HomeMy Public PortalAbout2007_03_26
Council Work Session
March 26, 2007
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7: 30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammier, Susan Horne,
Ken Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd
Councilmembers Absent: Marty Martinez
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 Planning, Zoning and
Development Susan Swift, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason,
Director of Capital Projects Management Nagi Elsewaissi, Marantha Edwards,
Environmental Planner Irish Grandfield, Zoning Planner Wade Burkholder,
Management Specialist Tami Watkins and Deputy Clerk of Council Debi Parry.
AGENDA ITEMS
7:00 Presentation - Presentation of County Office Proposal - Battlefield
Park
Clint Smullyan, Mosbacher Properties, outlined the proposal for the relocation
of the Loudoun County Government Center to Battlefield Park. Further, he stated
this site provides access to the W&OD Trail, green space, intimacy and a
neighborhood with commercial opportunities.
Council Member Burk verified there would be a residential component to the
site. Further, she verified the site is flexible enough to allow the County to choose
the location for their building.
Vice Mayor Horne asked how the applicant plans to help with the construction
of Battlefield Parkway.
Mr. Smullyan stated the land for Battlefield Parkway has been proffered as
well as their share of the cost for the Urban Diamond intersection at Route 7 and
Battlefield Parkway.
Council Member Hammier asked which aspects of the plan make it particularly
attractive to the County.
Mr. Smullyan stated that is proprietary information; however, the proposal is
extremely economically satisfying for the County.
Council Member Hammier stated Council is reviewing all of the proposals and
is looking for ways to make the applications located in the Town more attractive to
the County.
Council Member Wright disclosed meeting with the applicant earlier today.
He verified the rezoning application for this property has been submitted and the first
review comments have been sent.
Mr. Smullyan stated everyone has been enormously helpful.
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Page 2
Council Member Reid thanked Mr. Smullyan for his support of the Kincaid
Forest Community. He stated he has campaigned hard to get the intersection of
Battlefield Parkway and Route 7 changed to a cloverleaf or at least have the land
dedicated for a full or partial cloverleaf.
Mr. Smullyan stated they have looked at the option of a cloverleaf; however,
it presents many challenges including at-grade intersections for vehicles entering
Battlefield parkway and the overall integration of the site.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Mr. Smullyan for working with the Kincaid Forest
community. She expressed concern regarding a cloverleaf intersection at that
location stating she does not want the gateway into Leesburg to look like Los
Angeles.
8:00 Special Meeting - Transportation Funding Resolution
Mayor Umstattd stated the Governor has already acted on this bill and it is
her recommendation that Council not vote on this item.
1. Questions on Tuesday Agenda Items - Council Meeting of March 27,
2007
Mayor Umstattd recognized Bob Sevila representing the Union Cemetery
Board of Trustees.
Mr. Sevila stated most of the issues have been resolved.
Vice Mayor Horne asked the status of the fencing issue and who would
ultimately make the decision.
Wade Burkholder stated there are ongoing discussions between Kaj Dentler
and the Board of Trustees regarding the exact type of fencing. The Board and the
Leesburg Police Department have concerns regarding security and therefore would
like to see the chain link fence continue around the property; however, Mr. Dentler is
concerned with the aesthetics from Ida Lee Park. Further, he stated the condition in
the staff report requires that the fence be replaced in three years or at the time of
the first burial.
Vice Mayor Horne asked that staff keep Council updated on this issue.
Council Member Wright stated there was some mention regarding safety
concerns with the paddock style fence and would like an update tomorrow.
2. Work Session items for discussion:
a. Tree Commission Report
Earl Hower, Tree Commission Chairperson, provided the Commission's
annual report for Fiscal Year 2007. He highlighted the Commission's six
strategies including (1) forming a Town Task Force to improve organization
structure and funding for planting and maintaining public trees, (2)
developing a Master Tree Planting Plan, (3) establishing a Master Tree
Maintenance Plan, (4) developing a Technical Tree manual, (5) initiating
and/or supporting new Legislations/Policies/Ordinances at the state and local
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Page 3
level that support the goals of Urban Forestry, and (6) continuing public
education and outreach.
Mr. Hower noted other accomplishments such as (1) the first deposit
was made to the tree bank, (2) capital improvement projects tree
preservation and management standards were approved, (3) Tree
Commission representation has been added to the Town's Watershed Steering
Committee, and (4) a second urban forester has been hired.
Mr. Hower commented on the state of our urban forest stating it is not
much stronger today; however, the Commission will continue to provide
Council with timely information and the best possible recommendations to
further enhance, expand and preserve the tree canopy for the benefit of the
community.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Mr. Hower and the Tree Commission for their
efforts.
Council Member Burk commended the Tree Commission on their work
and stated her hope that the Town would continue to support the Tree Bank.
Vice Mayor Horne thanked the Commission and commented on their
educational efforts.
Council Member Hammier asked if there are corrective actions we can
take with future projects to mitigate the impacts.
Mr. Wells stated there may be some opportunities with the Festival
Lakes Project prior to approval. He stated the Fort Evans Plaza II project has
been through the approval process and there is a replanting plan. Further, he
stated there have been some discussions during the budget sessions to add
trees to the Battlefield Parkway plan.
Council Member Hammier stated during the recent budget discussions
she had asked how the Town could create a tree-lined Battlefield Parkway and
start the plantings now. She stated staff has identified $1.1 million in proffer
funding and asked that the Tree Commission provide input on their top
priorities. Further, she asked that staff provide Council with an update of the
Festival Lakes application and efforts regarding the tree canopy and thanked
Council Member Reid for taking an active role as liaison to the Tree
Commission.
Council Member Wright discussed the need for programs or education
tools to encourage citizens to plant trees on their property.
Mr. Hower stated the Commission is looking to hold a homeowner's
association summit this summer to discuss the benefits and proper techniques
of planting trees. He stated there is information posted on the Town's
website and the Commission hands out seedlings every year at the Flower
and Garden Show.
Council Member Burk mentioned that all of the students of Blue Ridge
Middle School and Loudoun Valley High School were given a tree today.
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Council Member Reid expressed support for the summit stating many
homeowner's associations have budgets for trees; however, they do not know
how to properly care for them. He suggested establishing a program to
match funds for these neighborhoods. Further, he stated he enjoys being the
representative to the Tree Commission as it is a fun assignment and a great
group of people.
Mayor Umstattd asked the cost of planting trees along Battlefield
Parkway. She stated Council Member Hammier has requested that the trees
be fairly mature so we do not have to wait too many years to have a beautiful
tree lined parkway.
Mr. Hower stated the cost depends on whether the Town uses one or
more vendors and the cost of installation. Further, he stated money will need
to be set aside for care and maintenance of the trees.
Council Member Reid stated he would support a corridor plan for
planting street trees along Route 7 and the Bypass.
b. Class A Office and Hotel Market Analysis Proffer Study
Mr. Wells stated there was a proffer as part of the Villages at Leesburg
project approval for KSI to conduct an office and hotel market analysis. He
introduced Gary Klacik from KSI.
Gary Klacik, KSI, stated this market study was to conclude the
economic feasibility of large plate Class A office space and a hotel in the
Leesburg Town limits. He stated KSI retained Robert Charles Lessler and
Company to conduct this study and introduced Leonard Bogorad and Werner
Kratovil.
Leonard Bogorad, Managing Director with Robert Charles Lessler and
Company, outlined the location of the site east of the town center stating it
has many assets including exposure on Route 7 and close proximity to
downtown. Further, he stated there is an opportunity for 120,000 square feet
of Class A office space delivered in two phases between 2011 and 2020 and a
120-key mid-tier convenience oriented hotel, such as a Courtyard by Marriott,
with limited meeting space at this location by 2011.
Werner Kratovil, Associate with Robert Charles Lessler and Company,
outlined the process and background for the study. He stated people relocate
their businesses to Leesburg because of the quality of life; however it is not
seen as a price alternative to eastern Loudoun.
Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Kratovil to clarify what is meant by "price
alternative".
Mr. Kratovil stated the rents are higher in Leesburg than in eastern
Loudoun; however, people are willing to pay the extra amount to be in
Leesburg. Further, he stated the land values are higher in Western Loudoun
which is why the rent is higher.
Mr. Kratovil stated the analysis supports the recommendation of
120,000 square feet of office delivered in two phases. He stated the first
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Page 5
60,000 square foot building would be delivered in 2012 after the hotel with
the second 60,000 square feet on line in 2020. Further, he stated there could
be a flood in the market due to the number of projects scheduled to come on
line by 2010 delivering 800,000 to 1.3 million square feet of Class A office
space.
Mr. Kratovil outlined the analysis and recommendation of a 120-key
mid-tier hotel with limited meeting space stating the Town does not possess
the seven million square feet of office needed to support a full service hotel.
Council Member Burk asked for further clarification of the
requirements needed for a full service hotel.
Vice Mayor Horne verified Leesburg hotel occupancy rates are
approaching 74 percent seven days a week.
Council Member Hammier stated she requested this proffer as part of
the KSI project. She expressed Council's desire to flip the tax income ratio
stating Council is trying to look at policy recommendations so we can become
a premiere business destination.
Mr. Bogorad stated Council is doing a good job given the number of
projects coming on line. He stated one of the major challenges is the number
of vacant parcels to the east which will fill up before the demand increases in
Town.
Council Member Hammier stated Bob Skunda from the Virginia Biotech
Center provided Council with a briefing last week and Council may wish to
bring together key leaders interesting in jump starting things with a university
anchor and a biotech anchor to develop a road map with measurable goals.
Council Member Wright asked what are the driving factors for
businesses locating in Leesburg.
Mr. Kratovil stated currently there are a number of professional
services such as doctors and lawyers, but larger employers will move out this
way as their employees are locating further west. He stated people will come
here because Leesburg is a fantastic place to live.
Council Member Hammier stated Council had asked that a survey be
conducted of Chief Executive Officers in and around the area and asked if that
was part of this study.
Mr. Bogorad stated that was not included in the study. He stated
Leesburg has a competitive advantage as a place to live; however, it is not
difficult for an executive who lives in Leesburg or further west to get to their
office in eastern Loudoun.
Council Member Hammier stated she would like a statement of the
methodology and an explanation as to why this was not part of the study.
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Page 6
Council Member Wright asked if there is something lacking in the
Leesburg market to attract the larger businesses other than the square
footage.
Mr. Bogorad stated the challenge is location as it is difficult to attract
business owners to Leesburg when there is office space available to the east.
Council Member Wright stated he was not surprised by the hotel
findings. He stated he was surprised that the focus of this study was the KSI
property while the proffer statement reads "to do a study for the market and
economic feasibility of construction and operation of large-plate Class A office
space in the Town of Leesburg". He asked why the scope of the study was
decreased.
Council Member Reid asked if there are any other Towns in the country
that are in a similar situation.
Mr. Bogorad stated Fredericksburg and Frederick, Maryland are facing
similar issues; however, Leesburg has an advantage as it is in the favored
corridor of growth.
Council Member Reid asked if this study looked at the impact of our
zoning regulations, traffic impact or tax structure.
Mr. Bogorad stated those issues could have an impact, but were not
part of this study.
There was further discussion regarding the public investment made by
the City of Frederick, Maryland to improve their downtown.
Council Member Reid asked the status of the Route 7 interchange for
the Villages at Leesburg.
Mr. Klacik stated the Town staff has done a good job in helping to
move the plans through the process and they should be approved in the next
two weeks. He stated their plans with the County are at the same level as
the Town. Further, he stated he continues to struggle with receiving input
from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Council Member Reid asked if land had been dedicated to the north for
an eventual cloverleaf interchange.
Mr. Klacik stated the land to the north is not theirs. Further, he stated
there is no dedication of land to the south for a cloverleaf.
Council Member Reid expressed the need to have land available in
case a cloverleaf interchange is required in the future for this area or
Battlefield Parkway.
Council Member Hammier asked that Mr. Classic send Council an email
regarding the status of VDOT approval of the interchange. She suggested
that individual Council Members contact Secretary of Transportation Pierce
Homer to facilitate action.
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Page 7
Mr. Wells stated he has contacted VDOT and was told that they would
provide their comments by the end of this week.
Mayor Umstattd stated some of this information was based on
information provided by the Council of Governments (COG). She stated their
data is not very accurate when dealing with towns as they take their data
from the counties.
Mr. Bogorad stated some data was provided by COG; however, most
of the office space analysis was driven by state employment data.
Mayor Umstattd stated a few months ago the Town looked at the lease
rates in Frederick, Maryland and found that their rates were considerably
lower than the rates in Leesburg's Historic District. She stated that perhaps
that is why they are able to have more vibrant evening life.
There was further discussion of Leesburg's lease rates and tenant mix
as compared to areas such as Frederick, Maryland and Fredericksburg.
c. Keep Leesburg Beautiful Update
Tami Watkins stated the Keep Leesburg Beautiful Kick-off event is
scheduled for April 11 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. She stated the volunteer
training session will be held on April 3 and staff has been engaged in outreach
efforts to the community. Further, she stated over 300 citizens participated
last year and staff expects an increase for this year.
Council Member Burk stated she and Vice Mayor Horne have been
working on sponsorships.
Vice Mayor Horne thanked Ms. Watkins for her efforts.
Council Member Hammier thanked Council Member Burk and Vice
Mayor Horne for their continued work with the event.
Council Member Wright asked if all volunteers are required to attend
the training on April 3.
Ms. Watkins stated all citizens are invited to attend the training
session. Citizens can also access the forms on the Town's website or register
on the day of the event. Further, she stated staff is working on a list of pre-
selected sites for clean-up.
Council Member Burk stated the kick-off event will feature music and
various activities.
Council Member Reid stated he is looking forward to the event and
hopes staff will hand out recycling bins.
d. Supporting a grant application for watershed planning in the
Town of Leesburg to be submitted to the Fish and Wildlife
Foundation by the Piedmont Environmental Commission
Irish Grandfield stated the Piedmont Environmental Commission sent a
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Paqe 8
letter to the Town asking for support of a grant application they are
submitting. He stated this grant would fund a study of the watershed in the
Town boundaries and would provide valuable information regarding programs
the Town can implement. Further, he stated the Environmental Advisory
Commission does support this request.
Council Member Reid offered an amendment to the resolution stating,
"Whereas, realizing that watershed issues are impacted in large part by the
urban forest of the Town this steering committee added a member of the Tree
Commission as selected by that Commission's Chairman on March 12, 2007".
Council Member Burk stated she participated in the earlier study which
has been completed and will be presented to the Environmental Advisory
Commission shortly.
Council Member Reid asked how many times Council had endorsed a
grant application by a private organization.
Mayor Umstattd stated this type of grant was one of the first approved
by Council.
Council Member Reid stated there was a private company the Town
had contracted to do watershed monitoring.
Tom Mason stated the Town has a contract with a company for
assistance with our state permit for storm water discharges.
Council Member Reid asked why we are not applying for a grant to do
the watershed monitoring.
Mr. Mason stated we are not in that phase of our watershed planning
yet and are still trying to meet the many federal and state requirements to
set the program up for storm water discharges.
e. Terminating the Town/Oaklawn road construction agreement
Nagi Elsewaissi stated the contractor selected was not able to
complete the work on Sycolin Road Widening Phase I-A. He stated staff and
Oaklawn had re-bid the project and recommend awarding the contract to
Tessa Construction and Tech Company, LLC in the amount of $3,409,000.
Council Member Hammier requested further information regarding the
$1 million in funding from utilities for this project.
Mr. Elsewaissi stated there is a 16-inch water line that needs to be
replaced and staff felt it would be advantageous to replace it in conjunction
with this project.
Council Member Wright commented on the funding and asked if the
project is $1 million dollars under budget.
Mr. Elsewaissi the $1 million dollars is left over funding that is
currently available.
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
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Council Member Reid asked when Tessa Construction will begin.
Mr. Elsewaissi stated they will begin work in April and the project
should be completed next spring.
Council Member Reid verified the barricades will be lifted by the end of
the fall.
f. Awarding the Sycolin Road Widening Phase I-A construction
contract
See discussion above.
g. Rejecting the two received bids regarding the airport property
known as pad site B
Mayor Umstattd stated Dennis Boykin, Airport Commission Chair,
mentioned the Commission has not reviewed this item.
Mr. Boykin stated he was unaware that the Airport Commission did
review this item while he was out of Town. He stated both of the bidders in
this case attempted to change the terms of the lease and therefore the
Commission and staff recommend the bids be rejected.
Tim Deike stated it would not be in the best interest of the Town to
move forward.
Vice Mayor Horne asked if there was a sense that there would be high
demand for this space if the leases were reconfigured and put out to bid
again.
Mr. Boykin stated both bidders want the space and by rejecting these
two leases they will know Council's position on these issues.
Vice Mayor Horne asked if a pro forma has been done to determine
what economic models would work on the property.
Mr. Deike stated a pro forma economic analysis was not conducted as
there are limited businesses that could use this property given its size and
location.
Council Member Hammier asked how we got into this situation from a
process prospective and how can we move forward.
Mr. Deike stated we included meets and bounds in the bid documents.
Ms. Beach stated we had an extensive lease that we put out with this
bid.
Council Member Hammier verified the next bid release would take
approximately six weeks for approval. Further, she verified Mr. Wells'
concurrence with the proposal to re-bid.
Council Member Wright asked if the documents given to the bidders
made the minimum requirements clear. He requested that the resolution
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Paqe 10
rejecting these bids be amended to state the applications were non
responsive. Further, he asked that the minimum requirements be clearly
stated in the next set of bid documents.
Ms. Beach stated by doing that you eliminate a creative offer that
could be beneficial to the Town.
Mr. Boykin suggested holding a bidders conference to clearly explain
the Town's preferences.
Council Member Reid asked if a bid conference could be scheduled
without rejecting the bids.
Mr. Wells stated the due date for submittals has passed and the best
course of action is to readvertise and schedule a bid conference.
Council Member Reid verified the bidders would build hangers on the
property, lease the land for $23,000 a year and the building would revert to
the Town at the end of the lease.
h. Awarding a financial audit services contract
Norm Butts stated our current auditing firm PBGH, LLC is in the last
year of a five-year contract with the Town. He stated the contract was put
out to bid and staff recommends awarding the contract to PBGH, LLC for a
five-year cycle with one-year options to renew.
Council Member Wright asked the cost of the new contract versus what
the Town paid last year.
Mr. Butts stated the new contract is slightly higher, but the auditing
services have increased at the rate of inflation.
i. Crosstrail Update &. Ridge Water Park Update
Mr. Wells stated the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
Transportation and Land Use Committee met this afternoon and took no
formal action to move the application forward. He stated there was extensive
discussion about a new set of proffers dealing with a different timeline and
staging of the road network. Further, he stated the application has proffered
a plan that will bring both ends of the project together; however, a number of
Supervisors expressed concern regarding the triggers under which different
phases would come forward.
Mr. Wells stated the next meeting is scheduled for April 23 and staff
anticipates there will be a project extension. He stated a motion to extend
the project was made by Supervisor Snow but failed for lack of a second.
Further, he stated there was limited discussion regarding the mix of
residential and commercial and whether that would meet the intent of the
County's Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Wells stated the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPAM) for
Ridge Water Park was denied; however, the applicant may still pursue a
rezoning for the project.
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Page 11
Council Member Burk stated it will be interesting to see what the
impact will be to Crosstrail regarding water and sewer if Ridge Water Park
is not approved.
Council Member Reid asked if there was discussion of Sycolin Road.
Mr. Wells stated there was discussion regarding the development of
Sycolin Road and the through lanes on Battlefield Parkway at the Greenway.
He stated the through lanes seem to be in the proffers and there was some
discussion that funding for the development of Sycolin Road would also occur.
Council Member Reid stated there are still a number of escape clauses
for the County to use the proffer funding for projects other than Sycolin Road
and Battlefield Parkway. He suggested drafting a letter to advise the Board of
Supervisors that we would much rather see the cash for Battlefield Parkway,
Sycolin Flyover, or the widening of Sycolin Road.
Mr. Wells stated it would be helpful to bring the entire proffer package
and matrix to Council for comment.
j. Support of America's Cup of Polo Event in Leesburg, in Loudoun
County, Virginia
Kathy Leidich stated the Cup of Polo Event is scheduled for May 12 at
Morven Park. She stated staff is anticipating 5,000 attendees at this event
and recommend that Council support the advertising and marketing effort as
we move forward. Further, she stated staff from the Loudoun County
Economic Development Department and the Loudoun County Convention and
Visitors Association (LCVA) will be available to answer questions tomorrow.
Marantha Edwards stated she attended a press conference at the
National Press Club which was attended by the sponsors Cartier, Ritz Carlton
and Land Rover. She stated the momentum is building and they are already
discussing matches for subsequent years.
Mayor Umstattd stated in the Virginia Magazine ad for this event she
noticed a number of sponsors who are located in the Town and asked what
Council can do to thank them.
Ms. Edwards stated there will be great opportunities at the event;
however, the best we can do is to be good ambassadors of the businesses
and thank them at every opportunity.
Mayor Umstattd asked that letters be sent after the event to all
Leesburg businesses involved.
Vice Mayor Horne stated this is a great opportunity for Leesburg.
Council Member Hammier stated she fully supports this opportunity
and asked if we will be inviting state-level representatives.
Ms. Edwards stated staff is working with the County and LCVA on a list
of invitees.
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Paqe 12
Council Member Wright stated there are a lot of opportunities with the
corporate sponsors and asked what plans we have to maximize opportunities
with the sponsorships and networking.
Ms. Edwards stated a one of our greatest opportunities is group of
culinary journalists will be arriving on the Wednesday prior to the event and
staff will be spending five days with them to tell the Leesburg story. She
stated at the event it is our hope that we will be ambassadors about Leesburg
and there is also some opportunities for our downtown businesses to dress up
their windows. Further, she stated the LCVA is anticipating $1 million
dollar impact for the County from this first time event.
Councilmember Wright asked what would be the focus of the
advertising at the event.
Ms. Edwards stated LCVA is working on a logo and some photography
to be shown on the screen during the event. She stated there will be an
opportunity to distribute tourism materials.
Council Member Reid commented on the estimated financial benefit to
the Town. He stated staff did not provide this level of detail when Council
was asked to fund the Hallowed Ground conference.
k. FY 08 Budget Discussion
Vice Mayor Horne expressed her support for using proffer funding
identified by Mr. Wells to start the Southwest Trail Project.
Council Member Hammier stated Council should look across the board
at taxes and how we can equalize the effect of the increasing water rates.
Council Member Wright outlined proposals he will be offering including
limiting the overall employee pay increase to five percent and trimming some
Commission budgets to the level that they will actually spend.
Council Member Burk stated the Environmental Advisory Commission
is working on several initiatives that will utilize all of the budgeted funds.
Mayor Umstattd stated she received a call from her appointee to the
Environmental Advisory Commission asking that Council not cut their budget.
Council Member Wright stated it would be helpful to know what the
money will be used for.
Council Member Wright expressed his support for funding the
Southwest Connector Trail. He expressed concern regarding the matching
funds needed for the downtown streetlight project and the growth in the
Economic Development Department's budget. Further, he asked for more
information regarding funding for Court and Market Days.
Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a Utility Fund
Commission.
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Paqe 13
Council Member Hammier stated during the Utility Fund budget
discussion Mr. Shoemaker discussed a comparison of our rates with those of
other jurisdictions. She stated one of the action items was to look at an
overall evaluation of the cost structure and given the highly politicized nature
of this a third party will be important in the cost analysis.
Council Member Reid asked staff to provide a report on the revenue
sources.
Mr. Wells stated the report on the revenues is in the budget document
and staff can answer any questions.
Council Member Reid asked the state requirement for a rainy day fund.
Mr. Wells stated there is no state requirement for such a fund.
Council Member Reid asked how much the Town has in this fund.
Mr. Wells stated the Council's fiscal policy requires a level of 15
percent for the fiscal reserve. He stated the balance for the coming fiscal
year will equal $6 million dollars.
There was further discussion regarding the fiscal reserve and
undesignated fund balance.
Council Member Reid expressed concern with funding for the drainage
projects and stated he would rather see the surplus used for those projects
versus the establishment of an economic development reserve. He discussed
deferring projects such as the wayfinding signs, Ida Lee barn, and the mast
arm construction. Further, he stated he would like to know that the right-of-
way is secured before funding the Southwest Connector Trail.
Councilmember Wright verified the delay in completion of the storm
water projects is not due to funding; rather it is due to bandwidth and the
amount of time it takes to complete these projects. Further, he verified there
are no storm water drainage projects that are currently delayed due to lack of
funding.
3. For information only:
Preview Topics for April 9, 2007:
a. Awarding the Ida Lee Indoor Tennis Facility construction
contract
There was no discussion of this item.
b. Property and casualty insurance contract
There was no discussion of this item.
c. Catoctin Circle Center Garage Special Exception
There was no discussion of this item.
d. Southern Electric Repair Facility Special Exception
There was no discussion of this item.
Town Council Work Session of March 26. 2007
Paqe 14
e. Oaklawn Rezoning Concept Plan - After Action Report
There was no discussion of this item.
New Business
a. Mercury incident at Tolbert Elementary School
Mayor Umstattd asked Chief Price to comment on the mercury incident
at Tolbert Elementary School.
Chief Price stated the Leesburg Police Department did not receive any
notification or call regarding this incident. He stated he was informed by Ned
Waterhouse of Loudoun County Public Schools that at 10:30 this morning
County Fire and Rescue received a call for a hazardous material incident at
Tolbert Elementary School. Further, he stated a small amount of mercury
was brought into the school by a student and two other students touched the
material; however, there was no spill.
Chief Price stated the two students who were in contact with the
material were tested and there was no evacuation of the school. He stated
one classroom was secured and it is being cleaned tonight and tomorrow.
b. Information Updates
Vice Mayor Horne asked staff to provide an update tomorrow night or
at the next work session regarding the proposed dog park and the first floor
retail study.
c. Transportation Discussion
Council Member Reid suggested that Council have a discussion
tomorrow night regarding the possibility of sending a letter to Governor Kaine
regarding the proposed transportation bill even though he has made his
decision regarding the amendments.
Council Member Burk stated it is a little late to respond and we do not
want the transportation bill vetoed.
Council Member Reid asked for Council consensus.
Nicole Ard stated she spoke with someone in the Governor's office this
afternoon who stated the final documents should be available in the morning.
Mayor Umstattd stated the issue could be discussed tomorrow night if
it is the desire of Council.
Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Burk, seconded by Vice Mayor Horne the
meeting adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
~ 4/ ij~
, Clerk of Council
2007 _tcwsmin0326