Town Council: Bob Bloxom Ray Burger Thelma Gillespie Catherine Krause Joy Marino Maphis Oswald  Mayor: Fletcher Fosque Town Manager: Matt Spuck  ONANCOCK Live it Love it VIRGINIA FOUNDED1680  15 North: Street Onancock, VA. 23417 757-787-3363 www.Onancock.com  Town of Onancock Town Council Meeting November 23, 2020at7:00 p.m.  THIS IS A VIRTUAL MEETING- NO IN-PERSON. ATTENDANCE  Join Zoom Meeting  https/us02webzoomusa1s959149235pwd-QAVM3ZHDVd5UUNAMmZ3V/VDNihEZz09  Meeting ID:81595914 4923, Passcode: 504444  Or by telephone: 1-646-558-8656 (use meeting ID and passcode above)  Agenda  1. Call to order and roll call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Public Business:  3. Consideration and approval of meeting minute from: a. October 26, 2020 Town Council meeting a. Town Council Public Hearings:  Public hearing regarding Town of Onancock considering USDA lending and grant possibilities for  the purchase of police vehicles and equipment  b. Motion to approve revised appropriation of CARES Act funds a. Onancock Wharf & Marina: 3-year plan b. Update on boat ramp renovation permits and project Discuss meeting electronically  5. Council Discussion:  d. Discuss changing the date of December: 28, 2020 Town Council meeting to 12/21/20  6. Public comment 7. Committee Reports:  a. HRSD (Bob Bloxom) b. Waterfront (Bob Bloxom) Planning Commission (Bob Bloxom) d. Personnel (Catherine Krause) e. Strategic Planning (Fletcher Fosque)  8. Mayor'sreport 9. Town Manager'sreport 10. Council comments 11. Closed session (if required) 12. Adjourn    Town of Onancock Town Council Meeting October 26, 2020 7:00P.M.  Callt to Order and Roll Call:  Vice-Mayor Robert Bloxom called the meeting to order at: 7:06 p.m. and roll was called. Vice-Mayor Robert Bloxom and Councilmembers Catherine Krause, Maphis Oswald, Ray Burger,Joy Marino and Thelma Gillespie were present. Mayor Fletcher Fosque was absent. A majority of members were  present, and a quorum was established. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Consideration and Approval of the September. 28, 2020 Regular Town Council Meeting: Vice-Mayor Bloxom asked ift there were any changes, substitutions or corrections to the minutesas submitted. Councilmember Marino asked for clarification on page six, "..must then run for reelection", stating thati it should be "may run". Mrs. Fiege explained that per Town Code, an appointed seat must Councilmember Krause made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Councilmember Gillespie  run: for election.  seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  Public Business:  a. Public Hearing -E Establishment of Town Code Section 2-28 which will allow Town Council Members to Attend Meetings Remotely: Vice-Mayor Bloxom opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Mr. Spuck shared that allowing council members to participate remotely requires a change in the Town Code which requires a public hearing. This item was already reviewed by council at Vice-Mayor Bloxom opened the floor to public comment. Mr. Larry Frey, Justis Street, shared that council should approve the change so thati iti is easier for members to participate.  ap previous meeting.  Mr. Spuck outlined the proposed language for the public'sbenefit.  Councilmember Marino asked for clarification on the language stating that the remote location of the council member need not be open to the public but that the location must be recorded in the minutes, stating that it: seems contradictory. Mr. Spuck explained that the location must be noted in the minutes but that the actual location does not need to be Publiclyaccessible. Mr. Spuck further explained that council will be voting on this issue int the November meeting. Councilmember Oswald asked why they would wait a month to vote on this item? Mr. Spuck stated that council can vote on this item tonight but that procedurally he has mapped on these Vice-Mayor Bloxom asked if there was any further public comment. With none, Vice-Mayor Bloxom stating that he would entertain a motion to approve this item. Councilmember Oswald  types changes to happen over at three to four-month time span.  1    stated, "so moved". Councilmember Krause. seconded the motion. The motion passed b. Public Hearing = Establishment of Town Code Section 12-1 which will allow the Town of Onancock to Declare a Local State of Emergency: Mr. Spuck explained that this proposed language would allow the town to declare al local state ofe emergency which will allow the town to apply for FEMA funding. This language will also give Onancock the opportunity to manage it's local state ofe emergency how it wants. Mr. Spuck stressed that this code change does not supplement or overwrite what Accomack County does while declaring, managing and operating Vice-Mayor Bloxom asked for public comment. With none, Vice-Mayor Bloxom stated that he would entertain a motion to approve the creation of this Town Code. Councilmember Oswald stated, "so moved". Councilmember Marino. seconded the motion. The motion passed by Public Hearing Regarding the Sale of Town Property at Tax Map# 85A2-A-158: Mr. Spuck explained that the town owns a parcel of land on Justis Street, which was where the old water tower was located. Currently, iti is used for storage ofi items such as benches and platforms which are typically used during parades. The neighboring property has an easement to use the driveway, ,7Justis Street. Mr. Spuck shared that he needs council's approval to negotiate with the prospective buyer. Mr. Spuck stated that the required resolution is in the agenda packet. Councilmember Oswald asked if the town was required to offer the property sale up publicly before selling privately. Mr. Spuck stated that the town is not required to do that. Vice-Mayor Bloxom asked what Mr. Spuck thought the property was valued at. Mr. Spuck stated that he projected that the parcel is worth $30,000, this amount is comparable to what the carnival Vice-Mayor Bloxom asked for public comment. Ms. Stocker, 7Justis Street, shared that shei is d. Resolution to Grant Town Manager the Authority to Proceed with the Sale of Property at Tax Map# 85A2-A-158 with the Execution of Deeds and Instruments to Follow Town Code Section 2- 3, Execution of Deeds and Instruments, Signing Checks: Vice-Mayor Bloxom read the resolution Councilmember Krause made a motion to adopt the resolution. Councilmember Gillespie e. Motion to Accept Written Bid from Murtech, Inc. fort the Wharf Ramp Project: Vice-Mayor Bloxom explained that Murtech, Inc. was the successful bidder from the request for proposals the town put out in September. Mr. Spuck gave an overview oft the project, the bidding process and the proposal from Murtech, Inc. Murtech, Inc. was the only engineering company to bid on  unanimously by a voice vote.  the areas local state of emergency.  unanimous voice vote.  ground lots are, going for.  not concerned about the land being sold by the town.  aloud.  seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  2    the project and they meet the qualifications to satisfactorily complete the project. Mr. Spuck shared that there are two projects included in the bid, he asked council to approve one aspect of the bid but not the other. Vice-Mayor Bloxom shared that the acceptance of this bid comes with the endorsement of the Waterfront Committee. Councilmember Oswald asked ift there was any penalty for them not completing the project ont time. Mr. Spuck. stated that the Performance Bond that the town is requiring will speak to that matter. Councilmember Oswald asked if the bond was being paid for by the contactor. Mr. Spuck confirmed that iti is. Vice-Mayor. Bloxom: stating that he would entertain a motion to approve the contract with Murtech, Inc. Councilmember Krause. stated, "so moved". Councilmember Oswald: seconded the  motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  Council Discussion:  Police Department: 3-Year Plan: Mr. Spuck reviewed the proposed three-year budget plan in council's packet. Mr. Spuck shared the largest expense in the Police Department budget is salaries and that any potential revenue produced by the Department is minimal. Mr. Spuck shared that Police Chief, Eric Williams, researched comps for local departments ont the Eastern Shore. The goal Mr. Spuck set was to make sure our officers are paid within the top third ofa all local agency officers. For example, the comps for Police Chiefs range from $64,000- : $86,000, currently, Chief Williams is on the lower end of these comps. Councilmember Oswald shared that when she was attending a' VML Conference, the guest speaker who was a Police Chief, helped put things into perspective when it comes to making sure the salaries are comparable when hiring officers, asking if someone would like to run into a dark alley aftera Mr. Spuck continued bys sharing the need fori increased expenditures in the following categories.  person with a gun for $25,000ay year.  Training Currently, our officers do enough to maintain certifications but that the town: should also step-up and provide better trainings. There are several courses that teach a wide range of Vehicle Repair - vehicles need to be safe and always street worthy. Deferred maintenance is to Uniforms Uniforms wear out and can! be costly. This proposal asks that each officer be givena Vehicle Replacement- Each officer needs a vehicle and they should be replaced every five years or every 120,000 miles. Currently, the Crown' Vic has no working odometer and the Dodge Charger is unreliable. Mr. Spuck shared that the USDA - Rural Development gives grant/loan dollars out to help with purchasing vehicles. Their current interest rate is under 2%. Mr. Spuck then gave his ten-year replacement strategy for the Police Department vehicles. Mr. Spuck explained that the current operating budget for the Police Department is $292,000 but that with the changes he outlined for council he anticipates their operating budget to be approximately Councilmember Marino asked ifa all officers needed their own vehicles. ChiefWilliams explained that they do, itisa a morale issue. Chief Williams asked council to image if their they to share a desk at work, iti is the same concept. Councilmember Marino asked if the town had enough officers. Chief Williams stated that an additional officer would be nice considering that between vacation and sick leave some  topics, topics we should want our officers to be trained on.  the determent of our officers.  stipend of $50.00 a month for replacement uniforms.  $451,000 in three-years.  3    times the department is spread too thin. Councilmember Marino asked if diversity drives the department's new hires. ChiefWiliams explained thati iti isa goal but thati iti is more important that the department hires the right person to fit in with the community and the department.  .  Resolution to State Town Intent to Apply for USDA Loans and Grants to Purchase Two Police Vehicles: Mr. Spuck shared that he needs the resolution in the packet to be adopted sO that he can apply to the USDA for loan/grant Vice- Mayor Bloxom read the resolution aloud. Vice-Mayor Bloxom asked fora motion to adopt this resolution. Councilmember Marino stated, "so moved". Councilmember Krause seconded the motion. The motion passed. by unanimous  dollars for new police vehicles.  voice vote.  a. Discuss Town Code Sections 34-10, Trash Collection Fee; Utility Billing; Disconnection, Private Usage, and 34-176, Water and Sewer Adjustments: Mr. Spuck shared that the next items will require a code change. Mrs. Fiege and Mr. Spuck came up with the proposed language change. Mr. Spuck shared that these changes align the Town Code with current practices as well Mr. Spuck shared that he has created a First Responders ratei in the proposed language. As council learned last year, per the bond documents, all water users are to be billed. Currently, the Onancock' Volunteer Fire Department is not being metered or billed fori their water: service. This proposal gives them a minimal rate to use our services. There was some council discussion regarding the Armory and whether or not they would receive this rate as well. Mr. Spuck also shared that hei is proposing a Senior and Disabled Rate. Mr. Spuck explained that Accomack County managesas senior/disability tax relief program, Mr. Spuck's proposal piggybacks off their work to allow those that qualify in town to payar reduced water and sewer Mr. Spuck outlined the proposed language for the town's leak adjustment policy. Mr. Spuck highlighted the process for leak detections as well as how an adjustment would be calculated. Mr. Spuck stated that the town should not get benefit financially off someone's disaster. Councilmember Oswald asked about creating a rate: structure for those renting town owned buildings. Mr. Spuck shared that this issue may be part ofa a much larger conversation. Councilmember Oswald stated that it needs to be a uniform policy for all renters of town owned b. Discuss Town Code Article Il, Vehicle Licenses: Mr. Spuck reviewed the proposed policy which will eliminate physical decals that are currently required on vehicles int town. The cost of the decal would be placed on the personal property tax bills as a "vehicle license fee". Mr. Spuck shared that Accomack County did this a while back. Mr. Spuck explained that putting the fee on the tax! bills will likely be a revenue booster for the town. Vice-Mayor Bloxom asked if trailer  as more clearly outlines policies and procedures for the residents.  rate for those services.  properties.  4    decal fees would also be moved to the tax bills. Mrs. Fiege stated that they would not be but that trailer decals for the wharf may be not be required ini the future. Mr. Spuck explained that Accomack County is looking into ar mirror hanger for Accomack County residents to display at local boat ramps which would grant them free parking to access the ramp for boat launches. The town could use their mirror hanger as a way ofacknowledging those that can use the Discuss Town Code 38-206, Permitted Use of Wharf Facilities: Mr. Spuck explained that this item was fleshed out in the Waterfront Committee. Mr. Spuck continued, stating that the wharf isar resource for the community and as such needs tol be available to local boat owners. This language allows a local boater to tie upi in an empty slip for a maximum oft four-hours free of charge. Mr. Spuck. shared he was looking for council comment on this topic before having the public hearing. Councilmember Oswald expressed concern over thel boater needing to give the wharfa a credit card while utilizing the free spot. Mr. Spuck explained that after four-hours they would be charged a minimal fee, holding a credit card will also give the boater: some responsibility for managing their time. Vice-Mayor Bloxom shared that he did not see an issue with holding a credit card while the boater was parked in ai free slip especially since the slip will be unusable for others until the boater returns. Councilmember Burger shared that thisi is  parking lot for free to launch their boats.  similar to what hotels require when you book a room.  Public Comment:  Mrs. Theresa West-Kellam, Cross Street, expressed concern that the town disconnected water services today but the delinquent letter stated that customers had until October 27. Mrs. Fiege explained that the letter was in error and that town staff reached out to all customers on the disconnection list a week  prior to let them know the actual date of disconnection.  Committee Reports: started.  HSRD, Robert Bloxom: Vice-Mayor Bloxom stated that there have been no meetings to report on. Mr. Spuck shared that he has been speaking with Mr. Ted Henifin with HRSD and that negotiations have Waterfront Committee, Robert Bloxom: Vice-Mayor Bloxom shared that they met on October 13th and all items on their agenda have already been shared with council except for the three-year budget plan Planning Commission, Robert Bloxom: Vice- Mayor Bloxom shared that there was no meeting due toa  which will be coming up: soon on council's agenda.  lack of quorum.  Personnel Committee, Catherine Krause: No meeting,  Strategic Planning, Fletcher Fosque: Mr. Spuck shared that they had their first meeting. The committee broke the towni into seven areas in an effort to make one long-term plan. This will help when looking for  a vision that will be supported by financials, models and grants. Mayor'sReport: Vice-Mayor Bloxom has nothing to report.  5    Town Manager's Report: Mr. Spuck explained that the written report is in the agenda packet. Mr.  Spuck highlighted: at few items to share loud with council.  Ramp project update: The town's permit request to Accomack County will gol before their Wetlands Committee in November which will help to secure approval from the Army Corp of Mr. Spuck shared that he has a meeting set with the state regarding the Department of Housing and Community Development for the $450,000 grant which willl be distributed to local businesses. Onancock's Main Street program will be partnering with the town to help administer the grant. The town and Main Street will be eligible to receive some of the funds for  Engineers.  the administration of the grant.  Council Comments:  Councilmember Oswald shared that OBCA's Christmas Homes Tour will look different this year because ofCOVID-19. This yeari it willl be a driving tour which will start at the school and go through Mt. Prospect. Five different homes will have Christmas scenes in their yards. Councilmember Oswald shared that they are also looking for volunteers and to please let her know ify you are interested in doing Councilmember Marino asked if Mr. Spuck would look into getting a senior rate in place for senior citizens who only ever have one bag of garbage. Mr. Spuck stated that it may be difficult for Davis Disposal to determine if there is only one bagi in the container. Mr. Spuck continued to say that hel has renegotiated the Davis Disposal contract which will be at a lower rate to the town. Councilmember Gillespie shared that the new plantings at the Samuel Outlaw Blacksmith Shop are beautiful. Although, Councilmember Gillespie expressed her concern about proper lighting of the new  sO. Councilmember Oswald also shared that the name of the tour is "Believe".  bushes once they become larger. Closed Session, if needed:  Councilmember Krause made a motion, for council to enter closed: session of Town Council pursuant to $2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia to discuss a personnel matter for aj former employee. Councilmember  Oswald: seconded: the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  Town Council entered into Closed Session at 8:54 p.m.  Councilmember Krause made a motion to end Closed Session of this regular meeting of the Onançock Town Council and certify by roll call vote that the items discussed in closed session align with the purpose stated in the motion made in public session, Councilmember Gillespie seconded the motion  and a roll call vote was taken. Catherine Krause Ray Burger Robert Bloxom Adjourn:  NO NO ESNO  Maphis Oswald Joy Marino Thelma Gillespie  NO NO NO  Town Council reconvened Open Session at 9:00 p.m.  Councilmember Krause made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Oswald seconded the motion. The  motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  6    The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.  Robert Bloxom, Vice-Mayor  Lisa Fiege, Deputy Clerk  7    AFFIDAVIT New Post, LLC P.O. Box517 Onley, Va. 23418 We, New Post, LLC, publishers Eastem Shore published in Onley, State of newspaper dol hereby has been certify that the enclosed notice Published on  NOTICE OF INTENT AND PUBLIC HEARING TOWN COUNCIL TOWN OF ONANCOCK, VA The Town of Onancock: NOVEMBER23, will file an 2020 application with the USDA, Rural Development forfinancial: assistance to pur- chase police vehicles and equipment. A public meeting for.comments will be held at-7:00 PM, on November 23, 2020, in the Town Council Chambers located at 15 North Street, Onancock, VA 23417. Questions may be posed in advance and in writing to Matt Spuck, Town Manager, MatSasaonmeston to discuss the proposed project andi to provide the opportunityt for public comment.  oft the Virginia, 1/olao  Post, a weekly  published.  Ini the said Eastern Shore Post  aforementioned.  MLp Constance Morrison, Editor  Dated today Total Printer's Fee  u/olo $67.64  Phone: 757-789-7678 Fax: 757-789-7681    Town of Onancock CARES Act Appropriation Accomack County- Second Grant  Appropriation as approved byl Town Council on September28,2020  COVID Supplies Small Business PPE Reimbursement Grant Technology for Teleworking Reserve for FFCRA Sick Leave Building adjustments for employee and visitor safety Small Business Recovery Grant  $ $ $ $ $ $  3,000 5,000 11,333 25,000 25,000 37,000  106,333  Adjusted Appropriation November 23, 2020  Small Business PPE Reimbursement Grant Technology for Teleworking Building adjustments for employee and visitor safety Small Business Recovery Grant New Business Grant (1) Utility Subsidy PP( (2) Utility Subsidy FPL(3)  $ $ $ $ $ $ $  4,550 13,375 20,000 37,000 10,000 10,000 11,408  106,333  1.NEW BUSINESS GRANT: Int the $37,000 grant, the guidelines didr not allow new businesses opened: since last Julyt to qualify because it required a drop in revenue of 15%1 from last year. New business all hadi increases, eveni ift they were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Wep propose a grant equal to 10% oft the average monthly sales for new businesses, with no grant exceeding $3,000 (which was the size of the grant distributed tos small businesses int the $37,000 grant). 2.UTILITYSUBSIDY PP: This would be a subsidy for all water/sewer accounts with current payment plans. Thiss subsidy would pay off thee entire balance on current 3.UTILITY: SUBSIDY FPL: Thisi isa as subsidy of $447.48 (4 minimum bills) for any resident whose income is ator under the 2020 Federal Poverty! Levels. We would ask for current paystubs fori income verification andl last year's tax return to verify dependents. Lisa andl lare comfortable with this ande eager to help the community this way. First come firsts served- -25 grants possible. a. VML approves utility subsidies to allow' "certain individuals" tor receive essential services. The FPL  payment plans  meet those criteria    S :  S 8 5 S 8 B  s  3  s  -  A    9o  9    69  6s  898985    51999  96s  5  %m  %    8483888883  33955339    9,99895  3s 95  9,9,9,95  1s V  EHSE8A8A8A88E  8388885 80s  $33938838888385    5g 99888  9889    9999    0f