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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003_05_27Council Work Session May 27, 2003 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Councilmembers Present: Frank Buttery, Hervin Jackson, Melinda Kramer, Marry Martinez, David Schmidt, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd. Councilmembers Absent: None Staff Members Present: Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Town Attorney Bill Donnelly, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Chief of Police 3oe Price, Director of Finance Paul York, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, Budget/Management Officer Mike Freda, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Planner Nancy Kitchens, and Clerk of Council .ludy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Zoldos commented that he would be introducing options for a town flag at the end of tonight's agenda, Agenda for Council Meeting of May 28, 2003 a. Supporting the Loudoun Hospital's Expansion at the Cornwall Campus David Goldberg was present from Loudoun Hospital asking Council for support of their efforts to revitalize the Cornwall Street Center. b. Adopting the Fiscal Years 2004-2008 Capital Tmprovement Program in the amount of $98,435,768. Mike Freda advised Council that a resolution has been prepared in accordance with their requests from the last meeting. Councilmember Schmidt asked if the CIP project sheets could show which projects receive outside funding? c. Ratifying an agreement between the Town of Leesburg and Leesburg Moose Lodge No. 1041 to purchase 3.5585 acres of land adjacent to Leesburg Executive Airport for $275,000. Bill Donnelly stated the Town has negotiated to buy the property on the eastern portion adjacent to the airport property. This purchase will allow the construction of perimeter fencing outside the protected space near the runway and to prevent the encroachment of development near the airport. He stated the purchase price is $275,000, $269,500 of which is eligible for reimbursement to the town through federal and state grants. Funding is available for the town's portion of $5,500. Councilmember Zoldos expressed displeasure with the Town Manager signing the contract prior to Council ratification. Also, Councilmember Zoldos clarified that this would allow expansion of the runway up to 500 feet. Town Council Work Session Minutes for May 27, 2003 Paqe 2, 2. All-way stop signs at North and Wirt Streets - Residential Traffic Committee recommendation Liz Whiting, Chairman of the Residential Traffic Committee, addressed Council stating that requests have arisen several times for stop signs at this location. Ms. Whiting stated since the intersection did not clearly qualify for stop signs, it was sent to the committee for evaluation and recommendation to Council. She stated the committee concluded the safety of residents of the area would be enhanced by installation of all-way stops without imposing an unreasonable burden on motor vehicle traffic in the neighborhood. Ms. Whiting added that a resolution supporting all-way stops at this intersection could be prepared if it is Council's desire. Tt was the consensus of Council to vote on this issue at tomorrow night's meeting. Janie Stockton, a resident of the neighborhood, thanked Council for their support on this issue. 3. County commuter park and ride lot at Westpark (3ohn Clark, Loudoun County Transportation) Mr. Clark addressed Council stating the County is in need of another commuter parking lot in Leesburg. They currently are using the Kohl's lot, which provides them with 200 spaces; however, that lease with Kohl's has a 30-day kick out clause. He stated they have contacted the owner of the Westpark Hotel property. Councilmember Schmidt stated this is not a good site because of the traffic impact. Mr. Clark stated stated they believe the area and their proposal they have looked at various locations outside the town. He Westpark location will improve the traffic situation in that is for a 10-year lease. Councilmember IVlartinez asked the traffic impact times. IVlr. Clark stated they are 6:00 - 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Councilmember Zoldos stated we need a park and ride site, but Westpark is not the answer. He stated there should be a permanent solution, possibly off the Greenway. Vice-Mayor Jackson verified the Westpark site would need a zoning change and public hearing. Mr. Clark stated B-3 zoning allows this use, but a public hearing would be required for using this site. He stated they would not commit public funds until they have a guarantee that they can use the site for a park and ride. Councilmember Buttery verified the location on the site would be where the hotel currently is situated. Town Council Work Session Minutes for May 27, 2003 Paqe :3 Councilmember Kramer asked if there was space available next to the Home Depot area? Mr. Clark stated that location is cost prohibitive. Councilmember Kramer stated a traffic impact study would be helpful in making a decision. Mr. Clark stated the area wide impact would be for less traffic because it takes traffic off the area roads. Councilmember Martinez suggested working with the Economic Development Commission to find other alternatives, possibly the Oaklawn or Leegate property sites. IVlayor Umstattd agreed it would be advisable to get a recommendation from the EDC. She slated park and ride lots should be on the west or northern borders, but outside the town limits. Councilmember Zoldos stated that a location near the Greenway would be the most desirable. Brian Boucher stated that after staff compared the two proposed options of the area near the S. King Street Food Lion and the Westpark; Westpark is their preference. Councilmember Schmidt stated the EDC wants to be involved and suggested looking at sites in the area of Rt. 659 and Belmont Road. The Mayor asked from where the trips to the park and ride lot would be generated. Mr. Clark stated that a new traffic survey is being prepared that should provide that information. Mayor Umstattd stated the town would expedite the process and provide feedback from the Economic Development Commission and schedule a public hearing if necessary. 4. Gatehouse Network's cable television service at Edwards Landing Bill Donnelly stated he provided Council with a letter from Adelphia Cable objecting to a proposed franchise with Gatehouse Network. A copy of the Adelphia letter has been sent to counsel for Gatehouse and we are awaiting a reply. Mr. Donnelly stated this puts the town in the middle and could lead to possible litigation. He stated he is retaining outside counsel who specializes in cable TV ligitation, and has briefed the Cable Commission. IVlr. Donnelly stated another issue is the fact that Gatehouse has a contract with the Edwards Landing Homeowner's Association to provide cable and broadband Town Council Work Session Minutes for May 27, 2003 Paqe 4 access. The residents of this community pay for this service as part of their HOA dues. Further, Gatehouse has already connected 100 homes in Edwards Landing. He stated that by the next Council meeting he should have a written response from outside counsel and Gatehouse. Councilmember Kramer stated that the HOA could change their decision on which cable company to use. 5. Making an appointment to the Annexation Negotiation Committee (Councilmember Zoldos) Councilmember Zoldos stated that he plans to appoint Dave Schmidt to this committee at the first meeting in ~lune. Councilmember Schmidt stated he is willing to serve. Mayor Umstattd stated the committee could be expanded to any number of members. 5.a. Town Flags Councilmember Zoldos provided a preview of different variations of a town flag. He added that a flag would include the logo inscribed in a significant location on the flag. Councilmember Schmidt stated a flag is an interesting idea and asked if there are any other town flags in Virginia. Mayor Umstattd stated Hampton Roads has one. They selected it through a public process. Councilmember Martinez commented that a flag should be consistent with recommendations by Frazier and Associates regarding the way-finding system and with how we do gateways. Councilmember Buttery commended Councilmember Zoldos for the idea and stated that the public should be a part of the selection process. Further, he suggested getting commissions involved, possibly Balch Library. Councilmember Kramer stated that competition could be overwhelming, but we should get the public involved. She also suggested coordination with the way- finding system. Mayor Umstattd stated we should use the official town motto. Councilmember Schmidt stated the motto is, "where history and progress abide." Preview items for the 3une 9, 2003 worksession a. Health insurance coverage's contract Councilmember Zoldos asked what percentage each employee would be paying for coverage. Town Council Work Session Minutes for May 27, 2003 Paqe 5 Paul York stated the Employee Health Benefits Task Force prepared a RFP for health care coverage. The percentage paid will be determined by the Town Manager. Councilmember Zoldos asked that comparison information with the current plan be provided at the next meeting. Councilmember Martinez asked how the proposal was bid? Paul York stated that a bid was requested identical to what we have and another alternative bid based on copays. He stated that the employee survey indicated a willingness to pay a higher co-pay to retain current coverage levels. New Business Brian Boucher advised Council that the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church had failed to notify adjoining property owners; therefore, the public hearing would have to be postponed. Tt is rescheduled for June 24th, The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. j~l-e-~k of C~uncil