ONANCOCK 160 VIRGINIA'S EASTERN SHORE  Town Council: Bob Bloxom, Ray Burger, Thelma Gillespie, Joy Marino, Sarah Nock and Maphis Oswald  Mayor: Fletcher Fosque I Town Manager: Matt. Spuck  Town of Onancock Town Council Meeting September 27,2021 at 7:00 p.m.  Agenda  1. Call to order and roll call 2. Pledge of Allegiance  3. Consideration and approval of meeting minutes from: a. August 23, 2021 Town Council meeting b. September 20, 2021 Town Council work session a. No public hearings scheduled b. Motion to adopt Comprehensive Plan  4. Public Business: 5. Council Discussion  a. Follow-up conversation from 9/20/21 ARPA work session b. 5-Year Financial Plan, discuss purpose and process Trash can allowance per contract  6. Public comment 7. Committee Reports:  a. HRSD (Bob Bloxom) b. Waterfront (Bob Bloxom) Planning Commission (Bob Bloxom) d. Personnel (Joy Marino) 8. Mayor's report 9. Town Managersreport 10. Council comments 11. Closed session 12. Adjourn  15 North Street I Onancock, Virginia 23417 I 757.787.3363 I onancock.com    Onancock Town Council - August 23, 2021  Town of Onancock Town Council Meeting August 23, 2021 7:00 p.m.  Call to Order and Roll Call:  Mayor Fosque called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and roll was called. Mayor Fletcher Fosque and Councilmembers Ray Burger, Joy Marino, Sarah Nock and Maphis Oswald were present. Councilmembers  Robert Bloxom and Thelma Gillespie were absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Consideration and Approval of the Meeting Minutes from the July 26, 2021 Town Council Meeting: Mayor Fosque asked for changes, corrections or additions to the minutes as submitted. Councilmember Marino pointed out a grammatical error on page one under public business, the line reads, "..that Council already this heard..", it should read, "heard this". With no additional changes, Councilmember Nock made a motion to adopt the minutes as amended. Councilmember Oswald. seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  Public Business:  a. Joint Public Hearing - Onancock Planning Commission and' Town Council to Hear Public Comment  Regarding the FY2022 Comprehensive Plan: Mayor Fosque opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.  Chairwoman Judith Grier called the Onancock Planning Commission to order at 7:02 p.m. and roll was called. Chairman Grier and Commissioners Bill Bagwell, Brandon Brockmeier, T. Lee Byrd, Larry Frey, Scoot Schreiber and Carol Tunstall were present. Commissioner Robert Bloxom was Chairwoman Grier thanked former Town Manager William Kerbin, Jim McGowan, Onancock Main Street and Town Manager Matt Spuck for helping them get through the Town's Comprehensive Mayor Fosque shared that this is strictly a public hearing on the proposed rewrite of the Town's Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Fosque shared a letter that was submitted by Town resident Michael With no additional public comment, Mayor Fosque closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Chairwoman Grier asked if any of the Commissioners had any comments. Chairwoman Grier shared that the Comprehensive Plan needs to be updated every five years.  absent.  Plan update.  Ward about the Comprehensive Plan (email attached).  1    Onancock Town Council - August 23, 2021  With no additionalcomments, Commissioner Bagwelln made amotion for the Planning Commission to adjourn. Commissioner Byrd seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice  vote.  The Onancock Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.  Mayor Fosque asked for Council comments.  Councilmember Oswald stated that she has a lot of notes on language issues that need to be Mr. Spuck explained that he will take Council notes and public comments, fold them into the document and bring the edited document back before Council. Mr. Spuck shared that, to date, Councilmember Nock shared that the Town's approach to dealing with flooding is in line with the AccomackNorhampton Planning District Commission and Accomack County'sapproach.  addressed in the Plan.  most of the changes were grammatical and not strategic.  Council Discussion:  a. Schedule ARPA Work Session - Mr. Spuck shared that he has taken suggestions from the Town Hall Meeting, Town Council and Staff to create the potential projects list for the ARPA funds for Counci'sreview. Town Council decided to hold the Work Session on September 20, 2021 at 5:30 b. Capital Budget: Mr. Spuck reviewed his proposed five-year capital plan (see attached report).  p.m.  Councilmember discussion followed.  USDA Resolution for Capital Equipment: Mr. Spuck explained that USDA - Rural Development's fiscal year starts October 1. His plan is to be the first municipality in line for grant/loan dollars from USDA to assist with the purchase of new public works vehicles/equipment. With Council's adoption of the proposed resolution, Mr. Spuck will be able to move forward with USDA Councilmember Nock read the Resolution aloud and a motion to adopt the Resolution. Councilmemberi Marinos seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.  applications as soon as they are available.  Public Comment: No additional comments were heard. Committee Reports:  HRSD, Robert Bloxom: Mr. Spuck shared that HRSD, and the Town, were still waiting to hear back from USDAI regardingi thel Town's potentiall liability top pay them! back the grant portion oft the funds distributed to the Town for the wastewater plant upgrade. USDA also required the plant to be appraised to make sure that the Town would not lose or make money on thet transfer of the plant  2    Onancock Town Council - August 23, 2021  to HRSD. Mr. Spuck reported that the appraisal came back within 3%. Mr.Spuck shared that the Mr. Glen Smith, Market Street, asked about the items the Town stores down at the wastewater treatment plant, once we lose access toi that propertywhere willt those items be: stored. Mr. Spuck explained that sheds have been purchased for the Department of Public Works lot, at the Water Mrs. Kathy Boyd, Market Street, asked about the beautification project that was supposed to take place at the wastewater treatment plant. Will it not be completed now? Councilmember Burger Waterfront Committee, Robert Bloxom: Mr. Spuck shared that the ramp was beingr repaired. The contractor did not grade the ramp to the engineer's specifications which is an issue for people launching their boats. Mr. Spuck met with the engineer and contractor and it was decided to cut the ramp back sixi inches to help make the transition longer. Mr. Spuck. stated that the repair will be completed this week. Mr. Spuck also shared that the courtesy car is being worked on and Planning Commission, Robert Bloxom: Mr. Spuck: shared that beside the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission is working on drafting an update to the Town's homestay policy. Mayor Fosque read a letter from resident, Claudia Bagwell, aloud which outlined her concerns  hope to transfer the sewer plant employees to HRSD by the next payroll.  Tower, which is where those items will be relocated.  shared that the planting/buffer project was completed three years ago.  currently unavailable to our transient boating guests.  about the proliferation of Airbnbs in Town. Personnel, Joy Marino: No meeting.  Mayor's Report: No report. Town Manager's Report:  Mr. Spuck shared the following items with Town Council:  Once the sewer department goes away Town Council will need to update the Town Code The State of Emergency has been lifted and utility disconnections will start back up on August 29th. Town staff have been making every effort to contact those residents that are in arrears, sO Mr. Spuckt thanked AccomackNorthnampton Electric Cooperative for their assistance with helping  accordingly.  that they can get on payment plans. us install the newf flag poles.  Council Comments:  Councilmember Marino thanked Mr. Spuck for the cash reserve report. Councilmember Marino asked  Mr. Spuck to gather data about Airbnbs in other areas both positive and negative.  Closed Session, if needed: None was needed.  3    Onancock Town Council - August 23, 2021  Adjourn:  Councilmember Oswald made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Burger seconded the motion. The  motion, passed by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.  Fletcher Fosque, Mayor  Lisa Fiege, Deputy Clerk  4    On a minor technical matter, on page 17, there are Table 1 and Table 2. The next table to appear is on page 29, and titled Table 7. What happened to tables 3, 4,5 and 6? Is this a misprint, or were these tabled deleted? Ifso, this raises one's curiosity about what was in them. And just for your information, Ihave attached the One of the key elements of any comprehensive plan is its vision statement, which normally is aspirational and not specific. And sO declaring "Onançock will continue to be a safe, thriving, year-round waterfront community that embraces its historic character and cultural assets while poised for the future" is vague, honoring its past and projecting a promising future. Ideally, the plan will guide policy for a 40 year period. However, the rate of change, especially in technology, has made long term predictions more difficult. Who, in 1980, could have anticipated the social and economic impact of the internet or climate change that exists in 2020? And who now can predict the long term consequences of the covid pandemic? How common will As the plan notes, counties and towns are required by law to create and adopt a comprehensive plan, including addressing specific elements. Additional legislation imposes further obligations on the planning process, such as the Chesapeake Bay Act. But in many ways, the comprehensive plan is simply a guide to promote  latest figures for some of the data from the 2020 census.  working from home become?  Snt frim Jey, fom M. .Weid  Libtyst  %    8/23/2021  Gmail- Comp Plan comments  economic, social, cultural and resource preservation and development through land use policies. Granted, comprehensive plans are supposed to be general in natural, but often, the long term perspectives and goals are compromised by short term controversies and an inherent bias against change, which results in the lack of To me, one of the strengths of the draft plan is in the way it creates categories of specific issues and begins the discussion of each with specific data, leading to a summary and a list of goals. However, almost all of the specific issues relate to physical features, such as natural resources, ground water, existing land uses, zoning, transportation, housing, historic resources, community facilities and water/waste water. There are only two sections that address a non-physical feature. The first is Demographics" which contains 2 tables, one addressing the population changes since 1970, and the other the changes in population, age, disability, median income and English language between 2000 and 2018, and the second, which is entitled "Economy", but the discussion is confined to discussing the 3 commercial areas in the town. Yet, unlike the other sections, neither of these includes a "Goals There are some issues which don't easily fit into a single category or which override categorizing. There is no discussion of issuessuch as poverty.racial diversity, income inequality, employment opportunities, educational attainment, changes in the sources rbumiserveyo-omedepitylwsents sexes. Educationis a county-responsibHly-buttnereisnodiscussion as to Whether the county or the state is providing sufficient opportunities and what the town should be doing to encourage these governmental units to do by listing the shortfalls. The lack of direct controi over certain issues should not prevent the county from identifying the issues that need to be addressed for the betterment of the town's citizens. Granted, these are not issues confined to just the town, but they exist within the town, and are worthy of more than a line or two under the community needs section summary. Inr many ways, the ability to plan ahead is dependent upon discovering trends from the past. Much of the data included in the plan only goes back 10 years, which were somewhat unique. That period involved the aftermath of a recession caused by the housing bust of 2009 followed by an economic burst generated by technology, complicated by fluctuating economic policies and then the impact of a pandemic. A longer perspective would be helpful in identifying underlying trends. For example, the median age in the town increasing for some time, and at an accelerating rate, rising by 12 years in since 2000. What are the potential consequences of this change? For one, it indicates that those in or nearing retirement are increasing, which will be reflected In the types of services they will require, in the type of housing they will desire, and what they spend their money on, which will be often be From a planning perspective, should the town try to capitalize on this trend by creating an environment that not only serves their needs, but attracts others, such as creating zones for smaller home and more dense housing? Aging in place is becoming more desirable, which would require the existence of a trained workforce to accommodate their needs, but, as the pay is often low, where is the housing for this workforce? At the other end of the agespectrum, younger people are marrying  specificity or the creation of deadlines.  and Action" section.  more limited as they need to preserve their capital.    8/23/2021  Gmail-Comp Plan comments  at a later age, which affect the type and size of housing they seek. Is this a population group that the town wishes to attract and what changes in land use and zoning policies need to be changed to accomplish this? Should the town try to capitalize on the increasing opportunities for working from home? Each of these subsets offer prospects for growth and revitalization, but there is no consideration of which alternative is the most compatible with the overall vision, and this lack of clarity or direction could result in missed opportunities. 19 guess the point la am trying to make is that's unclear if there has been a decision made to target a particular demographic group as the fundamental building block for the future. I am certainly not advocating turning the town into a retirement community or a refuge for city worker, but not clearly identifying the primary target for growth and expansion could result in uncoordinated, misdirected or conflicting efforts and policies. The draft acknowledges the existence of a competitive business environment, "especially since larger shopping center development has increased on Route 13". The need for certain types of businesses to be visible to highly traffic areas precludes them from locating in areas or towns off the main, highway. Though outside the town limits, the proximity of such stores is an attraction and advantage. However, by not being directly on the main roadway, the type of businesses the town can reasonably expect to attract is limited. Generally, they will be those which provide more personal services which cater to the local population, like personal care, professional services, such as offices for accounting, financial advisors or insurance, appliance and home repair services, and more specialized restaurants and office work and meeting space. Future economic development should be more directed towards attracting businesses which serve existing residents' needs, but not necessarily just town residents but also attract customers and clients from a broader geographic area. The division of the commercial areas in this limited geographical areas further complicates matters, in that there are essentially 2 commercial areas, which are not really connected in the sense they are easily within walking distance of each other, with residential areas between them and surrounding them. The eastern section seems to have more options for expansion, but the town's current boundaries are a limitation. And there is no explanation as to why a proposed subdivision approved in 2007 hasn't been advanced,lunderstand this is a decision by the developer, and that approval was granted before the housing bust, but is it still under active consideration and what are the factors and considerations in Any goal or proposal has its pros and cons, and in proposing a specific direction, both should be discussed. l'm not sure what "year round waterfront community" means. The presence of the harbor provides options and opportunities, but the role of the harbor as a significant based for future economic growth is limited by changes in the means for transporting goods and products, resulting in increased reliance on leisure time and sporting related activities. However, the lack of a beach area would limit the extent for some of these types of activities, especially when compared to Cape Charles and Chincoteague. Expanding on this economic sector would require increased infrastructure, such as additional docks to accommodate more pleasure crafts or commercial fishing boats. Additional visitors would require additional housing options, either through increasing the number of housing rentals either by the construction of new hotels or the conversion of existing structures into rental units. Typically, this creates some conflict with full time residents when nearby  delaying action?    8/23/2021  Gmail- Comp Plan comments  houses are occupied by the constant turnover of visitors. Often, the conversion of single family homes into rental units accelerates the transformation, as long-time residents reject the changing character of the neighborhood. Including a discussion of the potential consequences of any particular proposal demonstrates the thought  and research that went into making that decision.    Ro      Town of Onancock Town Council - ARPA Work Session September 20, 2021 5:30 p.m.  Call to Order and Roll Call:  Mayor Fosque called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. and roll was called. Mayor Fletcher Fosque and Councilmembers Robert Bloxom, Joy Marino, Sarah Nock and Maphis Oswald were present. Councilmembers Ray Burger and Thelma Gillespie were absent. AI majority of members were present, Mayor Fosque shared the purpose of this work: session which was to discuss how Onancock will spend its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) distribution over the course of the next few years. Mayor Fosque further explained that no votes will be taken at this meeting and, depending on time, no public  and a quorum was established.  comments may be heard. Work Session:  Use of ARPA funds:  Mr. Spuck. shared the with Town Council the list oft those organizations and residents that requested. a  portion of the Town's ARPA distribution in the. June 7th Town Hall Meeting.  Onancock's "Bayside" Revitalization Onancock Main Street: Grant match Local business grant fori façade upgrades Wayfinding & signage Town wide power washing Renovate public restrooms  $36,000 $100,000 $15,000 $12,000 $100,000 $20,000 $50,000  Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ESCADV) Historic Onancock: School (Shop Building Tear Down)  Mrs. Priscilla Hart, Market Street, requested a community space  Mr. Spuck shared that thet funds need to be appropriated and thet final Recovery Plan for State and Local Fiscal recovery Funds for 2021 document needs to be submitted to the Federal Government by October 31, 2021. Project discussions do not necessarily encumber the funds, the projects and estimated cost of those projects submitted to Town Council by Mr. Spuck are estimates. Once quotes are received then they become actual costs. The projects are not to exceed Mr. Spucksestimates. The Town must Councilmember Nock asked ai framework question, it appears that only Town projects are listed on Mr. Spuck'si itemized list of projects, where are the other requests? Mr. Spuck explained that the Onancock Bayside Revitalization does not qualify for Town funds because they are outside of the Town limits; the grant match that Main Street asked for has already been budgeted in the Town's current year operating budget; and ESCADV'sa ask was specific for non- profits. Mr. Spuck elaborated by stating there are two criteria ESCADV falls into, one categoryi is to support non-profits and the other one is for social  account for $1.2 million dollars, eveni if a portion if "unappropriated".  1    determinants of health and community violence. Mr.Spuck stated that he feels that ESCADV should be Councilmember Oswald asked if there was room to fund ESCADV'srequest considering the list of projects presented by Mr. Spuck used the Town's entire. ARPA distribution. Mr. Spuck shared that he could absolutely move things around to make that happen. We want to spend the amount of money that will preclude a single-audit requirement which is, currently, $750,000 annually. Mr. Spuck, at the request of Mayor Fosque, went through his list of proposed projects with Town Council discussion followed each item discussed. At the end of Mr. Spuck's presentation additional Councilmember Bloxom asked what could be cut in the list of proposed projects to support ESCADV's request for funds. Mr. Spuck stated that he could shuffle things around to make it happen. Mr. Spuck asked how much Council wanted to appropriate for ESCADV. Mayor Fosque stated that he would like to Mayor Fosque shared his support of the bathroom and Police Department renovation but expressed concern over installing an elevator. Councilmember Bloxom and Oswald stated that air quality for the Councilmember Marino presented a new project to be discussed, a walking trail around the Little League field. Councilmember Marino stated that it would help get walkers off Town streets and encourages exercise during the pandemic. She estimates the cost to be about $14,250. Additional discussion ensued. It was decided that Mr. Spuck should discuss this project with Central Accomack Little League before approved to make sure they would like a walking trail installed around the ballpark. Mrs.. Janet Fosque, Market Street and Onancock Main Street Board Member, clarified for Council that they did actually hear from other non-profits, more: specifically, Onancock Main Street, who asked that the Town use $100,000 for al business grant fori façade improvements as well as refreshing sidewalks and gifts to Town businesses. Councilmember Bloxom stated that he would prefer a grant match for façade improvements over direct gifts. Councilmember Bloxom suggested that Mr. Spuck reappropriate the $100,000 from the elevator installation to fund a 75/25 grant match program for businesses. Mr.. Jeff Vernimb, King Street, shared his thoughts on potential projects for the Town's ARPA1 funds. Mr. Vernimb suggested that the gazebo receive a facelift, that the sidewalks at Town Square be repaired, install a sidewalk on King Street down by the drainage issue and that the Town dredge the creek to help with boaters' passage through the creek. Mr. Spuck stated that a sidewalk on King Street is not feasible based on VDOT requirements. Councilmember Bloxom explained that the Town has not authority to do dredging int the Onancock Creek. Iti is maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers and that the Onancock Mr. Vernimb asked if the ARPA funds could be used tol help recruit and retain police officers. Mr. Spuck explained that the funds could be used as a one-time bonus for first responders but noti fora a retention or future salaries. Mr. Spuck further shared that the Onançock Town Council has committed to increase  funded under the latter criteria.  Council. *Please see the attached report.  discussion ensued.  see them get 100% of their request.  second floor of Town Halli is a priority but that the elevator was not.  Creek project is very low on their list of priority areas to dredge.  2    our Department's salaries to be competitive with our other neighbors on the Shore, within three years our Department salaries will bei in the top three paid Department on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Councilmember Nock asked that Mr. Spuck look into funding a ramp for the Council platform, currently, both: sides require people to take a step up which does not make it handicap accessible. Mrs. Peaches Dodge, Meadville Drive and President of the ESCADV Board, thanked Town Council for their overwhelming support of ESCADV. Mrs. Dodge also suggested that the Town coordinate with them on the walking trai/landscaping of the Little League field so that the area could be revitalizedin Mayor Fosque asked Mr. Spuck to work on updating the list for Council's review at the next Town  coordination with each other. Council meeting. Adjourn:  Councilmember Bloxom made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Nock seconded the motion. The  motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.  Fletcher Fosque, Mayor  Lisa Fiege, Deputy Clerk  3        w     ONANCOCK 160 VIROINIA'S EASTERN SHORE  Town Council: Bob Bloxom, Ray Burger, Thelma Gillespie, Joy Marino, Sarah Nock and Maphis Oswald  Mayor: Fletcher Fosque / Town Manager: Matt. Spuck Town Manager Report: September 15,2021  Activities:  Five- Year Financial Plan  The budget for 2022 has been adopted.  We have received the ARPA funds, and we are compiling the expenditure plan for its use.  We: are developing a 5-year capital expenditure plan. The Comprehensive Plan is complete (ready for vote on 9/27).  This combination of accomplishments allows for Management and Council to look at a 5-year plan for general guidance for direction for sources and uses of funds for planning and communication.  Boat Ramp  The project is nearly complete. Murtech still owes 25 square yards of asphalt and has agreed to complete the asphalt for the area affected by the cave-in that occurred during the ramp construction. We have made all  payments except for the paving.  Wharf Bulkhead  Wel have preliminary drawings for permit applications. Those drawings are being finalized and we are preparing Ifwe receive permits in time to bid and construct before the end of March, we will proceed. Otherwise,  tol begin the County, State, and Army Corp applications.  we will wait.  Grants:  TAP- - Bike Pedestrian Path  Our pre-application was denied because the termini were not clear to' VDOT. Idid not pursue this aggressively! because the Road Diet is coming, and want tol be sure it is the best long-term solution. Ido believe this would add al lot of recreational value to the Town and add to our charm, but there are many more things to consider, and we can reapply in the next cycle, if we all agree. Wel have distributed more than $200,0001 tol local businesses and we have several more applications in After the grant was denied, A-NPDCI has committed to investing the resources to reapply at the next  Small Business Recovery process. N.E. Planning:  appropriate cycle.  151 North Street 1 Onancock, Virginia 23417 I 757.787.3363 I onancock.com    ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021)  The workplan has been presented to Council and a work session is scheduled for 9/20/21.  Compliance reporting portal activated.  HRSD  We have received an additional request from USDA to clarify any grant recovery requirements from the grants originally awarded when the plant was reconstructed. Once we receive releases from all agencies, USDA will After we receive this authorization, we estimate e- days to close on the transfer of ownership.  also release any grant recovery requirement.  Comprehensive Plan  Management and the Planning Commission have finalized the Comprehensive Plan and presented it to Council  for vote on 9/27/21.  Human Resources  Two police officers are at the state academy until after the first oft the year. Roughly 6-weeks after their return, We have not replaced our parks & landscaping staff member yet. The longer-term decision was described in an lam going to wait for wastewater treatment plant employee recognition until after we have a closing date on  they willl become fully certified officers.  earlier report. the transfer of the plant. Street/Water Maintenance  We covered Liberty St Extension and' Warren with tar & chip. We are looking to do the: same for Turner St. We repaired the water leak at the Armory. Wei installed a meter (for the first time) and have set up an account Wei installed a water meter at the wastewater treatment plant to allow for water billing to HRSD after the  We are preparing as street cleaning schedule for thet fall as leaves begin to fall  for billingi for water and sewer. We repaired al leak under Kerr: St.  transfer  We repaired the parking lot on Queen Street and removed the long-standing traffic cones We repaired the: sidewalk that had been open for years at Onancock Square Apartments  Other Upcoming Activities:  Electrical and Pedestal Work at' Wharf Prepare Trial Balance for 2021 audit Water/Sewer Ordinance changes resulting from HRSD transaction Real Estate taxation of nonprofit organizations Dog Park design and construction  Page 2of2    *8  **  &  46  45  E    N  68    Ro  KR  46585 88848  Ro  Nb A8 60  0008  0080    666666668 0 6 6566596656554  00  o  :    000888  6888885 6646K66668656466665666664  E  00006 o 2  D1    6e  56946485 EERGRCEEREEEER 8668888468644485  00 0000 #9839  :0  88  5:3    0000  15  K88884458446AAHEEEAEEBERS:688888888864  99999999999.97  005 - 00000  0 1f  000000 to    U  N88 RWE - 00R0  00  95  46666666; A566868686686666666666664  A 000300 gog00g009  000  6 000R080000401    -  - :88  88  "BPR"ER"ERE" ABEEBEKEEERERSK  g-99999R98E9B