HomeMy Public PortalAbout2013_tcwsmin0408 Council Work Session April 8, 2013
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street,7:30 .m. Mayor Kristen C. Umstattd
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presiding.
Council Members Present: Kelly Burk, David Butler, Thomas Dunn, Katie Sheldon
Hammler, Marty Martinez, Kevin Wright and Mayor Umstattd.
Council Members Absent: Council Member Martinez arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy
Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Director of Utilities Amy Wyks, Director of Public
Works Tom Mason, Director of Planning and Zoning Susan Berry Hill, Director of
Plan Review Bill Ackman, Director of Parks and Recreation Rich Williams, Director
of Finance Norm Butts, Assistant Town Manager Scott Parker, Human Resources
Manager Karen Dilley, Information Technology Manager Annie Carlson,
Management Analyst Lisa Haley, Management Analyst Michael Bruckner, Director
of Capital Projects Renee LaFollette, Airport Manager Scott Coffman, Deputy
Director of Planning and Zoning Brian Boucher, Economic Development Director
Marantha Edwards, Senior Planner Irish Grandfield, Chief of Police Joseph Price,
Research and Communications Manager Betsy Fields and Executive Associate Tara
Belote
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Closed Session
On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Vice Mayor Butler, the following was
proposed:
Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3)of the Code of Virginia, I move that the Leesburg
Town Council convene in a closed meeting for the purpose of receiving information and
discussion regarding real estate matters.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Martinez absent)
The Council convened in Closed Session at 7:38 p.m.
The Council reconvened in Open Session at 8:31 p.m.
On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Council Member Martinez, the following
was proposed:
In accordance with Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia, I move that Council certify
that to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully
exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information
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Council Work Session April 8, 2013
Act and such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the
closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by
Council.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Butler, Dunn, Hammier, Martinez, Wright and Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Burk absent)
2. Work Session Items for Discussion
a. Utility Rate Advisory Committee Update
Daniel Connally updated the Council with recommendations from the
Utility Rate Advisory Committee.
Key Points:
• Objectives are to develop a tiered rate structure, derive an alternative to
the 1:1 water/sewer fee, set a fixed rate that represents a higher
percentage of revenue, distribute set rate increases between fixed and
usage rates.
• Higher fixed fees increases portion of fixed costs covered by all users,
increases consistency of revenue.
• Sewer charge of 1:1 allows usage of the current billing structure and
maintains revenue from sewer
• Perception by outdoor water users of paying for something they are not
using
• Need to secure a contractor to fully develop tiered rate structure
Council Comment/Questions:
• Greatest benefit goes to high water users out of town
URAC answer: Seasonal high water users will get the greatest benefit.
• Average amount of water going out to coming in is almost 1:1.
• Would prefer a three tier rate plan
• Staff is directed to bring a motion for action on Tuesday
b. Budget Work Session
John Wells stated reviewed the information that was provided to
Council.
Key Points:
• Proposed budget advertises a tax rate of$0.195.
• Equalized rate is $0.189.
• Revenues will likely increase by approximately $325,000—those
adjustments became known during the three weeks between
advertisement of the tax rate and now
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Council Work Session April 8, 2013
• Leavin g the tax rate at$0.195 will allow the same tax rate for the next
four years
• Using the equalized rate of$0.189 will result in the need for an
additional penny on the tax rate in 2017
Council Comments/Questions:
• Concern over ability to fund bus service using the equalized tax rate
• What can be done to apply more to debt reduction?
Staff answer: Sustainability plan envisions building a debt service
reserve
• Would like to make an additional $3 million in cuts
• Need five Council Members to set the tax rate
• Is a code initiation needed to raise Council's compensation?
Staff answer: Has already been initiated, but will need to be advertised
and a public hearing held
• Would like discussion about parking plan for the downtown
c. JLMA Crosstrail and Tuscarora Crossing Referrals
Susan Berry Hill stated the issues have not changed from the last time
Council looked at these proposed developments. Staff is asking for
endorsement of the referral response so that they can be forwarded to county
staff.
Summary of Key Points:
• Crosstrail is a first submission looking to rezone 57 acres out of the
440+ acres for purposes of a shopping center
• Does not conform to the land use designation for that property in either
the town or county's plan
• Not clear on phasing for transportation network
• Tuscarora Crossing is a request for rezoning to a residential designation
for 720 units
• Both properties are eligible for annexation
• No phasing plan has been provided for Tuscarora Crossing
Council Comments/Questions:
• Need to note Airport's concerns regarding lighting
• Need to work closely with the Board of Supervisors because these
projects will have significant negative impacts on the town
• County Planning Commission has not seen it yet
2. Additions to Future Council Meetings
Council Member Burk: Would like to have a resolution memorializing
support for the youth job fair on an annual basis. Reminded everyone about the trash
clean up challenge. Would like an update on the agreement with Loudoun Water.
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Council Work Session April 8, 2013
Council Member Martinez asked for a presentation from NVRC regarding a
regional transportation system. Requested that the timing of the signals at Battlefield
Parkway and Market Street be adjusted.
Council Member Dunn asked a discussion of signage for off-site signage to
help businesses direct traffic to their location. Would like to get moving on parking
issues downtown. Would also like to pursue funding from the County for traffic
issues.
Council Member Wright asked for a follow-up on the communication plan for
the closure of Sycolin Road at the Bypass.
Mayor Umstattd asked for an update on the transportation bill and what the
implications are for the town.
3. Closed Session
None.
4. Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Martinez, seconded by Vice Mayor Butler, the meeting
was adjourned at 10::14 p.m.
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