Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2005_01_24Council Work Session January 24, 2005 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan B. Horne, IVlelinda Kramer, Marry Martinez, Bob Zoldos, and Mayor 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, Tourism Coordinator Marantha Edwards, Downtown Coordinator Lisa Capraro, Finance Operations Manager Klm Davis, Senior Planner Chris Murphy, Management Intern Tami Watkins and Assistant to the Clerk of Council Debi Parry. AGENDA ITEMS 7:00 Special Briefing - Citizens For a Better Leesburg Lori Kimbal of Citizens for a Better Leesburg addressed Council. She stated the group was formed in 2004 for the purpose of discussing town and county development proposals. Further, she stated they focus on land use issues and their impact on traffic, taxes, the need for parks and recreation, and schools. Ms. Kimbal stated a petition was circulated at various polling places during the recent national elections. She stated 2,173 voters in the Catoctin District and 2,390 in the Leesburg District signed the petition to support Citizens For a Better Leesburg's stand on the CPAM issues. Further, she introduced Betsy Mayr. Betsy Mayr addressed Council outlining the way projects such as Creekside and Crosstrails will impact the town. She stated they would detract business from the downtown historic area and would be detrimental to the airport. Further, she requested that Council support efforts to construct Phil Bolen Park in its current location, oppose high density residential around the airport, oppose the Creekside and Crosstrails developments, and provide opportunities for public input. Mayor Umstattd stated Council has a resolution on tonight's agenda expressing concern to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors about the Crosstrail and Creekside issues. She stated former Loudoun County Supervisor Mark Herring also provided suggested language for inclusion. Further, she disclosed her attendance at a meeting at the airport today with Cindi Martin, Steve Axeman, Stanley Caulkins, and Congressman Wolf at which there was discussion of the dangers in placing residential development on either side of the airport. Vice Mayor Martinez stated the Joint Land Management Area and the town would suffer from the Crosstrails and Creekside proposals. He stated with the Public Private Transportation Act arrangement for Creekside only minimal traffic improvements would be provided if the funds were not raised. Further, he cited his concern for the impacts on the town's residents, the airport and the environment. Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 24, 2005 Page 2 Councilmember Burk thanked Ms. Kimball and Ms. Mayr for their presentation and for their attempt to educate the citizens about these proposals. Councilmember Horne thanked Ms. Kimball and Ms. Mayr for their efforts. She stated Councilmember Zoldos had the foresight and vision to see the vulnerability of the land around the airport issue a number of years ago. Further, she stated the town has a large stake in this and she believes our county elected officials will listen to our concerns. Councilmember Zoldos thanked Councilmember Horne for her comments. He stated two years ago he explained the importance of annexation to gain control of the land use in that area. Further, he stated we have two things in Leesburg that other towns wished they had, one being our downtown district and the other being the airport. Councilmember Hammler stated uncontrolled residential growth was one of the main reasons she decided to run for public office. She stated this is not a democrat or republican issue, it is about the fact that this will cost the residents a considerable amount of tax dollars. Further, she stated Planning Commission Vice Chair Bridget Bangert, suggested that we need to look at the Town of Purcellville's PUGAMP, which guarantees them a seat at the table for any land discussions. Mayor Umstattd stated the reason the landowners had wanted to be annexed into the town was that they felt they could count on the Council approving major rezonings at that time. She stated she continues to believe annexation would have been bad for the town. Agenda for Council Meeting of 3anuary 25, 2005 a. Proposed amendments to Chapter 10, Article V! of the Leesburg Town Code regarding parking regulations. Betsy Fields outlined the proposed amendments to the parking regulations including hours of the parking garage, metered parking fees and locations, fine schedules, parking validation program, and parking garage rates. Councilmember Zoldos asked who would monitor whether or not the fines have been paid within 15 days? Ms. Fields stated the new ticket issuance system would automatically generate a letter to the car owner after 15 days if the fine is unpaid. Councilmember Kramer expressed her support for the recommendations and stated she would like to see a payment box placed in the garage to allow people to pay their parking tickets on the spot. Councilmember Burk stated she has received a number of phone calls regarding concerns with the parking validation program. Councilmember Zoldos stated he does not understand the incentive to purchase a $60 reserved space in the parking garage when you could purchase a $40 non-reserved space. Ms. Fields stated staff has noticed about a 50/50 split between people Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 24, 2005 Page 3 who want to know that a spot is reserved for them and those people who want a spot that is a little less expensive. Councilmember Hammler verified handicapped individuals could park at metered spaces for up to four hours free. She asked how many spots will be reserved in the parking garage for town employees? Ms. Fields stated the Town Code gives the Town Manager the authority to designate up to 55 parking spaces in the garage for town employees. She stated the proposed wording gives the Town Manager more flexibility in terms of how we want to structure employee parking. Mr. Wells stated the upper level of the roof is currently set aside for employees; however, if there were to be any significant change he would inform the Council. He stated during December some staff volunteered to park at Liberty Street to ease the burden in the garage. Councilmember Hammler stated this is a free benefit that has been quantified at $720 per employee and since only a specific number of employees receive this benefit it should be a taxable benefit to one's salary. She stated in Section 10-176 regarding double parking, staff needs to be mindful that the parking spaces are very narrow. Further, she asked if there had been any research done regarding other municipalities and their innovative approaches to parking fees? Ms. Fields stated staff contacted other communities to discuss how parking regulations are enforced. She stated it was previously discussed that Roanoake, Virginia has removed all of their parking meters; however, she contacted the city and was told that they are considering putting their parking meters back in. Councilmember Zoldos asked if overnight parking is permitted in the garage? Ms. Fields stated there is no prohibition in the code regarding overnight parking. Further, there are vehicles that park overnight in the garage and staff has taken no action against it. Councilmember Home asked Mr. Donnelly if there is a requirement in the state code for a developer or employer to provide parking for employees when they construct their building? Mr. Donnelly stated that provision would be covered under the town's Zoning Ordinance. Councilmember Horne asked if that section of the ordinance would pertain to the town and its obligation to provide parking for its employees? Ms. Swift stated downtown employers located within so many feet of the municipal parking garage are not required to provide further off street parking for their employees. Councilmember Home stated as an employer the town has a certain Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 24, 2005 Page 4 obligation to provide parking for its employees whether that is in the garage or at Liberty Street. Sandy Kane, town resident, addressed Council regarding her concern with the inadequate parking in the garage for handicapped citizens. Ms. Fields stated issues with the handicapped parking would fall under the Town Manager's purview to be handled administratively. She stated staff would look into Ms. Kane's concerns. TLSE-2004-0006 - Catoctin Circle Centre bank with drive-thru - public hearing There was no discussion of this item. TLSE-2004-0007 - Catoctin Circle Centre private parking structure - public hearing There was no discussion of this item. d. Amending Town Code Article T! (Vehicle Licenses) of Chapter l0 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) by changing the due date for the payment of a license fee on all motor vehicles normally housed~ garaged~ stored~ or parked within the town and providing for participation in the Northern Virginia Decal Enforcement Compact. Norm Butts stated staff recommends that Council amend the Town Code to change its vehicle decal renewal due date from April 15 to November 15. He stated this change would save money, allow for more efficient ordinance enforcement, and provide a better service to our customers. Further, he stated residents would be charged a prorated fee of $15 for their decal from April 15 to November 15; however, they would receive a notice with their personal property tax bill in October explaining the need for them to pay $25 for the new 12-month decal. Councilmember Burk asked why staff anticipates a fiscal savings by moving the decal lines from March to October? Mr. Butts stated staff anticipates residents would pay for the decal on the same day as their personal property tax thus consolidating the lines. Councilmember Horne asked if the fee for the decals could be paid online? Ms. Klm Davis stated the fee could be paid online just like the tax payments; however, currently the decal would not be sent until the personal property tax is paid. Councilmember Burk expressed concern that this would be an additional burden on lower income or fixed income families. Councilmember Zoldos stated his support for the proposal. Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 24, 2005 Page e. Amending Sections 17-1.1, and 17-1.6 of the Town Code providing for real estate tax relief for the elderly or totally and permanently disabled. Norm Butts stated staff recommends that Council amend the Town Code to increase the tax exemption given to the elderly and disabled by increasing the maximum income level from $62,000 to $72,000 and the maximum net worth from $240,000 to $340,000. He stated these changes are necessary in order to align the town's policy with that of the county. Further, he stated an additional staff member might need to be hired at a cost of $50,000-$55,000. Councilmember Horne verified the net worth calculation excludes the citizen's residence and up to 10 acres of land. Councilmember Hammler asked that the net worth calculation be clarified in the resolution. f. Approving a fee waiver request for Heritage High School's annual homecoming parade Kaj Dentler stated this is the same type of fee waiver request that the town has done for Loudoun County High School's homecoming parade. He stated the only difference is that if Heritage wants to have their parade along Route 621 that would involve county services and their fees could not be waived by the town. Vice Mayor Martinez verified the section of Route 621 from Tolbert Lane to Heritage High School is county property. Chief Joe Price stated when the town did a boundary line adjustment for the high school property, the agreement did not include the road. Further, he stated he is reluctant to allow the homecoming parade to take place on Route 621 because of the safety hazards. Mr. Dentler stated it is staff's recommendation that the school use the parade route from Tda Lee to Safeway. He stated while Loudoun County High School has been able to terminate their parade at their school, Heritage presents more of a challenge because of its location. Vice Mayor Martinez stated he would speak with the students and administration of the school to see what compromises could be reached. Councilmember Zoldos stated he would support the fee waiver request; however, he shares staff's concern regarding the proposed parade route on Route 621. g. Making an appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission Councilmember Zoldos stated he is nominating Betsy Mayr to fill the vacancy left by Fred Lillis on the Parks & Recreation Commission. Ms. Nayr stated it is an honor to have this opportunity to serve the town. Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 24, 2005 Page 6 h. Making an appointment to the Cable Television Advisory Commission There was no discussion of this item. i. Discussion/Resolution regarding Creekside and Peterson Property Mayor Umstattd stated former Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Member Mark Herring has provided proposed language for Council to consider in sending a resolution to the county. Further, she stated the Airport Commission has also provided a resolution, which they would like attached to Council's documents. Councilmember Burk stated she would like to wait on making a decision since Council just received the proposed language; however, she would like to ensure that the resolution is worded as strongly as possible to clearly state the town's opposition to these two proposals. Mark Herring, 704 Anne Street, addressed Council. He stated in speaking with the Mayor a week ago regarding his concerns with these two proposals he was asked to draft a resolution for the Council to consider. He stated the language was intended to compliment the Council's document and to lend some of the knowledge he has from his tenure on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Councilmember Burk asked that language be added to the resolution to state the current location for Phil Bolen Park was selected as the result of a study for it's natural environment and resources. There was further discussion regarding the need for input from the Planning Commission and town staff, as well as the selection of the park property and joint land management possibilities. Mayor Umstattd stated she would consolidate all of the comments and email a draft resolution early tomorrow afternoon. She stated the presentation given by the citizens tonight should be attached to the document along with the resolution and documentation provided by the Airport Commission. Councilmember Hammler asked that Citizens for a Better Leesburg provide the source for their statistics to be attached as well. Reappointing Mayor Umstattd as town liaison to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission There was no discussion of this item. k. Supporting the citizens proposal regarding Dominion Virginia Power Mayor Umstattd stated a group of citizens has requested that the town donate $25,000 to Loudoun County's legal defense fund. She stated the county has designated $250,000 for the purpose of requesting that the State Corporation Commission require Dominion Virginia Power to bury their power lines. Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 24, 2005 Page 7 Councilmember Horne stated she supports requiring Virginia Dominion Power to bury the power lines; however, the town has an attorney and as county citizens we are already paying $250,000 for legal fees. Councilmember Zoldos concurred with Councilmember Horne's comments. He stated Mr. Donnelly is a very good land use attorney. Councilmember Hammler stated Council should consider that other local towns have determined that for some very significant reasons that their voice should be backed up by $25,000 as a level of commitment. Councilmember Horne asked if those towns have their own legal representation? Mayor Umstattd stated all of the towns have at least part-time legal representation. 2. North Street Annex Update - .lohn Andrews 3ohn Andrews, Chairman of the Loudoun County School Board, addressed Council. He stated the administrative offices would vacate the North Street Annex in May or ,lune. The three options available to the Loudoun County School Board are to lease the building, surplus it, or trade the land. Further, he stated he would support a 20-year lease of the property thus preserving it for future need. Vice Mayor Martinez stated he would support the building's use as a senior center. He asked if the ball field located next to the building would convey with the building? Further, he asked if the board would consider leasing the park property to the town? Mr. Andrews stated the town's Zoning Administrator would determine what use could take place on the property. He stated their intent is a long-term lease the property. Further, he stated he is not sure the ball field is separate from the North Street property. Councilmembers Burk and Home stated a long-term lease would be the best use of the property. Councilmember Hammler thanked Mr. Andrews for his briefing. She stated Mr. Andrews would be attending the open meeting regarding the selection of a new high school site at the Exeter Clubhouse on January 26 at 7:00 pm. Further, she stated Loudoun County School Board members Sarah Smith and Hark Nuzzaco would also be in attendance along with Sam Adamo. Mr. Andrews stated it is vitally important to have an open dialog between the Loudoun County School Board and the Town Council. Mayor Umstattd stated when Supervisor Clem had asked to address Council tomorrow night it was her belief that he was planning to solicit support for his position to surplus the property. She stated it is her feeling that it would be best to retain or swap the property and have the building function as a senior center. Mr. Andrews stated Mr. Nuzzaco and Ms. Smith were unable to attend this meeting. He stated he would relay Council's request to lease the property to the Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 24, 2005 Paqe 8 Loudoun County School Board. Further, he stated he would also inquire about the ball field. 3. Leesburg Crossroads, Znc. presentation - 2005 Workplan Jim Sisley, Chairman of Leesburg Crossroads, Inc. presented their 2005 work plan. He outlined the group's establishment and contributions over the past year and thanked the many volunteers who run the programs including Betsy Fields, Lisa Capraro, and Maratha Edwards. He stated over the next year the group plans many initiatives including advancing the Crescent District Master Plan, preserving of the town's character, increasing business revenues, establishing a resource center, and increasing public awareness of our assets. Mr. Sisley stressed the need for volunteers on the Crossroads committees. He highlighted the upcoming Small Business Summit, public relations campaign, and business recruitment initiatives. Further, he stated the group is primarily funded by donations and asked the Council for their continued support. Councilmember Kramer thanked Mr. Sisley and the other volunteers for their hard work with the Crossroads organization. She stated their vision and major initiatives for the town are very exciting. Further, she stated Tom Maggazine's Leesburg Station Auto Wash is a wonderful asset to that part of town. Councilmember Burk stated she has the privilege of representing the Town Council with the Crossroads group and it is an amazing group of volunteers who have offered their expertise to improve the town. She stated when completed the Crescent District will reflect what this town is all about, a growing town with a small town feel. Further, she commended the Crossroads group for all of the time they have dedicated to the town. Councilmember Home stated the town is very lucky to have the Crossroads organization and all of its volunteers. She stated they have such a vision for what this town can be, a heart for what they are doing, and positive energy that is being injected into this community. Councilmember Zoldos expressed his support for the goals laid out by Mr. Sisley. Further, he stated it is his goal to have a federal building, such as a post office, placed in the Crescent District. Councilmember Hammler stated she is thrilled that the Crossroads group is supporting the Council in a public/private partnership for business development given 78 percent of Leesburg's job base is non-profit. She asked for further information regarding the resource center. Mr. Sisley stated the resource center would be designed to help business owners with the materials they will need to shorten the approval process with the town for their building designs. Councilmember Hammler stated one goal would be to take the character of the Historic District and spread that throughout the town. She discussed the threat of proposed town centers such as Creekside and Crosstrails detracting from the real town center in our downtown. Further, she stated she looks forward to working with the Crossroads group on these and other initiatives. Town Council Work Session Minutes for January 24, 2005 Page 9 4. Participation in the Virginia Main Street Commercial District Affiliate Program Betsy Fields stated the Virginia Main Street program was established in 1985. She stated the state typically visits applicant communities every three-to-four years. :In preparation for their next visit, staff recommends that the town apply for affiliate status. Further, she stated there is no fiscal obligation with the affiliate status; however, it will get the town in the network and will make staff eligible for training. Ms. Fields stated this is a joint application between the town and Leesburg Crossroads. Councilmember Kramer stated she is concerned with the future of Loudoun County's Main Street program, but would support taking this step to seek affiliate status. Ms. Fields stated the town would remain part of the Hain Street Loudoun partnership as long as it exists. Councilmember Hammler stated the resolution states this would be a fully funded public/private partnership. She asked if that was an appropriate statement or whether it should be worded as to show the program as part of the local government body? Ms. Fields stated she is not familiar with how other localities in the state have structured their programs; however, in other programs she has been a part of there has been a spectrum ranging from programs fully funded by the local government to programs which receive only outside funding. She stated Leesburg currently has a private non-profit organization, which has been endorsed by the Council as the official main street organization with a fully funded staff position whose job it is to support that organization. 5. Polling Places Hr. Donnelly stated this proposal was made by Ms. Dianna Price of the Electoral Board and he anticipates that she will be at tomorrow night's meeting to answer questions. Hr. Wells stated he believes this item would not have to be voted on until February. Councilmember Zoldos stated his concern for the increased cost of expanding the number of polling places. He stated only 17% of the residents voted in the last elections. Further, he stated if the information regarding the location of the polling places were provided to the residents in a timely manor there would be no need to change the number of polling places for town elections. Mayor Umstattd stated she would like to see the same polling places used for the national and municipal elections. Councilmember Hammler stated no matter what decision Council makes regarding the number of polling places, the real issue is communicating the information to the citizens. Town Council Work Session Minutes for.lanuary 24, 2005 Paqe l0 6. Discussion of the Board and Commission Appointment process Mayor Umstattd stated the two issues before Council are the appointment process and the issue of adding language to the handbook that civility on the commissions is important. She outlined the old appointment process stating that method made the process less political; however the downside is that if there is a majority/minority split on the Council the majority would have a larger voice on the commissions. Councilmember Kramer stated she would never support Council members making appointments for political reasons. Further, she stated she would support the amendment to the handbook regarding civility on commissions. Vice Mayor Martinez stated he supports continuing the current process and the language amendment. Councilmember Burk stated she has no problem with keeping the process as it currently is as well as clarifying the rights and responsibilities in the handbook. Councilmember Home stated she appreciated the privilege of reaching out to people in the community to get them actively engaged in the town and supports the current process. She stated it is unfortunate that language has to be added to the handbook to request that members of a commission treat each other with civility; however, she will support the amendment. Councilmember Zoldos stated the current process for appointing members to the boards and commissions provides a balanced approach. He stated he does not believe it is necessary to add language to the handbook regarding civility; however, sometimes it is helpful to alleviate misunderstanding from the point of view of a Council member or commission member. Councilmember Hammler stated she supports the current appointment system and also appreciated the opportunity to reach out to the citizens and tap into their expertise for the boards and commissions. She stated as Vice Mayor Martinez set the leadership example for her, it is nice to have each Council member work with a group of people. Further, she asked that new Council members be told that there is a professional courtesy extended regarding the appointment process. Councilmember Hammler stated Council needs to set the leadership example, whether by behavior, regular attendance at commission meetings where we serve as the Councilmanic representative, or being actively engaged with our appointees. 7. Authorizing sponsorship of the Symposium on Aging to be held by Shenandoah University on March 18-19~ 2005 Mr. R.T. Goode, Dean of the School of Continuing Education addressed Council. He provided background information on the university stating the Leesburg Campus opened in the late 1980s. He stated Melanie Lewis, the Director of the Northern Virginia Campus is organizing a Symposium on Aging. Ms. Lewis stated the Symposium on Aging is a partnership between the university and the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging. She stated the event is for seniors, caregivers, industry workers, and policy makers. Further, she stated the event is a 2005 National Conference on Aging and will feature presentations on a range of topics with Dr. Gene D. Cohen, Director of the Washington, DC Center on Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 24, 2005 Page Aging as the Keynote Speaker. l~n conclusion, Ms. Lewis stated the university would like the Town of Leesburg to help in sponsoring this event. Councilmember Horne thanked Mr. Goode and Ms. Lewis for the briefing and stated we are very lucky to have Shenandoah University in the town. Councilmember Zoldos verified a $1,000 sponsorship would allow publicity in the conference materials and a booth at the event. Councilmember Hammler stated it is important that Council reach out and sensitize themselves to key issues. She stated this is timely, as Council will be voting on tax relief for the elderly tomorrow night. Further, she stated she looks forward to working with the university on a number of key issues. Councilmember Burk stated Council should support the efforts of the university in dealing with the aging population, since we want to make every effort to help these individuals stay in our community. 8. Woodlea Manor booster pumping station contract award Nag! Elsewaissi stated his recommendation that Council appropriate an additional $240,000 from the Utilities Fund unappropriated fund balance to complete the proposed Woodlea Manor Booster Pumping Station and award the construction contract to American Contracting & Environmental Services, Inc. in the amount of $574,999. Further, he stated construction on this project would conclude in late summer. Councilmember Horne asked that Mr. Elsewaissi address the water quality issues in the Southwest quadrant. Mr. Elsewaissi stated the water pressure in that area of town is slightly less than the desirable amount of 40psi. He stated the existing system meets the Department of Health regulations; however, better circulation would improve the water quality. Councilmember Horne verified that the improved water circulation would decrease odor and the sediment that collects in the water pipes. Preview items for February 7~ 2005 work session a. Proposed 2005 Bond Zssue - Public Hearing Mr. Wells stated the Dry Mill drainage improvement project has been included in this bond issue. Councilmember Hammler asked what would be the tax impact of the bond issue? IVlr. Wells stated the annual debt service would be $750,000. He stated one cent on the tax rate generates approximately $250,000. Vice Mayor Martinez asked if Council would need to increase the tax rate? Town Council Work Session Minutes for .lanuary 24, 2005 Page 12 Mr. Wells stated the tax rate is a function of the assessments and therefore may or may not need to be increased. He stated the debt service would be factored into staff's calculations. Further, he stated the payments would not go into effect until the next budget year. 10. New Business Councilmember Zoldos stated he received a call from a resident who rides the trolley every day to her job at the information desk of the outlet mall. He stated the stop is currently at the bottom of the hill near Old Navy and requested that a stop added near the information desk at the food court. Kathy Leidich stated the trolley is part of the whole transportation plan for the town and it needs to make connections with other busses at the hub. She stated during the week the trolley is not able to make it's 30-minute route and stop at the food court. Councilmember Zoldos asked that the schedule be amended to accommodate the stop at the food court. He expressed his concern for this lady having to walk from Old Navy to the food court in foul weather. Mr. Wells asked if the issue could be brought back at the next meeting. He stated adding the additional stop may preclude the trolley's ability to make it's connections; however, staff can investigate further options for amending the schedule. Mayor Umstattd stated her concern that amending the schedule might have repercussions for other individuals who commute on the trolley. Vice Mayor Martinez thanked Dennis Boykin for his efforts and for attending tonight's meeting, ::L ::L. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m, 2005_tcwsmJn0124 ;l~'~k of Council