Taxes, Town Pier, Food Trucks, Dodson, parking and several other updates.
As many of you know my blogs have been enjoyed by many in CB because it’s a way for people to stay informed and to see how I believe government should operate (out in the open). I’ve done nearly 25 blogs since becoming a council member 10 months ago. Thanks to all who take the time to read my updates.
Personal property taxes Wednesday I asked if we could add to our next agenda, a discussion on reducing the personal property tax rates. I believe with the increase in real estate taxes this year to cover the budget short falls, the council should seriously consider reducing the rate on personal property which would include vehicles, trailers and other personal property. As most of you know values increased significantly this year and without a reduction in the rate you will see significant increases in your personal property tax from the town, you have already seen this with the county tax bill. I put in a request to have this added to the next agenda.
Council Member Liaison updates - 2 members were absent from the meeting, Self Sullivan and Clement. It was announced that there was a drive by shooting a few days ago. Thankfully no one was injured. DORA - Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area protest by a citizen was denied so the town will be granted a license to have drinking in designated public areas at specific times. See below for my public works update.
Capital Improvement Projects Update, Director of Public Works
Golf cart path - During my meeting with the Director of PW last week I asked if we could get the path fixed. We were given a couple options, one was to put down millings (ground up blacktop) and run a steamroller which will compact almost like asphalt costing around $28K, option 2 was to pave and widen the path and if we add lighting and fencing (to prevent cars from entering) that would cost about $225K+. Option A did not cover the northernmost part of the path between 12th and forest so the public works Director is going to do some additional research for our next meeting. I mention that I have received numerous complaints about the condition of the path and would like to see it addressed. I asked if we could possibly use the millings where it is currently gravel and patch the potholes on the paved part and was told yes that is an option. I would like to hear from citizens regarding the higher priced option. The Mayor also had several questions and seemed eager to have this issue addressed.
Project manager for central drainage area - The town has decided to hire a project manager for the central drainage project, using ARPA funds.
Water pressure first Street The public works Director has investigated the water pressure on First Street and said it would cost around $70K to repair. This will be presented to council for a vote.
Town Pier Repairs and Maintenance J.L. Howeth -
I’m sure many of you have seen the social media posts about the pier and indeed people were correct to have concerns since 20 pilings need replacing. Many including myself have been asking the town for weeks to release the engineer report regarding the pier’s condition. As many of you know safety is always a top priority on my list and I actually questioned the condition of the pier back in January when council was asked to spend $100K to add new decking. I was told it was good and we had at least five more years before the pilings would need to be replaced. Thanks to concerned citizens there was an inspection by an engineer and the pier will be monitored and closed if winds exceed 30mph or if there is excessive wave action. I asked Mr. Howeth if we should have had an inspection prior to spending the $100k and he said not necessarily. I disagree with that but I’m not an engineer. The good news is the pier is salvageable and we do not need to replace it.
Food Truck/Vendor Program Update, Director of Parks and Recreation - The main focus of this discussion was to address food trucks on private property but it was also suggested that we create a season - April through September, and that we raise the fee from $750 to $1500 but still include free electricity (I believe it should be metered). The town has received a request for a multiple unit food court in the middle of town on private property and the request was for council to send to the planning commission. My concern is would we be opening up a can of worms by allowing food trucks on private property throughout the town of CB. The town attorney did clarify that the example of a truck currently on private property is not a violation because the truck is considered a current use under zoning as part of their brick-and-mortar restaurant. I did ask, does this mean that any restaurant in town could have a food truck in the parking lot and the answer was no because that would not be practical in most cases. I suggested if we are to allow on private property that it should be by conditional use permit only and the Mayor agreed on that point. Vote was 5-0 to send to the PC for review.
Parking Revenue Update, Town Manager - Parking revenues have steadily increased over the last 10+ years and last year we collected roughly $310,000. Last fiscal year we collected just under 5K in parking ticket fees in this year so far just under $11K, but we are still considering a license plate scanner for $36K. I would be curious to see how much it cost us to maintain our parking and enforcement. I’m not sure how reducing our downtown parking by about half will impact parking fees?
Town Council Committees, Councilmember Moncure - Tom suggested we may want to consider having committees to address some of the big topics in town like food trucks, infrastructure needs and outdated ordinances for example. He suggested that work sessions are not always the most effective way to handle complex topics and come up with a solution so these committees would address those items Two or three council members would hold these meetings and report back to council for feedback and for a final vote. It was decided that we would discuss this further at the September 27 council retreat.
Colonial Beach Commission Vacancy Announcements, Town Clerk - The commissions that are appointed by Colonial Beach town council are listed below with the number of vacancies.
Planning Commission (1), Board of Zoning Appeals (2), RHA (0), Parks and Recreation (0), Memorials Advisory Commission (0), and Tourism Advisory Council (9) it was suggested that we post vacancies three months in advance versus waiting until the actual vacancy arises and that we dissolve the tourism advisory council and memorial commission. Council seemed to agree with this request and it will be brought to the Regular meeting.
Economic Development Update, Director of Economic Development – We got a good update on all going on regarding business and government activities. I asked if she was helping with our economic development plan and she said yes.
PUBLIC HEARING - Town Attorney Ordinance No. 730, An ordinance to amend Chapter 14, Section 14-63 to change the months during which metered parking will be active to the first day of April through the first day of October (currently December)- One written testimony was submitted stating that we should charge for those months. The only concern I raised was the impact of special events but from what I hear a majority of people support the change. The town manager said we receive very little revenue between October and April so the loss should not be significant.
Ordinance No. 731, Approve the Sale and Conveyance of Town Owned Real Property to DDG (Dodson Development Group) Acquisitions, LLC (Phase III) - This vote was to finalize the sale of the property on the boardwalk between the pier and high tides as well as the property between the beach shop and the public bathrooms. I asked for the final sale price and the answer was $778k and $150k, after discounts we will net roughly $650k for the 2 properties. The Mayor gave a long explanation as to why prices and discounts have changed. I also asked if there were any issues considering the property was taken by eminent domain or condemnation and was told no title insurance company has cleared. The vote was 4-1 with me being the only No vote.
Public Works Liaison Update
Items discussed in addition to those listed above.
Developer responsibilities roads, sidewalks etc. - I’ve had several questions regarding what the town pays for infrastructure of developments so I asked during my meeting with the town manager and public works director. The answer was typically the developer is responsible for roads sidewalks and other infrastructure but anything that is required would be spelled out in the development agreement. Copies of these agreements can be found at the planning and zoning office.
Tap fees - as a follow-up to a previous counter discussion I asked the Public Works Director if there’s been an analysis on tap fees for sewer and water and if we were recovering all costs incurred. She will be doing additional research and get back to Council.
Sidewalks and right of ways - I have been contacted by numerous residents regarding the condition of our sidewalks so I asked for an update on this. Currently we are not sure what we have to work with regarding right of ways. I reported that some of our right of ways are very narrow and the current sidewalk width requirement is 5' with 4' granted by acceptance. Ms. Beyer suggested we do additional analysis. More to come.
CityWorks reminder - I reminded residents that we have a system to track work orders and if they had any concerns regarding public works, they could put in a work order through the towns website. An example would be potholes, drainage or any other non-emergency repairs.
Trash ordinance - during my ride along with the trash crew a couple months ago it was brought to my attention that our current trash ordinance is from the 1980s so I asked the Public Works Director if we could see about updating. Mr. Taylor from public works has been tasked to assist with this as it is one of his areas of expertise. The town will not be doing a trash can/tote public outreach until we have a new ordinance.
Please email or call with questions or comments:
dwilliams@colonialbeachva.net
540-604-4335
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