Town Council - Regular Meeting

order of business. We already held the public hearing on. So, if you would like to speak to that specific public hearing, it has its own sheet up there. So, you can either sign up for general public comment or specifically to that one topic. Um, we'd like to acknowledge the staff's work in preparation for this meeting. Their insights are invaluable to each topic of town business. We appreciate our town manager, Natasha Tucker, as we operate under the council manager form of government. She handles the daily operations and department administration, while our town council provides direction and authorizes policy in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and our town charter. While each council member has the ultimate responsibility to contribute and vote distinctly, the town council does work as a body. We are duly elected to serve responsibly and ethically the citizens of Colonial Beach. Participation of each member contributes to effective leadership. Collaboration is key to productivity and let's engage in constructive discussion open together for effective resolution. Finally, I used. And with that, I call the meeting of the town of Columbia Beach to order on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026. and I got 6:04 p.m. First up on the agenda is roll call of members. All members are present. I don't have any amendments to the agenda. Do we have a motion to approve the agenda as written?

So moved. Have a second. Second. All in favor say I. I. I. I. Any opposed? Okay. Next up is our consent agenda. We have meeting minutes from February 4th on it. Do I have a motion to the consent agenda? Do I have a second? Second. Is there any discussion? All right. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Okay. Next up is our council member liaison and commission reports. And I will start with Miss Grandstaff. Okay.

Can you hear me? Okay, good evening everyone. I will be reporting first on the economic um vitality side of things. Um there wasn't a meeting prior to our council meeting. The next one will be on March 10th. So currently they are working on the pre business preseason business mixer that will be held March 10th at Town Center. And this will be a collaborative effort between downtown Colonial Beach, Colona Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Committee as a way to just gear for the 2026 season and share ideas. On the tourism side of things, the tourism committee working under the town's economic development met on March 3rd to discuss implementation of the Colonial Beach and West Morland County, Virginia 250 heritage passport program. The program includes the Colonial Beach Museum as one of the seven participating sites throughout the county for application of a passport stamp. The committee also discussed the need to provide town council with a presentation and would like to do so at the March 18th meeting to kick off the 2026 tourism marketing campaign, Discover Colonial Beach. So, I'm sure we'll hear more on that as time draws near. That's it for me.

All right. Thank you, Miss Stanford. Yeah, that's fine. No problem. Mr. Alison,

good evening everybody. Uh the lean for public works. Uh we'll run through these just like we do every time. Uh infrastructure and utilities. Uh we have one water install. Uh six sewer backups that were cleared. They flushed approximately 4,000 ft of sanitary sewer main, installed a cleanout on Jefferson Avenue, checked and flushed manholes on First Street and Roosevelt Avenue, and flush sewer mains on 12th, 8th, and Sixth Streets. Something to note, we had zero water leaks and zero uh sewer installs. Now, moving on to our wastewater treatment plant. Uh they did continue maintenance and operational support for the wastewater treatment plant. They installed motor mounts and fabricated braces for the polymer pumps. Uh installing an access road from the wastewater treatment plant fence to tank for contractor valve replacement. Uh now moving on to our streets. Uh inspected storm drains clearing cleared cleaned storm drain inlets to restore flow. clean leaves and debris from ditches on Uklid, Livingston, Fourth Street, and Sixth Street, and continue recovery and cleanup from the snowstorms. Uh, general services began yard debris pickup throughout town. Removed water fountain at town hall and repaired the wall. Replaced roof on Wakefield and Cedar Pump Station. Repaired the fence along the bike path between Forest Avenue and 12th Street and fixed broken boards on the pier. And that's all I have. Thank you.

Sounds good, Mr. Wood.

Good evening, everyone. Um, most of the events are going to take place at the community center at 7:17 Marshall Avenue. So, uh, assume that's the location unless otherwise indicated. There's a functional fitness class Tuesdays from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Uh, that's going to be March 10th and 17th. Uh, a hatha yoga class um going to be Fridays from 10 to 11:00 a.m. That's March 6th and 13th. community board game night every second Tuesday 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Um, and on March 10th, you can come learn to play ma jang. Um, I'm not sure what ma jang is, but you can learn to play it. Maybe I should go. Uh, the coffee walks are every second Friday at 8:00 a.m. starts at Colonial Beat Buzz. Uh, March 13th. All are welcome. and the sip and stroll during second Friday art walks from 6:00 to 900 pm. Uh sip and stroll allows visitors to carry beverages from participating downtown businesses as they explore areas marked by sip and stroll signage. And March 13th is the first of the season and uh March 8th daylight savings time begins so we can start u doing more stuff and be able to be be able to see it while we're doing it. uh permits issued for the planning commission or plan development. Uh eight single family dwellings, uh one home addition, one renovation, one lot consolidation, two tree removals. There's going to be an average of 15 days from application to permit approval. Uh letters for the season's short-term rental permits will go out this month and a flyer will be enclosed in the business license application letter to remind all businesses of the signed ordinance. Enhancement enhanced enforcement will begin April 1st. Uh the planning

commission updated meeting agenda is a review of the comprehensive planning schedule. So um that's it for this week. Thanks

Mr. Larson. Good evening everybody. Um just a reminder I'm the uh leazison to both the finance team here with the town and the schools. And guess what? It's budget season. So both of those groups are heavily into planning their budgets. The uh the council has mostly had meetings already with the schools about their proposed budget. I think a couple of us haven't yet, but most everybody has. uh as always they put together a a very well uh organized presentation and made their case for the budget they're they're looking for us to ratify when we get to that point. Uh we're just starting the budget process uh uh with the town and uh we'll be meeting individually with the finance team uh to sort of get the uh the early sense of of how the budget's going to be and provide our priorities priorities dur during that process. Uh and over the next month and a half, you'll hear more about where we are with the budget. You'll hear the uh the school board budget will be um released, I think sometime in the next few weeks in by the end of March, I believe. So anyway, it's all about budget right now, both with the schools and with the town. And uh that's what we're leading into. That's it for me.

All right, Mr. Williams.

Good evening, everybody. Um, as public safety less on, I want to give you a few updates. Uh, let's see. I got a couple notes from town staff. Um, the Coney Beach Police Department is currently recruiting local youth for the Police Explorer program. The program is uh designated for youth age 14 to 20 who have an interest in learning about law enforcement. The police explorers have monthly meetings where the explorers get hands-on training in police work. They can ride along with the police officer to observe police activities firsthand. If you know somebody that might be interested in joining the police explorers, please have them contact Lieutenant Sard at the Coney Beach Police Department for an application. Um, the Coney Beach Police Department will be hosting the next monthly neighborhood watch meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. uh in the community room at the Colon Beach Police Department. The topic for this meeting for this um for March will be driving while under the influence enforcement. Um, and a couple other notes. Uh, as Lee's on, I went to my first uh neighborhood watch meeting uh last Thursday. Um the topic was investigative tools and so we we got a kind of an overview of the town structure. Um the Cing Beach Police Department does have an investigator on staff. Um and they stay quite busy. Uh some of the types of uh cases that they handle, we were told, were narcotics, firearms, arson, sex crimes, crimes against children, and cyber crimes. Um they also went over some of the tools and systems that they use in law enforcement. Um it and kind of described some of the safeguards in place for access and um and information to be in

secure. Um also at the budget meetings that Mr. Larson mentioned, I was at a school budget meeting and I asked about the crossing guards um because that's one of the topics that's been out in the public and um the school superintendent did did um confirm that the crossing guards are um trained by the Colonial Beach U School Resource Officer. So, they do have official training, but he did also mention that there's it's kind of a chaotic process. So, definitely something council, I guess, could keep in mind as they're doing their next budget. um process for the next year. And uh that's all I got for public safety. Thank you.

I'm gonna come back around to you, Miss Sanford. Excellent. All right. Um hopefully I won't echo too much of some of the other stuff people have already mentioned. Uh we do have it is budget season for the town and so um we have been going to uh the school to hear their budget and the town council will actually have a specific budget work session next Tuesday. So that's March 10th. It's at 6 o'clock at our regular uh meeting time. So if you want to sit through line items, sounds like a great Tuesday night, right? Um, and we've also been working on, I mean, the season's coming. You know, summer's coming quicker as the time changes. The vendor program is starting to unfold for this season. Um, I know the staff is working hard on trying to streamline that and improve it each year. uh the sand lot, the baseball field, t-ball field that was opened at the community center. Very exciting to say there are three different levels of um teams playing and practicing at that field this season. So, it's getting quite a bit of use. T-ball is there. We have a local Cloneu Beach T-ball team. Coaches pitch and our middle school team is all practicing on that field. So, um they were out there today and I wanted to join them, but I'm here with you guys. So happy to be here with you guys today. Um, no, it does look like fun and I'm

very excited for that. Uh, soon up in April is the Osprey Festival. Um, you'll see some more information on that by the end of the month and um, I wanted to bring up that April work session and if you guys want to add doing a put this under um, new business, we can do that. But April work session falls on the kids spring break week and I will be out of town and I know several staff members will also be out of town that have kids in school that week. We do have three meetings in March and so I wanted to get some input on if we would be open to uh cancelling the April work session in lie of the additional meetings in March that we have or do you want me to add it to new business? Any comment?

I'd say add it to new business. All right. Well, whoa. We can't

go. Okay. presentation and we are very joined with high school and also as All right. So, I'm going to introduce a little bit about this. Um the town of Columbia Beach has had an academic team or it's called Scholastic Bowl now uh for many many years and coach and teacher and drifter Veronica Reynolds has been heading the academic team's classic bowl team she says she admitted admits 26 years now. This is the first team that I'm aware of to make it all the way to the Virginia State competition. That is amazing. Not only were they regional champs, okay, so that's competing against all of our region here, but then they make it to states and they're placed third at

states. And you know, we're talking about all those Northern Virginia teams and Richmond and high dollar schools and all of that. I just could not be more proud of of Coach Reynolds, of every player on that Scholastic Bowl team. I mean, this is such a huge achievement for our the we're the smallest school in the entire state. To make it to third in states is incredible. And I hope you guys carry that with you. And so that's why we wanted to invite you and my mic keeps coming in and out um you know to recognize that and I have to say when I reached out to Miss Reynolds about I still call her Miss Reynolds because she was also my teacher and I can't stop that. So um but when I reached out to her when I knew you had won regionals and then were going to states and I said I gota I want to recognize you. This is even before you placed third at states. I mean, like, we it only got better, guys. Um, but I have to brag a little bit that your coach said back to me, it's not just that they're smart, they're amazing individual people. And that's the kind of students that we have at Columbia Beach High School is a team of amazing young adults. And if she recognizes that in you, I trust her because I know she will tell me the honest truth about something. She truly sees that in you. And that alone, I mean, she just made your heart swell. It made my heart swell to hear that about the team. And she really meant it collectively, the entire team. And so I just pass that forward because you know you don't always um maybe you don't always want to give yourself a pat on the back or the appreciation you deserve but this is a

moment that the town all can unite behind you and give you some recognition for that. And so I also want to just call on uh Coach Reynolds if she has anything to add or say about the team. Does that microphone work? I think so. Come on up. I can do the teacher voice, but it should be working. I think my mic is good now.

Check, check, check, check. Yes. Yes. Okay. Um, so thank you for that introduction. Um, yeah, it was a pretty amazing season. Um, we went completely undefeated in our district. Um I we decided to go in a payto-play tournament at VCU um because we actually only played against three other teams at the district level and I thought yeah we're winning but um so I took them to the VCU tournament kind of hoped that they would lose a game just so that they would know how to lose and how to come back because you know yourself that sometimes that's hard. Um they came in third place out of 27 schools at the VCU tournament and that included um Maggie Walker and some of those um more elite schools. Um we breezed through the regional tournament and then we breezed through the super regional tournament and found ourselves at states. Um and actually a fun little fact at the state tournament we played against three other teams. One of those teams went 0 and three. The other three teams, including us, all went two and one. So, kind of sort of we tied for first place. It's going to be my story. Um, unfortunately, when you're in that what they call the death tie, it comes down to points. Um, and we were there was a 60point spread, which kind of sounds like a lot, but that's actually six questions. there was a 60 point spread between first and third. Um and I will also mention that the first team at states um they named the top five scorers um one of them was an absolute beast

scored 440 points that day. Um number five scored 260 and we figured out later that our kalan scored 255. So, we were right there. But, um, pretty amazing. And I am going to Mayor Schick isn't going to like me very much. Um, we figured out how many years I've been coaching. Uh, and I don't know that she fully realizes it, but my first year of coaching was 2001, which was our dear mayor's freshman year and her first full year of playing on the Scholastic Bowl team. So, that's actually pretty cool that it came full circle tonight. So,

she I'm really excited. She'll also be happy to know that somehow she missed the team photo. Her name is in there, but there's she's not in the picture. Don't look at the photo in my class, though, cuz that one is very embarrassing. I'm very But you're beautiful with the little braid. Thank you. Yeah, but thank you very much.

I appreciate it. I just want to say we did not win nearly as much as you guys did, okay? We took a lot of losses and we had a really good time going to the dairy freeze by stands and just uh pretending like we hadn't lost or just, you know, trying to make it through the losses. So, I didn't get to experience the kind of amazing season that you guys did. Um, we kind of trudged through it. Your senior year was 0 and 10. Yeah, I went and looked. It was You don't have to say that out loud. It's not our fault, but it was a rough year. At least it wasn't King George football. Yeah, that's true. Yeah, you didn't have to say that part.

It's okay. She scored all the points. She just couldn't do it alone.

I couldn't do it alone. No. Um there was a team right before me though that um with that Ian Barney group and Steven Mother's Head that got pretty close and and you know and I really looked up to those kids. And so when I say that I was in eighth grade when that team happened, okay, you have eighth graders that are watching this and excited for being on the team when they get there, you know, and so just know you're passing that forward and influencing that. You don't know one of them or one of y'all might be mayor one day. So I I mean, seriously. So, you know, just think that that could be in your future. It doesn't pay well. I'll be honest. Um, but it is a wonderful, beautiful thing to do for your community. So, we have a proclamation. We also have some gifts for you guys. And so, I'm going to read the formal proclamation. And um, and then we'll take I'll take a group photo with the council as well. Okay. And then hopefully they'll post it in the newspaper for us.

I make no promises.

Okay. All right. Come on. All right. The proclamation reads, "Whereas the Columbia Beach Scholastic team under the leadership of coach Veronica Reynolds has demonstrated exceptional dedication, discipline, and teamwork throughout the competitive season. And whereas through countless hours of preparation, perseverance, and commitment to excellence, they achieved the distinguished honor of becoming super region 1A 1B champions. And whereas this remarkable accomplishment reflects not only academic excellence but also strong leadership character and competitive integrity. And whereas team members David Allen, Kalia Chamberlain, Cararissa Christensen, Troy Daly, Brennan Duke, Jack Ellington, Noah Foster, Eve Parker, Callen Meyer, Parker Melson, Bren, and Bren Murphy have represented Clono Beach High School and the town of Coney Beach with pride and distinction. And whereas the achievements of the Scholastic team exemplify the values of hard work, unity, and determination that strengthen our schools and our town. Now, therefore, be a proclaimed that the town council of Colonial Beach, Virginia, hereby recognizes and congratulates the Colonial Beach High School Scholastic team for winning super region 1A1B champions and commends them for their extraordinary accomplishment and service as ambassadors of our community. and witness thereof, we here in two set our hands and cause the seal of town Clay Beach to be a fixed this day. And we have all signed it. And so, um, hopefully Mr. Lush, Principal Lush, that's back there also cheering you guys on, um, we can get you a copy for the new, uh, you know, recognition and awards, get you guys up there with some of our other teams. Um and you know and you'll come back to the school years

later and you'll you know look back on that and you'll have that moment to be so proud of. So we are proud of you and one more round of applause for our SCHOLASTIC QUESTION. Come on. All you in there.

It's like hurting cats. Alrighty. Don't get down in front. Squeeze in.

All right, beautiful people. Smile or else. Congratulations, guys. We have a couple of There we go.

Okay, here we go. Oh, here I have the frame. All right, everybody.

I think they put some humility in the bag. Oh, I know. Yeah, you're right. Right. You can take the humble like me.

Yeah. I thought there was a lot that you gave her. They're only working if it's over to the left or over to the right a little bit. They're not working if they're in the center. Isn't that weird? Yeah. Yeah. I just

I'm gonna start Okay, we got uh we have two um significant proclamations to read and then we'll have scouting America. You guys be up next. Okay, the first one is for Women's History Month. Whereas Women's History Month is celebrated annually during the month of March to recognize and honor the countless contributions women have made to our nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the town of Columbia Beach. And whereas women of every race, class, and background have strengthened Colonial Beach through leadership in local government, education, public safety, business, civic organizations, faith communities, and volunteer service. And whereas women have played a vital role in preserving the history, culture, and waterfront heritage of Plon Beach while shaping its future growth and prosperity. And whereas women serve as elected officials, municipal employees, entrepreneurs, educators, health care professionals, first responders, military service members, caregivers, and community advocates who contribute daily to the safety, economic vitality, and the quality of life in our town. And whereas the town council of Columbia Beach recognizes the resilience, leadership, and dedication of the women who have helped build our community and continue to inspire future generations. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the town council of the town of Columbia Beach hereby proclaims March 2026 as Women's History Month in the town of Columbia Beach and encourages all residents to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in our community throughout the month. All right, next one up is National Procurement Month. We started doing this with um when Natasha became town manager. Do you remember that Natasha? You she introduced this and it's a part of um her background and um professional

experience as well. But I uh I think it's a wonderful addition. So this is also procurement month. Uh whereas public procurement professionals play a vital role in ensuring that the town of Columbia Beach conducts business in a fair, transparent, ethical, and fiscally responsible manner. And whereas procurement professionals are responsible for securing the goods, services and construction necessary to support essential municipal operations, including public safety, public works, utilities, parks and recreation, and administrative services. And whereas through sound procurement practices, the town safeguards taxpayer dollars, promotes competition, supports local and small businesses, and maintains compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. And whereas the dedication, expertise, and integrity of procurement professionals contribute significantly to the effective delivery of services and the overall success of local government operations. And whereas March is nationally recognized as procurement month, providing an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important contributions of procurement professionals in public service. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the town of Columbia Beach of the town of Virginia does hereby proclaim March 2026 also as procurement month in the town of Columbia Beach and encourages all residents to recognize valuable contributions of procurement professionals who work diligently to serve our community. And I'll just say most of them are women. So women in procurement month seems to go hand in hand here in the town of Columbia Beach. All right, Aiden, come on up. You want to introduce us to who you're with here?

So, I am Oh, wait. Bring the mic like towards your Yeah. Thank you.

I am Aiden Ry, the senior patrol leader of Juke 1404. And this is Max Cook, one of our assistant patrol leaders of Troop 1404. 21404 is in King George, Virginia. And back in January, the town of Colonial Beach, especially the public works department, hosted my troop for a day for merit badges and our court of honor. It was a cold and rainy day, but we had a great time learning about first aid and woodwork work. We then had our court of honor where we celebrate our last six months of a achievements as individual scouts and as a troop. The town was so supportive of us. Several members of public works dedicated their own time to teach us about some of their special skills in first aid and word working. All came all that came for the merit badge portion. We're able to get a strong start on first aid maradge and a eagle requirement or eagle requirement which is our highest rank and complete the woodworking merit badge with supplies gracefully don donated by Ace Hardware. the woodworking mayor or additionally two town restaurants Lenny's and Pier 909 donated their awesome food for breakfast and lunch. Uh Colonial Beach was so receptive to us and we truly appreciate everyone who donated their time, talents, and supplies to this event from the entire troop of 1404. Thank you.

Thank you. I think you should earn a merit badge just for getting up to the podium and presenting to the town.

Chris, you think we they can get a merit badge for that? I think that public speaking. Unfortunately, I don't know. So, he actually did get a merit badge for coming to one of the last town council meetings. It was citizenship in the community. I remember. So, he actually got to get a merit badge because of his attendance to here. You need to get an extra star on that merit badge. Yeah, you need to get him a merit badge for that Christmas display in your front yard, too.

He's not wrong. Um, thank you so much. I'm so glad both of you could be here tonight and to thank the public works for their generosity and working with you all. That's wonderful to hear and keep doing great things in our community. I know the Eagle Scout status is coveted and hard to go for and you guys get special projects assigned um you know that you get to work on to do that. And I've worked with uh we've had Eagle Scouts do everything from a kayak launch at James Monroe's birthplace to different little uh projects in town and things like that. And so I know you guys are going to do great things um from you know if you're on that path to do that you're going to make an impact in this community. And so we appreciate you and all you're doing. Thank you. Moving forward, next up is public comment. This is general public comment. So this is the sheet that um doesn't have the cup on the top of it. You already picked up the sheet. Okay. So during all public comments or hearings, we do ask that certain guidelines be followed. Uh, please stand at the podium and for the record, please state your name and address. If you'd like to be contacted, please provide your contact information to the clerk. That's what the sheet is for. So, fill it out if you need be. Make your comments to the council as a whole. Be brief. State your position and provide facts. And you may provide written statements or any supporting materials to the clerk and she'll distribute it to the rest of town council and the town manager. Debate is prohibited and followup on comments is provided by the town manager. Speak clearly as we do want to hear what you have to say and the council will try to hear everyone who wishes to speak on any subject and comments are limited to five minutes. Time cannot be transferred to another speaker. If you represent a group, you may wish to identify the other members of your group who are in attendance. And after public comment is closed, I encourage you stay as the

council engages in dialogue and deliberation on further items. So with that, we will open up general public comment. Is there anyone signed up? Uh, Eric Nelson. Welcome.

Madame Mayor, council, good evening. I'm Eric Nelson. I live at 1321 Lawing Avenue. Uh, I'm very happy to be here uh to speak with you this evening about some things related to downtown Colonial Beach. I think all of you know I'm the president of downtown Colonial Beach and we have been receiving some very good news recently that I thought I would share at least some of it with you. Um, one of the things that happened very recently is that uh, you recall that Thomas Ruff came and and gave a report um, presentation last or I guess it was in December on the study that they had done for us and uh, he was um, he thought that the study was the the the uh, document was so good that he thought he would uh, present it or uh, send it to the American Planning Association of Virginia to see if they could accept it for um a presentation to be done at their annual conference and we learned that it was accepted and that there will be a presentation on that uh on that document at the upcoming meeting in July. So what this means is that um we are now considered like a poster child for uh these kinds of activities. So we we deserve kind of a pat on the back all of us for all of the work that that went into that and the implementation of that. Um, another piece of good news that we received was we had a meeting yesterday with our mentor Kyle Meyer. Um, and um, a year ago I told you that we had received the recognition from the Virginia Main Street that we were uh, considered a full Main Street program from Virginia. Uh but I also mentioned at the time that we needed to then get um our uh accreditation from Main Street America, the national program. And yesterday we heard from Kyle Meyer that um that they have recommended, Virginia Main Street has recommended to uh Main

Street America that we get accepted for that final uh accreditation by Main Street America. um that is likely to happen but the formal announcement by Main Street America will not happen until April but we are anticipating uh some good news and that um is a huge step in our in a great direction for us. So um it's it really is a testament to all the hard work that the downtown Colony Beach and the count and the the town has been doing together working together to accomplish a lot of really important goals. Um, and speaking about important goals, another thing I want to tell you about is, um, in the last two years, uh, downtown Coney Beach has has organized, um, a, uh, fundraiser that was, uh, in connection with Marty Gro. Um, this year that didn't work out because uh, some of us who were on the board were um, unfortunately away on a cruise in the Caribbean. So, uh, we had to do that instead of doing the fundraiser. Uh so we what we've decided to do instead is to do a derby party, Kentucky Derby party. Uh so mark your calendars, save the date. It's May 2nd. It's going to be on Town Hill and it's going to be a lot of fun. So that is going to be our principal fundraiser for the year. And uh I look forward to seeing all of you there with your um your derby hats on. And there's going to be competitions and games and all that kind of stuff. So anyway, some good news to share with you about downtown Colonia Beach and thank you for listening.

Thank you.

Would anybody else like to come up during public comment? All right, we'll keep moving along and close public comment. I got 6:45 p.m. Next up on our list is ordinance 776. This is the communications facility, the cell tower. And Miss Lawrence, you want to go ahead and read us in to where we're at now because I think you were going to come back with some more information. Can you go back up to the front the top of this presentation? Thank you. Next. Thank you. As you recall, um well, let me just start with the sides. Uh town staff is very dedicated to protecting the town's interest in relation to community development. As this process for the uh telecommunications facilities has moved forward, it has become apparent that there is need for additional regulations and standards related to telecommunications facilities. Next. So, the staff is now, we said at the end of the public hearing and the end of your last meeting that we would come back with a recommendation um tonight as to what we wanted to do, whether we would bring back a policy or send it back to planning commission because we did advertise. It's just everything's going crazy today. because we did um advertise a height limit of 100 feet and we know that some people would like planning commission to reconsider that as well as um adding some stronger regulations or policy that would be codified. We are now suggesting that um

that the zoning text amendments related to telecommunication facilities in the C1 general commercial district to include supplemental regulations andor policies go back to planning commission and allow at the same time the conditional use permit application to proceed concurrently. That will give you a better idea of what the individual project is. Normally, we try to separate the text amendment because you need to look at the big picture and the overall impact it will have on the community, but I know there are some very specific questions. I do want to back up and apologize that um last week when somebody asked why the applicant wasn't here, we had always through planning commission and staff through the whole process have said we wanted to keep the text amendment separately. Originally when we invited the applicant they um agreed with us. They did at the last uh the day of the meeting offered to come and we at that time determined it was best not to and I did not probably portray that in the right way last time. So um it was a it was our decision ultimately um and I wanted to clarify that. So, the staff does request if we if we send it because we're sending it back, we are requesting also that a joint public hearing be held with planning commission and town council if that is possible. Next, so I just wanted to give you a timeline. Um, on March 4th, the town council authorized a public hear Oh, I'm sorry. The proposed timeline going forward would be that town council authorize a public hearing with planning commission and town council, a joint public hearing to be held. This was originally prior to April 9th, but I understand that you may be um cancelling your work session for April. So, um if that's the case in a later slide, I have changed that a little bit. March 12th, we will take it to planning commission if you send it back today and we will discuss the zoning text amendments which will

include some kind of regulations or recommendations and the cup if that's what council agrees to tonight. at a date to be determined. We'll have a joint public hearing um again to look at the permitted use and see one with a cup supplemental regulations and or policies the conditional use permit application. The possible dates would include a special meeting. I know it's budget season and that's probably not going to happen. um uh if council would entertain the idea of attending the beginning of the planning commission meeting on April 9th or um perhaps doing a joint public hearing at the beginning of the town council meeting on April 15th. Um once the public hearing is done, it'll go back to planning commission the next planning commission meeting and they will make recommendations on all the matters. Of course, the cup would be contingent on town council approving uh the zoning text amendments. And then town council would receive the planning commission report and recommendation at their next meeting. Next, I just want to give you a little Did we skip a page? Oh, nope. Sorry. Go back. Sorry. Um, so to let you know when it does come back to you, the proposed zoning text amendment, the supplemental regulations and policies in the cup, when they come back to you, we will include some more information on the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requirements. We have defined a smaller area appropriate for such facilities and we have a GIS overlay for that. We will discuss the water tower constraints, the height considerations and the effect on the service areas. The client has given us some um information on that and um the types of service being provided. Next um the supplemental regulations and

standards and our locality doesn't do supplemental regulations in our code um but other localities do. And what they would include or a policy would include are structural requirements, height limitations, lighting and illumination, collocation standards, um setbacks, advertising prohibit prohibition, security issues, landscaping and screening, removal of abandoned, unsafe or unused facilities, and then there will be a section with additional requirements related specifically to what cup applications could include in addition to the supplemental regulations. Next. So, staff re recommends a referral as I said back. Before we get to that, I just want to make sure and I don't know what happened to the slide, but um this I wanted to back up with the applicant. They submitted a letter to us in late October after some discussions requesting the zoning text amendment. Um our code says that planning commission or council must initiate those zoning text amendments. So they did request that we initiate that in October. Um planning commission heard about it in November. They authorized the public hearing in December. They held the public hearing in January and then you had the public hearing in February. The applicant has asked because of this lengthy process that we do the joint public hearing and that we look concurrently at the cup. So staff rem recommends a referral back to planning commission, but we also recommend a joint public hearing with the planning commission and town council if you so desire. Okay. All right. So what does council think about picking a date for a joint? Well, first let's put let's say is there a motion to put it back to the planning commission? Let's just handle that.

So moved. Okay. Is there a second to that? Okay. All right. So, is there discussion on just the fact that the staff's recommending to take it back to the planning commission, just that piece of it? Yes, Mr. Williams.

So, it's going back to the planning commission and they're going to discuss um more potential regulations, restrictions, and things of that nature like as holistically. I'm just I'm wondering that's loud. I'm just wondering if this is specifically related to the joint meeting, but so we're sending it back to them and so there there could be a lot of discussion. They could be talking about how they want to res put restrictions on the process, where they may want to allow them, take public input, um, and all that. And so are you suggesting we do they do all that and we sit there with them and we also have the applicant present and then so we're voting on the potential regulations and restrictions and the same night voting to approve a cup. So the the order here would be that you do the joint public hearings

with three public hearing sections but all on the same night but then it get referred back to planning commission. No decision is made the night of the public hearings. It gets referred back to planning commission. So they'll study it next week's meeting and then they'll vote on it a recommendation in April and then you would get it later in April or May according to that. So, you would not be voting the first time you see it or you hear public input. You would have time to digest that information and see what planning commission does. Um, all right. Thanks. Appreciate that. Mr. Wood,

you had mentioned something about um piggybacking on the next uh planning commission meeting for um the joint meeting. Um are we going to be ready for prime time that quickly? Not next week, the April meeting. Okay. Okay. I'm sorry. Next week, planning commission will they'll get a memo tonight saying that it's getting referred back to them and then um I'll discuss it with them. We do have some reg some draft regulations. Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, for the motion to refer back to the planning commission, is there any further discussion on that motion? All right. All in favor say I.

I. Any opposed to that? Okay. So, I think you have direction there. So, now we'll take up the question of um whether to do a joint meeting at the beginning of the planning commission's meeting which would be April 9th and that would be consecutive then joint public hearings. We would then take up final action at the subsequent regular council meeting is my assumption to that timeline. the second. Yes, the meeting. Yes, the regular meeting in April if you feel like you can. If not, it would be early May.

I say this because it does take um staff time and effort to do a joint meeting. Heather has to advertise certain ways and they have to coordinate things. So, if we want to take them up, we kind of need to let them know in enough heads up time to coordinate all that. Or if we don't want to, somebody's got to say something. No. Um, I would recommend I would move that we do it on the April 9th meeting on the April 9th date. Okay. So, there's a motion on the table and then we can Is there a second to that? Second.

Okay. All right. Let's discuss that. The April 9th date. I uh I'm looking at my calendar. I can do it. I don't know how everybody else's availability is.

Yes, M. Williams. I'm just wondering or or thinking out loud it if we scheduled that even if everybody wasn't able to make it if we could at least make sure that the recording was available for all council members since we're not taking any action in that particular meeting. Um we're not making any decisions. So we as long as we all have the information. I'm just I'm just thinking because I don't really have my calendar in front of me. So if we did make that um situation at least we would know that we'll have all the information. We can even pass along potential questions, I guess, for that meeting if if we're not able to make it. Well, all meetings are recorded, so we would all have access to it. Yeah. So, I think

I would beg to differ with that. Go online, try to find some of these meetings sometimes. Yeah. I think uh so the 9th and then we would be expecting it on our regular meeting the 15th for followup. That's kind of the understanding I'm thinking about. Um, is there any other discussion or objection to the ninth holding the joint public hearings on the 9th? I'm not hearing any. All in favor of that? I I I. Any opposed to that? All right. I think we go. We're on a go then. Join public hearings on the 9th. I know they've been waiting six months already.

Is there a time for that? Oh, it's six o'clock is the That was another question. Six o'clock is a planning commission meeting. We could advertise at a special time separately, a joint meeting, but or we can do the six o'clock because sometimes we do it like beginning and then we let them finish their meeting. I would say the first thing. Yep. Yeah. Right. We will be because when we do a joint meeting, we will go into session. They will go into session. We will close our session. They can continue their session. That's fine. But yeah, we're going to start at 6. That is fine. They don't do all the same stuff you do to start a meeting. So that will be We won't do all that at this. You know, we'll cut to the chase. Sure. Okay. Okay. Thank you very much.

Wait, Mr. William. So that's a just that's a just a joint meeting. It's not actually public hearing. It's a joint public hearing. It's not You guys won't be meeting other than to to hear the public hearing and and ask questions at that. Okay. Thank you. You won't be making any decisions or taking any action. The commission planning commission will the planning commission will continue their meeting afterwards so that they can get you a recommendation. Okay. Thank you. All right. I think that's it on that, right? All right. Moving forward to the cup. Um Miss, you want to are you reading us in on this one?

Okay. and then we will do the public hearing. Madame Mayor, members of council, Miss Tucker, I'm Darla or Odum and I'm here um helping the town work with the planning and zoning department. You have a public hearing this evening. Um, it's a conditional use permit request, cup 2601 by Executive Properties LLC. They are requesting approval of a conditional use to allow a commercial and residential mixuse in a commercial residential zoning district. Next slide, please. The um in each zoning district there are certain uses that are permitted by right. In other words, if you meet the requirements of the ordinance like setbacks and any other regulations, you can um obtain a zoning permit and proceed with that use. There in the ordinance, there also are conditional uses and those are uses that are require some additional consideration uh through a public hearing process to determine whether or not those uses as they're proposed are um appropriate for a given area. And the zoning ordinance provides guidance on those conditional uses. Um the zoning ordinance says that the uses that need a cup approval are those that have unique circumstances or standards about them. They're unique uses that don't fit necessarily exactly with the rest of the uses in the district. And so that's why there's some special consideration given. The ordinance says that um uses are generally compatible with other land uses in a permitted zoning district, but because of their unique characteristic or potential impact um on the surrounding neighborhood or the town, they do

require individual consideration of their design configuration and operation at a particular location. Um, so this is a consideration that's before you tonight in looking at in the commercial residential zoning district, the residential commercial mixeduse requires consideration of a conditional use permit. Um, the ordinance also provides guidance for you relative to your consideration. And it says that cups shall be granted provided the governing body finds that the use will not affect the health and safety of persons residing or working in the area. it that the use would not be detrimental to public welfare, injurous or incompatible with property or improvements in the area, and that you would find that the use not be in conflict with the purposes of the town's comprehensive plan. The subject property is identified here on the slide um with the little sign that says subject property here. Um, it is.34 acres and it fronts the west line of Washington Avenue, the north line of Hawthorne Street, and it's located right across the street here, right outside the wall. Um, it is also uh in the northwest corner of the intersection of Hawthorne Street, Washington Avenue, and it is across from Orchid Thai and across from the town center as I stated. Next slide, please. This is um the zoning map for this area. The subject property is identified on the screen. Properties to the north, south, and west of the subject property are shown in yellow here. And they are zoned commercial residential CR, just like the subject property. Properties to the east are zoned resort commercial RC. And the property um that we're

discussing this evening is identified as lot 8, block 79 of map 3A22. Next slide, please. This is uh looking north along Washington Avenue from Hawthorne. The subject property is on the left side of the screen. It is a vacant grass property that you see there. Um it's directly across from Orchet Thai as we discussed. Next slide. This is a rendering that is also looking in the same direction from the picture that I just showed you. Um, it's looking north along Washington. It shows the proposed mixeduse building and along the streetscape and how that would look based on the renderings that they had provided by their architect. Um it interestingly in this rendering it also shows some upper uh story housing at the Orchid Thai building across the street. So that's something perhaps to consider as well. But I thought that this was really good to show you what you would be expecting when the development if the development does go through. Um the subject property next slide. The subject property is also identified here. It's shown sort of in this lightish blue color. The subject property is located in the area designated as a historic resort commercial district by the town's comprehensive plan and future land use map. The plan provides that the historic resort commercial district is the area located in the central area and encompassing all of the parcels along Washington Avenue areas to the boardwalk and a smaller section of Colonial Avenue. As you see in the map here, the future land uses in this area intended to provide recreational and business opportunities designed to foster tourism. Mixed development with commercial and residential uses is recognized as being something that

should be permitted to preserve the historic integrity of the area. The plan identifies that the area has always had a wide range of land uses and is recognized as the historic commercial area of the town. The plan states that this area is appropriate for residential and commercial mixed use and that with new investments in the area, efforts are ongoing to target this area for continued revitalization and as a key focus of economic development. Next slide, please. This is um a portion of the conceptual plan that the applicants have provided. The applicant does intend to develop the property in substantial compliance with this conceptual plan. Um and it's in attachment B of your staff report. um they propose uh four secondstory multif family residential units um in the up second floor and then on the first floor they propose um the commercial uses which is about 5,300 square ft. The upper story um multif family units would have balconies overlooking Washington Avenue. The applicants have indicated um that they intend for these units to be long-term rentals and that the first floor would be for commercial and retail use. The ordinance is required to meet the parking requirements of article 13. These are the amended revisions to the parking ordinance in article 13 that town council approved in December of last year. Um, they are showing here 12 plus on-site spaces. And I say plus, there are 12 that are shown here, but these are shown as standard spaces. The ordinance allows. So, there may be a few more spaces depending upon if they designate any of them compact or golf cart parking, but they're not showing

that on their plan as of now. They um are allowed to have on and off-site spaces for their proposed uses. Um there is if you look at the frontage they have along Washington and along Horth Hawthorne there um should be able to fit 10 or 11 spaces there. So that's about 22 spaces right at the site. Um that would be available for those. Uh the applicant indicated that the multif family units would be one or two bedrooms. The ordinance um allows when it's a mixeduse situation like this, residential and commercial, that the um provision be made of 0.5 space per bedroom in the unit. And so that's in your current ordinance and that is because it's located with the commercial use. So there is a offset in some instances of when most spaces would be used for the residents and then the other spaces used more during the day for the commercial uses that are on the first floor. Uh also your current ordinance um does also allow or consider the uses and we'd have to look at the use when it comes in to actually occupy the first floor the commercial or retail or commercial use. But oftentimes those uses are transitory and the ordinance um allows you to count spaces within 600 feet of the site for transitory parking. So there are plenty of parking spaces along Washington Avenue. There's also the mun municipal lot which is behind us over there. Um and so they are providing um pub public utilities and the site development. If you look at the site, they will be closing these entrances. There's some existing curb cuts of property across the street, but they're going to be

closing those and so they would allow for the parking. Um, yeah, next slide, please. This is just a closer look at the actual renderings that they've submitted with the application. There is a packet of um that shows some elevations, these renderings as well as a couple of other options in the applicant's narrative. But the conditions with the case um which are in your report under attachment A say that the development will be um substantially in accord with the conceptual plan we looked at but they also would be in compliance with the renderings this being one of them of the case itself. Um and then the condition goes on to guarantee some things about this elevation. um and that is that they would have glass storefronts as you see here. They would also have balconies and the conditions also guarantee that there will be certain facade materials that are permitted and other um materials and that they would have a higher architectural quality along the front and on the Hawthorne side, but also on the northern side of the building, the Washington where you can see it from Washington Avenue, that will also be um a higher quality. And so they've agreed with these conditions as recommended by staff. They will have um a combination of masonry and hardy plank materials which are quality materials that they would use. Um they will arrange the materials to accent the pedestrian character of the first floor. Um break up the mass of the building and avoid monotonous building sides. The exact design and materials of course will be approved by the uh director of planning

and community development at the time of site plan review. Next slide please. So I we talked um right then about the conditions relative to architectural building materials. There's also a um condition that deals with the conceptual site plan layout which it will be compatible with that plan that we talked about. But there also is um a condition condition three which allows them in lie of street trees at this point because of the overhead power lines. It allows them to have uh decorative planters that they're going to use out front in lie of street trees but still provide that vegetation that gives that you know pedestrian scale and that improves the visibility along the property frontage. Next slide. So, uh, following the planning commission's public hearing on January the 29th, they voted unanimously to recommend approval of this case to you. Staff also recommends approval of this request. Um, subject to the conditions, the three conditions in the report. As conditioned, the use complies with the plan to provide business opportunities and residential and commercial mixuse in the historic resort commercial district. The building's design includes quality materials and would preserve the historic integrity of the downtown area. The use will not adversely impact or be detrimental or injurous to persons or area properties. And the development will enhance the main street quarter and the business district. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Okay, before we open up for council discussion, let's hold the public hearing.

Um, same rules as I discussed for general public comment. Uh, we will open the public hearing for resolution 15-26, conditional use permit 26-01. I got I think that's 713. My screen is super wonky up here and I it is a hot mess right now. So, um it's actually more distracting than like helpful. So, I'm just gonna put it down.

Yeah. Um so, with that, I'm going to open the public hearing officially uh now. And is there anyone signed up for this public hearing? Welcome. Okay. He might Do you want to speak at public comment or you want to speak first? I think we can just hold the public comment honestly and then we can have the applicant speak. Okay. Yeah. Come on.

Good evening again. Um I'm continuing to wear my downtown Colonial Beach hat right now. Um and uh this uh proposed development is exactly the kind of activity and the kind of development that downtown Colonial Beach supports. It is um in downtown Columbia Beach. First of all, you should know that uh the footprint that we are focused on includes this building. So our footprint downtown Colon Beach's footprint includes uh all of Colonial Washington Avenue um all the way to the beach and boundary. So that's those are the boundaries that we are are mostly focused on. So this fits completely into our footprint and this is uh uh exactly as I said that the kind of development that we would like to see in this area. It um Miss ODM said exactly what part of what I was going to say which is that this is completely consistent and supports the the town's comprehensive plan and the use for this kind of space in this area. Uh the you it's quite clear that the um applicant has uh been very sensitive to the the the uh the exterior look of the building in terms of it being consistent with um the kinds of development that it the character of the town. Um in fact you probably have recall that you have seen these pictures before. These were prepared or at least this is uh based on uh on uh renderings that were done by Jackie Stewart quite a number of years ago um that were used and I think adapted and adopted by uh downtown Colonial Beach as our vision for the future. Um so the count the uh applicant has been very deliberate and conscious in looking at um ways to to uh to maintain the character of the of the uh town of this area the historic elements of this area. Um and also as

Miss Odum said this is the core this area over here Hawthorne and Washington have been historically the core uh commercial area. Uh right now this this empty lot does nothing to contribute to that um to business activity. Um so this development proposed development would assist significantly in generating business and and activity in this in this corridor area. So for all of those reasons um downtown Coney Beach supports this this effort and hopes that you will uh approve it. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anyone else signed up for the public hearing? Would anyone else like to speak on the public hearing? You're the applicant, so I'm going to wait. Is there anybody else for the public hearing first? Okay. I will close the public hearing at 7:21. And um Mr. Mr. Wildman, you're welcome to give us a little intro, keep it brief, and then we will open it up for discussion and stay there so that in case we have additional questions. Okay.

Absolutely. Uh well, good evening, mayor and members members of council. For the record, my name is Daniel Wildman. I'm representing executive properties here uh at the town council for a thoughtfully designed two-story mixeduse building located at 110 Washington Avenue. Uh as Miss ODM said, right next door here. Uh the project uh directly supports the vision of Colonial Beach comprehensive plan by strengthening the Washington Avenue corridor as a vibrant walkable mixeduse destination. Our proposal includes two groundf flooror commercial spaces designed for retail office or service type businesses and four residentials units above. Uh the combination brings daytime activity, evening presence and a long-term investment to our downtown corridor. This is a smart infill development. Rather than expanding outward in town, we're actually reinvesting in an existing lot where infrastructure already exists. The scale is modest and appropriate for the area with street facing storefronts to encourage it to encourage pedestrian engagement. Separate residential entrances for privacy and screened areas in ADA access uh ADA compliant access. Parking is accessed from Hawthorne Street to reduce congestion along Washington Avenue and the number of residential units is small enough that it has minimal impact to the schools, utilities, and public safety uh public safety parts of town. Economically, this project creates opportunities for small businesses, generates additional tax revenue, and increases housing supply in the very area where walkability and proximity to other services and amenities are the strongest. Environmentally, it complies with storm water regulations and promotes sustainability land use within the town limits. In short, this proposal aligns with your adopted planning goals,

enhances the neighborhood character, and activates a prominent downtown corner in a very responsible way. For these reasons, we respectfully ask for your approval of the conditional use permit. We're excited for this project and what we can do for the downtown area, and we ask for your approval. Thank you. All right. Having held the public hearing, do we want to open up a motion and then we can entertain discussion on that? So moved for approval. Is there a second to that? Second. Okay. Any discussion? Yes, Mr. Williams.

Just a couple of quick things. Um, I know when we did the boardwalk property for Dodson, um, they asked for a a residential unit on the bottom floor to, um, I guess bypass elevators. Is there any requirement for elevator in this situation or is it because it's only for residential units that it's not required? Okay. And then other question um for the curb cutouts uh who's responsible for removing those or are they staying and just because I know one of the connectivity um recommendations was to start getting rid of those. So um would be getting rid of those or just leaving them there? And if so, who would be responsible for removing them?

We plan on cutting them out and replacing with the curbing alongside there. Okay. Right. Thank you. Any other discussion? I'll do a roll call vote. This is a formal proceeding for a cop permit. Grand staff I Sanford I. Allison I Wood I Larson I Williams I and I enthusiastically say I. This is incredible, fantastic. We can't wait. perfect for the town and we don't need to keep saying all the things that Darla already said. So, we're excited. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Oh, yeah. You have a ETA on I mean provided permitting doesn't take too long. Uh well, it's kind of like putting the cart before the horse. We haven't even uh put it out for mechanicals and architecture. That's our next step next week to start in that process. Mike, if it was a rough guess, I don't even know that we'll be moving dirt by the end of the summer. I mean, just because the process of permitting and architecturals and mechanicals and bids and all that. So, we're hoping this year to start maybe at the end of the year, but um we'll see. Okay. Yeah, we want to get going as quick as we can, however we could do it. So, yeah, that seems pretty reasonable. Okay.

Thank you. All right. We did add in the Nixon the or discussion to Nyx the April work session and now we've added April planning commission joint. How do you guys feel about that? Do you want to bring it back to the next council meeting or can we make a decision so some of the staff can also plan there? I'm going on vacation whether you do it or not. So, uh but I'm just saying what do we want? Are you suggesting maybe we look at our calendars and and decide next meeting whether we want to do it or we can do that or we can just nix it right now. It's up to the council. However you'd like to proceed. How long does Heather need for advertisement for cancelling?

Uh no for the joint Oh, never mind. I'm thinking really he added a joint meeting. I'm talking about canceling. Oh, you're talking about cancel. It would be April 1st is the meeting. It's the work session meeting that month. Staff Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, I was just going to say if staff's doesn't need that meeting, like if it's not, you know, urgent that they, you know, do it, then I'm okay with canceling. Natasha, how do you feel about are we are we interrupting your I know Heather's got a forward tracker. You got anything that's going to be problematic? Okay. Not for the work session. It would actually give us much time to work on the budget. Okay. Any other Well, we can't have that. Yeah.

Yeah. Don't do that. Let's do a monkey wrench into that. Mr. Wood, I saw your hand up. I'm sorry. No, I'm just I'm all for nixing the April 1st date. Okay, I'll second that. Second that. All right, that seems to be a motion on the table now. That has a second. Any other discussion on nixing it? All right. All in favor of nixing the April work session, say I. I. Any opposed?

Alrighty. Heather, you got that down? Okay. All right. Next up, we'll go into closed meeting. Mr. Wood, I move that the town council of the town of Coney Beach, Virginia, convene in closed meeting for the following purposes and to discuss the following subjects, all of which are exempt from Virginia law from public meeting requirements as indicated. Namely, pursuant to Virginia code section 2.2-3711A7 2-3711A7 for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation where such consultation or briefing and open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the town council pursuant to Virginia code 2.2-3711A88 2-3711A88 for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel retained by the town council regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such council. And with that we will be in close meeting. I'm going to five minutes restroom break and then we'll go back there. Okay guys. Okay.

chair stuck on something. I'm just going to do it standing up. All right. Is there a motion to reconvene an open meeting? So moved. I need a second. All in favor? Is there a motion to certify that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting were convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by council. So moved. There second. Second. Okay. Now I need each roll calls. ISO certified. ISO certified. ISO certified. Certified. ISO certified.

ISO certify. And with that, we will adjourn at 8:36 p.m.