Food trucks on private property, Economic Development Plan and rescue squad lease were all voted on Wednesday.
Minutes for November 2, 2022 - I abstained because I was not at the meeting.
Adoption of the Economic Development Strategic Plan - this plan was kept simple which I believe is a good thing. To my knowledge, average citizens or even council members were not give a seat at the table but you can be assured NGOs were given a seat at the head of the table when this plan was being developed. In my opinion community members and the people that patronize our businesses ultimately determine their success. Vote 7-0
Council Member Announcements - it was Andrea Clement’s last meeting so she gave a short speech. Rick Wood will be her replacement (fun fact, they had the same campaign manager). The Mayor - mentioned COMREL and something about a push for charging stations for E Vehicles.
Town Manager Update -
· Town is hiring police officer in other positions; waste water treatment plant supervisor was hired.
· Parks master plan outreach to community will start soon.
· The central drainage project has gone back out for bid because we only had one bid and it was high.
· Downtown, Colonial Beach, sip and stroll was successful and we received Main Streets status and award (1 of 10 chosen).
Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Trivett -
· water quality test from the dump outside of town came back OK.
· The water and sewer settlement agreement was finalized two checks to the town for a total of $788K
· Two people from the county have recently resigned.
· Christmas with the Sheriff was able to provide support for 33 kids.
Colonial Beach Public Schools Superintendent -
· participated in the audit process with the town
· Did not get the E bus grant.
· Waiting on results from the strategic planning survey
· Several announcements regarding cafeteria updates, and other CIP improvements.
Citizen Input - Mike Fitzpatrick announced his involvement with the Community Heart and Soul project. From what I could gather, this is yet another NGO start up with the goal of influencing our towns policies. They will be raising money ($5k so far), and funneling it through the community foundation as many of the other nonprofits in town do.
Ordinance No 736, Amendments to Town of Colonial Beach Zoning Ordinances, Articles 7 (Resort Commercial), 8 (General Commercial) and 9 (Commercial Residential) Interim Zoning Administrator -
This was a change to our zoning ordinance to allow vending court which is one or more vending/ food trucks on private property in commercial areas with a CUP conditional use permit. While myself and many other residents support food trucks in general, I voted against this amendment for a couple of reasons. Why I voted against the amendment – most of the residents I spoke with, including the Chamber of Commerce president agreed that we need rules in place prior to allowing food trucks on commercial private property. We currently have no rules guidance and have no clue of what this program is going to look like. In fact, later in the evening, we voted to completely get rid of ordinance, 695, which regulates food trucks on municipal property. Yet now anybody can apply for a conditional use permit and if approved, put them in parking lots, commercial building lots and courts with numbers of food trucks or sell other items. I was told no harm will come to our constantly struggling brick and mortar’s and we will be able to keep control of a program that essentially does not exist. Basically, I said we are putting the cart before the horse and other council members previously had agreed that we need rules in place. A CUP costs around $800, takes 3-4 months, requires a couple public hearings and takes up council and staff time. As a small government guy, I would prefer we approve an annual resolution requiring basic rules including seasons, hours of operation and limiting the number of permits issued and distance from brick and mortars. Final vote 6-1
PUBLIC HEARING Resolution #53-22, Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Lease of Town-Owned Property, Town Manager - this was to approve a lease of one dollar a year to the rescue squad for property across from the peddler’s market on 700 Colonial Ave. I said I supported the lease and the rescue squad and my only question to the town attorney was is the town protected if for any reason, the rescue squad should not be able to fulfill its commitment. Town attorney said that is a good question and considering that the bank may require the building as collateral we really do not know what the outcome could be if they defaulted. The President of the rescue squad did say they have other assets they may be able to use as collateral, but it has not been confirmed. Essentially council agreed that this project was important enough to take the risk of losing the property. Final vote was 7–0
PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 737, Amending or repealing all or portions of Chapter 13.1 Licenses, Article III Vendors and Peddlers on Municipal Property of Colonial Beach Town Code of Ordinances, Interim Director of Community Development and Zoning - this vote was to essentially get rid of the ordinance that regulates food trucks and other vendors on municipal property. During my numerous hours of researching food trucks and vending in the town, I saw several meetings were the mayor and others spent many hours discussing this ordinance and creating it for the town (this appeared important back then). Wednesday night apparently it was decided that we really do not need any kind of council approved regulations anymore and we should just let the Town Manager handle it. While I agree Town Council should not micromanage things, I’m not sure, allowing an unelected official to create all the rules and regulations for food trucks on municipal property is a great idea either. For example, she can and has provided free or reduced electricity to food trucks despite the ordinance saying Town manager can negotiate utilities as long as all costs are covered (strange but true, this allows the town manager to supplement utility costs) while myself and many residents believe they should all be metered. Time will tell how this all pans out but the good news is Town Council will no longer be responsible for the municipal program but now, every time somebody wants to put a food truck on commercial property, we will need to have numerous meetings to approve. Essentially, we are removing red tape from one hand and putting in the other hand. I voted yes, along with the rest of council because I didn’t believe a whole lot would change with the municipal program other than locations and pricing.
PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 738, Disposition of Town Owned Real Property adjoining 353 7th Town Attorney - this was to finalize the sale of a small strip of town owned property between two houses. The final price was $2,700. Tom Moncure brought up the fact that we need to address other properties that were brought before council previously. I agreed with this and said is this something we can address and the mayor said we could discuss this in our priorities meeting in January. Final vote 7-0
Public works update
· preparation for upcoming weather
· Fencing added to the golf cart path.
· Wastewater treatment plant supervisor hired.
· Central drainage, project back out for bid.
Please email or call with questions or comments:
dwilliams@colonialbeachva.gov
540-604-4335
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