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I am gonna call to order the rescheduled regular town council meeting

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for monday, february 2nd order. And we're gonna start off

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with our pledge of allegiance, being led by vice mayor by

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I pledge allegiance, allegiance to the flag of the united states of america,

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and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under

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god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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silence before three, but we didn't. So clap for a moment of silence before

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we start

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mr. Pressley. We'll do our roll call. Mayor cockrell. Here. Vice mayor

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mayoral. Here. Councilwoman de demon payne. Here. Councilman ingram? Here.

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councilman rappaport? Here. Councilman ock. Here. Councilman woods here.

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thank you everybody for being, uh, flexible and joining us in this

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space for our, uh, uh, rescheduled meeting.

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the weather. It was quite fine last week. Uh, the first

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item for council's, uh, purview is approval of

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minutes. Do I hear a motion? Madam mayor, I move that. Council approved

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the minutes of december 8th, 2025. Regular meeting

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work session. January 5th, 2026, work session.

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and january 12th, 2026. Work session

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as presented. Second. Second. Okay. There's a motion to second. Any discussion?

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okay. Roll call. Councilman wood? Yes. Vice mayor ov? Yes. Councilman

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sea lock? Yes. Councilman rappaport? Yes. Councilman ingram? Yes.

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councilwoman d demon payne? Yes. Okay. Item number five is

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an opportunity for any addition or deletion of items from the agenda

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and or any revision to the order of business. I believe there is a motion

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tonight. Um, with some changes. Madam mayor, I move that. Council

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remove items. Number six, recognitions awards, reports and presentations.

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and number 12, closed meeting from the agenda. Is there a

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second? Second, sir. Any discussion? It will require

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a unanimous vote for council's information correct. And the rec,

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uh, recognition awards and reports and presentations we're gonna bring back at

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the february meeting so those people won't not get recognized. Just not tonight.

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roll call. Councilman wood. Yes. Vice mayor ? Yes. Councilman

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loc? Yes. Councilman rappaport? Yes. Councilman ingram? Yes. Councilman d

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demon paint? Yes. Pass this. So,

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uh, we will, item number six is now, um, not part

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of our agenda. Item number seven, these are our public hearings and we

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actually have six public hearings tonight. Um, we now come to the

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public hearing portion of the agenda. Public hearings are an opportunity for council to

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learn of information of which they may not have been previously aware. If

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you would like to speak, please wait until you are recognized and come forward to my defendant

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to state your name and address and indicate if you're a resident of the town front. Royal,

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if the comments you would like to make have already been made, you may simply state that you agree with

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the previous speaker. There is a three minute time limit for speakers. After

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three minutes, mike then will cut off. Please remember, you are to address

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your comments to the mayor and council and to refrain from words or statements which are

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amatory to specific individuals or to other disruptive conduct,

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including obscenity and vulgarity. Bless you. So our first,

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uh, public hearing is a special use permit requested request submitted

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by a few cell floors for an artistic mural at 2 0 2

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east seven, uh, second street. And ms. Presley, um,

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would you read the summary? Counsel's requested

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to consider approval of a special use permit application submitted by fusel

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flores, property owner c-j-m-w-o for an

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artistic mural exceeding 60 square feet in size on the

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east side of the building, located at 2 0 2 east second street, identified by

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tax map 2 0 8 8 dash one dash four dash 33.

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the property is zoned c dash two downtown business district. The

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proposed mural would replace an existing one in the same location. The special

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use permit is required because the symbology contained within an artistic mural

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constitutes a sign and is proposed size exceed 60

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square feet. The planning commission recommended approval of the special use permit to

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the town council at their november 19th, 2025. Meeting letters

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were sent to the adjacent property owners informing them of tonight's public hearing.

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thank you. Ms. Ley, normally we open up our public hearings and offer

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staff if, was there anything that you needed to present or wanted to present

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or if there's, um, that's a no. Right? Lauren? I don't

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have anything additional. Alright. Right. Um, or if the applicant wishes

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to say anything. I don't. You don't have to. Do you, do you have anything you want? I would

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happy to be here if there's any questions. Okay. But I don't need to say anything. Okay.

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all right. Thank you. So at this time I'm gonna open up the public hearing and ask ms. Presley, has anyone

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signed up to speak? We have one. I believe it's diane. I did sign up, so I can't,

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I mean, I can, I just was gonna give a brief sure. Overview. It's

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up to you. If you'll just come to this, um, come here to our,

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yeah. Okay. And state your name and just address

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them whether or not you're, uh, in the town or county. Yes. So my name is katie bonnet

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and I live at 1 1 2 douglas drive in middletown. I, um,

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don't live in front royal, but I own the business. Ell forest in front royal.

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and there is a photo of the mural we wanna do. Um, it's a mural across

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the side. It's gonna be replacing the existing mural. We wanna update it. It needs

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to be updated. Um, it's gonna say every bloom tells a story which

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has meaning to us as forests, because that's what we do with flowers, is we try to tell

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peoples stories with flowers, but it also has a greater meaning to the community of just

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how everyone we meet has a story to tell and we should meet

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people with curiosity and with that thought that we're complex just

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like we are. So I wanted to put that positive message in the community and also

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the mural just needed to be updated. So we're excited to do it if we get approval.

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thank you. Is there any council members that have a question?

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no, we're good. No. No. Okay. Thank you. Is

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there anybody else who wishes to speak at this public hearing?

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okay. So at this time I'm actually gonna close the public hearing and open up

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to counsel. I move that counsel approve a special use permit submitted by a

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few south florida property owner c-j-m-w-o family for an artistic

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mural exceeding 60 square feet in size on the east side of the

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building, located at 2 0 2 east second street, identified by tax map two zero

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a eight dash one dash four dash three three as presented. Second.

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any admission? Second. Any discussion? It's my only opportunity to re-express

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my disdain for this part of the town, um,

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code or signage that I think needs to be revisited.

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I will, again, express what I've expressed to people with murals in the past.

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if you own your building and you wish to paint it, you should be able to do

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that with your property owner's rights. And any time somebody is looking to improve

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a building in the town of burn royal, I think that should be welcomed and it should not be a financial burden

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or a hurdle to have to jump through to do so.

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any other discussion? The only thing that I, I would add, mayor, is that,

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uh, I think it's well done. It fits the, uh, beautification

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of the nature of our community and, um,

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I, I appreciate the artwork. Alright.

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no other discussion. Will we do roll call? Councilman wood? Yes. Vice mayor

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fel? Yes. Councilman ock? Yes. Councilman rappaport? Yes. Council ingram?

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yes. Council iman d demon? Yes. Motion passes.

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so our second public hearing tonight is to receive public permit on request

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from zuckerman meadows incorporated to vacate a portion of an unimproved

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street located between east fifth street and happy creek.

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um, ms. Par, I'll read the summary for you. Counsel's request

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to receive public comment on a request from zach meadows incorporated to conditionally

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vacate. But were certain public rights away of a 14,188

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square foot portion of the unimproved street located between east fifth street and heavy

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creek northeast of east fifth street known as area a. The

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street was originally platted by the front royal and riverton improvement company.

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therefore, staff is also recommending a title exam

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exam right b completed by the applicant, certified

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letters were sent to the adjacent property owners. So that's the summary

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staff. Is there anything you wish to share with counsel

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at this time? Um, so we've been in communication with the, um,

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property owner, buddy, property owners. Um, I will make note

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that item, uh, agenda items b, c, and d all relate

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to the same general area and reasoning behind this. It's

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just three separate pieces. Uh, we've been working with them,

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we've, and our gi is to go back all the way from when,

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uh, front row riverton improvement company acquired the property

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and to find plats to actually show it. The only thing that we're finding is

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the map in our office. That's one reason why we've also recommended title

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exam to just ensure, um, that this was from rural riverton

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improvement company street that was just never flatted by survey,

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but just designated in description. Do you have any questions? I'd have to

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have 'em. I believe the applicants and their representatives are also here today.

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that was gonna be my next thing is, um, first off, does

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counsel have any questions for staff? I do about this. Okay. So

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mr. Petty, when the applicant made the application, uh,

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or were they made aware of how we're doing a compensation

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for the vacation of the hour? Yeah, so we've been in communication with that and, um,

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I, I met last week with their legal representation just to walk through those numbers

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and we sent the updated ones that are follow our new policy

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for the assessed value, but also with the understanding that tonight

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is just to discuss if counsel's open to vacating it,

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and then we can discuss those costs compensation later. But

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we've been in communication about that and I've shared the spreadsheets with you.

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has staff also reviewed, uh, the alley or alleys

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the land to be vacated for any, um, conditions that

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may say that we don't want to do it? So, uh,

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staff would recommend, obviously there is three proposed motions. Um,

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one would require a title exam and the viewers to obviously to understand better

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if there was any impact on the public. And then also in

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the comments and in the survey, they have met their surveyor, met

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with our public work staff on site to identify any existing utilities

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and make sure we're carving out any necessary, uh, utility

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easements as part of it as well. So they staff's been working with the applicant and

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their surveyor to define those rationale, but as

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of right now, I think the viewers would help. I will say if you look at

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the surveys, if you look at the aerials, the property, and I think their description,

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they've been utilizing this property, uh, for many years.

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it's, it's gone as if it's been part of the property. And I do believe

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even some of the assessments have even

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described it as the alley as part of the actual property, um,

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for at least I believe two of them. So it's gone

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on for many years as if they own it, but by legal means, and as

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I think they discovered, they don't,

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your opinion, mr. Petty, that we need to send viewers out?

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I believe so. Just, uh, just to ensure. Yes.

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alright. Mr. Councilman, do you have any other questions?

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no. You good? You good? Thank you. All right. Go ahead councilman. I'm alright. You

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answered it. Okay. Yeah. Yes. Did I understand correctly that the applicant has been

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potentially paying their taxes to the county as if, if they owned this land

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for at least two prior? It may be

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longer than that. It was so that, uh, their representatives and

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surveyors and that's discussed. But if you look at the, uh, legal description

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of the property on the tax assessment, it's

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for at least one, maybe two, I think it's pretty close to the actual area,

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which would be actual property and the alley

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or street, unimproved street that they would be looking to purchase. Well,

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I think they've been occupying this what, 19 56, 7,

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something like that. Actual buildings. I think it might, some might predate

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that, that would be a question for the, I think the applicant might know that. Does counsel

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have any other questions for staff? Anybody have any questions for staff?

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so, uh, it is up to you. We always give the applicants an opportunity to,

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to share if they want to. And then that also, if council had any questions

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for, um, staff, did you have requests staff or for them, for

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staff? So my final question is, because typically we've been unanimous

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in appointing committee of viewers, but has it already, I didn't see

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notes in this from like public works, the electric department.

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um, is that something that wouldn't be reviewed by staff? I mean, I know it seems

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like it's, I think they were in with the

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previous application, but they commented and I think every, if I recall,

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and I can pull 'em up, but they were all comfortable with just the utility easements were important.

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right. Um, and then just ensuring that it was part

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of the front row riverton improvement company, right. Of light. Oh, the utilities in the

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alley. Now there's a storms that were in there. Yes. We,

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we looked for water. I don't believe there's water that was just on fifth street,

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on the actual street, and we would not be vacating any of the actual streets

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that are there. It's just the abutting properties. Mr. Sonna, I believe,

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uh, just as a reminder, the task of the viewers is to determine inconvenience

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to the public. The town's interest with respect to utilities

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is more to the issue of whether or not the town wants to vacate at all.

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I just wanted to ensure that we had that information prior to making a decision

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on which motion we thought was the best to move forward with tonight, that we had

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town input. That's all. No further questions.

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you don't have an interest in sharing anything. It really truly is no

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pressure or the other thing is, what we've done in the past is we

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allow, um, we open the public hearing, we hear from the public, and then we have

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the opportunity to ask the applicant questions afterwards. So would you prefer

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the latter of those? Yeah, that's, I mean, I'll be, I wasn't, my name is

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daniel pond. I'm, I'm, uh, at 35 north royal avenue in front royal

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virginia. I'm an attorney in town. I represent zuckerman metals. We, we, all I was gonna

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say is that we are here to answer any questions you have. Mr. Zuckerman is here on behalf of

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zuckerman metals. Mr. Brogan's here as a, uh, the, uh, surveyor that, that's,

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that's done the, the surveys for this and, um, and that, you know, he can speak

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to it if he, you know, that they've utilized the land pay taxes on the land for probably

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most of the, most of their existence there in that property. It was just,

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we discovered that, that they might not, it might not be the boundaries that they, that they've always thought.

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so that's why we're here, here today. But there's, so they've been, they've been paying

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taxes on that land, if anyone, um, on, like I said, I think, uh, on

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one of them there's three lots. The next three thing, uh, two of 'em, I believe that

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they're, that they had then one, I don't, I don't think that there has that, that

225
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was not included in the, in the, uh, um, the county assessment. Um,

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but I'm not, and I'm not sure which, which one is this one is, but it's the

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east fifth and happy creek. This is probably the one that that's separate.

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that, that was, that they have, that's, that's, you know, is like the triangle. Is

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that the triangle piece? Mm-hmm . Yeah, that's the one that, but there is, I think there, there was built,

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there might be a, a structure on there that's been utilized forever as well.

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00:17:00,535 --> 00:17:04,485
thank you. Okay. Thank you. No problem. Like I said, any of us will be happy to answer any questions

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you'll have. Okay. At this time I'm gonna open the public hearing.

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is there anyone who's signed up to speak? Mr. Pond?

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00:17:12,755 --> 00:17:16,405
okay. Is there anybody else who would like to speak

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at this public hearing? Okay, I'm gonna close the

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public hearing and open it up to counsel.

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00:17:25,475 --> 00:17:29,375
I move that counsel adopt an ordinance as presented, approving the conditional vacation and

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sale request from the applicant. Second. Second. Hey, there's

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a motion. And second, any discussion I'll add to that discussion since I made the

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motion that this is not typically what I have been in favor of during

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my time on council. Um, because I do think that there is value

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in appointing a committee of viewers, um, to get the

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public's input and to offer more knowledge from what

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00:17:54,785 --> 00:17:58,565
we can understand or are capable of, um, not being in those

245
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positions. However, hearing that the applicant has been paying taxes for how

246
00:18:03,085 --> 00:18:06,815
many years is unknown, I feel like they should found

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the land and we should be done with this.

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any other discussion? I would echo the fact that it seems like, uh, we're

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00:18:15,695 --> 00:18:19,195
all, uh, put put to rest any

250
00:18:19,895 --> 00:18:23,815
easements or right of ways that concern the town

251
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for any utilities now or in the future. So I'm good with it as

252
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well. Anybody else? Just go ahead.

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00:18:32,555 --> 00:18:36,315
go ahead, councilman. Go ahead. Just real quick. Um,

254
00:18:36,955 --> 00:18:40,695
as vice mayoral said about, uh, viewers that we won

255
00:18:41,305 --> 00:18:45,295
often performance situations like this, um, my two echo,

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00:18:45,575 --> 00:18:49,395
the, the sentiment of them paying if they've been paying taxes on it, that's,

257
00:18:50,635 --> 00:18:54,575
you know, to me that's, that's, that's raises my raise. My ear broke. I didn't

258
00:18:54,735 --> 00:18:58,695
even know about that until you guys said that, but, uh, the fact that I, I know, I know

259
00:18:58,775 --> 00:19:02,735
where the area is and I'm familiar with, it's not too far from my house, and I

260
00:19:02,855 --> 00:19:06,525
don't know of anybody else ever using that area. I've never heard of anybody playing

261
00:19:07,015 --> 00:19:10,615
ball or any kids playing ball there or anything, you know, having picnics

262
00:19:11,095 --> 00:19:15,045
or anything like that. So given the location of where it is, it is, it's

263
00:19:15,335 --> 00:19:19,155
pretty isolated, you know, right near our railroad track, all, all places. So

264
00:19:20,495 --> 00:19:24,105
I, uh, I think it's pretty straightforward myself to be honest. Councilman

265
00:19:24,775 --> 00:19:28,715
rappaport? Yes. Um, I, I'm willing to go, go,

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uh, with, with the motion, however, I, I would've opted,

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uh, uh, to ask, basically

268
00:19:38,095 --> 00:19:42,095
to approve it conditionally, uh,

269
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with the title examination. Uh, I think the title

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examination is important.

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doesn't that have to be satisfied for them to close

272
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despite appointing viewers? Absolutely. Um, no. Um, it,

273
00:19:59,845 --> 00:20:00,765
it's a quick claim deed.

274
00:20:06,245 --> 00:20:09,985
okay. There's a motion on the table and we've had discussion. Um, we're

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00:20:10,335 --> 00:20:14,255
ready for roll call. Great. And I mean, I, I can make that,

276
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I can make that motion. I, I was, I was pausing steve.

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anybody was gonna, I'll, I'll just, I'll, I'll just make the substitute motion to

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00:20:23,095 --> 00:20:26,965
put it out there. That's all. Okay. Madam mayor, I move that

279
00:20:27,255 --> 00:20:31,055
counsel adopt ordinance as presented, approving the conditional

280
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vacation and sale request from that applicant

281
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conditionally, uh, that

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the applicant provide a title examination to

283
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the town manager.

284
00:20:51,025 --> 00:20:53,595
there's a motion on the floor. Is there a second?

285
00:20:56,365 --> 00:21:00,095
okay. The substitute motion dies about a second. And so we're back to the

286
00:21:00,455 --> 00:21:03,935
original motion, correct. Ms. Presley? Yes. We're getting better at this.

287
00:21:04,465 --> 00:21:06,555
we're all, um,

288
00:21:10,235 --> 00:21:14,135
for the original motion. Councilman wood? Yes. Vice mayor

289
00:21:14,675 --> 00:21:18,065
fel? Yes. Councilman zilo? Yes. Councilman rappaport? Yes. Councilman

290
00:21:18,735 --> 00:21:22,125
ingram? Yes. Councilwoman d demon paint? Yes. Okay.

291
00:21:23,035 --> 00:21:27,015
so our, um, next public hearing tonight is to receive public

292
00:21:27,255 --> 00:21:31,115
comment on request from zuckerman metals for braid to vacate a portion of

293
00:21:31,335 --> 00:21:35,055
an unimproved street located between east fifth street and bot 17. A

294
00:21:35,605 --> 00:21:39,495
counsel's requested to receive public comment on request from zuckerman metals

295
00:21:39,815 --> 00:21:43,655
incorporated to conditionally vacate bot ordinance served public rights way on a 14,443

296
00:21:45,175 --> 00:21:49,075
square foot portion of the unimproved street located between east fifth street and

297
00:21:49,355 --> 00:21:53,215
lot 17 a south end of east fifth street, known as area

298
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b. The street was originally platted by the front ron riverton improvement company.

299
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therefore, staff is also recommending a title exam. I just want y'all

300
00:22:02,215 --> 00:22:06,095
to know, it does not say examination, and it does not say examine. That's why I tripped over

301
00:22:06,255 --> 00:22:10,015
it. It says, examine be completed by the applicant.

302
00:22:10,685 --> 00:22:14,575
certified letters were sent to the adjacent property owners. So that's the summary

303
00:22:15,785 --> 00:22:19,615
staff. Uh, is there anything you wanna add? I don't, I don't have

304
00:22:19,855 --> 00:22:23,695
anything else to add. Nothing different than what you had. Anything different you all wanted to

305
00:22:23,895 --> 00:22:27,695
add? Nope. All right. Okay. I'm gonna open the public hearing. Ms. Presley,

306
00:22:28,095 --> 00:22:31,975
has anybody signed up to speak? No. Okay. Is there anybody who wishes to speak at this public hearing?

307
00:22:33,045 --> 00:22:36,745
okay, I'm gonna close the public hearing. I'm gonna open it up to counsel. I move that counsel adopt

308
00:22:37,095 --> 00:22:40,935
an ordinance as presented, approving the conditional vacation and seal request from

309
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the applicant. Second. Second. Okay. There's a motion. And second, any discussion?

310
00:22:47,255 --> 00:22:51,065
I, I, I want to make a comment in general about

311
00:22:51,645 --> 00:22:55,615
this, about tonight because a couple people have alluded to it, and I just wanna

312
00:22:55,775 --> 00:22:59,495
make sure that people understand this. Counsel has generally

313
00:23:00,195 --> 00:23:03,895
in the past, before vacating allie's appointed a committee of viewers

314
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not. Um, and so I think this situation is

315
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a little bit different than some of the other mm-hmm . Um, alley

316
00:23:13,335 --> 00:23:16,935
vacations that we've been involved with in that people were already using it

317
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and assumed it was theirs. And sometimes it seems like in my time on council,

318
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there have been times where they went back in history and looked at things and

319
00:23:26,515 --> 00:23:30,455
didn't realize, uh, how things were divided up and cut up and things like that.

320
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so I just wanna make that statement because if in the future the council

321
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does appoint, um, a committee of viewers, it, it would be based

322
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on different facts. So, um, we'll just add

323
00:23:43,095 --> 00:23:46,965
to that, that I will consistently always move to appoint viewers if they have

324
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not paid taxes for decades on the property. . Alright.

325
00:23:52,105 --> 00:23:55,905
um, if there's no other discussion by council, then we

326
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will take a vote. Councilman wood? Yes. Vice mayor vivo? Yes. Councilman sea lock? Yes.

327
00:24:00,335 --> 00:24:04,245
councilman rappaport? Yes. Councilman ingram? Yes. Councilwoman de

328
00:24:04,365 --> 00:24:08,325
demon ka? Yes. So I am, uh, 70 as a public hearing

329
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to receive public comment on a request from two 18 east fourth street

330
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llc to vacate a portion of an unimproved. Right.

331
00:24:17,875 --> 00:24:21,705
hold on, let me just make sure. Right. Did I click on the wrong line? No

332
00:24:21,925 --> 00:24:25,745
one did not. 1, 2, 3. It's the same one. Sorry. I was looking for

333
00:24:26,245 --> 00:24:30,225
z meadow's name. That's how I was, uh, counsel's requested to receive public comment on

334
00:24:30,445 --> 00:24:33,805
a request from two 18 east fourth street. Llc is requesting to conditionally

335
00:24:34,525 --> 00:24:38,505
vacate by ordinance certain public rights away of a 12,914 square

336
00:24:38,925 --> 00:24:42,705
foot portion of the unimproved street located between east fourth street and

337
00:24:42,985 --> 00:24:46,845
lot 16. The street was originally flooded by the front row and riverton improvement

338
00:24:47,325 --> 00:24:50,635
company. Therefore, staff is also recommending a title examine

339
00:24:52,105 --> 00:24:56,085
the completed by the applicant. Certified letters were sent to the adjacent property owners.

340
00:24:57,665 --> 00:25:01,445
I'm gonna assume staff has nothing else they wanna add. I'm gonna assume

341
00:25:01,725 --> 00:25:05,245
the applicant is good with whatever, or is there extra information

342
00:25:05,885 --> 00:25:09,885
this time? We just, um, may we just want to add that

343
00:25:10,045 --> 00:25:13,785
this, um, mr. Zuck or zuckerman metals had transferred this property to another entity,

344
00:25:14,545 --> 00:25:18,285
um, and that, that that title, that deed did have this, this

345
00:25:18,565 --> 00:25:22,445
land as part of the, as part of the, the survey and, and the, and

346
00:25:22,645 --> 00:25:26,525
the, um, description had this land in there. So we're going back and trying to fix it

347
00:25:26,685 --> 00:25:30,605
for them. All right. I'm gonna open up to public hearing.

348
00:25:30,885 --> 00:25:34,045
ms. Ty, has anybody said speak? No. Anybody wishes?

349
00:25:35,835 --> 00:25:39,725
okay. I'm place the hearing counsel, I move that counsel

350
00:25:40,015 --> 00:25:43,875
adopt an ordinance as presented approving the conditional vacation and sale request from

351
00:25:44,165 --> 00:25:48,055
the applicant. Second. Okay. There's a motion. Second. Any discussion?

352
00:25:49,645 --> 00:25:53,505
I, I just wanna add for the public who will watch

353
00:25:53,745 --> 00:25:57,415
this, read about it, the press I do appreciate and value staff's

354
00:25:57,955 --> 00:26:01,705
input and I was not neglecting that in my original motion for the first

355
00:26:02,005 --> 00:26:05,665
one, I feel like this is a unique set of circumstances that counsel

356
00:26:06,125 --> 00:26:09,815
has to use discretion with. Um, so I do appreciate staff's

357
00:26:10,305 --> 00:26:14,305
input and I do value that. Any other

358
00:26:14,505 --> 00:26:18,185
discussions? Payroll call councilman wood?

359
00:26:18,525 --> 00:26:21,985
yes. Vice mayor vial? Yes. Councilman loc? Yes. Councilman rappaport?

360
00:26:22,765 --> 00:26:26,285
yes. Councilman ingram? Yes. Councilwoman d demon payne? Yes.

361
00:26:26,935 --> 00:26:30,285
okay. Motion should have to, our

362
00:26:31,075 --> 00:26:34,705
fifth public hearing of the night is to receive public comment

363
00:26:35,445 --> 00:26:38,265
on a request from james. He to vacate a portion

364
00:26:39,525 --> 00:26:43,405
avenue avenue and lot five counsel's request

365
00:26:43,645 --> 00:26:47,565
to receive public comment on a request from jane sland to conditionally vacate. But ordinance

366
00:26:47,925 --> 00:26:51,885
certain public rights to weigh a 6,235 square foot portion

367
00:26:52,185 --> 00:26:56,065
of the unimproved randolph avenue between washington avenue and lot

368
00:26:56,285 --> 00:27:00,065
five certified letters were sent to the adjacent property owners,

369
00:27:01,465 --> 00:27:05,385
um, and staff, is there anything you want to add,

370
00:27:05,945 --> 00:27:09,805
uh, before this public hearing? So as you can see from

371
00:27:10,005 --> 00:27:13,705
the survey, um, and if you've seen there's an aerial

372
00:27:14,225 --> 00:27:18,205
map in there, um, the town has recently installed a

373
00:27:18,525 --> 00:27:22,005
cul-de-sac in that uh, area. It's not shown on the gis

374
00:27:22,565 --> 00:27:25,715
when you look at it's still older. Um, we have requested

375
00:27:27,275 --> 00:27:31,225
that, uh, the ordinance be updated to reflect this, but

376
00:27:31,545 --> 00:27:35,165
if you look at staff comments as well, we requested our standard 20 foot

377
00:27:36,125 --> 00:27:40,125
drainage in utility easement on the northern edge of the property.

378
00:27:41,065 --> 00:27:44,885
and on the right or on the eastern edge of the property, it's currently

379
00:27:45,225 --> 00:27:49,025
at six foot. We've requested that that be moved to a 10

380
00:27:49,245 --> 00:27:52,885
foot right of place. So this would accommodate our current standards for utility

381
00:27:53,565 --> 00:27:57,285
easements. Um, that's been discussed with mr. Lin. Obviously

382
00:27:57,765 --> 00:28:01,605
this is, again, we're not discussing costs, we're talking just the vacation of it.

383
00:28:02,265 --> 00:28:06,185
um, that would satisfy staff. And um,

384
00:28:07,055 --> 00:28:10,715
again, you know, obviously we do always request the viewers, but obviously

385
00:28:11,415 --> 00:28:15,265
we've sought these easements. We've noted those in

386
00:28:15,725 --> 00:28:18,985
the, the ordinance currently states, uh,

387
00:28:19,885 --> 00:28:23,205
referencing the survey. But since the survey hasn't been updated to this point,

388
00:28:24,145 --> 00:28:28,085
in lieu of that, we would just, uh, describe those two easements in

389
00:28:28,565 --> 00:28:32,565
language versus we didn't want them to expend more money in creating a

390
00:28:32,685 --> 00:28:36,645
survey if it were denied. So rather than them getting a new survey and moving

391
00:28:36,935 --> 00:28:40,845
lines and stuff, we just said 20 foot easement on the northern boundary

392
00:28:41,305 --> 00:28:45,245
and a 10 foot easement on the eastern boundary. Um, and that will be

393
00:28:45,405 --> 00:28:49,365
written into the ordinance itself. Um, those are the only comments

394
00:28:49,445 --> 00:28:52,845
that, you know, staff had at this point is to accommodate that.

395
00:28:54,475 --> 00:28:57,815
and if you have any further questions, I know mr. Helen is here as well.

396
00:28:58,605 --> 00:29:02,565
well, I'm gonna start off first. Does counsel have any questions for staff? Same

397
00:29:03,095 --> 00:29:06,615
question as before. As the applicant been informed the cost of this

398
00:29:07,195 --> 00:29:10,805
and is in agreement to pay it. Correct? He has been

399
00:29:11,205 --> 00:29:15,145
shared the cost. Uh, mr. Heflin has questioned whether or not he

400
00:29:15,365 --> 00:29:19,045
would be required to pay for the land that is underneath of the

401
00:29:19,485 --> 00:29:23,365
easements. That would be his question. So he's giving the town a 20

402
00:29:23,595 --> 00:29:27,305
foot easement. Would he be required to pay for the square footage within the

403
00:29:27,845 --> 00:29:31,405
easement? Um, right now he has what the total cost would be.

404
00:29:32,225 --> 00:29:36,165
um, I I assume that would be part of a, a, a

405
00:29:36,285 --> 00:29:40,245
future discussion arise at that time, but he may be

406
00:29:40,445 --> 00:29:44,345
able to answer that in the past. And he is the only abutting as,

407
00:29:44,665 --> 00:29:48,125
uh, mr. Shauna, he's the only, the other abutting owner is norfolk

408
00:29:48,685 --> 00:29:51,645
southern railroad. I don't think we want to know what their land

409
00:29:54,135 --> 00:29:58,025
about getting a hold of her. And usually in the past, if, if,

410
00:29:58,425 --> 00:30:02,075
uh, if an, if land was vacated, the negotiation

411
00:30:02,765 --> 00:30:05,525
piece of it happened after that. So we'll just.

412
00:30:06,875 --> 00:30:10,825
alright. Any other questions for staff? The

413
00:30:11,045 --> 00:30:15,045
statement in the note, the recommended 20 foot drainage mm-hmm

414
00:30:15,405 --> 00:30:19,265
. Util easement. The wording is, does not

415
00:30:19,625 --> 00:30:23,435
appear. So does

416
00:30:23,725 --> 00:30:27,725
it or doesn't it, it doesn't appear on the survey that they reviewed. If you

417
00:30:27,805 --> 00:30:31,785
look at the survey, it currently says 10 foot, so they're asking for 20. And

418
00:30:32,005 --> 00:30:35,945
that's what we've shared with mr. Heflin. And again, it would be in

419
00:30:36,225 --> 00:30:40,085
the, rather than referencing the plat, it would just reference a 20

420
00:30:40,245 --> 00:30:44,075
foot wide in the ordinance in your packet, it would say a 20 foot wide

421
00:30:44,645 --> 00:30:48,525
easement. And then we would amend that to just, rather than saying, look at the plat,

422
00:30:48,825 --> 00:30:50,285
we would actually write, put that in writing.

423
00:30:52,915 --> 00:30:56,915
any other questions for staff? I'll

424
00:30:57,205 --> 00:31:01,165
just have one more comment. I apologize. Um, if approved and this

425
00:31:01,365 --> 00:31:05,285
were to be recorded and, and the sale goes through an updated

426
00:31:05,785 --> 00:31:09,645
survey would be required, we wouldn't be able to use this and we would have an updated

427
00:31:10,005 --> 00:31:13,925
survey completed. And we've spoken with mr. Heflin and mr. Merchant

428
00:31:14,125 --> 00:31:17,765
did this and he would get that done for in consolidation. Correct.

429
00:31:20,035 --> 00:31:23,855
is there anything that, that, does the applicant have anything that, that there's no requirement

430
00:31:24,455 --> 00:31:28,115
for that. It's just, I would like to give people the opportunity. Are you good? Yes, ma'am. Mr.

431
00:31:28,475 --> 00:31:32,395
mr. Petty expressed what you wanted to know. Okay. Um, I'm

432
00:31:32,615 --> 00:31:36,155
gonna open up public hearing. Ms. Ty, has anybody signed up to speak? No.

433
00:31:36,685 --> 00:31:40,415
alright. Anybody wishes to speak? No close public hearing

434
00:31:40,735 --> 00:31:44,735
and open it up to counsel. Madam mayor, I move that council adopt an

435
00:31:44,895 --> 00:31:48,585
ordinance as presented, approving the conditional vacation until

436
00:31:50,485 --> 00:31:54,475
request from the applicant. Second. Uh, so

437
00:31:54,745 --> 00:31:58,415
sorry. Uh, madam mayor. So the ordinance is gonna have to be tweaked

438
00:31:58,775 --> 00:32:01,255
a little as mr. Petty outlined.

439
00:32:02,955 --> 00:32:06,765
okay. Well, so it's, it's as pre these motions that were allowed,

440
00:32:07,195 --> 00:32:11,125
that were presented for us to use did and include that language.

441
00:32:11,505 --> 00:32:15,155
are you suggesting that we do a substitute mission that includes language as presented with

442
00:32:15,625 --> 00:32:19,555
the following amendment and it would be

443
00:32:19,675 --> 00:32:23,235
the language that mr. Petty recommended? Do you want me to read it?

444
00:32:23,985 --> 00:32:27,255
yeah, if you could, somebody can write it down. So

445
00:32:28,095 --> 00:32:32,095
car it is now on proper time. Okay. Um, we

446
00:32:32,315 --> 00:32:36,275
would strike as shown on the affirmation plat of survey and replace that

447
00:32:36,475 --> 00:32:40,415
with 20 foot wide drainage, e and easement running along

448
00:32:40,865 --> 00:32:44,605
the northern boundary of the property at a 10 foot wide drainage

449
00:32:45,185 --> 00:32:48,765
and utility easement running along the eastern boundary of the property.

450
00:32:49,705 --> 00:32:53,585
all as shown on a survey to be attached as an exhibit to

451
00:32:53,825 --> 00:32:57,805
the deed at the sale price negotiated that that wasn't anything

452
00:32:57,925 --> 00:33:01,605
that anybody could write down. So, so the motions

453
00:33:02,045 --> 00:33:05,635
already there, like I'm not, I mean not, I was trying recording,

454
00:33:06,505 --> 00:33:10,205
but you know, ms. Presley and mr. S so the motion already happened and there was a second.

455
00:33:10,545 --> 00:33:13,765
so should we take a vote on that first or go ahead and do the substitute motion.

456
00:33:14,695 --> 00:33:18,405
substitute or amended motion, please. Please. All right. Well,

457
00:33:18,865 --> 00:33:22,765
um, I mean, who does, bruce gotta read all that. Is that

458
00:33:22,925 --> 00:33:26,105
the ? Just let him read it. Um,

459
00:33:26,945 --> 00:33:30,885
and then I'm gonna take it back. Bruce. I would used to say like, I move the council, adopt an

460
00:33:31,045 --> 00:33:34,165
ordinance as presented, including then blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

461
00:33:37,745 --> 00:33:41,665
no, you're right. Wasn't I'm trying to make, I'm sorry. We didn't have it in the packet

462
00:33:42,185 --> 00:33:45,515
or probably would've amendment just

463
00:33:46,945 --> 00:33:48,245
me to it though. I was going, I'll try it.

464
00:33:51,715 --> 00:33:54,655
josh, would you prefer to read the sub? Do you wanna do the sub mayor

465
00:33:55,955 --> 00:33:59,845
presented the following? Bruce read? Yeah. Bruce

466
00:34:00,005 --> 00:34:00,645
reads it can be a amen.

467
00:34:08,105 --> 00:34:08,105
all

468
00:34:14,865 --> 00:34:18,365
better to catch it now than didn't have to somebody,

469
00:34:20,445 --> 00:34:21,005
somebody seconded it.

470
00:34:32,355 --> 00:34:36,005
okay, madam mayor, I have a substitute motion.

471
00:34:37,005 --> 00:34:40,805
I may I move

472
00:34:41,045 --> 00:34:44,115
that counsel, adopt an ordinance as presented

473
00:34:45,595 --> 00:34:49,445
running along the northern boundary of the property

474
00:34:49,945 --> 00:34:53,795
and a 10 foot wide drainage utility easement running

475
00:34:54,935 --> 00:34:58,865
along the eastern boundary of the property, all as shown on

476
00:34:59,205 --> 00:35:02,765
a survey. Is there a second accurate?

477
00:35:03,665 --> 00:35:07,165
is that good enough? And the second councilman wood seconded it.

478
00:35:08,825 --> 00:35:09,045
any discussion?

479
00:35:13,385 --> 00:35:17,325
all right, since there's no discussion, ms. Pressley, can we do a roll call? Who is the second on

480
00:35:17,525 --> 00:35:20,235
the first councilman wood? Oh, on the first one of was amber? Yeah.

481
00:35:25,575 --> 00:35:27,565
councilman wood on the substitute motion?

482
00:35:29,825 --> 00:35:33,805
yes. Vice mayor al? Yes. Councilman loc? Yes. Councilman

483
00:35:34,535 --> 00:35:38,425
rapor? Yes. Councilman ingram? Yes. Councilwoman de demon payne? Yes.

484
00:35:39,565 --> 00:35:43,405
a motion passes. And so, um, our last public hearing

485
00:35:43,785 --> 00:35:47,445
for this evening is an ordinance amendment to chapter

486
00:35:47,825 --> 00:35:51,625
12 and chapter 70, pertaining to electricity fees and

487
00:35:52,125 --> 00:35:56,005
procedures. Council has requested to consider ordinance amendments to chapter

488
00:35:56,245 --> 00:35:59,945
12 fees and chapter 70 electricity pertaining to an increase in

489
00:36:00,445 --> 00:36:04,125
specific fees and reflect current practices and procedures. Portions

490
00:36:04,685 --> 00:36:08,105
of the front rule town code have been updated since the early, um,

491
00:36:08,835 --> 00:36:12,505
have not been updated since the early two thousands. And rising costs of

492
00:36:12,925 --> 00:36:16,715
materials, equipment and labor required the necessary revisions as presented.

493
00:36:18,185 --> 00:36:21,895
um, staff, is there anything staff wishes to share?

494
00:36:23,705 --> 00:36:27,565
we present this at the, nothing's changed from the work session. I don't know if mr.

495
00:36:27,725 --> 00:36:30,645
spell has any other comments, but I have a question

496
00:36:32,265 --> 00:36:35,535
and it's more of a clarification for social media.

497
00:36:36,625 --> 00:36:39,205
so is the town going to double the electricity rates?

498
00:36:40,895 --> 00:36:44,785
thank you . So chris, please make sure that you put that out there. I'm

499
00:36:45,005 --> 00:36:48,915
not really sure how that render up started, but I don't know if they, I don't know if they read this

500
00:36:49,205 --> 00:36:53,165
somehow and saw something different, but I did not think that that's what it meant,

501
00:36:53,385 --> 00:36:56,705
but never hurts to clarify that in an open meeting. So

502
00:36:57,505 --> 00:37:01,345
any other questions for staff? Um, I have a question. Okay. Um, and I'm

503
00:37:01,565 --> 00:37:05,445
sorry, I didn't notice that the word session, but on page 68 of our

504
00:37:05,605 --> 00:37:08,875
packet, or it says, um, that

505
00:37:09,825 --> 00:37:13,805
you get past all the red and, um, they're talking about

506
00:37:14,045 --> 00:37:18,005
the connection charges will be based on the estimated time and materials,

507
00:37:18,475 --> 00:37:22,345
blah, blah, blah. And shall be kept paid to the town prior to the commencement of work. And

508
00:37:22,565 --> 00:37:26,505
then after you complete the work, the town will reconcile the

509
00:37:26,725 --> 00:37:30,545
estimated payment with the actual common materials extended. So

510
00:37:30,965 --> 00:37:34,685
I, I believe this is mostly for commercial or industrial

511
00:37:35,215 --> 00:37:38,945
users or, or developers. My question is,

512
00:37:39,625 --> 00:37:43,505
so if I paid for work in advance or,

513
00:37:43,745 --> 00:37:47,605
or and, um, at an estimated rate and then you come

514
00:37:47,885 --> 00:37:51,125
back to me and I have no warning, that would be problematic.

515
00:37:52,425 --> 00:37:56,245
so I wanna know, like do we have a cap on that? What kind of communication happens

516
00:37:56,745 --> 00:38:00,685
in between? I mean, what happens if you, if if the the rate

517
00:38:00,925 --> 00:38:04,225
really blossoms between the time it was estimated and actual?

518
00:38:08,885 --> 00:38:11,845
I mean, there's no, there's nothing,

519
00:38:12,985 --> 00:38:16,765
no time, I guess is what you're asking. Well, time or time warning

520
00:38:17,265 --> 00:38:21,125
and, and amount. So like when you're doing a construction job, you know, you,

521
00:38:21,305 --> 00:38:24,905
if it's gonna go like over 10% or something, you know, it's a, if

522
00:38:25,715 --> 00:38:29,605
good the services change, we would reach out and let 'em know, hey, this

523
00:38:29,845 --> 00:38:33,845
is just, say the transformer cost went up, we'd reach out and let 'em know the price

524
00:38:34,045 --> 00:38:37,805
before we purchased the a transformer to give 'em the opportunity. That would

525
00:38:38,205 --> 00:38:41,625
probably be one of their biggest costs would be a transformer. So

526
00:38:42,465 --> 00:38:46,445
if we went out, you know, just say the project started in august, but it didn't

527
00:38:46,725 --> 00:38:50,545
get rolling until january. Well that six months, the

528
00:38:50,765 --> 00:38:54,585
price of the transformer could go up. So we would reach back out to 'em, let 'em know, hey,

529
00:38:54,805 --> 00:38:58,735
the price of the transformer went up $10,000, is this project still

530
00:38:59,085 --> 00:39:03,005
a go? That would be our best suggestion that we would

531
00:39:03,165 --> 00:39:07,005
get. And I can speak to that from working in it during my

532
00:39:07,205 --> 00:39:11,105
day job professionally, when I have to reach out to the town for connection of services for

533
00:39:11,325 --> 00:39:15,125
a new residential bill. Um, there have been times where I've reached out to the

534
00:39:15,405 --> 00:39:19,365
electric department and I'm like, we don't like the quote on your materials. We'll buy

535
00:39:19,485 --> 00:39:23,365
our own materials or whatever, and then we go and try to do that and then you can't

536
00:39:23,645 --> 00:39:27,405
do it better or cheaper. So we reached back out to them, they're like, okay, just let us know if you want us to do it.

537
00:39:28,105 --> 00:39:32,025
and that communication is like instantaneously, um,

538
00:39:32,345 --> 00:39:35,695
for meter boxes. Anything I've had to do with the electricity services department,

539
00:39:37,045 --> 00:39:40,385
communication wise, they stay in constant contact throughout the project for

540
00:39:41,785 --> 00:39:45,565
any type of connection to any of the services within the town. And residential

541
00:39:46,165 --> 00:39:50,125
is a flat fee. So that's not, this will be

542
00:39:50,205 --> 00:39:54,085
commercial. Oh, this one's always a commercial. Well, hopefully

543
00:39:54,605 --> 00:39:58,565
they have the money to make the improvement. Well, I mean,

544
00:39:58,685 --> 00:40:02,485
I just, I just saw that, you know, that you reconcile it, but it didn't seem like

545
00:40:03,055 --> 00:40:06,445
there was any, you know, any, any commitment

546
00:40:07,435 --> 00:40:10,325
necessarily in the language that said, you know,

547
00:40:11,545 --> 00:40:15,285
we have to contact them if it's gonna go over 10% or we have to contact

548
00:40:15,595 --> 00:40:19,215
them if, um, you know, uh,

549
00:40:20,575 --> 00:40:22,755
at some point during the, you know, give 'em advance notice.

550
00:40:26,095 --> 00:40:30,035
so anyway, I mean, I don't know what's feasible. I don't know enough about it, but I

551
00:40:30,275 --> 00:40:34,195
I I do know enough about getting slammed in the end with

552
00:40:34,435 --> 00:40:36,995
a bigger bill than you anticipated. So, you know,

553
00:40:38,505 --> 00:40:42,415
well, I'll look at it as a way of a little bit of incentive. You know, it's an incentive in

554
00:40:42,635 --> 00:40:46,405
a way because, um, to get your, you know, get your project going,

555
00:40:46,815 --> 00:40:50,755
not just set off for several years and then all of a sudden, you know, you feel like you're

556
00:40:50,955 --> 00:40:54,915
getting a black eye because, well, especially transport. Like I, I

557
00:40:55,035 --> 00:40:58,915
know I've seen it firsthand that prices, well, we've seen in our own council over, we approved,

558
00:40:59,815 --> 00:41:03,715
uh, you know, purchase them this past year, how, how dramatically have gone up. But I've seen it

559
00:41:03,835 --> 00:41:07,825
just outside of this town how hell they are and lead

560
00:41:08,115 --> 00:41:12,015
times on 'em alone. You know, that's another problem. You, it's not even mentioned in here, but you

561
00:41:12,235 --> 00:41:15,955
know, people have to understand that then if they're going to do, you know,

562
00:41:16,305 --> 00:41:20,155
have a connection there like that, if that magnitude, they have to understand the whole circumstance. Like, look,

563
00:41:20,395 --> 00:41:24,315
this is moving target, you know, if you want it now, it's now. But you know, I I

564
00:41:24,475 --> 00:41:27,715
I, I agree with it. I'm saying, you know, three months from now it may, it may spike up 10%

565
00:41:28,495 --> 00:41:32,355
and we would definitely reach out at that point. And that's all I was attesting to

566
00:41:32,535 --> 00:41:35,905
is the communication has been impeccable even on the residential side. Um,

567
00:41:38,215 --> 00:41:42,045
mayor corporal, to your point, apparently people on social media are talking about this as

568
00:41:42,245 --> 00:41:46,085
increasing our rate. I do just wanna say, when we were given this presentation at a work session,

569
00:41:47,165 --> 00:41:50,155
I believe it was stated that because of the lack of updates

570
00:41:51,545 --> 00:41:55,405
on this, we were actually subsidizing the costs of the town

571
00:41:56,265 --> 00:42:00,205
we were eating it. So for those people who think it's doubling their electricity rates,

572
00:42:00,445 --> 00:42:03,895
when we talk about tax increases, this is actually something that helps

573
00:42:05,025 --> 00:42:08,735
negate that by not subsidizing something that the average tax payer

574
00:42:09,145 --> 00:42:12,965
should not have on their back energy services feess for private

575
00:42:13,275 --> 00:42:17,245
sectors. All right. If there's no other questions

576
00:42:17,405 --> 00:42:21,225
for staff, I'm gonna open up the public hearing. Is there anybody who signed up to speak ms.

577
00:42:21,685 --> 00:42:25,675
ley? No. Is there anybody who wishes to speak at this point? And I'll

578
00:42:26,465 --> 00:42:30,195
get, um, all right, so I'm gonna close the public hearing and open

579
00:42:30,485 --> 00:42:33,565
up the council. Madam mayor, I move that council without ordinance

580
00:42:34,585 --> 00:42:38,285
to chapter 12 fees in chapter 70, electricity pertaining

581
00:42:38,805 --> 00:42:40,325
to fees and procedures as presented.

582
00:42:42,955 --> 00:42:44,445
there's a motion. And second, any discussion?

583
00:42:48,055 --> 00:42:51,505
thank you to the staff. The, the only thing that I'll say is, uh,

584
00:42:52,225 --> 00:42:56,125
and I, I'm not gonna make a big issue out of it, was I looked

585
00:42:56,385 --> 00:42:57,795
at number four

586
00:43:01,275 --> 00:43:03,885
page part of 70

587
00:43:05,715 --> 00:43:09,505
dash 50, which is what we were talking about, the electrical connections and

588
00:43:09,725 --> 00:43:13,725
charges. Um, it was under

589
00:43:13,995 --> 00:43:17,555
four c where it was talking about grid impact, uh, assessments.

590
00:43:19,305 --> 00:43:23,065
um, uh,

591
00:43:23,725 --> 00:43:27,525
I think it was the under power delivery plan from energy

592
00:43:28,325 --> 00:43:31,975
provider and impact, uh, shall include backup generator plans.

593
00:43:33,345 --> 00:43:37,325
uh, if anyone can listen to the news, uh, that has been

594
00:43:37,485 --> 00:43:40,685
a big subject matter, uh, around the state.

595
00:43:41,825 --> 00:43:45,685
uh, and it's not only about the

596
00:43:46,245 --> 00:43:49,905
electricity, it's also about the environment, um,

597
00:43:50,585 --> 00:43:53,405
how we can prep, we, we can, uh, protect the environment.

598
00:43:55,105 --> 00:43:57,665
um, so it's important that it's in there. Um,

599
00:43:59,425 --> 00:44:03,325
and, but um, I just wanted to bring that to

600
00:44:03,485 --> 00:44:06,765
the attention of the family as we go forward.

601
00:44:09,065 --> 00:44:11,975
any other discussion? Hey, ms. Presley.

602
00:44:13,245 --> 00:44:17,225
oh, wait, no, I'm so sorry. Yeah, no, we made the

603
00:44:17,345 --> 00:44:21,315
motion. Sorry. Sorry. Yeah. Councilman

604
00:44:21,985 --> 00:44:25,785
wood? Yes. Vice mayor augh? Yes. Councilman ock? Yes. Councilman rappaport?

605
00:44:26,645 --> 00:44:30,005
yes. Councilman ingram? Yes. Councilwoman de demon payne? Yes.

606
00:44:30,955 --> 00:44:34,885
alright, thank you. That's the end of our public hearings, but no one else. Quite a bit.

607
00:44:35,465 --> 00:44:39,045
no. Asked from what I thought there. Um, so at this time we have our public

608
00:44:39,525 --> 00:44:43,355
comments that are not related to public hearing and send me reading this

609
00:44:43,675 --> 00:44:47,605
long directions. Let me just ask first ms. Trustee or anybody signed up to speak? We have

610
00:44:47,725 --> 00:44:51,565
one. Okay. Well, here we go. We now come to the public comments portion of

611
00:44:51,765 --> 00:44:54,965
the agenda. It is the duty of the mayor to conduct this meeting in an orderly manner.

612
00:44:55,835 --> 00:44:59,765
persons addressing the mayor and council are asking that their remarks to those relevant to

613
00:44:59,925 --> 00:45:03,805
the business of the town of front royal, no persons in attendance shall be allowed to voice remarks.

614
00:45:04,205 --> 00:45:07,925
exceptance recognized by the mayor or the clerk of council. Upon recognition

615
00:45:08,565 --> 00:45:12,385
by the mayor, the clerk counsel the speaker shall state their name, address, and

616
00:45:12,845 --> 00:45:16,685
indicate if they're a resident of the town of front, will direct their comments to the mayor. And counsel

617
00:45:17,295 --> 00:45:21,005
shall not address the subject matter of the public hearing being held during the same meeting.

618
00:45:21,675 --> 00:45:25,605
stay within the allotted three minute time limit. After that time is expired, microphone will

619
00:45:25,845 --> 00:45:29,385
be cut off. Refrain from words or statements which are defamatory to

620
00:45:29,885 --> 00:45:33,765
specific individuals or display other disruptive conduct including

621
00:45:34,435 --> 00:45:38,225
xfinity and vulgarity groups or individuals in the audience, creating an

622
00:45:38,445 --> 00:45:42,165
atmosphere detrimental to or disturbing. The orderly conduct of the meeting will be worn to

623
00:45:42,485 --> 00:45:46,485
refrain from such conduct. And the additional disturbance after the warning will not be

624
00:45:46,845 --> 00:45:50,685
tolerated in the area. No other choice. But to ask the representative of the front

625
00:45:50,885 --> 00:45:54,765
row police department, which is our chief here tonight, to review the individual group. We clear the

626
00:45:54,925 --> 00:45:58,765
room says that the council can conduct the business of the town. Ms. Presley, who

627
00:45:58,965 --> 00:46:02,645
signed up to speak, sorry, somebody wants to mark bauer. Sorry. I'm sorry.

628
00:46:08,675 --> 00:46:12,485
good evening. My name is mark bauer. I live at ten seven glenview drive here

629
00:46:12,685 --> 00:46:16,525
in front royal. Uh, I bought estates, been a resident for 28 years.

630
00:46:17,505 --> 00:46:21,205
I'm also a member of the executive council at, uh, american 18, post 53

631
00:46:21,845 --> 00:46:25,785
here in town. First and foremost, I want to thank the council for our

632
00:46:26,005 --> 00:46:29,675
posters that you put up in town. Um, it's

633
00:46:30,115 --> 00:46:33,895
well received. We just wish we could do more, which I've already spoke to mr. Perry. We're

634
00:46:34,245 --> 00:46:38,165
gonna have a, uh, a conversation with some more of the executive committee, but I

635
00:46:38,285 --> 00:46:42,145
do have some thoughts I'd like to share. Uh,

636
00:46:42,575 --> 00:46:46,245
prior to this evening, I took the liberty of going through

637
00:46:46,595 --> 00:46:49,935
several local, uh, towns

638
00:46:51,205 --> 00:46:55,105
to see what they have as far as their posters are concerned. I hate to say

639
00:46:55,265 --> 00:46:59,255
it, but front royal is the smallest around, uh, the bulk of 'em seemed

640
00:46:59,535 --> 00:47:03,535
to be 20 by 40, 30 by 40. And I understand there's a time limit

641
00:47:03,955 --> 00:47:07,855
that's no big. I understand that big time because there's a lot of veterans would like to be

642
00:47:09,295 --> 00:47:13,195
recognized. That being said, you

643
00:47:13,415 --> 00:47:17,335
can go to berryville, you can go to middletown, wherever, and as you're

644
00:47:17,895 --> 00:47:20,695
driving, you can actually read the posters.

645
00:47:22,255 --> 00:47:26,215
I hate to say it, but we can't. You'd have to stop and walk to really get an

646
00:47:26,375 --> 00:47:29,125
idea of what's going on. So my concern is this,

647
00:47:30,745 --> 00:47:34,605
excuse me, I would like to see more posters after the two

648
00:47:34,765 --> 00:47:38,765
year period. We can make you one heck of a list of people who would

649
00:47:38,885 --> 00:47:42,725
like to be involved, myself included. I'm sure mr. Would like to get on that.

650
00:47:43,475 --> 00:47:46,925
that being said, I'd like to see 'em larger and hopefully

651
00:47:47,785 --> 00:47:51,785
we can work out something, uh, with the ex with the committee and

652
00:47:52,005 --> 00:47:55,865
mr. Perry and get this done in a timely fashion. But

653
00:47:56,085 --> 00:48:00,045
again, thank you for putting it up. I just wish we'd had more opportunity to, I

654
00:48:00,185 --> 00:48:03,765
saw the notice and within two weeks before I put my name in, it was full.

655
00:48:04,805 --> 00:48:08,525
I said, well, dang, I try this again. It was actually about seven or eight days

656
00:48:08,835 --> 00:48:12,715
when they were full. So tell on the notice being out. Yeah, well,

657
00:48:13,065 --> 00:48:16,945
and, and on behalf of the executive committee, we

658
00:48:17,165 --> 00:48:20,985
would have no issue helping fund these things. Uh,

659
00:48:21,985 --> 00:48:25,835
for all $75 a piece, most that I had looked into

660
00:48:26,185 --> 00:48:30,145
are 200 to 250. I had one $300. Uh,

661
00:48:30,465 --> 00:48:34,205
but the families, families will do it in a heartbeat. That's not a problem

662
00:48:34,785 --> 00:48:38,645
to recognize. You all don't realize there's less than 1% of the people who

663
00:48:38,805 --> 00:48:42,555
volunteer to serve the military. So it's, it's

664
00:48:43,125 --> 00:48:47,085
humbling. It's, uh, it's gratifying and I'd just like to see us

665
00:48:47,265 --> 00:48:51,145
to do a, a better job and exploit it in a, in

666
00:48:51,405 --> 00:48:55,365
a bigger fashion, especially the size of the poster. That's it. Thank

667
00:48:55,605 --> 00:48:59,445
you. Thank you. Thank mark. Are there,

668
00:48:59,625 --> 00:49:03,205
is there anyone else who wished us to speak tonight during the public comments portion?

669
00:49:06,535 --> 00:49:09,465
okay, we're gonna move on to the, uh, the town manager.

670
00:49:11,285 --> 00:49:15,125
uh, thank madam mayor counsel. Um, just had a few comments tonight and

671
00:49:15,385 --> 00:49:19,085
a big one for me was, um, obviously we just gather

672
00:49:20,375 --> 00:49:23,955
snowstorm turned to ice and I just really wanted to thank

673
00:49:25,005 --> 00:49:28,365
our, uh, team here at the town. You know, our public works, energy

674
00:49:29,065 --> 00:49:32,985
services, pd folks on social media, and then all of our

675
00:49:33,105 --> 00:49:37,105
staff's families who allowed their, uh, loved ones to be out here helping us get it

676
00:49:37,265 --> 00:49:41,105
done. You know, we mobilized last saturday at 6:00 pm to start hitting

677
00:49:41,405 --> 00:49:45,305
it. And while public works was getting ready for the snow energy services

678
00:49:45,605 --> 00:49:49,485
was out changing transformers to make sure people, um, uh, in town had,

679
00:49:50,125 --> 00:49:53,165
uh, power as they headed into the storm. Um,

680
00:49:54,405 --> 00:49:58,345
you know, we were working to fix things obviously too. You know,

681
00:49:58,425 --> 00:50:01,965
it was a unique storm. As soon as it stopped, everything just froze up

682
00:50:02,485 --> 00:50:06,225
and, you know, I don't think we were the only ones alone in that. So we've already talked

683
00:50:06,505 --> 00:50:10,405
to folks like warren county public schools, um, the, uh,

684
00:50:10,625 --> 00:50:14,545
builders association to see, um, we're gonna come up with an operation plan afterwards

685
00:50:15,245 --> 00:50:19,025
to make sure we're doing everything we can at the next storm to be

686
00:50:19,425 --> 00:50:23,305
prepared. Um, and we're all just praying that the groundhog was wrong today

687
00:50:24,045 --> 00:50:27,945
and that we spring is coming. Um, 'cause now our

688
00:50:28,275 --> 00:50:32,205
staff's been out almost every day doing water main breaks. So now we're, we're seeing

689
00:50:32,365 --> 00:50:36,005
that. So we just wanted to commend all the team here at the town

690
00:50:36,465 --> 00:50:40,445
who really stepped up to make it through that. And just one last notice

691
00:50:40,825 --> 00:50:43,805
is that town offices will be closed monday, february 16th

692
00:50:44,905 --> 00:50:47,565
for president's day. Thank you.

693
00:50:49,195 --> 00:50:52,925
alright. Um, at this time we have the report council members. Is there anybody

694
00:50:53,225 --> 00:50:56,325
who wishes to speak? First, I will

695
00:50:58,025 --> 00:51:01,885
say is I went out, uh, on saturday night

696
00:51:02,155 --> 00:51:05,725
when, when the judge started, and I stopped and talked to the people

697
00:51:06,185 --> 00:51:10,045
on virginia avenue to thank them for what they were doing out there in the court. It was

698
00:51:10,245 --> 00:51:14,045
bitter out there when they were climb. I, not climbing, but going up in the bucket.

699
00:51:14,425 --> 00:51:18,325
and, uh, I think they really did a timely, they did a timely magnet.

700
00:51:18,585 --> 00:51:22,285
the people had to power back in what, like, two, three hours? Probably, I think.

701
00:51:22,915 --> 00:51:26,885
yeah, it was two hours. But, uh, and the guys that were

702
00:51:27,005 --> 00:51:30,805
plowing the snow, I know we've contracted with some people. Uh, so the

703
00:51:31,125 --> 00:51:35,075
contracts did a great job. Um, I mean, they headed down

704
00:51:35,795 --> 00:51:39,615
like almost the asphalt for a little bit, and then the ice hit and, uh, everything

705
00:51:40,435 --> 00:51:44,045
went, you know, where. But, um, but again, thank and the police department,

706
00:51:44,605 --> 00:51:48,525
I saw them out moving around and doing things, and I need to thank them for

707
00:51:48,725 --> 00:51:52,685
being out in the cold. And, you know, I don't think y'all had that

708
00:51:52,885 --> 00:51:56,725
many wrecks did you? Chief? But, um, you know, they were

709
00:51:56,965 --> 00:52:00,485
out moving and it's great to see 'em out there doing it even in the cold and getting out and helping people.

710
00:52:01,505 --> 00:52:05,245
uh, but again, thanks to to the road crews, thanks to the

711
00:52:05,685 --> 00:52:08,405
electric department and thanks to the police department for the job. They're done for us.

712
00:52:10,745 --> 00:52:14,275
anybody else? Any other council members? Yeah, I'll judge.

713
00:52:16,045 --> 00:52:19,835
thank you. Uh, this is pretty short for me.

714
00:52:22,275 --> 00:52:25,775
I have a, I just wanted, I wanted to, uh,

715
00:52:26,735 --> 00:52:30,335
uh, add on to, uh, uh, councilman,

716
00:52:31,305 --> 00:52:34,605
uh, as well as the town manager.

717
00:52:35,665 --> 00:52:39,535
uh, you know, I appreciate what public's work works

718
00:52:40,025 --> 00:52:43,175
did during the storm. Uh, the electrical department,

719
00:52:44,465 --> 00:52:48,065
police department kept it, kept the lights on,

720
00:52:48,625 --> 00:52:52,525
uh, the electric. Um, uh, one thing

721
00:52:52,755 --> 00:52:56,745
that um, uh, really stood out to me was,

722
00:52:57,945 --> 00:53:01,605
you know, you drove around town and our public works department

723
00:53:02,145 --> 00:53:06,045
was doing the best that they could, but you couldn't, you can't keep up with

724
00:53:06,285 --> 00:53:10,285
something when the snow is coming down and then

725
00:53:10,445 --> 00:53:14,365
the temperature drops to zero and everything freezes over

726
00:53:15,385 --> 00:53:18,495
and you gotta do something with the snow. You gotta get it off the roads.

727
00:53:19,465 --> 00:53:23,385
so there's not the sidewalks, uh, you

728
00:53:23,605 --> 00:53:27,045
know, most of them are all covered up still in town.

729
00:53:28,065 --> 00:53:31,705
and I wanted to point out, uh, that, you know, um,

730
00:53:34,105 --> 00:53:36,885
people are driving on the streets, you know, be careful,

731
00:53:38,155 --> 00:53:42,145
keep an eye out for people because people are walking in the street. Not everybody has

732
00:53:42,805 --> 00:53:46,145
a vehicle. And, um, uh,

733
00:53:47,185 --> 00:53:50,185
particularly on, I noticed it on south street,

734
00:53:51,645 --> 00:53:55,575
uh, you know, pull over into the left lane if you can give

735
00:53:55,985 --> 00:53:59,725
'em as much room as possible. Um, so, um,

736
00:54:02,275 --> 00:54:06,255
pretty much, uh, mayor, that's pretty much all I have. Uh, I just

737
00:54:06,495 --> 00:54:10,335
wanted to point this few things out and I appreciate all the staff

738
00:54:10,925 --> 00:54:14,895
what they did. Thanks. Is there anybody else that has anything they want

739
00:54:15,095 --> 00:54:18,505
to report, need to report? I'll keep it brief. I've, I've done a lot in the last month,

740
00:54:19,155 --> 00:54:23,055
um, that I had to give it the last one, but I was not disappointed to have canceled

741
00:54:23,165 --> 00:54:27,015
that meeting because unlike councilman rappaport and , I did not go

742
00:54:27,215 --> 00:54:31,205
out driving around in it like they advised us not to do, stay

743
00:54:31,515 --> 00:54:35,415
off the streets, guys. Mm-hmm . Um, you know, obviously I echo the

744
00:54:35,535 --> 00:54:39,455
same sentiment that public works. The guys in the

745
00:54:39,895 --> 00:54:43,865
electric department, all of them, they were working hard. I've defended our staff

746
00:54:44,275 --> 00:54:47,815
for anybody who's had something to say about it, because I mean, we've just been up against,

747
00:54:49,395 --> 00:54:53,135
you know, unprecedented. I read yesterday was the coldest day in six years

748
00:54:53,795 --> 00:54:57,615
for our locality. So all that brings me to

749
00:54:58,035 --> 00:55:01,905
the only point I wanted to make at our regular meeting last week, which

750
00:55:02,315 --> 00:55:05,715
became magnified through this last week, was

751
00:55:06,485 --> 00:55:10,415
most people received an emergency alert on their cell phone, whether they lived in the town of fort

752
00:55:10,655 --> 00:55:14,455
royal or not. And it notified you that, uh, shenandoah valley electric

753
00:55:14,715 --> 00:55:18,325
and rappahannock electric might have to do forced power outages

754
00:55:18,835 --> 00:55:21,735
to protect the grid due to the temperatures and conditions

755
00:55:22,965 --> 00:55:25,775
that we were facing. And on december 1st, 2025,

756
00:55:27,235 --> 00:55:31,135
we had a work session where we got progress updates regarding the zoning text amendments to the town

757
00:55:31,485 --> 00:55:35,215
code, defining data centers and adding data centers with performance standards

758
00:55:35,615 --> 00:55:39,375
by sup. And at that meeting, I said something extreme and I said,

759
00:55:39,705 --> 00:55:43,695
let's ban data centers. Put it out there. I don't know a single person that

760
00:55:43,935 --> 00:55:46,765
I've, I have maybe one or two who say they want 'em. Nonetheless,

761
00:55:48,175 --> 00:55:52,035
I just thought about my grandmother who I couldn't get to having a forced power outage.

762
00:55:52,875 --> 00:55:56,555
and I thought to myself, we don't have the power for our residents, but

763
00:55:57,355 --> 00:56:01,195
we have the power and infrastructure for data centers. It doesn't make sense. Can't make it make sense to

764
00:56:01,415 --> 00:56:05,165
me. So despite the facebook warrior saying that we've all conspired

765
00:56:05,795 --> 00:56:09,775
behind these meetings to bring in the data centers, and we're all

766
00:56:09,855 --> 00:56:13,855
getting some kind of kickback, I just wanna go on record to remind people to watch

767
00:56:13,975 --> 00:56:17,775
the december 1st meeting where I proposed to ban. And it was not the favor appetite,

768
00:56:18,505 --> 00:56:22,455
which I respect, but it just brings me to this. It was like an

769
00:56:22,615 --> 00:56:26,525
amper alert that went off on every phone in my household that said, due to

770
00:56:26,645 --> 00:56:30,305
this severe temperature drop, um,

771
00:56:30,825 --> 00:56:33,865
you may experience a forced power outage. And, um,

772
00:56:35,425 --> 00:56:38,625
it just makes me think about common sense. And, um,

773
00:56:39,835 --> 00:56:43,765
nonetheless, I'm gonna reiterate it for the 15th time. I don't

774
00:56:43,965 --> 00:56:45,605
think the data center belong in the town of front royal.

775
00:56:48,455 --> 00:56:52,185
any other council members? Yes, madam mayor. Um, just

776
00:56:52,475 --> 00:56:56,425
to hitch on what everyone else said, certainly want to, uh, um,

777
00:56:58,195 --> 00:57:02,065
give our public works or police and electric departments, uh,

778
00:57:03,165 --> 00:57:06,945
kudos for doing a great job. Uh, like the vice mayor, um,

779
00:57:08,725 --> 00:57:12,445
I feel like when everybody comments, well, they didn't

780
00:57:12,765 --> 00:57:16,415
do this, they didn't do that, I don't think some in public understand

781
00:57:17,745 --> 00:57:21,455
how large and difficult of an event we've

782
00:57:21,805 --> 00:57:25,575
just gone through. Um, especially, you know, with eight

783
00:57:25,925 --> 00:57:29,865
or eight plus inches of snow and three inches of ice. It, it

784
00:57:30,085 --> 00:57:34,025
certainly, um, was a challenge. Continues to be a challenge as

785
00:57:34,245 --> 00:57:37,705
we try to clean up intersections. But, um,

786
00:57:38,865 --> 00:57:42,685
and, and somebody mentioned, well, they couldn't get to a store downtown,

787
00:57:42,945 --> 00:57:46,485
and I'm thinking probably the store owner wasn't there either. , .

788
00:57:47,585 --> 00:57:51,445
so I, again, I don't, I don't engage to nonsense. If

789
00:57:51,805 --> 00:57:55,145
somebody comes to me and they have an idea and they have a solution, I'll listen. But,

790
00:57:55,985 --> 00:57:59,885
um, our, our employees work hard and yeah, you know,

791
00:58:00,005 --> 00:58:03,925
we got zero degrees. I know the other morning, the other morning

792
00:58:04,265 --> 00:58:07,825
our trash guys were picking up trash in six

793
00:58:08,505 --> 00:58:12,135
degree weather, and I'm gonna go on record again.

794
00:58:12,685 --> 00:58:15,615
I know we're doing a survey about it, but this is ridiculous

795
00:58:16,995 --> 00:58:20,945
when we have people out there cold doing it when a truck can

796
00:58:21,195 --> 00:58:24,965
pick that trash up without having a man out there or a woman, a human

797
00:58:25,215 --> 00:58:28,985
being, having to deal with that. So I hope that we'll get

798
00:58:29,225 --> 00:58:33,205
the results back from that study, perhaps in the future who can start

799
00:58:33,405 --> 00:58:37,305
buying some of these trucks that eliminate a somewhat thankless job,

800
00:58:37,785 --> 00:58:40,705
uh, when it's a hundred degrees or six degrees. So,

801
00:58:41,915 --> 00:58:45,565
um, the other thing that I wanted to say is,

802
00:58:46,045 --> 00:58:49,225
uh, have conversations with people over sidewalks

803
00:58:50,445 --> 00:58:54,085
and what's the town gonna do about the sidewalks? Well, the

804
00:58:54,585 --> 00:58:58,465
sidewalks are so bad. Uh, uh, mr. Perry even talked about our crew

805
00:58:58,805 --> 00:59:02,625
out trying to open up the path along 55, the paid

806
00:59:02,975 --> 00:59:06,175
path that runs from, I believe jamestown

807
00:59:07,165 --> 00:59:11,165
to westminster. Mm-hmm . And the difficult, we

808
00:59:11,405 --> 00:59:15,305
had actually using a, a bobcat and a front end loader and such.

809
00:59:16,365 --> 00:59:20,145
um, we do need to be careful as councilman, uh, rappaport

810
00:59:20,745 --> 00:59:24,535
said about people walking in the streets, but I think that it's

811
00:59:24,925 --> 00:59:28,745
unrealistic to expect the public, um, to go

812
00:59:28,945 --> 00:59:32,755
out here and open up these sidewalks when there's piles

813
00:59:33,105 --> 00:59:36,995
of ice higher than me over six feet tall. I

814
00:59:37,115 --> 00:59:41,075
don't think that it, it, it is something, you know, it's one of the things to get, you know,

815
00:59:41,295 --> 00:59:45,025
uh, three or four inches out there. You can shovel it off, but when you pile

816
00:59:45,315 --> 00:59:48,795
it up and we have to pile it to, to scrape it, even though we pile

817
00:59:49,465 --> 00:59:53,125
snow off of main street, um, the complaints

818
00:59:53,805 --> 00:59:57,745
about the sidewalk is unfortunate. I think the weather conditions make

819
00:59:58,035 --> 01:00:01,835
it so that it, it, it's very unusual and hard to do it.

820
01:00:02,775 --> 01:00:06,705
and, um, you know, that, that's all I'm gonna say about that.

821
01:00:06,955 --> 01:00:10,905
thank you. Yep, go ahead. Well, I was gonna piggyback

822
01:00:11,505 --> 01:00:15,205
for a second. Uh, our nation's capital had the same thing where, where the,

823
01:00:15,845 --> 01:00:19,785
uh, snow was piled up on the sidewalks we're not alone in the community.

824
01:00:20,125 --> 01:00:23,935
the other thing is that if you've lived here for a few decades, even

825
01:00:24,225 --> 01:00:28,025
though in, maybe in recent years, the weather has not been like that, but this is how the weather

826
01:00:28,245 --> 01:00:31,885
was. The weather used it. We have snowy winters, you know, we

827
01:00:32,455 --> 01:00:36,185
january to february at least, um, if not into march

828
01:00:36,505 --> 01:00:40,415
and april. So anybody that moved here and didn't think you were gonna have snow bear

829
01:00:40,705 --> 01:00:44,625
with again. Um, but I wanted to reiterate the thank you

830
01:00:44,925 --> 01:00:48,115
as well. Um, and also just suggest maybe

831
01:00:48,975 --> 01:00:52,625
because I, um, you know, everybody receives the price tag on their

832
01:00:53,465 --> 01:00:57,185
electric bill, but apparently they don't know who they're paying it to. But, so maybe

833
01:00:57,485 --> 01:01:01,265
we, if if the thing goes out on svec or rec,

834
01:01:02,235 --> 01:01:06,125
maybe we need to go ahead and say, if you live in the town of front royal, you're

835
01:01:06,745 --> 01:01:10,325
probably paying electric to the town of front royal and not rec or

836
01:01:10,785 --> 01:01:14,745
svec. Um, it was not applicable. Um, I don't know how they

837
01:01:15,495 --> 01:01:19,385
figured out the range of who they were giving notices to, but people were

838
01:01:19,665 --> 01:01:23,485
very confused. Um, so maybe we just need to do a follow up,

839
01:01:24,005 --> 01:01:27,825
you know, when we see something like that, that that confuses people about who they pay

840
01:01:28,265 --> 01:01:32,125
electric to. Um, and, um, it's, oh,

841
01:01:32,775 --> 01:01:36,185
even a better ideas during the storm stay off social media.

842
01:01:37,025 --> 01:01:38,025
'cause it's just really negative

843
01:01:41,415 --> 01:01:44,425
only board games. It's probably something else to do.

844
01:01:45,565 --> 01:01:49,375
um, but, um, some people just want

845
01:01:49,665 --> 01:01:53,525
to complain. I mean, the, the thing is when it snows, you know, things happen in

846
01:01:53,745 --> 01:01:57,385
life that are inconvenient and let's just, you know, wait 24

847
01:01:57,865 --> 01:02:01,865
to 48 hours and take a breath and roll with it, you know,

848
01:02:02,045 --> 01:02:05,345
figure out how to get through life with some inconvenience sometimes.

849
01:02:06,685 --> 01:02:10,625
um, and, uh, that's enough of

850
01:02:10,745 --> 01:02:14,545
the preaching. But, um, the only thing I think I attended was liaison meeting,

851
01:02:15,325 --> 01:02:19,005
um, this month. I was trying to think back, but this, uh, january

852
01:02:19,555 --> 01:02:23,515
went very fast and, um, when we

853
01:02:23,635 --> 01:02:27,615
were outta commission a lot, but the liaison meeting of course, was good. So I appreciate my

854
01:02:27,835 --> 01:02:31,835
colleagues, um, navigating, you know, continued relations with the county.

855
01:02:32,435 --> 01:02:36,375
I think, um, I think we're getting, you know, just some good spots. Um,

856
01:02:37,055 --> 01:02:40,915
so we'll see. Thank you. Anybody else?

857
01:02:43,185 --> 01:02:47,115
okay. The mayor's report I was gonna forego, but, oh, I

858
01:02:47,375 --> 01:02:51,255
did, I did forget to say the, well, let me think. Shall I give him

859
01:02:51,715 --> 01:02:55,715
a second turn? No, go ahead brad. Wait the next

860
01:02:55,755 --> 01:02:55,755
month.

861
01:02:59,785 --> 01:03:03,755
well, I'm getting ready to do it anyway, so I'll bring that up. You've threw my name in there.

862
01:03:04,025 --> 01:03:06,655
I'll, I'll make sure. Um,

863
01:03:08,335 --> 01:03:12,045
as amber said, I, I feel like it's just been a busy month, even though really we're

864
01:03:12,395 --> 01:03:16,095
reporting all the way back from december 12th. So I, I don't have any,

865
01:03:16,535 --> 01:03:19,915
I'm not even bringing up december, but I'll start in january.

866
01:03:21,055 --> 01:03:24,955
um, so I attended a community book fair, um, that all the elementary schools

867
01:03:25,335 --> 01:03:28,935
put together for a local student, um, who

868
01:03:29,415 --> 01:03:33,135
was having rejection, lung, lung transplant, rejection. And

869
01:03:33,555 --> 01:03:37,515
then, um, I, uh, attended a

870
01:03:37,635 --> 01:03:41,595
meeting with the smithsonian town of brown smithsonian. We met with, um, some

871
01:03:41,875 --> 01:03:45,635
people there. And then on the 15th, um, I had a meeting

872
01:03:46,105 --> 01:03:50,055
with little league, um, about the state tournament that's coming up.

873
01:03:50,375 --> 01:03:54,375
and then that night, councilman rappaport and I, um, we did attend

874
01:03:54,855 --> 01:03:58,835
the liaison meeting and I would agree with you, that was a good assessment. I thought it

875
01:03:58,995 --> 01:04:02,895
was actually one of the best liaison meetings I've attended. Um, so

876
01:04:03,625 --> 01:04:06,495
lots of conversation, discussion, which was great. Um,

877
01:04:07,815 --> 01:04:11,075
uh, I also attended the front row fire department awards center.

878
01:04:12,015 --> 01:04:15,985
um, and that's always amazing just to see they,

879
01:04:16,855 --> 01:04:20,755
the, the years of volunteer service when they

880
01:04:21,135 --> 01:04:24,915
are sharing. Um, and I know one of the things they talked about

881
01:04:25,295 --> 01:04:29,175
is the bingo, and I believe they were able to pay

882
01:04:29,535 --> 01:04:33,415
off a fire truck like several years earlier and now are

883
01:04:33,645 --> 01:04:37,365
using the, the, the bingo proceeds to put towards purchasing

884
01:04:38,035 --> 01:04:40,715
the next one. And these are like, well, nixon might have been purchased,

885
01:04:42,745 --> 01:04:46,515
well, 29, well, whatever they were talking about at that time, but it was like million.

886
01:04:47,105 --> 01:04:50,955
like, it wasn't like a, these aren't like, uh, small purchases. These

887
01:04:51,255 --> 01:04:54,995
are, are very expensive, um, purchases. And then,

888
01:04:55,615 --> 01:04:59,155
um, so I also attended,

889
01:04:59,695 --> 01:05:03,435
um, the recovery court meeting, um, and then the citizens

890
01:05:04,025 --> 01:05:07,875
academy, which is just going wonderful. I'm just

891
01:05:08,075 --> 01:05:12,075
gonna say that again. It's a great group of people. Lots of questions. I

892
01:05:12,195 --> 01:05:16,035
feel like they're learning and we are learning from them things that they're

893
01:05:16,485 --> 01:05:20,485
about or asking questions about. Um, I, right before

894
01:05:20,765 --> 01:05:24,175
the snow hit, I attended that a chamber of commerce start gazer

895
01:05:25,035 --> 01:05:28,295
gala. Um, and that was another wonderful event

896
01:05:29,115 --> 01:05:32,925
that, um, warren county, the front one warren county chamber

897
01:05:33,205 --> 01:05:36,805
of commerce put that on. And there were awards for a variety of things,

898
01:05:37,465 --> 01:05:41,345
but just to see how many like businesses and

899
01:05:41,565 --> 01:05:45,025
entrepreneurs and there was a spark club award and, um,

900
01:05:46,105 --> 01:05:50,045
it just to see all the people in our community that are working to make this a better place to live and

901
01:05:50,245 --> 01:05:53,725
raise their families. And so I think that was, that was a, a, a great,

902
01:05:54,625 --> 01:05:58,555
um, event. And then of course the snow hit and then

903
01:05:58,845 --> 01:06:02,225
it was had not be going that week, obviously. Um,

904
01:06:03,545 --> 01:06:07,195
and, uh, let's see. Was there something, and then, yeah,

905
01:06:07,985 --> 01:06:11,985
and that was it. I wanna comment on a couple things that our friend

906
01:06:12,635 --> 01:06:16,625
said. One is, um, actually the town of front row

907
01:06:17,185 --> 01:06:20,905
did respond to people asking about, um,

908
01:06:21,675 --> 01:06:25,225
panicking that their power was gonna go off, you know? Um,

909
01:06:26,065 --> 01:06:29,995
and so the timeframe did respond and say that this is not, that it's

910
01:06:30,285 --> 01:06:33,685
not us, don't worry about it. But I, but I do respect what you're saying there,

911
01:06:34,505 --> 01:06:38,425
and probably only because I knew that, but the majority of people may

912
01:06:38,645 --> 01:06:42,305
not know that. So that, that is, that's a valuable thing to say. Um,

913
01:06:42,895 --> 01:06:46,845
about the weather event over the last week, a couple things. One is

914
01:06:47,825 --> 01:06:51,125
my husband and I were talking about this, not pretty old. I'm 59. We were both saying,

915
01:06:51,845 --> 01:06:55,725
I feel like this might be the longest I've ever seen

916
01:06:56,325 --> 01:07:00,235
a winter weather event. Wait, let, what are you trying to say? You're 59. I'm seven. Well,

917
01:07:00,525 --> 01:07:04,445
you might, maybe you're gonna, maybe you're gonna counteract me again. You're gonna contradict me

918
01:07:04,605 --> 01:07:08,035
again. . Um, but the, I've never seen

919
01:07:08,685 --> 01:07:12,645
a weather event and then seven days of bre cold temperatures,

920
01:07:13,655 --> 01:07:16,885
there may be a weather event even in 96 when we had three feet of snow,

921
01:07:17,865 --> 01:07:21,845
you know, by the third or fourth day the temperatures were up and something was melting. Of course,

922
01:07:21,925 --> 01:07:25,805
then we had floods. But, uh, which I wouldn't mind a flood right now

923
01:07:26,305 --> 01:07:30,065
to treat me . We could use a little water. Um, but anyway,

924
01:07:30,545 --> 01:07:34,465
I'm just saying like, it is just a very unique situation and I'm sad

925
01:07:34,685 --> 01:07:38,465
when people don't see it that way. And as far as for people saying,

926
01:07:39,385 --> 01:07:43,365
why can't people get out there and do this? I when sunday, when it

927
01:07:43,485 --> 01:07:47,445
was coming down, we went out three different times because my husband had to work

928
01:07:47,565 --> 01:07:51,525
monday. So we went out three different times, clear at our driveway on monday after he went

929
01:07:51,685 --> 01:07:55,565
to work, I spent four hours just trying to dig out a path so he could come home.

930
01:07:56,315 --> 01:08:00,245
then I spent three hours the next day digging out my car, and the next

931
01:08:00,365 --> 01:08:04,325
day, another two hours, the male lady would actually deliver my mail. And that

932
01:08:04,565 --> 01:08:08,405
day I had to pick ax. And that's the truth. Like, my was like,

933
01:08:08,655 --> 01:08:11,865
don't hurt yourself. Well, I've seen that. Um, but that stuff was brutal.

934
01:08:12,945 --> 01:08:16,745
so anybody that thinks that we can just go out there and, um,

935
01:08:17,865 --> 01:08:21,725
you know, clean off every sidewalk, I I don't even know where the snow would go.

936
01:08:22,025 --> 01:08:25,675
so I am extremely grateful for our, uh, town

937
01:08:26,135 --> 01:08:30,045
crews. And honestly, I just wanna say too, while maybe social media

938
01:08:30,745 --> 01:08:34,555
had some, there were a lot of people out there that were defending the work that, that

939
01:08:34,865 --> 01:08:38,565
our town staff did. Um, and I was personally

940
01:08:39,115 --> 01:08:42,805
getting texts and messages sent to me saying

941
01:08:43,145 --> 01:08:47,045
the town did a great job. And I, I did share that. Like I shared that

942
01:08:47,245 --> 01:08:51,225
with, with some supervisors too, just to say, look, I don't, you know, please

943
01:08:51,645 --> 01:08:55,605
make sure so did an amazing job. I hope we might be

944
01:08:55,765 --> 01:08:59,345
done for a little while with snow, but tomorrow, yeah, that's what they say. But

945
01:09:01,125 --> 01:09:05,125
I hope not. Um, snow is one thing. It's the ice, it was the ice that killed

946
01:09:05,325 --> 01:09:08,885
us. But anyway, thank you to everyone that kept everything going

947
01:09:09,435 --> 01:09:13,285
from, um, our electrical services to our public works, to our

948
01:09:13,625 --> 01:09:17,245
pd, um, and those of you that made it into town hall to keep

949
01:09:17,905 --> 01:09:21,285
to answer all the phone calls, right? So I'm grateful for everyone.

950
01:09:22,315 --> 01:09:25,505
item number 10 is our consent agenda. Um, and

951
01:09:26,605 --> 01:09:30,475
I will entertain a motion for the consent agenda. I move

952
01:09:31,355 --> 01:09:34,845
that we adopt the consent agenda

953
01:09:35,495 --> 01:09:36,435
items as presented.

954
01:09:40,165 --> 01:09:43,485
, you had what? Motion and a secondary discussion.

955
01:09:45,275 --> 01:09:49,075
okay. Um, roll call. Councilman wood? Yes. Vice

956
01:09:49,365 --> 01:09:53,335
mayor fel? Yes. Councilman ? Yes. Councilman ur? Yes. Councilman

957
01:09:54,005 --> 01:09:57,965
king? Yes. Council? Yes. My brain

958
01:09:58,165 --> 01:10:01,885
was trying to comprehend that we're going into another council meeting so that the, um,

959
01:10:02,435 --> 01:10:06,405
next item would be business items. And there are none. So actually we're gonna

960
01:10:06,755 --> 01:10:08,915
adjourn this regular meeting.