Councilman Williams Update 11/19/25

Town manager updates, Rescue Squad building update, tree ordinance updates, Projects funding approved, potential debt funding proposed, Hunting ban resolution and rescue squad building fund audit were all items on Wednesdays agenda.

Agenda amendments – legislation to support a ban on hunting in town limits. Update to closed meeting description. Deferral of item F water sewer policy.

Council Member Liaison and Commission Reports

Public Works – updates on repairs and maintenance, beach sand wash out  replacement and Christmas decorations.

Parks & Rec - mention of events, including Jeep parade and Christmas tree lighting.

Economic development – the committee had a great meeting on November 12th. They formed a new tourism committee and economic development vitality committee focused on the connectivity study.

Schools - School Board Meeting was held on November 12

Finance - Tax bills due

Non Governmental Organizations- food bank donations doubled last month and WWER is now broadcasting school football games live.

Public safety – toy donations are being accepted by police department. Neighborhood watch meeting January 22 5:30 PM.

Planning commission – they had their meeting on November 13 where they approved the site plan amendments and postponed a vote on the controversial subdivision updates.

Mayor - mentioned CB history, ribbon-cutting at CB creative, congratulated the newly elected officials.

Town Manager Update

Police - We got an update from the police chief on the recent police incident that occurred during a traffic stop. He stated that we take allegations seriously and that the police department has turned over the investigation to the state police. Can not comment on active investigation but reassured the public.

Sewer Plant Update, John Simmons, Inboden Environmental Services - all went smooth for October. Still trying to lower the nitrates, which is more difficult in the winter months.

North Beach updates – the town is putting out a RFP request for a proposal for the 280 feet of shoreline which will include engineering design and permitting.

Sidewalks – 128 Washington has been completed. Next the town will begin working on 1 Irving July 2026.

Thanksgiving Proclamation - read by Mayor.

Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Trivett, District V Supervisor - the county is discussing going to a twice a year billing cycle for taxes. Shopping with the sheriff is underway. The county voted to ban hunting in Monroe Creek. Asked council to support the hunting ban that will be presented to the Senator. There will be a meeting on November 24. The board has voted to add $1.4 million for a new rescue squad building in Colonial Beach. They are asking their senator for support on water sewer projects. Mentioned a new citizen support team. The fire department is no longer cutting trees. The 250 year celebration at Monroe’s Birthplace, will be big. I asked about the rescue squad building and he said the plan is to try to build one in or near Colonial Beach which will still require public support.

Colonial Beach Public Schools, Dr. Lewis - she thanked the principals, staff and students for all their hard work. The football team is in the playoffs. CIP projects including front entrance and the parking lot are underway. They’re currently 585 students.

Public Comment

Citizen - please support the hunting ordinance, I have experience with firearms, and believe them to be a danger in a populated areas.

Citizen- shout out to public works for the memorial canon fix. Thanks CB creative ribbon-cutting. Downtown Colonial Beach working on Main St., America status.

Citizen – support hunting ban.

PUBLIC HEARING, Ordinance No. 771, Amends Article 22 (Chesapeake Bay Preservation District Overlay) of the Town of Colonial Beach Zoning Ordinance- Tree Preservation, Trimming and Permit Processing, Darla Odom, Zoning Administrator - the main reason for amending this ordinance was the tree situation on ninth Street last year. Several trees were topped off in order to avoid a penalty, but yet clear a lot. This resulted in a fine to the developer and ultimately a BZA determination that the fine should be imposed, which was over $10k.  Ultimately the developer filed an appeal with the court, and the town dropped the penalties.  I asked the town attorney if this would fix the problem and be appeal proof and he said yes. Citizens and developers will no longer be allowed to top off trees without being penalized.  I suggested a higher penalty as a deterrent for builders from clearing lots without a permit, but was advised that this was not a good idea and we should stick with the state recommendation of $1K per tree.  I also asked if we could incentivize people to remove tree stumps in town, example a 20 foot stump with no branches and was told people can apply for a permit to have the stumps removed.  Going forward anyone that trims off more than 25% of a tree will need to pay a $1K fine.  I would personally recommend people documenting that a tree was cut prior to the new ordinance passing and get a permit so they can remove the existing stump without penalty.  Vote 7-0 to pass

Resolution #34-25, Amends and Appropriates the FY 26 Budget, Water Fund for CIP Project, Lisa Okes. Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance - this vote was to approve $115k from the water fund surplus to pay for the Denison well abandonment project. Vote 7-0

Resolution #35-25, Amends and Appropriates the FY 26 Budget, Sewer Fund for CIP Projects, Lisa Okes. Chief Financial Officer/Director of Financed. - this was to move $1.49 million in surplus funds to the capital improvement fund for sewer projects. Vote 7-0

Resolution #36-25, Amends and Appropriates the FY26 Budget, General Fund for CIP Projects, Lisa Okes. Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance Debt Funded Scenario for Utility Vehicles on CIP, Ted Cole, Davenport Financial Services-  this was to move $1.5 million surplus funds from the general fund to the CIP.  This decision was a result of council approving a new policy, allowing any excess funds over 30% to go into the CIP.  I did not vote to approve the new policy a few months ago, but since the policy is now in place, I voted with the rest of council to approve the move of the funds.  7-0

Council was also asked to make a recommendation on how to fund $1.5 million in vehicle/equipment purchases.  Kenny Allison made a motion for partial debt funding, and partial cash funding ($500k debt).  I said no to debt funding, and supported cash funding but council voted 6–1 to bring a policy forward to debt fund.

Amendments to the Financial Policy, Lisa Okes, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance -

• Rate Ratio for Water & Sewer, and General Fund

• Debt Service & Capital Budget Scenario

• This item was deferred until our next meeting.

Request for Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 772, Amends the Capital Improvement Plan Funding Policy, Lisa Okes, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance - This was to set a December 17 public hearing to change our sale of property policy where we normally would give 5% to the rescue squad. Since they no longer respond to calls staff requested to amend the policy.  I personally think the extra 5% should go to the fire department which definitely needs the money, but that option wasn’t provided since somebody had already decided the 5% should to the towns coffers.  If this passes 85% of property sales go to the town, 5% to the fire department and 10% to the schools. Vote 7-0

Resolution #37-25, Authorizes Town Manager to Enter into Agreement for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Natasha Tucker, Town Manager-  Virginia localities have the ability to piggyback off contracts that other towns have done. This vote was to allow the town manager to use a contract from another town to help with our sewer, investigations and repairs.  The funds are roughly $130K Vote 7-0

Request for Public Hearing on (ZTA 24-02) Amendments to Article 13 (Parking), Darla Odom, Zoning Administrator - This was just to set a public hearing for the parking ordinance amendments. I raised a concern that new developments do not provide sufficient parking in town.  Vote 7-0.

Resolution supporting the introduction of legislation to prohibit hunting in Monroe Bay. – This item was added to support what the county of West Moreland has already done regarding the banning of hunting in Monroe Bay and adds town limits to the support. Vote 7–0.

Closed Meeting

Pursuant to VA code § 2.2-3711 (A,7) for consultation with legal counsel pertaining to probable litigation, where such consultation in an open meeting would adversely affect the litigating posture of the public body.

* ADDED AFTER CLOSED MEETING

Resolution supporting Board of Supervisors attempts to obtain an accounting of the funds raised by the Colonial Beach rescue squad Inc. for the construction of a new emergency services building. - after we came out of closed session the mayor read a resolution supporting the county requiring the rescue squad to disclose and provide financial information related to the building funds, they have raised over the years. Vote 7-0

Councilman David Williams

Please email or call with questions or comments:

dwilliams@colonialbeachva.gov

540-604-4335