OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MANASSAS PARK GOVERNING BODY HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2004 AT 7:00 PM AT CITY HALL, ONE PARK CENTER COURT MANASSAS PARK, VIRGINIA
1. Roll Call: William J. Treuting, Jr., Mayor
Kevin P. Brendel, Vice Mayor
William R. Wren
Vonna L. Privett
I. Allen Correll
Michael R. Bunner
Noreen C. Slater
Absent: None
Staff Present: Lana A. Conner, City Clerk
David Reynal, City Manager
Dean Crowhurst, City Attorney
Mercury T. Payton, Deputy City Manager
Eric Edmonson, Director of Fiscal Services
The Public Works Committee met at 6:30 pm.
2. Closed Meeting at 7:00 PM: State Code of Virginia: Freedom of Information Act: Section 2.2-3722(A): Personnel (1) (7):
MOTION: Councilmember Bunner moved that the Governing Body go into closed meeting to discuss and consider the performance and re-appointment of the City Attorney and City Engineer; to discuss and to consider the performance and discipline of a specific public officer; and to consult with the City Attorney and be briefed by City staff pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such discussion and briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating position of the City, pursuant to Paragraphs 1 and 7, respectively, of Section 2.2-3711 A of the Code of Virginia.
SECOND: Councilmember Wren
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Bunner, Wren, Brendel, Correll, Privett, Slater, Treuting
3. Reconvene in Open Meeting:
The Mayor reconvened the regular meeting out of closed meeting at 8:05 pm.
4. Certification of Closed Meeting and addition of items to Agenda due to closed meeting (If Necessary):
MOTION: Councilmember Brendel moved the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the City of Manassas Park has convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712(d) of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by this public body that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Body of the City of Manassas Park hereby certify that, to the best of each member’s knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under this chapter and
(ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed session was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by the public body.
SECOND: Councilmember Wren
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Brendel, Wren, Bunner, Correll, Privett, Slater, Treuting
5. Invocation: Councilmember Wren
Pledge of Allegiance: Councilmember Bunner
7. Approval of Agenda:
MOTION: Councilmember Brendel moved to approve agenda with following additions:
11g. Four Way Stop Sign at Denver Drive and Rugby Road 11h. Authorize City Staff to go to bid on traffic engineering study and 11i. Intersection of Route 28, Old Centreville Road and Blooms Quarry Lane. Under 8.1 Reserved for Special Announcements (b) Cub Scout Announcement as it relates to city staff.
SECOND: Councilmember Wren
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Brendel, Wren, Bunner, Correll, Privett, Slater, Treuting
8. Citizens Time:
Theodore Garner, 145 Martin Drive: He is in favor of leaving Martin Drive one-way for the safety of the children. There is a bus stop right where you come off Manassas Drive on to Martin Drive.
Fran Mattson, 141 Martin Drive: She is in favor of leaving Martin Drive one-way for safety reasons.
8.1 Reserved for Special Announcements:
a. Superintendent of Schools: Report given to Governing Body.
b. Cub Scout Pack 1370: The cub scouts gave the following individuals certificates for supporting cub scout programs: Catherine Morretta, Director of Parks and Recreation, Chief John Evans, Theresa Polk, Special Events Coordinator, Patricia Trimble, Guapos for catering their event on Sunday, Eric Neff and Pat Miller for the use of their school.
9. Reserved including public hearings and decisions:
a. Public Hearing: FY04 Amended Budget Ordinance: Eric Edmonson, Director of Finance:
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing at 8:20 PM.
The General fund budget is increasing $832,000 from $25,400,000. There have been combined increases in expected revenues and reduction in expenditures, which will allow the city to reduce reliance on the general fund balance by almost $829,000. This equates to a 49.2% reduction. The transfer from fund balance is reduced from $1.7 million to $855,000.
As part of the amended budget; the city is transferring $1,800,000 to the School Board so they can manage debt related to school activities. The city’s direct debt service is now $720,000. There have been significant improvements to the capital improvement budget in the form of adding $350,000 for firehouse project and $200,000 for police station renovations. City budgeted $1 million dollars for purchase of additional water capacity.
Citizens wishing to address Public Hearing: There were no citizens wishing to address this Public Hearing.
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to close the Public Hearing at 8:25 pm.
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE: Unanimously passed
MOTION: Councilmember Brendel moved to place this item on the February 24, 2004 Special Meeting Agenda.
SECOND: Councilmember Wren
VOTE: Unanimously passed
10. Consent Agenda
a. Resignation: Robert Emard, Board of Zoning Appeals
b. Professional Services Robinson Farmer Cox: $15,000 Payment
c. Water Improvements Phases I&II Payment $226,678.24: Owens & Dove #4
d. Fire Prevention Ordinance: Authorize Public Hearing
e. Costello Park Doors Payment: $18,857.50 Carolina Doors
f. Costello Park Skate Park Payment $23,406.32 Ramptech
g. Taxicab Regulations Regional Enforcement Agreement
MOTION: Councilmember Brendel moved to approve as presented.
SECOND: Councilmember Bunner
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Brendel, Bunner, Correll, Privett, Slater, Wren, Treuting
10.1 Discussion on Consent Agenda
11. Unfinished Business
a. Ordinance: Traffic Control Martin Drive-Two Way Traffic:
The Public Safety Committee recommends that Martin Drive be a two way street.
Councilmember Wren stated he has talked directly to the residents on that subject 80 to 85%.
There is a slight margin in favor of leaving it one way. We had a mother stand before us and
tell us that one way has reduced traffic. Two-way traffic has cut through traffic. Children are still in the roads. Teenagers need to help us out that use the road for recreation and recognize their responsibility.
Councilmember Correll could you pursue speed humps either one way or two way.
Councilmember Slater would like to see a $250 fine placed on Martin Drive. Hit the people in their pocketbooks and they will listen to speed. One way is the way to go.
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to leave Martin Drive one-way, 15MPH and study speed humps.
SECOND: Councilmember Slater
The Mayor stated the one issue was the curve that complicates the traffic issue regardless of traffic flow. Why not put speed humps on Martin Drive and see how they work. The City Manager stated they have not had a problem with Scott Drive. The smart machine is down at this time. Public Safety Committee will look at speed humps. Councilmember Privett asked if there could there be a mirror on the corner. Councilmember Wren stated maybe a flashing light.
The Mayor stated after talking with citizens and police he believes this will have an opposite affect with keeping it one-way. After dark when people see no traffic and with a wide street that could accommodate two way traffic they feel more comfortable driving faster on that road creating more complications when you get around that turn. He is against leaving it one-way.
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Wren, Slater, Brendel, Privett
No: Bunner, Correll, Treuting
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to place a $200 fine on Martin Drive.
SECOND: Councilmember Slater
Councilmember Wren and Councilmember Slater removed their motion and second.
Councilmember Brendel asked the City Clerk and City Attorney to look into the issue of the $200 fine.
b. Ordinance_____________: Water and Sewer Charges-Relief for Elderly and Disabled:
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve an ordinance to amend Chapter 25, water, Sewers and Sewage disposal, of the Code of the City of Manassas Park, Virginia to provide relief on their water and sewer bills for those qualifying for real estate tax relief.
SECOND: Councilmember Slater
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Wren, Slater, Brendel, Bunner, Correll, Privett, Treuting
c. Ordinance____________________: Real Estate Tax Relief:
MOTION: Councilmember Privett moved to approve an Ordinance to amend Chapter 22, Taxation, of the Code of the City of Manassas Park, Virginia, Virginia to increase the tax exemption for certain incomes and to increase the limit of net combined financial worth, from property tax in the City.
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Privett, Brendel, Bunner, Correll, Slater, Wren, Treuting
d. Ordinance___________________ Truck Route Regulations:
MOTION: Councilmember Privett moved to approve an Ordinance to amend Chapter 24, Traffic Code of the Code of the City of Manassas Park, Virginia in order to regulate the use of certain streets within the city by trucks.
SECOND: Councilmember Slater
Polk Drive, between Manassas Drive and Old Centreville Road, was deleted, consistent with discussion at the last meeting. Councilmember Brendel stated we are going to become a city of signs. You have to have these signs so the drivers know they are prohibited. Councilmember Wren believes that some of these signs can come down.
Councilmember Brendel asked if city had any way to keep cut through traffic from turning left off Manassas Drive into shopping center to get to Old Centreville Road.
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Privett, Slater, Brendel, Bunner, Correll, Wren, Treuting
e. Resolutions____________________: Transportation Enhancement FY04 Grants:
There are four Resolutions.
*Resolution___________________Interior Restoration of the Conner House
*Resolution___________________Rehabilitation of the Euclid Avenue Streetscape
*Resolution___________________Construction of an Underground Power Line along Conner Drive from Euclid Avenue to the site of the proposed Park Center development
*Resolution___________________Construction of an Underground Power Line along Manassas Drive from Euclid Avenue to Park Center Court:
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve the four Resolutions as presented.
SECOND: Councilmember Correll
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Wren, Correll, Brendel, Bunner, Privett, Slater, Treuting
12. New Business
a. Work Session Agenda
Add professional services as Item 1d. Add Governing Body meeting Management procedures as Item 1e. Rental Housing Update and Code Enforcement. Ib has additional full time inspector. Councilmember Slater thought this was not an additional person. The Governing Body will receive the proposed FY05 budget on March 2, 2004.
b. Concrete Annual Contract Bids:
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve the firm of Portugal Construction as the annual contractor for the City.
SECOND: Councilmember Slater
There are separate unit prices for curbing and retaining walls. City received five bids. Staff recommends Portugal Construction. Councilmember Bunner would like to see this broken down into different stages where we might have one company do sidewalks substantially cheaper than the other one and maybe another company for retaining walls, etc.
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Wren, Slater, Brendel, Bunner, Privett, Slater
c. Manassas Drive Enhancement Grant Sidewalks Bids:
This project is for sidewalk, curbing and drainage improvements on Manassas drive between Euclid Avenue and Park Center. City has received a total of $195,000 in federal Enhancement Grant funds in three different years for this project. Enhancement grants are competitively awarded and additional Enhancement grant funds are being sought in the current round of submittal.
City received two bids 1) Omni excavators, Inc., $249,982.80 and 2) Finley Asphalt $314,200.00. Both bids were rejected.
The City rebid the project and apparent low bidder is Sagres Construction $256,000. The low bids are more than 7% above the estimated construction cost (a VDOT parameter) and the additional PRTC funding would be needed to fully fund this project. VDOT approval is required prior to final award.
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve the construction contract with Sagres Construction in the amount of $256,000 for construction of the Manassas Drive sidewalk project subject to VDOT approval.
SECOND: Councilmember Correll
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Wren, Correll, Brendel, Bunner, Privett, Slater, Treuting
d. Park Station Development Review:
City staff received a review packet from the Prince William County Planning Department for the Park Station residential development rezoning on Tuesday February 3, 2004. The referral indicated that an amendment to their comprehensive plan is being process concurrently with the rezoning but staff did not receive any information on it. The Park Station project will be located on land adjacent to the city and its only access will be from the future extension of Railroad Drive (Quarry Lane) to the south side of Manassas Drive. This site is approximately 40.25 acres. The current zoning on the property is M-2, Light industrial and the requested zoning is PMR, Planned Mixed residential. The project calls for the development of 526 dwelling units. The mix of building types will include
336 multi-family apartment units and 190 stacked condominiums.
Prince William County and the applicant, KSI, have contacted staff several times over the past year about this project but it was never clear as to whether it was a real project or just a proposal that would not materialize. In October 2003 KSI met with staff’ members and at that time KSI gave the city large map that has been in the city hail conference room that shows all of the developments around the YRE station, including the Park Center, Park Junction and Park Station. City Staff and the City Attorney have mentioned the Park Station proposal to the Governing Body on several occasions including once when KSI expressed an interest in the Park Center project because of the close proximity to the Park Station property.
City staff met to discuss this proposal and to compile a list of concerns that will be forwarded to the Prince William County planner that is handling this project. These concerns are discussed below and categorized by city department. In forwarding our comments to Prince William County Planning Department we will ask to see the comments that the other referral agencies have submitted and reserve the right to add to and revise our comments accordingly.
Parks and Recreation: The location of this development is adjacent to the city’s Signal Hill Park and it is probable that many residents will regularly take advantage of this amenity in their backyard. This will impact the city’s ability to maintain the park due to higher usage. This project will be paying proffers to the county’s Park Authority to offset such impacts. The county will be requested to develop a process for sharing the proffers based on anticipated levels of impacts. There is an 8.1-acre section of the Park Station land that is identified as Open Space that is contiguous to Signal Hill Park. The county should consider dedicating this land to the city for inclusion within the Signal Hill Park. This area contains an old Civil War era roadbed that is
an excellent hiking trail that should be preserved. The trail connection that will be developed adjacent to the Russia Branch, beginning in Manassas Park at Manassas Drive, and leading to Signal Hill Park, will also cross this land.
Public Works: The developer will be providing proffers to Prince William County to offset anticipated impacts. Some of these impacts include the lowering of the level-of-service of the adjacent roads. Since this development will be directly accessing the Manassas Park street system, the County is asked to develop a process for sharing the proffers based on anticipated levels of impacts.
The developer to ascertain the level of impacts that will likely occur on the Manassas Park Street system should conduct a traffic impact analysis. Particular attention should be placed on the Manassas Drive intersections between Route 28 and Andrew Drive. A synchronization plan for the traffic signals may need to be developed along this corridor.
The developer will be required to construct Railroad Drive (Quarry Road) and the intersection improvements at Manassas Drive across the right-of-way in Manassas Park. The city’s Public Works Department Director and the city’s engineer must approve all construction plans. Intersection improvements will include sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, turn-lanes, and installation of additional signal heads, travel lanes and landscaping.
The capacity and condition of the existing sanitary sewer line that this development will he tapping into is questionable. The developer should be required to investigate this facility to determine that adequate capacity exist for both this proposed development as well as the anticipated development that will be occurring in Manassas Park that will also rely of this facility. The city would like to discuss the possibility of connecting the water line that will be brought into this site from Prince William County with a city water line that will be adjacent to this site. This interconnection would prove to be beneficial to both the Prince William County Service Authority and the city.
Police: Prince William County should describe how their police would serve this site. If it is anticipated that there will be an increased reliance on Manassas Park Police to respond to emergencies then this should be discussed. As with other anticipated impacts, any proffers received by the county for mitigation should be shared with the city in an appropriate proportion.
Fire: With the construction of the city’s new fire station slated to take place in the near future (and in advance of the Park Station development), it its probable that city crews will be asked to respond in advance of the nearest county stations, The Mutual Aid Agreement allows for this but the impacts will be more significant since our crews will likely be responding on a more frequent basis. The county should investigate the sharing of anticipated proffers that will be received for fire and emergency response services with the city in an appropriate percentage.
This development would likely create both positive and negative impacts on Manassas Park. On the positive side, the addition of perhaps 1000-1500 people in close proximity to the Park Center and other businesses in Manassas Park would provide additional shoppers and revenue. Staff has been told that more people are needed in the Manassas Park area before a grocery store can be coaxed back to the city. This development could help achieve that threshold.
On the negative side, the most obvious impact will be to the surrounding road network. Though it is hoped that many of the residents will use the YRE for their daily commuting trips, there will still be a noticeable increase on Manassas Drive and some of the other intersecting streets. The requested traffic analysis should identify trouble areas and recommend improvements but the increase will probably be felt. As was pointed out above in the Parks and Recreation section, it is expected that many of the new residents would be using signal hill Park and Signal Bay Water Park. Though the city may be financially compensated for this non-resident increase, it could create a situation where city residents are literally competing with non-resident for the use of facilities. The same holds
true for Police and Fire services as was pointed out above.
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve the proposed response to Prince William County and Park Station.
SECOND: Councilmember Bunner
Councilmember Slater stated we are talking about 526 multi-family units. She stated what concerns her is everyone is rolling over saying well we acknowledge that it is going to impact severely but no one seems to want to do anything. This is a proposed rezoning in the comprehensive plan. Why can’t the city go and oppose it. She does not think that Manassas Drive from railroad to Route 28 can handle another 1,000 cars. Councilmember Slater stated you could put light industrial back there.
Councilmember Brendel stated we should ask Prince William County to widen Route 28 from Manassas Park through Yorkshire into three lanes that already exist in Fairfax County. Councilmember Bunner stated there needs to be another way to Route 28.
MOTION: Councilmember Slater moved to direct Staff to rewrite the response strongly opposing the proposed rezoning and change in Prince William County Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Wren and Bunner withdrew their motion and second.
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Slater, Brendel, Bunner, Correll, Privett, Wren, Treuting
e. Overcrowding Committee-Code Committee:
Councilmember Slater is recommending that the Governing Body form a committee to study the over-crowding issue. City has asked the General Assembly representatives to authorize a study committee on this subject at the state level. Councilmember Slater believes this is an important issue to address in a comprehensive manner but is concerned about the workload on city staff and legal fees to support the committee. She is recommending a committee of 2 Governing Body members, two school members, city staff and 3 citizens.
MOTION: Councilmember Slater moved to approve a committee to study the issue of overcrowding in the City consisting of two Governing Body members, two school members, city staff member and three citizens.
SECOND: Councilmember Bunner
Councilmember Slater will head this Committee.
VOTE: Unanimously passed
f. Independence School Site: Sale of Property
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to authorize and direct the Mayor to sign the final deed for sale of the Independence School Property subject to final review by City Attorney.
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
The City Attorney stated because city owns the property there are no easements on the property for city utilities. When the city conveys they must reserve these to make sure we have the right to go out there and access these things. City Attorney is waiting on the plat that will show what was produced at the survey. City did a title search to see what was granted to the city for them when ownership merged. They are talking about storm water management, storm sewer, water, etc.
VOTE ROLL CALL: Yes: Wren, Brendel, Bunner, Correll, Privett, Slater, Treuting
g. Four Way Stop: Denver Drive and Rugby Road Resolution__________________________:
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve Resolution directing Staff to draft a letter for Mayor’s signature asking the County to approve a four way staff at Rugby and Denver.
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE: Unanimously passed
h. Authorize City Staff to go out to Bid: Traffic Engineering Study:
MOTION: Councilmember Wren
SECOND: Councilmember Slater
VOTE: Unanimously passed
i. Resolution__________________: Route 28 Blooms Quarry Lane Old Centreville Road:
Staff has talked to the County regarding this issue. The County is in the process of commissioning a traffic light study for signalization at that intersection. The City supports the signal study and request they have interim approval of restricting left hand turns during rush hour traffic at this intersection.
MOTION: Councilmember Wren
SECOND: Councilmember Slater
VOTE: Unanimously passed
13. Reports of City Officials and Committees
a. City Manager Report:
*City has set up inspections for the final engineering inspection for the Quint pumper, which is to be delivered in
early May.
*Advertisement has been put in paper for construction manager. The City Attorney stated if this is pushed back to
far it will delay construction of this project.
b. City Attorney:
*He has no report on Boundary Line Adjustment at this time.
c. City Clerk: No report
d. Governing Body Members
Councilmember Wren:
*February 18 is first meeting of Transportation Planning Board.
*Fruit truck will be at Sheetz tomorrow night and will be there until fruit is sold.
*Public Works Committee met tonight and discussed four issues, which have been addressed.
*The City Manager read a list of the streets where sidewalks will be installed.
Councilmember Slater:
*Congratulations to athletes at the high school.
*Many of the items on the agenda have concerns addressed by citizens. She would like the citizens to share your ideas and input.
Councilmember Bunner:
*Speed humps will be placed on the next Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Correll:
*Speeding issue is a disaster waiting to happen. Observe the speed limit.
Councilmember Brendel:
*Technology Committee meeting is scheduled for February 24 at 7pm.
*Two items to Public Safety Committee: Discuss the Quint as far as personnel being trained in its operation and discuss the police station renovations.
*He participated in the police department ride a long program. They were out doing their jobs.
*Gates at railroad crossing: Can staff find out what was wrong and why it took so long to repair the gates.
*He would like a list of development projects that are going on in the city stating here is the project, anticipation start date and anticipation end date and total value of this project.
14. Reading, correction (if necessary) and approval of the minutes of previous meetings
January 13, 2004 Finance Committee & Public Hearing:
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve as presented.
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE: Unanimously passed
Page Eight Regular Meeting February 17, 2004
January 13, 2004 Special Meeting:
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve as presented
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE: Unanimously passed
January 30, 2004 Special Emergency Meeting
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve as presented
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE: Unanimously passed with Councilmember Correll abstaining
February 2, 2004: Special Meeting
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve as presented
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE: Unanimously passed
February 3, 2004
MOTION: Councilmember Wren moved to approve as presented
SECOND: Councilmember Brendel
VOTE: Unanimously passed
Call for Citizen Comments: There were no citizens called in.
Adjournment at 9:55 pm:
MOTION: Councilmember Brendel
SECOND: Councilmember Correll
VOTE: Unanimously passed
Approved March 2, 2004
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