Town of Strasburg · 2018-08-13 · this position and has been writing songs and poems for more than 30 years and many of these are about the Shenandoah Valley and the Town of Strasburg

Town of Strasburg

2018

Town Council Regular Meeting Strasburg Town Hall 174 West King Street Strasburg, Virginia Tuesday, August 14, 2018 7:00 p.m. Town Council Members: Richard “Rich” Orndorff, Mayor Kim Bishop Barbara Plitt Ken Cherrix Emily Reynolds John Massoud Scott Terndrup Taralyn Nicholson Jocelyn Vena Staff Contact: Wyatt Pearson, Town Manager

If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of physical, sensory, or mental disability in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Amy Keller, Clerk of Council, at 540-465-9197 or [email protected]. Three days notice is required.

Preliminary Agenda Call to Order – Mayor Rich Orndorff Pledge of Allegiance – Invocation – Rev. Keith Warren, Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church Roll Call – Amy Keller, Clerk of Council Introduction and Recognition of Visitors and Guests Mayor’s Comments Citizen Comments Action Items:

1. Approval of minutes: July 10, 2018 Town Council Regular Meeting and July 23, 2018 Special Council Meeting Contact: Amy Keller, Clerk of Council Support Materials: July 10th, 2018 Town Council Regular Meeting and July 23rd, 2018 Special Council Meeting minutes

2. Small Engine Repair Code Amendment Description: A potential text amendment to include the Land-Based Classification Standard (LBCS) Use Code 2113, “Bicycle, Motorcycle, ATV, etc.,” in UDO Sec 3.12.3, Community Commercial Zoning District Use Matrix, as a use permitted by a Special Use Permit (SUP) only. Staff Contact: John Settle, Planning & Zoning Administrator Support Materials: Staff Report, Action Item Form

3. Police Mutual Aid Agreement Description: The Town of Strasburg has a Mutual Aid Agreement with Shenandoah County and periodically, updates and changes are made to this agreement. Town Council needs to vote on on these changes and affirm the Staff Contact: Wayne Sager, Chief of Police Support Materials: Agreement

4. Police Vehicles Resolution Description: In order to incur the debt for the purchase of police vehicles approved in the FY2018-19 budget, the lending institute is requiring the passage of a resolution by the Town Council, affirming the authority of the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the town for this debt. Staff Contact: Wayne Sager, Chief of Police Support Materials: Resolution

5. USDA Community Facilities Grant Resolution Description: In order to accept grant monies for wayfinding signage, Council needs to adopt the Code of Conduct provided by USDA and authorize the Town Manager to execute documents pertaining to the grant. Staff Contact: Michelle Bixler, Economic Development & Marketing Manager Support Materials: Resolution

6. USDA Pre-Development Planning Grant Resolution Description: In order to proceed with the USDA Rural Development Sanitary Sewer Predevelopment Planning Grant, Council needs to adopt a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to sign all documents pertaining to the program. Staff Contact: Jay McKinley, Director of Public Works Support Materials: Resolution

Reports 1. Town Officers 2. Standing Committees 3. Special Committees

Unfinished or Old Business: New Business: Committee Meeting Dates: Closed Meeting:

• Pursuant to Code of Virginia, Section 2.2-3711(A) (3) for discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body. The subject of the closed meeting is to discuss whether the Town would like to exercise a right of first refusal for a property previously under Town ownership.

Adjournment

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Town of Strasburg Council Draft Minutes

July 10, 2018 Page 1 of 8

MINUTES OF THE STRASBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 10 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE STRASBURG TOWN HALL. Call to Order: Mayor Orndorff called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Reynolds. Invocation Rev. John Haynes, pastor of the Strasburg United Methodist Church, gave the invocation. Roll Call: ROLL Called with the following members present: Mayor Orndorff, and Council Members Bishop, Cherrix, Massoud, Nicholson, Plitt, Reynolds, Terndrup, and Vena. Absent: The Honorable Kevin Black led the swearing in ceremony of new Council Members Cherrix, Massoud, Nicholson, Reynolds, and Council Member Terndrup. Public Hearing: SUP Application: 793 Capon Road The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive public comment on a SUP application for 793 Capon Road (TMP#: 016A099) to allow for the conversion of an existing accessory building into an accessory dwelling. The Public Hearing opened at 7:08 p.m. and with no speakers, closed immediately. Introduction and Recognition of Visitors and Guests: Mayor Orndorff recognized former Council Member Hall and Mrs. Hall who were in attendance at the meeting. Also, three members of Boy Scout 5 were in attendance to earn their Citizenship Badge. Mayor’s Comment: Mayor Orndorff said that on June 16, in partnership with the Friends of the North Fork, Strasburg held the first Annual “Fish, Fry, Float”. He said he was not able to attend, but wanted to thank Olivia Hilton, Event Coordinator for the Town, for her efforts. He also heard that Council Member Cherrix performed well in the watermelon eating contest. On June 16, Mayor Orndorff attended the Strasburg Volunteer Rescue Squad Awards Dinner to celebrate the department’s accomplishments. Also attending were Council Member Nicholson and Plitt. On June 21, Mayor Orndorff attended the Strasburg Business to Business Networking sponsored by City National Bank. Council Members Massoud, Vena, and Nicholson, along with Chief Sager, also attended. Mayor Orndorff thanked staff that worked so hard to make former Director of Finance Mullins’ retirement luau such a success; it was a great send-off. Special thanks go to Debbie Miller, Angela Fletcher, Emily Ritenour, Delaina Stroop, Amy Keller, and Town Manager Pearson. It was great to have several former staff members, former Mayors Crisman and Taylor, and former Town Manager Spitzer in attendance. This was a true testament to how much Dottie was loved and she touched many of us. On June 26th, Mayor Orndorff attended the Chamber Paint Nite. He has often said he can’t draw stick people, but he actually painted a rooster that night. A lot of fun was had by all attending.



On June 27, Council Members Vena and Plitt, Chief Sager, Economic Development and Marketing Manager Bixler, and Event Coordinator Hilton braved the heat and attended the mural unveiling. It is exciting that we have had so many businesses opening lately. On June 28, Mayor Orndorff attended the ribbon cutting and grand opening sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce for Westfall Cleaning Service. Council Members Massoud and Nicholson and Chief Sager also attended. On July 3, Mayor Orndorff braved the heat again for the Town of Strasburg Night at the Ballpark for the Strasburg Express game. It was close to 100 degrees that day. He thanked Vice Mayor Terndrup and Town Manager Pearson for manning the front gate to greet all of the attendees and pass out door prize tickets. Ms. Bixler and Ms. Hilton manned the door prize table and had town information available. Attending were Council Member Nicholson, Plitt, and Massoud. On July 4th, Mayor Orndorff spent much time under the police canopy with Chief Sager and his staff while it rained. The car show had to be canceled and a food vendor pulled out early, but the fireworks went off and weren’t they magnificent? He thanked Clerk of Council Keller for organizing the event and special thanks to the Department of Public Works and the Police Department for their work. On July 5th, two more businesses were celebrated. Shenandoah Natural Products and Siblings Rivalry Brewery both had ribbon cuttings and grand openings. Others attending were Chief Sager, Ms. Bixler, and Council Members Nicholson and Plitt. It means a lot to these new businesses to see Council Members and Town Staff supporting them. Last and certainly not least, Mayor Orndorff attended the Police Department’s first “Scoops and Hoops” event on July 7th at the basketball court at the Strasburg Assembly of God Church on Ash Street. Chief Sager, Lt. Ford, and numerous other officers played basketball with town youth. At one point, there were about 100 people in attendance. This was a perfect example of community policing. He thanked Council Member Vena for attending. He distributed an email that was received by Chief Sager from a citizen that thanked the department for the event. He said the letter is a true sentiment on what community policing is all about and a real testament to the department. The July 10th, 2018, Council meeting was the organizational meeting for the upcoming year and Mayor Orndorff announced committee appointments and appointments to various boards and commissions; he reviewed quickly the duties and the areas each committee would be responsible for. He said the number of committees had been reduced from eight to five. Committees: Finance and Personnel Committee: Taralyn Nicholson, Chair John Massoud Barbara Plitt Jocelyn Vena Infrastructure Committee: Kim Bishop, Chair Ken Cherrix John Massoud Jocelyn Vena Ordinance Committee: Scott Terndrup, Chair



Kim Bishop Barbara Plitt Emily Reynolds Public Safety Committee: Emily Reynolds, Chair Taralyn Nicholson Scott Terndrup Jocelyn Vena Recreation, Parks, & Trails Committee: Ken Cherrix, Chair John Massoud Taralyn Nicholson Emily Reynolds Representatives to various Boards and Commissions: Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission: Jocelyn Vena Planning Commission Representative: Scott Terndrup Community Advisory Team Representative: Barbara Plitt Mayor Orndorff said that former Council Member Le Vine asked Council to consider the appointment of Richard Follett as the first Poet Laureate for the town. Virginia’s General Assembly established this position in 1936; the Poet Laureate for the United States is now called the Poet Laureate Consultant to the Library of Congress; in England, a Poet Laureate is appointed for life by the Royal Sovereign as a member of the Royal Household; after research, no town has been found in Virginia to have a Poet Laureate. Mr. Follett said he would be honored to serve in this position and has been writing songs and poems for more than 30 years and many of these are about the Shenandoah Valley and the Town of Strasburg. He wants to help document and enhance the culture of Strasburg. It would not be a political position, but would rather celebrate our heritage, our history, and our culture in the town. Mayor Orndorff said he was very proud and pleased to appoint Richard Follett as the Poet Laureate for the Town of Strasburg. The term for this position would end on June 30, 2020. In regards to the appointment, Council Member Massoud said arts are very important, but unfortunately the arts become a political tool. What kind of guarantee do we have that this will not happen? Mayor Orndorff said anything created will be approved by either himself or Town Manager Pearson. Mr. Follett has assured him that this is how he wants this to happen and it is not for any political gain, but to recognize the history and culture of the town. Citizen Comments: Action Items:

1. Approval of Minutes: June 12, 2018, Town Council Regular Meeting. The minutes of the June 12, 2018, Town Council Regular meeting were approved as presented.

2. Strasburg Historic District Design Guidelines Amendment The Town Council approved a text amendment to the UDO regarding the sign ordinance in the historic downtown overlay district at the May 8, 2018 meeting. The Strasburg Historic District



Design Guidelines must be amended to reflect this change. P&Z Administrator Settle said the amendments made to UDO for window coverage were made, but the Historic District Guidelines were not amended to reflect this change. The ARB reached a favorable consensus of the change and now there needs to be a vote by Council, approving this change to the Guidelines. Council Member Cherrix said in looking at this, he wondered if the average height of letters and symbols need to be changed as well. P&Z Administrator Settle said if Council would like to have the ARB look at this, they could. Town Manager Pearson said this would only be a change to the Guidelines and the ARB could look at this, but it would not be a change to the UDO. Council Member Cherrix moved to have the ARB look into the height of the letters and numbers in regards to the window coverage; second by Council Member Massoud. Council Member Reynolds said she is not sure if there is any language in the UDO that talks about the six inches and P&Z Administrator Settle said there is not. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Council Member Bishop moved the Council change the Historic District Guidelines to match the UDO from 20 percent window coverage to 40 percent window coverage; second by Council Member Massoud. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.

3. SUP Application: 793 Capon Road A SUP application for 793 Capon Road (TMP# 016A099) to allow for the conversion of an existing accessory building into an accessory dwelling. P&Z Administrator Settle said this is an application to convert an accessory building to an accessory dwelling. The applicants want to make this into a residence for an elderly relative. He stated the Planning Commission approved this contingent on the approval of the SUP by the Council. P&Z Administrator Settle reviewed the UDO sections relevant to this application which were listed in the Staff Report. Staff recommends approval of this application as presented. Council Member Bishop thanked P&Z Administrator Settle for including all the parts of the UDO that he referenced. She said it was stated there was no conflict with the UDO and the application, but it is her understanding that we go by the intent of the UDO. This SUP will change the intent of the UDO as it is changing this into living space for a person. She asked if there would be a way to make the UDO and the Comprehensive Plan match since it doesn’t really at this point. P&Z Administrator Settle asked if she was asking if there is a way to match the two documents and it would be through a text amendment to the UDO or a change to the Comprehensive Plan. Council Member Bishop asked what happens after the initial use of the building ceases. Could there be language added that they can rent it out so it doesn’t become a blighted building. Town Attorney Miller said there is a part in the Code that prohibits the conversion of an accessory unit into a rental unit and P&Z Administrator Settle agreed and said there is a section of the UDO that expressly prohibits this and if it were to happen, they would be in violation of the UDO and the SUP would cease.



Mayor Orndorff referred both of Council Member Bishop’s questions to the Ordinance Committee. Council Member Cherrix asked if they were to sell the property, would they need to get a new SUP. P&Z Administrator Settle said the SUP runs with the property. Council Member Bishop moved to approve the SUP application to allow the conversion of an existing accessory building into an accessory dwelling at 793 Capon Street; second by Council Member Vena. Vice Mayor Terndrup said we are approving an SUP with no conditions so what by-right uses does an accessory dwelling have that an accessory building doesn’t have. Town Manager Pearson said it is the difference between a garden shed and an apartment. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.

4. Town Treasurer Town Council needs to appoint a Town Treasurer to fill the unexpired term of Dottie Mullins. Council Member Vena moved to appoint Angela Fletcher as the Town Treasurer with term ending June 30, 2019; second by Council Member Nicholson. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.

5. Council Election of Vice Mayor Section 3-d of the Town of Strasburg Charter states that Town Council shall appoint a Vice Mayor from among themselves. Council Member Bishop nominated Scott Terndrup; second by Council Member Massoud. With no other nominations, the nominations were closed and Council Member Terndrup was unanimously appointed to the position of Vice Mayor. Town Officer Reports: Town Manager Pearson: The CDBG pavilion is progressing well while the streetscape project is still on hold. VDOT is looking at making King Street a little less bumpy. The Gateway Trail project will be released for bid soon. He stated he has been waiting on a couple of projects until the new Council was seated and he will be presenting these soon. Director of Public Works McKinley: The Water Plant produced 18.95 mg and is running at 25 percent capacity. Thanks to over 12 inches of rain last month, the Wastewater Plant treated 57.72 mg and ran at 96 percent capacity. During June, Public Works cleared nine sewer backups, repaired six water leaks, and handled 71 meter service requests. Paving operations for the 2017/18 fiscal year have been completed on time and on budget. Council Member Massoud asked if he heard it right that we had 20 inches of rain in the last two months and the town did receive that amount of rain. Town Attorney Miller: Nothing to report.



Director of Finance Fletcher: Stated she was honored to be with the Town and is looking forward to working with all of Council. She and former Director of Finance Mullins have worked together over the past month to ensure a smooth transition. Staff has been preparing and mailing out delinquent notices for taxes, business licenses, and outstanding utility bills. Staff is currently wrapping up year-end activities in preparation for the annual audit. Pre-audit field work is scheduled for August 20 and 21 and the audit will occur later in the fall. Clerk of Council Keller: Stated the fireworks did not go off without a hitch, but they did go off. All seemed to enjoy the event and the vendors were happy with the crowd that came just before the fireworks. Mark your calendars now for both Wednesday, September 19 and Wednesday, October 24. Town Council will be serving the Community Dinners at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (September 19) and Strasburg United Methodist Church (October 24). Chief of Police Sager: The department responded to 655 calls for service during the month resulting in 25 adult arrests, no juvenile arrests, and 65 traffic violations. Staff received training on Narcan and each officer will be carrying this. The department is in an agreement with the Virginia Department of Health where this will be free of charge to the town. The Town received a VML Grant to purchase security cameras which will be placed on the outside of the building and at the front desk. National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, August 7th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Chief Sager said he will be attending the safety meeting for the Yard Crawl which is fast approaching. On July 26, it is First Responders Night with the Strasburg Express. He also announced that the Strasburg Assembly of God will be hosting “Friday Night Game Nights” for youth and officers will be stopping in to visit on these nights. “Scoops and Hoops” was a huge success with much more participation than expected. Council Member Massoud asked about the number of calls for service. Chief Sager said the numbers come from various calls and vary in severity, from an officer doing fingerprints for a citizen to things such as a strangulation. Council Member Bishop thanked Chief Sager for working with her when she was chair of the Transportation Committee. Planning and Zoning Administrator P&Z Administrator Settle: Reported that permitting is persisting steadily and grass complaints are being handled promptly and on a case-by-case basis. Staff has been working on several SUP applications, one of which was approved earlier in this meeting. Staff is also reviewing a major subdivision application for the area commonly known as “Aikens-Claytor”. For the month of June, sixteen zoning applications were approved (six major modifications, two residential accessory buildings/structures, two residential additions, two site plans, one Certificate of Appropriateness, one special event, one special use permit, and one temporary sign). During FY2017-18, staff processed 177 zoning permits, making it the busiest permitting year since 2006 which yielded 198 permits. Economic Development and Marketing Manager Bixler: Staff continues to work on the new website and anticipates this being up and running by the end of July. We continue to move forward on the Borden-Mowery Drive project, façade improvements, implementation of the wayfinding signage plan, and Rev-up Shenandoah County. Staff is working with regional partners on the workforce development initiative “Worlds of Work”, slated to be held in November. Staufferstadt welcomed artists Jessie Unterhaltr and Katey Truhn during the month of June. The “Fish, Fry,



Float” was very successful with about 400 participants. There are 11 town events planned between now and the end of the year. The Gateway to the Shenandoah Visitor Center welcomed 763 visitors during the month of June. Council Member Massoud asked about Rev-up Shenandoah County and when there would be another Rev-up Strasburg. ED&M Manager Bixler said we get more bang for our buck when it is Countywide and a better quality product is produced. It doesn’t mean we are offering less and Strasburg businesses can participate. Council Member Massoud said of the businesses that got the grant in 2016, how many are still in business. ED&M Manager Bixler said one is still in business by the same owner. Council Member Massoud said he has made it a point to talk to pretty much all the businesses in town and in a short conversation, he can usually tell who will fail and who will succeed. He has been in the customer service field for many years. ED&M Manager Bixler said one of the classes in the Rev-up program is on customer service. Council Member Plitt asked if the rack cards were available and ED&M Manager Bixler said they are and are available at Town Hall and will be put out around town. Council Member Bishop suggested putting things such as this at Massanutten Resort and other vacation places nearby. Vice Mayor Terndrup asked about Borden-Mowery Drive and ED&M Manager Bixler said the 30 percent plans will be looked at by VDOT in August and then we will move into an agreement for the funding. Standing Committee Reports Special Committee Reports Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission: Council Member Vena said the budget for the Commission is over $3 million and during the last meeting, each community gave an update of what is going on. The Wayfinding Signs were discussed. Cedar Creek/Belle Grove National Historical Park: Council Member Plitt said there was not a quorum at the last meeting, but they went over the priorities that are being worked on at the park. Old/Unfinished Business: New Business: Meeting Dates:

Movie Dive-in Friday, July 13 Work Session Monday, July 16 7 p.m. Movie Dive-in Friday, July 20 Ordinance Committee Tuesday, July 24 5:30 p.m. Planning Commission Tuesday, July 24 7 p.m. ARB Thursday, July 26 7 p.m. First Responders at Express Game

Thursday, July 26

First Day of School Monday, August 6 Work Session Monday, August 6 7 p.m.



National Night Out Tuesday, August 7 6 – 9 p.m. Yard Crawl Saturday, August 11 Town Council Tuesday, August 14 7 p.m.

Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.



MINUTES OF THE STRASBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2018, AT 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE STRASBURG TOWN HALL. Call to Order: Mayor Orndorff called the meeting to order. Roll Call: ROLL Called with the following members present: Mayor Orndorff and Council Members Bishop, Falkenstein, Hall, Le Vine, Newman, Plitt, and Vena. Absent: Vic Mayor Terndrup Staff Present: Town Manager Pearson and Clerk of Council Keller. Citizen Comments on Non-agenda Items: Action Item:

1. Smart Scale Resolution of Support Town Manager Pearson gave a presentation on the Smart Scale program and explained the grant proposal for improvements to Washington Street. He said he had submitted basic information on three projects to VDOT: Capon Street improvements, Crystal Hill connector road, and the improvements to Washington Street. VDOT took out the first two proposals and said Washington Street was the only viable project for this funding. VDOT would like to make improvements to the approaches to the train tracks on Washington Street which was made one-way after a tragic accident there. VDOT feels this would work and would help with the traffic problem at the intersection of Massanutten and King Streets. Pedestrian accommodations would be part of this project, but probably not as far as Massanutten Street due to property near this intersection. There have only been one or two accidents in the area since it was made one-way. A representation of the plan was shown which showed how the approaches could be changed to accommodate two-way traffic. Town Manager Pearson also discussed Massanutten Street and the adding of a turn lane. Town Manager Pearson reviewed the factors to consider in this grant application. This will not be switched to two-way traffic as the road is now; improvements will be made by using this grant investment. This is a two-year application so if we do not apply now, the town will have to wait two years to reapply. Chief Sager has reported he has had complaints on pedestrian traffic and close calls drivers have had with people walking on the street. Council Member Cherrix asked if VDOT came to us or staff decided to do this. Town Manager Pearson said he submitted three applications and VDOT felt this was the best project. Council Member Cherrix said if we go along with this and then the town grows, has it been thought that a signal might need to be placed in this location? He thinks it would be hard to get through the town if you have a signal there and then again at Route 55. Council Member Cherrix said if you add more turn lanes and more traffic, you will create more problems then you have now. Town Manager Pearson feels this would help alleviate the traffic problem at the main intersection. Council Member Massoud asked why VDOT wants to push this and not the connector road in Crystal Hill. Town Manager Pearson said we could apply for the connector road, but in order to do this, some upfront environmental work has to be done since it would be new construction. Council Member Massoud said he feels VDOT is nudging us toward this and Town Manager Pearson said they have advocated for this for quite a while. Council Member Massoud said we don’t have access to the railroad track, we would interfere with people’s property, and at the end of the day, this will create more problems on Massanutten Street. Town Manager Pearson said



he doesn’t think there is any hope for the railroad to abandon the tracks. Council Member Massoud asked about the crosswalk and Town Manager Pearson said there might be a left turn lane added on Massanutten Street and a sidewalk might be placed. Council Member Massoud asked how big of a deal would it be to add a crosswalk and not change the road to two-way. Town Manager Pearson said VDOT would maybe support the crosswalk if the other improvements were done, but not if the improvements weren’t done. Council Member Vena said this is solely a VDOT funded project. She asked how this would work out if VDOT personnel changes or if there were funding issues. Could it possibly end up costing us money? Town Manager Pearson said we would be aware if the funding is lost from the 6-year improvement plan. If this is a locally administered project, he doesn’t think we would run into that problem. Council Member Reynolds asked if we would be able to make the improvements and then make the decision to switch to two-way traffic and Town Manager Pearson said he doesn’t think we would stand to be funded. Council Member Vena asked if Smart Scale limits to the number of projects we can apply for and Town Manager Pearson said he thinks we can apply for four. She asked if it would hurt us with funding if we are already in this program and he doesn’t think it would have any effect on us. Council Member Nicholson asked if a committee prior to July 1 had any discussions on this and Town Manager Pearson said the Transportation/Streets/Sidewalks Committee had a list of projects and he thought the Washington Street project would be screened out by VDOT. Council Member Plitt asked if there was something that could have been done to bring the other projects up higher since this seems to be lower on the town’s priorities. Town Manager Pearson said there were some things the town could do, but there would probably have been a cost. Council Member Plitt asked if we addressed the grade of the crossing and not make it two-way and Town Manager Pearson thinks it would score lower since you are only looking at safety. Council Member Bishop said when you come out of the parking lot at the Emporium, there are driveways along Washington Street; how would the driveways be dealt with? Town Manager Pearson said he was told they could make significant improvements without messing with any entrances. He said engineers will be looking at this to make sure the sight distances are maintained. Council Member Bishop asked if there would be curb and guttering to help with the flooding issues and Town Manager Pearson said this would be addressed in the project. Council Member Plitt asked if we could include some sort of a crosswalk at Washington and Massanutten Streets and Town Manager Pearson said he isn’t sure. Council Member Massoud said he was asking about a crosswalk instead of the improvements. He asked what the VDOT district is we are in and it is the Staunton District. Council Member Cherrix said he is having trouble wrapping his head around this with the width of the street and not taking any driveways. We would be taking away the left-hand turn off of North Massanutten Street. You will also need a wide radius to make turns. He doesn’t know why they are pushing this. He isn’t sure if the engineers have looked at this in-depth. Council Member Reynolds asked if we had the Crystal Hill connector, would VDOT still want this and Town Manager Pearson said it would probably take the pressure off of this. This is an



extremely limited improvement, but Crystal Hill and a traffic light would be better. Mayor Orndorff said he thinks it is important to consider the drainage issues to the property owners in the area and he doesn’t know how this will work. How extensive will the storm water improvements be with the project and if not, would it be incumbent on us to make the improvements. Town Manager Pearson said we would not have to do this, but he thinks VDOT will have to fix the problems that are there now and fix those that come along, but he doesn’t know what they will do. Council Member Cherrix said if we decide to let it go through and then it is found that this project is not feasible could we use the money for another project and Town Manager Pearson said we would have to apply for another project. Town Manager Pearson thinks we should always try for the money that is available. We can’t have back-up plans to use this money for another purpose. Seth Newman, 404 Rose Lane, Strasburg, VA: VDOT doesn’t tell us what to do, but they tell us what they would like. You can pave this and make a walking route. The best expenditure of the money would to be put a sidewalk all the way down Washington Street to Eberly Street. Washington Street is almost a thoroughfare. Spend the money wisely. He also asked where all the traffic for this would be coming from. Development is going to be across from Food Lion and that traffic is not where this will be. Change the timing on the traffic signal and you will take care of a lot of the problems. If you put a turn lane in, a traffic light will have to be put in to avoid accidents. If you have a turn lane, you need to have a light. David Lassiter, 188 W, King Street, Strasburg, VA: If we come in and do the project, where will the runoff go? Is the water just going to be moved somewhere else and so now will the town be responsible? If we turn this into a two-way road, how much space will a fire truck, a school bus, or a large truck need? If we put a sidewalk in, won’t we have to take property? Will all of this be paid for through this project? Town Manager Pearson said we own the property that would allow for the pavement width. A storm water management plan will need to be made and paid for by the project. VDOT has all the specs that deal with firetrucks and school buses. Mr. Lassiter asked how traffic from accidents on I81 will effect this and Town Manager Pearson said it will only help by moving the traffic. Cindy Avvenire, 351 Lincoln Street, Strasburg, VA: She lived here prior to 1986 and there were cars, but not as many houses. When Chief Sager put up the traffic camera near her house, there were 5,000 cars that traveled on Lincoln Street alone and all these streets lead into Washington Street. She doesn’t think VDOT’s scope goes into Washington Street. She sees bikes, strollers, people, etc. all along Washington Street. Parking is allowed on both sides of the road. She wonders if Washington Street is really a street that can handle more traffic. Council Comments: Council Member Massoud asked if Ms. Avvenire was in favor of the grant project. She responded she thinks the sidewalk is more important than the two-way road-way. Council Member Nicholson said she lived on this street so she has seen some improvements through the years. The last improvement caused the hump at Washington Street and so she asked why this was done. Was this for safety issues as she thinks this is about the same time that the storm water became a problem?



Council Member Vena said Town Manager Pearson said that when there is money out there for projects, we should go for it. Is that the only reason we are applying for this? Town Manager Pearson said this improvement is not a traffic generator, but a capacity issue. He stands behind this as this is the only connector from the north and the east without the Crystal Hill connector. He puts his trust in the professionals that work with the traffic improvements. Council Member Bishop said our main building is going to be going toward Cedar Valley and there will be a connector to the west side of town so this would be another way for traffic to go through town. Town Manager Pearson said the reality of Mr. Newman’s comment about not having more development coming in that area is true, but this project is for the current capacity issue. Mayor Orndorff said the accident was mentioned that happened in 1986. When it was decided to make this one-way, it was welcomed by everyone due to the severity and tragedy of the accident. He sees the need to have this connectivity, but he doesn’t place quite as much credence in the engineers as Town Manager Pearson does. He sees the Town Manager’s point in trying to make the area safer, but he isn’t positive this is the way to go. Town Manager Pearson apologized for making Council have this special meeting. Any decision made will not personally affect him. Council Member Massoud moved that Council reject the grant to make East Washington Street two-way to Massanutten Street; second by Council Member Vena. Discussion: Town Manager Pearson said he would like the motion to be to not adopt the resolution. The original motion was withdrawn. Council Member Massoud moved to reject the Smart Scale Resolution and leave Washington Street one-way; second by Council Member Vena. Council Member Cherrix asked if this motion would be to not turn in the application and leave Washington the way it is and that is what the motion would do. Council Member Bishop said she understands the need for the connectivity, but she feels there are needs higher than this. Council Member Reynolds said she appreciates the special meeting. She wishes we could make the improvements without making it two-way, but we can’t. Council Member Cherrix is glad we had this meeting. He is basing his decision on what he sees when driving this area many times a day. He doesn’t see it making the area better. Council Member Massoud said he, too, is glad we had the meeting. Mayor Orndorff said it is a shame we can’t do what Council Member Reynolds wants to do Being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

TOWN OF STRASBURG ACTION ITEM FORM

Council Meeting Date: August 14th, 2018 Agenda Item: Police Mutual Aid Agreement

Submitted by: Wayne Sager Staff Contact: Wayne Sager

Staff recommendation:

Approve Disapprove Table Other:

Proposed Motion:

"I move to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement as presented, and authorize the Town Manager and Chief of Police to execute the agreement as appropriate."

Rationale:

N/A

Attachments:

N/A

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER OF THE TOWN OF STRASBURG TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF STRASBURG FOR POLICE VEHICLE FINANCING

At a duly called meeting of the governing body of the Town of Strasburg held in accordance with all applicable legal requirements, including open meeting laws, on the 14th day of August, 2018, the following resolution was introduced and adopted:

WHEREAS, on June 12th, 2018, the FY2018-19 Fiscal Budget was adopted on a unanimous vote by the Strasburg Town Council; and

WHEREAS, as part of this budget, funds were made available for the purchase of police vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Strasburg has taken the necessary steps to arrange for the financing of said vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the lending institute, City National Bank, requires the passage of a resolution stating the Town Manager has the authority to sign all documents pertaining to this purchase.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council for the Town of Strasburg hereby authorizes the Town Manager of the Town of Strasburg to execute the financing documents and affix the official seal to the financing documents and attest the same.

Signed:

Richard A. Orndorff, Jr. Mayor

Attest:

Amy A. Keller Clerk of Council

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANT CODE OF CONDUCT AND AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER OF THE TOWN OF STRASBURG TO EXECUTE

DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF STRASBURG


WHEREAS, Town Staff for the Town of Strasburg has been working in partnership with the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission and Mikula Harris to develop a comprehensive town-wide wayfinding signage program; and

WHEREAS, staff successfully applied for the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant to allay some of the costs associated with the wayfinding signage; and

WHEREAS, the CFG program will pay for either 35 percent of the total cost or $25,000 (whichever is less); and

WHEREAS, in order to proceed with this grant, Town Council will need to adopt the Code of Conduct, and authorize the Town Manager to sign all forms in conjunction with obtaining the grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council for the Town of Strasburg, on a roll call, hereby adopts the Code of Conduct and authorizes the Town Manager of the Town of Strasburg to execute the documents and affix the official seal to all documents pertaining to the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant (CFG) program and attest the same.

Code of Conduct

“This written Code of Conduct will govern the performance of all officers, employees or agents engaged in the award and administration of contracts supported by funds administered USDA, Rural Development. No employee, officer, or agent of the Town of Strasburg shall participate in the selection, award or administration of a contract supported by funds administered by USDA, Rural Development if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. None of the above-mentioned officers, employees or agents may accept anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties for sub-agreements. Violation of this Code shall result in penalties, sanctions, and other disciplinary actions as permitted by state and local laws and regulations.”

I hereby accept the Code of Conduct and authorize the Town Manager of the Town of Strasburg to execute the documents and/or affix the official seal to all documents pertaining to the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant (CFG) program.

Mayor Orndorff Council Member Bishop Council Member Plitt Council Member Cherrix Council Member Reynolds Council Member Massoud Vice Mayor Terndrup Council Member Nicholson Council Member Vena

Attest:


RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER OF THE TOWN OF STRASBURG TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF STRASBURG FOR THE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

SANITARY SEWER PREDEVELOPMENT PLANNING GRANT


WHEREAS, Town Staff for the Town of Strasburg has long been aware sewer capacity improvements need to be made to accommodate growth along the Route 11 North corridor and the Northern Shenandoah Business Park; and

WHEREAS, staff successfully applied for a USDA Rural Development Predevelopment Planning Grant; and

WHEREAS, the proceeds from this grant will cover $22,500 of the $30,000 total cost of the engineering related to this project; and

WHEREAS, in order to proceed with this program, Town Council will need to authorize the Town Manager to sign all forms in conjunction with the acceptance of the grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council for the Town of Strasburg, authorizes the Town Manager of the Town of Strasburg to execute the listed documents and any and all other documents necessary to successfully obtain these grant monies. The Town Council for the Town of Strasburg also authorizes the Town Manager to affix the official seal to all documents pertaining to the USDA Rural Development Sanitary Sewer Predevelopment Planning Grant and attest the same.

• Form RD 1942-46, Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions Form • RD 400-1, Equal Opportunity Agreement • Form RD400-4, Assurance Agreement • RUS Bulletin 1780-22, Eligibility Certification • AD-3030, Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status • AD-3031, Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status • Form RD 1940-1, Request for Obligation of Funds • RUS Bulletin 1780-12, Water or Waste System Grant Agreement

Signed:

Richard A. Orndorff, Jr. Mayor

Attest:


Documents

Town of Strasburg · 2018-08-13 · this position and has been writing songs and poems for more than 30 years and many of these are about the Shenandoah Valley and the Town of Strasburg