Please see my blog for meeting details including Golf cart path repairs and lighting, tax update and public works update.
Personal Property Tax Rate - I previously asked if there was a way to reduce the personal property tax rate since values went up significantly this past year. After a meeting with the mayor, town manager, and town attorney I was told that could not be put on this agenda and further investigation was needed. I will update the public with the final answer later but I am being told it may be too late to adjust the rate and the money may have already been added to the budget.
Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes, October 20th 2021 - I abstained from voting on the minutes because I was not on Council last October.
B. Budget Amendments & Appropriations (A&A) - This was to accept the $1.8M in additional ARPA funds (COVID money). In my opinion we need to keep a close eye on the spending of these funds. Once the money is gone it’s gone!
C. Class A Special Event Application Approval-Bikefest
Approved, Vote was 7-0
Announcements/ Council Updates - Planning Commission has a vacant seat (I strongly urge fiscally conservative independent thinkers to get involved and apply). Public safety (Moncure) - there was a neighborhood watch meeting on the 21st and it was very well attended and we had a murder conviction. Finance (Roberson) - Town audit will start in October. ARPA funds received 2nd amount for $1.8M, Dodson sale phase 3 $541,875 in total (which includes 3A $447,656 all the property from the old visitors center to High Tides and 3B $94,218 from beach shop to bathrooms). This must include additional discounts because last meeting I was told total was $650k.
Mayor - Beach Music Festival funds go to public safety via grant applications. Rescue squad is raising funds for new building.
Town Manager Updates - She mentioned the Sept 27 retreat and some current projects the town is working on.
Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, District V Supervisor - He stated he was not able to make the last meeting but is following up on a few items.
Colonial Beach Public Schools, Superintendent
- He announced the capital improvement updates including: parking, bleachers, lighting and basketball court. Discussed possibility of collaborating with town on safety projects. He also mentioned the political season, I urge the superintendent to not bring politics into our schools. I have been made aware that there is a false narrative out there that myself and other candidates do not support the schools. It is a shame that some are willing to politicize the schools and lie about candidates. Let me make something very clear, I am a supporter of the schools and so are the other two candidates I support - "Time for change”.
Bike/Golf Cart Path Repair & Safety Upgrades - After the linear park grant fell through, I suggested we focus on getting this path repaired. I heard many complaints so I’m glad the town finally took this seriously. The discussion revolved mainly around a temporary option (life span 7yrs) $181k vs a more permanent option (life span 20+ yrs.) $218k. It was decided that the second option was best and worth the extra $37k.
The final vote for the second option was 7–0
PUBLIC HEARING
Ord No.732, Repeals Chapter 2, Article IX, Memorials Advisory Commission - No longer active.
This passed 7-0
Resolution #38-22, Rescinds Resolution #21-93, Establishment of the Tourism Advisory Council - No longer active vote to rescind 7-0
Closed Meeting - Consultation with legal counsel pertaining to pending litigation, the pending court cases in Westmoreland County Circuit Court.
Public Works Liaison Update
· Golf cart path - I had a discussion with the public works Director about the golf cart path and perspective repairs. She explained that the asphalt would be 2 inches and the current base will be sufficient for golf cart traffic. We also discussed the fencing and solar lighting.
· CityWorks – I clarified that the work order system does not currently allow for notifications to requesters after an order is put in. I believe there is an ability to add that in the future.
· I mentioned that the public works crew indicated it would be advantageous to have a storage shed for their equipment which could potentially add years of life to tractors and other equipment. Public works Director is looking into the options.
· The paving company that does our fall paving will be here next week for a review and we may be able to add the golf cart path into the process.
Please email or call with questions or comments:
dwilliams@colonialbeachva.net
540-604-4335
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