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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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