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Home My Public Portal About2013_tcwsmin0812 Council Work Session August 12, 2013 Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 8:20 ..m Mayor Kristen C. Umstattd p Y presiding. Council Members Present: Kelly Burk, David Butler, Thomas Dunn, Katie Sheldon Hammier, Kevin Wright and Mayor Umstattd. Council Members Absent: Council Member Martinez Staff Present: Town Manager John Wells, Town Attorney Jeanette Irby, Deputy Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Capt. Clagett Moxley, Director of Public Works Tom Mason, Research and Communications Manager Betsy Fields and Clerk of Council Lee Ann Green AGENDA ITEMS 1. Work Session Items for Discussion a. Back to School Traffic Safety Initiative John Wells and Capt. Moxley stated this is a detailed effort on ways to enhance traffic safety during the Back to School time frame. Key Points: • Education and enforcement components • Resolution endorsing this plan is on the agenda for tomorrow night's meeting • Results of the safety blitz may affect the need for future actions Council Comments/Questions: • Timely plan with respect to changes in walk zones for schools • Message boards to alert the public of students walking to school • Positive comments on how the Sycolin Road closure was handled • Would like the SRTC to review and comment • Refresh the paint on crosswalks near schools and bus pick up points • Would like guidance from the Police Department with respect to sexual predators b. Legislative Agenda Update Betsy Fields presented the draft legislative agenda and positions statement for the upcoming legislative session Council Comments/Questions: • Did Council ask to add item regarding construction of grade separated interchanges? Staff answer: Yes, there was discussion about prioritizing the list • Interchanges should be listed in order of priority • Start the discussion regarding how appraisers are selected in eminent domain cases 1 1 Pag Council Work Session August 12, 2013 • Larger jurisdictions are using Twitter to get their ideas in front of legislators • Change language regarding VML policy statements to allow dissention from VML • Would like legislation to limit through truck traffic on Battlefield Parkway • Would like legislation to give the town authority to make changes to roadways c. South King Street/Route 15 Landscaping Plan Renee LaFollette reviewed the issue of landscaping along South King Street. Key Points: • Standard plan included street trees every 40 feet • Enhanced plan was every expensive to install and maintain • Staff developed an option that includes a more manageable group of plantings • All plans are acceptable to Journey through Hallowed Ground • Staff recommends the staff developed plan • Leaves room for maintenance vehicles Council Comments/Questions: • Participating in the Journey through Hallowed Ground tree planting project would be a great opportunity for Leesburg • Would like the Tree Commission to weigh in • Would like some brightly colored flowers • Could copy this plan to other entries into town • Make sure plantings do not obscure sight distance d. Plaza Street Bike Lane John Wells stated this is an opportunity to check on a project that has developed into something slightly different than the original idea. Key Points: • CDBG request for a sidewalk on Plaza Street was not approved • Suggestion was for a bike lane on Plaza Street • Bike lanes that do not have a specific destination on each end are not worthwhile • White's Ferry to the W&OD Trail is a popular bicycle route • Create bike lanes on both sides of Plaza Street just south of the Exeter Clubhouse all the way to the Police Station • No on-street parking will be affected • Estimated cost will need to be investigated 21Pagc Council Work Session August 12, 2013 Council Comments/Questions: • Possibility of future discussions with the county regarding extending the bike lane all the way to White's Ferry • Add signage to help cyclists find their way e. VRT Bus System Update John Wells stated the town is working with the county on a state funded study that will gather input from riders, the business community and employers Key Points: • Input sessions will be held—one for the employers and one for the riders • Location and time have not been set at this time Council Comments/Questions: • Developers should be included because their developments may make assumptions about the continuation of bus service • Make sure the session for riders is held when there is bus service for the bus riders • Goal is to make the routes the most efficient for those that need the routes • Keep in mind a new key constituency—those that use the bus service to get to mass transit options • Tourists should be kept in mind when designing the bus system 2. Additions to Future Council Meetings Council Member Hammier stated Mary Hines, of the Arlington Board, would like to come speak to Leesburg about Metro. Would like to look at options for beautifying the Edwards Ferry/Bypass area. Vice Mayor Butler requested some ideas for the sidewalk issue on Morven Park Road. He stated he may request a special meeting on September 5 to vote on the COPA mural recommendation. Council Member Dunn would like an item on the special meeting request procedure. Requested a letter to Supervisor Reid regarding transportation projects that the town would like funded. He expressed the desire to block blast emails from his email box. 3. Closed Session On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Council Member Wright, the following was proposed: 3If' agc Council Work Session August 12, 2013 Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3)and(7)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: a. Green Energy Partners b. Loudoun Water c. Easement/Right of Way acquisition The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Burk, Butler, Hammler, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 5-0-2(Dunn and Martinez absent) The Council convened in closed session at 9:46 p.m. The Council reconvened in open session at 10:05 p.m. On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Council Member Wright, 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 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 roll call vote Aye: Burk, Butler, Hammler, Wright and Mayor Umstattd Nay: None Vote: 5-0-2(Dunn and Martinez absent) 4. Adjournment On a motion by Vice Mayor Butler, seconded by Council Member Burk, the meeting was adjourn e• ,t10:05p.m. h , Clerk of o 2013_tcwsmin0812 Wage