Councilman Williams Update 2/18/26
- Feb 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 20
$570k in equipment purchases approved, Council updates, Town manager updates (including water meters, North Beach), Subdivision and site plan ordinance updates, 100+ foot communications towers in Commercial zone hearing (vote postponed), and a hearing to approve a development next to town center were all on Wednesday’s agenda.
Resolution #12-26, Amends and Appropriates FY26 Budget, General Fund for Trash Truck – Last week I made a motion to cash fund vs debt fund our CIP expenses and the trash truck was one of the items Council previously agreed to prioritize. The vote was to appropriate $300,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to the FY 2025–2026 General Fund to purchase a new trash truck. I raised concerns that council was not provided documentation to justify the expenses and Mr. Wood took offense to that. I stated that council has the power of the purse and I’ve been asking for quite some time for more than a number when voting to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars of your tax money. We were told documentation was provided a year or two ago with the CIP but if I’m voting today, I want to see a written quote or something showing the $300k is an accurate number. Vote 7-0
Resolution #13-26, Amends and Appropriates FY26 Budget, General Fund for Beach Rake & Tractor – This was to authorize the spending of $200k for a new tractor and beach rake. Vote 7-0
Resolution #14-26, Amends and Appropriates FY26 Budget, General Fund for Utility/Plow Truck – This request was the last CIP cash fund request for $70k for a truck and plow. Vote 7-0
Council Member Liaison Reports
Planning Commission – Several stats for the Zoning Office were given including 75 counter visits. The PC reviewed their annual report and are preparing to work on 2026 Comprehensive Plan updates.
Schools – Larson was not able to attend his first meeting.
Finance – Delinquent notices are going out and business licenses will start in March and are due in May.
Public Safety – Reminder not to keep valuables in your cars and keep them locked. The next neighborhood watch will be on Feb 26th at 5:30p in the police station conference room beside Truist (topic investigative tools) 2 Officer vacancies. Theres currently a part time SRO School Resource Officer and DARE office at the school. I also mentioned crossing guards and safer streets programs which spawned a discussion. I also brought up that myself and other citizens are concerned that contractors working in and for the town are not following the 25% trimming rule in our updated tree ordinance.
Economic Development – The 250 campaign plans are being discussed, Kelly is going to a Main Street conference. Gave some housing stats stating that inventory and pricing for CB is balanced Colonial Plaza is in the process of being revitalized.
Non-Profits – Mentioned volunteer opportunities and events like Osprey Festival April 11th and Black History event at the Baptist Church.
Public Works – Gave stats on maintenance and repairs. Also had to deal with frozen pipes and support WWTP.
Mayor – COMREL was Wednesday and the next will be March 18th in Indian Head MD at 8:30a. She attended the High School front entrance and Azalea Park ground breakings.
Town Manager Update
Sewer Plant Update, John Simmons, Inboden – Said January was a difficult month due to the cold, dealing with ammonia/ nitrate issues and frozen pipes but the rest was good. Mr. Wood asked if there were any local impacts from the DC sewage spill and John said none that he was aware of. I had previously asked the town manager to investigate so I am waiting on additional info but do fear there will be local impacts this summer.
Annual Planning Commission Report – the Director of Community Development gave an overview of the PC annual report (available online).
Police Department Update – Chief Parsons gave an update on the traffic stop incident that occurred a few months back in CB. He recently met with Ms. Wrightson Common Wealth Attorney and Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Ms. Wrightson found no probable cause to seek criminal charges against the office and recommend the criminal investigation be closed. She also concluded there was no evidence that excessive force was used or racial bias. Next a full internal review will be done to see if the officer violated any internal policies or procedures (see video for Chiefs full statement).
Water Meter Update – 14 repeaters have been replaced and 1,264 of 2,340 meters are in the process of being replaced (250 a month) which are under warrantees. Goal is to have all completed end of 2026.
North Beach – The RFP i.e. bid process closed and 5 companies were interviewed and decided on Kenley Horn and Associates bases on experience ability to help move to the next phase of the project. Next, they will finalize a plan and we can get a contract to complete.
Azalea Park – Will be ready for business in the next few weeks.
Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Trivett, District V Supervisor – He noted that oyster sales have declined. The duck hunting ban request to the state legislature did not pass. County put out an RFP for property reassessments. Washingtons Birthplace celebration will be Feb 22nd. I asked about the county voting resolution that was being considered and he said that would be on Monday’s agenda. From what I understand the state is holding a redistricting vote which according to our constitution requires a 90-day notice so if voting starts March 3rd that would go against the constitution so VA counties are passing resolutions saying voting can’t start until April 16th (more to come).
Colonial Beach Public Schools, Dr. Addo, Superintendent – He went over recent survey results showing top priorities are salaries, academic programs, support services and Facilities & Maintenance. He mentioned student academic achievements. Ms. Washington was appointed to the school board, the front entrance is under construction and the school board parking lot is being paved soon.
Public Comment
Citizen – A spokesperson from United Ministries of Westmoreland talked about there program. Mostly made up of churches and groups like Neighbor to Neighbor. They work to prevent homeless and provide other assistance throughout the county. Have helped 150 families since 2024. They are asking for volunteers.
Citizen – Supports United Ministries of Westmoreland and Neighbor to Neighbor.
PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 774, Amends Article 14 Site Plan of the Town of Colonial Beach Zoning Ordinance, Darla Odom, Interim Zoning Administrator – This topic has been discussed a number of times before and was prompted by state code changes to speed up development. The main concern myself and others had was the Planning Commission maintaining their right to review subdivisions over 50 lots which they did. I asked if the question about if a developer tried build multiple 50 lot subdivisions was addressed and was told yes (a developer can’t get around the rules by splitting up developments). There were no public comments and Council voted 7-0 to pass.
PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance NO. 775, Amends the Town of Colonial Beach Subdivision Ordinance, Darla Odom, Interim Zoning Administrator - This ties in with the site plan changes above and was prompted by state code changes to speed up development. There were no public comments and Council voted 7-0 to pass.
PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 776, Amends Section 8-2 of the Town of Colonial Beach Zoning Ordinance to list “Communications Facility, not to exceed a height of 100 feet” as permitted with approval of a CUP within C-1, Angela Lawrence, Director of Community Development – This is to allow 100’ towers in C-1 commercial zoning in town with a conditional use permit CUP. To me it’s like putting the cart before the horse since there is an applicant, we know nothing about or what their intentions would be for this tower i.e. costs vs benefits to the town. There’s no reason we can’t entertain allowing this tower without first changing our zoning but we are being asked to allow in any C-1 Zone which includes some of Colonial Ave the Marinas and other locations in town. In my opinion this felt rushed so I pushed back a bit and even posted a survey on social media which 63% respondents said no and 9% said maybe to allow. Town staff admitted this needed more research and recommended we postpone a vote. I suggested even if this is considered it should be more limited to specific areas and not marinas or Colonial Ave. Mr. Wood argued that better internet and cell service was a benefit to the town but I said we have no idea if that is what is being proposed. Allison suggested we consider even taller towers e.g. 199 feet. Vote to postpone was 7-0
Authorize Advertisement for a Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit (CUP 26-01) – Executive Properties, LLC request approval of (CUP 26-01) to allow a Mixed Residential/Commercial Use to include ground floor retail/commercial space and second floor residential units in the (CR) Zoning District at property identified as 110 Washington Avenue, Darla Odom, Interim Zoning Administrator – This was to vote to schedule a public hearing. The proposed development seems to be a good addition to CB in the lot next to the town center fits with the recent development in town i.e. business on the first floor and residential upstairs. It also included 12 parking spaces in the back. Vote 7-0
Closed Meeting
a. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A. 7.) for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the Town Council.
b. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A. 8.) for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel retained by the Town Council regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel.
Councilman David Williams
Please email or call with questions or comments:
540-604-4335
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