MINUTES
REGULAR
MEETING – January 15, 2004
Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk (7:50 arrival)
Hazen Dean (8:10 arrival)
John Heyner (7:38 arrival)
Public Attendees: Vincent McCaffrey, Neptune Meters
Charles N. Dye, Hughes Supply Company
Felicity Francis, Resident, Sleeter Lake Presentation
Ken Lowery, Resident, Sleeter Lake Presentation
Jim Francis, Resident, Round Hill VA
Lori Castin Resident, Round Hill VA
Nancy Frank, Resident, Round Hill VA
Ron King, Resident, Round Hill VA
Meeting Began: Mayor Frank Etro called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
I.
Water Meter
Presentation by Hughes Supply. Mr.
Charles Dye introduced himself and his colleague, Mr. Vincent McCaffrey, and
stated their purpose at tonight’s meeting was to shed light on the design and
operation of the Town’s water meters.
He explained that Neptune Meters has been in business for over 100
years. The water meters in use in the
Town of Round Hill are Volumetric Positive Displacement Meters. Basically, they measure the volume of water
as it passes through a fixed capacity collection container. As parts in the meter wear, it is their
experience that the water meter will run slower (that is, measure less water
than has actually been used). This
happens at various rates, and depends upon the usage the meter sees. While older meters will lose capacity
accuracy over time, in the experience of these experts, they have never seen a
meter over-register water usage.
Meter testing was explained. Mr. Dye stated that there are standards to which meters must be tested; the facility who performs the testing on these meters is ISO 9001 compliant and tests the meters to the standards set forth in the AWWA Guidelines. For a meter to test “good”, it generally must register at 100% +/-1.5% accuracy. The three meters pulled and tested for the consumers who had questioned their accuracy all tested as “good”.
Mr. Heyner asked how long meters are tested for. The response was the meter tests are conducted by volume, not time (i.e., a particular amount of water is passed through the meter for each of the low, moderate, and high flow conditions).
Mayer Etro explained the background of the particular water usage issues that the Council is investigating, and focused on the three customers who have seen huge spikes in their bills over a finite period of time, with water usage registering at a “normal” level both before and after these periods. He asked these experts if there was any chance that these spikes could be due to a meter issue. Both experts, while qualifying that they could not state that this was impossible, said that never, in their collective experience in the business, had they witnessed the problems as had been experienced by these customers being traced back to a meter issue.
Mr. Dye presented a water “ruler”, which translates a particular diameter hole into gallons/month water loss at 40-60 p.s.i water pressure. He illustrated that, even the tiniest of leaks translates into a large volume of lost water over a month’s time period.
The experts validated that there is a backflow prevention system in place on most of the newer meters in the Town. This system prevents extraneous registering of water that might flow back through the system.
A citizen present explained that one of the tests done to look for water leaks in her home was to turn the water in the home off, and then validate that the water meter indeed had a reading of zero. She asked whether this was a conclusive test to determine whether there was a leak. In the opinion of the experts, this procedure should produce reliable results. There is, on some systems, a “sweep hand” on the meter dial, and validation that this sweep hand comes to a stop is indicative that no water is passing through the system at that time. They also explained that there is a device available that can be used to track in detail the water usage of a particular household over a 24-72 hour period. This device has been useful, on several occasions, in identifying and pinpointing water loss sources.
Mrs. Graham asked for an estimated usage from an irrigation system. The response was that the volume of water used was dependent upon the size of the irrigation system.
II. After all questions were raised and addressed, Mayor Etro addressed the Council and stated that resolution of the outstanding requests for relief based on the “spikes” experienced was requested from these customers. Ms. Graham stated that tonight’s presentation was convincing as to the integrity of the meters. In reviewing resident water usage in the Carnoustie neighborhood, Ms. Nash observed in Attachment A that the peaks experienced were not consistent over the neighborhood. Had they been consistent, this would have pointed to a possible systemic issue. Mr. Albright noted that, in his 20+ years in dealing with water meters, he had never seen a meter over-register.
Motion made by Ms. Nash to give the
residents in question relief in that their meter readings appear
inconsistent. Ms. Graham seconded.
Vote to approve: 0-6
Nay: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
III. Public Comments: Mr. Ron King asked permission to address the Council during their discussion of Board of Supervisor’s Initiatives, Agenda Item VI.B. Mayor Etro granted this request.
IV.
Approval of the
Agenda:
Ms. Graham modified her motion to include re-appointment of Jeff Stewart, Steve Monaghan, and Edgar Ellis to the Planning Commission, under Agenda Item VIIA.
Vote to approve
agenda: 6-0
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
V. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Heyner moved approval of the December 4, 2003, minutes. Ms. Nash seconded.
Vote to approve
December 4, 2003 minutes: 6-0
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
Mr. Heyner moved approval of the December
18, 2003 minutes. Ms. Nash seconded.
Vote to approve
minutes: 5-0-1
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
Abstain: Phil
Bzdyk
VI.
New Business
A.
Sleeter Lake Study
Presentation: Ms. Felicity Francis addressed the Council and summarized the
results of the study that has been conducted to collect data and establish a
baseline concerning the water quality in Sleeter Lake. She explained that the analysis was based
upon several variables:
v
Water Quality
v
Water Temperature
v
Turbidity, and
v
Sediments
The first three variables were analyzed at the surface, middle, and bottom of the lake at all inflow areas and in the middle of the lake. However, Sleeter Lake is 40-45 feet deep in the middle, making sediment collection there difficult. Therefore, sediment collection was limited to all inflow areas.
There were no organic phosphates found in the sediment, nor was there evidence of any trace heavy metals; the overall conclusion of the study team from the data collected was that the lake looks good. The team did, however, have some concerns.
There is present in the lake a large population of Hydrilla, which is an exotic (non-native) plant. On the positive side, the presence of this species could account for the level of dissolved oxygen in the water, as well as the lack of phosphates found. However, as an exotic species, the concern is that Hydrilla could choke out the indigenous life present in the lake. Ms. Francis noted a very healthy wildlife presence currently, and noted siting Osprey, Heron, and a Bald Eagle in the recent past. Mr. Heyner asked what could be done to combat the Hydrilla; Ms. Francis stated that she didn’t know, and explained that this is a common problem in the area waterways.
Ms. Francis noted that the sediment in that area is predominantly basic. Another concern would be pH spikes that can come from these conditions.
The study team’s recommendation was that, if possible, future funding be identified to continue to monitor the lake’s health. She noted that chemical tests, including dissolved oxygen, phosphate, and pH are relatively inexpensive; however, sediment tests can be costly. The concern to stay on top of would be an increase in heavy metals in the top layer of sediment. The team also recommended that steps be taken to educate the lakefront property owners on the measures that should be taken to preserve the quality of the lake. For example, maintaining native vegetation and plant-life at the perimeter of the lake will help to preserve its health. Mayer Etro noted that there would be a 100-foot buffer around the lake, which land will be held by the Homeowner's association. This should make it easier to protect this area.
B.
Board of
Supervisor’s Initiatives. Ms.
Graham stated that she and Mr. Heyner had attended a recent meeting in
Purcellville, and noted that both the towns of Hillsboro and Hamilton presented
resolutions in support of Supervisors Burton and York. The Town of Purcellville did the same. Ms. Graham drafted a resolution, Attachment B, which she presented to
the Council for their consideration.
Mr. Heyner added that while many of the Board’s recent actions were political in nature, there were at least four items that, in his opinion, challenge the democratic process. These items would be the focus of the proposed Resolution from this Council.
Ms. Graham moved that the Council approve
and adopt the proposed resolution. Mr.
Heyner seconded.
Mr. Heyner noted that in Attachment B, “Joint Area Land Management” should be “Joint Land Management Area. After discussion, it was also agreed to make the following changes:
v In the third paragraph starting with “Whereas”, “to any committee on the Blue Ridge District” will be added after “representative”.
v Second paragraph after the first “Therefore”, the word “sole” will be deleted, and “the PUGAMP” will be replaced by “any committee in the Blue Ridge District
v A paragraph will be added immediately following the first “Therefore” which will read, “Any future initiatives undertaken by the Board of Supervisors that affect policy should afford the opportunity for public comment and debate.”
Mayer Etro pointed out that Round Hill will be going through their Area Management Plan in the near future, and it would be desirable to have the duly elected Supervisor in any area management plan.
Mr. Ron King addressed the Council regarding the Board’s recent actions. He considers many of their actions an affront to the values we share. He wonders what we as a group are going to do to address these actions and to protect our common values.
Mr. Albright stated that it should be remembered that the new board was elected because the voting public desired action. Action has been taken, and he commends the Board for it. He feels their actions have not breached their empowerment; public hearings and processes that need to take place will take place on these issues. He also reminded the Council that, at the last Round Hill meeting where Supervisor Burton was present, he was not a friend to Round Hill.
Mr. Etro responded that when Mr. Burton last visited Round Hill, he was not a Supervisor, yet he took steps to right the wrongs (i.e., ordinances that were not being followed), once he understood that this was the case. The mayor further said that he would ask the Council to consider a resolution at the next meeting that addresses the Board Initiatives that are counter to the this Council’s and Town’s efforts (i.e., Environmental and Heritage preservation). He provided Attachment C for the Council’s information.
Mr. Bzdyk stated that he voted for his representative and wishes this representative to represent him (as opposed to another Board member). He also pointed out that the Chair at-large was duly elected to represent us.
Mr. Bzdyk called the question.
Vote to approve
resolution with changes discussed: 4-2
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Phil Bzdyk
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
Nay: Mark Albright
Hazen Dean
Ms. Graham will get a final copy of Attachment B to Mayor Etro for signature.
VII.
Action Items
A.
Re-appointment of
Messrs. Stewart, Ellis, and Monaghan to the Planning Commission. Ms. Graham moved that Jeff Stewart, Steve
Monahan, and Edgar Ellis be reappointed to the Planning Commission. Mr. Heyner seconded.
Ms. Nash stated that she had serious reservations about Mr. Monaghan continuing in this capacity. She has heard reports that he has been ineffective.
Ms. Graham modified her motion, moving that
Jeff Stewart be reappointed to the Planning Commission. Mr. Heyner seconded.
Vote to reappoint
Jeff Stewart to Planning Commission: 6-0
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
Ms. Graham moved to reappoint Edgar Ellis
to the Planning Commission. Mr. Bzdyk
seconded.
Vote to reappoint
Edgar Ellis to Planning Commission: 6-0
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
Mr. Heyner moved to reappoint Steve Monahan
to the Planning Commission. Ms. Graham
seconded.
Vote to reappoint
Edgar Ellis to Planning Commission: 5-1
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Nay: Meg Nash
B.
Streetscape Master
Plan. Attachment D provides a
proposal from Paradigm Design to address the proposed Franklin Park Trail
project within the Town.
Mr. Heyner moved that the Paradigm Design
proposal be approved. Ms. Nash seconded.
Vote to approve
Paradigm Design proposal: 6-0
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg
Nash
C.
Stormwater
Management Study: Mr. Heyner reported that the Town has received two
proposals for the subject task, one from Anderson and Associates, Inc., and one
from Patton Harris, Rust, and Associates (Attachments
E and F, respectively). He asked
that the Council to review these documents and either prepare to vote at the
next meeting or be prepared to go back and ask specific questions.
Mr. Albright asked, since the two proposals are so different, if a third proposal could be solicited. He would recommend Draper-Aden as the third candidate, and feels they could turn in a proposal by the next Council Meeting. Also, he suggested that an interview of all three candidates might be necessary. It was agreed that such a session would be added as an agenda item to the second Council meeting in February.
D. Bills for Payment. Ms. Graham moved that the bills (Attachment G) be paid. Mr. Bzdyk seconded. Ms. Graham had a question on the LCSA charge—Mr. Yost responded that this fee is for accepting our sludge.
Vote to pay bills:
6-0
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg Nash
E.
Fire-Rescue
Resolution: The proposed resolution was provided as Attachment H. Mr. Heyner moved
that the proposed Fire Department Resolution be approved. Ms. Graham seconded.
Vote to approve Fire
Department Resolution: 6-0
Aye: Mary Anne Graham, Vice Mayor
Mark Albright
Phil Bzdyk
Hazen Dean
John Heyner
Meg Nash
The approved resolution will be prepared for Mayor Etro’s signature.
VIII. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Etro reported, with respect to the barn at the east end of Town which is not yet owned by the Town; the drafting of the deed is in progress. He forecasts a deed transfer in the next couple months. He will ask the current owners if some chain link fencing can be stored on the premises in the interim. Mayor Etro asked Mr. Bzdyk to take a detailed look at the barn, and what will be required once the Town assumes ownership. Immediate steps upon ownership will be erecting a fence around the property and posting it.
The Water Tower transition is on the verge of being resolved. The warranty issue is what has been holding up the process in this area.
Mayor Etro reminded the Council of the current plans for future High Schools in the area. The School Board is looking at land east of Hamilton for the next new High School. Loudoun Valley would become a Purcellville High School; all other Western Loudoun students would be bused past Valley and to the eastern part of Hamilton. Mr. Heyner suggested inviting School Board representative Priscilla Godfrey to a future Council meeting to review these plans with the Council.
IX.
Council’s Reports:
A.
Mary Anne Graham: Ms.
Graham offered to draft a letter of appreciation Ms. Eleanor Towe if the
Council would be interested in presenting her with one. The Council will look forward to reviewing
her draft.
B.
Mark Albright: The
first meeting of the Round Hill Source Water Protection Committee took
place. Mr. Yost will let Council
members know the schedule for future meetings, as there was interest on the
part of several Council members in attending.
These meetings will be advertised in advance.
C.
Phil Bzdyk: Mr.
Bzdyk provided Attachment I, a
proposed schedule for 2004 Newsletter deadlines. There was discussion amongst Council Members regarding adjusting
these dates; Mr. Bzdyk will review these suggestions with Nancy Gross, the
person who coordinates release of the newsletter. Mayor Etro suggested that, whatever the final schedule result is,
it will need to be adhered to. Discussions
took place on planned recipients of this newsletter as well as the possibility
of seeking sponsors to advertise in the newsletter.
D.
Hazen Dean: Mr.
Dean reported that he expects to have a draft Water and Sewer Rate Study
available for Council Review at the next meeting.
E.
John Heyner: Mr. Heyner reported that Loudoun Main
Street is preparing a gift basket and plaque for Eleanor Towe and Mark
Herring. He asked Council approval to
donate two Ford’s Store miniatures for inclusion in the basket. The Council agreed to this request.
F.
Meg Nash: Ms.
Nash reported that the first 2004 Round Hill Hometown Festival meeting took
place; the next meeting will be in February.
X.
Town
Administrator’s Report. Mr. Yost
reported that he has received feedback concerning the Webster Public Workshop,
with two possible dates to hold this event.
The Webster’s have changed developers for the property, and Mr. Yost
presumes that this will impact the design of the homes as previously
discussed. The Council agreed on March
25th as a planned date.
Mr. Yost reported that the water meter automatic read installations are about 75% complete. He also reported that interviews with candidates to fill Lois’ position are underway.
Mr. Etro added for information that Richmond/American Homes has filed an application with the County and is going through the County checklist as part of the certification process. Once this is complete, they will be ready to begin development of 118 homes. Mr. Heyner asked if there was an opportunity to meet with them, and perhaps negotiate some proffers.
With respect to the Town office, Mr. Yost will advise Mary Ruth Peele that the Town Office can no longer be used for her annual flea market because the Town Council voted its use was for non-profit organizations only.
XI. Public Comments: There were none.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Approved Minutes are located in Town Office.