HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022_tcmin1025 COUNCIL MEETING October 25, 2022
Council Chamber, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Kelly Burk
presiding.
Council Members Present: Zach Cummings, Suzanne Fox, Vice Mayor Marty Martinez,
Kari Nacy, Neil Steinberg, and Mayor Kelly Burk.
Council Members Absent: Ara Bagdasarian.
Staff Present: Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Town Attorney Christopher Spera, Deputy
Town Manager Keith Markel, Public Works and Capital Projects Director Renee
LaFollette, Transportation Engineer Calvin Grow, and Clerk of Council Eileen Boeing.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION was given by Council Member Nacy
3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG was led by Council Member Steinberg.
4. ROLL CALL
5. MINUTES
r a. Regular Session Minutes of October 11. 2022
MOTION2011-192
On a motion by Council Member Steinberg, seconded by Council Member Cummings,
the minutes of the Regular Session of October 11, 2022, were moved for approval.
Council Member Nacy was absent at the October 11, 2022, meeting and
abstained from the vote.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Cummings, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-1-1 (Nacy abstain, Bagdasarian absent)
6. ADOPTING THE MEETING AGENDA
MOTION2022-193
On a motion by Council Member Fox, seconded by Council Member Cummings, the meeting
agenda was moved for approval.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye• Cummings, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Nacy, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Bagdasarian absent)
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COUNCIL MEETING October 25, 2022
7. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
a. None.
8. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS
a. National American Indian Heritage Month
Mayor Burk read the National American Indian Heritage Month
proclamation and presented it to Mary Hemings Bell Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution representative Anne Ballenger who made a few remarks.
b. Bov Scouts Troop 982 40th Anniversary Proclamation
MOTION2022-194
On a motion by Mayor Burk,seconded by Council Member Cummings, the following
was proposed:
I move to approve the Proclamation for the Boy Scouts Troop 982 4gh Anniversary to be
proclaimed at the November 15, 2022, Town Council Meeting.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Cummings, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Nary, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1(Bagdasarian absent)
c. Battery Warehouse 30th Anmversary Proclamation
MOTION2022-195
On a motion by Council Member Fox, seconded by Council Member Cummings, the
following was proposed:
I move to approve the Proclamation for the Battery Warehouse 3(t Anniversary to be
proclaimed at the November 15, 2022, Town Council Meeting.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Cummings, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Nag', Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0-1 (Bagdasarian absent)
9. PRESENTATIONS
a. None.
10. REGIONAL COMMISSION REPORTS
a. None.
11. PETITIONERS
The Petitioner's Section was opened at 7:07 p.m.
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COUNCIL MEETING October 25, 2022
Sarah Richardson. 349 Shenandoah Street SE. Spoke to Council requesting
assistance regarding the maintenance of streetlights in the Virginia Knolls
community.
Carmen Felder. Spoke to Council as the President of the 89 Ways to Give
Foundation to ask Council to rescind the funding for the interpretive sign for the
Black History Mural as finding for the sign was included in the project budget.
The Petitioner's Section was closed at 7:12 p.m.
12. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION 2022-196
On a motion by Council Member Cummings, seconded by Council Member Fox, the following
Consent Agenda was proposed:
a. Loudoun County Affordable Housing Task Force
RESOLUTION 2022-128
Endorsing Town Staff Participation on the Loudoun County Affordable Housing Task
Force and Supporting Further Collaboration with the County on Strategies and Actions
That Work Towards Common Housing Affordability Goals
b Amendment to Right of Way License Agreement with Lumos Networks
RESOLUTION2022-129
Authorizing a Fourth Amendment to License Agreement with Lumos Networks, Inc.
for Telecommunications Facilities within Town Rights-of-Way
c. Appointment to the Diversity Commission
RESOLUTION2022-130
Appointing Edgard Segura to the Diversity Commission
d. Appointment to the Diversity Commission
RESOLUTION2022-131
Appointing Christine Kopp to the Diversity Commission
The Consent Agenda was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Cummings, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Nacy, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote.' 6-0-1(Bagdasarian absent)
13. RESOLUTIONS /ORDINANCES / MOTIONS
a. None.
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COUNCIL MEETING October 25, 2022
14. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a None.
15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. None.
16. NEW BUSINESS
a. None.
17. DISCUSSION
a. Intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Catoctin Circle
Mr. Calvin Grow gave a presentation on the Battlefield Parkway and Catoctin Circle
intersection, which included information on traffic volumes, speed data, and crash data.
Mr. Grow shared improvements made to the intersection in recent months including
trimming trees and removing shrubbery
Council and staff discussed the item.
It was the consensus of Council to discuss and consider proposed improvements during the
Capital Improvement Projects discussion during the Fiscal Year 2024 budget cycle.
It was the consensus of Council to authorize staff and the Residential Traffic Commission to
proceed with installation of driver feedback signs in the area.
b. Intersection of Catoctin Circle and West Market Street
Mr. Calvin Grow gave a presentation on the Catoctin Circle and West Market Street
intersection where Council asked staff to consider a right turn lane for northbound Catoctin
Circle onto West Market Street. Mr. Grow's presentation included traffic volume data,
crash data, and staff's recommendations for the site.
Council and staff discussed the item.
It was the consensus of Council to discuss and consider proposed improvements during the
Capital Improvement Projects discussion during the Fiscal Year 2024 budget cycle.
18. COUNCIL DISCLOSURES AND COMMENTS / ADDITIONS TO FUTURE
MEETINGS
Vice Mayor Martinez requested a motion be added to the November 15, 2022,
meeting agenda to approve rescinding Resolution 2022-123—Interpretive Exhibit for the
Black History Mural Project. The motion will be added to the agenda. Mr. Dentler added
that Ms. Felder also requested to independently write the narrative.
Council Member Fox requested a proclamation for RJ's Deli who is celebrating 35
years of being in business.
It was the consensus of Council to present a proclamation to RJ's Deli at a future meeting.
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COUNCIL MEETING October 25, 2022
19. MAYOR DISCLOSURES AND COMMENTS / ADDITIONS TO FUTURE
MEETINGS
Mayor Burk thanked the League of Women Voters for hosting a candidate forum.
Mayor Burk stated that she and Vice Mayor Martinez attended the Federal Asian and
Pacific Islanders Committee e luncheon noting the organization helps Federal employees of
Asian descent hone their work skills and make them more productive and desirable
employees and leaders. Mayor Burk thanked Timo and Nicole Winkel for allowing her to
celebrate Oktoberfest by tapping the keg at the Miner Bistro. Mayor Burk noted she met
new Chief Fire Marshal Micah Kiger and that he is enthusiastic to be a partner with the
Town. Mayor Burk said she had a great meeting with the Boy Scout Troop 992 and they
held a mock Council Meeting. Mayor Burk disclosed she met with Russ Fomo and staff to
discuss the Hyundai dealership. Mayor Burk welcomed daycare facility La Petite Academy
to Leesburg. Mayor Burk thanked Heritage High School for inviting her to do a ribbon
cutting on their new pride patio which holds the names of all the athletes that have received
awards and recognition through their 20 years at the school. Mayor Burk congratulated the
NAACP on their elegant gala. Mayor Burk said the Latino Festival held at the
Shenandoah Building was great fun and she was honored to attend. Mayor Burk thanked
Roy Rogers for allowing her to have a Meet the Mayor event at their restaurant. Mayor
Burk shared that Market Street Animal Clinic recently renovated and made improvements
to their building. Mayor Burk asked for a proclamation in remembrance for Bob Wright
who ran the Kiwanis Halloween Parade for 20 years but suddenly passed away this summer.
It was the consensus of Council to present a proclamation in remembrance for Bob Wright at a
future Council meeting.
20. TOWN MANAGER COMMENTS
a. None.
21. CLOSED SESSION
a. None.
22. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Vice Mayor Martinez, seconded by Council Member Fox, the meeting was adjourned
at 7.42p.m.
Kelly uric yor
Town of Leesburg
ATTEST
Clerk f Council
2022 torun1025
(The October 25,2022,Council Meeting minutes were revised and approved by Council at the January 24,2023,Council Meeting, Revisions
include adding the second speaker to the Petitioner comments and amending the Petitioner section start and stop times)
5I Page
October 25, 2022—Town Council Meeting
(Note: This is a transcript prepared by a Town contractor based on the video of the meeting. It
may not be entirely accurate. For greater accuracy,we encourage you to review the video of the
meeting that is on the Town's Web site—www.leesburgva.gov or refer to the approved Council
meeting minutes. Council meeting videos are retained for three calendar years after a meeting
per Library of Virginia Records Retention guidelines.)
Mayor Kelly Burk: I would like to call to order today's October 2511, 2022, meeting of the Leesburg
Town Council If anyone in the room needs hearing assistance, please see the Clerk Council Member
Nacy will be giving the invocation tonight, followed by Council Member Steinberg doing a salute to the
flag Council Member Nacy
Council Member Kari Nacy Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance,
wisdom, and support as we begin this meeting, please help us engage in meaningful discussion Allow
us to go closer as a community and nurture the bonds of our community Thank you
Mayor Burk: Mr Steinberg Please stand.
Council Member Neil Steinberg: I pledge allegiance-
[silence]
All: -liberty and justice for all
Mayor Burt Okay, now[unintelligible]. Okay Let the record reflect that all members of Council are
present with the exception of Mr Bagdasanan He's not doing it electronically, Eileen, correct? Okay
We have one set of minutes and the regular session minutes of October 111h,2022.Do I have a motion?
Council Member Zach Cummings: So moved
Mayor Burk: So moved by Council Member Cummings Second
Council Member Steinberg: Second
Mayor Burk: Second by Council Member Steinberg All in favor with the exception of Ms Nacy?
Council Member Nacy:Abstain
Mayor Burk:All in favor indicate by saying,Aye
Members: Aye
Mayor Burk: Opposed Abstain All right That's 6-0-1 All right
Christopher Spera: 5-0-1-1
Mayor Burk: Oh,that's right He's not here Thank you 5-0-1-1 Okay Regular minutes Okay,we did
that Adoption of the minutes, of the meeting agenda Do I have a motion?
Vice Mayor Fernando"Marty" Martinez: So moved
Mayor Burk:Vice Mayor Martinez, second Council Member Fox Are there any additions or deletions?
All in favor indicate by saying,Aye
Members: Aye
Mayor Burk:Opposed?That's 6-0-1 Okay So today we have one proclamation that we are presenting
today, and that is the National American Indian Heritage Month I will read it into the record and it says,
Page 11 October 25, 20221
National American Indian Heritage Month, November 2022 Whereas the history and the culture of our
great nation has been significantly influenced by the American Indians and the indigenous people, and
whereas the contributions of the American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and
greatness of America today,whereas their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part
of a rich legacy throughout the United States
Whereas, the Native American Awareness week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by
Congress and approved by President George Bush on August 1990, designating the month of
November as National American Indian Heritage Month Whereas in honor of the National American
Indian Heritage Month,community celebrations, as well as numerous cultural,artistic, educational, and
historic activities have been planned, and whereas we welcome Anne Ballenger of the Mary Hemings
Bell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to accept this proclamation on behalf of the
Town of Leesburg's community
Therefore proclaimed that the Mayor and the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia do hereby
recognize November as National American Indian Heritage Month and urge all our citizens to observe
this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities Proclaimed this 251h day I'm going to
ask you for two motions for the others We will present those at the next meeting, and then I will take
this down and present it to Ms Ballenger So Boy Scout Troop 982, 40'h Anniversary proclamation I
make that motion Is there a second?
Council Member Steinberg: Second.
Mayor Burk: Council Member Steinberg.All in favor, indicate by saying, Aye
Members: Aye
Mayor Burk: Opposed? That's 6-0-1 and the Battery Warehouse 30th-Anniversary proclamation, I
believe Ms Fox made that motion Is there a second?
Council Member Nacy: Second
Mayor Burk: Second by Council Member Nacy All in favor indicate by saying,Aye
Members: Aye
Mayor Burk: Opposed That's 6-0-1 All right Then let me take this down to Ms Ballenger Well,
welcome, and good evening Come on over here and we can be seen better by the TV over here So
Ms Ballenger, if you would like to--Yes, this is great We are very excited to be able to present this to
you Would you mind explaining to us what is the Mary Hemings Bell Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution
Anne Ballenger We were founded using the name of Mary Hemings Bell, the oldest sister of Sally
Hemings While Jefferson was in Paris,she went to work for a man named Mr Bell,who was a widower,
and they fell madly in love When Jefferson came back from Pans,they went over together and said we
wanted to get married Of course,they couldn't, but they wanted to be--they lived the rest of their lives
as Mr and Mrs Bell She was a prisoner of war for two years, held by Benedict Arnold We are thrilled
and proud to carry on information about Mrs Bell
Mayor Burk: Mrs. Bell was originally enslaved
Anne Ballenger Yes
Mayor Burk: Oh, I see Wow Was she ever freed?
Anne Ballenger: She couldn't be freed, because she'd have to leave Virginia, and she had a husband.
Mayor Burk: Oh, I see
Page 21 October 25, 20222
Anne Ballenger: Jefferson made some kind of deal
Mayor Burk: Oh, I see
Anne Ballenger' She went over and negotiated the deal herself
Mayor Burk: Good for her
Anne Ballenger:We're proud of[crosstalk]--
Mayor Burk: Yes [laughs]Are there many members of this particular chapter?
Anne Ballenger: We're a very small chapter We were formed during the pandemic We're at 20
members, but we make a lot of noise
Mayor Burk: Wonderful Thank you very much We really appreciate that
Anne Ballenger: We appreciate your giving us the proclamation
Mayor Burk: Okay,thank you Thank you very much [laughs]
[applause]
All right We are now at our petitioner section
Eileen Boeing: Regional commission reports?
Mayor Burk: Oh, regional commissions Oh, yes Anybody have any regional commissions at this
point? No Seeing no one, as petitioners, one of the first orders of business is to hear from the public
All members of the public are welcome to address the Council on any item matter or issue Please
identify yourself, and if comfortable, give your address for the taped record
Every public speaker will be requested to state their name and spell it for the purpose of closed
captioning. In the interest of fairness, we ask that you observed the three-minute time limit The green
light on the timer will turn yellow when you have one minute remaining At that time,we would appreciate
your summing up, and yielding the floor when the bell indicates your time is expired Under the rules of
order adopted by this Council,the time limit applies to all The first person we have signed up is Sarah
Richardson Ms Richardson,welcome
Sarah Richardson: Good evening, Mayor,and Town Council Thank you for this opportunity My name
is Sarah Richardson, and my address is 349 Shenandoah Street here in Leesburg I am here to bring
to your attention two problems facing our community During the Tuscarora Creek project, one of our
parking lot lights was moved and reinstalled, and it has never worked properly since Over the past
several months, VKCA has had two different electrical companies examine the light to see if it was a
simple repair Both could not get it to work for more than a week, and were somewhat, mystified by its
condition
I followed up with the Town staff and was told on July 2811,this summer,that they would look into getting
quotes for repair,but I haven't heard anything I'm here to ask for a repair of this light, and the days are
getting darker, or the night, they're certainly getting shorter I feel like this is a safety issue, and we did
not create this problem, it should not be our problem to fix
The second problem concerns the street light poles in our community, and they're badly rusted You
may have seen the photos I sent I obtained a copy of the contract regarding Dominion's obligations,
and it is a one-paragraph petition by Mr John Whipple Jr, presented to, and adopted by the Town
Council in February of 1891 It's really quite extraordinary The first sentence reads, "I respectfully ask
the privilege and right to place an electric light plant within your corporate limits and to erect, and
maintain poles, and wires in the streets of your city"
Page 31 October 25, 20223
Please note the word maintain At my request, the Town contacted Dominion, and was told Dominion
would not do anything regarding the palls Instead,this public utility, Dominion,would grant permission
to VKCA,my association to paint the poles No other light poles in Leesburg look this bad,and one pole
has a gaping hole on the side that looks potentially hazardous These defects are a blight on the
community and this Town, that should be addressed, if not by Dominion, then by the general fund of
the Town of Leesburg. We look forward to solutions to these problems Thank you for your attention
Mayor Burk: Thank you, Mr Richardson Know that we will definitely be looking into it Thank you
Carmen Felder
Carmen Felder Hello Carmen Felder C-A-R-M-E-N, Felder, F-E-L-D-E-R I don't have any
complaints, just happiness and joy, and love, and thank you for allowing us to do the Black History
Mural I'm the president of 89 Ways to Give founded by Santana Moss, and I'm sure you all have seen
the outcome of the mural that's on the Loudoun Museum I want to thank you all for that
I have no complaints, however, I know you all funded and I appreciate the funding of the narrative and
we're thrilled to complete that on our own I know we have put it in our project that we had the funding
and that we would complete it. I just wanted to request that we complete the project as stated in our
project proposal, and you'll rescind the request to have it done by the Town
Mayor Burk: May I have one clarification?Are you asking that we remove the$5,000 from the motion
and that you will take over the$5,000 to-9
Carmen Felder: Yes It's already in our budget
Mayor Burk: Okay, so you've already raised money for it Okay
Carmen Felder: Even though I'm so sorry you all,whoever denies money from the Town?We did, but
I'm sure it can go to another amazing cause and we truly appreciate it,but we did have it funded already
Mayor Burk: All right Thank you very much
Carmen Felder:Thank you
Mayor Burk: I'm sure we will be addressing that one too There is nobody else who has signed up to
speak Is there anybody in the audience that would like to speak that has-- I think somebody's trying to
convince you to get up and speak?Well,thank you for coming.All right There be no more petitioners
I will close this petitioner section We have yes, sir
Vice Mayor Martinez: Excuse me
Mayor Burk: Just one second What?
Vice Mayor Martinez: Thank you. May I ask that we suspend the rules to address Carmen Felders
request to return the money from our budget?
Mayor Burk:All right I'm going to ask the Town Attorney if that is the correct procedure at this point
Christopher Spera:What you would do is you could put with four head nods in the work session portion
of the evening you could add that to your next agenda It would be a motion to rescind that previous
resolution
Vice Mayor Martinez:That's what I want to do then
Mayor Burk: Okay Mr Martinez would like to rescind the motion that we had that the Town put$5,000
towards an interpretive sign Ms Felder is asking that they'd be allowed to continue to finish it They
have already raised the money for it and have it in their budget If there are four people that would--
Yes
Page 41 October 25, 20224
Council Member Suzanne Fox: I have a question about recession Did we decide this last meeting? I
just was trying to figure out if this was in proper order That's all
Mayor Burk:Was it at the last meeting? I believe a was at the last meeting, but I don't remember right
off
Christopher Spera: I think it was two meetings ago, but it's you couldn't do it at this meeting unless
you suspended the rules but you could add it to the next agenda without, and in fact, because I think
because it doesn't require any substantial amount of work from staff, it can just be added on Mr
Martinei s motion You wouldn't actually need for head nods, but it would, its something that would be
done more properly at a work session Adding to the agenda, I know this is a combined session. I think
it's within the Chair's discretion when we accept those types of, I mean, it might be better to do it at the
end when you ask everyone if they have anything to add to a subsequent agenda That would be my
suggestion
Council Member Fox: Is a rescission the right way to go or is there something else?
Christopher Spera: Yes Correct
Mayor Burk: Mr Martinez actually made the motion to suspend the rules, so he is taking that back
Christopher Spera: Okay You don't need to make motions to suspend the rules because this is a
combined session When you, Madam Mayor, when you ask for any additions to future agendas, this
could come up, and any other Council Member obviously would be free to go through that same
process
Mayor Burk: Okay, so you'll bring it up later
Vice Mayor Martinez: I will bnng it up
Mayor Burk: Thank you.All right That takes us to our approval of the consent agenda I will ask for a
motion and a second and then read them, and then if anybody wants anything removed. I will do so
Can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda?Vice Mayor Martinez
Council Member Cummings: Second
Mayor Burk: Seconded by Council Member Cummings The items are Loudon County Affordable
Housing Task Force This is to appoint James David to the Loudoun County Affordable Housing Task
Farce B is the Amendment to the Right-of-way License Agreement with Lumos Networks C is the
Appointment to the Diversity Commission of Edgard Segura and Appointment to the Diversity
Commission of Christine Kopp not Cynthia Kopp Are there anything that anybody would like taken or
removed from this?All right All in favor then indicate by saying aye
Members:Aye
Mayor Burk: Opposed? That's 6-0-1 We have no resolutions, that takes us down to discussion, the
intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Catoctin Circle This is the work session discussion at this point
[unintelligible]
Calvin Grow: Madam Mayor, members of Council I am here tonight to talk about Battlefield Parkway
and Catoctin Circle The Council requested a discussion regarding Catoctin Circle and Battlefield
several months ago The Council also requested this item be taken to the Residential Traffic
Commission This is the intersection that were talking about here tonight at Battlefield and Catoctin
Circle Traffic volumes on Catoctin Circle,about 2,000 vehicles a day,and there's about 4,000 vehicles
a day on Battlefield at this point There was also a speed study done. it revealed that the 85th percentile
was 36 miles an hour going eastbound and 38 going westbound The current speed lima is 35 miles an
hour on Battlefield Parkway and 25 on Catoctin Circle
There's been five accidents at this location in the last seven years In 2022, there was two accidents
One of those accidents. I believe, was the one that happened in June, was the one that the Council
Page 51 October 25, 20225
wanted to-- why this intersection was brought up, and said it was a high accident location, but really
there's not a lot of accidents here Five accidents in seven years, an unsignalized intersection with
about this amount of volume, the Police Department said that's about it's probably under average
compared to the traffic volumes at this intersection Also, in 2020, there was one accident and then
between 2016-2019, there was no accidents at this location I guess as volumes increasing in were
getting-- starting to get accidents at this location The Traffic Commission looked at this intersection,
they went out and actually looked at it
They recommended that there's some scrubs that needed to be removed and tree limbs to improve site
distance at this location The HOA has removed those tree limbs and bush and I'll show a picture of
that later on Also, they recommended with the Council approval to add an additional driver feedback
sign on Battlefield based on the speeds There's a current budget in the Commission's budget to fund
this driver feedback sign,which is about$11,500
This is an aerial view of the intersection of the area where the shrubs and the tree limbs were removed
and also, it's showing a site distance here Then also the-- if you look to the west of the intersection it
also shows the location of a new driver feedback sign approved by Council
Staff recommendations, we agree with the, of course, the removal of the trees and shrubs We agree
the additional driver feedback sign would be important for Battlefield Parkway and also in the future,
look at some pedestrian refuge island to improve safety There are some examples of that This is a
four-lane roadway here and then also what we have is what we could do is maybe there's 12-foot lanes
on Battlefield Parkway We could make it 11-foot lanes,which could largely median island,and make it
an area where pedestrians could refuge in the middle before they cross the intersection The minimum
distance for refuge island is 6 foot That would give us--There's 2-foot out there now If we took some
of the lane widths and made those more narrow, then we could get that 6-foot in there to do that and
that's something that staff will look at in the future I'd be glad to answer any questions you have
regarding the intersection
Mayor Burk: Do you have any questions, Mr Vice Mayor?
Vice Mayor Martinez: When was the signal installed at Plaza and Battlefield?
Calvin Grow: I have to [crosstalk]--
Vice Mayor Martinez: I was just curious if the signal has helped with the traffic
Calvin Grow: I know that we closed the tunnel at the same time we put the signal in I know that but
I'm not sure exactly when that was at
Mayor Burk: Mr Cummings
Council Member Cummings: Yes, thanks Obviously, we study the traffic Do we study pedestrian
crossing at all' Do we ever try to get a count of how many pedestrians cross at a certain intersection in
the town?
Calvin Grow: Absolutely We do try to do that to try to get to a good count You see, usually, were
looking for about 10 pedestrians an hour Usually when we look at-- the Commission looks at like the
painted crosswalk they look at--That's usually the warrant that they use as the VDOT warrant that they
use about 10 pedestrians an hour
Council Member Cummings: Because I think obviously the concern is the pedestrians and the island
from where I know that engmeenng-wise that seems to be a good--The Island Refuge is maybe a good
but it makes me concerned to be standing in the middle of the road when the cars are coming 36 or 38
miles per hour I don't know if we as the Town have a thought on what is the number of pedestrians that
are crossing an intersection to warrant something a bigger structure to get pedestrians over a four-lane
road than just the island kind of approach?
Page 61 October 25,20226
Calvin Grow:Again,that's what the committee's done,the Traffic Commission has done in the past is
they've looked at if there's usually about 10 an hour they'll usually look at maybe putting in some kind
of flashing light or something like that It depends on the location
Council Member Cummings: I don't know if there's anything-- my last comment We obviously have
a median running through Battlefield, which is good and that will hopefully slow cars down I don't if
there's anything else we can do structurally on the road to slow cars down, even below that 35 or 36
mile per hour in that area lust because I think having driven there and been there and walked through
that area, cars--it's they may be going 36 or 38 but it sure feels like they're going a lot faster as you're
trying to get out into that intersection Thank you
Mayor Burt Mr Steinberg
Council Member Steinberg: Thanks Let me continue with Councilman Cummings's questioning.
Given the degree of evaluation we've already put into this intersection to come up with this presentation,
what further evaluation is required? In other words, what does it take for us to actually get to this
pedestrian refuge in the end other than time and money?
Calvin Grow: Staff will look at that because it will take some engineering and also some money to do
that to be able to restnpe everything out there and also put in some kind of refuge on it There would
be some money involved, so staff would have to do an estimate regarding that That's what we do.
Council Member Steinberg: Even if at some future point there is that intersection becomes signalized,
it's hard to say,would the pedestrian refuge still be desirable in that case, anyway?
Calvin Grow: Absolutely You would put probably pedestrian signals in the middle, so if someone did
get caught in the middle out there they would be able to-
Council Member Steinberg: Exactly
Calvin Grow:-activate the signal
Council Member Steinberg: It might not be question of if but when at some point as we try to work it
into a budget All right and one other thing, you mentioned 2,000 cars per day and 4,000 cars per day
on the two roads Is that the entire length of the roadway as opposed to lust this intersection?
Calvin Grow: Just this intersection,yes
Council Member Steinberg:Just this intersection
Calvin Grow: Just this intersection.yes
Council Member Steinberg: Okay, thanks
Mayor Burk: Ms Fox
Council Member Fox: Thanks The speed study. It reveals that everybody westbound and eastbound
are going pretty much the speed limit If that's the case,why would we put speed reminders on there?
Calvin Grow: This was something the committee looked at They knew it was from the Council and
they knew they had a budget to put some driver feedback signs out there, they recommended that I
bring it forward to you
Council Member Fox: What's your recommendation?
Calvin Grow: I think as staff, I think its a good idea We've had some good luck with the driver feedback
signs in Town to remind people of the speed limit We think its a good idea to add one out there Again,
we rotate these around They don't necessarily stay here We have other locations that we can move it
Page 71 October 25, 20227
to We can keep it here for a while and then we can move it to another location It's not going to be
permanent at this location
Council Member Fox: Okay Thanks
Mayor Burk: I've got a couple of questions for you I noticed that all the information centers around
cars and you had two accidents in 2022 and two in 2021 At what point were the shrubs and tree limbs
removed to improve the driver's visibility?What year was that?
Calvin Grow:Well, it was just recently that they did that
Mayor Burk: It's very recent
Calvin Grow:Yes, the last two months, they just removed those
Mayor Burk: And the HOA removing the obstructions
Calvin Grow:Yes
Mayor Burk:That was also new?
Calvin Grow:Yes ma'am We do have a site distance easement out there on their property, and those
trees were obstructing the site distance easement so they did cut those back
Mayor Burk:Well, have there been any accidents with pedestrians being hit at this intersection?
Calvin Grow: No, ma'am
Mayor Burk: Not that we need to wait until there's an accident, but I'm just curious as to if there's been
any accident at this point You made some improvements I look at the refuge island, this one that to
me looks horrifying I don't know that that is the other ones make sense to me with the break in the
median, but this one you're standing out in the middle of the road Would there be any bollards or
anything?
Calvin Grow:Well, that is just an example, basically--
Mayor Burk: That's an example I don't like
Calvin Grow: If you look at that intersection on that one that's more like a Catoctin Circle where you
have the suicide lane in the middle_
MayorBurk: I would caution you to maybe not consider this one
Calvin Grow:Yes, absolutely It's just an example
[laughter]
Mayor Burk: Most certainly this has been one of those things that we've looked at repeatedly and thank
heavens no one has been hurt substantially being hit but I think the more we continue to look at these
intersections and this traffic,we need to be considering pedestrians much more strongly I think we kind
of overlook it and look at the cars and what's going on in regard to the cars and the accidents and that
sort of thing but I think we need to start really thinking about the pedestrians and how are they getting
across and what's the impact to the pedestrians because I think that's something that's increasing every
single day we have more people walking around
Calvin Grow: Yes, ma'am
Mayor Burk: You don't need any action on this This is just that you can-- I think the majority of us--
are there four people that feel like he should move forward on this?
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Calvin Grow: Yes, the driver feedback sign, if Council's okay with that, we'll go ahead and get that
ordered and get that installed
Mayor Burk:Are there four people that are willing to do that? I think that's everybody Okay does that
help? Do you understand? Is there anything else you want us to opine upon that to give you direction?
Aren't you impressed that I used opine? No, okay? That then takes us to the next one, which is the
intersection of Catoctin Circle at West Market Street
Calvin Grow: There was a request from Council to look at this intersection, there was a request for
consideration of a right turn lane for northbound Catoctin Circle at West Market Street This item was
not referred to the Traffic Commission because it's not a residential area. This is the intersection here
at this intersection there is-- as you can see on Catoctin Circle, it was basically two lanes on Catoctin
Circle going north and southbound at West Market Street
There was a request from Council to look at a right-turn lane at this intersection Based on the volumes,
current volumes as you can see, if you look at the Northbound Catoctin Circle volumes there's about
204 vehicles making a left turn from 445 to 545 in the afternoon, 20 vehicles going through the
intersection, about 69, making a right turn Accidents at this location, during 2019, '22, there were no
accidents, there were two accidents in 2018 at this location, and typically a traffic signal you see that
there's usually rear-end accidents and we've had a few rear-end accidents here at this location There
are three in 2017, again, we've had some other rear-end accidents, and also there was somebody
turning left and there was a head-on accident there in 2017 at that point
Staff recommends that we put in a northbound left turn here at this intersection, not a right turn because
based on the warrants, based on the traffic volumes, higher traffic volumes making a left turn,this would
help the intersection for level service wise, would make the intersection level service from D to a C for
that approach.This could be included as a capital project for the Council's consideration,and this year's
capital project we could bring that forward to install a left turn lane at this location versus a right turn
lane
This is what it would look like There would be a separate left turn lane at this location about 100-foot
left turn lane with a 200-foot taper The Lutheran Church several years ago did a design for a traffic
signal at this location as part of their expansion of their synagogue or the church They looked at the
Right-of-way dedication to the Town as part of that future project for a left turn and also for a trail along
their sidewalk along their frontage
They did a traffic signal design as part of that, so what we could do is we could update that design, and
that could move forward in the CIP, and again, we could bring that forward to the Council for your
consideration I'd be glad to answer any questions you have regarding that
Mayor Burk: I have a couple of questions on this one You said there were two accidents in '18,
Eastbound Market, West Market, rear-end, Eastbound West Market, Southbound Fairview Street The
next ones are Westbound Market rear-end, Westbound Market, Southbound Fairview Street,
Westbound Market, Eastbound, and West Market Street head-on accident None of these involve
Catoctin Circle, so why are we looking at improving Catoctin Circle,why aren't we looking at approving
Fairview?They had two accidents and all of them are on Market Street
Calvin Grow:Again, this is the signalized intersection and you typically get accidents at the signalized
intersection, but again,the accident is really low at this intersection I think most of the accidents here
were for people that we have their permissive left turns at this location,and I think some people misjudge
the left turns and, for instance, the one that we had that was the head-on Somebody was actually
turning left and somebody hit them head-on or whatever at that point, but did I answer your question?
Mayor Burk: No, I just don't understand why were looking at Catoctin Circle, because it doesn't seem
like Catoctin Circle is the problem It seems like Fairview is the problem,and Market Street,but anything
that improves the intersection I'm sure is a good thing, but it escapes me why we're doing Catoctin
Calvin Grow:That's something as traffic engineers we look at, it's one of the main things we look at as
accidents and that's why we brought it forward to show you what the accidents were out there, so you
get a feel of that
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Mayor Burk: Again, you have pedestrians crossing there frequently, and I don't know of any accident
that's been there involving a pedestnan
Calvin Grow: No, there hasn't been, and we do have a signalized intersection like I said, at that
intersection,and also it's a pedestrian actuated, so I know that--I've seen a lot of people going through
their jogging and stuff and they always seem to use the pedestrian signal to get through the intersection
Mayor Burt I don't know, I guess I look at this as a problem that's not being solved, but anyway,
anybody else has any questions on this, Ms Fox?
Council Member Fox: Yes, thanks, I look at this and you say it's not in a residential area, and I
understand it doesn't go through an HOA neighborhood, but why is this not considered a residential
area?
Calvin Grow: I think that I was trying to--I went back and listened to the Council when you first brought
this forward and listening to the Council was at the time was, it wasn't going to go to the Residential
Traffic Committee because it wasn't residential
Council Member Fox: I'd argue that but okay, [laughs] I took a look at Battlefield and it pretty much
goes through too, and all the houses are off on side streets as well,so to me it's about the same thing,
but I see Mayor's point, but I think the reason I actually brought this up was more for traffic flow Of
course, you did all the crash things, and this came up now, but it was more about traffic flow I agree
that if we put in the left-hand signal, that would probably help traffic flow. When we get a lot of traffic
coming from downtown to go home,that's where it gets backed up there I think people try to make that
right so they don't have to sit in it anymore If we could mitigate it in a different way,that would be great
Thanks That's it
Mayor Burk: Do you need any action from us on this?
Calvin Grow: No We bring forth a CIP project in the fall and have you review it We're done here
Mayor Burk: All right Thank you Future Council topics Mr Vice Mayor Mr Martinez would like to
have a discussion Does that have to go to work session or it could just go on the agenda?
Christopher Spera:You can put it on the agenda
Mayor Burk: Did you want it on the agenda?
Vice Mayor Martinez:Yes
Mayor Burk: The agenda to rescind the$5,000 for the interpretive map or--
Christopher Spera: Madam Mayor, thanks to the quick work of our Clerk,that is resolution 2022-123,
that was adopted by the Council on September 27h
Mayor Burk:You're asking for item 2052-123?
Christopher Spera: 2022-123
Mayor Burk: Oh, yes, it's not'52 yet
Christopher Spera: Not yet
Mayor Burk: 2022-123 It was on 276 of September You're asking for that to be rescinded?Are there
four people that would want to put that on the agenda?
Council Member Fox: Would we be able to discuss it at the time?
Mayor Burk: Yes,we would discuss it at the time
Page 101 October 25, 202210
Neil Steinberg: I don't think we need the four, I think you can lust put it on the agenda
Christopher Spero: We don't need the four because there's no staff work associated with this, so the
Vice Mayor can add it on his own
Mayor Burk:All right,fair enough No staff?Okay It'll be on the agenda
Kaj Dentler: Madam Mayor, on that note, I did talk to Ms Felder,and she said that not only rescinding
the amount,the resolution for the amount, and the funding, but it would also stop the staff narratives
Mayor Burk: From doing the work?
Kaj Dentler: Ms Felder will write the narrative We'll help her find the exhibit that she wants, but staffs'
efforts to write the narrative with the various stakeholders will stop,and she will then take care of it Just
to clanfy
Mayor Burk:We will have that discussion That will come upon the next meeting Mr Cummings?
Council Member Cummings: Just one disclosure I had a meeting with Mr Greg Wigfield on his
Greenway Manor project on Friday, October 21st
Mayor Burk: Mr Steinberg, No? Ms Fox
Council Member Fox:Just one thing There came to my attention another business that I thought was
here for 30 years, but they're actually here for 35 years,and that was RJ's Deli, and I'd like to get them
a recognition as well
Mayor Burk:All right, RJ is 35 years I remember when it was downtown All in favor?Not all in favor,
excuse me, four people who would be interested in doing a proclamation for RJ's Deli, I think that's
everybody RJ's Yes, you bring some stuff along I would like to thank the League of Women Voters
for holding their candidate forum It was most certainly very informative for me as a candidate to hear
what the other candidates had to say, and this was the only group that did that.Thank you very much
I want to thank the Federal Asian and Pacific Islanders Committee for a wonderfully informative
luncheon
Vice Mayor and I attended this, it's an organization that does training that helps Federal employees of
Asian descent hone their work skills and make them more productive and desirable employees and
leaders Thank you very much for inviting us to that I want to thank Timo and Nicole for allowing me to
celebrate Oktoberfest by tapping the keg The Mayor of Munich does this every year It's a tradition
Timo and Nicole who own the Doener Bistro, make sure to invite the Mayor of Leesburg so that Munich
does not outclass us so the Mayor does the tapping
October 17th, I met with a new Fire Chief Micah Kiger He admits that he's new to this and he's got lots
to learn, but he's very enthusiastic and wants to be a partner with the Town That was wonderful to
hear I had a great meeting with the Boy Scout Troop 992 They held a mock Town Council meeting,
and thanks to their troop leader for bringing them in,they had a wonderful time they were up here They
took your places, and they voted to take 10 acres and make half of it a park and half of it a ballfield
It was quite a discussion and very interesting, but I think it was very insightful for them On October 20th,
I met with Russ Forno and some of his people from his staff about the Hyundai dealership I want to
welcome La Petite Academy It is a daycare facility That building has been there so long that actually,
my children went there It was at that point, another name I can't remember the name of it now
Anyway, I want to thank the Heritage High School for inviting me to do a ribbon cutting on their new
pride patio The bricks and the patio hold the name of all the athletes that have received awards and
recognition through their 20 years at the school It's a lovely patio It's a lovely addition to the athletic
complex I was very pleased and honored to be there I'm going to congratulate the NAACP on their
elegant gala that they had There were so many people in attendance
Page 111 October 25, 202211
The Latino Festival was another really-- this is I think the second or third year they've done it at the
Shenandoah Building It was fascinating It was great fun I was very honored to be there I want to
thank Roy Rogers for allowing me to have a Meet the Mayor last Saturday Welcome to Market Street
Animal Clinic for their new renovations and their improvements to their building Ironically, I used to take
my cats there
I could not help but think about the fact that both Market Street Clinic where I would take my kitties and
La Petite were where I would take my kids Hopefully, I never confused them Both locations
modernized, but both were using the building in their original building as their original business It was
great to see that they both invested in Leesburg and modernized and used these buildings to continue
their businesses Then I would like to ask if we would do a proclamation for Bob Wright
Bob Wright ran the Kiwanis Parade, Halloween Parade for 20 years,and he suddenly passed away this
summer I would like to recognize him with all the work that he did for all those years Are there four
people that would be willing to do that That would go forward too. Mr Town Manager
Kai Dentler No comments
Mayor Burk: Motion to adjourn Moved by Mr Martinez, second by Wright I looked down and said
Wright. Ms Fox, all in favor
Members:Aye
Mayor Burk: Opposed I think you can say that this will probably be our last short meeting
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