Tax reduction, car decals gone and North Park were some of the big items on the agenda. See my blog for important details.
I recently advocated for a personal property tax break for CB residents and it was passed Wednesday (see below)
Council Member Liaison updates - Schools the high school and elementary school are both fully accredited, social media enhancements, Finance the audit process is set to begin. NGOs - rescue squad needs volunteers, trunk or treat and many other evens for this month, planning commission coming meetings will include mobile vendors, flutter flags and discussions have started about a master plan for Lennar property, Admin home town banners, Council retreat take aways.
New Community Enhancement Officer update - The town has finally filled the vacant code enforcement officer position and has decided to rename the position. Similar job duties (she will be enforcing code violations such as: tall grass and parking on sidewalks as well as zoning violations like trees and driveway extensions).
Personal Property Tax Relief, Assistant Finance Director - On 9/7/22 I asked for a reduction in personal property tax rates (PPT) due to the significant increase in vehicle values. My request was brought before council at Wednesday’s meeting. At first, I was told this was not possible but after a meeting with the Mayor, Town Manager and town attorney, and push to get this through, town staff was able to find an option to get the tax reduced. There were several options brought before council, including a free decal option. I made a motion to reduce the tax by $146k and give it back to the taxpayers through additional tax relief on their upcoming bill. I want to thank town staff for researching and helping me find a way to get relief to the taxpayers. I was surprised how the entire council joined me in the vote (election year😁). Final Vote 7-0
Vehicle License Fees (Decals) -
We were presented with details on town decals and one question I asked was # of decals sold (1,257) yearly vs # vehicles in town (3,077). We are one of the few towns in VA that still has decals. After all the details we presented the decision was made to get rid of the decal. The fee will now be included on the tax bill (starting Dec 2023) and free parking will still be included based on plate numbers. Basically, the town was losing roughly $70k a year with many residents not paying the vehicle fee that wasn’t optional but was treated as such. Now with the fee on the tax bill everyone will pay the fee (this is common practice). A motion was made to eliminate the decal and to have the fee added to December 2023’s Bill. For people who paid up through March 31, 2023 their next bill will be prorated.
The final vote was 7-0
Potential Park Site in North Side at Azalea Rd. and Stratford St. Lot, Director of Parks and Recreation Director of Public Works - I asked that the north park be added back to the agenda because I didn’t want it to get pushed to the side like has been happening for years. There is now a push to come up with a parks master plan for $30k which seems expensive to me but it is being sold as a way to get additional grants and come up with an actual plan for our parks. The company that does this plan would hold public hearings, get feedback and provide maintenance costs so our parks could be managed properly. Caryn moved for a vote spend the $30k but we did not plan for a vote and the funding had not been identified. I asked what kind of delay are we talking about if we hire a company to do a master plan and was told maybe 3 months. I also mentioned that a commitment for the north park, from the town might motivate people to raise private funds. We will vote at our next meeting.
Legislative Agenda Discussion, Town Manager - Council is being asked to set priorities for the 2023 request. Suggested items are listed below along with an added request to put ADA compliance (sidewalks etc.) on the list.
1. James Monroe Birthplace Trail ($5,000,000)
2. Town Pier Rehabilitation & Replacement ($500,000)
3. Municipal Center funding ($3,000,000)
4. Support efforts for resiliency of beaches and shorelines
5. Support efforts to expand broadband in our region.
CUP #04-22 -Application for a Service Establishment in C-1, Town Attorney (Set Public Hearing on October 19, 2022) This is for a massage therapy business on Colonial Ave.
DRAFT Amendments to Town of Colonial Beach Town Code of Ordinances, Chapters 1, 6, and 17, Town Attorney (Set Public Hearing for October 19, 2022) council voted 7-0
Discussion on Streaming Planning Commission Meetings, Councilmember Williams - I brought up having the planning commission meetings recorded and put on YouTube because I believe transparency is very important. I first requested the recordings 9 months ago. Even though council seem to support this I’m not sure they took it that seriously because it was a bit of a joke and in the end, they said well, we can try to record it by using a council member to do so. A step in the right direction but I still would like to see this taken more seriously i.e., real commitment vs we’ll try.
Closed Meeting
There was a discussion regarding legal consultation regarding case in Westmoreland added to the agenda
Public Works Update
· Road paving, decision to be made soon, including possible golf cart paving.
· Bike Fest preparation by public works.
· The Grass (weed) growing on the South Beach has been identified as non native, invasive species and PW is looking into ways to get rid of it (long process).
· PW did storm prep and monitored storm conditions throughout the weekend.
· Meeting occurred this week with lighting vendor for solar lights on the path.
· Meetings occurring with Dodson on all phases of development to coordinate necessary items.
· Hometown Hero banners have been hung at Town Center.
· Meetings with Dominion regarding the holiday lights on the Boardwalk.
· 100% plans/contract documents for Central Drainage area project have been received and are being reviewed.
· Follow ups with pier contractors are occurring.
Please email or call with questions or comments:
dwilliams@colonialbeachva.gov
540-604-4335
Comments