HomeMy Public PortalAbout2006_08_07
Council Work Session
August 7, 2006
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammier, Marty Martinez,
Ken Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd
Councilmembers Absent: Susan Horne arrived at 8:45 pm.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Barbara Beach, Assistant
to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Chief
of Police Joe Price, Airport Director Tim Deike, Director of Economic Development
Betsy Fields, Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler, Director of Planning,
Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Director of Finance Norm Butts, Director of
Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Assistant Director for Parks Rich Williams, Deputy
Director of Capital Projects Management Renee LaFollette, Management Budget
Officer Mike Freda, Management Specialist Tami Watkins and Deputy Clerk of Council
Debi Parry.
AGENDA ITEMS
Council Meeting of August 8, 2006
a. Town Sponsorship of the Medical Automation International
Conference.
Council Member Hammier introduced Dr. Robin Felder, University of
Virginia and Dr. Terry Sharrer. She expressed her appreciation for the time
and energy they have expended on behalf of Loudoun County, for the
inspiration and passion they bring, and what they will do for economic
development.
Dr. Felder stated medical automation promises to improve health care
quality and efficiency through teaching automation principals, applications
and healthcare systems. He stated the Medical Automation Organization is an
educational non-profit founded in 2002. Further, He stated the inaugural
conference was held in Helsinki, Finland last June.
Dr. Felder stated the two day conference would be held November 1-3
with a gala held at Janelia Farm. He stated they are looking to host a
Leesburg Social event as many of these international companies are looking
to come to the United States. Further, he outlined the current sponsors of
the event saying this is ground zero for medical automation.
Council Member Burk stated she is very excited by this possibility and
thanked Council Member Hammier for her efforts to bring the conference to
our area.
Council Member Martinez, thanked Dr. Felder and Dr. Sharrer for their
presentation.
Council Member Hammier commented on the many accomplishments of
Town Council Work Session of August 7, 2006
Page 2
Dr. Felder and Dr. Sharrer in the medical automation field. She stated if
Leesburg could be ground zero for medical automaton it would be just the
beginning of an incredible new millennium of opportunity.
Council Member Wright stated he is glad to see that we have the
opportunity to sponsor and participate in this conference. He stated he would
like to see the Economic Development Commission inventory the space that
we have in the pipeline to maximize the opportunity.
Council Member Reid thanked Council Member Hammier for her efforts.
He stated our number one goal is to get one of these companies to locate in
the Town.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Dr. Felder and Dr. Sharrer.
Betsy Fields stated Ara Bagdasarian, Vice Chairman of the Economic
Development Commission (EDe) would like to make some comments
regarding the Commission's recommendation.
Mr. Bagdasarian read the following statement from the Economic
Development Commission into the record:
"The EDC endorses and recommends the Town sponsorship of the Medical
Automation Conference in November. There is an old saying that luck occurs
when preparedness meets opportunity, and the EDC believes the Town is
prepared and the opportunity is now. The Town has identified it's growth
sectors of the future that will leverage the assets that the Town possesses,
ultimately creating more employment for the Town as well as increasing the
commercial tax base. The opportunity to take a leadership role in an
emerging economic sector has arrived and we can take the first step today by
sponsoring the Medical Automation Conference.
Medical automation is an emerging discipline in the world of education and
it is an emerging sector in the world of innovation and high growth business.
Medical automation has accepted that Leesburg is uniquely positioned to
leverage as a means of economic development locally that can have
outcomes globally. The unique assets that Leesburg has to offer as a feral
environment for medical automation are: (1) our proximity to the Howard
Hughes Medical Institute; (2) George Mason University and its expansion in
Loudoun County; (3) the INOVA Healthcare System; (4) and the
telecommunications infrastructure that we have, because medical automation
truly is an information technology based sector and we have those resources
here to leverage.
Medical automation brings together the best innovations in information
technology, biotechnology and even nanotechnology to deliver new devices,
methodologies and services that can enhance the quality of our lives and
decrease the cost of health care.
By sponsoring the Medical Automation Conference, we are not only
showing the world that Leesburg is ready to take a leadership role in this
emerging sector, but also that Leesburg is a pro-business community that
advocates growth while sustaining and enhancing the quality of life.
Town Council Work Session of August 7,2006
Page 3
Leesburg will be the first region in America to develop an environment to
nurture the medical automation sector providing the resources for new
ventures to emerge from the technology transfer from research to innovation.
We, the EDC strongly encourage the Town of Leesburg's Town Council to
support the Medical Automation Conference and business community by
approving the request in the amount of $8,000 to support the Medical
Automation Conference at Lansdowne on November 1, 2006. We appreciate
your support, consideration and cooperation during this business endeavor."
It was the consensus of Council to vote on this item tomorrow night.
Council Member Hammier asked if there was any talk among the EDC
regarding the possibility of having a booth at the conference, at a cost of
$3,000 to showcase the key properties in Leesburg.
Mr. Bagdasarian stated they have discussed the possibility of a booth and
are working with various businesses and developers.
Council Member Reid asked if the cost of the booth should be included in
the sponsorship.
Council Member Hammier stated Council Member Martinez recommended
highlighting the Crescent District and the redevelopment opportunities.
Ms. Fields stated we do not have a trade show booth and supported the
EDC's approach to contact developers who probably already have that sort of
material.
Mayor Umstattd asked if there is an opportunity to send the trolley to
bring the conference attendees downtown.
Ms. Fields stated staff's recommendation is that we sponsor the gala
dinner along with a spouses program that would bring the thousands of
conference attendees into Town for a tour of Dodona Manor and shopping
downtown. She stated if we become a sponsor for the conference this year,
and express our intent to sponsor it in future years we might then have the
opportunity to influence some venue locations for future years, such as
hosting the gala dinner in Town.
There was Council discussion regarding various events that could be held
in Town in future years.
Council Member Burk thanked the Economic Development Department
and Commission for their efforts associated with sponsoring this conference.
Dr. Sharrer stated he has spoken with Ms. Fields regarding the assets the
Town has. He stated in his opinion Dodona Manor is the greatest magnet we
have, as there will be many European companies attending who all know
about the Marshall Plan.
Mayor Umstattd stated the Marshall Foundation has repeatedly offered the
Town use of Dodona Manor for receptions.
Town Council Work Session of Auqust 7. 2006
Paqe 4
b. All way stops at Woods Edge Drive - Public Input Session.
Mr. Wells stated the Standing Residential Traffic Committee has submitted
a letter indicating their support for this action.
c. Dangerous and Vicious Dog Ordinance - Public Hearing.
Barbara Beach stated her recommendation that the Town repeal its
existing Code section and adopt the State's Code section. She stated she has
met with animal control staff who indicated their support of this action.
Further, she thanked Ms. St. Clair for her assistance in providing information
for this ordinance.
Councilmember Wright asked if there should be a reference in the Town
Code indicating our adoption of the State Code section. He expressed
concern that the average citizen would not know that we have an ordinance
related to dangerous and vicious dogs.
Ms. Beach stated the average citizen would call the animal warden who is
the advising authority on this legislation. She stated the Town enforces a
number of laws under the State Code which are not repeated in the Town
Code.
d. Awarding Phase I Perimeter Fencing Construction Contract at
Leesburg Airport.
Renee LaFollette stated this project was separated into two phases
because of the delays associated with the west-end land acquisition,
grading and environmental issues.
Council Member Reid asked when the fencing would be installed.
Ms. LaFollette stated staff is looking to hold a preconstruction meeting
within one week after the contract award. She stated construction would
begin two weeks after that and there is a 90-100 day time period in which to
complete this phase.
e. Approving a supplemental appropriation for the reimbursement of
$15,000 for the negotiation of the Verizon Cable Franchise.
There was no Council discussion of this item.
f. Authorizing staff to set a public hearing date to discuss the sale of
Town property.
Council Member Burk asked if the purchase of the Andover Meadows
property would be used to make an entrance on Dodd Street.
Ms. Ard stated the applicant has not requested such an entrance.
Council Member Wright stated the parcel does not seem big enough to be
zoned for a driveway and they already have an ingress/egress point. He
stated it is his belief that the owner wants the property so they can construct
another house.
Council Member Burk asked if staff had considered using the parcel for a
park.
Town Council Work Session of August 7. 2006
Page 5
Mr. Wells stated we can look at other options if that is Council's desire.
Further, he stated initiating the public hearing does not obligate Council to
act.
Council Member Wright stated the appraisal for the Andover Meadows
property was close to the assessed value; however, if the owner were to
purchase the other lot then they could construct more houses and therefore
double the value of the land.
Ms. Ard stated the appraiser suggested that the appraisal be amended if
the two lots are consolidated.
Ms. Beach stated if there is a sense that Council does not wish to sell
either of these properties then we should not proceed with the public hearing.
Council Member Wright stated we have discussed the possibility of
workforce housing associated with these properties and asked how that would
be enforced.
Ms. Beach stated there would be a covenant in the deed. Further, she
stated in dealing with workforce housing it is very common for localities to
look down the chain of title to ensure the covenant is followed.
Council Member Reid stated he would not want to sell the land unless
there was a guarantee of workforce housing. He stated he is more confident
in the Cedar Walk property as that is a more affordable neighborhood.
There was further discussion of the requirement for workforce housing on
the Cedar Walk property.
It was the consensus of Council to move forward for a public hearing only
on the Cedar Walk property.
g. Crosstrail Update/Follow-up
Ms. Swift stated staff has drafted two letters for Council approval, one to
the Loudoun County Planning Commission and the other to the Loudoun
County Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Wells stated the letters have been amended to refer to the area in
question as the Leesburg Area Management Plan (LAMP) area as opposed to
the Joint Land Management Area (JLMA). He stated the LAMP was the
original planning area created in the 1980's.
Vice Mayor Horne stated all of our recent correspondence with Loudoun
County referrers to the area as the JLMA and suggested adding a descriptive
footnote to the letters so there is no confusion.
Council Member Hammier stated it is her understanding that some parts
of the agreement may not be in effect since there hasn't been regular joint
planning.
Town Council Work Session of August 7, 2006
Page 6
Ms. Beach stated she and the County Attorney are in agreement on
everything. She stated we discovered there have been more frequent
meetings than the County originally thought.
Council Member Hammier verified we do not know when the Loudoun
County Planning Commission will discuss this item again. She thanked
Council Member Burk for scheduling the Homeowner's Association meetings
and suggested scheduling one-on-one outreach with the Loudoun County
Planning Commission.
Council Member Wright proposed an amendment to the second letter to
specifically mention the impact to Bolen Park and the jail by allowing the
Loudoun County Sanitation Authority to provide water and sewer. Further, he
stated the best process to follow for joint planning would be for the two
Planning Commissions to work on a recommendation to the legislative bodies.
Ms. Beach stated the current process must be followed as was agreed in
the Annexation Area Development Plan. She stated there would need to be
an amendment to the plan to allow the two Planning Commissions to conduct
the joint planning.
Dennis Boykin, Chairman of the Airport Commission, asked that the letter
to the Loudoun County Planning Commission make clear that Dulles
International Airport and Leesburg Executive Airport are very different. He
stated the complaints from citizens abutting Dulles Airport's flight zone
regarding noise and flight traffic would not result in cries to shut down the
airport such as it might from citizens who abut our airport.
There was further Council discussion regarding the average day/night
noise lines at Leesburg Executive Airport and Dulles International Airport.
Council Member Burk verified the Leesburg Airport Commission members
are meeting with members of the Loudoun County Planning Commission.
h. Making an appointment to the Environmental Advisory
Commission
Vice Mayor Horne stated she will be nominating Steve Hauptman for
appointment to the Environmental Advisory Commission.
i. Development of a Park and Ride Lot at Freedom Park
Mr. Wells stated there are currently 300 parking spaces at the park;
however, an additional 145 spaces could be created if the storm water pond
were filled in and an underground retention system constructed at the cost of
$1 milllion. He stated an additional 60 spaces could be added at a cost of
$60,000 once Tolbert Lane is closed. Further, he stated a change to the
special exception and Zoning Ordinance would be required for a park and ride
use at this location.
Mr. Wells identified other potential issues including conflicts with the
evening bus arrivals and various sporting events at certain times of the year
and transportation demands with the addition of the park and ride lot to the
traffic generated by the three schools in that location.
Town Council Work Session of August 7 , 2006
Page 7
Council Member Reid commented on the traffic that will be generated by
the use of Bolen Park as a park and ride location. He stated an email was
sent by Assistant to the Loudoun County Administrator Terrie Laycock
indicating there is a restriction on the Bolen Park land that could initially limit
the number of parking spaces from 700 to 400. Further, he outlined the
advantages to using Freedom Park including its proximity to the Dulles
Greenway and the creation of more parking spaces for the families attending
the sporting events.
Mayor Umstattd stated Council had looked at this possibility before and
determined it was not the best solution.
Kaj Dentler stated his biggest concern is getting the commuters out of the
lot before the games and activities start between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.
Council Member Burk stated this solution is not feasible and this should be
the County's responsibility.
Vice Mayor Horne expressed concern with the difference between the end
of the lease at the Barber and Ross site and the completion of the lot at Bolen
Park. She stated it is the County's responsibility; however, these commuters
have been moved around a lot and we need to have some interim solution
and not face this issue at the eleventh hour.
Mr. Wells stated the lease on the Barber and Ross property is a month to
month lease, the issue lies in the expiration date on the special exception.
Mayor Umstattd verified the County should begin the process to amend
the special exception immediately.
Council Member Martinez expressed concern with the mix of commuter
traffic and the existing traffic from the three schools in this area. Further, he
suggested distributing surveys to the commuters to determine their needs.
Council Member Hammier recommended this issue be referred to the
Economic Development Commission. Further, she commented on the need to
focus on telecommuting options.
Council Member Wright stated this is a County responsibility, they haven't
asked for help and by getting involved at this point we are creating confusion
as to whose responsibility this is. He stated there are currently improvements
being made to Sycolin Road; however, there are no planned improvements
for Evergreen Mill Road.
Council Member Reid stated we are not creating confusion, we are
providing the County with a back-up plan. He stated Bolen Park can only hold
400 parking spaces until the land restriction is lifted.
Mr. Wells stated the special exception for Bolen Park has a restriction that
only 400 parking spaces can be constructed initially; however, when the
Sycolin Road extension is complete in 2009 another 300 parking spaces can
be added.
Town Council Work Session of Auqust 7,2006
Page 8
Mayor Umstattd verified this is all within the purview of Loudoun County.
Further, she concurred with Council Member Wright's comments that this
issue is within Loudoun County's control and the best way to proceed is to
support their efforts.
For consideration and discussion:
1. Union Cemetery Storm Sewer! Appraisal.
John Wells stated there have been two issues with this project: (1) the
acquisition of an easement and price the cemetery board of directors requested and
(2) the addition of storm water management improvements on the site. He stated a
change in the width of the easement has been considered which may result in the
acceptance of our offer by the board of directors. Further, he stated staff
recommends combining the design of this project with the project across the street.
Vice Mayor Horne stated the board of directors is concerned with potential
revenue loss by granting this easement; however, the appraiser has said that the
property in question is not zoned for cemetery use and therefore is not as valuable.
Mr. Wells stated the appraiser provides the value of the land and does not
account for potential income; however, the board of directors is asking that the land
be priced based on the potential income loss.
2. Update on the approved plan of action for use of the A.V. Symington
donation in order to provide public recreation improvements at Ida
Lee Park.
Kaj Dentler stated in 2004 the Parks and Recreation Department received a
$4.25 million donation from the A.V. Symington Estate to be used for improvements
at Ida Lee Park and Council subsequently approved $10.5 million plan to provide an
indoor tennis facility, outdoor pool and to acquire land. He stated staff has begun
discussions with the O'Connor family and the school system regarding the acquisition
of land.
Mr. Dentler outlined the issues with the outdoor pool including storm water
management, sanitary sewer, parking and consideration of the addition of lap lanes.
Further, he stated issues with the indoor tennis center include the recommended
reduction in size of the tennis facility and discussed the option for a temporary
bubble over three of the existing courts.
Mr. Dentler outlined the endorsed concept plan for the pool stating there is
also an option to build a covered 6-8 lane lap pool at an additional cost to
accommodate the swim teams and free up pool space in the recreation center.
Further, he stated staff recommends moving forward with the design phase including
the optional temporary bubble for the existing tennis courts and the lap lane pool.
Council Member Burk asked if it would save money to phase in the
improvements versus building all items at once.
Mr. Dentler stated some of the projects could be phased in; however, it will
not save money as the cost of construction will only increase.
Council Member Burk stated the land acquisition is the top priority and
expressed support for staff's recommendation to design the projects with the
optional features to determine the cost of construction.
Town Council Work Session of August 7 , 2006
Page 9
Council Member Martinez commented on the strong support for the six court
tennis complex with the semi-ridged structure and asked if it could be worked into
the design phase to determine the cost of construction.
Mr. Dentler stated staff is not recommending the six court semi-ridged
structure because of the significant impact on the character of the park.
Council Member Hammier asked if the cost for use the pool would be the
same for residents of the Town and County.
Mr. Dentler estimated the entrance fee for the pool at $6 to $8 and stated
there will be a separate non-resident fee. Further, he stated fees for the tennis
facility would be on a similar structure.
Council Member Hammier concurred with Council Member Burk that the land
acquisition should be the top priority.
Council Member Wright stated the fact that the current pool supports four
high school swim teams, with only two high schools in Town should give us the
leverage to seek financial support for the construction of the lap lane pool.
There was further discussion regarding the fire lane requirements of the Town
as opposed to the Loudoun County Fire Marshall's recommendations.
Council Member Reid stated if the O'Connor Family were to donate the land
we would have funds to cover the construction of the pool as proposed. He asked if
that would also give us the funds to construct the tennis court with the bubble
assuming the Town were to extend water and sewer to their property at no charge
for their proposed 800 home development.
Mr. Dentler stated if the land were obtained at no cost that would give us an
additional $4 million to use.
Steve Robbins, addressed Council regarding the need for the six to seven
year round tennis courts and asked that Council consider the strong demand from
the tennis community for this use.
Claire DeAnqoletti, asked that discussions continue regarding the design for
the outdoor pool involving as many communities as possible and suggested the
establishment of a pool task force.
Ms. DeAngoletti asked that citizen comments made at commission meetings
be written verbatim in the minutes to allow comments to be read by individuals
higher up in the organization and reflect a better record of the dialog occurring at the
commission meetings. Further, she stated the Parks and Recreation Commission's
input session on the pool was not advertised in the newspaper and therefore people
were not given ample opportunity to participate in the meeting.
Ms. DeAngoletti further commented on the estimated cost for entrance to the
outdoor pool stating the proposed fee would be difficult for large families.
Town Council Work Session of August 7,2006
Page 10
Mayor Umstattd stated it is her preference that we move forward as quickly
as possible to avoid any increases in the construction costs and to meet the
immediate needs of the citizens.
force.
Council Member Reid asked if staff had considered establishing a pool task
Mr. Dentler outlined the two year input process including the focus group
meeting with consultants, Parks and Recreation Commissioners, staff, and interested
members of the public, that established the three pool designs. Further, he stated a
community input meeting was held on June 8 at which time overwhelming support
was expressed for the proposed design.
Council Member Reid stated as we move forward with an expansion of Ida Lee
the Parks and Recreation Commission should consider forming a subcommittee.
There was further discussion regarding the input process.
Mr. Wells stated to preserve as many options as possible we will design the
two facilities within the framework that keeps options open while remaining in our
financial constraints.
Kathy Brown, stated in working with the tennis program at Ida Lee this
summer it was difficult to find adequate court availability with the existing seven
outdoor courts. She stated by limiting the number of courts you are limiting the
availability, which will have an impact on how people see the tennis facility and the
revenue generation.
Councilmember Reid asked if Ms. Brown would support constructing a bubble
over six of the existing courts and constructing two open courts closer to Old
Waterford Road.
Ms. Brown stated that would work; however, the original plan was the best.
Paula Harrison, asked if staff has done studies into the maintenance and life
of the bubble as opposed to the semi-ridged structure.
Mr. Dentler stated both structures have a life span of 15 to 20 years;
however, a seasonal bubble that is removed for the spring and summer would have a
shorter usage period than one that remained up.
Jan Farrel, stated a four court facility with a bubble would net only three
courts for the public as one court would be reserved for lessons. Further, she stated
erecting a bubble over the existing courts would require that the fencing and lights
be taken down.
3. Installment payments for availability fees.
Betsy Fields stated staff is recommending that businesses whose availability
fees exceed the average charge be allowed to pay the amount above the average in
installments. She stated this would require a Town Code amendment. Further, she
stated Council could consider asking the business to bond the amount due; however,
if the amount is not collected then the balance due would transfer to the new
property owner if the business were to be sold.
Town Council Work Session of Auqust 7, 2006
Page 11
Ms. Beach stated staff does need some direction on some of these options
prior to placing the ad in the newspaper including how the average is calculated.
Council Member Burk asked if installment payments could be accepted for the
entire amount.
Ms. Beach stated there will be a certain percentage of businesses that will not
pay, so this method ensures the Town does receive some of the money.
Mr. Wells stated it is also important to get a substantial amount upfront
because our bond rates are determined by our revenue collections.
Council Member Burk verified staff recommends that interest be collected on
the amount due.
Vice Mayor Horne asked what costs are involved with the bonding option.
Mr. Wells stated the bonding option is attractive because it would guarantee
the funds upfront; however, staff wants to look at the added cost as compared to the
interest option.
Council Member Hammier stated this is important in attracting restaurants
and easing the burden on small restaurant owners.
Council Member Wright stated the importance in comparing our availability
fees to that of other neighboring jurisdictions. Further, he stated with the exception
of 2005 the availability fees collected by the Town far exceeded the projections and
there may be room for a discussion regarding decreasing some of these fees.
Council Member Reid thanked Ms. Beach for her legal research on this issue.
Further, he asked if the structure of determining the fees could be changed to attract
more restaurants.
Ms. Fields stated any changes would have to be made for all business uses
and not limited to restaurants.
There was further discussion regarding the issue of exempting availability
fees and the burden on restaurant owners.
Mr. Reid suggested lowering the threshold payment to $20,000 and only
extend credit if there is a clear credit check or a personal credit statement.
Mayor Umstattd stated she would support lowering the threshold to $20,000.
She stated we are supposed to collect fees based on water usage however; if we fail
to collect adequate availability fees we will potentially have to increase fees for
residents or supplement the utility fund through the general fund.
4. Town of Leesburg Annual Report
John Wells stated during the budget work sessions Council indicated a desire
for the Town to produce an annual report. He outlined several options for the format
including booklet and calendar options.
Town Council Work Session of August 7. 2006
Page 12
Council Member Burk stated she is impressed with the calendar option.
Vice Mayor Horne stated she is excited at the prospect of the Town doing a
better job in communicating information and expressed appreciation for the amount
of research that went into this.
5. FY 07 Budget status/FY 08 Budget discussion
John Wells stated the financial staff in the Town are currently looking to close
out FY 06, managing the FY 07 and putting together the FY 08 budget proposal. He
stated final unaudited data for FY 06 will not be available until mid August. Further,
he outlined the components of the report including the current status of the FY 07
budget and the status of the current year's Capital Improvements Program.
Mr. Wells stated during the FY 07 budget process Council established a
revenue stabilization fund in concern for the economic slow down anticipated for the
FY 08 budget. He stated the assessments for FY 08 are expected to only increase by
one percent and staff has noted a decrease in new home construction. Further, he
stated the preliminary revenue and expenditure projections for next year show a
$1.9 million shortfall in the general fund.
Norm Butts stated on the revenue side in the general fund we are anticipating
the real estate taxes in FY 08 would remain the same as FY 07; however, all other
taxes are projected at an increase of three percent overall. He stated staff
anticipates a transfer from the undesignated fund balance will cover the Capital
Improvements Program. Further, he outlined staff's process in arriving at the
shortfall projection for FY 08.
Mr. Wells stated staff will be looking to Council for any early indications
regarding the tax rate. Further, he stated staff is looking for any additional
efficiencies that could be incorporated as we look to keep service levels at their
current standard.
There was Council discussion of some of the current capital improvement
projects.
Council Member Wright asked for the basis of the projected $4 million
decrease in revenue for the utility fund.
Mr. Butts stated the availability fees and charges for service were combined in
that projection.
Council Member Reid suggested this report be posted on the website. He
stated he is concerned about the preliminary deficit projection and stated he would
not support a budget above the equalization rate for FY 08.
For information only:
The Town Council work session of September 11, 2006:
a. Zoning Ordinance Amendments
There was no discussion of this item.
b. TEA-21 Grant Update
There was no discussion of this item.
Town Council Work Session of Auqust 7, 2006
Paqe 13
c. Gatehouse Cable Franchise
There was no discussion of this item.
d. Request to Loudoun County to restore a segment of Crosstrail
Boulevard between Route 15 and Route 621 to the Loudoun
County Transportation Plan
There was no discussion of this item.
e. Emergency Operation Ordinance
There was no discussion of this item.
f. Subdivision Review
There was no discussion of this item.
New Business:
Council Member Burk stated Council received a letter from Ms. Patty Nelson
asking that a resolution be passed condemning hate crime and asked how this
request should be addressed.
Mayor Umstattd stated the resolution could be placed on the agenda for
tomorrow night.
Vice Mayor Horne verified this request alludes to the Aldie incident.
Council Member Burk stated this resolution would send the message that the
Town will not tolerate any action that intimidates any group of people.
Council Member Hammier stated the National League of Cities has discussed
initiatives to be open to diversity in the community and we may wish to focus on that
too. Further, she stated she spoke with Pat McKinney this evening and we continue
to have a problem in the downtown with intimidation and profane language that also
needs to be addressed.
Mayor Umstattd stated she noticed a police officer talking to a group of kids
on the Town green before the meeting. Further, she stated there were no additional
problems at the Acoustics on the Green concert last weekend.
Council Member Reid stated he would like to add to the resolution that we ask
the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and surrounding jurisdictions to also
condemn this hate crime that occurred in Aldie.
Adjournment
On a motion by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember
Hammier, the meeting adjourned at 11: 10 pm.
2006_tcwsmin0807