MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE TOWN OF STRASBURG, HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2007 AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE TOWN HALL.
Mayor Crisman opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation was given by Rev. David Howard of the Strasburg Presbyterian Church.
ROLL Called with the following members present: Mayor Tim Crisman, Vice Mayor Taylor, and Council Members Le Vine, Mauck, Nicholson, Rinker, Terndrup, Wallace, and Whittle.
Minutes for the December 14, 2006 Joint Public Hearing, the December 12, 2006 Town Council Meeting, and the December 12, 2006 Public Hearing were approved as presented.
Mayor Crisman welcomed those in attendance and said all petitions and communications had been directed toward the appropriate committees. Regarding a letter in the Council Packet from Mr. and Mrs. Earl Cutlip concerning benches their grandson, Michael, had made as an Eagle Scout project, Mayor Crisman asked about the status of these. Town Manager Fauber said several of the benches are being used near the boat landing at the Town Park, others are used around the soccer field, and some are at the Town Pool. Staff is planning to place the remainder of the benches along the Walking Trail once it is completed. He added the benches will be checked for wear and tear and repairs will be made as needed.
Visitors:
Attending the meeting were representatives of the Vision Committee. Spokesperson for the group was Mr. Jay Winkfield who reported the group had been meeting twice monthly since October to form a vision statement for the Town. During meetings, members discussed what they liked about the Town, some concerns about Strasburg, and what they felt was important for the future of Strasburg. Planner Amos and Director of Public Works Rhodes contributed to the committee’s ideas, as did Mayor Crisman and Council Member Mauck. Mr. Winkfield introduced members of the committee. He then read the statement.
OUR TOWN
Strasburg has a rich
heritage, a beautiful natural environment and a spirit of community making it a
wonderful place to live.
Our economy consists of major industrial facilities, diverse privately owned businesses and a variety of museums, local restaurants and overnight accommodations.
Geographically, Strasburg lies within the heart of Shenandoah Valley at the intersection of two interstate highways, the crossing of historic US Routes 11 and 55 and the junction of two railroad lines.
Strasburg must resolve unprecedented challenges presented by dramatic growth in order to preserve our heritage, protect our quality of life and ensure a vibrant future.
VISION
Strasburg must preserve
our cultural and natural heritage while attracting desirable growth through
realistic and far-sighted planning, a focus on human and physical infrastructure
and a citizenry committed to bringing prosperity, creating opportunity and
ensuring equality to all who call Strasburg home.
KEYS TO THE FUTURE
Our success depends upon leaders of integrity, a government that is open, responsive and accountable, a cooperative approach to our neighbors throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Strasburg’s future must be based upon a “Comprehensive Plan” balancing the needs of today with the requirements of the future, defining human and physical infrastructure requirements, stressing adult and youth recreational needs, incorporating the revitalization of downtown, encouraging affordable housing, attracting quality employment, protecting historic sites and vistas while ensuring an adequate tax base.
Most importantly, our vitality depends upon citizens who listen to one another, appreciate the diversity within our community, understand the issues confronting the Town, participate as partners with government, demand holistic long-term planning and, ultimately, are committed to their own family as well as the collective family called Strasburg.
Together, we, the citizens of Strasburg, can and will control our destiny.
Mr. Winkfield concluded by saying his challenge to the Council is to use this as a working document and to not just put it in a folder. He hopes the Council realizes this is what the citizens of Strasburg think and feel. The committee would like to see this statement publicized in the newspapers, have it displayed in plaque form in the Town Office, and also include it in the Town newsletter and billings going out through the Town. He thanked the Council for letting this committee give the Council this Vision Statement.
Mayor Crisman thanked all those who worked on this statement. He believes people gave from “their hearts” and it tells what people want from this town. He thinks it is a wonderful document. He added one of the most gratifying things from his seat is to see people participate and that something comes from the participation. He would like for the committee to take this statement before the Planning Commission as he feels the Commission needs to see the document and that it needs to be incorporated in their plans for the new Comprehensive Plan. He, too, wants the document to be displayed in a place of prominence in the office. In support of the items asked for in the document, Mayor Crisman announced the creation of three new committees for the Town.
Economic Development Committee --- This committee will go out and actively find out what people would like to see – what type of businesses and what type of employment people would like to have come to the community. These will be identified and the Town will proactively work with the County to see that these businesses come to Strasburg.
Public Communications Committee --- This committee will be proactive in getting the message out as to what kind of town we live in and what kind of people we are. Newcomers will be welcomed; when someone moves into the area they will be given the information they need. Community involvement will be stressed to the newcomers.
Cultural Initiatives Committee ---The resources of those who live in the Town who have performance art or fine art talents will be “tapped.” These talents will be shown off and these talents will be passed on to the youth of the community.
Mayor Crisman set January 24, 2007, at 7 p.m. as an organizational meeting for these committees. Again, he stressed how much he appreciated what was done for the Town by the Vision Committee.
Citizen Comments:
Ralph Miller, 271 Crim Drive, Strasburg, VA: Mr. Miller said back in August, 2006, his backyard became so wet he could not mow; his trees became waterlogged and he lost those trees. He does not have any drains or waterlines through his yard, but the water kept coming in. He contacted Director of Public Works Rhodes to see if there is an ordinance concerning water such as this. He said Mr. Rhodes told him there is an ordinance saying you cannot run water on your neighbor. He said in his neighborhood there are five neighbors in a row who have flooded backyards. He also talked to Council Member Mauck who came and looked at this. He finally contacted Mayor Crisman who came to his house (in boots) who walked the neighborhood with Mr. Miller. Three houses away from him, on the property line is a clean-out place where the sewer lines can be cleaned. The grass around this is soaked and water is coming up around it. Mr. Yeakle owns this property. Mr. Miller continued by saying there has been a spring in this location the entire 55 years he has lived in his house. When Mr. Yeakle built the houses he believes the drain became clogged and now the water is not draining properly.
Mayor Crisman presented pictures that he took on Saturday morning and said the yards are full of water and the path of the water is easy to trace. He ordinarily would say this isn’t a public issue, but there are five citizens who are complaining about this. He feels something needs to be done and he has tried to get in contact with Mr. Yeakle.
Town Attorney Neal said Mr. Rick Yeakle built the houses, but he talked to Mr. Rob Yeakle (Rick’s brother) who said when Rick was excavating he did not run into a spring. He said he was told there is a pipe leading out from the spring. This pipe was designed to lead out and intersect with a Town pipe to keep the water flowing. It is believed the pipe is blocked. Mr. Rob Yeakle is going to contact Mr. Wayne Price (plumber) to try to find the blockage and get it fixed. Mr. Miller said Mr. Price has already tried to open this and hasn’t been able to. Mr. Miller has run a snake up the pipe and it stops after 8’. He said there is a steel plate in the ground and if you lift this, you will find the water. He stressed the spring is on Mr. Yeakle’s property, but he and the other neighbors are getting the water because of the pipe being blocked. Mr. Neal asked who had put the pipe in and Mr. Miller said Mr. Tommy Crabill put it in ~50 years ago and now there is a sidewalk going over the pipe.
Mayor Crisman said he would get back in touch with Mr. Miller as soon as he has spoken with Mr. Yeakle.
Mr. Larry Clem, 261 Crim Drive, Strasburg, VA: Mr. Clem said he is a neighbor of Mr. Miller and they are just asking for help. The problem is at 303 and 305 Crim Drive. Not only is this a problem with walking in the yards, but when warm weather comes, there will be problems with mosquitoes and gnats. He would like the problem to be resolved.
Mr. Dwight Henry, 194 Abby Lane, Strasburg, VA: Mr. Henry said he had resolved some concerns by talking to people prior to the meeting. He then said on January 4, 2007, it was discovered the meter at 194 Abby Lane was smashed. “I believe this stems from an informal complaint I made on a police who wouldn’t give me identification of juveniles parents. I just talked to the Chief about it and I had an informal complaint about it and I’d like to formalize that.” (He presented Chief Robinson with a paper). He has had two basketballs stolen (November 5 and December 23) and the people who use his goal did not steal them. He never filed a police report on this so he said that was not an issue.
Mr. Henry passed a picture around to Council taken on December 28, 2006, when he said two police officers seemed to have authorized the blocking of the street. People couldn’t get out and he couldn’t get in. He said supposedly there was a gas leak and if the house would have exploded “I would have been right in the line of the explosion and so would these other people and so I think this was not handled in the proper way. I don’t know what to do, but maybe the Council could take steps to talk to the incoming Fire Chief to make sure they handle it, plus the way I was told I was harassing the fire people and I had just asked if I could get by; I stayed in my car; so I just wrote it down and decided to handle it this way.”
Mr. Henry continued by saying, “I would like to know if (1) can the water meter be made visible so you can tell your water usage…I talked to the City Manager one time and I got a list of dates they were going to read the meter and they didn’t. The one time they didn’t read it at that time and I didn’t use my full 2,000 gallons to water the lawn. It is very ‘loosy-goosy’ in the ordinance saying about the time you are supposed to do it here. I would like that to be more – do it on a certain day so people can know and plus be able to read the meter. I would like to find out how to put it towards a vote instead of like 2000 (gallons) a month. If someone only used like 500 one month and 500 the next, they still get billed for 2,000. I think the best way to do it would be to have like everybody get 2 x 12 or 24,000 gallons and then after that access the premium over the 24,000, that way they wouldn’t have to lose their gallons. Can somebody get back – is just the Council or Committees?” (Mayor Crisman told Mr. Henry there are standing committees and this is where this needed to be discussed). Mr. Henry asked if it could be brought to a vote for all the members of the community “because like some people don’t even live in the community; like the Town Manager doesn’t even live in Strasburg, for it to really be concerned, everybody would like to vote. If everybody knew about this, they would want to see how much they are using and have the 24,000 gallon rule and after that it would be charged the premium. You probably wouldn’t have to worry about paying a premium for like seven or eight months.” (Mayor Crisman said it would still need to go to committee).
Mayor’s Annual Statement:
Each January, I give a statement in accordance with the Town Code. In this statement I typically outline those items that deserve continued attention and introduce new areas I feel are directions we as town leaders should pursue in the coming year.
I had originally intended to review the progress of items outlined in the statement given in the beginning of 2006, instead I will incorporate those items where appropriate in this year’s statement.
As in every year since 2002, growth and development will determine many of our decisions. With the downturn in the real estate market we must now rethink several of the possibilities before us. For much of 2003 though the end of 2005 a great deal of consideration was given to determining a path to deal with what seemed unlimited and unprecedented growth numbers. Many decisions were made with little or no consideration regarding a downturn such as we are experiencing now. 2006 gave us some historic data that we can now use in procedures and tools developed during the high growth years, to work through this period of development decline. We cannot as a governing body and Town Staff rest during this period but must continue to prepare for the years to come. I have no doubt you will continue to prepare as I must say you are a very hard working and determined group.
Some of the items I’d like to see revised or amended include the following. We need to procure proper software and technologies for use in growth related tracking and activities. I suggest a package that will be effective in tracking growth, capital projects and expenditures if properly utilized. An added benefit would be if it were compatible with other project management software packages used by contractors and engineering firms. Progress reporting by vendors on capital projects could be done comprehensively and quickly by email. In turn standardized reporting to Council could also be done electronically.
The downturn we are experiencing certainly has a profound effect on budget and the Capital Improvement Plan. Having attended the past Finance Committee Meeting I will not discuss the impact on the water and sewer funds as I believe it will be explained during Council Member Levine’s report. I will however address a concern regarding the Capital Improvements issues. During 2006, we saw 110 less dwellings constructed than anticipated. If that trend continues into the next few years the revenue generated by proffers to be applied to the Capital Improvement Program will be considerably less than anticipated. In order to accommodate that decline, reviewing and prioritizing the CIP is essential. Two great advantages to prioritizing the CIP are we identify those projects we deem necessary in accordance with economic indicators, and utilize the CIP in the budget process.
The following are a few standing committee considerations. One item identified in January 2006 was the need to develop an emergency action and disaster preparedness plan. I would like to thank Vice-Mayor Taylor for bringing that initiative to reality. The process in developing this plan brought to light many existing procedures and assistance available at the County and State level. Implementing our own program to complement the County and State initiatives has already shown benefit through public awareness and education of Staff and Town officials. The plan as it exists calls for NIMS certification and continued planning and training will only enhance our abilities in a disaster or pandemic situation. Good job.
I think it has become evident that Public Safety should set as a priority the planning, funding and development of a new Public Safety Building. Our departments have certainly outgrown their current facilities and some effort should be made before there is an effect on the performance of these departments. Former Chairman Himelright had done some work in regard to this directive and I am sure council feels this is necessary and should be pursued at this time.
Public Utilities Committee should continue to strive toward beginning construction on the new Water Treatment facility and expansion of the Wastewater plant. Although we are progressing through the engineering phases, we need to begin construction if we are to meet established goals. Cutback housing start does not reduce the need for these facilities and increased capacity as we hope to continue to develop commercially and industrially.
In Recreation, I’d like to see if we could enhance the services, facilities and activities we provide to the children and all citizens in this area. If we can supplement what we offer by providing quality programs, not unlike the initiatives taken by the County, perhaps we could expand the department. We recently approved fencing required for official little league play on our existing fields. We should continue in an effort to work in conjunction with the local athletic leagues to develop and build the fields they need. The need for these fields has been brought before us numerous times in the last few years. We in turn need to respond. We also need to incorporate these groups in the long-term recreation planning process.
Revised in 2003, it’s time again to review and revise the Comprehensive Plan. I know this effort is under way, what I think should be a priority in this revision is for both Streets Committee and Ordinance to work with the Planning Commission to ensure the ordinances and plan support one another and that a comprehensive effective and acceptable transportation plan is in place. Streets Committee should discuss, assess costs, evaluate and prioritize the projects incorporated in the transportation plan.
We turn now to community issues that don’t fall beneath any standing committees, Finance Committee excepted obviously. Recently Council saw fit to increase the transient occupancy tax to 5%. It also will review the contribution of a portion of those revenues to the County for use in tourism and economic development. I suggest these funds be set aside by this Council for use specifically in the support and development of tourism in this community in a formal manner for the 2007-2008 and future budgets. We currently support tourism efforts with funding, and historically we have given the revenues received from local tourism to the County. Now that we expect more revenue in this area from developing properties and increased opportunities, let’s dedicate these funds in support of our parks, museums and other tourism related activities.
Now more than ever our Town has realized the necessity of enhancing our relationship with the County. We share resources in police, fire and rescue protection. Our Disaster Preparedness plan works with and compliments that of the County. Potential Development in the Golden Triangle directly impacts the future and will eventually become a part of our Town. Decisions made at the County level will directly impact the economics and quality of life in our community. It is imperative we meet these challenges through open communication. In this effort I intend to meet regularly with Supervisor Helsley to establish a means whereby a free exchange of ideas and information is established.
Earlier tonight you heard about the initiatives brought as a result of the efforts of the citizens involved with the Vision Committee. I will briefly summarize these again. Three committees are established, the first the Cultural Initiative Group to tap one of the greatest resources of our community, the wealth of performers, crafters and artists that call Strasburg home. This group will act locally to further the education and support local talent. The second, Public Communications will strive to find ways to better inform the public and media of local information regarding actions of government, items of local interest, and welcoming new members of the community. The Economic Development Committee will be established as a group to identify the commercial and industrial needs of the community. A main goal of this committee will be to proactively take a part in the developing business community.
Beyond these directives, we as a town need to work closely with citizen groups and civic organizations in effort towards litter control, recycling, and environmental awareness. Definite action has to begin in these areas.
Reports and Communications from Town Officers:
Town Attorney Neal: The Voices of Strasburg will be in the February motion docket to argue some motions to dismiss some of the parties. He had nothing new to report on this.
The Hartman documents have been signed by all concerned parties and are ready for recording and the monies have been paid.
Town Manager Fauber: He was happy to report the Capon Road Water and Sewer Extension Project is about complete. All lines have been installed and clean-up operations are continuing and it should be fully completed in the next few weeks. He reminded all Council Members that Economic Interest Statements must be turned in by January 15, 2007.
Director of Finance Mullins: Stated the budget process has begun and budgetary forms will be handed out to Department Heads this week.
Director of Public Utilities Tewalt: He has been in contact with the engineers who are working on the right-of-way documents with Strasburg High School. They have also made comments back to DEQ on the preliminary engineering report. Mr. Tewalt requested Council Member Nicholson to schedule a Utilities Committee meeting where the engineers can be invited to update all on the projects. The meeting was set for February 7, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Director of Public Works Rhodes: Stated his monthly report was submitted to Council.
Chief of Police Robinson: Reported the crime rate for the Town of Strasburg went down during 2006 as shown in the department’s yearly report given to Council. He is proud of this and also of his officers.
Town Planner Amos: Stated she has two recommendations from the Planning Commission. The first is a request for an extension of a final plat that was approved on June 13, 2006, by the Town Council. It is for 64 units of the proffered 364 unit subdivision known as Dunmore or the Half-Moon Beach property. This final plat was good for 6 months and they are requesting an additional 6 months due to the downturn in the market and also because they are working on some easements with the adjoining property, Cedar Valley. Once the plats are recorded, a bond is required and they want to hold off on this. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this with the attachment that they don’t want to set a precedent for extensions; they don’t mind the first extension, but after that they would like it to be filed.
Council Member Mauck said this has been brought before the Recreation Committee on two occasions because of the quarry or Half Moon Beach portion of the property. She would like to table at this time and invite the owners/developers to come to a Recreation Committee meeting to give an overview since it will be acted upon in the near future. She would like to have as much information as possible.
Planner Amos explained this extension request has nothing to do with the quarry. The quarry is actually part of the second recommendation being brought from the Planning Commission. The current recommendation is only for the 64 units. Council Member Mauck asked if an overview of this, too, could be discussed as they are related; she would like to have more information.
Brian Ball, christopher consultants, engineer of record for the project: Mr. Ball explained that by proffer the Council will have several months after dedicating the property to make the decision on the quarry. The plat the extension is being requested on is not part of the lake parcel. There is another plat that will create the lake parcel and he feels Council will have enough time after the approval of that parcel to decide if they want to have the lake/quarry.
Council Member Mauck asked if there was any reason or problem with tabling this at this time. Mr. Ball said they would obviously like to settle this as soon as possible, particularly the plat extension. If the developers want to move forward with anything in the next month, they want to avoid any hindrances. He doesn’t think the two issues are directly related and granting the extension he doesn’t think will affect any decision on the lake parcel.
Planner Amos said she is fine with the recommendation of approving the extension of the plat that has already been approved. If the Council feels they need additional time over the 90 days that has been proffered then that should be considered and left up to the Council, but this deals with the second recommendation from the Planning Commission not this one.
Council Member Le Vine said he is a bit confused by the implications of this, but it seems by what Planner Amos said, it is a benefit to the developer to have the extension because the bond does not have to be put up yet. He agrees with Council Member Mauck and would like to defer this for a month. Development has slowed down and this is probably not the last request that will be received for deferment. The Ordinance Committee can look into this. He would like to take the month to look into the implications of these extensions --- is one 6 month extension sufficient and what if the downturn continues? This month would give the Council time to “re-look at this development with the developer and see what we should do in these circumstances.” A good discussion could be had and we could work proactively in the future to see what we can do with other situations like this. He doesn’t think we have to do things just because it is convenient; the Town needs to look out for its best interest.
Council Member Rinker asked Planner Amos how close it was to the six months. Planner Amos said the six months expired in December. Mr. Rinker said that basically if this is not acted on tonight, it is unapproved. Town Attorney Neal said he believes if the Council voted to extend it, the extension gets “tacked” on to the end of when it should have been filed. Council Member Rinker said most all locales extend at least one time and it is not an uncommon request. He doesn’t have a problem with the one time extension, but does have a problem with extension, upon extension, upon extension.
Council Member Rinker moved to grant one six (6) month extension of SDV2006-02 with no subsequent extensions; second by Council Member Nicholson.
Discussion:
Council Member Le Vine offered an alternative motion as a compromise. Why not extend for one month, if we have to deal with legalities, and in the one month Council Member Mauck and the Recreation Committee can look at this and then after this one month it can be decided to either extend for 6 months with no extensions or the possibility of more extensions.
Council Member Le Vine moved for an amended motion that would grant the extension for one month for SDV2006-02 with review at that time; second by Council Member Mauck.
Discussion:
Council Member Rinker asked what this will yield. Council Member Le Vine says this will allow the Council to plan for the future so all know what the policy will be in the future so the Town will be consistent with these requests. He wants to find out what the proper thing to do is; he wants to be proactive. Council Member Rinker does not think this will be sufficient time to look at other locales, etc. He feels by extending this for 6 months, you will have the 6 months to research the issue. The Planning Commission has recommended moving forward with this and he “takes to heart” what the Commission recommends.
Council Member Whittle asked if a request such as this was voted on last month and Planner Amos said that was for a preliminary plat approval that only came before the Planning Commission. Council Member Whittle asked if it was voted on to extend for 6 months, where does that leave the Council in regards to the quarry. Planner Amos said this recommendation has nothing to do with the quarry. She added the Town Code does not say how many extensions can be granted or how long the extensions have to be; Council can decide this. Council Member Whittle said the Commission was also concerned with the number of extensions that should be granted.
Council Member Mauck said that the developer might actually get 7 months, but she thinks this next month is the time to work with the developer to come up with suggestions that might help them and the Town. She thinks all can work as a group together and she would like to understand it better.
Council Member Nicholson said the plat has been approved for a long time and while he understands it being new to some members, it has gone through the Planning Commission. Council Member Rinker said the process has been ongoing for a year in March and he agrees with Council Member Nicholson it needs to be voted on.
On a roll call vote, the amended motion did not pass with the following results:
Council Member Le Vine yes
Council Member Mauck yes
Council Member Nicholson no
Council Member Taylor no
Council Member Rinker no
Council Member Terndrup yes
Council Member Wallace no
Council Member Whittle no
On a roll call vote, the original motion passed with the following results:
Council Member Whittle yes
Council Member Wallace yes
Council Member Terndrup no
Council Member Rinker yes
Council Member Taylor yes
Council Member Nicholson yes
Council Member Mauck yes
Council Member Le Vine no
Planner Amos said the next recommendation from the Planning Commission is the approval of a minor subdivision of the out parcel into four parcels so the entities of Strasburg Land may take separate parcels as LLC’s. She added Parcel C does include the quarry property. She explained Council has 90 after this plat of the lake/quarry is approved to decide if they want to take it over; if they decide not to, it will be turned over to a homeowners association.
Council Member Rinker moved to approve the plat as submitted; second by Council Member Nicholson.
Discussion:
Council Member Le Vine asked what was actually being voted on. Planner Amos said the entire parcel is being voted on. Council Member Le Vine said that then there are subdivisions in this as well, for the convenience of Dunmore LLC. Mr. Ball said the entire parcel is ~216 acres and some was rezoned and some wasn’t. It is a separation of the entire property into developable areas and non-developable areas. It separates the X-transitional, the lake parcel, land to be developed in the future, and it creates some residue parcels. Council Member Le Vine said he understands that, but he is trying to understand exactly what is being voted on. Planner Amos said this motion is for the parcel plats that subdivides the entire 216 acres into four parcels. Council Member Le Vine said then this is just a sub-division motion; there is no commitment as to what will be done with the property. Planner Amos said he is correct and this will start the 90 days in which the Town has to decide on the quarry property. Council Member Le Vine asked if there are any conditions to how the Town would acquire the quarry and Planner Amos said it would be given to the Town.
Vice Mayor Taylor is concerned with the 90 days to make a decision on the quarry. He thinks it will have to be looked at “long and hard” for recreation. He added Council Member Rinker had said it might be used for an alternative water source. He wants to know exactly what land would come along with the quarry --- would there be enough land given to provide recreational facilities. If the homeowners association keeps it, will it be fenced? He just isn’t sure 90 days is enough time to make these decisions. He understands that if this it approved, the “clock starts” with the 90 days.
Council Member Nicholson said from his viewpoint, he thinks 90 days is sufficient because he doesn’t see it as an alternative water source for the Town because it is groundwater and the Town doesn’t need to build two water treatment plants with one being just to treat this water. Council Member Le Vine asked if Council Member Nicholson was saying this is not an acceptable source of water and Council Member Nicholson said he doesn’t see it as a successful source because of the cost and expense to make it potable. Director of Public Utilities Tewalt said there are a lot of liability issues in regards to this quarry. He would like to have more information on this and Vice Mayor Taylor agreed. Council Member Rinker asked if there were any plans in the development to fence off the area around Half-Moon Beach. Mr. Ball said there is proposed fencing in the subdivision plat of the first section between the residential area and the quarry and they would plan to continue that. Ultimately, all the areas between the residential areas and the quarry will be fenced. Council Member Rinker said he sees this as a lot of “pluses” as he likes Half-Moon Beach and he thinks it would be a very good recreation area for the Town. Hiking trails could be added.
Council Member Mauck moved to table this for 30 days; second by Council Member Le Vine.
Mr. Ball said if it was decided to table this, the 90 days was decided on during the rezoning between the developer and the Town as acceptable time for a decision to be made on this.
As there was already a motion on the floor, Council Member Mauck said her motion would be an amendment to the original motion.
Vice Mayor Taylor said he wants to be clear on what will happen around the quarry if the developers keep it. Are they required to put a park-like area in or can they just fence it up? Mr. Ball said the plans as they are now say it would be a homeowner amenity; there would be access to the beach area. It would be used just by the residents of the subdivision.
Council Member Whittle said that in the 90 days, the Recreation Committee and the Utilities Committee could gather the information needed and come back to Council with recommendations. He wanted to make sure the developers would meet with Town officials to tell exactly what the Town will be getting such as what is the right-of-way into the facility. He thinks the developers should meet within 60 days so that a decision can be made.
Director of Public Utilities Tewalt commented about when the Town had tried to obtain a quarry from Chemstone, it took more than 90 days to find out from testing if this would be a good source of water.
Council Member Mauck said the reason she would like a postponement is because she is planning to have a Recreation Committee meeting next week and get the “ball rolling” so that when the “clock starts ticking,” they have information.
Town Attorney Neal said the Town will probably want to look at parcel C as much of it is not accessible as it is cliff and water. This is a small lot and it should be looked at because of accessibility and the Town needs to look at this because “once it’s a lot, it’s a lot.” He has some questions he would like to address to somebody on this.
Council Member Le Vine said there are issues that need to be looked at so he doesn’t see where it would put a burden on anybody. He feels it would be in the best interest for the Town to postpone this.
After discussion as to the motions on the floor, the consensus of the Council was to start again with a motion. Council Member Taylor moved to table this for one month; second by Council Member Wallace. The motion passed with one nay.
Planner Amos announced there will be a Worksession on the Comprehensive Plan on January 18, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. The Citizen’s Forum will be held on February 8, 2007, at 7 p.m.
Standing Committee Reports:
Public Safety: Vice Mayor Taylor said the committee did not formally meet, but he did send out a working document about the Emergency Action Plan. A formal meeting will be held in February.
Council was presented with the Police Report for December, but Vice Mayor Taylor said Chief Robinson had summed up the report. He applauded the Police Department on a job well done.
Personnel Committee: Chairman Whittle said the committee did not meet in December. An ad has been placed in the Northern Virginia Daily for positions on the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission. Interviews will be conducted at the committee’s January meeting.
Interviews for the Chief of Police took place on January 4 and 5.
Council Member Whittle nominated Mr. Tim Sutherly as the Strasburg Chief of Police; second by Council Member Le Vine.
Comments:
Council Member Rinker said this was a tough decision to make as all six interviewees were “top notch”. He thanked all those who applied, but added not all can be the winner. It was a very tough choice to make. He concluded the nominee is local and graduated from Strasburg High School.
Council Member Le Vine thanked Council Member Whittle for his hard work and other Staff who helped in the process. He said he has learned a great deal and was surprised with the caliber of the candidates. One down side for Mr. Sutherly he said was, “I learned a lot of what the police department should be like and so I’m going to hold him to that. I’ve learned tricks from other candidates. I have some similar sentiments as Mr. Rinker…I think this is a very important position and it is difficult because you can’t discuss what was done in private, but I think the citizens of Town need some understanding of at least where some of the Council came from – their choice; it is only fair to the citizens. The concerns I had before I met anyone, and I didn’t know Mr. Sutherly, for example, there is the ‘competedness.’ There is the issue that this is a small town – it is a very precious small town and we all value the ability of…we all like to know each other; we like the neighborhood. We all want a police chief who knows the people, knows the community, and that we feel comfortable with and vice versus. Marshall, I think, has done a nice job of getting to know people, of taking care of people, often quietly, and we all appreciate that. We want someone who is “purple” inside, in the short hand. But, we also want someone who brings new ideas, who has some contacts, and who has seen other things done because the Town is changing…How we find these two mixtures, is the problem I had. How do we find someone who can be Strasburg, but someone who also understands the larger issues? As Mr. Rinker said, Mr. Sutherly, who I had not met until the interview, seems to have a nice balance of being brought up here, in spite of who taught him, he seems to be well educated and he knows the Town. But, he also left us for most of his professional career; went outside the Town. I think he’s gotten many good experiences and I was impressed that he had a good balance between the two. I thought that was very important for the Town.”
Town Manager Fauber stated this is an appointment for the term ending June 30, 2008.
The motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Crisman introduced Mr. Sutherly to the audience and congratulated him.
Public Utilities: Did not meet.
Recreational Advisory Committee: Did not meet. Council Member Mauck announced the committee will meet on January 15 at 6:30 p.m. They will be discussing a request from Strasburg Little League and she asked Planner Amos to try to have a representative from Dunmore attend the meeting. Also to be discussed will be the pool refurbishing and the trail.
Finance Committee: Council Member Le Vine said the committee met on January 2 with Mayor Crisman, Town Manager Fauber, Director of Finance Mullins, Director of Public Utilities Tewalt, and himself.
The first item of business was the ordinance on eliminating the use of decals on vehicles. Town Attorney Neal provided the language used in this ordinance (attached here-to) which essentially repeals the use of decals and replaces them with a tax on the vehicle that will appear on the personal property tax bills in June of each year.
Council Member Le Vine moved that Article IV, entitled “Local Vehicle License” of Chapter 82, entitled “Traffic and Vehicles” be repealed and a new Article IV be adopted as presented in the Council Packet; second by Vice Mayor Taylor.
Discussion:
Council Member Nicholson asked when this would actually take effect; Town Manager Fauber answered it would be effective today, January 9, 2007. Council Member Nicholson then asked what would become of the stickers that are on vehicles now as they say they expire March 1. It was said the stickers could now be removed.
Council Member Mauck said this has been referred to as a “tax”, but isn’t it actually a “license fee”? Town Manager Fauber said this was correct.
The motion passed unanimously.
Second item discussed at the committee meeting was the financial impact of 100 fewer houses. Each new hook-up of a residential house generates ~$11,000 for hook-ups and these 100 fewer houses create ~$1 million less than expected. Council Member Le Vine said the good news of this is the Town has 100 fewer houses, but the bad news is there is $1 million less that would go into reserve funds. Mayor Crisman pointed out at the committee meeting that the new waste water and water plants will still have to be built because they are needed and the less revenue the Town has, the more it will have to borrow or the more rates will have to increase. Council Member Le Vine said the $1 million shortfall does not create an immediate cash flow problem now. Town Manager Fauber volunteered to conduct a study on the options the Town will have to have to fund the new construction of the plants.
The last item discussed was next year’s budget and it was decided when new budgets are submitted, each department head will “annotate their budget by their best judgment as to what factors in the next twelve months could affect their budget by 5%.” This will be used as a planning tool.
Council Member Le Vine then presented a PowerPoint presentation (attached here-to) as to the Department of Utilities water portion of the budget.
Ordinance Committee: Council Member Terndrup said the committee met on January 3 at 7 p.m. with the following in attendance: Vice Mayor Taylor, Council Member Terndrup, Planning Commission Chairman Smith, and Planner Amos.
Discussed at the meeting was what the roll of the Town is when it comes to property owners that don’t take care of their property very well and become a nuisance to their neighbors. In Virginia, the General Assembly recognizes this, but when it comes to enforcement, “property rights generally hold sway.” It is difficult to compel a property owner to clean-up. The committee has been trying to find the right words that would hold up judicially and provide relief to neighbors. The committee continues to work on an amendment to Town Code Section 3-14.4 that will deal with this. This amendment will go before the Planning Commission for comments.
The committee is also working on a compromise on the issue of cul-de-sacs that not only protects residents in emergency situations, but also allows the cul-de-sacs in a development where appropriate. Council Member Terndrup summarized the amendment and said, “Where there is less than 20 housing units, totally compiled within a subdivision, one single entrance would be adequate. However, where there is from 20-49 housing units in the total subdivision, we would require a three lane entrance that would allow two lanes of traffic to exit safely if there was an emergency situation. If there are 50-100 housing units total on cul-de-sac streets within then two entrances would be required. No subdivision would have more than 100 housing units compiled from cul-de-sac streets unless there is a waiver that would be recommended by the Planning Commission and granted by the Town.” This, too, will be sent to the Planning Commission for review and for a Joint Public Hearing.
The committee has also been looking at setting the corner lot, side yard setbacks at 25’. This is a safety and vision issue and will go back to Planning Commission.
Planner Amos presented information on landscaping in parking areas that will be reviewed at a future meeting. Finally, the committee discussed components of traditional neighborhood developments and how they can fit these into the Planned Development ordinances or possibly creating an additional zoning district. An example of this kind of development can be seen on Queen Street --- quality homes with little or no front yard space, front porches, apartments above garages, etc. This allows for a greater density of housing units in a smaller space and leads to affordable housing. This, too, will be discussed at a future meeting.
Council Member Terndrup moved to adopt a fire hydrant meter use permit that has a fee attached; second by Vice Mayor Taylor. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote with the following results:
Council Member Whittle yes
Council Member Wallace yes
Council Member Terndrup yes
Council Member Rinker yes
Council Member Taylor yes
Council Member Nicholson yes
Council Member Mauck yes
Council Member Le Vine yes
Building and Grounds Committee: Did not meet
Streets Committee: Council Member Rinker said there have been emails about Queen Street. He read the emails sent to and from Town Manager Fauber and Mr. Van Lear, with VDOT (attached here-to). If this project is cancelled, Mr. Van Lear says the Town would be agreeing to reimburse VDOT for expenditures in this project which as of December 3, 2006, amount to $98,977. Council Member Rinker said this project is going up in cost and Council needs to talk to Mr. Van Lear as soon as possible. Dates were given when Mr. Van Lear could meet with Council. Town Manager Fauber does think the work has been scaled back on the project.
Council Member Le Vine said he had the impression there are two pieces to the Queen Street project. First is the widening of Queen Street and the other is the bridge to connect Queen Street to Stover Avenue. Is this amount of $98,977 for the entire project? Will we lose it all or just the portion for the bridge? Town Manager Fauber said he would think the majority of the cost is for the widening of Queen Street, but we do need to know what costs are actually involved. Council Member Rinker would like to find out the exact amount the Town would have to pay before voting on this. He would also like to know the ratio of the share of costs between VDOT and the Town of Strasburg. Town Manager Fauber said the program is designed that if the project is completely carried out, VDOT will pay for 98% and the Town will pay 2%. Town Attorney Neal would like to see the verbiage of the agreement.
It was decided Council would like to meet with Mr. Van Lear on January 30 at 7 p.m.
Special Committee Reports:
Shenandoah Telephone Advisory:
Strasburg Heritage Society: no report. Council Member Whittle said Mr. Mike Kehoe will be giving a presentation at the membership meeting in February. He said he hopes the next meeting will be on January 24 or 25.
Chamber of Commerce: Town Clerk Keller reported the Chamber Board met this morning, January 9. It was announced the Workforce Seminar for People with Disabilities sponsored by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce will be held on February 1, 8 – 10:30 a.m., at the Chamber Office. The cost is $15 per person and need to RSVP to the Chamber office if planning to attend.
There will be a Mayfest meeting on Thursday, January 11 at 7 p.m. at the Chamber office. All interested in helping with this are encouraged to attend this very important meeting to make sure the Mayfest is as successful as it has been in the past.
There will be a Christmas follow-up meeting on February 12, 1 p.m., at the Chamber Office to review the celebration and work on improvements for next year.
The Final Four Fundraiser is underway and Mrs. Carla Wallen has tickets to sell! This is a $10 donation and if all tickets are sold, the Chamber will see approximately a $2,200 profit.
The Annual Banquet will be held on the first Saturday of April.
Home Town Strasburg: Mrs. Carla Wallen said the group had finalized the bylaws at their last meeting and now they can complete the application for tax exempt status. At the next meeting, a new board will be elected.
Vision Committee: Council Member Le Vine said there are great people in the Town and working on this has been an uplifting experience. Vice Mayor Taylor commented that the portion he liked in the statement was the “Keys to the Future” where it spoke of being committed to your own family because he feels the family unit is very important.
Belle Grove National Historical Park: Council Member Mauck announced there will be a presentation of the conceptual plan of the master plan of the Park to property owners within the park and to neighbors. The presentation will be January 22, 7 p.m. at Lord Fairfax Community College.
Old Business and Unfinished Business:
Council Member Mauck asked Director of Public Works Rhodes if he had gone to Mr. Moore’s property for an evaluation as to if the Town will maintain this. She asked that he do that in the near future.
Council Member Le Vine stated he had signed his Code of Conduct on December 13, 2006 and it is on file in the Town Office. He plans to re-affirm this every July as long as he is on the Council.
New Business:
Council Member Nicholson received an email about streets the sender feels need improvements in the Town. Council Member Nicholson would like this to be taken up in the Streets Committee meeting. He feels the only street mentioned in this email that the Town can do anything about is Lincoln Street; he would like it to be one-way coming out. Chief Robinson wishes Washington Street would be one-way the other way and this would help with congestion.
At the December meeting, holding a Council Worksession in regards to the proposed plans at the Golden Triangle was discussed. It was decided to wait and see where the County is on the plans before setting a date. Council Member Terndrup would like the Planning Commission to be included in the Council Worksession.
Committee Meeting Dates as Follows:
COMMITTEE DATE TIME
Public Safety Committee Thursday, February 1, 2007 7 p.m.
Personnel Committee Wednesday, January 31, 2007 7:30 p.m.
Utilities Committee Wednesday, February 7, 2007 7:30 p.m.
Recreation Committee Monday, January 15, 2007 6:30 p.m.
Finance Committee Tuesday, February 6, 2007 7 p.m.
Ordinance Committee Wednesday, February 7, 2007 7 p.m.
Streets Committee Tuesday, January 30, 2007 7 p.m.
Buildings and Grounds Committee TBA
Vision Committee Wednesday, January 24, 2007 7 p.m.
Worksession for Planning Commission Thursday, January 18, 2007 7 p.m.
Citizen’s Forum Thursday, February 8, 2007 7 p.m.
Closed Session
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.