HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008_06_09
Council Work Session
June 9, 2008
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Katie Sheldon Hammier, Susan Horne, Marty Martinez,
Ken Reid, David Schmidt, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd
Councilmembers Absent: Council Member Reid arrived at 8:09 p.m.
Staff Present: Deputy Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby,
Assistant to the Town Manager Scott Parker, Director of Engineering and Public
Works Tom Mason, Director of Capital Projects Management Nagi Elsewaissi, Director
of Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Airport Director Tim Deike, Police Captain Jeff
VanGilder, Zoning Administrator Brian Boucher, Deputy Clerk of Council/Management
Specialist Debi Parry
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Questions on Tuesday Agenda Items
Council Meeting of June 10, 2008
a. Awarding the Town Wide Tree Canopy Construction Contract
Nagi Elsewaissi recommended Council award this contract to
Environmental Quality Resources, LLC, who was the low bidder. Further, he
stated he hopes that the contract will be used to begin planting on Battlefield
Parkway.
Vice Mayor Horne asked how this project would sync with the SAGE
Project.
Kaj Dentler stated staff is still developing the SAGE project.
Vice Mayor Horne asked that a briefing on the SAGE project be
provided at the next work session.
Mr. Elsewaissi stated this contract would be mostly used to replace
trees and provide maintenance.
Council Member Wright ensured the contract price came in at the
expected amount.
2. Work Session Items for Discussion
a. Airport Commission Report
Dennis Boykin, Airport Commission Chair, stated the Commission met
recently with the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. He introduced Tom
Toth, Airport Commission Member, to provide a report.
Mr. Toth stated the Airport Commission met with the Board of
Supervisors at the Leesburg Executive Airport on May 20. He stated the
briefing was suggested by Supervisor Kelly Burk. He stated the Airport
Commission has provided a letter addressing the four questions asked by the
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Paqe 2
Board. Further, he stated Supervisor Burk has since proposed an up-zoning
of the Crosstrail property to remove the residential element.
Mr. Boykin stated the primary goal was to request the realignment of
Sycolin Road.
Council Member Wright stated the County was also provided with a
copy of a letter the Town sent six years ago requesting this change.
Mr. Boykin stated Supervisor Burk has been working hard on the tax
deferment issue. Further, he stated Bill Whyte is not seeking reappointment
to the Commission and invited Council to attend a cookout at the airport on
July 3 in Mr. Whyte's honor.
Council Member Schmidt stated he originally appointed Mr. Whyte to
the Airport Commission in 2000 and commented on his wonderful service.
Vice Mayor Horne stated she reappointed Mr. Whyte in 2004 and he
has been an excellent addition to the Commission.
Council Member Martinez thanked Mr. Boykin and Mr. Toth for their
efforts. He stated Mr. Whyte is a good guy.
Council Member Hammier thanked Mr. Boykin and Mr. Toth for their
update. She asked if there is any follow-up needed for the meeting with the
Board.
Mr. Boykin stated he would forward to Council the letter sent to the
Boa rd.
Council Member Hammier asked if the Airport Commission has
received any updates from Peterson Companies regarding Crosstrail.
Mr. Titus stated the Commission was contacted by Mike Banzhaf and
have scheduled a meeting for June 30.
Council Member Wright thanked Mr. Boykin and Mr. Toth for taking the
initiative to meet with the Board. Further, he echoed Council's comments
regarding Mr. Whyte.
Mr. Boykin stated Mr. Whyte is not seeking reappointment due to
changes in his work schedule.
b. Rules of Order
Council Member Wright stated Council has been discussing items in the
rules of order that are out of date or incorrect and stated he worked with Mr.
Wells to draft this update. Further, he commented on other changes
regarding where Council procedures differ from Roberts Rules of Order and
meeting procedures in the event of inclement weather. He stated a public
hearing could be scheduled to pass an ordinance adopting the rules and
allowing further amendments to be made by resolution.
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Council Member Schmidt expressed the need to have involvement
from the new Council Members.
Vice Mayor Horne echoed Council Member Schmidt's comments. She
thanked Council Member Wright and Mr. Wells for their efforts stating this is a
move in the right direction.
Council Member Martinez had no comments.
Council Member Hammier stated other localities feel it is very effective
to meet in committees rather than a committee of the whole and it may be
beneficial for Council to determine how we want to continue. Further, she
asked if Council wants to look to condense the monthly meetings.
Council Member Wright stated he and Mr. Wells determined it was best
not to amend the meeting process at this time. He stated he would favor
continuing with the committee of the whole process.
Council Member Reid thanked Council Member Wright, Mr. Wells and
Ms. Irby for their efforts. He concurred with Council Member Hammier's
comments regarding the monthly meetings. He stated Mr. Wells had
proposed earlier the possibility of three weekly meetings a month, one as a
work session, one for public hearings and one for action leaving the fourth
week open for an additional meeting if necessary. He stated he also feels the
Vice Mayor should have the specific role of parliamentarian and gently
enforcing time limits listed on the agenda. Further, he asked if the time limits
for speakers could be determined at a work session when a large crowd is
anticipated for the meeting.
Council Member Wright stated this legislation does not preclude
Council from deciding to limit time for speakers.
Mayor Umstattd expressed the need to seek input from the Council
Members-elect before adopting these rules.
It was the consensus of Council to hold the public hearing on July 8.
c. Neighborhood Truck Parking Restrictions
Ms. Irby stated prior to addressing this issue there will need to be a
study period to determine if there is a commercial vehicle parking problem.
She stated the minimum amount of commercial vehicles needed to enforce
restrictions is 25 percent.
Jeff VanGilder stated rather than basing the restrictions on weight, the
restrictions would be based on signs or other identifiers.
Mayor Umstattd verified this could include individuals with signs on
their vehicles advertising home based businesses such as daycare, realtor,
and Mary Kay.
Council Member Reid stated this arose because of the concern with
four or five HVAC vans and a couple of school busses parking on Tavistock
Drive. He stated there could be cases where other parts of Town could be
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Page 4
facing a similar situation so the key is to develop a process to deal with the
eventuality where residents are concerned with an excessive number of
commercial vehicles. He stated Ms. Irby has outlined a good process and
Council needs to determine how best to proceed. Further, he stated it may
be best to require the citizens to request action from the Town.
Council Member Wright stated unless the vehicles parking on the
street are from another neighborhood he is not convinced that a permit
parking zone will solve the problem.
Ms. Irby stated this will really affect a taxi service or electrician who
has multiple vehicles.
Council Member Wright asked if the concern in Tavistock is that the
residents don't like the look of the vehicles, or a line-of-sight concern.
Council Member Reid stated the Tavistock HOA petitioned the Standing
Residential Traffic Committee (SRTC) over a year ago for a no parking zone
on one side of the street. He stated it is a line-of-site issue; however, some
may not like the look of the vehicles. He stated there is an HVAC contractor
with four or five vehicles and perhaps it would help if he were to park his
vehicles on the other side of the street. Further, he verified the ordinance
would have to apply to all vehicles with a commercial sign and could not be
limited to trucks or busses.
Council Member Wright stated if there is a line-of-sight issue it is a
problem regardless of weather the vehicles parked there are commercial or
not. He stated in that case the curb could be painted yellow to address the
problem.
Ms. Irby stated perhaps the issue could be addressed through the
home occupancy ordinance if there is a home based business generating four
or five commercial vehicles.
After further discussion it was the consensus of Council to allow the
Town Manager and Town Attorney to investigate and if necessary address the
line-of-sight issue and home business impact.
d. Catoctin Ridge Tank Site
Ms. Irby stated there was a resolution passed by Council accepting a
deed of gift for a possible water tower site in Beacon Hill. She stated the
deed was never accepted and recorded and it is staff's recommendation that
Council formally disclaim the gift so that a pending sale can proceed.
Vice Mayor Horne asked why the Town would have considered
constructing a water tower at Beacon Hill.
Mr. Shoemaker stated in 1996 the Town was having difficulty selecting
a site. He stated this site was to be used as a last resort and there was never
any intention that we would serve the Beacon Hill community with water.
Further, he stated once Council selected the Carr Tank #2 site the Beacon Hill
site was no longer needed.
Town Council Work Session of June 9. 2008
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It was the consensus of Council to consider this item tomorrow night.
e. Discussion of Future Cable Commission Presentation on Public,
Education and Government (PEG) Initiatives
JB Anderson, Cable Commission Chairman, stated the Cable
Commission established a PEG Subcommittee and introduced Subcommittee
Chair Oliver Peters, Marc Le Maitre and Tom Seeman.
Oliver Peters stated he was involved in public access programming
when he first moved to Leesburg in 1983. He stated the Commission is
working to rebuild public access and outlined the four goals including; 1)
creating a pathway for the public to use public access, 2) get the word out, 3)
create an infomercial to educate the public on how to produce public access
programming, and 4) inform Council of the economic benefits.
Marc Le Maitre outlined proposed changes to the Town's website to
inform residents of public access programs and to gage their interest.
Tom Seeman stated the Commission is working with Arlington and
Fairfax Counties to determine how their public access programs work and
what can be done to get public access started in Leesburg.
Mr. Anderson outlined the Cable Commission's efforts over the past
few years and stated they are looking for Council's support of this initiative.
Council Member Schmidt thanked the Commission for their dedication
to the Town and asked who would manage the public access programming.
Mr. Anderson stated Comcast has staff who would work with citizens
interested in public access; however, the Town may need to lead this effort in
the future. Further, he stated down the road the Cable Commission would
like have a studio in Leesburg.
Mr. Peters stated Jon Mertz is the Comcast staff member who would
coordinate public access.
Vice Mayor Horne stated this is a great opportunity as it could further
engage residents in their government.
Council Member Martinez thanked the Commission for their efforts.
Council Member Hammier stated she appreciates the Commission's
efforts. She stated a good next step would be to get the other commissions
excited about leveraging the video content. Further, she asked if any
resources are needed from Council.
Mr. Seeman stated Council could help by facilitating the needed
additions to the Town's website.
Mr. Le Maitre stated he would be happy to work with the IT staff to
ease the process of making changes to the website and keeping the
information current.
Town Council Work Session of June 9. 2008
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Mr. Seeman stated they plan to make a show about public access and
another show about how the first show was made to help others get started.
Council Member Hammier stated this is a good opportunity to get kids
involved.
Mr. Anderson stated Mr. Peters has been working with Monroe Vo- Tech
Center. He stated he has been working with Town Manager to identify PEG
funds that could be use to purchase upgraded equipment for these efforts.
Council Member Hammier stated the new Rust Library will have a new
teen center with available technology and there may be a connection there.
Council Member Wright stated in the Town we have missed the boat
on opportunities available through public access. He stated the role of the
Commission is to get the word out and from there it is the role of the public to
work with Comcast to create programs.
Council Member Reid regretted missing the presentation due to a
Wilson Bridge tour. He stated he has spoken with Tom Seeman and is
pleased that this is moving forward. He stated he is in the media business
and is amazed at how little public access channels are used. Further, he
stated he is looking forward to working with the Commission to ensure
greater use of this resource.
Mayor Umstattd thanked the Commission for their efforts. She stated
having put together a public access show in the 90's, we are up against the
inconvenience of getting trained before being allowed to use the equipment.
Mr. Seeman stated with modern video recording and editing
equipment shows can be completed almost entirely in the home.
Mr. Le Matire stated the formatting is different today and in speaking
with Comcast they were told that magazine programming would be the way
to go with short vignettes put together to create a 28 minute show.
Mayor Umstattd stated this is well worth pursuing and thanked the
Cable Commission for raising this issue.
f. Council Initiated Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Non-
residential Height Restrictions
Council Member Hammier stated staff has reviewed this issue of
increasing building heights in the B-1 District to 60 feet and have found this
to be in compliance with the Crescent District Master Plan. Further, she
stated this ultimately allows us to proceed on some key projects.
Mr. Boucher stated this action would simply initiate the Zoning
Ordinance amendment process.
Council Member Reid stated he supports the initiation of this process;
however, he has concerns regarding whether we can legally restrict this by
location or topography. He asked staff to look into the possibility of allowing
the top story to be a pitched roof to obviate a five story building looking like
Town Council Work Session of June 9, 2008
Paqe 7
the Loudoun County Government Center. He expressed concern that there
could be individuals in other districts that could petition for a 60 foot height.
Mayor Umstattd stated she appreciates Council Member Hammier's
initiative in bringing this forward; however, she is concerned with allowing
buildings 60 feet in height in the Historic District.
g. Project Updates
Mr. Dentler updated Council on three key projects. He stated staff is
awaiting direction from Council on a date for the Parking Summit. He stated
the proposed dates for the joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors are
June 30 and July 14; however, Supervisor Burk is not available on July 14.
He stated regarding the dog park, staff is making contact with the owner of
Izaak Walton Park and are proceeding with preliminary design. Further, he
stated a special exception is required for the dog park.
Mayor Umstattd stated it is important to ensure Council Members-elect
Butler and Dunn can attend the Joint meeting on June 30.
Council Member Schmidt and Vice Mayor Horne both stressed the
importance of including the Council Members-elect in this meeting.
Council Member Martinez stated he will be out of Town on June 30.
Council Member Wright stated he would support scheduling the
Parking Summit for an early evening in Mid-July. Further, he stated it is
important to discuss potential solutions before this meeting.
Council Member Reid stated he has some ideas regarding street
parking that he has discussed with staff. He stated he would like to have the
LDBA and DIA involved and suggested holding the summit in the fall.
Further, he expressed support for the joint Town/County meeting on June 30
as the County will be working on their strategic plan in July.
3. For information only June 23-24, 2008
There was no discussion of the following items.
a. Public Hearing - Loudoun Baptist Temple
b. Public Hearing - Amending Section 2-92 through Section 2.1-3
of the Leesburg Town Code
c. Public Hearing - Amending Section 3.10, 3.11 and 7.6 fo the
Leesburg Zoning Ordinance
d. Tree Commission Annual Report
e. ULI Study - Town Manager's Report
f. Commission on Public Art Guidelines
g. Endorsement of VML "Go Green" Initiative
Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconde
meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
2008_tcwsmin0609