$415k spend (mainly parks), more pier pilings needed, new PnR member, Town Manager resigned, Ordinances updated, Vendor/ Food truck court approved.
Additions to the agenda I asked to add a discussion to talk about the $415k proposed spending. I thought the votes should be postponed considering our town manager just quit and we were told in November that our sewer plant needed $3.5M in repairs. Not one of the other 6 members would second my motion.
Resolution #48-23, Appoints Julie Hutchins to the Colonial Beach Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission - A new member was added. Vote 7-0
Resolution #49-23, Appoints Sara Wright to the Colonial Beach Redevelopment and Housing Authority - Self Sullivan asked for this be postponed.
Resolution #50-23, Amends and Appropriates Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget, General Fund for pier maintenance - This was to spend $60k to replace another 20 pier pilings. I voted no because no engineer updates or official estimates were provided. I’m personally tired of taking someone’s word for how much something is going to cost us. I sure hope at some point we start getting more transparency with financial information since council has fiduciary responsibility. Vote 6-1 with me being the only no vote.
Council Member updates
Non Governmental - Osprey cam is back and other updates.
Public Works - Porta john issue on town hill (working on a solution).
Planning Commission - Oyster wars marker on the way Castlewood
Housing Authority - vacant positions, Affordable Housing - studying.
Public Safety- Interim PD chief Parsons introduced, ornaments for PD tree, Toy Drive and VFD Ladies Auxiliary breakfast with Santa 12/9
Parks n Rec - No meeting in Dec, one opening on committee. Events, In favor Park Master plan
Mayor - Thankful, Mentioned Parade and other events. WWER recording soon. Concert series 15th- 17th
Town Manager update
-Tax bills due
- Рark plan update
- CIP Plan update
- Strategic Planning Meeting will be held in January (Dahlgren again)
Recognition Denise Anderson, Anderson Cab 2013 to 2023 - She is retiring and was recognized for her entrepreneurship and service to the community.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), Aaron Hawkins We were given a very brief update on our audit. Apparently staff eliminated our audit findings and we no longer have control or separation of duty issues. The town manager and staff had apparently worked a miracle here because Robin and the CFO said it would require several new employees to fix.
Skill Games Legislative Update, Interim Chief Les Parsons, Police Department - Virginia is cracking down on skill games which are any games that require and skill vs games of chance. They have been removed from places like 7-11 so we were told no current violations in CB.
Economic Development Update, Economic Development Manager -She gave us a summary of our current activities including: Main St, health care recruitment, workforce housing, business appreciation. Strategic planning for tourism VTC, bringing influential visitors to town, grant and funding opportunities, new business list and VEDA
Public Comment
Citizen - He donated a Manora decoration for Town Hill, one away from record of most Love signs.
Tim Trivett - Town Manager has done a wonderful job, thank you, congrats on new job. Looking forward to working with new chief over next 4 years. Two New Board Members for Westmoreland. Christmas w/Sheriff raised $5k in one week providing Christmas for over 30 county kids. He is friends with Berkley Muse surviving Grandson of man that was killed at the end of oyster wars.
Write-in - Separate the vote on creation of new parks from Park from master Plan. Costs should be done through CIP process. We have sewer and other issues that should take priority.
Citizen - concerns over recent property purchase (Beach Gate) and suggested it needs to be part of an overall plan. Suggestion we should sell the community center.
Write-in - Parks Master Plan should be put on hold. New expenditure for Parks and Signage should be part of the CIP process for 2024-2025
Supports CUP modifications. Concerns over adoption of Park Master plan as written and we need more time to review.
Parks Master Plan Final Report & Design Approvals(Resolution #51-23), Berry Dunn & Parks & Rec Director - We were presented with the parks and Rec master plan which cost us $30k and included a lot of costly suggestions like hiring more employees but we were told adopting the plan obligated no funds. I asked if maintenance costs were provided as I requested and was told no. I also asked why the town manager cut a full time PnR director but I’m not clear on her justification. I regret voting to authorize the $30k plan but the money has already been spent so I voted for what I consider to be a flawed plan. Vote to pass 7-0
$315k Spent to on parks. Council voted to spend $225k on a pirate ship theme playground on Azalea and Stratford and $90k on Eleanor park (beginning of a path and a dozen benches). The money used was from the Eleanor Park easement grant which could have been used for other infrastructure if council choose to do so. The 2 newest council members (Wood and Brown) were under the impression we could only spend the $460k EP money on parks but that was not true. I was for a park on the north side of town but given the $3.5M sewer issues I think council should have discussed further in January and perhaps compromised on a more budget friendly park on the north side. Final Vote 6-1 with me being the only no vote.
*Side note there was a suggestion to make Dandridge Ln one way vs adding spaces in EP. The road is already to narrow in my opinion and why do they want a park with no parking in it?
Gateway Signage(Resolution #52-23), Town Manager - This was a requested to pay $40k for entrance signs for the town of CB. I did not support because we have significant sewer and other infrastructure issues that should take priority. I said $40k could buy 100’s of feet of sidewalk repairs for example. IMO our priorities are out of wack. Final vote 5-2 with Kenny and me voting NO.
Ordinance No. 752, Amends Chapter 10, Fire Prevention & Protection of the Town of
Colonial Beach Code of Ordinances,Town Attorney
This ordinance has been discussed several times and has been signed off on by the Fire Chief. The only significant change is the Town will implement an online requirement for residents to notify if they are burning. Vote 7-0
PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 753, Amends Article 16 (Conditional Use Permits)
of the Colonial Beach Zoning Ordinance, Director of Community Development & Zoning - This was an update to an existing ordinance. One change was to require a meeting with the Director of Community Development to ensure the process is smooth and nothing missed. Vote 7-0
PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 754, Amends Article 14 (Site Plan) of the Colonial
Beach Zoning Ordinance, Director of Community Development & Zoning - This was an update to an existing ordinance. I don’t think there were major changes but I hope there were at least a few changes to enhance the process. Vote 7-0
PUBLIC HEARING Resolution #47-23, Conditional Use Permit Request by Washington Square Partners, LLC, Director of Community Development & Zoning - The company that has been trying for 2 years to open a food truck/vendor court between Orchid Thai and Willies was finally approved Wednesday. The request was for up to 7 trucks and the main unresolved concern from council was bathroom facilities. In the end we requested the owner add a porta john in the busy season. I did voice concern over something like this being approved permanently but I’m the only one. I guess everyone else’s crystal ball shows no reason we would not want this to be allowed forever. Vote passed 7-0
Resolution #53-23, Accepts Resignation of Town Manager and Appoints Interim Town
Manager - This was a sad occasion for some with Dr. Self Sullivan and the Mayor appearing to be deeply affected. The Town Manager has received many praises from the others on council so I know they will truly miss her. While we did not see eye to eye on everything, I will give her credit for anything positive she did for the town and for following the direction of the mayor and majority on council. Vote 7-0
Closed Meeting
Discussing and considering both the resignation of an employee appointed by the Town Council and an interim appointment to the position held by the employee resigning.
Please email or call with questions or comments:
540-604-4335
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