Town of Onancock Town Council Meeting May 22, 2017 7:00 p.m.  1. Call to Orderand Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance  3. Consideration and Approval of the Budget Workshop Minutes from the April 10, 2017 meeting, the Budget Public Hearing Minutes from the April 17,2017 meeting and thel Minutes from the Regular Town Council meeting on April 24, 2017. a. Adoption oft the FY18 Budget-1 Mr. William Kerbin b. National Safe Boating Week Proclamation - Mayor Russell Jones Personnel Manual Update - Mr. William Kerbin d. Public Hearing, Water and Sewer Reconnection Fee Increase, Account Transfer Fee Increase and Town Decal Late Charges - Mr. William Kerbin e. Public Hearing, Denial ofl New Service Connections for those with Delinquent Amendment for Special Use Permit Application, 51 Market Street - Mr. Amendment for Special Use Permit. Application, 49 King Street - Mr. William h. Discussion of Brush and Limb Pick-Up Schedule Change - Mr. William Kerbin Discussion oft the Accomack Community Band Letter Re: Haunted House- Discussion of Collection Policy and Delinquent Businesses, Taxes & Fees- Mr.  4. Public Business  Waterand: Sewer Accounts - Mr. William Kerbin  William Kerbin Kerbin  Mr. William Kerbin William Kerbin  5. Public Comment  6. Planning Commission Report- Councilmember Fletcher Fosque 7. Waterfront Committee Report - Councilmember T.Lee Byrd 8. Personnel Committee Report- Councilmember Catherine Krause 9. Holiday Committee Report - Councilmember Catherine Krause  10. Mayor's Report - Mayor Russell Jones 11.Town Manager's Report - Mr. William Kerbin 12. Closed Session (ifn needed)  13.Adjourn    Town of Onancock Town Council-Budget Workshop April 10, 2017 7:00PM  Callt to Ordera and Roll Call:  Mayor Jones called the meeting order and roll was called. Mayor Russell. Jones and Councilmembers Robert Bloxom, Catherine Krause, T. Lee Byrd, Ray Burger, Joshua Bundick and Fletcher Fosque were present. All  members were present and a quorum was established. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Public Business:  a. Discussion of the Upcoming FY2018 Budget: Mayor. Jones explained thei flow oft the budget workshop, stating that the purpose of this meeting was for staff and council to come together to discuss the proposed FY18 budget. Mayor. Jones shared that this work: session may not have a public comment section but that the following Monday Town Council will hold the public hearing on the proposed Mayor. Jones highlighted some oft the proposed increases for council. The proposed budget has the following increases proposed: $0.05 real estate taxi increase; water and sewer rate increases; water and sewer administrative cost feei increases (reconnection and account transfer fees); meals tax rate increase; transient occupancy tax rate increase; as well as a reduction oft the town's annual donation to the Onançock Volunteer Fire Department. Mayor. Jones shared that staff are trying to anticipate the revenue the town will receive from Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital finally being online but to date the town only has a one month look at the additional consumption/revenue. This proposed budget also includes the projected expenditure for the Hazardous Duty (LEOS) enhanced benefit for town's police department. This benefit allows our police officers to retire early with a supplemental income of an additional $13,500 a year until the retired employee reaches Social Security age. Mayor. Jones shared that Onançock is one oft the last employers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia who does not currently offer Councilmember Bloxom asked what the delinquency rate is for town taxes. Mayor Jones explained that Councilmember Bundick asked how much revenue is generated from a one cent increase in real estate taxes. Mayor. Jones stated that the town can expect about $11,000 per one cent increase. Councilmember Fosque asked staff to identify the timeline for real estate taxi increases. Councilmember Bundick asked why the consumer utility tax looks substantially less than the current fiscal year. Mrs. Fiege explained that in previous years that line item'santicipated revenue represented the consumer utility tax and the communication tax projections. The proposed FY18 budget projections have been separated out since they are receipted in their respective line items. Councilmember Bundick asked why there was no money acknowledged in the Bank Stock Tax line item for this year. Mrs. Fiege  budget and the public would be able to comment at that time.  the program.  the rate was about 4% and that personal property is harder to collect.  explained that the tax will ber received in May.  1    Councilmember Byrd shared that the transient boating revenue expectation for the coming fiscaly year Councilmember Fosque asked what percentage the Town of Onley requires restaurants to collect for their meals tax. Mayor Jones shared that the Town of Chincoteague and the Town of Cape Charles are Councilmember Bundick asked about the water and: sewer revenue assumptions from the hospital. Can the town assume a one to one ratio on water and sewer consumption? Mayor Jones explained that the town only has one month worth of data sO at this point the budget is based on an educated guess of Mayor Jones shared that the proposed budget would produce an additional $68,000 in sewer charges and an additional $27,000 in water charges. That means an additional $220,000ofrevenue ifour Mayor Jones shared that while it sounds like al lot of money the town has over anticipated revenues over the past few years and the town has been continually: starting each new fiscal year with a negative net Councilmember Bloxom stated that the town not only needs to make these proposed increases but that Councilmember Krause agreed with Councilmember Bloxom asking that the department heads review possible expenditure reductions for the coming budget. Councilmember Krause also asked that town staff generate a listing of water and sewer rate increases over the years as well as real estate tax Mayor Jones shared that he has watched the town's reserves go down about $400,000 over his time in office. The general fund had a surplus in the previous fiscal year which only partially covered the water Councilmember Fosque asked for clarification on our lenders' requirements for reserve funds. Mayor Jones explained that the town is required to retain over $600,000 in reserve accounts which equals about one year's worth of payments to those lenders. They also have an escalating requirement for Mayor. Jones acknowledged that no one has yet to suggest that the town should not be raising taxes and Councilmember Bloxom asked about the potential to increase the business license fee. Councilmember Fosque shared that it may not be worth the potential negative press the town would get from an Town Manager Kerbin reviewed some of the departmental expenses in the proposed budget: the police department is going to see an increase in training expenses; buildings and grounds has a small increase expected in the coming year as well as parks; the wharf's expenditures are up in the proposed budget largely due to thei floating dock capital improvement project; streets is down a bit; Christmas  looks good, stating that the revenue from transient dockage is up about 20%.  currently at! 5%.  what the revenues will actual look like.  numbers are accurate and we are ata a collection rate of 100%.  position.  town staff needs to also work on reducing its expenditures.  increases.  and sewer revenue deficiencies.  repair and maintenance which goes up about $23,000 a year.  rates.  increase to that tax. The idea is to attract newi businesses.  2    decorations has been reduced to $5,000 which was agreed upon at a previous council meeting sO that items could be purchased during the February sale; a 3% cost-of-living adjustment has also been Mrs. Fiege explained that the reason for the street maintenance budget has such a significant reduction is due to the fact they are being moved into a Public Works Department and part of their salaries and Mrs. Fiege also explained that the reason that the contingencies are upi is due to the town's police vehicle loan payments being correctly added to the budget. Councilmember Fosque asked whyt the town needs five police vehicles since the town'sofficers work in shifts which means there is no more than two officers on at any given time. Mr. Kerbin stated that he would discuss that concern with the police chief. Councilmember Krause asked who the five police officers are and asked that they come to Councilmember Bloxom expressed his deep concern about the town reducingi its donation to the Onançock Volunteer Fire Department. Councilmember Bloxom stressed that the town manager go back to the department heads and task them with reducing their budgets. Councilmember Bloxom stated that he believes that this will show our residents that we are being good financial stewards. Councilmember Fosque expressed his concern that a reduction to the fire department may bea a violation of an existing agreement the town had with the fire department. The building was donated to them by the town and part of that oral agreement included the town donating between $20,000- $25,000 a year to the department to assist with the upkeep and maintenance of the building. Mayor Jones shared that through conversations with previous Town Manager G. Cabell Lawton, IV and Interim- Town Manager Bill Whitley no one has the authority to encumber public funds for future uses for Mayor. Jones expressed his concern for reinstating the fire department's donation back to the full $22,500, stating that the $12,500reduction would go al long way to help fund the Hazardous Duty program for the police department. Councilmember Bloxom stressed that thet first step is have the Councilmember Fosque stated that the town may not need five police officers which would help reduce expenditures in the coming year. Mr. Kerbin explained that five are needed to cover the various shifts. Councilmember Fosque suggested that the town may not need that many and it may be beneficial to Councilmember Bloxom stated that this issue should not be viewed as the police department versus the fire department. Councilmember Bloxom suggested that the town consider a step-down program for reducing the town's donation to the fire department, that way they could gradually prepare for the loss Mayor. Jones stressed that the police department are the town's employees and as such should have some priority wheni it comes to additional benefits Councilmember Bloxom agreed but also  calculated and contingencies are up a bit.  benefits will be paid through the water and sewer funds.  acouncil meeting sO that could be introduced.  example the town must reauthorize debt payments annually.  department heads look for other reductions in their future expenditures.  not replace the next officer that vacates his/her position with the town.  ofincome over time.  acknowledged that the fire department is needed as well.  3    Councilmember Bloxom suggested that council forgo their salaries which would free up: some dollars SO that the fire department could receive their full funding expectation of $22,500. Councilmembers Byrd Councilmember Bloxom also suggested that thet town review the necessity of having a five member Counciimember Bloxom advised that the town be prepared for all questions and comments that willl be brought up at the public hearing next week, all avenues must be explored sO that council can speak with Mayor Jones acknowledged that council seems to have accepted the proposed revenue increases. All Councilmember Bundick suggested that maybe the town cut out the brush and limb pick-ups. People love the service but it could potentially: save the town a significant amount of money. Councilmember Fosque warned that the Onancock residents will not be happy with that change. Councilmember Krause stated that while the residents may be upset about losing that service she believes that people willl be more upset that the town is reducing its donation to the fire department. Councilmember Krause continued to say that maybe Christmas decorations should not be a priority especially if the town Councilmember Byrd suggested that council consider giving at least a portion of the proposed reduction back to the fire department to show the town's continued level of support even when expenditure cuts Mayor Jones urged council to consider showing support to the police department as well. Councilmember Bloxom suggested that council forgo their salaries sO that the fire department can still Councilmember Byrd expressed his support for the council salary reduction but also asked that the town's department heads make cuts within their own budgets for the 3% cost of living adjustment that Mayor. Jones asked council if they were willing to fund the Hazardous Duty program in the coming  and Krause agreed with Councilmember Bloxom's suggestion.  police department as well as owning and maintaining five police vehicles.  full clarity on the necessity of the proposed increases.  verbally agreed.  cannot afford to continue to donate to the fire department accordingly.  are necessary.  maintain its current level of funding from the town.  had been suggested.  budget. All confirmed verbally that they were.  Adjourn:  Councilmember Byrd made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Krause seconded the motion. The  motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM.  Russell Jones, Mayor  Lisa Fiege, Deputy Clerk  4    Town of Onancock Town Council- - Budget Public Hearing April 17,2017 7:00PM  Call to Order and Roll Call:  Mayor. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and roll was called. Mayor Russell Jones and Councilmembers Robert Bloxom, Catherine Krause, T. Lee Byrd, Ray Burger, Joshua Bundick and Fletcher Fosque were present. All members were present and a quorum was established.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Public Business:  a. Public Hearing, Proposed FY18 Budget: Mayor Jones opened the budget public hearing at 7:02 PM. Mayor Jones asked if council had any questions regarding the proposed budget. Councilmember Bloxom thanked town manager, Mr. William Kerbin, and Mrs. Lisa Fiege for all their hard work on the edits council suggested last week. Councilmember Bloxom stated that he Councilmember Fosque asked if the Virginia Department ofTransportation Integrated Directional Signing Program (TODS) advertising was still being budgeted for the coming fiscal Councilmember Krause and Councilmember Byrd echoed Councilmember Bloxom's acknowledgement of Mr. Kerbin and Mrs. Fiege'sh hard work on the proposed budget. Mayor Jones stated it would have been nice to have been making these types ofi increases over previous fiscal years, acknowledging that it would been more graceful in smaller increments. Mayor Jones asked if the public had any comments, questions or concerns with the proposed Mr. David Krause, Market Street, asked Mr. Kerbin is he felt that this budget help the town proposer in the coming year. Mr. Kerbin stated that he felt that this budget was not everything he had hoped but that it was, good foundation. Mayor Jones shared that the town's goal for this  supports this proposed budget.  year. Mrs. Fiege stated that iti is the proposed budget for FY18.  budget.  coming year was not to prosper but to hopefully break even. Mayor. Jones closed the public hearing at 7:10 PM.  Councilmember Bloxom made a motion to: send the proposed FY18 budget to the next council meeting. for a vote. Councilmember Bundick seconded the motion. The motion passed by  unanimous voice vote. Closed Session, if needed: None.  1    Adjourn:  Councilmember Byrdi made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Bloxom seconded the motion. The  motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned that 7:12 PM.  Russell Jones, Mayor  Lisa Fiege, Deputy Clerk  2    Town of Onancock Town Council Meeting April 24, 2017 7:00PM  Call to Order and Roll Call:  Vice-N Mayor Fosque called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and roll was called. Vice-Mayor Fletcher Fosque and Councilmembers Robert Bloxom, Catherine Krause, T. Lee Byrd, Ray Burger and. Joshua Bundick were present. Mayor Russell Jones was absent. An majority of members were present and a  quorum was established. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Consideration and Approval of the March 27,2017 Meeting Minutes:  Vice-Mayor Fosque asked if council had any corrections to the meeting minutes as submitted. With none, Councilmember Krause made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as submitted. Councilmember Byrds seconded the motion. Vice-Mayor Fosque asked for any additional discussion.  With none, council passed the motion. by unanimous voice vote.  Public Business:  a. Resolution 2016 Eastern Shore of Virginia Hazardous Mitigation Plan Town of Onancock, Virginia, Mr. William Kerbin: Mr. Kerbin explained to council that the hazardous mitigation plan document is a requirement from FEMA. It serves as a planning toll for localities in the event ofa a disaster. Mr. Kerbin also shared that it also helps identify some vulnerabilities the Councilmember Krause asked if the town had a phone tree in place so that staff and council can be alerted to issues in a timely fashion. Mr. Kerbin stated that the town does not currently have a phone tree. Councilmember Krause asked that the town looki into getting Mrs. Fiege explained to council that this Resolution is specific to the Onancock, VA section of the document. The. Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission are the authors of the document and that they are required to update the document every five years. Mrs. Fiege continued to share that the town's staff and affiliates assisted with the Onancock  town may when been façing a disaster.  one in place.  revisions.  Vice-Mayor Fosque asked for further discussion.  With none, Councilmember Bundick made a motion to adopt the Resolution of 2016 Eastern Shore of Virginia Hazardous Mitigation Plan Town of Onancock, Virginia as presented in the packet. Councilmember Bloxom seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous  voice vote.  1    b. Town Wide Yard Sale, Ms. Cynthia Holdren: Ms. Cynthia Holdren, Onancock Civic and Business Association (OBCA), spoke on behalf oft the OBCA! Super Saturday' Yard Sale. Ms. Holdren shared that OBCA has worked diligently to promote the event through advertising efforts. Ms. Holdren stated that to date the response has not been good with only two spaces currently reserved for the Town Gazebo. Ms. Holdren did share that some oft the churches and businesses int town were also planning to participate. Some home owners also have plans to set-up tables in their yards in the downtown area. Ms. Holdren explained that part of the lack ofi interest may be due to the Onley Medical Center having a yard sale on the same day. The Super Saturday Yard Sale will be held on May 6th with a rain date of May 13th.  Vice-Mayor Fosque asked is anyone had any questions. Councilmember Byrd thanked Ms. Holdren for their efforts.  Onancock's Plan Document, Mr. William Kerbin: Vice-Mayor Fosque amended the agenda to add this item for council's consideration. Mr. Kerbin asked Mrs. Fiege to explain the Plan Mrs. Fiege explained the lawi firm of Kaufman & Canoles prepared al Plan Document for the town so that its employees would be able to pay their health care premiums on a pre-tax basis. This option will allow employee to save money on their taxes annually. Mr. John Custis, Town Attorney, recommended the firm because they have experience with Mr. Kerbin shared that this will be a nice perk for current and potential employees. Councilmember Bloxom asked about the cost to the town. Mrs. Fiege explained that except fort the cost of generating the Plan Document there will be no other costs incurred by the Councilmember Byrd shared that this al key benefit to the town'semployees and that he Councilmember Bloxom made a motion to pass the Resolution to adopt a Flexible Benefits Plan for Medical Coverage. Councilmember Byrd seconded the motion. The motion passed  Document to council.  employee benefits.  town.  supports the adoption of the Resolution.  by unanimous voice vote.  Public Comment: None.  Planning Commission: No meeting.  Waterfront Committee:  Councilmember Byrd reviewed the arbormastersreport for the April 4th Waterfront Committee meeting. The wharfis currently 31% of ahead of last year'sreservation for the boating season.  2    Councilmember Byrd shared the overwhelming community support for the wharf. Residents have been assisting with scrubbing the facility, pressure washing the facility, donating new life rings and rugs for the office. Councilmember Byrd also shared that two new assistants have been hired. One has already started and the other will: start in mid-May. Councilmember also explained that there has been further discussion on the shower situation at the marina in regards to local event users. Town staffi is now looking at erecting a sprinkler over by the kayak landing 5o that people may rinse off In lieu of using the shower facility at the Harbormaster Shack. Lastly, the ice cooler that has been at the wharf for some time nowi is no longer working and has been removed by the town's current ice provider Seaford Ice. Councilmember Bloxom asked why the "No Wake" sign was no longer up. Councilmember Byrd explained that the signi is the responsibility of the Coast Guard and that the wharf staff have been in  The town is now going to contract with Shore Ice fori its ice needs.  contact with them asking them to get it back up.  Holiday Committee: No meeting. Personnel Committee: No meeting. Mayor's Report: None.  Town Manager's Report:  Mr. Kerbin: shared the following update with council:  Eastern Shore Communication has been selected to upgrade the Town Hall phone system and The Personnel Committee is currently reviewing the proposed revisions of the Personnel Manual The town has terminated its contract with Ordereze for its website needs. Currently, the towni is Mayor Jones and Mr. Kerbin participated in a roundtable discussion with Congressman Scott Taylor that included other elected officials, healthcare representatives and other citizens. The tentative date for the demolition of the shop building at the Old Onancock School is May  these upgrades should be completed by May 31, 2017. andi it: should be ready for approval at the May council meeting.  reviewing proposals from other vendors.  gth.  Closed Session, if needed: None.  Mrs. Karen Splawn, Friends of Onancock School, asked council to come by the school to see the painting Councilmember Krause thanked OBCA for their rolei in working with the Friends of Onancock: School and working with the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical: Society's Hopkins Brothers new display.  ont the front of the building,  3    Councilmember Krause encouraged everyone to check out the new display at the Hopkins Brother's  Store which highlights Onancock's Mercantile History.  Adjourn:  Councilmember Byrd made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Krause. seconded the motion. The  motion passed unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:27P PM.  Fletcher Fosque, Vice-Mayor  Lisa Fiege, Deputy Clerk  4    SUGGESTED MOTION: Mr. Mayor, Ir move to adopt the FY 2018 Town of Onancock budget including the approval of all related tax and rate increases as presented at the budget hearing  dated April17,2017.  AGENDA  TOWN COUNCIL  May 22, 2017  SUBJECT: Adoption ofFY 2018 Town of Onancock budget  RECOMMENDATION: Staffrecommends approval oft the Town ofOnancock budget  TIMING: Current  DISCUSSION: The Town Council held a budget workshop on April 10, 2017 and a budget hearing on April 17,2017. The Town Council recommended a FY 2018 budget be forwarded for final approval at the May 22, 2017 regularly scheduled Town Council meeting.  Staff: Bill Kerbin Town Manager Attachment: FY 2018 budget  Copy:    FY2018 Proposed Budget Assumptions:  Real Estate taxi increase from $0.27 to $0.32 per $100.00 of assessed value. Vehicle Deçal late payment penalty of $10.00 per decal. Meals and Transient Occupancy Taxi increase from 4%1 to 5%  Water and Sewer fee increases for Account Transfers from $10.00 to $30.00a and  Reconnection Fees From $25.001 to $50.00. Water Rate increase of 8%. Sewer Ratei increase of 10%. usage of the town'swater.  Anticipated additional revenues of$30,000.00 from Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital's Anticipated additional revenues of $31,000.00 from Accomack County'si increased sewer  flow from Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital.  Explanations for Necessity of Rate and Tax Increases:  In the towns recently completed FY16 audit, the general fund's net position at the close of FY16 was $204,457.00. Unfortunately, the town's business-type actives (water and sewer) closed the year at a loss of$318,554.00. The town started FY17 with a negative net position of  $114,097.00.  Below are Explanations of Department Expenditure Increases:  1) Onancock's 2009 water and sewer engineering report by Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. a. The following specifico observations were made but, for the most part, NOT  showed clearly that major revenue increases would be necessary.  implemented.  The town would increase water and: sewer rates 5-10% annually until the ii. Anticipation of significant increases in Out-of-Town water and sewer ili. Charge Out-of-Town users' rates 20% higher than In-Town customers  budget balanced.  customers and commensurate flows.  iv. Development of water and sewer Availability Fees. V. Incorporate a 10% Capital Improvement (CIP) fund from both high supplier inflation and additional flows.  b. Waterand: Sewer Department FY18 increases: labs supplies, outside testing; water chemicals; wastewater chemicals; and shipping. Costi increases come  2) Police Department FY18 increases: vehicle fuel; training; and computer licensures. The town is also bringing forward the FY17 budgeted expenditure of $15,000 for a new police vehicle since the department is still ini the process of acquiring the new vehicle. The town is alsoi in the process of becoming involved ini the Hazardous Duty Program    (LEOS), this program will allow our police officers to retire early and with an additional supplement to their regular' VRS pension until they reach social security age. 3) Administration Department FY18 increases: technology; postage; training and travel. 4) Wharf Department FY18i increases: janitorial supplies; payroll and the cost of gasoline/diesel. The town will be replacing the fixed finger piers this coming winter with floating finger piers. This capital improvement is being funded up to 74% with a cap of $200,000, by the Virginia Port Authority and requires Onancock to provide the 26% local 5) Town Staff, the exception of the Police Department, will be receiving a 3% salary  match. increase.    Town of Onancock FY18- - Proposed Budget Summary May 22, 2017  Primary Accounts FY'17 Projected Rev. FY'18 Projected Rev.  Change $69,500.00 $246,943.00 $316,443.00 Change $2,650 $22,256.34 ($5,500.00) $8,010.00 $22,095.14 $0 ($321.30) ($38,036.93) $0.00 $0.00 ($150.00) $300.00 $63,746.91 ($3,000) ($3,630.00) $42,000.00 $34,293.94 $52,438.92 $197,153  w/S GF Total  $1,013,400.00 $1,283,905.00 $2,297,305.00  $1,143,900.00 $1,355,011.00 $2,498,911.00  Department Executive Administration Legal/Professional Insurance Police Fire Department Mosquito/Weed Control Street Maint. Solid Waste Litter Control Buildings/Grounds Parks Wharf Christmas Contingency/Bank Notes LEOS/Hazardous Duty Water Sewer Total  FY'17 Projected Exp. FY'18 Projected Exp.  $40,736.00 $228,499.00 $11,750.00 $51,700.00 $341,328.00 $32,500.00 $19,771.30 $121,070.00 $97,416.00 $1,200.00 $24,400.00 $10,500.00 $92,341.00 $8,700.00 $66,424.00 $282,592.00 $867,508.40 $2,298,435.70  $43,386.00 $250,755.34 $6,250.00 $59,710.00 $363,423.14 $32,500.00 $19,450.00 $83,033.07 $97,416.00 $1,200.00 $24,250.00 10,800.00 $156,087.91 $5,700.00 $62,794.00 $42,000.00 $316,885.94 $919,947.32 $2,495,588.72 $3,322.28  Net Rev. less Expense        a  - 2  8 3    M 2 6 @ 5 9  >  9 f 3  A  E    %    S A  -  o A r L -  0 N            S    A - 6  L    & S  3                    PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING MAY 20 THROUGH MAY 26, 2017 as NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK  Recreational boating is fun and enjoyable, and we are fortunate that we have sufficient resources to accommodate the wide variety of pleasure boating demands. However, our waterways can become crowded at times and be a place of chaos and confusion. While being a marvelous source of recreation, boating, to the unprepared, can be a risky sport. Not knowing or obeying the Navigation Rules or the nautical "Rules of the Road," drinking alcohol or taking drugs while operating al boat, or choosing not to wear your life jacket when doing sO is clearly NOT the smart thing to do, are all examples of human error or al lack of proper judgment. One particular behavior that can reduce the number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year by approximately 80% is the wearing of a Whereas, on average, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents int the U.S.; nearly Whereas, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not Whereas, a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive Whereas, modern life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive, and more wearable than styles Whereas, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-02 Painter, provides safe boating instruction for persons of all ages in order to prevent boating accidents and to teach rescue and survival techniques  life jacket. Itis as simple task that has the potential to reduce terrible loss in lives.  70% of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and by the boat, equipment, or environmental factors; and today had they worn their life jackets; and  of years past and deserve a fresh look by today's boating public and  in case one does occur. Therefore, I,. Russell A. Jones  do hereby support the goals of the North  American Safe Boating Campaign and proclaim May 20-26, 2017, as National Safe Boating Week and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating. Andle encourage all boaters to wear their life In' Witness Thereof, lurge all those who boat to "Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear it." and practice safe  jackets, boat responsibly, and enroll in a safe boating class.  boating habits. this  Given under my signature and the seal of The Town of Onancock, Virginia  22nd  day of May  2017.  Mayor Town of Onancock