the Loudoun County Sanitation Authority to have some
facilities in the area south of the Urban Growth Area.
Mayor Umstattd stated she would not like to tie up the fire and rescue issue
with too many other issues, because it is a public safety issue.
Mr. Donnelly stated the issues regarding a boundary line adjustment for the
burn building and whether or not the $300,000 contribution meets the AADP
requirement warrant further staff discussion.
Councilmember Buttery stated he would like copies of previous resolutions
and the projected costs associated with the extension of water and sewer to the fire
and rescue site.
Mr. Donnelly stated his understanding is that the extension of water and
sewer would be at the county's expense.
Councilmember Zoldos stated the county would not shut down the current
burn building until the new one is built.
Councilmember Kramer stated the issue of extending water and the issue of
the school sites should remain separate.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page 1!
10. Annexation Committee (Councilmember Martinez)
Councilmember Martinez stated the annexation committee has been inactive,
therefore, he does not see the benefit of continuing with it. Further it is his opinion
that the county has no confidence in the current committee given past
communications. He suggested if Council decides to continue with the committee
that the make-up of the committee be changed in order to facilitate future
discussions.
Councilmember Schmidt stated his support for continuing the committee and
stated he would be happy to serve as a member.
Councilmember Zoldos agreed with Councilmember Schmidt stating he has no
plans to resign as chair. Concerning the lack of activity, he stated he was waiting for
the outcome of the private landowner's litigation with the county.
Councilmember Buttery stated there is no reason to end the committee
because there is still movement in this area. Further, he asked Councilmember
Martinez to reconsider his resignation.
Mayor Umstattd stated Councilmember Martinez's resignation would have to
be put on the agenda for a vote.
Councilmember Martinez stated he would reconsider his resignation.
Councilmember Zoldos questioned the validity of voting on the resignation
when he, as chairman, has already accepted Councilmember Martinez's resignation.
Mayor Umstattd stated Council would need to accept the resignation because
Councilmember Martinez was appointed by Council.
11.
Preview items for May 27, 2003 Worksession
a. SE-2002-08, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 W.
Market Street - Public Hearing.
There was no discussion on this item.
SE-2002, South King Street Day Care Center at the Park -
818 S. King Street - Public Hearing.
There was no discussion on this item.
New Business
a. Supporting the special exception sought by the Loudoun Jewish
Congregation.
Mayor Umstattd stated the property is located outside the town limits on
Evergreen Mill Road across from Heritage High School. Further, she stated the
congregation has been caught between the old and the new county zoning
ordinances.
Mayor Umstattd stated this is a by-right use under the old and new county
ordinances, however, the county ordinance now requires 10-acres be provided and
the congregation currently has 9.7-acres.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page 12
Sally Gillette outlined the application and stated this building would be an
asset to the town, not only because of convenience for residents, but also because of
its architectural attributes.
Vice-Mayor Jackson asked the difference in the set back requirements?
Ms. Gillette stated the front yard would require a 173-foot variance, which
would have been within the old zoning ordinance requirements.
Mayor Umstattd verified the site was purchased by Mr. Uran for the
congregation to build on and there are some time constraints associated with the
donation.
Vice-Mayor .lackson stated in order to vote on this he would like to see the
variances.
Ms. Gillette outlined the performance standards required and their special
exception proposal. She stated when the new regulations are imposed it leaves an
area of less than 4,000 square feet to build on.
Councilmember Schmidt asked Susan Swift if Council would be setting a
precedent by approving this.
Ms. Swift stated this is regarding county regulations, therefore, would not
reflect on the town's regulations.
Councilmember Kramer stated it has been a very difficult road for the
congregation to get to this point.
Mr. Noe asked for the ultimate width plan for this section of Evergreen Mill
Road.
Tom Mason stated that section would ultimately be widened to four lanes
requiring a 60-foot easement on each side.
Ms. Gillette stated the 60-foot easement had been considered in the
calculations for the front set back.
Mr. Donnelly verified the county planning commission is recommending
approval of this application. He asked that Council be provided with a copy of the
county staff report.
Mayor Umstattd asked that the resolution be revised to reflect the staff
report. Further, she stated this would come up tomorrow night under new business
and expressed her support.
b, Gilcorp appointments
Mr. Donnelly stated in connection with the refinancing of the County
Government Center and the issuance of new bonds, the Gilcorp Board of Director's
needs to be reappointed in order to finalize the county refinancing. Gilcorp will then
be dissolved and the TDA will issue its bonds.
Town Council Worksession Minutes for May 12, 2003 Page
He stated a resolution would be prepared for tomorrow night to reappoint
Georgia Bange, Stanley Caulkins and Frank Raflo as three of the board of directors.
Councilmember Schmidt asked if it was intentional that the Town did not
reappoint the members?
Mr. Donnelly stated the directors of Gilcorp, which was just set up to finance
the County Government Center, had a provision in their by-laws that the town was to
appoint the board of directors. For whatever reason, the required yearly meetings
were not kept up and the terms of the directors have expired. Further, the by-laws
stated lapsed terms of the members would have to be re-appointed by a judge.
Councilmember Zoldos stated as per the regulations adopted any new
business items will have to be voted on by Council.
Councilmember Martinez stated he would not be in attendance tomorrow
night.
The meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m.
2003_tcwsrnin0512.doc