HomeMy Public PortalAbout2010_tcwsmin0111Council Work Session
January 11, 2010
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Council Members Present: David S. Butler, Thomas S. Dunn, II, Katie Sheldon
Hammier, Marty Martinez, Kenneth "Ken" Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor Kristen
Umstattd
Council Members Absent: Council Member Dunn arrived at 7:54 p.m.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy
Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Director of Finance Norm Butts, Director of Planning and
Zoning Susan Berry Hill, Director of Plan Review Bill Ackman, Airport Director Tim
Deike, Thomas Balch Library Director Alexandra Gressitt, Assistant to the Town
Manager Scott Parker, Senior Project Manager/Plan Review Section Chief Lee Philips,
Comprehensive Planner David Fuller, Transportation Engineer Calvin Grow, Chief of
Accounting and Reporting Kim Williams, Senior Management Analyst Bob Berkey,
Senior Management Analyst Annie Carlson, Urban Forester Jay Banks and Business
Retention Coordinator Debi Parry
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Work Session Items for Discussion:
a. Airport Tax Discussion
Dennis Boykin, Leesburg Airport Commission Chair, briefed Council on the
Airport's efforts to address the Loudoun County Board of Supervisor's proposal
to consider a rate increase for Airplane property taxes. He stated tomorrow
_. _ night two members of the Board will be receiving a presentation from ProJet,
Leesburg Airport's largest tenant. He stated over the coming days he will be
meeting with members of the Board regarding this potential 4,000 percent tax
increase which would add up to two-tenths of one percent of the County's
budget.
Council Member Reid stated he spoke with one of the supervisors who
indicated they are only expecting $150,000 out of Leesburg Airport and the bulk
of the tax would come from Dulles. He stated they are looking at the hangar
waiting lists as evidence that aircraft will not leave; however, they did not look
at Hagerstown or Frederick Airports and the vacant space there. He stated
Winchester does not have a waiting list and he assumes that is because they
increased their tax. Further, he stated this is a tax on business and is not like
the personal property tax on cars.
Mr. Boykin stated he spoke with the manager of the Winchester Airport who
stated there is an exemption in their tax code for agricultural and manufacturing
businesses headquartered within Frederick County, Virginia.
Council Member Butler stated there was a comment in the paper that the
Town could reduce the hangar fees to account for the increase in County taxes.
He stated that would be asking us to take $150,000 out of our budget.
Council Member Wright echoed Council Members Reid and Butler's comments.
He stated last year when the Board chose not to increase the tax we resumed
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 2
our expansion based on good faith and this is bad faith to go back on this issue
now. He stated the minimal benefit to the County is causing a lot of pain for the
Town and its tenants.
Vice Mayor Hammler thanked Mr. Boykin for his report stating they had an
opportunity to discuss this issue right after an article was written in the USA
Today regarding looking at it from a different viewpoint which is the federal tax
subsidies for municipalities. She asked if anyone had thought about the bad
publicity in that all municipalities, like ours, are keeping airplane tax rates really
low, which has an impact on federal taxpayers because we get so many
subsidies. She expressed concern that this may impact the Town's ability to
continue to receive the support from the Federal government as it has in the
past for airport capital projects.
Mr. Boykin stated that is not much of an issue. He stated much of our
federal funding is due to the fact that we are a reliever airport for Dulles.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated she agrees with the comments of her colleagues
that this would have a negative impact in the short and long-term.
Council Member Martinez stated this tax increase could move the airport's
budget figures from the black into the red with the Town left to figure out how to
provide the funding. Further, he stated the Town used to have a $1.25 tax for
airports and reduced it in 1986 to promote economic development.
Mayor Umstattd stated Pro]et indicated that Winchester thought they were
bluffing when they threatened to move, but they did. She stated others tenants
have indicated that they would also leave and we have not had that kind of
outcry before. Further, she stated we are competing with all of the other
airports within one hour flying time.
Mr. Boykin stated this is especially of concern considering that Virginia
charges a 2 percent sales and use tax on aircraft; however, that tax is not
imposed by Maryland, West Virginia or North Carolina. Further, he asked that
Council remind the Board that the World's largest defense contractor is moving
here from California and their attention should be focused on attracting them.
b. Tree Commission Annual Report
Bruce Dewar, Tree Commission Chair, provided Council with the Commission's
annual report. He outlined the Commission's visions and goals from the Urban
Forestry Management Plan. He provided a ~~report card" for the state of the
Town's urban forest including a grade of C for the tree coverage, a grade of B/C
for tree health, a grade of C for tree planting a grade of C for tree protection and
a grade of B for tree awareness. He stated the next steps are to develop and
approve a Public Tree Ordinance and establish a centrally managed proactive
Urban Forestry Management Program. Further, he stated the Commission's
annual Home Owners Association Tree Care Summit is scheduled for February
19 at Ida Lee Recreation Center.
Council Member Reid thanked Mr. Dewar for his report and the Commission
members in attendance. He stated he enjoyed his years as Council's liaison to
the commission and is looking forward to the completion of the Urban Forestry
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 3
program. Further, he asked the status of the SAGE program and why the Town
does not have a dedicated tree fund.
----- Mr. Wells stated Council asked staff the feasibility of the SAGE program as
this is not a funded program, but relies on donations. He stated staff has been
looking into funding opportunities; however, this has been difficult given the
current economy. He stated in the short-term we have focused on the Capital
Improvement Program and trees for Battlefield Parkway, as well as taking any
additional funds and applying them towards a tree bank.
Council Member Reid asked what happened to the funds donated for the
memorial tree grove.
Mr. Wells stated he would have to get that information and provide it to
Council at a later date.
Council Member Reid stated he believes the Town should have a dedicated
tree fund, especially to be used for tree planting. He stated the economy is not
doing well; however, Council Member Wright and former Vice Mayor Horne
learned about the SAGE program and he believes it is a good opportunity for
businesses to become involved. He stated the Leesburg By-pass could really use
some tree planting including the area behind Evergreen Meadows. Further, he
asked for a future work session discussion on the suggestion to establish a
centrally managed proactive urban forestry management program.
Council Member Dunn thanked Mr. Dewar for his report and the Tree
Commission members for their attendance. He asked Mr. Wells for an overview
of the tree bank versus tree fund issue.
Mr. Wells stated at this time the Council has approved a capital project that is
designed to focus on increasing the tree canopy in Leesburg. He stated even
though its main focus is Battlefield Parkway, it is designed to facilitate the
planting of trees where appropriate in the Town. He stated Council has
approved $50,000 for this program for five years.
Council Member Dunn verified the funds will still be available if not used in
five years.
Council Member Butler thanked Mr. Dewar. He stated as liaison to the Tree
Commission, he concurs with all of Mr. Dewar's comments. He stated the Tree
Commission is doing a wonderful job and are getting better all the time at
helping to develop the program. He stated public awareness is a key focus as
they can do much more than the government. Further, he stated the best thing
for Council to do is to vote to keep trees.
Council Member Wright thanked the Tree Commission for their report. He
thanked them for their attendance at the Planning Commission meetings during
the discussion of the tree ordinance and for their collaboration with the
Environmental Advisory Commission. He verified the trees will be planted along
Loudoun Street in the spring. He stated the public education efforts will help;
however, a lot of reduction in tree canopy is happening on private property and
that is where much of the tree restoration will have to occur.
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 4
Vice Mayor Hammler thanked Mr. Dewar for his report and Council Members
Butler and Reid for serving as liaisons to the commission. She asked if there are
any recommendations for trying to save the ash trees.
Mr. Dewar stated there are treatments that can be applied to the trees;
however, they are expensive and have to be reapplied every year.
Council Member Wright verified the stand of Ashe trees on Market Street are
Town trees. He stated it may not be feasible to treat all of them, but it would be
a great loss if they were gone.
Mr. Dewar stated it is worth a closer look; however, we do not want to invest
Town funds into a losing battle. He stated it is better to take a proactive
approach and begin phasing in new trees now than to wait till they are gone.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated she is looking to Mr. Wells to bring a
recommendation to Council for centralizing the tree management functions. She
stated similar to how the Department of Parks and Recreation manages the
beautiful flower baskets, we have $250,000 and need a project manager for our
trees. She stated we need someone to take before and after pictures, look at
the statistics of 27 percent tree canopy versus the goal of 40 percent as well as
the goal of a tree lined Battlefield Parkway and come back with a report to
Council regarding what we can achieve annually.
Council Member Martinez thanked the commission for their report. He
verified Urban Forester Jay Banks signs off on development applications.
Mr. Wells stated we that would tie into some of Council's efforts to look at
code changes and to try to increase the canopy in public areas.
Council Member Martinez stated he appreciates the efforts of the Tree
Commission in saving the Town's trees.
Mayor Umstattd asked how successful the Commission has been at educating
the HOA boards about the importance of tree preservation.
Mr. Dewar stated this is the third year the Commission has held the Tree Care
Summit and 20-25 people have attended each time. He stated the focus has
been to educate them on the proper care and planting of trees as well as
information regarding tree care contacts.
Mayor Umstattd stated we have been hampered in our tree preservation
efforts by what the State law allows us to do. She stated she was hopeful that
legislation passed last year would have given the Town more authority. She
asked the Commission to bring forward any suggested code changes they would
like the Town to introduce at the State level.
c. FY09 Audit Results and Management Letter
Mike Garber, PBG&H, stated an unqualified opinion was issued again for the
financial statement audit. He stated there is a new disclosure in the footnote
regarding the Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) which Council was forced
to fund this year. He stated another footnote was enclosed for restating the
beginning balance for governmental activities as there were capital assets given
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 5
to the Town over the last seven years that were not captured. He stated the
only material weakness was the restatement which is not of major concern as it
has nothing to do with day-to-day operations or financial transactions. Further,
he stated that federal requirements now mandate that the Town capture the
value of intangible assets on the financial sheets.
Council Member Reid stated the report indicates there was a entry made in
each funded year that overstated a liability expense at year end and asked what
was the cause of this error.
Mr. Garber stated the entry was booked backwards.
Council Member Reid verified this had no material impact on the carryover.
He stated the General Fund ended at 2.3 million under what was budgeted.
Mr. Garber stated that was on the expenditure side.
Mr. Wells stated that is compared to the final budget, not the original adopted
budget.
Council Member Reid questioned if the Town ended with a $1 million surplus.
Mr. Wells stated it is not a surplus. He stated we estimated $40.6 million in
the General Fund, the final budget estimate we had was $40.7 and the audited
amount was $43.4 million. He stated that also included the $2 million provided
by Dominion Virginia Power. He stated for expenditures the adopted budget
was $45.9 million and actual expenditures were $44.8 million. He stated there
was an assumption in the adopted budget that we would use carry-over funds so
the actual use of carry-over funds was reduced.
Council Member Wright stated during the course of FY09 staff was asked to
reduce spending.
Mr. Wells stated staff implemented cost saving measures during the course of
the year as it became evident how the economy was going.
Council Member Reid stated it is good management practices as many
departments came in under budget; however, you could also look at this as we
are overtaxing our residents. He verified there was an operating loss in the
Utility Fund of $1.8 million. He stated the Airport Fund had less revenue and the
operating loss was greater.
Mr. Wells stated that is due to depreciation and debt service. He stated the
point the Airport Commission has made is that if you look at the operating
expenses and operating revenues less depreciation and debt service.
Council Member Reid asked if the revenue was down due to the economy.
Mr. Wells stated there were some vacancies in the terminal.
Council Member Dunn thanked Mr. Garber for his report. He asked if the
Utility Fund operating loss of $1.8 million is why the Town went from a total loss
of $2.4 million in 2008 to $4.3 million in 2009.
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 6
Mr. Wells stated that, in addition to the downturn in the economy, is why the
Town conducted a rate study and changed its utility rates going forward.
Council Member Butler asked if any prior years are being restated as a result
of the material weakness regarding capital assets.
Mr. Garber stated the prior years are only restated in this document and prior
financial audits will not be recalled.
Council Member Wright stated he noted in the report that the cable franchise
tax is now collected at the state level and sent back to the locality; however, it
seems there is still something missing in the fund levels.
Mr. Wells stated the state also capped the amount the Town receives two
years ago.
Council Member Wright stated we need to keep our eyes on any funds that
are passed back to us through the state as it seems a number of them are
dwindling down.
Mr. Wells stated personal property tax is also on the block again.
Council Member Wright stated while it might sound good to eliminate personal
property taxes; that means the Town then has to look for other ways to make
up those lost funds such as service cuts or increasing another revenue source.
Further, he stated one thing to keep in mind regarding Council Member Reid's
comment about overtaxing is that but for the one-time $2 million settlement
from Virginia Power, we would have been at a $1 million loss.
Council Member Reid asked why the settlement money was put into the
General Fund as Council has not decided how to appropriate it.
Mr. Wells stated the funds have not been spent and are included in the
undesignated fund balance.
Vice Mayor Hammier thanked Mr. Garber and staff for their hard work. She
stated in reviewing the document she was thinking about the relative good
health of the Town as compared to so many other jurisdictions. She stated she
is very proud of how well managed we are and appreciates the hard work that
had gone into putting the Town in that position. She expressed appreciation for
the inclusion of the table showing how the Town's is improving assessed value
and how it has been diversified over time, which points to areas where we might
be able to direct some policy goals.
Council Member Martinez asked Mr. Garber to clarify the value of the auditor's
unqualified opinion for the record.
Mr. Garber stated this finding is valuable to the bond holders and rating
agencies. He stated the unqualified opinion keeps the Town from paying points
higher on its debt service.
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 7
Council Member Martinez verified there was $861,000 in carryover funds used
for the current budget, which has been reduced each year.
Mayor Umstattd thanked Mr. Garber and staff for their efforts.
d. User Fee Study
Mr. Wells stated the User Fee Study was provided to Council in December. He
thanked Norm Butts, Annie Carlson and Bob Berkey for their efforts stating this
is something that would normally be provided by a consultant; however, their
report is the finest he has seen in his experience. He stated the study provides
options and suggestions available to Council during the budget discussions. He
stated the budget to be presented in February will not include any of these items
in order to provide maximum flexibility to Council. He stated our fees are
comparable to other jurisdictions with the exception of the development area
where the fees are higher due to the intensive effort of staff in working with
applicants. He stated we have not received complaints as the applicants are
willing to pay for quality and timely review. He stated there are several areas
Council may wish to consider including charging for security system false alarms
as the County does. He stated other opportunities would be to charge a fee for
field use and night games through parks and recreation, to charge a fee for the
classes and seminars held by the Thomas Balch Library or establish a fee for
minor site plan signature sets.
Council Member Reid verified that the availability fee analysis will be provided
separately either later this winter or early spring. He stated the report indicates
that vehicle license and decals were not included because of difficulties
reconciling information from MUNIS.
Bob Berkey stated we have two different computer systems and the data
transfer was not as accurate as staff would like for it to be. He stated staff will
address the issue and come back to Council once a solution has been reached.
Mr. Wells stated staff is looking at moving towards a permanent decal option
similar to the program started in Purcellville.
Council Member Reid stated when this issue was discussed before one
Member of Council indicated that if the Town does not have a decal the County
can require one.
Mr. Wells stated if you have a permanent decal, then you still have a decal.
He stated if you do away with the decal and do not charge for it, then youhave
abdicated the revenue and the County can impose the decal on the Town's
citizens.
Council Member Reid asked if the Town of Warrenton got rid of their decal
requirements.
Ms. Irby stated Fauquier County got rid of their decal; however, the Town of
Warrenton still has decals for their citizens; however, they still charge the
registration fee.
Town Council Work Session of January il, 2010 Page 8
Council Member Reid stated there has been some discussion by the Standing
Residential Traffic Committee regarding extending the "extra $200 speeding
penalty" beyond North King Street.
Mr. Wells stated the additional penalty for speeding on North King Street was
brought forward by the residents a number of years ago.
Council Member Wright stated there is a code requirement that a percentage
of residents on the street have to petition the Town for the additional fine.
Council Member Reid asked on behalf of the Standing Residential Traffic
Committee (SRTC) that staff to look into how that could be instituted on the
Bypass as there are no residences. He stated the issue of the petition did not
come up at the SRTC meeting. He stated there are other areas of Town where
speeding is more of a problem than North King Street. Further, he asked that
staff provide a memo to Council on the issue.
Council Member Dunn stated parking meters have generated $61,000 in
revenue and the cost to collect this is $5,000. He stated an automated system
would save the Town more money. He stated it seems low that we are only
making $1 per meter per day. He stated we need to make changes with the
parking garage as we are losing too much money each year. He stated the
comparison with other communities show that the cost is based on demand. He
stated the false alarm reduction program seems it is more to correct behavior as
the idea is to stop the false alarms and thus will reduce the fees you get.
Mr. Wells stated the objective is to free up time on the public safety side for
more productive items.
Council Member Dunn stated the idea of kiosks has been discussed for years
at a cross sharing of downtown businesses with kiosks at the outlet mall and
vice versa. He stated this could generate businesses and increase revenues.
Further, he expressed support for further discussion of the lifetime vehicle decal.
Council Member Butler stated this was a great report and he did not know
that there were so many fees levied by the Town. He cautioned that we look at
the cost associated with collecting these fees. Further, he stated he will spend
more time looking at the report for broader policies to initiate.
Council Member Wright stated in Fairfax County there are two warnings
before the fine is assessed and asked if Loudoun County was collecting that fee
for fire and rescue response in addition to police response. He stated the goal is
for the problem to go away so this is not a significant revenue source; however,
we should mirror the County. He verified the room rental fees for Balch were
not reviewed. He stated he has expressed concern that we are competing
against ourselves in the fees for Ida Lee and Balch and would like this addressed
as soon as possible. He stated he would not support charging a fee for bond
release. He stated he believes the reserved spaces in the parking garage are
not working and we should continue to sell unreserved permits and open the
basement spaces. He stated when we look at additional fees for the parking
garage we should not include the spaces staff are occupying. He stated he would
not support a reduction in the solicitor's fee as it does not seem high. Further,
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 9
he stated he would support looking at changes in the vehicle decal program and
an increase in the payment in-lieu of parking fee.
Vice Mayor Hammier stated she will send an email with her additional
comments.
Council Member Martinez stated there may be room to increase some of the
user fees; however, he would like for Council to keep in mind who will be
affected by these changes.
Council Member Wright stated he would not support fees for use of the ball
fields unless the County also charges a fee.
Council Member Martinez stated that is what he was referring to when he
mentioned who will be affected.
Council Member Reid asked if this report looked at BPOL Taxes.
Mr. Wells stated technically BPOL is a tax not a user fee so it was not included
in this study. He stated there will be some recommendations during the budget
process to look at state limitations on BPOL rates as well as a comparison of
what the County and Town charge.
Council Member Reid stated when he was first elected he pointed out that the
County has a special BPOL category for IT companies.
Mr. Wells stated the County charges a lower rate for research and
development. He stated a memo will be brought forward to Council to look at
how the Town can remain competitive.
e. Capital Asset Replacement Reserve
Mr. Wells stated Council had discussed the establishment of a Capital asset
Replacement fund during the last budget discussion. He stated no action is
required at this time; however, this might be an appropriate use of
undesignated funds. He stated this would allow us to cost out and plan for
capital replacements over a five year term to avoid wild swings in budget
expenditures. Further, he stated staff is looking at beginning the fund at $1.5
million.
Council Member Reid stated this is a good idea; however, there needs to be
some prioritization. He stated we spent so much money on fixing the museum
while we have a leased space down the street.
Mr. Wells stated prioritization is a key component of this program looking out
over 10-15 years.
Council Member Reid expressed hope that staff will look at energy saving
options.
Council Member Dunn asked if this program would be used to replace
equipment such as a street sweeper.
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 10
Mr. Wells stated this would be more for HVAC or roof replacement. He stated
next the Town should look at a program to replace vehicles and major
equipment.
Council Member Dunn stated he is hesitant on both options. He expressed
concern that the availability of funds will create the need to spend it. He stated
he is interested in more information; however, he is concerned. He stated he
would rather look at items such as contracting services out when looking at
replacement of the street sweeper versus just spending the money to purchase
one. Further, he stated it will be important to establish parameters.
Council Member Butler stated he would also like additional information;
however, he is generally in favor of it. He stated he does not understand how
this will not affect the tax rate after the first year.
Council Member Wright stated he is strongly in favor of this program and
looks forward to further discussion. He stated as the economy improves we
need to look at ways to use our undesignated fund balance such as this program
and also the possibility of using cash to pay for capital projects. He stated we
need to be mindful of the need to protect the taxpayers by planning for these
expenditures. Further, he verified a similar program exists in the Utility Fund.
Vice Mayor Hammler concurred with Council Member Wright's comments to
look at a multi-year budget.
Mr. Wells stated staff will bring forward a longer term planning information.
Vice Mayor Hammler asked if we have insurance for some of these items.
Mr. Wells stated we do not have insurance for normal wear and tear.
Council Member Martinez stated we have to move forward with this.
f. Transportation Planning Group (527 Study)
Scott Parker outlined the traffic impact study for the Crescent District and
proposed amendments to the Town Plan. He stated numerous property owners
and developers have been asking questions regarding the transportation
network for the Crescent District and how that impacts their applications. He
stated since any Town Plan amendment requires a VDOT 527 plan it made sense
to start there. He stated there are four different scenarios including the
Crescent District, the removal of the Keystone Boulevard overpass, the removal
of Russell Branch Parkway/Trailview Boulevard between Keystone Boulevard and
Battlefield Parkway and the Gateway Drive extension with the removal of the
Dulles Greenway extension. He stated there were no comments received by
VDOT that would prevent Council from moving ahead with any of these changes
to the Town Plan. Further, he stated if any or all of these are initiated as a Town
Plan amendment we do not have to seek additional comments from VDOT.
Calvin Grow provided more specific information regarding each of these
scenarios on a map.
Council Member Butler stated staff mentioned VDOT was satisfied with these
changes; however, the report indicates that VDOT was less than enthusiastic
regarding the removal of the Greenway extension.
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page li
Mr. Grow stated they did not recommend the removal of the Greenway
extension as the existing plan shows the 19,000 vehicles projected to use this
extension to be divided by half diverting to King Street and the other half going
to other areas which would create poor levels of service on King Street. He
stated if the extension is removed staff would recommend changes to King
Street to accommodate the additional traffic. Further, he stated based on
VDOT's comments staff feels we could move forward with the elimination of the
Keystone Boulevard overpass and Trailview Boulevard between Keystone
Boulevard and Battlefield Parkway from the Town Plan.
Council Member Butler asked if staff was recommending removing the other
two items from the Town Plan.
Mr. Grow stated staff is recommended a closer look at the other two items
before changes are made as other improvements may be needed.
Council Member Butler stated he would agree that further analysis would be
needed on the potential removal of the Greenway extension.
Council Member Wright asked looking at the Crescent District Master Plan
what drove the numbers for the no-build 2030 projections and the form-based
code 2030 projections.
David Fuller stated the no-build assumes existing zoning and building out
according to the existing zoning.
Council Member Wright verified that staff did allow for redevelopment within
the current zoning. He stated no analysis could take into account the trip
reductions resulting from a multi use development where people are moving
within the development versus long-term trip generation.
Mr. Fuller stated the model that the Town uses is not sensitive enough to
account for that.
Council Member Wright stated what precipitated this look was a desire to look
at the impact of removing undesirable or unfeasible roads. He stated he has no
concern with the removal of the Keystone Boulevard overpass. He stated the
discussion regarding Trailview Boulevard is that it was reflected as going
through a stream; therefore, he is in favor of its removal. He expressed concern
with the potential for traffic congestion on the Greenway resulting from its
extended terminus at a traffic signal on Catoctin Circle. Further, he expressed
concern as to whether it is even feasible to construct this extension and stated
we need to have a discussion regarding how much this will cost to construct as
by having this in the Town Plan we are encumbering a private developer's
property.
Mr. Wells stated it seems the issue VDOT is having is that whether the road is
built or not the traffic is going to occur. He stated issue is not whether we can
build the road; rather, we need to show VDOT how we can mitigate the traffic
impact.
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 12
Mayor Umstattd stated Council Member Wright raises a good point as to who
would even pay for this extension.
Mr. Grow stated per our agreement with the Greenway, they are responsible
for the construction of the extension within their right-of-way.
Mayor Umstattd stated that would not cover the funding needs.
Council Member Martinez stated he would support the removal of the
Greenway extension from everyone's plan. He stated he would also support the
removal of the Keystone Boulevard overpass and the portion of Trailview
Boulevard. He stated somewhere down the line we will get a Battlefield Parkway
interchange and at that point he would like Cardinal Park Drive blocked off and
Russell Branch Parkway to become a true frontage road all the way to Lawson
Road.
Council Member Wright verified the ultimate plan is for Cardinal Park Drive to
become a flyover with no direct access to Route 7.
Council Member Martinez expressed concern that no one would build the
overpass. He stated if Cardinal Park were to be closed off after construction of
the Battlefield Parkway interchange then there would be no signals on Route 7
until Belmont Ridge Road.
Council Member Reid verified the cost of the study was approximately
$50,000. He stated in a 2006 memo to Council it was indicated that VDOT
would be commissioning a consultant to conduct travel demand analysis for the
Greenway extension and asked what happened with that study.
Mr. Grow stated VDOT did conduct a study and staff also looked at the
extension with the Town Plan amendments. He stated he did not compare the
2006 study with this study; however, that can be done.
Council Member Reid stated he is surprised that we would spend this amount
of money when VDOT already conducted a study. He asked if our consultant
was apprised of this study.
Council Member Wright stated the State Code requires that we have to submit
a study to VDOT if we are going to make a Town Plan or zoning amendment.
Council Member Reid stated he would like to see the final report as compared
to our report.
Mr. Parker stated the goal was that if the Town were going to pursue any of
these amendments we could condense all four potential amendments into one
study. He stated during the scoping meetings VDOT did not mention their
study.
Council Member Reid stated Keystone Boulevard is proffered by the Auto Park
between Russell Branch Parkway and Route 7.
Town Council Work Session of January li, 2010 Page 13
Mr. Grow stated the Auto Park proffered the construction of Keystone, but not
the flyover. He stated Lowes has purchased that property and is coming to the
Town for a rezoning.
Council Member Reid suggested that the funds for that proffer be allocated
elsewhere. He stated he has never supported Keystone Drive. He stated the
businesses on Cardinal Park Drive would be very upset if the road were to be
closed off as Council Member Martinez is suggesting. He stated there has to be
away to reserve the right-of-way for the flyover if needed. He stated it may
look strange to build the Dulles Greenway; however, to dispose of right-of-way
for even atwo-way road is not a good idea. He stated the report has confirmed
his arguments that with the Crescent District the need is even greater for the
Greenway extension as density brings more auto use. He stated Trailview
Boulevard could be realigned or reduced to a two-lane road. Further, he stated
there is no need to get rid of our options yet, especially if we believe the
Crescent District will be developed.
g. Boards and Commission Project Initiatives
Jim Hershman, Thomas Balch Library Commission Vice-Chair, stated the
Commission has reduced their funding request from $20,000 to $10,000 this
year given the constraints of the current budget. He stated the Commission
requested $1,520 for four Commissioners to attend the Virginia Forum at
Christopher Newport University; however, only two will be attending this year
which further reduces this travel request to $380. He stated the Commission
has been giving $100 for the Social Science award each year; however, he feels
the library can absorb that cost for this year.
Council Member Reid verified all Commissions were invited to attend the
meeting.
Council Member Dunn thanked the Commission for their efforts.
Council Member Wright stated the Board of Architectural Review is requesting
$4,000 to conduct a work shop on window restoration and weatherization. He
stated he is leery of this and it seems to be more of a private sector function.
Further, he expressed concern with the Environmental Advisory Commission's
request for funding for the rain barrel workshop program.
Vice Mayor Hammier verified Mr. Wells will make the official announcement
tomorrow night regarding the $250,000 bequest to the Thomas Balch Library
stating this is an incredible honor. Further, she stated Loudoun County also
holds rain barrel workshops.
Council Member Butler stated reminded Council that the Environmental
Advisory Commission has held their rain barrel workshops over the past several
years.
Council Member Wright asked if the Town has always provided the $25 rebate
per rain barrel.
Council Member Butler stated the Town does not give a $25 rebate; rather,
the Town subsidizes the cost of the rain barrels and provides instructional staff.
Town Council Work Session of January 11, 2010 Page 14
Council Member Wright expressed concern that the wording of the request
was different and asked that further clarification be provided before the vote
tomorrow night. He stated he would not have concern if the program were to be
conducted as in previous years.
2. Additions to Future Council Meetings
Council Member Martinez stated he would like a briefing from the Town Attorney
on the upcoming franchise negotiations.
Vice Mayor Hammier stated she would like a Town Council discussion of the
Balch Library endowment.
Council Member Reid stated he would like a memo on the status of Battlefield
Parkway between Fort Evans Road and Edwards Ferry Road. Further, he stated
given what happened with Wage Drive he would like a discussion regarding
reforming our Capital Projects process and how to prevent a similar situation.
Council Member Butler stated he would like a list of areas where we could
reduce expenditures if the County were providing the same level of service for us as
they do the rest of the County as we are paying double taxes. Also he asked what
legal recourse we have as County citizens in situations such as where the County has
declined to assist with zoning enforcement issues. He stated the result of the Boards
discussion relating to the airport tax may have some effect on our desire to pursue
these issues further.
3. Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Wright
the meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
Clerk of Co nci
2010 tcwsmin0111