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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2004_10_25Council Work Session October 25, 2004 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan B. Horne, Melinda Kramer, Marry Martinez, Bob Zoldos, and Mayor Umstattd. Councilmembers Absent: None Staff Nlembers Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney William Donnelly, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Chief of Police 3oe Price, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Director of Economic Development Betsy Fields, Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler, Director of the Office of Capital Projects Nagi Elsewaissi, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, Chief of Engineering Paul Gauthier, Senior Planner Bruce Douglas, Senior Planner Wade Burkholder, Management Intern Tami Watkins and Assistant to the Clerk of Council Debi Parry. AGENDA ITEMS 7:00 Special Presentation: Leesburg Crossroads Jim Sisely, Leesburg Crossroads, addressed Council. He outlined the history, purpose, and duties of the Crossroads group. Mr. Sisely introduced Deiter Meyer, Chair of the Crossroads design committee, to discuss a design program for the Crescent District Area and the opportunity to add resources. Mr. Meyer presented their vision for what the Crescent District. He stated a need for a focal point in the area and the addition of one or more major magnets to attract visitors on a daily basis and appeal to a younger demographic. He outlined their proposal for the area to be supplemented with special events, and the potential for other attractions including a college campus, performance arts center, major movie theatre, an inn or boutique hotel, or a pedestrian mall with open cross streets. Further, other options include a large entertainment complex, a river walk, gardens, and a town square or park. Mr. Meyer stated the goal is to provide essential infrastructure and the amenities needed to achieve a viable and vibrant neighborhood. He stated central parking, interconnecting roads and transportation connecting various areas are important. Further, he outlined the design issues including the height of buildings, street setback and architectural compatibility with historic district while maintaining a distinct identity. Councilmember Zoldos stated he visited Rutland, Vermont and they have a wonderful example of how to interface a Wal-Mart shopping center into a historic district. He stated in Saratoga Springs, NY took a complete block of their city and restructured the old buildings which became their anchor stores with residential above. Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Paqe 2 Councilmember Home thanked the Crossroads group for their hard work. She stated the Town of Vienna has purchased a building to raze and create a green space for concerts and activities downtown. Councilmember Burk thanked the Crossroads group for their efforts. Councilmember Kramer stated the Crossroads group is a major asset to the town and many of our neighboring communities look to Leesburg to set the tone for their communities. Councilmember Zoldos stated the most critical aspect of this project is to ensure it is a 24-hour community. Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Paqe 3 Agenda for Council Heeting of October 26, 2004 a. Amending Resolution #95-172 to allow the opening of street connections of (~ueen Street at North Street and Washington Street at North Street and amending condition #2 of Resolution # 2002-111. Nagi Elsewaissi outlined two schedules for the project, one of which would accelerate the project by two weeks. He stated staff hopes to advertise the project in March. Further, he stated 10 easements on Washington and 25 easements on Catoctin Circle are needed and any extension period on the easements will delay the whole project. He stated the expedited schedule would have the project advertised in late February and would involve staging the project with opening streets as they are completed. Councilmember Zoldos verified under this schedule Washington and Queen Streets would be completed and opened in November of next year. Councilmember Kramer stated her concern that the project not be delayed by endless extensions on the easements. Mr. Elsewaissi stated staff would work with the residents; however, it becomes a different situation if residents won't sign the easement because they don't want the project. Vice Mayor Martinez suggested placing a stop sign at Blue Ridge Avenue and Prince Street. Councilmember Burk stated her concern for pedestrian safety once the streets are opened given that some of the streets will not have sidewalks. Mr. Elsewaissi stated the study shows Catoctin Circle will receive the most increase in traffic and will have a sidewalk installed. He stated a sidewalk is also proposed for the first section of Washington Street. Further, he stated the other streets would see a marginal increase or no increase in traffic once they are opened. Councilmember Horne stated the street improvements are not being implemented in an equitable way; however, the project as it stands was derived from past citizen surveys. She stated her concerns regarding emergency vehicle access during construction. Further, she commended Mr. Elsewaissi for his work to preserve the trees and stated she would like to see monument signs at the entrance to Lowenbach to designate it as a historical neighborhood. Councilmember Zoldos verified the shoulders would be gravel and asked that Catoctin Circle, Prince Street and Blue Ridge Avenue be completed first. Councilmember Hammler stated her support for keeping the roads closed until the improvements are made. She asked Mr. Elsewaissi how he is approaching this project differently than the Wilson and Pershing Avenues project? Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Page 4 Mr. Elsewaissi stated a tree consultant has been retained for this project to suggest how to preserve them during construction; however, the easements might become an issue. Councilmember Hammler suggested reengineering the traffic calming mechanisms in this neighborhood including creative ways to slow traffic. Councilmember Home asked when the decision would be made regarding staging the project and determining which streets would be completed first? Mr. Elsewaissi stated staff would have a better idea of where the easements stand in a couple of months. Vice Mayor Martinez stated Mr. Elsewaissi has historically done a great job with the projects and accommodating the citizens. Mayor Umstattd stated staff and Council need to be prepared for condemnation given the level of concern raised by some citizens. She asked about how long that would delay the project if the condemnation process used with Wilson and Pershing were followed? Mr. Elsewaissi stated following that same process staff could start today and have all the easements in hand in one month. He stated he would prefer to have some time to work with the citizens. Further, he stated he is holding a neighborhood meeting on November 3 and will update Council after that. There was further Council discussion regarding which streets should be completed first. Mr. Elsewaissi stated his timeline shows construction on Washington and Queen Street occurring first because of the Council vote scheduled for tomorrow night to open those roads before the improvements are completed. Giqi Robinson, 207 Prince Street, addressed Council. She asked what would be accomplished by opening two streets early? Councilmember Zoldos stated he was interested in relieving the traffic burden from Prince Street. Ms. Robinson stated opening these two streets would not relieve much of the burden. Councilmember Zoldos stated his other concern was for emergency services and municipal vehicles. He stated several residents have complained that their mailboxes and/or fences have been knocked down because the busses and trash trucks are forced to back out of the street. Mayor Umstattd asked if it would be helpful to install some sort of traffic calming devise on Prince Street? Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Paqe 5 Councilmember Horne stated the Standing Residential Traffic Committee should be involved in the traffic calming process. b. Initiating amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Article 6 Nonresidential Districts, Article 9 Use Regulations and Article 18 definitions to permit a temporary commuter parking lot in the B-2 District. Wade Burkholder stated due to the expiration of their lease in March 2005 the Loudoun County Transportation Department is looking for an alternate site to run their commuter bus service. He stated the Zoning Ordinance allows for commuter parking by-right in the B-3, I-2, and M-1 districts. Further, he stated the county is proposing that a new use be created for a temporary commuter parking lot in the B-2 district. He stated staff recommends the creation of the new use subject to performance standards and a special exception. He outlined the proposed performance standards stating they will ensure that the use is temporary for up to two years. Councilmember Kramer stated explicit language should be added to the ordinance to ensure the use is temporary. Brian Boucher stated after two years the temporary zoning would end and the applicant would have to reapply and meet the full requirements of the Zoning Ordinance in order to maintain that use on the property. Further, he stated the ordinance would apply to all B-2 property in town. John Clark, Loudoun County Transportation Department, stated he has been working with Mitchell and Best and Barber and Ross regarding use of the Barber and Ross property for a temporary site. Vice Mayor Martinez thanked Mitchell and Best for their efforts to assist. He stated his concern for the commuters who have had their commuter lot moved many times. Further, he stated he would like to see the permanent site purchased and constructed. Councilmember Home thanked staff for their work on this issue. Further, she stated Terrie Laycock has promised quarterly updates from the county. Councilmember Zoldos welcomed Mr. Burkholder to the town. He asked Mr. Clark for the status of the permanent lot? IVlr. Clark stated two sites are under consideration, one on the Phil Bolen Park site and the other on the Oaklawn property. Further, he stated the county is currently looking at funding options. Councilmember Zoldos verified the county anticipates a permanent site coming on line within two years. Councilmember Hammler asked if the county had considered a carpool van system to get commuters to the busses? Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Paqe 6 Mr. Clark stated they are running a shuttle in cooperation with VRTA which approximately 17 commuters take advantage of. Councilmember Hammler thanked Councilmember Burk and staff for their work on this. Further, she welcomed Mr. Burkholder to the town. Sandy Kane 815 Kenneth Place, stated both of the sites selected for the permanent commuter lot will negatively affect the traffic on Sycolin Road. She suggested giving consideration to the Peterson Tract as a possible location. Further, she stated she would oppose the relocation of the commuter lot to the Bolen Park or Oaklawn sites until Sycolin Road is widened. Mayor Umstattd stated Congressman Frank Wolf has secured $6 million towards the completion of Battlefield Parkway between Route 7 and Sycolin Road. She stated Brian Cullen of Oaklawn would construct road improvements including the completion of Battlefield Parkway from Sycolin Road to the Greenway and part of the final intersection of Battlefield Parkway and the Greenway. c. Recommending an underground option for an Electrical Transmission Line Corridor and opposing construction on any part of the W&OD Trail. Bruce Douglas stated tonight and tomorrow representatives from Dominion Virginia Power will be meeting with citizens at ]~da Lee. He stated there have been alignments to the south and west of town suggested that were not on the table before. Further, he stated it is in the town's interest to endorse the undergrounding of the power lines; however, if the lines are to be above ground to endorse an alignment to the south and west of the town. Mayor Umstattd stated the innermost of the two alignments would affect the residents of Woodlea Manner. Councilmember Kramer stated the town should stay consistent in its request that the lines be placed underground. Vice IVlayor Martinez stated it is important to be sure the town, the residents and the airport are not adversely affected. Councilmember Horne stated she could not support either of the options. Further, she stated her concern for the proposed route near the Leesburg Executive Airport. Mr. Douglas clarified the land on which lines would be placed near the airport would be approximately 120 feet below the runway. Councilmember Zoldos stated he would support burying the lines, but not under the W&OD Trail. Councilmember Hammler concurred with Councilmember Zoldos' remarks. Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Page ? Mayor Umstattd stated an underground option, not under the W&OD Trail would be best; however, she has spoken with a number of Kincaid Forest residents who would like Council to select a fall back position of the most southern and western route. She stated Council has the support of our state representatives for the undergrounding of the power lines. Further, she stated it has been recommended that Council include a request to our state legislators in the legislative packet requesting that they push for undergrounding as a preferred option in the state law. Councilmember Hammler verified it is the consensus of Council to oppose undergrounding the power lines in the vicinity of the W&OD Trail. d. To endorse the application for a Transportation Enhancement Grant for the purpose of funding a planning and development study for two pedestrian over passes across US Route 15 Bypass. Tami Watkins outlined the purpose of the grant application for the study of two pedestrian over passes across the Route 15 Bypass. Vice Mayor Martinez stated his concern that once the study is completed the town will not have funding to construct the bridges. Ms. Watkins stated the study could be used to seek funding for construction. Councilmember Hammler stated when these types of grants are evaluated it is important to have a phased approach and a plan looking at the feasibility. Further she stated it would be good to designate the Balls Bluff Trail as a passive trail and link it into the Veteran's Park and White's Ferry areas. She stated Civil War tourists spend three times as much as other tourists who would come to a town such as ours. Councilmember Hammler discussed the efforts of the Potomac Heritage Trail Group to construct a trail along the Maryland Potomac shoreline to the American Legion Bridge and also ways to connect Leesburg to Whites Ferry. Mayor Umstattd stated a pedestrian bridge at Fort Evans Road would be more heavily used and verified Council would not have to prioritize for this grant. e. Amending the CzP Budget to reappropriate/transfer funding for the Wayfinding Sign Project. John Wells stated Council approved the contract for the signs and this is item is to approve the reappropriation of funds. There was no Council discussion. 2. Loudoun Huseum Update. Karen Jones, Board of the Loudoun Museum, introduced Loudoun Museum Executive Director Karen McCIoud. Ms. McCIoud outlined various programs to be held by the museum including: an exhibit to run from 2005-2007 celebrating the 250th anniversary Braddock's Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Page 8 March, the French and Indian War, and the 2007-2008 anniversaries of the founding of Loudoun County and the Town of Leesburg entitled "The Faces of Homeland Security". Future exhibits will include a 2006 exhibit commemorating the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and a 2007 exhibit on the changing faces of Loudoun County. Further, she thanked the town for its support of the museum and stated she is looking forward to having programs at the museum that are fun, entertaining and great for families. Council welcomed Ms. McCIoud to the town and thanked her for her update on the museum. 3. Fort Evans Road Capital :Zmprovements Project and Bradshaw Plaza Veterinary Hospital. Paul Gauthier stated staff sent a letter to Mr. Sevila requesting a construction time table. He stated Mr. Sevila has stated they are anticipating a 6-8 month construction schedule. He stated to meet their July 1 date construction would have to begin on .January 1. Further, he added it is unrealistic to think they can get plan approval by that time. Mr. Gauthier stated staff has nine fairly significant issues concerning design and procedure. He stated staff submitted these concerns on September 23 and an amended plan has not been submitted. Further, Mr. Sevila indicated the veterinary hospital development team will be meeting tomorrow to look at the project and staff is hopeful that they will decide on a more realistic date for completion of their facility. Councilmember Burk asked if the issues regarding the stormwater outfall have been addressed? Mr. Gauthier stated they are relying on the town's capital project to provide the adequate outfall. He stated there are a number of different options they could explore rather than waiting for the town's project. Further, staff met with them last week to discuss this issue and the applicant's options for interim improvements. 4. Olde ]:zaak Walton Park Kaj Dentler stated staff has hired an environmental engineering firm to start some analysis of the pond to determine what the watershed is around the park and what is coming into the pond itself. He stated they would also do an analysis of the depth of the pond as well as the physical features of it. Further, he stated additional analysis will be conducted when the algae returns in the spring or summer. Mr. Dentler stated the town has a 30-year lease at a cost of $:~10,000 per year including lease and taxes; however, at anytime the town can buy the land or impose eminent domain. He stated staff has conducted an appraisal of the property, reviewed the lease, and anticipates discussing this in-depth during the budget process. Further, he stated before the town invests money to clean up the pond, it might be prudent to determine if we want to maintain the park site and at what cost. Councilmember Kramer stated in doing a study to look at the watershed the town should look at what development is around the area. Further, she stated community assistance might be available to improve the property in the short-term. Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Paqe 9 Councilmember Burk asked that staff consider amendments to the lease stating that all or part of the funds expended to improve the property be put towards the purchase of the property. She asked if a study should be completed regarding the dam? Mr. Dentler stated staff is not studying the dam; however, if the pond needs to be dredged we will need to look at its structural integrity of the dam. Councilmember Zoldos stated he will be anxious to see the cost/benefit analysis on the park and stressed his belief that the town should not let the park go. Further, he stated there are federal grants the town could apply for to cover all or part of the expenses associated with the pond. Councilmember Hammler asked why the town is incurring the cost of improvements to the park if the town is leasing the property? Mr. Dentler stated it is stated in the terms of the lease that the town will pay for all improvements; however, none of the improvements are credited to the cost of the purchase of the property. He stated this is why we need to discuss what we want to do with the property and whether or not we want to purchase the property. Councilmember Hammler verified the cost of the study was between $7,000 and $10,000. She suggested it would be worth considering ways to turn the pond into some sort of outdoor swimming facility, only if the town decides to acquire the property. Councilmember Zoldos stated the improvements to the building at the park were done by parks and recreation staff. Mr. Dentler stated the building is used for classes and community programs and is rented to a church on the weekends. 5. Ethics Policy Bill Donnelly suggested changes to the current ethics policy including broadening the disclosure requirements and the type of application the policy would apply to. He stated Councilmember Burk suggested a written disclosure form be completed in addition to the verbal statement given at the Council meeting. Vice Mayor Martinez asked the consequences for not complying? Mr. Donnelly stated because the state and local government conflicts of interest act supercedes any state or local ethical requirements that this policy would not have the force of law. He stated many other governing bodies have policies along these lines. Councilmember Burk thanked Mr. Donnelly for his work. She stated it was not her desire to have punitive action, rather it was to promote honest and open government. Councilmember Home reminded Council to be aware when you receive invitations, sometimes they are from individuals with applications pending. Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Paqe ~10 Councilmember Zoldos stated the form is not necessary; however, he will go along with the desire of Council, Councilmember Hammler verified this would only apply to the Council. She asked that the role of the commissions be clarified in this. She stated in the Town Manager's Report Council receives information on current applications, but it does not include names of individuals or companies associated with applications and their role. Further, she stated it would be helpful to get names of individuals who open new businesses or who move to town in order to communicate better and develop relationships. Mayor Umstattd stated she would like to request that Council members be able to comply by emailing their written disclosure statement to the Clerk. Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like the form to be created in an electronic format. Councilmember Horne suggested looking at the impact on staff in maintaining the paperwork. 6. Televising Town Council Work Sessions Tami Watkins stated the options for televising the works sessions include a fixed based camera broadcast and employing C. $. Monroe Technology students. Councilmember Burk stated it could be a problem to schedule the students and verified they cannot work after 10:00 p.m. Councilmember Burk stated she would like to see all of the board and commission meetings broadcast. Councilmember Zoldos suggested looking into amending the contract with Adelphia Cable to add additional broadcasts. Councilmember Hammler stated many residents have expressed to her their concerns regarding access to the information discussed at worksessions. She stated whatever Council could do to televise the work sessions would be of benefit to the citizens. Mr. Wells stated we could look at having future intern staff trained to operate the equipment once Ms. Watkins leaves; however, he would not recommend looking to the Clerk's office or TT to provide this service. Further, he stated there might be some opportunities in renegotiating the contract with Adelphia. Councilmember Zoldos suggested consulting the Cable Commission in this matter. Vice Mayor Martinez stated he would not support televising the work sessions; however, he would like to look into doing a Iow range broadcast on radio, Councilmember Hammler stated when Council is meeting as a public body we owe the citizens an opportunity to hear what we are discussing. She stated the location of the meetings or the format is not as important as opening the information to the community. Town Council Work Session Minutes for October 25, 2004 Paqe ! ! Mr. Donnelly stated Verizon is in the process of their nationwide "fiber to the premises" program. He stated it involves running fiber optic cable to every business and residence in the town. He stated subscribers would get telephone through the cable, cable television service and high-speed internet access. Further, he stated they are in the process of installing this throughout the town and we have the authority to negotiate a franchise agreement with them for the cable service. Councilmember Hammler asked for clarification as to whether or not the cameras would be turned on for the next Council work session. There was not Council support for televising the next work session. Preview items for November 8, 2004 work session a. Contract award for annual street maintenance for concrete and brick repairs. There was no Council comment. b. Reimbursement resolution - Loudoun Street Addition There was no Council comment. Advertisement for public hearing on supplemental appropriation for Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion. There was no Council comment. 8. New Business a. Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like to defer his nomination for ~the Cable Commission to the next Council meeting. b. Mayor Umstattd stated she and Councilmember Burk met with Mr. Wells regarding potential changes to the Council meeting structure. Councilmember Burk stated she would rather address the issue tomorrow night. The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m. 2004_tcwsmin1025 ::lerk ~f Council