HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003_09_08Council Work Session
September 8, 2003
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Frank Buttery, Mervin .lackson, Melinda Kramer, Marty
Martinez, Robert Zoldos and Mayor Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: David Schmidt
Staff Members Present: Town Manager Bob Noe, Town Attorney William Donnelly,
Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Assistant to the Town
Manager Nicole Ard, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director
of Human Resources Dona Wolf, Chief of Police Joe Price, Director of Economic
Development Betsy Fields, Director of Finance Paul York, Tourism Coordinator
Marantha Edwards, Chief of Current Planning Lee Phillips, Management Intern
Alexandra Shabelski, and Clerk of Council .ludy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
Agenda for Council Meeting of September 9~ 2003
a. Consideration of the Government Support Center/Philip A. Bolen
Memorial Park Master Plan Referral
Susan Swift advised Council that staff comments on this plan were
forwarded to the County. She stated the Board of Supervisors has adopted
the master plan, but Town staff has yet to see a copy to determine whether
any of the staff concerns have been addressed.
Councilmember Zoldos stated issues remain with the site, such as: (1) the
water tank site, (2) water and sewer extension, (3) alignment of Sycolin Road
with Crosstrail Boulevard, and (4) the Boundary Line Adjustment.
2. Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Master Plan - Bob Wright
Mr. Bob Wright presented a video of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility
Master Plan submitted to the Transportation Committee of the Loudoun County
Board of Supervisors. He outlined the steps they propose to put this plan into effect.
Mayor Umstattd asked if Leesburg's Safe-T-Ride program is effective?
Mr. Wright stated he doesn't know, possibly there is a language barrier or we
need to better inform the public.
Vice-Mayor .lackson stated he would ask Loudoun Transit to provide a report
on the number of riders using the service. Further, he stated VDOT would not
provide any funding for the Leesburg Bypass crosswalk, which would cost
approximately $2 million.
Council thanked Mr. Wright and asked that he make his presentation to the
Planning Commission.
Councilmember Buttery asked the status of a project in Purcellville.
Mr. Wright stated it has not been finalized.
Town Council Work Session minutes for September 8, 2003 Page 2
Councilmember Buttery discussed the plan's recommendation for a trail from
Leesburg to Whites Ferry.
Mr. Wright stated VDOT does not want bicycles along Rt. :~5 and Loudoun
County Parks and Recreation is exploring a path along the Potomac.
Councilmember Kramer stated she is interested in promoting the efforts of
the master plan and asked what other towns our size are doing with respect to
pedestrian and bicycle plans.
Further, she asked about the use of roundabouts.
Vice-Mayor Jackson stated the Standing Residential Traffic Committee has
gone to Arlington to look at how they have used roundabouts. The committee is
considering their use for Leesburg.
Councilmember Zoldos stated Council should seriously consider pedestrian
funding in their upcoming budget. Further, he encouraged completion of the
Sidewalk Master Plan.
3. Police Report
Chief of Police Joe Price informed Council of a COPS grant they have received
through Homeland Security for three additional positions for about $225,000.
Chief Price gave a briefing on a malicious wounding at the House of Chicken
on Fort Evans Road and why a press release was not done. He outlined their
reporting processes and steps the department has undertaken to fix the problem.
Further, Chief Price stated the Leesburg Police Department has worked
diligently to reduce or eliminate problems at the Fort Evans Road location.
He provided a definition of gang activity as defined by the Code of Virginia
and the proactive steps taken by the Leesburg Police Department. Also, he provided
statistics on gang cases handled by the Commonwealth's Attorney and alleged gang
activity in the Town of Leesburg.
Councilmember Martinez asked the percentage of people associated with
gangs and whether there has been an increase?
Joe Price stated the Gang Task Force should be able to provide that data.
Councilmember Martinez thanked the Chief for the briefing and stated he has
faith in the police department.
Councilmember Zoldos stated his concern that Council be advised on serious
issues prior to reading it in the newspaper.
Councilmember Kramer stated she is confident in the proactive role that the
police department has taken.
4. 9/11 Recovery Grant Airport Gateway Project - Background & Status
Economic Development Director Betsy Fields stated Loudoun County has
received a $350,000 grant as part of the 9/11 recovery effort.
Town Council Work Session minutes for September 8, 2003 Page 3
She stated Loudoun County has committed 80% of the funding to a
cooperative marketing effort. The remaining 20% ($70,000) was reserved for a local
project. Specifically, one of the goals for this money was to create some permanent
physical improvement.
A project will be undertaken to create a gateway at the Leesburg Executive
Airport and a steering committee will guide the project.
She stated the overall concept of the project is to create a physical tourism
"gateway" at the airport, with a tourism information kiosk or sculpture to welcome
and orient visitors to Leesburg and Loudoun County. A RFQ for the design will be
issued within a month or two.
A task force, consisting of one representative from each of the following
groups: the Leesburg Airport Commission, Leesburg EDC, County EDC, Leesburg
Town Council, the Board of Supervisors, and LCVA, will provide input to the project
and act as liaisons for their individual groups.
Councilmember Zoldos discussed the mock-up fuselage that is being stored at
the airport, stating it is too large for the terminal building. Therefore, he
recommended use of a flight simulator for the gateway project.
Councilmember Martinez volunteered to be the Council representative on the
task force.
5. Annexation Committee Report
Councilmember Zoldos reported on the August 19 meeting of the Annexation
Committee. He stated it is the desire of the committee to reopen annexation talks
with Loudoun County.
Further, he corrected the minutes of the committee meeting to show that
Nike Banzhaf is not part of the committee.
6. FY 2004 Bond Financing
Finance Director Paul York stated we have begun the process of preparing FY
2004 bond financing by declaring our intent to reimburse from the proceeds of this
financing for projects that may incur costs prior to completion of the borrowing.
He stated he would provide Council with legislation at their next regular
meeting.
7. Barber and Ross update
Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift stated a
preliminary development plan has been submitted for Barber and Ross and review
has been expedited.
Ns. Swift stated the plan conflicts with the Transportation Element of the
1997 Town Plan.
She stated the need for traffic studies by the Peterson Companies as the
proposed Barber and Ross building location has created an alignment for Russell
Branch Parkway that is vastly different from that recommended in the Town Plan.
Town Council Work Session minutes for September 8, 2003 Page 4
Lee Phillips clarified that the alignment created by the applicant proposes a
"tee" into Cochran Mill Road. This would force a left turn into the site instead of a
sweeping motion into the site.
Councilmember Zoldos questioned the comment stating the proposed
distance from Route 7 to Russell Branch cannot accommodate a diamond or
cloverleaf interchange.
There was further discussion on the Russell Branch Parkway alignment shown
on a 1990 site plan and as shown in the 1997 Town Plan.
Councilmember Buttery asked that Council be provided more information on
different diamond interchange designs.
Mayor Umstattd asked staff to report on the kind of interchange used at the
Dulles Toll Road and Wiehle Avenue in Reston.
Councilmember Zoldos suggested moving the proposed interchange of Russell
Branch.
Tom Mason stated 1,000 feet is the national standard for a diamond
interchange. He added more information is needed from the applicant to determine
the kind of interchange that can be accommodated on this site.
Mayor Umstattd asked whether we need four-lanes built upfront by the
developer.
Susan Swift stated we could lose the opportunity if we don't get a dedicated
alignment. She added the reason for the "tee" intersection is that VDOT is not
convinced without data to the contrary to construct a diamond interchange.
Mike Banzhaf briefly discussed the history of this property, stating the county
rezoned this property in 1982 and proffered a concept plan. He suggested it would
be helpful for staff to talk with his engineers. Further, he stated a rezoning concept
plan was submitted several years ago that would show the different diamond
interchanges options and trip generations.
8. Annual program for street milling, resurfacing and concrete repairs
Tom Mason outlined the streets for pavement milling, resurfacing and
concrete repairs in the FY 2004 road maintenance program.
He stated Council authorized funding in the FY 2004 budget.
There were no Council comments.
Preview items for September 22, 2003 work session
a. Authorizing the Town Manager to sign Addendum No. 6 with
Campbell & Paris Engineers for professional services for the
Master Plan update and amending the fiscal year 2004 Capital
Improvements Program for this project.
Councilmember Zoldos stated it is critical to get the airport master plan
update completed. The last master plan was completed in 1990. He
Town Council Work Session minutes for September 8, 2003 Page
reminded Council that 98% of the costs of this project are reimbursable
through Federal and State grants.
b. Ordinance to conduct pre-employment fingerprinting
Councilmember Martinez asked the cost of the fingerprint checks.
Human Resource Director Dona Wolf stated the cost is $37 per person.
Councilmember Zoldos suggested waiving the fee.
10. New Business
Councilmember Martinez discussed the dangerous traffic situation at
Evergreen Mill Road and Tolbert Lane. He stated given the number of schools in
the area and sporting events a traffic signal is warranted.
Mayor Umstattd stated it should be included in the CTP.
Tom Mason stated it is not in the C:[P. Further, the last traffic counts at
that intersection didn't warrant a signal.
Councilmember Buttery asked how the standards apply to peak hours?
Tom Mason stated he would have to review the traffic signal standards.
Councilmember Zoldos also voiced concern with safety issues at the
Sycolin and Lawson Road intersection.
Tom Mason stated that an interim capital project is pending for a left turn
lane onto Lawson Road.
On a motion by Councilmember Martinez, seconded by Councilmember
Zoldos, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
2003_tcwsmin0908.doc
/erk of Council