HomeMy Public PortalAbout2006_09_11
Council Work Session
September 11, 2006
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:37 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kathryn Sheldon Hammier, Susan Horne, Marty
Martinez, Ken Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd
Councilmembers Absent: Council Member Burk arrived at 7:51 p.m.
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, Director of Economic Development Betsy Fields, Director of
Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Director of Engineering and Public
Works Tom Mason, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, Chief of Comprehensive
Planning David Fuller, Planner Scott Parker, Traffic Engineer Mike Bomgardner,
Downtown Coordinator Management Specialist Tami Watkins and Deputy Clerk of
Council Debi Parry.
AGENDA ITEMS
Council Meeting of September 12, 2006
a. Zoning Ordinance text amendments - TLOA-2006-0002 to
implement certain objectives of the 2005 Town Plan to update
various sections - public hearing.
Vice Mayor Horne asked if the amendments address the issue of granny
flats.
Mr. Boucher stated granny flats were not included in this batch of
amendments.
Council Member Wright expressed concern with item number seven
regarding traffic studies.
Council Member Reid expressed concern with the requirement of five foot
sidewalks stating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) only requires four
foot sidewalks with a bump-out every 300 feet. He stated these right-of-way
requirements are onerous.
Vice Mayor Horne verified the Loudoun Street setback is addressed.
There was further Council discussion regarding sidewalk bump outs for
ADA compliance.
b. Review of proposed charter and setting a public hearing.
Barbara Beach stated it has been 29 years since the charter was amended
and 30 years since the Code was recodified. She stated the Town has entered
into a contract with an agency to help compare our charter with those of other
jurisdictions. Further, she stated the advertising and approval process for charter
amendments is long and the entire process will need to be completed by
December 1st in order to have the General Assembly vote during their next
session.
Council Member Hammier thanked Ms. Beach for her hard work.
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Page 2
Council Member Wright stated it seems like some of the items addressed
in the proposed Charter are also covered elsewhere.
Ms. Beach stated most of those cases involve utilities and planning. She
stated no ordinance should be passed unless the power is granted in the Charter
and the State Code. Further, she stated the planning and zoning information was
entered in simplistic terms to make it easier for others to understand.
Council Member Reid stated he has a number of concerns with the
proposed Charter and suggested establishing a Charter Review Commission.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Ms. Beach for her efforts stating it is a very good
compilation.
c. Sale of Town property in Cedar Walk - public hearing.
Council Member Reid verified staff has not heard from Waterford Homes
who wished to purchase the property in Andover Meadows.
d. Amending the Town Code to prohibit thru truck traffic on Heritage
Way between Fort Evans Road and Edwards Ferry Road.
Vice Mayor Horne stated the study found that 28 percent of the trucks on
this road are not on their destination route and asked staff how many trucks
were observed during the study.
Mr. Mason stated approximately 30 trucks were observed and one-fourth
of them used Heritage Way as a cut-through.
e. Amending the Code of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, 1976, as
amended, by adding a new Chapter 6.1, Emergency Services -
public hearing.
Mr. Wells stated this is a follow-up item in preparation for pandemic flu or
any other type of emergency situation. He stated in looking at the Town
Code staff felt it would be appropriate to reexamine this legislation.
Mayor Umstattd stated this would enable the Town to react quickly in the
event of a disaster or emergency situation. She asked Chief Joe Price to
outline the law.
Chief Price stated this would establish a new chapter in the Town Code
which would allow the Town Manager to appoint an Emergency Preparedness
Coordinator. He stated this establishes the powers and duties of the
coordinator and the procedures to be used in the declaration of an
emergency. Further, he stated this would also establish powers for
emergency procurement and actions such as evacuation or curfews and
provides an order of succession.
Ms. Beach stated the order of succession in the proposed legislation is
Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police and Director of Engineering and Public
Works. She stated that line of succession is based on what other jurisdictions
have enacted and can be amended per the desire of Council.
Town Council Work Session of September 11. 2006
Page 3
Mayor Umstattd verified we do not have a Deputy Chief of Police and
asked if that should be amended.
Ms. Beach stated because the Town does not currently have a Deputy
Chief of Police the order of succession would automatically flow to the Director
of Engineering and Public Works as the ordinance is currently drafted.
Council Member Hammier stated it seems logical that the number two
position would be a Deputy Town Manager and perhaps we should look into
creating that position within the Town.
There was further Council discussion regarding the role of a Deputy Town
Manager.
Mr. Wells stated the key point is that we have identified a line of
succession in the event that he is out of town.
Council Member Martinez stated he would prefer that any appointed
Emergency Coordinator live in the Town.
Council Member Reid asked if a nurse or other person with a medical
background should be designated as a Deputy Coordinator in the event of a
medical emergency.
Chief Price stated he is unsure if we have a person on staff with that type
of expertise. Further, he stated this in no way changes or replaces any
agreements we have with Loudoun County. Further, in a medical emergency
we would work closely with the Loudoun County Health Department.
Council Member Reid asked who would be responsible for communicating
information to the public.
Chief Price stated that is included in the Town's emergency plan.
Council Member Wright asked if we have the authority to force residents
to evacuate or face arrest. Further, he asked what would be done in the case
of a business that had a generator and emergency plan in place and needed
to stay to keep their business running.
Chief Price stated the Town operates on a colored tag system. If a home
or business is evacuated a green tag would be placed on the door, if someone
is staying a red tag would be placed on the door and if no contact has been
made a yellow tag would be placed on the door. Further, he stated staff will
keep a log listing all locations and the colored tag issued.
Council Member Hammier stated when the Governor declares an
emergency one of their unique powers to put the National Guard on alert.
She asked what the role of the coordinator would be vis-a-vis the National
Guard.
Chief Price stated a request for National Guard assistance would have to
be made from the Town through the Loudoun County to the State
government. He stated it is really no different than the current procedure.
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Mayor Umstattd verified this ordinance would not prohibit us from seeking
assistance from jurisdictions other than Loudoun County. Further, she asked
if we have a water sharing agreement with Fairfax County or the smaller
towns in Loudoun County.
Chief Price stated we do not currently have an agreement with the other
jurisdictions in Loudoun County; however, he and the Town Manager will be
addressing this with those governments over the next few months.
Mayor Umstattd stated her concern with granting the ability to
commandeer private real property for use as a temporary shelter. She asked
if staff anticipates seizing a personal residence for this purpose.
Chief Price stated our plan is coordinated with the County in that shelter
scenario for Leesburg and Loudoun County uses the schools so there is no
realistic anticipation that we would use a private residence for a shelter.
Mayor Umstattd asked if it would be objectionable to prohibit the use of a
private residence for that purpose. She stated the ability to use hotels,
churches, schools or even a shopping center would still exist.
There was further discussion regarding this amendment.
Council thanked Chief Price for his department's participation in the 9/11
Ceremony.
f. Park and Ride Lot temporary back-up location.
Mr. Wells stated staff has drafted a letter based on the discussion at the
last Council meeting to allow the Town to be proactive in the event that the
plan to move the park and ride lot to Bolen Park was delayed. He stated he
has spoken with the County and their staff believes the Barber and Ross site
will be available to them through the end of 2007 allowing time for the Bolen
Park site to open; however, the special exception for the Barber and Rose site
will expire before that time and County and Town staff are working to extend
that agreement.
Council Member Hammier asked what we can do to improve the
intersection of Sycolin Road and the Bypass in anticipation of the increased
traffic that will be generated by the park and ride lot at Bolen Park.
Tom Mason stated that intersection is controlled by the Virginia
Department of Transportation (VDOT) and staff can coordinate with them to
see what improvements can be made.
Council Member Hammier stated she will be meeting with representatives
from VDOT at 7:30 am on Wednesday at the traffic light on Route 7 prior to
the Route 28 interchange to look at the signal synchronization.
Council Member Reid stated the Bolen Park site is not a good location for
the park and ride lot given the current level of traffic at the intersection of
Sycolin Road and the Bypass. He stated it would be better to locate the park
Town Council Work Session of September 11. 2006
Page 5
and ride lot in Oaklawn at Stratford because of its direct access to the
Greenway.
Mr. Mason stated the segment of Battlefield Parkway between Sycolin
Road and the Greenway interchange should be completed in the next 18 to 24
months, which will provide some relief.
Mayor Umstattd stated Council had been told that project would be
completed by next summer.
Mr. Mason stated if everything goes as planned it could possibly be
completed in 12 months.
There was further Council discussion of this project.
Mr. Wells stated he will check with the Greenway and Oaklawn regarding
their construction schedules.
g. Pursuing the development of an annual report for the Town of
Leesburg.
John Wells stated if it is Council's desire to pursue an annual report in a
written format then staff recommends that we follow the general format of
the City of Falls Church with a combination of a calendar, schedule of events,
annual report and a guide to services. If Council would prefer a different
format then staff would recommend that all of the information be placed on
the Town's website.
Mayor Umstattd asked the cost estimates for the different options.
Kathy Leidich stated the cost for the calendar document would be
approximately $19,000, which includes the cost for consultant services and
mailing.
Mr. Wells stated a book format similar to Loudoun County's document
would cost approximately $13,000 to $14,000 if it were mailed to each
residence. He stated the cost for the web based document would be staff
time and making the project a higher priority with our Information
Technology staff.
Mayor Umstattd asked staff to provide a cost estimate tomorrow evening
for a web based annual report and the printing of a few hard copies for the
Thomas Balch and Rust libraries.
Council Member Martinez stated any cost approved for this would create a
new item to be included in the budget from now on. He stated he recently
viewed the Council agenda on the website and would envision the annual
report set up in a similar fashion.
Council Member Burk stated the calendar option provides the best
opportunity to get the information out to the residents.
Vice Mayor Horne stated people will engage more in this community and
government when they can know what is going on. She stated there are a
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Page 6
number of people who do not have access to the internet and they need
something tangible in their hands to see the types of events we host and
services we provide.
Council Member Hammier stated the Loudoun County School Board seems
to do a good job at communicating information efficiently while not producing
a document on the scale of what the City of Falls Church does. Further, she
stated she would like to see examples of documents produced by other local
entities with the associated cost estimates and recommended seeking input
from the citizens.
Council Member Wright stated information he would like to see in an
annual report would include status of capital improvement projects, major
legislative accomplishments, Council's goals for the upcoming year, and
aspects of our financial report. He stated we need to provide this information
while looking efficient and creating the right feel. Further, he recommended
including a slip of paper in the tax or water bills to include a brief overview of
topics and then indicate to citizens where they can get a copy of a particular
document such as an annual report or financial report for further information.
Council Member Reid stated he would support a web based report with
copies available at the Thomas Balch Library. He recommended talking to
Sandy Kane regarding the production of a calendar.
Mayor Umstattd stated her preference would be a web based report with
copies available to people without internet access.
h. Making an appointment to the Thomas Balch Library Commission.
Councilmember Hammier stated she would be nominating Francis "Rocky"
Fera for reappointment to the Thomas Balch Library Commission.
For consideration and discussion:
1. Crosstrail CPAM and Special Exception Update
Scott Parker stated the Loudoun County Planning Commission is meeting on
this issue tonight and we are waiting for staff to return from the meeting to provide a
report.
Mr. Wells stated the potential date for the Loudoun County Board of
Supervisors' meeting is October 10.
Council Member Martinez asked if staff had investigated the origin of the Joint
Land Management Area (JLMA) term.
Mr. Parker stated staff determined the term was generated by Loudoun
County.
Ms. Beach stated the only term valid under the annexation agreement in 1982
is Leesburg Area Management Plan (LAMP).
Council Member Hammier stated we need to make sure Council as a whole or
a subcommittee can speak in front of the Board at the hearing.
Town Council Work Session of September 11. 2006
Paoe 7
Mr. Wells stated not only should Council address the Board, but we should
also make every effort to ensure the residents are aware of the hearing date. He
stated the next AADP Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for September 18.
Council Member Wright stated the first step for Council should be to see what
we can get from the Joint Town/County AADP Subcommittee meeting and then try
for a meeting with the Board prior to their hearing. Further, he stated citizen
participation at the public hearing is important.
Council Member Reid stated there is a very nice article in the Kincaid Forest
newsletter regarding the Crosstrail development, which will hopefully spur action.
He questioned why the developer is willing to spend so much money to extend water
and sewer to our service area instead of being annexed into the Town and putting
the remaining funds into transportation improvements.
Mr. Wells stated the first item on the Loudoun County Planning Commission's
agenda for tonight was a presentation from the Crosstrail developer's consultant
regarding the joint utility system for the entire LAMP area which would split the area
between the Loudoun County Sanitation Authority (LCSA) and the Town. He stated
under this plan the Crosstrail development would be served by the Town and the
Ridgewater Park development would be served LCSA. Further, he stated Council
does have the right to refuse to serve this area.
Mr. Wells stated the Council, by resolution, has said that it would serve Bolen
Park; however, there is no written agreement. He stated we are only obligated to
provide utilities to the Fire Department burn building.
Council Member Hammier asked if there has been an instance where an area
is annexed into a Town; however, their utilities are provided by a government entity
outside of the Town.
Ms. Beach stated she is sure that has occurred in other places as it is no
illegal, it just would not be preferable.
2. Amending the Town Code to allow water and sewer availability fees
to be paid in installments.
Betsy Fields stated per discussion at the previous Council work session staff's
recommendation has been amended to reflect a $10,000 threshold for eligibility to
pay water availability fees installments and a $15,000 threshold for sewer availability
fees. She stated the current minimum water availability fee for new business is
$4,481 and $6,978 for sewer. Further, she stated staff also recommends that either
bonding or a letter of credit be required as a means of surety.
Vice Mayor Horne stated this is a reasonable way for Leesburg to work with
our new business owners, particularly our restaurants.
Council Member Wright stated he would like to continue the discussion of
moving to a more traditional method of charging these fees based on meter size.
Council Member Reid stated paragraph j. of the proposed ordinance exempts
new businesses in the H-l District when the use is not modified and asked if that
exemption should be extended to incorporate the H-2 District. Further, he asked if
Town Council Work Session of September 11. 2006
Page 8
staff had followed up with the owners of the Daily Grind to see if they were in fact
told that they would have to pay a large sum to operate in the Historic District.
Ms. Fields stated she has not been able to follow-up with the Daily Grind to
see if they were given incorrect information. She stated the decision to extend the
exemption for additional water and sewer availability fees for an increased water use
in an existing building is a policy decision that the Council should discuss. Further,
she stated the Town Attorney does have some concerns about it; however, staff will
investigate the option if it is Council's desire.
Ms. Beach stated the difference between the H-l and H-2 District is that there
are historic buildings in the H-l District; however, the H-2 District is more a
protection of the ingress/egress to the H-l District. She stated the original concerns
had to do with historic structures.
There was further Council discussion regarding fees to restaurant uses.
Council Member Wright stated he would be interested in seeing information
on other ways to charge the fees such as a meter based system.
3. Downtown holiday parking promotions for the 2006 holiday shopping
season.
Lisa Capraro stated staff's recommendation that Council authorize
implementation of free holiday parking in the garage and on the street from
November 24 through January 5 to encourage individuals to visit and shop downtown
during the 2006 holiday shopping season. She stated the Town began this
promotion during the 2005 holiday shopping season and staff received positive
comments from business owners and visitors. Further, she stated the parking
information would be included on the Town's website and in the holiday advertising
campaign.
Mayor Umstattd stated it was her recollection that both the Leesburg Today
and Loudoun Times-Mirror printed articles that last year's parking promotion failed
as merchants and their employees were taking up the spaces in the downtown.
Further, she stated she received similar feedback from members of the Leesburg
Downtown Business Association (LDBA).
Ms. Capraro stated the LDBA did issue a letter to the downtown businesses
encouraging them to leave the street parking open for visitors. She stated the LDBA
plans to issue the same letter this year.
Council Member Burk stated she shares the Mayor's concerns; however, if the
LDBA supports the promotion then we should move forward.
Vice Mayor Horne stated she does recall that there were some offenders last
year; however, she also recalls hearing how much the LDBA members appreciated
the program. She stated the program serves to draw visitors in and announces to
the public that Leesburg is open for business. Further, she stated we should ask the
local press to work with us in offsetting the perception that Leesburg has no parking
downtown.
Council Member Hammier asked if the Economic Development Commission
has endorsed this program.
Town Council Work Session of Seotember 11. 2006
Paqe 9
Ms. Fields stated staff can get official comment from them.
Council Member Wright expressed his support for the program and asked how
the time limits for parking will be enforced.
Mr. Wells stated because we are starting earlier this year we have the
opportunity to try to get individuals to comply with our intent to have the spaces
open for shoppers.
Council Member Reid suggested if we are going to do this for a month we
should consider making the program permanent and removing the meters.
Mayor Umstattd stated we have been back and forth on that debate for years.
Vice Mayor Horne stated removal of the meters would have revenue
implications.
4. Liberty's Promise
Mr. Robert Ponichtera, Executive Director of Liberty's Promise, outlined this
non-profit program to provide internships and learning opportunities for children
from immigrant families who live in low income households. He outlined their two
core programs, (1) Opportunity Plus - an internship program for ages 15-21 and (2)
Civics and Citizenship Group - 30-hour course that they would like to teach in
Leesburg. Further, he relayed the story of a child involved in this program who was
a gang member and is now employed by a marketing firm.
Council Member Martinez asked Mr. Ponichtera to address program that has
been started in Loudoun County and what Loudoun County has done to start the
program.
Mr. Ponichtera stated his program has been working with a number of
businesses in Loudoun County to place program participants in internships. He
stated he has been working extensively with the Loudoun County Public Schools and
the Loudoun Youth Initiative, who has provided financial support. Further, he stated
he would like to do a year long program in Leesburg and the U.S. Department of
Justice has issued a 2006-2007 grant which could be applied to the program in
Leesburg.
Council Member Martinez mentioned the Loudoun County Board of
Supervisors has also provided financial support to this program. He stated Mr.
Ponichtera is now looking for support from the Town and various businesses in the
community. Further, he stated he grew up in a culture where college was not even
thought about and emphasized the importance of government awareness.
Council Member Reid asked why the students do not receive educational
credits for the internships and how much compensation they receive.
Mr. Ponichtera stated he is currently working with the state to allow
educational credits for the internships. He stated there is a two-tiered compensation
program based on age and skill level.
Council Member Reid asked what countries are represented in the program
and verified all participating students are documented.
Town Council Work Session of Seotember 11. 2006
Page 10
Mr. Ponichtera stated participating students represent many nations including
eastern Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Council Member Hammier thanked Mr. Ponichtera for his presentation.
Vice Mayor Horne thanked Mr. Ponichtera for his presentation stating this
is a wonderful program to have in Northern Virginia.
5. Request to Loudoun County to restore a segment of Crosstrail
Boulevard between Route 15 and Route 621 to the Loudoun County
Transportation Plan
Tom Mason stated this segment of Crosstrail Boulevard was removed from
the Loudoun County Transportation Plan in 2001 and Council passed a resolution at
that time to oppose its removal. He stated a residential subdivision was constructed
within the previous alignment of this corridor and a new alignment is now being
proposed. He stated staff supports the new alignment and recommends that Council
adopt a resolution to request the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors restore the
realigned section of Crosstrail Boulevard in the Loudoun County Transportation Plan.
Mayor Umstattd stated the previous Board of Supervisors supported removing
the former alignment from their plan because it ran through Rokeby and because
there was a concern among slow growth advocates that traffic would increase along
Harmony Church Road.
Vice Mayor Horne stated the road alignment should be on the transportation
plan as it is not a good idea to take major roads off the map.
Council Member Reid stated there is no rush on this, the County is starting to
redo their County-wide transportation plan so this is a good time discuss this issue.
Mr. Mason stated if we want to propose this we should get this in when the
County solicits input this fall. He stated Council could take up this action at their
next meeting.
Council Member Hammier stated we have been trying to have regular
meetings with the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and this is a topic that could
be placed on the agenda.
There was Council discussion of adding this item to the Joint Town/County
AADP Subcommittee Agenda.
It was the consensus of Council to vote on this item tomorrow night.
Mr. Bill Nevell, Centex Homes, stated Rokeby Hamlet is a Centex
Development and asked that Council recommend that this segment of Crosstrails
Boulevard be returned to the County's transportation plan; however, they are not
ready to endorse any particular alignment at this time. He stated as a hamlet
community they have many conservation easements in place and many individuals
have put down large sums of money to have these homes constructed.
6. NLC Inclusive Community Program
Town Council Work Session of Seotember 11. 2006
Page 11
Nicole Ard stated two resolutions have been drafted for the next meeting to
celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Race Equity week. She stated staff is
currently planning activities for the end of the month with the R.O.C.K. and
Homework Club kids.
Council Member Burk stated there are some wonderful suggestions for
activities and the Public Art Commission may want to be involved in the painting
activity.
Vice Mayor Horne stated this presents good opportunities for us.
Council Member Hammier stated she would welcome adding an item to the
Council retreat agenda to look at the changing demographics in our community and
ways in which we can create balance.
Council Member Wright asked that we track the heritage month celebrations
for other ethnicities so they can also be recognized by Council.
7. County Referral ZMAP 2005-0028, Ridgewater Park
Mayor Umstattd stated Council is being asked to endorse the staff and
Planning Commission recommendations of denial for this application. She asked for
the deadline for the Town to respond to the County.
Scott Parker stated the timeline is uncertain at this point. He stated
Ridgewater Park is the project formerly known as Creekside; however, because the
project's scope has changed significantly the County is considering this a new
application and thus extending the deadlines. Further, he stated staff recommends
Council endorse staff's referral comments.
After further discussion it was the consensus of Council to include this item on
the agenda for tomorrow night.
Mayor Umstattd verified staff has not received comments from the Airport
Commission on this application. She further verified that the applicant is only
proposing $8 million in proffers for outside transportation improvements.
Council Member Hammier stated she met with Loudoun County Board of
Supervisors member Lori Waters last week to look at the number of mixed use
centers the County will be evaluating. She stated each one of these projects will
have an impact on Leesburg in a phenomenal way. Further, she suggested holding a
mixed use summit stating we are not doing this right to scale transportation to
balance with the Class A jobs.
Council Member Hammier stated she attended the Loudoun County
Economic Development meeting on Friday regarding affordable housing stating
everyone should have a right to work where they live and live where they work.
Further, she stated we should pick a Saturday in September to invite the interested
parties in because ultimately there are so many elements that have to be gUided
through so we can begin receiving different types of applications.
Town Council Work Session of September 11. 2006
Paqe 12
For information only:
The Town Council work session of September 11, 2006:
a. Town Plan amendment process
There was no discussion of this item.
New Business:
a. Crossroads Baptist Church Special Exception for Daycare
Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Wells to update Council on Rev. Van Welton's
application to open a child care center at Crossroads Baptist Church.
Mr. Wells stated the required traffic study was just submitted to the Town.
He stated staff had begun an informal review of the application and are
planning to meet with Pastor Van Welton on the 18th to discuss outstanding
issues.
Rev. Van Welton stated he was surprised at the criteria established by the
Town for a proposed daycare use in his existing church building for 25
children. He commented that many of the requirements seem unnecessary
including the need for a landscape study after the Town previously released
the landscaping bond for this property.
Council Member Burk stated the process is not for the 25 children, rather
it is meant to protect the other 40,000 residents of the Town. She stated she
would like to help; however, there are bureaucracies and the processes in
place.
Mr. Wells stated it would be most appropriate to allow staff to review the
application since it was just accepted today and it may not be fair to ask
Council to comment without all of the information.
Vice Mayor Horne stated she does not know the background of this
project, but would like to see if staff could expedite the application process.
Council Member Martinez stated he appreciates Rev. Van Welton's
courteousness and stated the Town will do everything it can to help in this
situation.
Council Member Hammier thanked Rev. Welton for always offering his
facility for the Town's needs. She asked if there are any legal options to
expedite the process.
Barbara Beach stated staff can not process the application until all of the
information is received and staff just received the traffic study.
Council Member Hammier asked if a waiver could be granted in this case.
Ms. Beach stated this use does not qualify for a waiver; however, Council
can look to amend the code so Council can pursue that option with future
applications.
Council Member Hammier stated she met with her board and commission
members this weekend and the topic of processes and how they impact
significant priorities was a central topic.
Town Council Work Session of September 11. 2006
Page 13
Mr. Wells stated he does not want to go into the details of the application;
however, the traffic implications are not the only issues involved.
Council Member Wright stated there are certain use standards established
in the Town and State Codes for child care centers. He suggested holding the
joint public hearing at the Planning Commission meeting to shorten the
timeline for approval.
Council Member Reid stated he would like planning staff and Council to
review its standards. He stated child care is a compelling need in the
community and therefore should have a different approval process.
Rev. Van Welton stated he understands the guidelines; however, as a
pastor he also understands the need of his congregation. He stated the Fire
Marshall and the Health Department have already inspected the building.
Further, he stated he is just looking for equitable consideration.
Mayor Umstattd stated she appreciates the unique situation Rev. Van
Welton finds himself in; however, in the past daycare centers and preschools
have drawn the most opposition from the community. She expressed support
for a joint public hearing.
Council Member Reid asked if the joint public hearing could be scheduled
for the Planning Commission meeting on October 5th.
Ms. Beach stated Council would have to submit a request to the Chairman
of the Planning Commission.
Council Member Reid asked that Mr. Van Welton consider temporarily
renting a Town facility to house the daycare until Council can take action.
Rev. Van Welton stated he has spoken with Kaj Dentler regarding a
temporary location for the daycare.
b. Paint the Town Pink
Council Member Burk stated the Leesburg Downtown Business Association
is organizing the second annual Paint the Town Pink celebration for the month
of October to raise awareness of breast cancer and asked that staff a
Proclamation in support of this initiative.
Mayor Umstattd she and Mr. Wells will be meeting with Sherry Wilson of
the American Cancer Society tomorrow morning regarding this project.
Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member
Wright, the meeting adjourned at 10: 55 pm.
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