HomeMy Public PortalAbout2004_04_26Council Work Session April 26, 2004
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmenlbers Present: Frank Buttery, Mervin Jackson, Marry Martinez, David
Schmidt, and Mayor Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: Melinda Kramer and Robert Zoldos
Staff Members Present: Town Manager Bob Noe, Town Attorney William Donnelly,
Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy
Leidich, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Economic
Development Betsy Fields, Interim Airport Director Cindi Martin, Chief of Police Joe
Price, Chief of Plan Review Paul Gauthier, Senior Planner Chris Murphy, and Clerk of
Council Judy Ahalt.
AGENDA ITEMS
Agenda for Council Meeting of April 27, 2004
a. SE-2002-12 - KFC/Long John Silver - 911 Edwards Ferry Road NE
Chris Murphy outlined this special exception application for a restaurant
with a drive-thru at Leesburg Park Shopping Center located at 911 Edwards
Ferry Road. He stated the site is in the B-3 Zoning District which only allows
a drive-thru restaurant by special exception. He added in 1999 Council
approved a special exception for a drive-thru bank; that special exception use
has since expired. In 2001, Tire Plus was denied at this site because of
traffic issues.
He stated the Leesburg Planning Commission voted to deny this current
special exception application.
Mr. Murphy stated industry estimates that 75 percent of all fast food
business is conducted at a drive-thru. He discussed the buffering proposal
for the south side of the property stating a six-foot brick wall would be
constructed.
Additionally, the traffic impact at the site will generate 157 a.m. peak trips
and 106 p.m. peak trips with a total of 1,564 daily trips. He stated the site
entrance improvements would ensure that the intersection retains a level of
service "C". However, the fire and rescue department has concerns with
their ability to access the site in the event of an emergency. Further, staff
projections show that the sweep path of the delivery truck would encroach in
the stacking lane of the drive-thru.
Councilmember Schmidt questioned why the a.m. peak trips per day is
higher than the p.m. peak total?
Councilmember Schmidt asked that Paul Gauthier address why the level of
service at the intersection would remain at a level "C" with the proposed
improvements.
Mr. Murphy stated he does not know why the a.m. peak trip is higher.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for April 26, 2004 Page 2
Mr. Murphy provided photographs of other KFC locations with a more
traditional architecture, stating that Council could require the applicant to
construct such a facility.
Mr. Gauthier stated the applicant submitted the traffic study. He stated,
the level of service "C" is described as delays greater than 20, but less than
35 seconds per vehicle. Individual cycle failures may begin to appear at this
level. The number of vehicles stopping is significant at this level; however,
many still pass through the intersection without stopping. He stated this is a
measure of the average delay of each vehicle as it comes into the
intersection.
Further, Mr. Gauthier stated the applicant is making significant
improvements to the entrance by adding an additional entrance lane and a
dedicated right turn lane. He stated town policy states the efficiency of the
traffic flow from private property will be sacrificed to increase the efficiency of
the traffic flow on the public road.
Mark Nelis, attorney for the applicant, addressed Council. Mr. Nelis stated
that Richard Bekesh with Spring Engineering would be here tomorrow night to
further discuss the issues.
He stated issues being addressed are as follows:
(1) Buffer yards - a six-foot high brick wall installed on the south and west
side of the property and approximately 20-30 trees and shrubs.
(2) Truck access - the site has been re-designed to accommodate a 40-
foot truck.
(3) :Interior parking lot landscaping - the applicant will agree to any of the
conditions now existing in staff report.
(4) Fire and Rescue analysis - they have talked with fire and rescue
officials and their concerns relating to interior traffic. He added their
improvements will help the traffic flow of interior traffic.
(5) Site access/traffic improvements - he stated he does not know why
the traffic study has higher traffic counts in the a.m. They will
improve access to property and maintain a level of service "C".
Councilmember $chmidt stated the picture shown of a KFC in Henrico
County would be a more attractive design.
Mr. Nelis stated they would encourage Council to give them as much
direction as possible with the design.
Councilmember Schmidt asked how the applicant is addressing the
concerns of the neighbors?
Mr. Nelis stated they would continue discussion with the property owners
on the west side of the site. He added they have the support of the Glen
Apartments.
Councilmember Martinez asked if there was an easement needed from
Sheetz for the road improvements?
Mr. Nelis said he was not aware they needed an easement.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for April 26, 2004 Page 3
b. Setting the tax rates for the Town of Leesburg
The Mayor stated it was decided at the last budget worksession that action
would not be considered on the tax rate until the first meeting in May.
2. I~leade Drive/Bradfield Drive traffic issues - Hubbard Turner
Mr. Turner stated the five stop signs installed on Meade Drive in February
200::[ and December 2003 are restricting traffic to the extent that Woodlea Manor
commuters are using Country Club Drive as their access to South King Street/US 15
South.
He stated flyers have been sent to 116 residents with a summary of
conditions facing Leesburg Country Club Estates. Mr. Turner presented petitions
from 55 residents from Country Club Drive, Governors Drive and Bradfield Drive.
Further, he stated that vehicles traveling through the subdivision continue to
speed. The last two stop signs installed on Meade Drive at the intersections of
Lawnhill Court and Fairfield Way do not meet criteria set up by the Engineering
Department. He stated these two stop signs are unnecessarily impeding traffic flow
and should be removed.
Additionally, Mr. Turner stated traffic counts provided by Centex Grove/Slade
and Associates for Governor's Drive and Meade Drive were flawed.
Mr. Turner asked Council to please rescind Resolution # 2003-165 and
requested legislation for tomorrow night's Council meeting to remove the stop signs
on Meade Drive at the intersections of Lawnhill Court and Fairfield Way.
The Mayor asked Mr. Turner if he wanted to address the issue of speed
sensors in Norfolk.
Mr. Turner stated if a speed sensor system is in place or in the process it is
grand fathered. However, the state is not going to issue any new monitors. He
added the traffic engineer stated he could implant sensors in the roadway to control
traffic on Meade Drive.
Councilmember Schmidt thanked Mr. Turner for his continued diligence and
hopefully the new Council will study the entire southwest quadrant and come to a
solution to improve the traffic situation in the neighborhoods.
Councilmember Martinez thanked Mr. Turner for his presentation.
Vice Mayor Jackson stated Meadowbrook has submitted a new traffic study.
Mr. Turner stated it only protects the Meadowbrook development and will do
nothing for his development.
Vice Mayor ~lackson stated he would be glad to sit down with Mr. Turner to
discuss his concern with flaws in the traffic study.
Ms. Berkey, representing the Greenway Farms HOA, addressed Council.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for April 26, 2004 Page 4
She stated speeding continues to be an issue on Meade Drive. The most recently
installed stop signs are working to provide a safer neighborhood. She stated the
sensors would not help.
Ms. Berkey stated drivers are the problem, not the stop signs and asked that
the stop signs remain on IVleade Drive.
Mr. Turner commented that Country Club residents didn't get an opportunity
to speak to the Meade Drive stop sign issue.
3. Status of the proposed elementary and high school locations in
Kincaid Forest
Bob Noe provided a map showing the road improvements as depicted by the
traffic study and as shown on the Loudoun County Comprehensive Plan for
elementary school ES-:~3 and high school HS-5 located adjacent to the Town of
Leesburg on the Cangiano tract.
He stated discussions have taken place with the School Board staff and other
interested parties. He stated all were in agreement that requested improvements
are in the Design plan.
Mr. Noe stated there were some issues with the functioning of Evergreen Hill
Road. The county has come forward with $400,000 toward those improvements.
He stated the County approached the town about the possibility of using this site for
two schools. He added we have asked for improvements on Miller Drive; without
Hiller Drive the only other access to the schools would be through Kincaid Boulevard,
which is very heavily residential. :In addition to the lane improvements on Hiller
Drive and Kincaid Boulevard, the town is asking for a dedicated right-of-way for
Crosstrail Boulevard.
He stated things were moving smoothly until the school board took the
position that they do not have funding to do some of the improvements requested.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors raised a question about the site being
used for two schools. He added a boundary line adjustment would be required for
availability of water and sewer to the site.
Additionally, other intersection improvements are needed at Sycolin Road and
Tolbert Lane.
Hr. Noe stated if Loudoun County does not pay, Leesburg taxpayers would
have to pay. l~t is a matter of equity that the town taxpayers would be subsidizing
these schools through street improvements.
Vice Mayor .~ackson stated two supervisors stated one of the schools is in the
way of a road.
Hr. Noe stated the elementary school was in the right of way of Hiller Drive,
but it has been redesigned to accommodate two schools.
Councilmember Schmidt stated he supports staff's efforts. He appreciates
the term "unyieldingly firm"; we owe that to the taxpayers. He added Council has
many obligations to consider in our budget sessions; we could spend millions of
dollars and never get to these roads that are not in our plan. The schools are not
Town Council Work Session Minutes for April 26, 2004 Paqe 5
our responsibility. We have gone above and beyond our duty to make these sites
available and to pay for school sites along the way. He stated he is tired of being
put in the position that the town is holding up the process. Further, he stated he
hopes the Council will show some backbone and support our taxpayers.
Councilmember Schmidt stated we are simply asking the county to pay for
roads the same as a developer would be required to do. ! do hope that our staffs
work together to do all we can to extend any efficiencies or assistance so the county
will not have to spend extra monies. He stated he would not like to see us backing
off our position.
Councilmember Martinez agreed with Mr, Noe that we should stand firm. He
stated the new schools built in the southeast have created major traffic issues. He
questioned why we didn't make road improvements an issue when they were built.
He added we shouldn't allow the same thing to happen at this site. He added we are
paying county taxes and should not be subsidizing schools.
Councilmember Buttery said he agrees with the comments made. He stated
the town has provided schools according to the provisions in the Area Annexation
Development Plan. Further, the traffic improvements should be required by the
county to lessen the impact of the traffic the schools will create.
He stated the Leesburg taxpayers are a much smaller pool of residents to
bear the burden of road improvements. He added the county should step up to the
plate.
IVlayor Umstattd stated she agrees with other Council members and staff.
She stated the town should make sure that their taxpayers do not pay for the roads.
Mr. Noe added the town has always given the school board expeditious
processing.
Tom Mason discussed an email from Mr. Noe is the request by the BOS for a
meeting with the Council on May 13 in the Board Chambers,
Mayor Umstattd commented the Vice Chairman of the Loudoun Board of
Supervisors Tulloch has raised concern whether the Cangiano site is appropriate for
these schools, especially in reference to the close proximity of the jail.
Tom Mason stated the school board is having a community meeting regarding
the suitability of the site on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Cool Spring Elementary School.
4. 9/11 Recovery Grant Airport Gateway Project
Economic Development Director Betsy Fields discussed the status of the
Airport Gateway Project. She stated Loudoun County issued a RFQ and two finalists
presented their initial design concepts to the Airport Commission.
The Airport Commission selected Capital Exhibit Services, ]:nc. as the
designer. She stated they anticipate the designers will present their final design for
the gateway project to the Airport Commission and Town Council in May.
Ms. Fields provided a site plan indicating the priorities of the designer as
follows: (1) graphic panels along the wall facing the tarmac, (2) the map table, and
Town Council Work Session IVlinutes for April 26, 2004 Paqe 6
(3) an interactive plasma screen along one wall. Other options include a directory
panel coming into the building and a graphic wall.
She stated the Airport Commission recommends not including a map table as
there is not enough room, the brochure rack could be included into the plasma
screen cabinet, a graphic display on the upper level, and signage.
Ms. Fields stated once Council gives approval, the final design would be
presented to the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission. They will
issue a contract with the designer.
She stated funds need to be spent by the end of .luly or returned to the State.
Additionally, remaining funds will be transferred to the town to market the airport
are eligible for a matching grant from the Department of Aviation.
Councilmember Schmidt stated he likes the design, but the map table would
be most useful.
Ms. Fields stated possibly the map could be relocated.
Steve Axeman, Airport Commission Chairman, stated space is tight in the
main entrance and would not support the map table. He suggested possibly
installing a map on the wall.
Councilmember Martinez gave his approval to move forward. He suggested
that local art be displayed in the display area on the second floor.
Councilmember Buttery gave approval for moving forward with this designer
and stated a map is needed.
Mayor Umstattd stated a tear away type of map could be used.
5. Authorizing the terminal lease agreements by and between the tenant
and the Town of Leesburg for the Leesburg Executive Airport
Cindi Martin recommended Council authorize the terminal lease agreements
by and between tenants - AV-Ed Flight School, :[nc. Aviation Adventures, LLC, Blue
Sky Aviation, and Petroleum Helicopters, ]:nc./dba as Air Care Medevac and the
Town of Leesburg for the Leesburg Executive Airport.
Ms. Martin stated the tenants hope to move into their space mid-May to June.
Councilmember Schmidt verified that the Town Attorney is agreeable to the
leases.
There were no further comments.
6. Proposed Parking Study Zmplementation Plan
Economic Development Director Betsy Fields provided a background of this
project thus far.
She stated the proposed parking management plan is fiscally conservative.
In FY 2004, they propose spending $50,000 from the parking proffer fund to
Town Council Work Session Minutes for April 26, 2004 Paqe '7
improved signage for the Town Hall garage. She stated the FY 2005 fiscal impact to
the general fund would be $2,680.
Further, the proposed plan is an integrated, multi-year program, to be
implemented in phases as the benefits and needs justify the capital investment and
recurring operational expenses.
The major elements of the proposed plan to be implemented during FY 2005
are as follows: (:[) public relations/outreach program to communicate the need for
the proposed changes to residents and downtown businesses, (2) increased
enforcement and increased fines for violations, (3) increased on-street parking rates,
(4) increased monthly and hourly rates in the Town Hall parking garage and
eliminate the two free hours, and (5) improved signage to parking facilities
throughout the downtown.
Ms. Fields stated FY05 costs included electronic meter heads, hand held ticket
issuance technology, two boots and additional part-time parking garage staff. She
explained the new meters would still require the use of coins, but the technology will
electronically read the funds deposited and download information for use by finance
staff.
She stated Marantha Edwards is working with the Leesburg Downtown
Business Association on a validation program. Ms. Fields stated some issues are
unresolved, such as, once the handheld ticket issuance system is implemented, there
will be approximately 2,600 paper tickets written by the Police Department which will
need to be entered in the new system manually.
Councilmember $chmidt asked if the proposed FY 05 items are in the
proposed budget?
Ms. Fields stated she would have to verify that.
He asked if the validation system has been discussed with downtown
merchants?
Ms. Fields stated it will be revenue positive in the future and the revenues
generated will be approximately $80,000.
She stated Marantha Edwards is discussing the validation process with the
merchants and will be talking with other jurisdictions about best practices.
Councilmember Schmidt stated money for the interior signs seems high; can
we get it done for less?
Ms. Fields said there are a lot of signs in the garage. She stated the winning
bidder is about half of some of the other bids.
Councilmember Buttery asked if the proposed $3,000 requested in the budget
has taken into consideration a tax increase?
Ms. Fields said it does not; additional revenues will offset the expenses
incurred.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for April 26, 2004 Page
Councilmember Buttery stated over the years the elimination of two hours of
free parking has been a hot issue. He asked how residents doing town business
would be able to use the validation process.
He also asked the impact of one hour of free parking?
Ms. Fields stated it would have a minor impact.
Mayor Umstattd stated additional part time staff would be a continuing
expense. She asked if we know what the cost vs. revenue projection is five years
out and how long will the hand held devices last.
Ms. Fields stated she would investigate the revenue projections.
The Mayor verified that Linda Callagy and Karen Jones are comfortable with
most of the plan but would like to hear more about the validation program.
Councilmember Buttery asked about discussions with the county regarding
using their lots after hours. He suggested a sign stating it is available to the
general public after hours and weekends.
Councilmember Martinez asked if there was a consideration on what to do
with people who leave their cars in the garage overnight or over the weekend?
Ms. Fields stated she did not know there was a problem with overnight
parking.
The Mayor asked that Andrew Parker get comments from Mr. Brett Phillips at
Leesburg Today regarding the proposed parking plan.
Budget discussion
There was no discussion on this item.
Preview :Items for Hay 10~ 2004 work session
a. Gatehouse Cable TV at Edwards Landing Franchise
There were no discussions on this issue.
9. New Business
Councilmember Schmidt asked John Drury to come forward and give an
update on the Lawson Road Bridge.
Mr. Drury stated he came to Council three months ago and there was no
opposition to putting the bridge construction in the CIP. At the Planning
Commission meeting he discovered it was not in the CIP. He stated that Mr. Mason
said it this was not in the CI:P because it is a five-year project. He added, Mr. Mason
stated this bridge would not be constructed until Battlefield Parkway is completed.
Mr. Drury stated a 1996 resolution states they will not close the bridge until
the Town Plan is amended. He expressed concern, as he would not want this item
fall off the radar screen. Therefore, he asked Council to consider putting this item
back in the CTP. He questioned whether the developer proffered to complete the
bridge?
Town Council Work Session Minutes for April 26, 2004 Page 9
Tom Mason stated if it were the desire of Council staff would move the project
from the appendix of the
Councilmember IVlartinez stated he would like to see it in the C~[P.
Mr. Mason said there is no proffer funding for this item.
The Mayor reminded Council of the ceremony on Nay l:~ at 6:00 p.m. in the
Rose Garden of Town Hall. The presentation of an award from the Governor for the
2003 Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival.
Bob Noe reminded Council that the students from Sam Cheok would be at ~[da
Lee on May 6 at 6:30 p.m.
On a motion by Councilmember Buttery, seconded by the Mayor, the meeting
adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
2004_tcwsmin0426
,erk of Council