HomeMy Public PortalAbout2013_tcwsmin0722 Council Work Session July 22, 2013
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street,7:30 p.m. Mayor Kristen C. Umstattd
presiding.
Council Members Present: Kelly Burk, Thomas Dunn, Katie Sheldon Hammler,
Kevin Wright and Mayor Umstattd. Council Member Butler participated
electronically from Hong Kong.
Council Members Absent: Council Member Martinez.
Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy
Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Director of Public Works Tom Mason, Deputy Director
of Capital Projects Tom Brandon, Research and Communications Manager Betsy
Fields and Clerk of Council Lee Ann Green
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Work Session Items for Discussion
a. VDOT Presentation
Tom Mason presented Tom Fahrney of VDOT.
Key Points:
• As background, he noted that in May 2011, the Commonwealth
Transportation Board adopted the North-South corridor as one of the
corridors of significance in the state of Virginia.
• Master planning was initiated as part of the five-step procedure to
develop the plan.
• Public hearings related to this plan received over 750 individual
comments.
• Bi-County Parkway is only part of the Corridor of Statewide
Significance
• Some of the undeveloped segments through Loudoun County have
proffers attached
Council Comments/Questions:
• Important to make the distinction between the North-South Corridor,
the Bi-County Parkway, the Tri-County Parkway, and the Western
Bypass.
• How much traffic can a four lane road handle versus a six lane road?
Staff answer: Staff will provide general tabulations for various size
facilities.
• Are there any traffic projections for the North-South corridor?
VDOT answer: Consultant reports that the percentage of trucks will be
similar to what is already on Rt. 234 in Prince William County
(approximately 10 percent of overall traffic).
• How did the North-South Corridor jump ahead of other projects?
VDOT answer: The original request for the study occurred in 2002.
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Council Work Session July 22, 2013
• VDOT studies have indicated the desire for a western access to Dulles
Airport for freight; however, comments have been made that this
corridor will not see more truck traffic.
Tom Fahrney, VDOT project manager for the Bi-County Parkway and
the Western Dulles Access study, offered the following:
• CTB did not endorse any of the recommendations in the North-South
study
• It has been 12 years since the initiation of the North-South Corridor
Study
• The Bi-County Parkway study only includes the corridor between I-66
and Rt. 50.
• Road improvements are necessary due to COG forecasts for population
and job growth
• Over a billion dollars of east-west improvements have been planned,
but not all are currently funded.
Council consensus was for additional discussion.
b. Downtown Improvements
John Wells stated staff has worked with the owners of the Lightfoot to
design an option that all parties believe will work.
Key Points:
• Provides bump out in front of the bakery
• Allows motorcycle/other parking in front of the existing Downtown
Saloon
• Allows for the widened sidewalk in front of Shoes.
Council Comments/Questions:
• Council consensus to put this item on the Consent Agenda for Tuesday
night
c. Legislative Agenda—Initial Discussion
Betsy Fields stated this is the initial discussion of what Council would
like to see on the legislative agenda.
Key Points:
• Towns oppose abolishment of BPOL and replacement with sales and
use tax on services
• Support legislation enforcing overlapping powers legislation
• Watch legislation regarding local fines and fees
• NVTA funding basis
• Legislation to license precious metal dealers affects jewelry store
owners
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Council Work Session July 22, 2013
Council Comments/Questions:
• Might want to consider a compromise NVTA funding formula.
• Would like to see legislation allowing localities to control more local
traffic regulations
d. Downtown "Open for Business" Construction Plan
Scott Parker presented an update on the plan to help the downtown
during the Downtown Improvements construction.
Key Points:
• Strategy thus far has been personal contact, email blasts, and
communication throughout the project
Council Comments/Questions:
• Would like specifics on how staff will help businesses during the period
of time the construction is ongoing.
• Would like outreach ready at least six months prior to groundbreaking.
• Clear signage will be crucial
• Use social media
2. Additions to Future Council Meetings
Council Member Burk questioned the status of the proffer money owed by the
Village at Leesburg to the schools. She questioned the amount of money due in the
debt service balloon payment in 2015. She noted the website area for Boards and
Commissions has not been updated.
Council Member Hammier asked that the Sister City discussion be added to
the August meeting.
Council Member Dunn noted he is not thrilled about the possibility of county
government using the Courthouse Square office space.
Vice Mayor Butler asked that the North-South Corridor be discussed prior to
the public hearing on Tuesday night.
3. Closed Session
None.
4. Adjournment
On a motion by Council Member Wright, seconded by Council Member Hammier, the
meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
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