Town of Onancock Town Council - Emergency Meeting May 14, 2020 12:00 p.m.  Call to Order and Roll Call:  Mayor Fosque called the meeting the order at: 12:00 p.m. and roll was called. Mayor Fletcher Fosque and Councilmembers Robert Bloxom, Joy Marino, Catherine Krause, Ray Burger and Maphis Oswald Mayor Fosque explained that this meeting was being held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas having a public meeting could put council and the public at risk for contracting the virus.  were present. All members were present, and a quorum was established.  Public Business:  a. Consider the Implementation of Governor Northam's Phase One Reopening for the Town of Onancock- - Mayor Fletcher Fosque: Mayor Fosque explained that on Wednesday, May 13th, Accomack County voted to petition Governor Northam to be allowed to opt out of moving forward with Phase One of the Virginia Forward Plan which wasi to begin on May 15th. Ifthe Town of Onancock wanted to bei included in the Governor's Order to allow Accomack County to opt out, then Onancock would aiso need to petition the Governor since Accomack's request did Interim Town Manager, Lisa Fiege, read Accomack County's letter to Governor Ralph Northam. Mrs. Fiege also read the ESVA Chamber of Commerce letter aloud asking that Onancock not petition the Governor to opt out of Phase One. Mrs. Fiege also heard from the Corner Bakery, Marker 29, C.D. Marsh. Jewelers and Blarney Stone Pub asking that Onancock continue forward with Phase One and not petition the Governor to be allowed to opt out. Mrs. Fiege shared the current number of COVID-19 cases in Accomack County (593 cases, 26 hospitalizations, 8 deaths). Mrs. Fiege also mentioned that thei testing that was done at Tyson and Perdue was not Council discussion followed. Some members expressed concern that with the continual rise of COVID-19 cases in Accomack County that iti ist too soon to move into Phase One. Other members felt that the businesses will take the necessary precautions to keep their employees Mayor Fosque explained to council that they need to act to remain closed along with Accomack Councilmember Oswald made ar motion to remain closed until May 28, 2020. Councilmember  noti include any of the incorporated towns.  part of the numbers on the Department of Health's website yet.  and customers safe. County.  Marino seconded the motion. Aroll call vote was taken.  Robert Bloxom Catherine Krause Maphis Oswald  YESANO) YESANO YESINO  Joy Marino Ray Burger  YESINO YESNO  The motion failed three to two.  1    Mayor Fosque opened the floor to public comment.  Mr. Gary Cochran, The Charlotte Hotel, asked council if they would approve him putting outdoor seating int the alley behind his restaurant. Councilmember Oswald asked ift they were doing take-out orders. Mr. Cochran said that they were andi that the community support has been over-whelming. The Charlotte Hotel is doing about 80% of the same business as before but the cost oft the meals has Councilmember Bloxom mentioned that ABC Virginia appears to be granting permission to those restaurants without outdoor seating the opportunity to allow customers to consume alcohol in other places such as parking lots. Councilmember Bloxom stated that council needs to review this further. Mr. T. Lee Byrd, Ames Street, stated that council made the right call during this tough time.  drastically decreased.  Adjourn:  Councilmember Bloxom made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Krause seconded the motion. The  motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 12:28 p.m.  Ahtt DM  Fletcher Fosque, Mayor  &&  2