HomeMy Public PortalAbout2010_tcwsmin0308Council Work Session
March 8, 2010
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Council Members Present: David S. Butler, Thomas S. Dunn, II, Vice Mayor Katie
Sheldon Hammier, Marty Martinez, Kenneth "Ken" Reid, Kevin Wright and Mayor
Kristen Umstattd
Council Members Absent: Council Member Martinez arrived at 7:36 p.m.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy
Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Director of Public Works Tom Mason, Director of Utilities
Randy Shoemaker, Director of Parks and Recreation Rich Williams, Deputy Director
of Recreation Kate Trask, Recreation Programs Supervisor Jeremy Payne, Research
and Communications Manager Betsy Fields, Senior Engineer Asghar Pariroo and
Business Retention Coordinator Debi Parry
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Work Session Items for Discussion:
a. Legislative Update
Betsy Fields provided an overview of key pieces of legislation before the
Virginia General Assembly. She stated she has tracked 128 bills during the
session. She stated in the Senate 22 of these bills were passed, 5 were tabled at
crossover, 14 were left in committee, incorporated or stricken and 9 were
continued to 2011. She stated in the House of Delegates 43 bills passed, 9 were
tabled at crossover, 37 were left in committee, incorporated or stricken and 3
were continued to 2011.
Council Member Butler asked if H61307 means that if he had a family
member in need of care, he could place a trailer on his front lawn and no one
could stop him.
Ms. Fields stated the structure has to meet setback and other requirement;
further, need is required to be certified under another section of the State Code
annually.
Council Member Butler verified this would supersede Homeowner Association
Authority.
Ms. Fields outlined other bills of interest that did not pass during this session.
Further, she stated staff is also following the state budget process and areas of
concern including communications tax, local law enforcement funding (599
funds) and the proposal to do away with the Virginia Commission for the Arts
leaving Virginia as the only state without a commission for the arts.
Mayor Umstattd asked how the Town's position on bills was determined.
Ms. Fields stated each piece of legislation was reviewed by Mr. Wells, Mr.
Dentler, Ms. Irby and herself. She stated other department directors were
asked to comment as appropriate and a determination was made based on what
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 2
was known of Council's position, Virginia Municipal League (VML) and the
opinions of other affiliated organizations.
Mayor Umstattd stated she does not have a concern with HB 149, which
provides a tax exemption for veterans who are 100 percent disabled. She
stated she does wish the State would stop taking our money and give up some
of theirs by providing an income tax exemption for these disabled veterans.
Ms. Fields stated the main reason VML opposed HB 149 is because there is no
need provision in the legislation.
Ms. Irby stated there is no need provision and there are ways to administer
this program more effectively than as proposed. She stated it was more the
method that staff opposed, not the principal.
Vice Mayor Hammier asked if staff could analyze what the actual budget
breakdown is for Leesburg.
Mr. Wells stated we have no way of knowing that type of information about
our residents. He stated if passed, residents who qualify would need to identify
themselves to the Town.
Council Member Dunn asked the status of the legislation mandating health
care coverage for children with Autism.
Ms. Fields stated of the bills introduced, one passed the Senate and was
tabled in the House.
Council Member Reid stated he thought the Governor had proposed legislative
changes dealing with transportation.
Ms. Fields stated staff only tracked bills directly impacting the Town.
Council Member Reid stated there could be bills that impact the County or
general Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) governance. He stated
transportation is the number one pressing issue to him and it is not being
addressed. He stated he spoke with the Secretary of Transportation, when he
was appointed, and he indicated that they would seek to pass several pieces of
legislation.
Ms. Fields stated she can provide a report on transportation bills that have
passed.
Council Member Butler stated it would be nice if the General Assembly would
spend more time on transportation.
Council Member Wright addressed HB 1307 related to temporary structures
asked if temporary is defined in the structure as well as the duration. He
verified that the structure is allowed as long as the person certifies every year
that there is a need. He stated he agrees that transportation is an important
issue; however, when unfunded mandates are passed and revenue sources are
diverted the Town ends up having to raise tax rates or cut services. Further, he
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 3
stated the Commission on Public Art has asked that Council oppose the
elimination of the Virginia Commission on Art in the State Budget.
Mayor Umstattd stated we certainly see private companies indicating on their
bills to customers who is to blame for the taxes. She stated on every tax bill we
send out, we should consider putting the General Assembly's phone number.
She stated we tend to be polite and silent while they keep taking away our
revenue sources leaving us only with the property tax.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated the VML President and Town Manager of
Christiansburg, Lance Terpenny, made essentially those same remarks on VML
Day as reported in the VML Magazine. She stated she had sent an email to staff
asking how they came to the endorsement status of each piece of legislation.
She stated if this is circulated as an official document, then the Town's position
should come from Council. She stated there were a few items that she did not
agree with as representing the residents versus the government. Further, she
asked how this item was placed orr Council's agenda for discussion.
Mr. Wells stated traditionally the legislative agenda status is placed on
Council's agenda for an update.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated an informational memo could have been provided
versus a verbal update. She stated philosophically we should be discussing what
our lobbying efforts are and how we will address these issues head-on. She
stated a presentation was provided to the County Economic Development
Commission on HB 1220 dealing with stormwater management, which she will
provide to Council. She stated at the County Economic Development
Commission meeting on Friday everyone, including Tony Howard and Dr. Ed
Hatrick were very pleased with the joint lobbying effort that went into
addressing the local composite index issue. Further, she stated she would like
additional discussion regarding our legislative agenda for Loudoun County.
Council Member Martinez stated he has addressed his questions with staff. He
thanked Delegate Joe May and Senator Mark Herring for introducing resolutions
honoring the life of Bob Twigg and a few other residents.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated in the same way that the Town created a
legislative package for the General Assembly Session, she would suggest
establishing a package for the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and then
following up with the Supervisors in a timely fashion given the budget issues.
She outlined her proposed list of issues including fully funding the School
Resource Officers (SROs) as there is a deficit of $77,096 to be paid by the
Town's taxpayers, memo of support for overcrowding enforcement, business
incubator support, courts expansion, annexation, public safety support from the
County, airport support through direct contributions, Balch Library support
through direct contributions, gas tax collection and support for economic
research.
Council Member Reid stated he would like to see the list in writing before he
expresses support.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 4
Council Member Butler stated he agrees with the idea of a legislative package
for the County as it allows Council to bring up all of the items of double taxation,
some of which are hidden.
Mayor Umstattd stated when the Loudoun Mayors met with Tim Hemstreet,
she brought up the issue of double taxation concerns to him.
Council Member Wright concurred with the request for the list in writing. He
stated in listening to the list, it seems there are two categories; immediate
budget needs and broader issues for discussion.
b. Agenda Setting Process
Council Member Reid stated this discussion was prompted by the unfortunate
situation when the Mayor sent an email to Council indicating her desire to add
two non-controversial items to the last Council Meeting agenda. He stated this
request required suspension of the rules and resulting discussion. He stated Mr.
Wells allowed the items to be placed on the agenda because he stated they were
in line with Council's strategic goals and objectives. He stated he has provided
suggested language to change Council's rules to provide more leeway when
items need to be added to the agenda. Further, he stated this change would
relate to items that are within the directed goals and objectives of Council.
Council Member Butler stated he took Council Member Reid's ideas and
developed further suggested language after speaking with a couple of Council
Members. He outlined his suggestions including changing the order of business
to reflect what Council is currently doing and changed "Old Business" to
"Unfinished Business" as outlined in Roberts Rules of Order.
Council Member Martinez clarified "Unfinished Business" would include tabled
motions.
Council Member Butler stated he added a new section to the rules dealing
with New Business and suspension of the rules. He stated he added language
allowing a ruling of the chair to be overturned by majority vote, versus two-
thirds majority. He recommended adding a section to the work session agenda
for "Amendments to Current Council Meetings" to deal with times for the agenda
the next day. He stated this would allow Council Members to add items to the
agenda for the next day only with two-thirds Council majority vote and only for
non-controversial items that require little staff time.
Council Member Martinez suggested adding language to allow items not
approved for the next day's agenda to be added to a future Council agenda.
Council Member Butler proposed language to make the "Items for future
Council Meetings" to be made specific regarding items for information or items
for discussion. He stated currently we can only ask for items to be placed on a
future work session and this would allow for items to be placed on a future
regular meeting agenda. He stated this would require atwo-thirds majority.
Vice Mayor Hammier clarified Council Member Butler's suggestion that atwo-
thirds majority be required before an item is added to the next night's agenda.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 5
Council Member Martinez expressed the need to clarify that "regular meeting"
refers to the Council business meeting where action is taken. He stated he
understands the need for the two thirds majority as sometimes people are using
the Council Meeting push their agendas; however, we should not make it so
difficult that Council Members cannot push forward items of importance.
Mayor Umstattd stated the initial reason why a majority was required to put
an item on the next night's meeting is because one Council Member could
significantly impact staff resources on an item that the majority of Council might
not agree with. She stated over the years it has been decided that a majority
should be required before staff resources are used.
There was further Council discussion of the process for Council Members to
bring items forward for a vote.
Council Member Dunn stated while "old business" might not be in Roberts
Rules, there are a number of things Council does that are not in line with
Roberts Rules. He expressed concern that using "unfinished business" may
impact Council's ability to further discuss items that were on the agenda longer
than two meetings ago. He stated his goal is to maximize the smooth flow of
governance, rather than making it more difficult on ourselves. He questioned
the use of two-thirds majority and the wording of "minimum staff time" and
"controversial". He stated requiring three Council Members to bring an item
forward is a way of keeping the public in the dark, stifling dissenting votes and
avoiding public vote.
Council Member Wright stated we are trying to manage the agenda so we
know what is coming forward and what to plan for. He expressed concern that
in the past Council would talk about items on Monday and the Tuesday agenda
would then change greatly from what was publicly advertised. He stated there
also needs to be a broader use of the work plan Mr. Wells prepares to see what
is coming forward. He stated if there are staff time requirements we should be
mindful of whether that request would be any different if the item were
requested as a Freedom of Information Act request. He expressed the need for
a clear definition of "unfinished business" versus "old business". He expressed
the need to be careful not to require the Town Manager to request to put
general operational items on the agenda, such as bond releases. Further, he
stated there needs to be a balance in the requirements for adding items to a
future agenda.
Council Member Reid thanked Mr. Butler for his efforts. He expressed
concern with the language "minimum staff time" stating the items added to the
last agenda for the car dealership and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground
both required staff time. He also expressed concern with the wording
"controversial" stating anything could be controversial. He stated he still feels
the language he presented with a minor edit at the end of "via a majority vote"
would address the concerns and allow a Council Member to bring items forward.
He asked if email notification of agenda items is appropriate and considered
sufficient notice.
Ms. Irby stated items would have to be published on an agenda in some
manner and email amongst Council Members is not sufficient notification for
public business items.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 6
Council Member Reid stated a courtesy email gives Council Members time to
consider an item before it is to be discussed at a meeting.
Ms. Irby stated if a Council Member has an issue to go on the agenda it
should be sent to the Town Manager for him to send to Council.
Council Member Reid stated he emailed Blacksburg, Vienna and Herndon who
all said any member of their governing body can ask the Mayor to put an item
on the agenda or in some cases it just needs to be brought up during the work
session. He stated simplification of the language for adding an item to the
agenda is needed.
Council Member Butler stated the proposed two-thirds majority would only be
required to put an item on the next night's meeting. Further, he expressed
concern with the potential waste of Council and staff time for unnecessary items
of business that could be handled in another manner.
After further discussion it was the consensus of Council to allow Council
Members Butler and Reid to further refine the rules language to be brought
forward to Council for consideration.
Vice Mayor Hammler asked that language also be considered regarding a
process for Council to have an item go back to a commission for discussion and
recommendation.
Council Member Wright stated we can make too much or too little of the staff
time issue. He stated as Mr. Wells is the only employee who works for Council,
it is up to him to advise Council if requested agenda items may generate a staff
resource concern or conflict.
Council Member Dunn expressed concern that the use of "unfinished
business" could result in a jam in the agenda process. Further, regarding the
use of staff time he provided the example of the honors university research
effort stating this is using a major amount of staff time for an item that Council
may not even want. Further, he commented on the topic of how items are put
on the agenda using the example of the utility audit stating that he asked for
information on how the decision to select that particular firm was made and
someone made the decision to add that discussion item to the next night's
agenda, he would have been happy discussing it at the next work session.
Vice Mayor Hammler summarized the discussion stating two Council Members
will work on refining this language to be brought back for further Council
discussion.
c. Utilities Energy Audit -Con Ed Presentation
John Wells introduced Dennis Clough of ConEdison Solutions and Mike Hanna
of Black & Veatch. He stated several months ago Council approved a grant to
fund an energy audit within the Utility Department. He stated the purpose of
the report is to give Council an understanding of where the process is now as
staff continues to look at a variety of options. He stated some of the projects
outlined in the report are large and would become capital projects; however, in
many cases these are costs that we may need to incur anyway over the next
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 7
couple of years and this report provides opportunities for additional cost saving
elements to be added.
Council Member Wright verified the study was not funded by Town tax
dollars; rather, it was funded by a federal grant.
Vice Mayor Hammler asked if the normal bid process would be followed for
any of the proposed improvements.
Mr. Wells stated this contract provides for adesign-build process; however,
the contract through the federal grant was competitively bid.
Ms. Irby stated the bid process was done by other governmental agencies to
allow the Town to follow that process rather than having to bid the projects
again.
Mr. Wells stated there may be other grant opportunities for funding
depending on the findings of the report.
Dennis Clough, ConEdison Solutions, outlined the energy audit process,
stating we are halfway through at this point and the information provided is
preliminary. He stated currently the daily operations of the Water Pollution
Control Facility are efficient. He stated the current infrastructure is aging in
inefficient, including 40-year-old digester covers, 25-year-old belt filter press
and a 15-year-old aeration blower. He stated the original design of the facilities
has some built in energy inefficiencies and the existing digesters are nearing
their capacity.
Mike Hanna, Black & Veatch, provided several project options including, a
digester gas cogeneration system with additional digester capacity, direct
pumping of equalization tanks to head of primary clarifier, hydroelectric
generation at the Potomac River outfall, new dewatering centrifuge to replace
the existing 25-year-old belt filter press, high efficiency lighting and controls and
high efficiency aeration turbo blower to replace existing 15-year-old blower.
Vice Mayor Hammler verified the digester gas cogeneration system would
allow the digesters to produce energy and cover 15 percent of the energy costs.
She asked if this study was done parallel or after the Utility Department
management audit.
Mr. Wells stated these studies were done in parallel; however, the
management audit focused more on operations and staffing, rather than energy
efficiency opportunities covered in this audit.
Council Member Dunn asked what factor was used in determining what the
electrical expenditures would be when stating that a project can save 15 percent
in energy costs.
Mr. Hanna stated the 15 percent cost savings was determined by looking at
the current energy use of the plant and the energy production of the
cogeneration system. He stating looking into the future a three percent increase
was added to keep up with inflation as well as the anticipated flow increases
over time.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 8
Council Member Dunn verified those factors were used for the project as a
whole.
Mr. Clough stated at this point if the Town decided to move forward with full
implementation of the six measures the total guaranteed maximum cost would
be $6,000,000. He stated the improvements would provide an average annual
cost savings of $460,000. Further, he stated over the project life, the energy
cost savings exceed the project debt costs by $3,000,000 assuming 20 year
debt financing.
Council Member Dunn verified the $3,000,000 takes the interest rate into
account.
Vice Mayor Hammler asked if we would envision floating bonds for the whole
amount, or could we anticipate not amortizing the whole amount given the
savings each year.
Mr. Wells stated he would recommend bringing in our financial consultants at
the appropriate time to discuss funding options.
Vice Mayor Hammler asked if there is a risk profile associated with the cost
savings projections.
Mr. Clough stated the contract Con Edison Solutions works under within the
Commonwealth requires a guarantee on savings.
Council Member Dunn asked if Mr. Clough is aware of available grants for this
type of project.
Mr. Clough stated the Town has applied for grant funding for the hydroelectric
project. Further, he stated there was a round of funding from the Department
of Environmental Quality (DEQ) last year as part of the stimulus funding and one
of the unknowns at this point is when the next round of stimulus funding is
released is will the rules be the same.
Council Member Dunn verified the grant the Town has applied for is worth
$200,000. Further, he verified the proposed projects would be funded by the
Utility Fund.
Mr. Wells stated there may be a way to structure the debt payments in a way
to capitalize on the annual cost savings realized by the project.
There was further discussion of the funding options and annual cost savings.
Mr. Clough outlined the environmental benefits of the project stating there
would be an annual savings in electricity of 1,600,000 kilowatt hours and
112,000 therms of natural gas. He stated the Town has an energy reduction
goal of 10 percent and this project will achieve a 25 percent reduction in
electricity use, 37 percent reduction in natural gas use and 27 percent reduction
in energy costs for the plant.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 9
Mr. Butler asked that information be provided as to how those savings would
relate to the overall energy use by the Town.
Mr. Clough stated the final project details will be provided in April with the
final energy audit report available in May. He stated if the Town chooses to
move forward, the contract review would take place in June and a project
approval request to come before Council in July.
Vice Mayor Hammier asked if this would be considered as part of the next
budget cycle or within this budget cycle.
Mr. Wells stated at the point at which the Town decides to move forward the
budget could be amended, if necessary.
Council Member Butler asked assuming this study had not been done; at what
point would the additional digester be needed.
Mr. Wells stated the additional digester probably would have been needed
somewhere within the three to five year range.
Council Member Butler expressed concern with looking at projects that have
a 20 year payback timeline.
Mr. Wells stated as we move forward, staff will provide the payback timeline
for each project as some of them have less than a 5 year payback associated
with the project.
Council Member Butler stated he would also like to see the projects broken
out by the cost of what we would need for infrastructure improvements anyway
versus the added costs to achieve the benefits of the other elements of the
projects from an energy savings standpoint.
There was further discussion of the capital asset replacement program.
Council Member Dunn stated he would like to know the lifespan of the project
to simply replace or add a new digester versus the lifespan of the proposed
energy efficient project.
Council Member Martinez stated the current digesters are still working in
terms of their lifespan; however, the increased concentration of the sludge has
resulted in the need for new equipment.
Mr. Hanna concurred with Council Member Martinez' statement and stated the
digesters are still working; however, some of the other pumps and associated
equipment has reached the end of its lifespan.
Council Member Martinez asked that this report also consider the possibility of
the Town selling water to the proposed energy plant.
Council Member Wright stated he likes this proposal and the fact that we are
truly vetting the cost/benefit analysis. He verified the Town is not obligated to
buy anything at this point. He stated as we analyze all of the variables within
the cost/benefit analysis including the replacement of equipment a couple of
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 10
years before it would actually need to be replaced. He stated during the initial
analysis the consultants did not find any quick fix items, but rather that given
the condition and age of the facility and equipment staff is very energy
conscious overall. He asked if some of the inefficiencies are caused by changes
in environmental regulations.
Mr. Hanna stated that is part of the issue. Further, he stated there are other
regulatory issues that are not addressed in this audit that can be reviewed at a
later time.
Council Member Wright stated it seems we have been very good about
keeping infiltration down and that is the reason the digesters need to be
replaced.
Mr. Hanna stated the Town has avoided a flow problem and therefore we are
talking about the replacement of a digester versus a plant expansion.
Council Member Reid stated it is nice to adopt a policy to reduce energy, but
it is another to take the steps to actually reduce energy. He stated it is his
understanding that ConEdison Solutions leases the equipment so that when
technology changes it can be replaced; however, this proposal sounds like the
Town will buy and own this equipment.
Mr. Clough stated some agencies undertake these type of projects through
capital operating leases as the finance vehicle. He stated the option for a lease
would be up to the Town; however, to clarify, ConEdison does not lease
equipment.
Council Member Reid stated what was intriguing about that idea is that the
Town is not purchasing an item that will be obsolete in a couple of years. He
verified in this case the equipment could not be leased. He asked if the actual
savings could be higher.
Mr. Clough stated the savings could potentially be higher. He stated it is
important to remember that the cost savings figures are based on today's
energy costs and aggressive projections into the future have not been made
such as the potential for cap and trade or deregulation.
Council Member Reid stated those items cannot be factored in; however, the
one thing for sure is the Town does_not have enough customers for our plant
and as a result we have unused capacity. He asked whether once we fill up that
capacity will we receive more or less savings.
Mr. Clough stated the savings will increase as the use increases.
Council Member Reid verified there is a potential for grant funding.
d. Downtown Management Organization Verbal Update
Mr. Wells stated staff is continuing to work with the downtown organizations
on specifics such as the elements of a scope of work and how this organization
would be structured, funded and how projects would go on. He stated the
meetings are occurring weekly and staff will continue to provide updates.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 11
Council Member Dunn asked the estimated time for implementation.
Mr. Wells stated the group will most likely have a recommendation for
implementation within two to three months. He stated the recurring theme is
partnerships and the ongoing discussions are aggressive and positive.
Council Member Wright stated he is glad that the theme continues to be
partnership. He stated his concern continues to be making sure whatever
format this is that it is all inclusive versus optional. He stated similar proposals
in the past have failed because people opted-out of the program.
Mr. Wells stated that has been discussed and several examples of how certain
aspects of projects or issues would be handled along with who would be
involved, at what level and how inclusive or exclusive it would be and how it
would be funded. He stated the process may be different depending on the
item.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated the need to emphasize the need for legal clout,
such as a homeowners association in terms of membership and what can be
accomplished in a whole new way.
Mr. Wells stated one of the key issues that the committee is working with Ms.
Irby and Liz Whiting is the structure for this organization. He stated there are
multiple structure options and staff will go into that further when the report is
presented.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated the timing is very important as the Town will not
invest in the downtown improvements until the clout is put behind this
association as was the vision.
Mr. Wells stated the two to three month timeline for a report to Council
should run concurrent with the downtown capital improvements project.
Vice Mayor Hammler stated the Crossroads organization has officially
dissolved and has dedicated their remaining funds to Loudoun Cares.
Council Member Wright asked how this project relates to the EDC efforts
regarding tourism zones and related subcommittees.
Mr. Wells stated the efforts are concurrent and EDC Chair Ara Bagdsarian is
involved in the downtown management organization meetings.
2. Additions to Future Council Meetings
Council Member Martinez stated he would like to have a discussion at a future
work session regarding the enforcement of our ordinance related to residents and
business owners who do not shovel the snow from their sidewalks. He stated he also
heard the plans to widen the Route 15 Bypass have been completed and that work
will begin shortly. He stated he would like to know if this is true and also what can
be done to assist the residents on Max Court to have a berm constructed behind
their homes before the widening and transmission line construction begins.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 12
Mayor Umstattd stated there was some discussion among the residents of Max
Court that the $2 million from Dominion Virginia Power should be used to minimize
the impact of the transmission lines.
Council Member Wright asked if there is any Council support to add an item to
tomorrow night's agenda urging the General Assembly to maintain funding for the
State Commission on the Arts.
It was the consensus of Council to move forward with that item tomorrow night.
Council Member Wright stated he would like to receive an after action report on
the snow removal with public input.
Vice Mayor Hammier stated she along with Council Members Martinez and Reid
were asked by two non-profit organizations to consider sponsoring a triathalon
fundraiser since there is no proposed funding for these organizations in the proposed
budget. She stated she would like to have this item brought forward at the next
work session for discussion. Further, she stated her appointee to the Technology
and Communications Commission is resigning and she has asked Ms. Green to
advertise the vacancy.
Council Member Reid verified Council would support putting all business items
for tomorrow night's agenda under the "consent agenda".
Council Member Wright suggested that the rules be amended to allow the
"consent agenda" for the regular business meeting to be amended at the work
session the night before.
Council Member Reid asked that he be allowed to speak a little longer tomorrow
night during Council Member Comments so that he may report on his recent meeting
with his board and commission appointees.
Council Member Dunn asked that an item to be added to a future agenda to
allow firefighters to have free access to Ida Lee, even if they are not in uniform. He
stated he would also like to discuss FOIA training for Commissioners at a future
meeting as well as discussion of the Honors College effort.
Council Member Butler stated he agrees with Council Member Dunn's request for
FOIA Training for Commission members. He stated this does not, however, go far
enough as training is also needed on conflict of interest laws, the process to remove
a commission member and PPEA laws.
Council Member Martinez stated we might also consider annual training for
commission members to remind them of these issues.
Mayor Umstattd stated it would be helpful for Council, as they talk to residents,
to have an idea of what the additional snow removal efforts being requested would
have cost.
Council Member Reid stated he would also like to set up a time to invite the
Senator's aides to Leesburg to see what Sycolin Road looks like during rush hour.
He stated a lobbying effort will be required to receive funding for the flyover project.
Town Council Work Session of March 8, 2010 Page 13
Vice Mayor Hammier stated according to an article in the VML Magazine, the
state has listed a contact for the distribution of the federal emergency funds related
to the snow removal efforts. She stated Loudoun County was not listed; however,
we did declare a state of emergency and therefore should be entitled to funding.
Mr. Wells stated there were multiple storms and this funding might be related to
the December storm as opposed to the February storm. He stated the County did
not receive enough snow during the December storm to qualify for federal aid;
however, we did meet the level of snow in February.
Council Member Dunn stated he spoke with Senator Warner and Representative
Wolf's offices who stated the federal funds will be sent to the state and if we would
like to receive any of those funds, we will need to begin petitioning the state.
4. Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Council Member Wright
the meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
~~
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Clerk of Ca' n it
2010 tcwsmin0308