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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003_11_10 Council Work Session November 10, 2003 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Councilmembers Present: Frank Buttery, Mervin Jackson, 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, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathleen Leidich, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Director of Economic Development Betsy Fields, Interim Finance Director John diZerega, Management and Budget Officer Mike Freda, Capital Projects Coordinator Nagi Elsewaissi, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Management Intern Alexandra Shabelski, and Clerk of Council Judy Ahalt. AGENDA ITEMS Open Meeting to discuss Westpark Park and Ride Site Peqqy Coleman. 209 Pathway Court, addressed Council in support of mass transit; however, she asked that sites other than Westpark be considered for a park and ride. Ms. Coleman expressed safety concerns with the site considering the ill proposed South King Street trail and suggested a better use of land to generate revenues. Doug Carver, Clubhouse Drive, addressed Council. Mr. Carver stated he is an industrial hygienist and had concerns with the environmental issue of asbestos at the Westpark site. Tom Soderholm. 12 Royal Street, addressed Council. Mr. Soderholm had concerns with the traffic issues related to the Westpark site. He suggested considering a site west of the Leesburg Airport with a spur to the Greenway. Edward Cavanaugh. 668 Gateway Drive, addressed Council. He stated the last bus leaves Leesburg at 7:35 a.m. and he would like local accessibility to a park and ride. Karl Riedel, 40142 Main Street, Waterford, addressed Council. Mr. Riedel stated he has been a commuter bus rider for four and one-half years. He stated he was neither for nor against the Westpark site, but asked Council to support a park and ride site preferably one with pedestrian and bicycle access. Bill Zawacki. 1107 Rollins Place, asked Council to consider the effect of property tax revenues at the Westpark site. Mr. Zawacki stated he surveyed the current lot and out of the 236 vehicles; 51% were Leesburg residents, 31 % Loudoun County residents, 12% other Virginia jurisdictions, and 6% out of state vehicles. He stated Westpark is not the location for a park and ride and expressed concern for the traffic congestion on South King Street. Town Council work session minutes for November 10, 2003 Page 2 Scott Choinski. 806 Marshall Drive, stated he is in favor of a park and ride site at Westpark. Further, since there are no plans to develop the hotel site it could be used until a site is available closer to the Greenway. He added it would be helpful to see the results of the traffic study. Bob Patterson, 610 Diskin Place, addressed Council. He stated the proposed site would create less traffic than a conference center or shopping mall. Mr. Patterson added that revenue issues should not be in the forefront of Council's decision on this issue. Bob Faber. 315 Edbaugh Drive, addressed Council. He stated he moved to Leesburg because alternate ways to commute to DC were available. He added he is sympathic to the impact but Council should find a way to make it work. Oliver Peters, 1113 Janney Street, addressed Council in opposition to the Westpark site. He stated the town should clearly focus on the traffic impact, as any increase in traffic would be detrimental to South King Street. Peter Hill, 519 Beauregard Drive, addressed Council in support of a park and ride site. He stated Leesburg does not have jobs to support the community, thus needs commuters. Jim Dennison. 502 Country Club Drive, addressed Council, He stated bus transportation is the best alternative for now. He also expressed concerns with traffic and safety stating the problematic Westpark intersection should be improved. Bill McGovern, 105 Rivanna Terrace, addressed Council stating without bus transportation 300 more vehicles would be added to Leesburg traffic. Julie Firr, 1416 Hague Drive, addressed Council stating that mass transit is needed in Leesburg, but Westpark is not the best place for a park and ride. Barbara Bayles-Roberts. 19194 Loudoun Orchard Road, addressed Council stating public transportation is a necessity. She stated the loss of a stop in Leesburg would create an economic impact. She suggested the use of feeder buses. Ann Jones, 1232 Bradfield Drive, addressed Council stating she appreciates the need for mass transit, but the Westpark site has severe drawbacks. John Drury. 621 Beauregard Drive, addressed Council. Mr. Drury stated Westpark is not the only solution. He advocated a permanent site instead of a temporary solution. Steve Loftus. Country Club, addressed Council stating that most of the commuters are already coming from the southwest and most folks are on a bus leaving Leesburg before 7 a.m. Michael DeMonte addressed Council stating the 300 cars daily will grow. He stated the southwest traffic is becoming unbearable and adding one more vehicle would be irresponsible. Town Council work session minutes for November 10. 2003 Page 3 Kevin Wright stated this would be a great deal for the Westpark owners. He expressed concern with the unfair position that Loudoun County has put the town in stating the county should be considering a long-term solution. Corby Riley addressed Council stating the county needs a long-term solution and questioned where they plan to park vehicles when the lot is full. Bill Michel stated commuter buses are the best solution, but Westpark is a bad choice for a park and ride site. Jim Bramer stated he is a commuter bus rider and supports the Westpark site. Planning Director Susan Swift gave an overview of the Westpark site. She stated the B-3 zoning on this site would only allow a park and ride with a rezoning. She stated staff has provided the county with alternate sites, such as Stratford north of Leesburg Airport, the Elm Street project behind Food Lion, and the proposed Route 7 interchanges at Battlefield Parkway and Rivercreek Parkway /Crosstrails Boulevard. Further, town staff has numerous unanswered questions concerning timing and funding with reference to the county's plan for a park and ride site so that other sites may be add ressed. Councilmember Schmidt asked whether the county has investigated the Route 7 East option at Leesburg Commons? Ms. Swift stated we have provided property owners and plans in process for the Route 7 interchange site as well as ownership knowledge for other parcels. Councilmember Zoldos stated the cloverleaf area of the northeast quadrant should provide plenty of access to Route 7. He stated Council supports mass transit and the commuter bus service, but the best solution for the future is a permanent park and ride site. Vice Mayor Jackson stated there is interest in the K-mart site and the county would possibly have to vacate those premises within 60 days. He stated the county should look for a permanent park and ride site even though Westpark is the least expensive option for the county in the interim. Councilmember Buttery stated he would like to hear from the county and verify that a rezoning application has not been submitted on the Westpark site. Ms. Swift stated staff first met with the county a year ago on potential sites. Councilmember Buttery stated he supports a commuter bus site but this issue is interrelated to regional traffic issues. He suggested a meeting with all regional officials to discuss traffic issues for the area. Town Council work session minutes for November 10. 2003 Page 4 Councilmember Kramer stated Council asked the county several months ago to look at other options, as an effective long-term solution that is in the best interest of the Town of Leesburg is needed. She stated Council has been consistent in asking the county to look at other sites, preferably at Battlefield Parkway and the Greenway or E. Market Street. John Clark. Loudoun County Transportation, addressed Council. He gave a chronological accounting of their site selection process, which began in summer 2002, for a park and ride site. He stated they met with town staff in April 2003 to discuss the Westpark and Food Lion sites. Town staff provided the county detailed comments in which they stated Westpark was the better of the two sites. From that pOint on they focused on the Westpark site. Mr. Clark stated traffic was the major issue at a public meeting held by Loudoun County in the southwest neighborhood. Further, an RFP has been issued for a traffic study of the Westpark area. He stated the county would at least take care of the traffic, which a commuter parking lot would contribute to the intersection, and make more significant improvements if possible. He stated the town has asked the county to look at the intersection of Tolbert Lane and Evergreen Mill Road because of significant congestion caused by school traffic. Mr. Clark stated they are at a point in their site selection process that given the nine-month lease at the K-Mart site, there isn't time to have another site in place. He stated their choice for a permanent site is in the vicinity of Battlefield Parkway and the Greenway which should happen within 10 years or when the intersection is built by the Greenway. Councilmember Schmidt asked about the Route 7 East option? Mr. Clark stated the county has not contacted the owner of that site. He added that the site of the future interchange of Battlefield Parkway in the vicinity of the new Giant Food is an outstanding suggestion. However, the cost of constructing the storm water management pond is prohibitive. Councilmember Schmidt stated the change to a diamond interchange on Route 7 would allow room for a park and ride. He suggested that the county contact the developer to pursue this option. Councilmember Martinez verified the $5 million in funds is solely for the Leesburg site. Mr. Clark stated that funding is for the acquisition of a permanent site. Councilmember Martinez asked the status of the site behind the Food Lion, Oaklawn, and the area of Crosstrails Boulevard. Town Council work session minutes for November 10, 2003 Page 5 Mr. Clark stated those sites have been considered, but they are not owned by either the town or county. sites. Councilmember Zoldos suggested considering the Loudoun County Schools Councilmember Zoldos asked Mr. Clark to look again at all sites and work closely with town staff for a solution. Vice Mayor Jackson verified that finances were not the issue at the Costco site. Councilmember Buttery clarified with Mr. Clark that two acres is the minimum needed. Mr. Clark stated that a ten-year period would allow for an interchange at Battlefield and Greenway and the willingness of the Westpark property owner to only lease the site for 10 years would work well for them. Mr. Clark stated several criteria that have to be met before the interchange can be built. Councilmember Buttery asked if Mr. Clark has talked with the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors regarding expediting the Battlefield/Greenway interchange. Mr. Clark stated he has not, adding that the county is working with the town on Sycolin Road traffic issues. Councilmember Buttery asked what kind of assurances would the town get for mitigation of traffic at the Westpark site? Mr. Clark stated they would complete the traffic study and return to Council with the results and solutions. Councilmember Kramer commented that Council has clearly stated that other options should be considered. She asked that the county work more closely with Susan Swift to find an acceptable site for the park and ride lot and follow up with other property owners. Mr. Clark stated they would work further with town staff concerning these issues. Councilmember Martinez verified the scope of the traffic study only includes the Westpark intersection. Councilmember Schmidt stated he is still open to the Westpark option, but he would like to see support from the neighbors as well as the riders. He suggested two smaller sites as an option. He added the county is going to have to be more flexible; stating that it has been very difficult for the town to help. Town Council work session minutes for November 10, 2003 Paoe 6 Councilmember Zoldos talked about intersection improvements at the Route 15 and Clubhouse Drive and the statement that the county would be willing to make significant improvements. Mr. Clark stated they only have a small amount of funding for site access improvements. Town Attorney Bill Donnelly clarified the county's position regarding the future interchanges at Battlefield Parkway and Route 7 and Crosstrails Boulevard and Route 7. He said that financial concerns are not the prime concern and thus far the owners have not indicated their willingness to make a deal. He added the power of eminent domain is an option. Mr. Clark stated he would not want to interfere with the economic viability of those sites and as they are not the desirable alternate locations because of land acquisition costs and lack of accessibility to the Greenway. Mayor Umstattd stated the county and town have not done the best job on communicating information the each other. She added the Oaklawn at Stratford rezoning would provide access on Tolbert Lane both coming from the west and east to access the Greenway. Also, the Oaklawn developer is willing to provide an exit ramp coming off the Greenway. Secondly, the Battlefield/Rt. 7 interchange areas where the cloverleaf is going to be eliminated could be a viable short-term solution and the Frances Hazel Reid site adjacent to the bypass has approximately 10 acres. Mayor Umstattd asked if any other citizens would like to speak. Mike Lyce, Westpark Golf Course professional, addressed Council. He stated commuters already use the Westpark intersection and there may not be a significant increase in traffic with a park and ride. Gail Oatley, 213 Lawford Drive, addressed Council. She stated traffic has increased significantly within the past six years. She encouraged the expeditious completion of Battlefield Parkway. She added that improved timing of traffic lights on South King Street could help. Further, Westpark is an excellent location geographically, but there are traffic concerns. Councilmember Schmidt asked that weekend parking at Freedom Park be added to the end of the agenda. 1. Making an appointment to the 9/11 Recovery EDA Grant-funded Airport Gateway Project Economic Development Director Betsy Fields stated staff has met with the airport working group, which had concerns related to the scale of the physical gateway. Her recommendation is to proceed with the RFQ as drafted with a condition that the contract for key elements could be awarded in whole or part. Councilmember Zoldos stated approximately $18,000 remains for this project. Town Council work session minutes for November 10. 2003 Page 7 Cindi Martin stated the committee is working to revise the scope of the project to get the maximum for our dollars. Airport Commission Chairman, Steve Axeman stated the Airport Commission has concerns with whether this will be a significant gateway and what control the town would have. Ms. Fields stated the RFQ is for design and installation and nothing will be installed without town approval. Councilmember Zoldos commented the Airport Working Group's thought about utilizing the grant monies in a more lucrative manner; for example, matching funds from the federal and state governments. Ms. Fields stated the monies are somewhat restricted and she believes we could only use the funds for what the grant states. Christina Wynn with Loudoun County Tourism said the RFQ is for design and installation and the intent is for development of a legacy project. Councilmember Schmidt asked for a clarification on what the grant can be used for? Ms. Wynn said the emphasis is on a gateway project and that an extension has recently been requested. She added a change to the scope of work might affect the extension request. There was a consensus of Council to move forward with the project. 2. Agenda for Council Meeting of November 12, 2003 a. Making an appointment to the 9/11 Recovery EDA Grant - Funded Airport Gateway Project Councilmember Zoldos stated he volunteered for the Technical Advisory Work Group dealing with the Airport Master Plan. Councilmember Martinez stated he is willing to accept the appointment. b. Authorizing a one-year contract with Davenport & Company, LLC on an emergency basis for cash flow management and additional general financial advisory services. Interim Director of Finance John diZerega made a recommendation to authorize a financial advisor contract for a period of one year. Council member Schmidt asked if the Town Attorney concurs with this approach? Bill Donnelly stated he and Kathy Elgin concur that the contract be awarded on an emergency basis, as the town needs immediate help for professional financial advisory services and cash flow management. Councilmember Zoldos asked the dollar amount of the current contract? Town Council work session minutes for November 10, 2003 Paqe 8 Mr. diZerega stated we currently have an hourly contract with Davenport. Mr. Donnelly stated in the past we have done cash management in- house. In the proposed contract this service will be on an hourly basis not to exceed $30,000. The other services previously provided by this company have been for bond services, which were a fixed fee. David Rose, Davenport & Company, stated on average they have provided about $25,000 - $30,000 in services over the past five years. Councilmember Zoldos suggested we contract on a month-to-month basis and competitively bid for services. John diZerega stated we can kick out of this contract at anytime and we will go through the contractual process with the exception of cash management services. The proposed contract consists of $10,000 to set up procedures and $20,000 for investment services throughout the year. Councilmember Zoldos clarified there are no out of pocket charges with this contract. Councilmember Buttery verified the contract will not exceed $30,000 and does not include out of pocket expense. c. Adopting a 2004 Legislative Program Mayor Umstattd suggested putting the transportation issues first. Councilmember Schmidt asked to add the recent resolution regarding the widening of I-66. Councilmember Zoldos suggested adding state funding for a park and ride facility. Councilmember Martinez suggested moving shared income tax revenue up on the list. 3. School site - Loudoun County School Board Bob Noe stated that Sam Adamo, Loudoun County School Board representative, has requested to defer this item. 4. Harrison Street sidewalk design recommendation Nagi Elsewaissi provided an overview of the recommended final design for (Alternative 2) of the Harrison Street Sidewalk project. This proposal is to widen Harrison Street to a consistent 30-foot width with concrete curb and gutter on both sides and a brick sidewalk on the east side only, and allow parking on the west side. In addition, installation of brick sidewalks on the east side only and asphalt imprinted in brick pattern crosswalk across Harrison Street at Edwards Ferry Road. Councilmember Schmidt verified the tree impact would be mitigated as much as possible. Town Council work session minutes for November 10, 2003 Page 9 Councilmember Zoldos verified measures to mitigate tree damage would be taken with all options. Mr. Elsewassi stated some of the residents favor Alternative #3 which allows for no parking. Councilmember Buttery asked how the road width was determined? Mr. Elsewassi stated the width was determined by staff evaluation of all the issues with the least impact on the neighborhood. Judy Hines addressed Council stating her concern with the speed on Harrison Street. She asked for a stop sign at North Street and sidewalks on both sides. Debbie Welsh, 120 Edwards Ferry Road, addressed Council. She stated her business has ample parking on their site and expressed concern with traffic and pedestrian safety. She added she is not opposed to retaining the parking for Slack Lane residents. Ms. Welsh stated she supports the no parking alternative. Drew Eginton, 106 Harrison Street, addressed Council in opposition to widening the street to accommodate parking. He stated all residents favor no parking and added the church loses no parking. Finally, he added there is no neighborhood support for the larger plan and no residents will park on the street. Bill Blair addressed Council stating he is willing to loose the two trees in his yard and that the residents are 100% against street parking. Summerfield Tillett addressed Council stating the citizens are recommending Alternative #3 which is a minimum road width of 26-feet and no parking. He added a three-way stop at North Street is a good idea. Gabe Tillman, 208 Edwards Ferry Road, addressed Council stating that sidewalks are needed and recommended the narrower street width since this area is in the historic district. Bob Fuller, BRG Partners, addressed Council in support of Alternative #3. Jim Clem addressed Council in support of Alternative #3. He added the church on Harrison Street has a parking agreement with the medical center. Mr. Clem added that there is a lot of traffic cutting through and vehicles parking on their private lot. Since it was the consensus of all citizens for Alternative #3, the Mayor asked that a resolution be provided at Wednesday's meeting for approval. Councilmember Zoldos asked if streetlights are included in the sidewalk project? He also asked the Town Manager to ask the police department to monitor speeding on Harrison Street. He added he would consider church parking on Sunday only. Town Council work session minutes for November 10, 2003 Page 10 Mr. Elsewaissi said there would be streetlights on the existing poles. The acorn lights would require conduit and considerable expense. Vice Mayor Jackson stated he favors sidewalks on both sides of the street and referenced the Sunday parking at other churches. Councilmember Buttery asked if the elimination of all parking is the consensus of residents as some of the townhouse resident's park on the street? Mr. Elsewaissi stated the proposal is to eliminate parking on Harrison Street from North Street to Edwards Ferry Road. Councilmember Kramer stated she supports the citizen's recommendation. Councilmember Schmidt expressed a desire to design the sidewalk to save the big tree. Councilmember Schmidt stated he doesn't like cobra lights and suggested something similar to what we put on South King Street and asked staff to return with cost estimates. Councilmember Martinez stated he concurs with the residents and agrees with parking for the church on Sunday. Further, he would recommend the speeding and traffic calming issues be referred to the Standing Residential Traffic Committee. Vice-Mayor Jackson stated he would refer the traffic calming issues to the Committee. Councilmember Zoldos thanked Mr. Elsewaissi for his work with the citizens. 5. First quarter budget summary report FY 2004 Mike Freda outlined the summary of the town's operating expenses and revenues for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Mr. Freda stated the trend in the General Fund is positive especially in parks and recreation and plan review fees. Councilmember Schmidt verified that we will collect the amount of property tax budgeted. Councilmember Martinez asked the impact of the cigarette tax increase? Mr. Freda stated he should have some figures in about two months. He added that consumer related taxes are a little short of projections. 6. Fire training center BLA Bill Donnelly stated staff is reviewing the proposed boundary line adjustment language from the county. Hopefully, it will be ready to present to Council at the next meeting. 7. Preview items for November 24, 2003 work session a. AV lED Flight School lease There was no discussion on this item. Town Council work session minutes for November 10. 2003 Page 11 b. Aviation Adventures LLC lease Steve Axeman, Airport Commission chairman, addressed Council. Mr. Axeman stated the town should be non-discriminatory with businesses at the airport. He added the Airport Commission and Acting Airport Director recommend approval of this lease and encouraged Council to vote on this item November 12. Bob Sevila, representing Aviation Adventures, addressed Council. Mr. Sevila concurred the lease has gone through a very thorough review by town staff and asked for Council action on November 12th. Mayor Umstattd asked that staff draft resolutions for the November 12 meeting. Councilmember Zoldos commented he believes a Councilmember on the technical advisory group can help manage the master plan for the airport. c. Sycolin Road improvements & waterline relocation change order. There was no discussion on this item. 7. New Business Councilmember Schmidt discussed the issue with parking at Freedom Park. He stated there were soccer tournaments at Simpson and the parking lot was locked to prevent parking at Freedom Park. He asked the town policy on this issue? Bob Noe stated the policy is that you have to reserve the park. The two officers were hired by the soccer league to maintain control. He added there are security issues at Freedom Park. Mr. Noe stated he would have Mr. Dentler provide Council a copy of the policy for the park. Councilmember Martinez stated this site is different and security is important to protect the town's investment. Councilmember Schmidt asked that access be provided for the next few weekends during the daylight hours. The meeting adjourned 11:13 p.m. ~tl Ill. VI:td erk of Council