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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008_03_10 Council Work Session March 10, 2008 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding. Council members Present: Katie Sheldon Hammier, Susan Horne, Marty Martinez, Ken Reid, Dave Schmidt, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd Councilmembers Absent: None Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Manager Kaj Dentler, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Assistant to the Town Manager Scott Parker, Chief of Police Joe Price, Director of Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Director of Planning, Zoning and Development Susan Swift, Director of Capital Projects Management Nagi Elsewaissi, Acting Co-Director of Parks and Recreation Rich Williams, Acting Co- Director of Parks and Recreation Bill Ference, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, Chief of Comprehensive Planning David Fuller, Economic Development Manager Marantha Edwards, Preservation Planner Annie McDonald, Management Specialist/Deputy Clerk of Council Debi Parry AGENDA ITEMS 1. Questions on Tuesday Agenda Items Council Meeting of March 11, 2008 a. Public Hearing - Approving Special Exception TLSE 2007-0010 Chevy Chase Bank to permit a bank with a two-lane drive through at 401 East Market Street, SE Council Member Reid asked the Town Attorney if he is required to recuse himself from this discussion given the investments and accounts he has at Chevy Chase Bank. Jeannette Irby stated Council Member Reid is not required under the Conflict of Interest Act to recuse himself from this discussion. Council Member Schmidt asked if the applicant accepts staff's proposed conditions. Bob Flinn stated the applicant does accept all conditions including the condition that the canopy be moved. Council Member Wright stated he recalls the applicant had a concern with one of the conditions. Mr. Flinn stated the conditions have been amended and he has not seen the most recent copy; however, the applicant does oppose any condition to provide a loading space in front of the building. He stated it was his impression that staff has removed that condition as the Zoning Administrator has waived the requirement for a loading space. Chris Murphy stated what Mr. Flinn indicated is true and staff has been working to resolve this issue with the applicant. He stated a letter was Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Paqe 2 provided from Dunbar Armored Car Service indicating they can park their vehicles in regular parking spaces. Further, he stated the applicant has agreed to a condition requiring the armored vehicles onsite to park in regular parking spaces and not in the vehicle lanes. b. BAR Appeal - Fire Station Ms. Irby stated she asked staff to send out the procedures for tomorrow night's discussion to both parties. She stated Mr. Price just provided a memo to her which has just been given to Council. Further, she stated Ms. Sally Hankins, attorney for the Fire Station, was also provided with a copy of the memo. Mr. Price, attorney for the appellant, expressed concern with the stipulation in the procedure that no new items be introduced. He expressed concern that the record is not complete. He stated he has no problem with the procedures in concept; however, there may be some material that hasn't yet been captured. Ms. Irby stated just because information was not included in the file doesn't mean the information was not presented. She stated information previously presented to the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) would not be precluded. Council Member Hammier thanked everyone for their emails on this issue. She asked Ms. Irby to comment on Mr. Price's memo specifically the first item concerning "no reconsideration after denial". Ms. Irby stated she just received the memo and asked for the opportunity to review the information before commenting. Council Member Hammier stated she had a very productive meeting with Mr. Steinberg and Mr. Koochagian. She stated former BAR member Miriam Nasuti also participated in that meeting, Further, she stated Ms. Nasuti is expected to attend the meeting tomorrow night to read her statement confirming that she did not abuse her discretion by considering economic issues in her decision to approve the application. Council Member Wright stated several residents have sent emails requesting meetings on this issue and he apologized for not having the opportunity to follow up on those requests. Council Member Reid stated he has not had the opportunity to follow up on the citizen emails following the death of his mother on February 26, but will do so shortly. He asked Ms. Irby if she would be commenting later on her email stating the Council may reverse the decision of the BAR in whole or in part. Ms. Irby stated there is not any information for Council to modify the decision. She stated first Council needs to decide if there was an abuse of discretion or if the decision was arbitrary. Town Council Work Session of March 10. 2008 Page 3 Mayor Umstattd verified Council would have the authority to uphold the decision of the BAR and then request a modification such as reducing the height of the building even though no one has come forth with that proposal. Council Member Hammier stated Miriam Nasuti has arrived and asked if she could present her comments tonight as she is not available to attend the meeting tomorrow night. She stated she followed up with all of the BAR members who voted in favor of this application and all of them stated they did not take economic issues into consideration when voting to approve the application. There was discussion regarding limiting petitioner's comments to three minutes. It was the consensus of Council to move the tax rate public hearing up on the agenda and to decide the time limit tomorrow night based on the number of petitioners who sign up to speak. Miriam Nasuti stated she can not limit her comments therefore she will email her statement to Council. Mayor Umstattd stated the statement could be read into the record tomorrow evening. Ms. Irby stated she has reviewed Mr. Price's memo with Mr. Boucher and specifically the point of "No reconsideration after denial". She stated this was not a reconsideration after denial as the BAR made a motion to approve which resulted in a tied vote and then made a motion to defer. There was further discussion regarding Mr. Price's memo. Council Member Hammier verified the next step for the aggrieved party would be to file suit in the Circuit Court. c. Public Hearing - Amending Chapter 10 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) Division 2, Section 10-171{c){3) of the Code of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia 1976 to remove metered parking on the west side of North King Street between 17 North King and Cornwall Street Tom Mason stated this code amendment is to remove four metered parking spaces to improve sight distance. He stated Council voted to remove two parking spaces for construction of the new apron at a previous meeting. Council Member Wright verified the VDOT sight distance requirements are based on design speed and posted speed limit. Council Member Reid asked if one of the spaces could be made a loading zone. Mr. Mason stated the metered spaces will be combined into two loading zones. Council Member Hammier asked if there had been further discussion on the possibility of extending the sidewalk. Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Page 4 Mr. Mason stated that would be discussed tomorrow night. d. Authorizing offer to acquire easement and condemnation if offers are not promptly accepted for South King Street Trail, Phase I CIP Nagi Elsewaissi stated the next item to award the contract for the South King Street Trail Phase I is related. Vice Mayor Horne stated she is happy to see trails emerging in southwest Leesburg. Council Member Hammier stated this trail will need to be extended all the way down King Street. Council Member Reid stated he is concerned with the loss of NVTA funding and at some point this road will be widened anyway. He asked if it is wise to award this contract at this time. Mr. Elsewaissi stated the majority of this project is funded by Loudoun County. Council Member Reid withdrew his objection. e. Awarding the South King Street Trail Phase I CIP See Council discussion above. f. Authorizing a public hearing on the Drought Response Plan Mayor Umstattd asked if the document still prohibits High School fund raiser car washes. Mr. Shoemaker stated his feeling is that when we get into an emergency where individual's health, safety and welfare are in jeopardy, then people should not be washing cars. Mayor Umstattd stated if we are going to prohibit that type of activity then we need to get the word out to anyone who would hold such a fundraiser. Council Member Hammier asked if businesses can get insurance or is there a way to help them prepare for an emergency situation. Mr. Shoemaker stated in Leesburg we have at least one car wash that operates off of a private well. He stated Council should consider requiring car washes to operate from a private well to avoid being shut down in emergency situations. Council Member Hammier asked what is the Town's emergency communication plan. Mr. Shoemaker stated we have an emergency procedures manual. He stated a number of sign boards would be placed at various locations coming into Town. Further, he stated the signs have already been made up and are currently in storage. Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Page 5 Mayor Umstattd asked Mr. Shoemaker to provide a briefing on the Town's water quality at a future meeting. g. Authorizing a contract with Am-Liner East, Inc. pursuant to the Fairfax County contract Randy Shoemaker stated staff recommends that Council authorize the Town Manager to sign a contract with Am-Liner East, Inc. in the amount of $162,000 for our 2008 sewer relining projects. He stated this is a rider on Fairfax County's contract and their contract was bid in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act. There was no Council discussion of this item. 2. Work Session Items for Discussion a. Proctor Harvey - Streetscape Appearance Greenscape Enhancement Mr. Proctor Harvey, City of Lynchburg, outlined Lynchburg's Streetscape Appearance Greenscape Enhancement (SAGE) program. He provided several examples of areas in Lynchburg which have been adopted by various corporations for the beautification effort. Vice Mayor Horne and Council Members Schmidt and Martinez expressed support for this program. Council Member Hammier stated her hope that the intersection of the Route 7/15 Bypass and Edwards Ferry Road could be put at the top of the list. Further, she commented on the possibility of this effort for Battlefield Parkway. Mr. Harvey stated many times the contractors who build the roads will then sponsor the beautification effort. Council Member Wright expressed support for this program as it provides for beautification without the use of tax dollars. Council Member Reid thanked Vice Mayor Horne and Council Member Wright for inviting Mr. Harvey to brief Council. He stated he looks forward to a way to add tree canopy to the Town. He stated the H-2 Overlay District has not done much to beautify the Town and in 1986 there was an East Market Street streetscape plan that was only partially implemented. Further, he stated before moving forward Council needs to determine if people will be willing to donate to this effort as we do not have a large business establishment in Town. Mr. Harvey stated the outlet mall could purchase areas to beautify and place signs to direct people to the mall. Mayor Umstattd stated thanked Mr. Harvey for his presentation. She asked Mr. Wells to work with Betsy Fields and Marantha Edwards to determine interest in the business community including the outlet mall, hotels, and banks. Further, she asked staff to provide a copy of Delegate Bulova's tree Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Paqe 6 legislation tomorrow night stating Council may wish to send a letter to Governor Kaine requesting that he sign this legislation. Council Member Reid stated the Governor is going to sign this legislation. Further, he stated this will require a rewrite of the Tree Ordinance. b. Morven Meadows Park Update Kaj Dentler explained the history of the dog park issue. Mayor Umstattd stated this project is in the capital improvement program for the next fiscal year and funded at $120,000. Further, she verified Council would be required to vote to remove the project from the CIP if they decide to abandon the location and asked when the appropriate time would be for a vote. Mr. Wells stated Council could take a straw vote at that time and formally vote during the Budget approval on April 22. Mayor Umstattd verified staff does plan to pursue the special exception with the County unless other direction is given from Council. She suggested that Council vote tomorrow night to put all work on this project on hold. Council Member Schmidt asked if other locations would be considered including Old Izaak Walton Park. Mr. Dentler stated all options can be considered. Council Member Schmidt verified the project can remain in the CIP even if no location is identified. He further asked if the price of the project would increase if the location were changed. Mr. Dentler stated at this time there are no funds to move forward with a park elsewhere. He stated most of the seed money was used for design and special exception preparation. He stated if another site is selected the cost implications would have to be evaluated. Vice Mayor Horne stated she appreciates the outreach to the citizens and is sympathetic to their concerns. She stated she desires a conclusion that will work for the citizens of Leesburg. She thanked staff for their honesty and openness and stated there are misperceptions in the community. Further, she stated she is in favor of keeping a place holder and asked staff to come back with a workable opportunity that all can agree on. Council Member Martinez verified the agreement for Morven Park would allow for a passive park without the off leash area. He asked that staff look for other park opportunities for this site and an alternative location for the dog park. Mr. Dentler stated if it is Council's desire to pursue a passive park on this property, then staff would be happy to meet with the Old Waterford Knoll residents to see what they would support. Town Council Work Session of March 10. 2008 Paqe 7 Council Member Hammier thanked the residents for speaking at the last Council meeting. She stated realistically she does not feel there is another location for the dog park in Town. Further, she concurred with Council Member Martinez's comments regarding the need to continue pursuing this opportunity for a 28 acre passive park at Morven Park. Council Member Wright stated the Planning Commission held their public hearing on the CIP and had no recommendations. He stated all of the members expressed concern with the dog park. He asked how much of the original funding remains. Mr. Dentler stated all of the $40,000 has been spent. Council Member Wright stated he has been concerned with the cost of the project. He stated the 2008 CIP lists $10,000 for design and $40,000 for construction; however, this fiscal year $40,000 has been spent on design and staff is requesting $120,000 for construction. Mr. Wells stated the FY 08 allocation was designated for the design and special exception process and the results of meeting with the neighborhood and examination of the property added costs. Further, he stated the project had to be retooled and brought back to Council. Council Member Wright stated historically when the parks staff takes on a project they do it right and while that is a great source of pride it is also cause for concern. He expressed concern that the facility would attract great numbers of people because of the high quality and staffing levels. Further, he asked why Leesburg should provide this service when it should be provided by Loudoun County. Mr. Dentler stated that question was asked at the beginning of the process and the Town decided to move forward with the project just as was done for Ida Lee Recreation Center and Freedom Park. Vice Mayor Horne concurred with Council Member Wright's comments regarding the first class projects the Town's park staff has completed. She stated if we are looking at alternative sites we do not necessarily need to fund the $300,000 trail for Old Waterford Road. Council Member Reid asked what section of Ida Lee was considered for the location of the dog park. Mr. Dentler stated staff looked at every Town park including Ida Lee. He stated staff felt Ida Lee was not the best location. He stated the main area of Ida Lee that was looked at was the southwest side of the property near the back gate; however, there are concerns with that location including the future park maintenance building. Council Member Reid asked why the Ida Lee location was not pursued. Mr. Dentler stated there has been no specific request for a dog park at Ida Lee and staff does not feel this is the best location as it is also located on Town Council Work Session of March 10. 2008 Page 8 Old Waterford Road and the Old Waterford Knolls residents would have the same concerns. Council Member Reid asked if Izaak Walton Park was considered. Mr. Dentler stated that location is not conducive to a dog park use as the land is wet and the creek overflows. Council Member Reid stated he is disappointed that Council allocated $50,000 for design and construction and $40,000 has been spent by consultants and the special exception filing costs. He stated if we are going to save this project we should ask staff to look at putting up a fence around an area at Ida Lee or Izaak Walton Park and provide Council with a cost estimate. Vice Mayor Horne stated Council Member's Reid's suggestion would provide an interim solution. Council Member Wright stated he spoke with the Parks and Recreation Commission on Saturday and while they didn't take a formal position, they felt a dog park at Ida Lee would present the same concerns as the Morven Park location. Council Member Reid stated the Parks and Recreation Commission has an advisory role to Council. He stated an interim solution could be looked at and urged Council to consider this option to fence off a small area at Ida Lee or Izaak Walton Park. Council Member Hammier thanked staff for their efforts with the dog park. She stated we may need to look outside the Town for a solution. Further, she stated this falls in a long list of items that could be better served by the Cou nty. Mayor Umstattd asked that a motion be placed on tomorrow night's agenda directing staff to stop all work on Morven Meadows Park. Dale Goodson, member of the dog park friends group, he stated his group is ready to take ownership of a dog park which would be much beloved and useful in the Town. He stated the discussion on the appropriate location for a dog park is valid and urged Council to look at all town owned properties for a low cost solution. Vice Mayor Horne stated it is her understanding that the friends group will monitor the gate and provide various support functions within a dog park. Mr. Goodson stated that is generally the case. He stated generally the interest is high in a dog park when it first opens and that the interest tends to dwindle to the regular users. Council Member Reid stated the hours of the dog park could be limited to daytime or weekend hours to limit the noise issue. Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Page 9 Mr. Goodson stated dog parks are generally used year around with heavy use between 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and weekends. c. AADP Committee Briefing/Fiscal Model Presentation Kathy Leidich introduced Julie Herlands of Tischler Bise. Ms. Herlands provided a fiscal impact analysis of annexation in two parts. Part One focusing on annexation areas in the southeast, northeast, and southwest and Part Two focusing on annexations areas in the southeast only including the Crosstrail property and Crosstrail plus the Hunter Dowdy property. Results of the Part One analysis showed the southeast and southwest annexation areas in whole generate net deficits; northeast annexation area generates net surpluses. Results of the Part Two analysis showed annexation of the Crosstrail property is projected to generate net surpluses while the addition of the Hunter Dowdy property would generate net deficits. She stated the analyses are based on maintaining current levels of service for capital projects. Further, she stated road construction capital costs and financing assumptions are the main driver of the results. Vice Mayor Horne stated if an applicant were to come in with a proposal she would expect the applicant would construct the roads for their area. She stated another phase of this may be to look an assumption where a developer constructs the road network. Council Member Martinez stated the Town does not plan to fund some of the roads included in the assumptions. He stated this assumption is a worst-cast scenario and the reason we are looking to annex property is to build our commercial base without the residential component. Further, he stated he would like to see an analysis where the Town pays 20 percent of the road infrastructure, no residences are constructed and the roads we do not plan to build are not included. Council Member Hammier stated ultimately this model is an important tool to help with policy recommendations. She stated it would have been very helpful to have this model when considering the PMW Farms application. Further, she stated we are not going after the proffer funds we need; therefore, we end of paying for roads when that is clearly not our responsibility. Council Member Wright stated he hopes Council will soon discuss the non-feasible roads in the Town Plan including Trailview. He stated Crosstrail Boulevard is another major road and half of that road goes through County property. He stated since the main area we are looking at is undeveloped and we have an interest in ensuring we have control over future development there including proffers to pay for roads. Further, he stated we had some assumptions that we would be acquiring more park land since Bolen Park is in that area. Mr. Wells stated the construction of Bolen Park would allow for assumption changes in the model in that particular area. He stated the point Town Council Work Session of March 10. 2008 Page 10 has been made several times that this model helps frame the right questions to ask in terms of how it will guide Council policy. Council Member Reid concurred with Council Member Wright's comments regarding the number of roads in the Town Plan that we will not be able to construct. He stated the history in the Metropolitan Washington Area has been to take roads out of master plans to the detriment of future generations. He stated it is easier to take projects out; however, it is very hard to find the right-of-way to get the roads put back in. Further, he stated the importance of a grid network in Town. Mayor Umstattd this is why she feels annexation is not good for the Town. She stated this information is helpful; however, she is not as optimistic that we would not build these roads at Town expense. She stated we can not assume proffers will be there for us. Further, she stated Crosstrail could potentially be a plus as long as a future Council did not rezone the property to residential. d. Diamond Interchange Update Council Member Hammier stated when Council did the ribbon cutting for the Kincaid Boulevard/Battlefield Parkway section it was her understanding that there was an issue that needed to be resolved with Leegate before final permission could be obtained for the interchange. Tom Mason stated the Battlefield Park owners would prefer not to have a "loop" in their quadrant of the intersection. He stated a meeting was held with the landowners, VDOT and Town staff and another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. Council Member Hammier verified the project is not being delayed. Council Member Wright asked when the interchange is scheduled to be built. Mr. Mason stated the projections show construction in 2030; however, that date could move. Council Member Wright stated we have an applicant that is trying to submit an application; however, the staff can not process the application until final determination on the shape of the intersection. He asked if the applicant is willing to take the risk that VDOT may supersede them, is there a way to direct staff to begin acceptance and review of their rezoning application based on the diamond configuration. Mr. Mason stated he would need to speak with the applicant to see if they are willing to take the risk. Mr. Wells stated staff has made clear what the Council's position is and if the applicant is agreeable he would suggest a first round review of the application to see if there is anything outstanding that would be detrimental to the interchange or Battlefield Parkway. Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Page 11 Council Member Reid asked in the northeast quadrant is there is a way to provide an access road on the perimeter of their property to Fort Evans Road as an unofficial loop. He addressed other areas of concern including the planned interchange for Edwards Ferry Road and discussed the need to keep right-of-way for loops that may be needed in the future. e. BAR Meeting Follow-up Susan Swift stated staff is responding to several priority items from the joint meeting with the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) including, swapping the order of the BAR application versus the Planning Commission and Town Council review so that the BAR application comes after Council review. Further, she stated no action is required to implement this change and no current applications will be effected. Council Member Wright stated this is a great first step. He stated we need to figure out how we will avoid the challenges we had to begin with as the BAR may feel compelled to support the architecture of a building that has already received Council approval. He suggested adding a proffer to applications stating, "Unless otherwise stated, nothing in the Council approval of an application will supersede BAR purview according to the guidelines." Further, he stated the final challenge will be how referral comments are communicated. Susan Swift provided information regarding the BAR appointment process in other jurisdictions. Further, she stated staff is currently meeting to discuss enforcement issues and will provide a report to Council at the next meeting. Council Member Wright stated the challenge is determining which Council Member is responsible for finding appointees with the specific qualifications to ensure compliance with our ordinance. He asked if other jurisdictions have requirements such as Leesburg's regarding the make up of the Board. Annie McDonald stated in her research she did not specifically ask about membership requirements; however, the certified local government program for the State of Virginia requires an architect be appointed to the Board. She stated each locality handles the other components differently. Council Member Reid stated he supports Council's proposal. He stated several applicants have expressed the desire to sit down one-on-one with BAR members; however, their bylaws do not allow for discussion outside of the work session setting. Mayor Umstattd asked if there is a way to run the applications process together so applicants are not waiting 30-60 days for BAR approval after Council approval. She verified Ms. McDonald attends the pre-application meetings for projects in the Historic District. Further, she stated it would've been helpful to hear from the development community during the discussion of these changes. There was further Council discussion of the proposed process and the potential of establishing a 100 day deadline for BAR action on an application. Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Page 12 Teresa Minchew, BAR Chairman, stated the BAR fought hard to see the applications early. She stated it is important to keep some BAR review in an advisory capacity early on. She stated many applicants do not want to wait until the end of the process to get BAR approval. Further, she stated there is the possibility of Council's approval of an application impacting BAR member's perception of their role. After further discussion it was the consensus of Council to move the BAR approval of applications after the approval of the Planning Commission and Council and further investigate a referral agency role. Further, there was also consensus to allow for the BAR application to be submitted at the time the Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled. f. Legislative Update There was no Council discussion of this item. g. Immigration Coalition Council Member Reid provided a list of municipalities who have participated in this group. He stated this is nothing more than a clearing house of ideas and there is nothing wrong with the Town having a seat there to share ideas. Further, he stated they have been weighing in on issues and while this is a federal issue, around the country municipalities have been taking a role. Mayor Umstattd asked the financial impact to the Town. Council Member Reid stated there is no fee to join; the only cost would be if Council sent a staff person to the meeting. He suggested that a member of Council be designated to attend these meetings periodically. Council Member Wright stated in reading the information this began in Culpeper. He stated in reading the minutes it seems they are still trying to figure out who they are and what they are going to do. He expressed concern that this will be a group that becomes more polarizing rather than coming forward with solutions. Further, he stated the Virginia Municipal League (VML) has established a committee and therefore we are already part of a group that has a state-wide reach. Council Member Hammier stated she would like to see the Town continue to work with VML and the National League of Cities (NLC). Further, she stated she would welcome Council Member Reid's attendance at these meetings and any information he could provide. Council Member Reid stated we have something to benefit from by listening to what this group is discussing as he does not believe VML or NLC are taking a very active constant role. Further, he stated it would look good for the Town to say we are willing to join hands with other municipalities if only to hear what they have to say. Council Member Martinez stated this topic is very polarizing and he would be uncomfortable with the Town's participation. He concurred with Council Members Wright's and Hammier's comments regarding NLC and VML. Town Council Work Session of March 10, 2008 Page 13 He thanked Council Member Reid for his initiative and stated the Town is doing its fair share and he would resist any involvement in this. Vice Mayor Horne stated there are two state-wide commissions working on the immigration issue right now and there has been over 100 pieces of legislation introduced on the topic. She expressed appreciation for Council Member Reid's interest in this issue and his efforts. Further, she stated when you send a Council Member to an unofficial group like this it elevates the importance and raises the endorsement of the unofficial group. Council Member Schmidt stated we do not need to be concerned with participation as this is a very important discussion going on all over the country. Further, he stated he would be happy to designate Council Member Reid to follow this on behalf of the Town. Mayor Umstattd stated she is concerned with the drafting of the resolution which endorses whatever the coalition says should be done. She stated it is redundant, less effective than VML and less effective than what we have been doing for years. Further, she stated she could only support Council Member Reid's attendance to tell the other members what the Town is already doing. h. National Guard Welcome Home Event Mayor Umstattd stated we do not know the exact date; however, we are expecting 130-180 National Guard members to return from Iraq. She stated she has relayed to the families that Council would support welcoming the troops home by placing our message boards at all entrances to Town and providing off site parking for the families. Further, she stated she would like to work with the Greenway to place banners along the way and has asked Chief Price to work with Sheriff Simpson to organize a police escort. There was consensus of Council to support this event. i. Administrative Approval of Historic District Permits This item was deferred to the March 24 work session. 3. For information only: Preview Topics for March 25, 2008: There was no discussion of the following items. a. Budget Public Hearing b. Meade Drive Stop Signs c. Pubic Hearing - Approving Special Exception TLSE 2007-0012 All God's Children Daycare which seeks to amend the conditions of special exception SE-2002-02 to permit children up to age 12 at the facility d. Public Hearing - Approving Special Exception TLSE-2007-0005 Offices at Georgetown Park to permit a private structured parking facility at the northeast quadrant of Wirt Street and South Street e. O'Connor Property BLA f. City Status Discussion 4. Closed Session - Water Rate Surcharge Case Town Council Work Session of March 10. 2008 Paqe 14 Ms. Irby stated she prepared a memo for Council's review and there is no reason to hold the closed session. 5. New Business a. Cable Commission Report J.B. Anderson, Cable Commission Chair, stated the Commission is very concerned about the recent newspaper article concerning the lack of Councilmanic attendance at board and commission meetings. He stated throughout his time on the Commission there have been no problems with their Councilmanic liaisons Council Members Martinez and Hammier whether they were in attendance at the meetings or not. Further, he outlined some of the Commission's current endeavors and stated he does not feel the liaison needs to be in attendance at every meeting. Oliver Peters, Cable Commission, concurred with Mr. Anderson's comments. He stated he is focused on reviving the community access channels and expressed concern that the mission would be diluted should the Cable Commission be combined with the Information Technology Commission. Tom Seeman, Cable Commission, concurred with Mr. Anderson's comments. He stated the Commission has made tremendous progress regarding the PEG issues and this effort is moving in a positive direction. He stated Council should do as they please with regards to the Councilmanic liaison issues; however, Council should remain in contact with their commissions. Adjournment On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Wright, the meeting adjourned at 12:31 a.m. Tuesday, March 11. 2008_tcwsmin0310