HomeMy Public PortalAbout2005_01_10Council Work Session
January 10, 2005
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan B. Horne,
Melinda Kramer, Marry Martinez, Bob Zoldos, and rvlayor Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: None
staff Members Present: Town Manager .lohn Wells, Town Attorney William
Donnelly, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager
Kathy Leidich, Chief of Police .loe Price, Director of Finance Norm Butts, Director of
Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Director of Engineering and Public
Works Tom Mason, Director of Parks & Recreation Kaj Dentler, Director of Economic
Development Betsy Fields, Director of the Office of Capital Projects Nagi Elsewaissi,
Management/Budget Officer Mike Freda, Assistant Director for Parks Bill Ference,
Assistant Director for Recreation Rich Williams, Traffic Engineer Calvin Grow, Tourism
Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Recreation Programs Manager Kate Trask,
Management Intern Tami Watkins and Assistant to the Clerk of Council Debi Parry.
AGENDA [TERMS
7:00 Special Briefing - Creekside Presentation
Mike Banzhaf addressed Council and introduced Mr. Tom Farley.
Mr. Farley outlined the Creekside proposal for a residential neighborhood just
south of the Leesburg corporate boundaries, including the relocation of the proposed
Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park. Mr. Farley stated the development would include up to
5,000 residential units within 62,000 acres and would provide for a mixed-use center
on the current Philip Bolen Park property. Further, he stated the benefits of this
proposal for the park would be full funding of both phases up front, an online date of
2006 for the park, a completed road network via Public Private Transportation Act
funding (PPTA), and the water and sewer could be provide by the Loudoun County
Sanitation Authority (LCSA).
Mr. Farley stated an elementary school, middle school and possibly a high
school site would be provided to accommodate the new housing. Mr. Farley outlined
the proposed transportation improvements included in the application stating there is
currently only $50,000 available in public funds. Further, he stated the private
funding goal is $150,000,000 and the total realized savings to the Town of Leesburg
and Loudoun County for the road improvements would be $43,000,000.
Mr. Farley stated he is meeting with the airport staff this week to discuss their
concerns. Further, he stated they would honor the agreement to provide a water
tower site for the town.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Mr. Banzhaf and Mr. Farley for their presentation.
Vice Mayor Martinez verified that by using a PPTA to fund the transportation
improvements the developer would not be obligated to construct all of the proposed
improvements if the $150,000,000 could not be raised. Further, he verified with Mr.
Farley that the current zoning of the property to be swapped with the proposed Phil
Bolen Park property is JLMA-20.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for ]anuary :[0, 2005 Page 2
Vice Mayor Martinez stated it is his hope that the infrastructure can be
constructed before the homes are put in. He stated his biggest concern is that given
the number of homes the level of service might not improve even with the new road
infrastructure. He verified the property would be served by LCSA.
There was further discussion regarding water and sewer provision and
availability.
Councilmember Burk verified the total number of houses would not exceed
5,000.
Mr. Farley clarified the proposed park property is currently under a purchase
contract pending the rezoning application. He stated the only property not in the
applicant's control are two parcels north of the park.
Councilmember Burk asked what the applicant would do to preserve the
natural resources of the current park property and what natural elements does their
proposed site offer besides the proximity to Goose Creek?
Mr. Farley stated in the plan layout phase they would work with the county's
engineers and anything found to be noteworthy in terms of preservation would be
identified and dealt with appropriately. He stated the applicant feels the new site is
a better location for the park in terms of its removal from the density that it would
face at its current location.
Mr. Banzhaf stated a study on the resources of the current park location
would be done per the county's regulations.
Councilmember Burk stated the proposed location for the schools is not near
a residential neighborhood as other schools in Loudoun County are and asked if a
public hearing would be held?
Mr. Farley stated the county's rezoning process requires a public hearing.
Councilmember Home thanked Mr. Banzhaf and Mr. Farley for their
presentation. She stated her support for the concept of public private partnerships;
however, she is concerned with the proposed residential use near the airport. She
stated the airport is an economic engine for the town and the county and millions of
dollars in federal, state and town funds have been invested in the airport. Further,
she asked for information regarding the proposed one million square feet of office
and retail?
Mr. Farley stated that would be defined as the project proceeds. He stated the
applicant feels this commercial area will be compatible with the airport and is looking
forward to meeting with the Airport Commission to discuss their concerns further.
Councilmember Zoldos thanked Mr. Farley and Mr. Banzhaf for their briefing,
and asked them to consider providing a tour of the proposed park site to give the
Council a better idea of the area.
Mr. Farley stated he would be happy to arrange that.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 10, 2005 Page 3
Councilmember Hammler stated she has spoken with Bruce Tulloch and
stressed the importance of Council establishing a meeting with the Loudoun County
Board of Supervisors to share our respective legislative agendas and projects such
since it will have a significant impact on the Town of Leesburg.
She stated she received a call from Betsy Mayr, a resident of the town, who
had a couple of questions including how will the airport be protected given the
development that will abut it? Further, she questioned if Mr. Mitchell feels he has a
conflict of interest given his positions on the State Transportation Committee and the
Loudoun County Sanitation Authority?
She asked the benefit to the citizens of the land swap given the $16,000,000
bond and the benefit to the applicant from that bond sale?
Mr. Farley stated only $6.5 million of the original $16 million authorized by
the voters was sold. He stated none of the $6.5 million was spent; however, the
county did spend $1.5 million of its own for architectural design.
Mr. Banzhaf stated there has been no evidence of any conflict of interest on
Mr. Mitchell's part with this application and his two appointments.
Councilmember Hammler asked about the status of a traffic study for Route 7
and other major corridors given the number of houses proposed? Further, she
stated it seems the proposed number of school sites may not completely fill the need
that 5,000 additional residential uses would create.
Mr. Banzhaf stated the applicant would be required to submit a traffic study
as part of the application process.
There was further discussion regarding the by-right use of the property and
the number of proposed town center developments in the area.
Councilmember Kramer asked when the county's next decision on this
application is expected?
Mr. Farley stated they hope the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will
entertain a staff recommendation on February 1 to give consent for the applicant to
include the county's property in the rezoning application. He stated the rezoning
application would be submitted shortly after that decision.
Councilmember Kramer asked if there is any formal way for the town to be
included in the process?
Mayor Umstattd stated even though the property is in the joint land
management area the decision lies with the county, as the town is a referral agency.
She stated if any of the property were to be brought into the town the decision would
then lie with Council provided the county had not granted the rezoning.
Mayor Umstattd expressed concern that the applicant's estimation of the
vehicle trips per day is Iow, She stated initially Mr. Mitchell was proposing
$200,000,000 in transportation improvements to be completed up front; however,
from the briefing tonight it seems the improvements would only be completed after
the proposed residential component. Further, she stated her concern that the town's
Town Council Work Session Minutes for ,lanuary 10, 2005 Page 4
citizens will be negatively impacted by increased traffic on the existing roads without
the improvements being completed up front.
Mayor Umstattd stated when she and Calvin Grow were in Richmond lobbying
the Commonwealth Transportation Board for additional funding for roads in Leesburg
she asked Mr. Mitchel where his revenue stream would come from for the PPTA. She
stated he responded the added revenue of that land once rezoned would generate
the revenue stream. She stated if that were the case; why not go with proffers
instead of the PPTA, unless the fear is that proffers running with the land are
enforceable and a PPTA might not be.
Mr. Banzhaf stated there would be proffers and a PPTA arrangement. He
stated Clark Shirley is the PPTA provider, not Creekside. Further, there would be the
normal proffers for facilities and roads. Part of the fees that would be generated by
the development would go from the proffered fund into the PPTA, which would then
be used by Clark Shirley to build the roads.
Mayor Umstattd stated her concern that 5,000 new homes would conceivably
generate the need for more school sites than proposed. She stated she is always
nervous when there is a proposal to apply to the town for water and sewer when the
development is outside the town. Further, she stated even though the applicant
states they will go to LCSA for water, it will be a lot closer to come to Leesburg for
water.
Mr. Farley stated all involved parties will have to work out the issues
regarding the need for schools and water and sewer. He stated this is just the
beginning and he hopes that the town will continue to work with him to find common
solutions.
Councilmember Zoldos asked the Mayor if she let the Loudoun County Board
of Supervisors know during the CPAM discussions that the town had no interest in
providing water and sewer?
Mayor Umstattd stated that she told Supervisor Burton that one of the
reasons some on Council had been concerned about providing water and sewer in
phase one is that we weren't sure that it was going to be used for a park. She
stated she also told them that the town's plan had always been to provide water and
sewer when it would be needed for the recreation center.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Mr. Banzhaf and Mr. Farley for their briefing.
Further, she stated any citizens wishing to comment on this proposal might do so
during the petitioner's section of tomorrow night's meeting.
Agenda for Council Meeting of 3anuary 11, 2005
a. FY 2005 mid-year financial request - public hearing
Mike Freda stated during the December meeting a
number of mid-year financial requests were reviewed Council requested
the funding to the Citizen's Support Team portable radios be increased
from $25,000 to $35,000.
Mr. Wells stated Chief Price and Kaj Dentler have added information
that may be beneficial regarding the joint NE Quadrant program for youth.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for .]anuary :[0, 2005 Page
Chief Price stated during the spring of 2004 the department began to
see a significant increase in calls and complaints in various neighborhoods
within the Northeast quadrant. He stated most of these were alcohol
violations, group gatherings, and trespassing; however, the potential
existed for more serious violations including drugs or gang development.
Further, he outlined the department's response to this issue.
Mr. Dentler stated this outreach program would provide the
opportunity for staff to take ]~da Lee recreation programs to the
neighborhoods. He stated the target participants are children between the
ages of 5 to :L2 who are from Iow to moderate income households. He
stated they are working with other agencies including the YMCA, and have
spoken to Mr. Wendel Fisher who is very excited about the program.
Chief Price stated this program is an attempt to prevent the problem
from happening as opposed to stopping the problem once it has begun.
Councilmember Martinez stated any investment we can make in the
community on this level more than pays itself back. Further, he stated
how programs such as this benefited him as a child.
Councilmember Home thanked Mr. Dentler and Chief Price for reaching
out to other organizations, the public sector and the non-profit sector.
She stated as a community we need to pull together for our kids because
they are our future and this is a difficult world to grow up in.
Councilmember Zoldos asked how much of the $52,000 request is
going to fund the program as opposed to the salaries and equipment
requested?
Mr. Dentler stated he does not have a break down of that information;
however, the plan is to staff the program with two full-time employees.
Councilmember Zoldos asked what their salaries would be? He stated
he wants to be sure there are adequate funds to run the programs.
Mr. Dentler stated one position would be a grade 10, which starts at
$37,000 and the other is a grade 8, which starts at $33,000. He stated
the approximate cost from the time they are hired to the end of June is
$60,000. Further, the Police Department is applying for a grant, which
will provide approximately $8,000 to run the program.
There was further discussion regarding the funding for the program.
Councilmember Hammler asked the projected number of children who
would be served?
Ms. Kate Trask stated this would operate under the regulations for
state child care at a ratio of 1:20 or with two staff members there could
be 40 children per site.
Councilmember Hammler thanked Chief Price and Mr. Dentler for
implementing this important program. She stated as the program
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 10, 2005 Page 6
progresses staff may find the need to establish a youth council, solicit for
donations, or to tap into the community volunteers and involve many
people in this effort. Further, she stated her husband is an elementary
school teacher who is committed to mentoring youth.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Mr. Dentler and Chief Price for taking the
lead on this project. Further, she thanked Kate Trask for organizing the
program.
Vice Mayor Martinez stated after the public hearing he would like to
make a motion to suspend the rules tomorrow night to vote on the mid-
year financial requests.
it was the consensus of Council to vote on this item tomorrow night.
Councilmember Hammler asked if the Loudoun Abused Woman's
Shelter's request for financial assistance in regard to their use of Tda Lee
for a sexual assault conference in May could be included in the mid-year
financial request?
Mr. Wells stated as there may be requests through out the year for
funds from non-profit groups staff has included in the mid-year request
the establishment of a contingency fund to be used for various items.
Councilmember Hammler asked if Council would be willing to support
this request?
Mayor Umstattd stated that request could be made as a motion
tomorrow night.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he was not present at the December
meeting when the mid-year financial update was presented and thanked
Debi Parry for providing him with a videotape of the meeting.
Amending Chapter 1.6 of the Town Code regarding projections
over and upon the public rights-of-way in the Old and Historic
District
There was no discussion of this item.
c. Authorizing a joint public hearing for TLSE-2004-0029 -
Loudoun County High School Expansion
Brian Boucher stated Loudoun County Public Schools are proposing an
expansion of the Loudoun County High School to add a gym, remove the
cottage classrooms, and reconfigure the bus loop. He stated this
renovation would require a public hearing and asked that Council
authorize a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission. Further,
he stated the application has been accepted for processing and is
currently out for referrals.
Councilmember Horne asked how the neighbors in the surrounding
area would be contacted?
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January :LO, 2005 Page
Mr. Boucher stated the Loudoun County School Board would have to
send certified letters to all adjacent properties. Further, the property
would be posted 15 days in advance of the hearing and a notice of the
public hearing will appear in the newspaper.
There was further discussion regarding the need for a special
exception for this use and the timing of the project relative to the need for
a joint public hearing.
Making an appointment to the Parks & Recreation Commission
Councilmember Zoldos asked that this item be deferred to the next
Council meeting.
Making an appointment to the Information Technology
Commission
There was no discussion of this item.
f. Removal of a commission member from office
Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like to know if a resignation
has been submitted and what are the grounds for removal?
Councilmember Hammler stated her appreciation for Vice Mayor
Martinez's email relative to the fact that this is a political appointee. She
stated there has been a precedence set in asking for resignations in
regards to malfeasance, or certain individuals not participating in
accordance of the by-laws. Further, she stated she is concerned that the
Council may not have given enough time for due process.
g. Making an appointment to the Cable Television Advisory
Commission
Councilmember Kramer asked that this item be deferred to the next
Council meeting.
2. Olde :[zaak Walton Park - environmental report on pond
Mr. Bill Ference stated an environmental analysis of the pond was conducted
in October and November of last year to determine the probable causes of excessive
algae growth. He stated the amount of sediment in the pond has increased
significantly since 200:~ due to the recent development of a residential community in
the surrounding watershed that contributes to the water in the pond; however, the
watershed has returned to a state of stabilization, which should reduce the amount
of additional sedimentation draining into the pond. Further, he stated staff plans to
conduct a water quality analysis in the spring to analyze the chemical content,
mineral content, and to provide a better idea of why the algae is developing.
Mr. Ference stated staff would also like to do a preliminary engineering study
on the pond dam reconstruction.
Mr. Wells stated discussion regarding the long-term feasibility of leasing
versus owning the park is anticipated to take place during the budget discussions.
Councilmember Burk stated the town currently spends almost $:~00,000 a
year to lease the park. She stated it is a wonderful park and Council needs to have a
discussion regarding whether to purchase the park or let it go.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 10, 2005 Page
Councilmember Horne stated it is a beautiful piece of property and a
wonderful opportunity to salvage a park area as open green space in an area of our
community that is fast disappearing.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he was on the Parks & Recreation Commission
when the lease was done and feels the town should purchase the property; however,
he would like to wait until the budget meetings for further discussion.
Councilmember Hammler stated the Stratford development has significantly
impacted this pond and in the future Council should consider the environmental
impacts of significant residential developments.
3. Noise Ordinance
Mr. Donnelly stated an acoustical consultant has recommended that the town
adopt a decibel-based noise, similar to the county's ordinance, pertaining to
stationary noise in addition to its current ordinance which is enforced by the police.
He stated the new ordinance would be added to the Zoning Ordinance and would be
enforced by the Zoning Office using a noise meter. Further, in rare cases were there
would not be voluntary compliance, the noise consultant would be brought in to take
sound readings and to testify in court if necessary.
Councilmember Horne stated she has invited Ron Rust from the Thomas
Birkby House to address Council because he operates a business that is adjacent to a
residential neighborhood and the nature of the business he operates is to generate
live entertainment. Further, she quoted a line from the county's code and stated she
would not want this issue to harm a good neighbor business.
Ron Rust, Thomas Birkby House, addressed Council. He stated he attempts
to keep the music at 85 decibels on his side of the fence. He stated there are
requirements in the contract his customers sign to mitigate the impact on the
residents. Further, he stated his business brings approximately 8,000 people a year
to the town.
Mr. Rust stated he would like to meet with the town to establish an ordinance
that is workable.
Mayor Umstattd stated there would be two public hearings to allow for input.
Councilmember Zoldos stated this is intended for more severe long-term
problems, rather than the type of quality entertainment Mr. Rust provides.
Councilmember Hammler asked if Mr. Rust's concerns would be addressed
under the non-decibel based ordinance?
Mr. Donnelly stated Mr. Rust's business would fall under the proposed decibel
based ordinance. He stated the other ordinance addresses parties at residences, not
commercial businesses. Further, he invited Mr. Rust to work with the staff on the
perimeters to be set before the public hearing.
Councilmember Horne asked staff to notify Mr. Rust of any meetings or
discussions involving this item,
Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 10, 2005 Page 9
Councilmember Hammler stated the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Center
may be a good resource to reach out to any businesses similar to Mr. Rust's.
Mayor Umstattd stated Mr. Rust and Councilmember Horne are correct to be
concerned about the application of this for any function the Birkby House or other
establishments might host. Further, she stated it is important that the business
community be involved in this process.
4. Town/Oaklawn I:[, LLC road construction agreement update
Magi Elsewaissi stated the town and the Oaklawn developers have been
working together for the past several months to build the intersection of Battlefield
Parkway and Sycolin Road. He stated the agreement is almost finalized pending
resolution of issues regarding easement acquisitions and utility pole relocations.
Further, he stated staff has been in contact with the property owners regarding
acquisition of the easements.
Mr. Donnelly stated in order to do these improvements easements will have
to be obtained to move some of the existing utility poles. He stated staff has had
preliminary discussions with the property owners; however, condemnation might be
necessary in some cases.
Councilmember Horne asked if the intersection would be done by 20117
Mr. Elsewaissi stated the current project in the CTP for the Sycolin Road
Widening project was anticipated to be completed by 2011; however, with this
partnership between the town and the Oaklawn developers the project will be
completed sooner. Further, he stated he could not give a date for project completion
because of the pending issue with the easement acquisitions.
Councilmember Home asked if there is anything Council can do to expedite
the process?
Mr. Elsewaissi stated there might be assistance needed in relocating the utility
poles.
Mr. Donnelly stated if all goes well the project could be completed in the next
couple of years.
Mayor Umstattd verified the easements are all held by large landowners, not
individual homeowners?
Councilmember Zoldos stated his appreciation for Keene Enterprises'
assistance in this matter. He stated he would like an update regarding the runway
protection zone along Tolbert Lane at the next meeting.
Councilmember Hammler thanked Mr. Elsewaissi for his work on this project
and Mr. Donnelly for raising the condemnation issue. She stated Council needs to
begin looking at the overall transportation priorities of the town and alternative
funding options such as was used in this case,
There was further discussion regarding how much of Battlefield Parkway
would be built as part of this agreement.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 10, 2005 Page
Brian Cullen, stated the rightIOf-way utility relocation will be critical to this
project. He stated the intersection needs to be completed by 2006. Further, he
stated the easements are desperately needed and he would appreciate Council's
assistance to move quickly.
5. Adoption of a Fiscal Policy
Norm Butts stated the fiscal policy lays out 35 specific policy goals in six
separate categories including: (1) accounting, auditing, and financial reporting;(2)
asset management; (3) revenue management; (4) budget management (both
operating and capital budgets); (5) debt and cash management; and (6) reserve
funds management. He stated the town would be in the bond market frequently and
need a policy to show the financial community.
Councilmember Horne asked how frequently our risk management strategy is
assessed?
Mr. Butts stated there are several areas of risk management that are
continually assessed. He stated in terms of the traditional area of insurance, he is
not sure when the last comprehensive review was conducted.
Mr. Donnelly stated two to three years ago the town shifted insurance carriers
and are now under the Virginia Municipal League pool, which covers most of our
insurance policies. He stated at that time we substantially increased the level of
coverage. Further, he stated it would be worth looking at the policies again.
Councilmember Home stated one of the items in the proposed fiscal policy
referred to matching funds for grants and stated her hope that Council could expect
to see a grant writer position in the FY 06 budget.
Councilmember Zoldos stated this policy would show to the citizens that the
town is committed to fiscal integrity and accountability.
Councilmember Hammler stated she has frequently heard that Council could
not have picked a better Town Manager. She praised Mr. Wells for his efforts
regarding the budget process and developing partnerships. Further, she thanked Mr.
Wells and Mr. Butts for their efforts.
Mr. Wells thanked Councilmember Hammler for her comments stating it is a
reflection on the entire finance team. He stated some of the standards the town is
setting with this policy are unique, including a fund balance of 15% in lieu of the
previous 10%. Further, he stated the 1.5% contingency fund is an appropriated
fund unlike the fund balance, which is not touched.
was the consensus of Council to vote on this item tomorrow night.
6. VDOT addition of certain streets for maintenance payments
Calvin Grow stated based on staff's tabulation the town would gain 9.32 lane
miles of collector/local roads increasing the total lane miles to 178.56. The arterial
roads will increase by 5.08 lane miles to 37.13 lane miles. Further, the new total
maintenance funds for FY 2006 will be $2,059,618.99 after the Virginia Department
of Transportation approves the proposed additions.
Councilmember Burk asked if Bluff Court is being added because it is new?
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 10, 2005 Page ! !
Mr. Grow stated it is a new street that has been completed.
7. TCA-2004-02: request to set a hearing date for a proffer appeal
Mr. Brian Boucher stated staff would like to set a hearing date of February 7
for this proffer appeal.
Mayor Umstattd verified a proffer appeal does not require a public hearing.
Councilmember Kramer congratulated Mr. Boucher on his recent marriage.
Mayor Umstattd stated she was concerned when the town started the pro rata
because the prior system required the developers to pay upfront while the pro rata
system enabled developers to pay over time. She stated she believes this developer
benefited because they came before Council to get out from under the pay up front
option and now want to get out of the pro rata as well.
Mr. Boucher stated in this case the lines were put in at public expense and a
pro rata was created to reimburse the public for putting in these main trunk water
and sewer lines. He stated when a developer taps into the lines he will pay the town
for the privilege and that will reimburse the public for the original expenditure.
Further, in this case there was a proffer that in certain cases would relieve the
developer from that obligation and the disagreement is over how much relief they
are entitled to.
Mr. Donnelly stated the Council's decision could be appealed to the Circuit
Court. Further, he stated this is not a small matter as approximately $500,000 is
involved.
8. Trolley update
Kathleen Leidich outlined the trolley use over the past few months including
its use in several town events and as daily transportation for commuters. She
highlighted the proposed advertising and sponsorship campaign for the trolley.
Further, she stated staff would recommend running the trolley on the weekends
during peak tourist seasons as determined by the Economic Development
Department staff.
Mayor Umstattd asked why businesses located outside of town would be
permitted to purchase advertising on the trolley?
Marantha Edwards stated most of the historic destinations are outside of the
town.
Vice Mayor Martinez stated he enjoyed riding the trolley for the Christmas
light judging and stated Ms. Kathleen Leidich and Ms. Tami Watkins did an excellent
job in organizing that event.
Councilmember Burk asked if policies have been established to deal with the
potential issue of more than one business wishing to purchase advertising space on
the trolley?
Marantha Edwards stated if they get to the point where there are more
interested businesses than there is space a priority system will have to be
developed; however, that is not currently the case.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for ]anuary 10, 2005 Page 12
Councilmember Home thanked staff for organizing the holiday lights tours.
She stated Tami Watkins was her tour director and commented on how wonderful it
was and asked if the trolley could run on First Fridays.
Councilmember Zoldos stated while he agrees the trolley is a success, he
would like to see data regarding day-by-day and hour-by-hour ridership. Further, he
suggested that next year the trolley be used for a trip to visit the National Christmas
Tree.
Councilmember Hammler stated the first thing someone purchasing a
sponsorship of the trolley will ask is ridership numbers. She stated she supports the
connection with the brand as it will help people to visualize the character of the town
and what we are really all about. Further, she stated she was struck by the
comment that perhaps we would purchase an additional trolley to rent out and
cautioned against that given other priorities in the town and the need to get our
constituents from one place to another.
Councilmember Hammler stated Council needs to be cautious of the allocation
of staff time and asked Ms. Leidich how much time she spends specifically dealing
with the trolley?
Ms. Leidich stated it took a significant amount of time to get the trOlley up
and running and to organize the holiday lighting tours and judging.
Ms. Edwards stated there would be more time spent in the beginning to
modify people's behavior to rely on the trolley more; however, over time that
amount of staff time will decrease.
Councilmember Hammler stated at some point we may need a massive
investment as we look to commuter parking and related initiatives. She stated she
appreciates the efforts staff has made as the trolley is truly an asset to the brand.
9. :[ncrease in elderly and disabled tax exemption
Hr. Butts stated Loudoun County just changed their threshold for qualifying
for an exemption for elderly and totally disabled residents. He stated in the past the
town has always followed the county's criteria for this. Further, he stated staff
recommends that Council amend the Town Code to adopt the thresholds the county
has established for the Town of Leesburg.
Councilmember Hammler stated her concern that senior citizens may not be
able to keep up with the housing assessments given the net worth of $350,000.
Mr. Butts stated the house and up to 10 acres would be exempt from the net
worth calculation.
lO.
Preview items for 3anuary 24, 2005 work session
a. TLSE-2004-O006 - Catoctin Circle Centre bank with drive-thru
& TLSE-2004-O007 - Catoctin Circle Centre private parking
structure
There was no discussion of this item.
Proposed 2005 bond issue - public hearing
There was no discussion of this item.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for January :~0, 2005 Page 13
Changing vehicle decal renewal due date
There was no discussion of this item.
11.
New Business
a. Mayor Umstattd stated the Clerk's office has had some difficulty
understanding the amendments to the minutes as proposed by Council.
asked that any Council member wishing to amend the minutes put their
corrections in writing to the rest of Council.
She
Councilmember Hammler asked if the corrections could be emailed?
Mayor Umstattd stated the corrections could be emailed to the Clerk
who would place hard copies of the amendments at each Council member's
place.
b. Mr. Wells stated he was contacted by Dianna Price, the General
Registrar, regarding establishing the number of polling places in the upcoming
elections. He stated a briefing would be provided at the next work session.
Further, he stated legislative day is scheduled for February 3, the Council
strategic work session could be scheduled for either February 5 or January
29.
Councilmember Hammler stated the Symington hearing will be held on
February 5. Further, she stated the Loudoun County School Board would be
coming to the Exeter Clubhouse on January 26.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:34 p.m.
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