HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008_06_23
Council Work Session
June 23, 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, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen Umstattd
Councilmembers Absent: Council Member Martinez arrived at 8:40 p.m. Council
Member Schmidt was absent.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy
Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Assistant to the Town Manager Kathy Leidich, Director of
Engineering and Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Capital Projects Management
Nagi Elsewaissi, Director of Utilities Randy Shoemaker, Zoning Administrator Brian
Boucher, Assistant Director of Capital Projects Management Tom Brandon, Chief of
Current Planning Lee Phillips, Urban Forester Jay Banks, Environmental Planner Irish
Grandfield, Business Retention Specialist Karen Jones, Deputy Clerk of
Council/Management Specialist Debi Parry
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Questions on Tuesday Agenda Items
Council Meeting of June 24, 2008
a. Public Hearing - Loudoun Baptist Temple
Brian Boucher stated this is an application to expand the existing
church use.
There was no Council discussion of this item.
b. Public Hearing - Amending Section 2-87 through Section 2.91-
5 of the Leesburg Town Code
Council Member Wright stated from Council discussions changes were
made to narrow the overall membership of boards and commissions to Town
residents and business owners as the default with the Balch Library
Commission, Economic Development Commission and Airport Commission
having broader membership requirements. He stated an amendment was
also made to the role of the Economic Development Commission to include
review of Town regulation processes.
Mayor Umstattd verified an individual who owns rental property in the
Town would be excluded from membership. She stated she would support
including property owners.
Council Member Reid stated he would be concerned with the possibility
of an individual who owns acreage in Town and wants to be included on a
Commission because he wishes to develop that property. He expressed
support for limiting the out of Town membership to individuals who pay
commercial taxes.
Council Member Martinez expressed concern that this ordinance has
not been sent to all of the boards and commissions and asked that an email
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Paqe 2
be sent to them tomorrow.
Council Member Hammier verified an employee in the Town who is not
a resident would not qualify.
Vice Mayor Horne proposed an amendment to Section 2.98 regarding
the URAC Committee to remove the words "fair and reasonable". Further,
she thanked Council Member Wright and Ms. Irby for their efforts.
It was the consensus of Council to accept Vice Mayor Horne's
amendment.
Council Member Reid proposed an amendment that individuals not be
appointed by Council to serve on more than one commission or committee
simultaneously. He stated this provision would only apply to ongoing
commissions and committees and would not apply to steering committees or
task forces that may be established from time to time for specific projects.
Mayor Umstattd stated in the past people such as Sandy Kane have
served on the Economic Development Commission and Standing Residential
Traffic Committee at the same time.
Council Member Reid stated perhaps the amendment is not worded
correctly, but his intent is to not people to serve on one commission and one
committee.
Council Member Hammier asked the goal of this revision.
Council Member Reid stated his intent was to spread the wealth. He
stated he has spoke with Council Member-Elect Butler who was alright with
this amendment. He stated we have two committees now and this would
ensure we do not have someone serving on more than one committee.
Vice Mayor Horne suggested leaving the policy as is so a person can
not be appointed to more than one commission and remain silent on the rest.
Council Member Wright stated we may be better served to stay silent
and police ourselves.
There was further Council discussion regarding the number of out of
Town residents allowed on a commission.
c. Public Hearing - Approving TLOA 2008-0003 Zoning Ordinance
Text Amendments to BAR Appeals Review Standards and to set
a time limit for BAR reviews
Brian Boucher stated last Thursday night the Planning Commission
held a public hearing to discuss these amendments. He stated the Planning
Commission expressed concern with the proposed de novo review for appeals
and suggested that when an appeal comes before Council that they be limited
to the record of what happened at the BAR meetings.
Mayor Umstattd verified the record would be defined as any
information or testimony at the BAR meetings and would not be limited to the
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Page 3
minutes.
Mr. Boucher stated the advantage would be that applicants would not
be allowed to bring new material before Council.
Council Member Wright stated that other point which was
discussed is that this would not allow an applicant to change their application
after receiving a denial from the BAR.
Mr. Boucher stated this ordinance would allow Council to look at the
record and reverse the BAR decision. He stated the Planning Commission felt
the 60 day time limit would be difficult in the case of a large project and
suggested that the time limit be increased to 100 days, which is the same as
the Planning Commission regulations. He stated the parties could mutually
agree to extend the time limit. Further, he stated the third thing the
Commission discussed was the need for reliable rules of appeal to be adopted
by resolution.
Vice Mayor Horne stated she appreciates the Planning Commission's
input and expressed concern with the proposed 100 day time limit.
Council Member Martinez also expressed concern with the 100 day
time limit stating an applicant could use that to their advantage. He asked
what is the intent of this time limit.
Council Member Reid stated he is confident that our BAR will not stand
for someone who abuses the system.
Council Member Hammier stated she is looking forward to the public
hearing.
Council Member Wright thanked Mr. Boucher for incorporating some of
the changes from the Planning Commission discussion. He expressed concern
with the wording of the ordinance stating the BAR does not have the Town
Plan as one of their review criteria.
Ms. Irby stated when she looked in the Town Plan she noted there is a
listing of materials and it does refer to the Historic Districts.
Council Member Wright stated the Zoning Ordinance does not
empower the BAR to review the Town Plan.
Mr. Boucher stated review of the Town Plan is appropriate in a case
where there is something in the Town Plan to provide guidance. He stated if
it is the desire of Council the Zoning Ordnance could be amended to include
the power for the BAR to review the parts of the Town Plan that speak to the
the historic district or materials.
Council Member Wright stated the intention of the 100 day deadline is
to ensure the BAR and applicant are working to the completion of a project,
not working to appeal.
Council Member Reid stated he would support clarifying the Town Plan
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issue. He verified Council could establish separate deadlines for new
construction versus a sign or deck issue. He asked if Council would support a
100 day time limit on new construction and a 60 or 75 day time limit on other
issues.
Council Member Wright stated consistency is important.
Mayor Umstattd expressed concern that new construction for one
person may not be the same as new construction for another.
Council Member Reid stated he and the Vice Mayor are concerned with
the 100 days for review. He stated this is pushing things too long and sends
a bad message. He asked the timeline used by other jurisdictions.
Ms. Irby stated the VML model guidelines are 60 days.
Council Member Reid stated 75 days would allow the BAR three
meetings with one of which being a work session. He asked support for the
75 day guideline.
Council Member Wright stated he was surprised the DIA spoke at the
public hearing against a timeline and felt more comfortable as the Planning
Commission looked in the direction of 100 days.
It was the consensus of Council to remove any Town Plan review from
this ordinance.
d. Prospect Hills, Section 2A: Vacation of a 35' Building
Restriction Line
Lee Philips stated this is a neighborhood effort to get rid of an
excessive 35 foot building restriction line that was recorded on a plat in 1961.
He stated this came to light when a resident tried to get a zoning permit to
construct a front porch on their home. Further, he stated the neighbors are
in support of this action.
Council Member Wright asked if this situation exists elsewhere in the
Town.
Mr. Philips stated this is fairly unique; however, in the Prospect Hills
Subdivision, there are different setbacks for each section.
e. Endorsement of VML "Go Green" Initiative
Irish Grandfield stated the Environment Advisory Commission
endorsed this initiative at their last meeting.
Council Member Hammier stated she is supportive of reaching the
threshold for certification as a green community; however, there are a couple
of items that she would not support the Town seeking.
Council Member Wright expressed support for Council Member
Hammier's comments adding when reading the resolution he did not see that
we were endorsing all of the points, rather we are just joining the program.
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It was the consensus of Council to amend the language to state, "the
Town Council accepts the Green Government Challenge".
f. Urban Construction Initiative
Nagi Elsewaissi stated this would allow staff better control over the
urban funds and staff would be administering the expenditures instead of the
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). He stated the action before
Council only authorizes the intent to join the program and is not binding.
Further, he introduced Dick Burke, VDOT Urban Program Manager.
Dick Burke outlined VDOT's Urban Construction Initiative stating this
program allows towns in the urban system to manage their entire
construction program. He stated VDOT would be accountable for providing
oversight, but not for individual decisions. Further, he stated the Town can
award construction contracts if under $2 million, which will save one month
review time.
Mayor Umstattd asked what would happen with a larger project.
Mr. Burke stated anything above $2 must be approved by the
Commonwealth Transportation Board. He stated the main advantage is that
there would be one major agreement between the Town and VDOT versus
individual agreements for projects, unless there is a special funding source.
He stated this would also allow the plans to be streamlined. Further, he
stated the Town is already managing projects now, this simply provides
added benefits.
Mayor Umstattd asked if the $2 million will increase overtime.
Mr. Burke stated if the program continues to be successful the
threshold may increase over time.
Vice Mayor Horne asked if there would be a financial impact on the
Town.
Mr. Burke stated the biggest impact to the Town will be the financial
management of the money.
Vice Mayor Horne verified this would not impact the Capital Projects
staff as they are already managing these projects.
Council Member Martinez asked what VDOT gains from this program.
Mr. Burke stated VDOT is trying to give the localities more and more
responsibility with their program. He stated this will allow the localities more
flexibility.
Council Member Hammier asked Mr. Wells' comments on the benefits
and cost. She expressed concern that this maybe a way for VDOT to pass
their responsibilities down to the localities.
Mr. Wells stated there will be time savings and cost savings
from being able to invest the money ourselves; however, there could be
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
Page 6
added administrative costs on the accounting side. He stated one of the
advantages of taking this step is that you can not participate for one year so
this gives us a test period to get a better feel for how this may work. Further,
he stated after seeing the whole program up close staff will be able to come
back to Council with a more detailed analysis.
Council Member Wright stated the one year trial period does make him
feel more comfortable. He stated the Town currently fully funds projects that
are over $2 million and verified the $2 million threshold would only apply to
projects with state funding.
Council Member Reid verified this program only applies to projects in
the urban program. He stated it is nice to know that we can get out of it and
stated it is too bad the Town will not get a financial incentive for joining.
He stated he would like to see what happens in Richmond with our funding
picture before we adopt this. He stated he would like to see how other
communities are working this out and expressed concern with additional
impact on the Capital Projects Department. Further, he stated the one thing
he would support is the local involvement phase as he has a problem with the
way VDOT handles public input.
Mr. Burke stated everyone is welcome to email him with questions on
project status. Further, he stated passing this resolution allows Council one
year to decide if they would like to join the program in July of 2009.
Council Member Reid stated he would like to look at cost numbers
from other localities as he would not want to hire additional staff.
Mr. Wells stated staff will take the one year period to examine the
project and if the process is not faster and doesn't save the Town money,
then we will not participate.
Mayor Umstattd stated she will support this tomorrow night as it does
not obligate the Town to anything. She expressed concern that there will be
a loss in the efficiencies of scale as projects are decentralized.
Mr. Burke stated efficiencies of scale will still apply as these will still be
VDOT projects. He stated the Town will have more control over the project
and how the Town utilizes their funding.
g. Bid Opening - Leesburg Executive Airport,
Corporate/Commercial Hanger Pad Lease
Mr. Wells stated the bid opening has been scheduled for tomorrow
night.
h. Offer to purchase easement by Dominion Virginia Power
Ms. Irby stated a representative from Dominion Power will be coming
tomorrow night to answer questions from Council.
Council Member Wright stated it seems Dominion is premature in
asking for this and verified the Town can choose not to support an offer at
this time.
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Council Member Reid asked if support of this would indicate support
for the Modified D Route.
Ms. Irby stated her concern is that Dominion Power would be allowed
to have an additional eighty feet to the current forty foot right-of-way versus
surveying the property to see what they need. She stated she shared this
with outside Counsel and the total of 120 feet in the future may allow
Dominion to place additional poles without the need for additional easements.
Council Member Reid stated he opposes the Modified D Route, as does
the Town.
Ms. Irby stated eventually we will have to negotiate the price of the
easement with them; however, they are entitled to get an easement up to 80
feet.
Vice Mayor Horne verified a power company does not have the power
of eminent domain.
Mayor Umstattd stated the safest thing at this point is to tell them no.
i. Execution of REHAU sales contract for purchase of easement
for Battlefield Parkway
Nagi Elsewaissi stated this easement is needed to complete this
segment of Battlefield Parkway.
2. Work Session Items for Discussion
a. Tree Commission Annual Report
Tree Commission Chairman Earl Hower, Tree Commissioner Bruce
Dewar and Jay Banks outlined the Tree Commission's Annual Report including
five goal areas; (1) Tree Planting and Increased Forest Canopy Cover, (2)
Improved Tree Planting/Protection Legislation and Policies, (3) Expanded
Education and Public Relations, (4) Improved Organizational Structure and
Funding, and (5) Improved Urban Forest Maintenance.
Mr. Hower stated there is a white oak next to the farm house at Ida
Lee which is possibly the only tree in Leesburg over 250 years old and asked
that Council designate this tree as a Heritage Tree. Further, he stated in
commemoration of the Leesburg's 250th Anniversary celebration, the
Commission has partnered with the schools to attempt to grow seedlings from
this tree to be planted around the Town.
Mayor Umstattd asked that legislation be drafted for tomorrow night to
designate the tree as a Heritage Tree.
Vice Mayor Horne thanked the Tree Commissioners for their effort. She
commented on Council Member Zolodos' 2000 trees by 2000 initiative stating
the seedlings from the 250 year old tree will be an important contribution to
the Town. Further, she asked staff to look for sources of water other than
drinking water for the trees.
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
Page 8
Council Member Hammier thanked the Commission for their efforts.
She asked if there is anything the Town can do to prevent the spread of the
Ash Borer disease.
Mr. Hower stated this is not an indigenous disease and currently there
is nothing anyone can do to prevent it.
Tree Commissioner Max Peterson stated the first thing you can do is
try to keep the trees healthy as insects prefer to attack weak trees.
Secondly, if you do find a tree is infected with this disease it should be cut
down immediately and disposed of.
Mr. Hower stated the quarantine area implemented by Fairfax County
a couple of years ago for this disease was a quarter acre radius around the
infected tree where every ash tree had to be cut down and disposed of.
Council Member Hammier asked staff to report later on whether the
maintenance budget ensures we are proactively checking the health of our
trees. She stated another item that could be added to the benefits of trees is
traffic calming and real estate values. She stated ":Ie are ahead of other
localities in this area and there is an opportunity to us to do some PR and get
an article in the VML Magazine to highlight some of the tremendous work the
Commission is doing including the Heritage Tree. Further, she stated in
thinking about the Heritage Tree, it may be a neat ritual to gather the acorns
up and have the parents of graduating seniors pass them on to their kids who
will hopefully comeback to establish their own roots in Leesburg.
Council Member Wright thanked the Commission for their report. He
echoed Council Member Hammier's comments regarding publicity for our
efforts including that we are one of five model communities in the
Chesapeake Watershed that has gone to this level of effort. He stated as part
of the outdoor pool project a presentation was made to the Parks and
Recreation Commission regarding protecting Big Spring and the Parks
Department is planning significant plantings through this area. Further, he
stated it looks like we've lost a number of trees along Edwards Ferry Road
near the Sheetz and asked if those would be coming back.
Mr. Banks stated the trees will not be coming back. He stated our
DCSM does not allow us to plant trees in public easements and the trees were
somehow planted above a waterline.
Council Member Wright stated a lot of our newer communities do not
have as many trees and asked what some of the homeowners associations in
Town are doing to plant trees.
Mr. Banks stated last September the first HOA Tree Care Summit was
held. He stated there were 25 participants and for about two weeks he
received significant phone calls with follow-up questions. He stated this is
just part of the ongoing education effort and it will be a challenge to work
with the residential parcels to increase the tree canopy.
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
Page 9
Council Member Wright suggested that flyers be inserted in the
resident's utility and/or tax bills, as part of the mailing insert program,
regarding the need to plant trees.
Council Member Reid stated the Commission met beyond 9:00 p.m.
the other night to put this presentation together. He stated he has enjoyed
working with the Tree Commission as it is one of his favorite Council
assignments. He stated he and the Commission will miss Max Peterson and
Marion Wolf. He stated Ms. Wolf worked with Leesburg schools to provide the
children trees to plant and some schools are integrating this into their science
program. Further, he stated the GIS mapping that was done for this
presentation could interface with the SAGE program stating it could be used
to find the best locations to plant the trees.
Mr. Banks stated the assessment did not look at roadways specifically,
and with the Master Tree Planting Program we will be looking at right-of-
ways, but not major thoroughfares. He stated it is his understanding that the
SAGE program will focus on the larger roadways and at this point there is no
additional mapping, other than what currently exists.
Council Member Reid stated we need to focus on the entrances to
Town for this program to really show that we are a Tree City USA. He stated
he had spoken with our previous Town Attorney to see if the Town could allow
developers to plant trees in the H-2 Corridor in lieu of appearing before the
BAR. He asked how the tree canopy percentages will be affected by the Town
proceeding with annexation.
Mr. Banks stated staff would not know the percentages until an
inventory was conducted outside the current boundaries. He stated when we
purchased the initial imagery the contractor took pictures of that area south
and east of Town, but it has not yet been analyzed.
Council Member Reid stated the Commission has been concerned
about the contract that was awarded for Phase 1 of the reforestation project
on Battlefield Parkway and asked how much of the contact amount is for
maintenance. Further, he stated Council only allotted $250,000 in the CIP for
all of Battlefield Parkway; however, the Phase 1 contract was awarded for up
to $168,000.
Mr. Elsewaissi stated the contract that was awarded was for an on-call
contract to plant trees anywhere in Town and can be used whenever we want
to plant trees. He stated staff plans to use this contract to plant trees along
Battlefield Parkway in Potomac Station and other areas. He stated staff
anticipated the trees would not need maintenance for one year as they will be
covered by the contract warranty and after that the maintenance money
would kick in.
Council Member Reid stated there is concern that up to half of the new
trees could die.
Mr. Hower stated the Commission has prepared a memo regarding a
Master Tree Maintenance Program that staff will provide to Council. He stated
there are different variables involved in urban trees.
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
Page 10
Council Member Reid stated we need to have allotted money for
maintenance for any trees planted at taxpayer expense and also for the SAGE
program trees.
Mayor Umstattd thanked the Commission for their efforts.
b. OIA Recommendation - Town Manager's Report
John Wells introduced Joe Mason from Davenport and Associates. He
outlined the Downtown Improvement Association's five key guiding principals
of their Strategic Implementation Plan, (1) protect historic assets, maintain
the charm and promote community pride, (2) promote health, safety and
community pride in the Town and downtown area, (3) promote public/private
partnerships for downtown programs and initiatives, (4) the need for critical
mass with appropriate design principals for some of the development within
the downtown, and (5) support a regulatory process that is predictable,
measurable and time-bound.
Mr. Wells first addressed the fifth key point stating the new
Department of Plan Review and the revised departments of Public Works and
Planning and Zoning will be operational in their new format on July 1.
Further, he stated today an announcement was made regarding the hire of
Susan Berry-Hill as the new Director of Planning & Zoning and outlined other
key improvements being made in this area. Regarding the fourth key point
he stated the Council has initiated a Zoning Ordinance text amendment to
address height issues in the Crescent District. Regarding the third key point
he outlined the status of downtown programs and initiatives including
scheduling a downtown parking summit. Regarding the suggestion that the
downtown be developed as an urban park he stated one key step in this
direction would be to expand the footprint of the existing four block area.
Further, he expressed the need to improve the appearance and aesthetics of
the downtown.
Mr. Mason outlined the funding options for the $5 million in public
infrastructure recommended by the Downtown improvement Association. He
outlined the three financing alternatives as General Obligation Bonds, Stand-
alone Tax Increment Revenue Bonds (TIF) and Community Development
Authority Bonds (CDA) and recommended the use of General Obligation
Bonds. He stated the funds in the Economic Development Reserve could
translate to General Fund neutrality almost through Fiscal Year 2012;
however, a General Fund subsidy could be required after that point under a
scenario of two percent growth. Further, he stated even at maximum debt
service under this scenario the total Town debt service stays below the debt
service-to-expenditures policy of 15 percent, although the debt-to-personal
income policy of 3.5 percent will be exceeded.
Council Member Wright asked what drove the debt-to-personal income
policy of 3.5 percent.
Mr. Wells stated that policy is based on best practices.
Vice Mayor Horne verified Mr. Mason felt the general obligation bonds
would be the best method for financing.
Town Council Work Session of June 23. 2008
Page 11
Council Member Hammier asked if there could be any other sources of
revenue for these projects such as grants.
Mr. Wells stated part of what we need to look at beyond this element
of funding is restructuring some of our downtown organizations so that they
will be grant eligible.
Council Member Hammier stated she would support grant seeking and
what we are trying to accomplish from a public/private perspective. Further,
she stated the outlook is bleak for getting transportation money, but that just
makes it even more important to stay focused on that because it will free up
the ability to fund other things if that becomes something of interest.
Council Member Wright asked why the assumptions only include two
percent growth.
Mr. Wells stated this is a conservative estimate. He stated this
assumes no growth only the two percent escalation; however, over the past
couple of years we have seen the commercial base increase. He stated the
assumptions do not account for any growth spurred by this investment and if
growth does occur then the declining trends outlined in the analysis will
change. Further, he stated we need to be thinking of a footprint to include
investments in the Crescent District as well as the downtown.
Council Member Wright stated as we expand the footprint of the
downtown area and complete the work with the form based code then there
will also be a need for the economic development funding in that area.
Mr. Wells stated the goal is to have no impact on the tax rate.
Council Member Wright expressed the need for more information
regarding grants and main street loans. Further, he stated it seems in order
to stay within the debt-to-personal income policy we can only borrow up to $1
million. He stated it seems we need to either accelerate slower or identify
priorities.
Mr. Wells stated this also assumes we are financing one bond for the
entire $5 million and it may be more practical from a capital projects
standpoint to issue that money all at once.
Council Member Reid stated he would like to know if the Virginia
Resources Authority would be a viable source of financing especially if we are
talking about the Crescent District and issues of flood control. He stated he
believes they offer three or four percent rate.
Mr. Mason stated depending on the nature of the projects the Town
may be able to participate in a subsidized revolving loan fund. He stated the
fee is not subsidized, it is market rate.
Mr. Wells stated when we have to place debt we will be looking for the
most economical method to use.
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
Paqe 12
Council Member Reid stated it is good to be conservative; however, he
would like to explore the CDA approach as there could be a special tax for
that and asked how that would work here.
Mr. Mason stated the majority of landowners within the district would
have to vote to approve this.
Council Member Reid added or 51 percent of the assessed value.
Mr. Mason stated the proceeds of the CDA financing could be spent on
anything that is tax exempt eligible. He stated it would be a matter of
creating the district and conducting a study and marketing the bonds. He
stated the interest rate would be at the market rate because CDA bonds are
viewed as a higher risk.
Council Member Reid stated Fairfax County is floating a revenue bond
for Dulles Rail and he does not believe it is a high interest rate because they
are building a subway system. He expressed support for a tax district at a
one or two percent assessment. He supported staff looking at the Crescent
District stating he has become extremely skeptical of whether any of that
street network could ever be built and would like to see the cost of the streets
at total build out. He stated he would look at the option of VRA as Harrison
Street needs to be elevated because of flooding. Further, he stated we need
to see a more detailed report and also need to look at a growth scenario as
he would not want residents to think they will be on the hook for this when in
reality they may not be.
Council Member Wright expressed concern that a special tax district
would include residential property. Further, he stated it seems that it would
need to be a three to five cent assessment.
Mr. Mason stated he did not run numbers on the special tax district.
Council Member Reid stated a special tax district primarily includes
commercial property; however, sometimes it can include apartments.
Council Member Wright stated trying to cover the debt service
payments would require a significant tax.
Council Member Reid stated if we have developers who are willing to
develop the downtown however, they would need to get consensus from fifty
one plus of the assessed value or fifty percent plus one percent of property
owners to go in. He stated he owns a commercial building downtown and he
would not mind paying a little more; however, others may not feel that way.
Further, he stated it would have to include residences, but may encompass
apartments.
Mr. Mason discussed the moral obligation clause needed for a special
tax district.
Mayor Umstattd stated Council Member Wright made a good point that
if you expand the footprint for one purpose you may face additional projects
requested in the expanded area. She stated this report does show the
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
Paqe 13
potential major detriment to the taxpayers. She stated she is concerned with
the idea of supporting additional infrastructure improvements. Further, she
stated if Council is going to look at the possibility of a special tax district it
would be important to first know what the County is going to do about the
commercial tax increases and how that may affect the Town's businesses.
Further, she stated she is skeptical of the benefits public infrastructure
improvements would bring.
Council Member Hammier discussed the possibility of receiving federal
funding through our partnership with the Journey Through Hallowed Ground.
She stated we need the facts associated with what is realistic. She stated
there is a tremendous amount of grant money out there; however, unless you
follow up on it with specifics you are not going to get it.
Mayor Umstattd expressed support for Mr. Wells statement that we do
not want to see an increase in the residential tax rate.
Mr. Wells asked Council to allow staff to look at all funding options and
what projects would be best to move forward with.
Council Member Wright discussed the possibility of a downtown service
district as recommended in the Urban Land Institute study stating what is
missing in the downtown is the ability to function like a shopping center.
Mr. Wells commented on the need to bring together the leadership of
the various downtown organizations to discuss the possibility of creating a
different type of structure.
Council Member Hammier stated she would welcome that partnership.
She expressed the need to get feedback from that new organization regarding
ordinances that are strangling the ability for private investment dollars to
come into the Town.
Mayor Umstattd stated in relation to Mr. Wells' point if the property
owners decided they wanted to operate like the management of Dulles Town
Center or the Outlet Mall and include requirements in their leases regarding
hours of operation that would be a private sector initiative. She stated there
is no way for the Town to force it on them.
c. SAGE Program Update
Kaj Dentler stated staff has begun to identify what sites are available
and to ensure how this would tie into the on call tree service contract. He
stated moving forward staff will identify sponsorship opportunities and
present a plan to Mr. Wells. He stated the goal is to make the project
revenue neutral through the sponsorship programs including maintenance.
Vice Mayor Horne stated Proctor Harvey of Lynchburg indicated that
maintenance was part of the sponsorship.
Mr. Dentler stated in discussion with Lynchburg Mr. Philips received an
indication that the city paid the maintenance costs. He stated the key aspect
of the sponsorship will be maintenance.
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
Paqe 14
Council Member Reid stated there may be companies who want to
participate, but would like to plant the trees in a specific location, which may
not be the best location. He stated this was discussed at the Tree
Commission meeting and the GIS mapping will be important. Further, he
stated home owners associations have budgets and they frequently will have
funding for tree planting, but do not maintain them. He stated he has been
advocating for a program to partner with home owners associations to plant
trees properly and this could allow them to sponsor the trees and we could
take over maintenance after a year or two.
d. Town Council Discussion of Planning Commission Certification
Council Member Wright recommended deferral of this topic as it may be
resolved based on Council action tomorrow night.
e. Update and Discussion of Joint Meeting with Board of
Supervisors
Mr. Wells stated the joint meeting is scheduled for June 30 at 4:00
p.m. He stated Council passed a resolution in April regarding a number of
topics for discussion with the County and asked if Council would like that list
refined for this meeting.
Council Member Wright suggested topics including fire and rescue
funding, social service funding, school resource officer funding, affordable
dwelling units, excessive occupancy and Balch Library funding. He
stated that will be too much for one agenda and should be limited. Further,
he stated the AADP meetings have featured productive discussions and he
looks forward to that type of discussion at this meeting.
Council Member Reid suggested sticking with dollars and cents items
such as Balch Library funding, school resources officers and the Leesburg
Executive Airport funding. He stated he is concerned that the discussion may
focus on the out of town utility rates. He stated he wishes staff
would step up to the plate and say that we are in a no win situation with this
unless the residents decide to drop the lawsuit. Further, he stated he does
not want this conversation dominated by utility rates or Crosstrails.
Vice Mayor Horne cautioned against putting an asset like the Balch
Library on the line and giving up control.
Council Member Reid stated that is not what he was saying.
Council Member Martinez concurred with Vice Mayor Horne's
comments.
Council Member Hammier suggested limiting the discussion to fire and
rescue funding, school resource officers funding and non profit funding.
Further, she stated it was her understanding that Mr. Wells was going to
provide Council with a plan for how to address the Balch Library with the
County for the reasons Vice Mayor Horne and Council Member Martinez
stated.
Mayor Umstattd and Council Member Wright expressed support for
Council Member Hammier's suggested topics.
Town Council Work Session of June 23, 2008
3. For information only July 7-8, 2008
There was no discussion of the following items:
a. Public Art Guidelines
Paqe 15
Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by
Martinez, the meeting adjourned at 11: 11 p.m.
2008_tcwsmin0623