April 18, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -27-  TOWN OF ABINGDON COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY,APRILI 18, 2024 - 2:30 Pm COUNCILCHAMBERS- MUNICIPAL, BUILDING  The meeting oft the Abingdon Town Council was. held on' Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 2:30  pm in the Council Chambers ofthel Municipal Building.  A. WELCOME - Mayor Pillion B. ROLL CALL Members of Council Present:  Wayne Austin Donna Quetsch Derek Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (VIDE06 6:06-6:29)  On motion of Mrs. Quetsch, seconded by Vice Mayor Anderson, approved the agenda as  presented.  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion Eddie Copenhaver  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  E. PUBLIC COMMENTS (VIDE0631-945)  F. PROCLAMATIONS G. PUBLIC HEARING  1. Proposed right of way and permanent easement for private utilities for William King Museum of Art, a Virginia non-stock corporation, on Town owned property known as Academy Drive, located at or near 415. Academy Drive NW, consisting of25 feet in length, 15 feet in width (7.5 feet on each side oft the centerline), more or less, centered on coordinates 26.7100777,  -81.9870557. (VIDE09:45-12:49)    April 18, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -28-  Heagon Gill, Engineering Technician presented information including William King Museum of Art is requesting a permanent easement to install and maintain the required utilities as af future addition to the existing structure on Academy Drive. The Town's Street configuration makes it impossible to provide required stormwater runoff quantity and quality control without extensive excavation, the parcel straddles both sides of Academy Drive, therefore they are currently seeking an easement from the Town. Mr. Gill also added that the future addition of the structure will be reviewed for compliance with the stormwater management ordinance, Town's zoning ordinance and the Uniform Statewide Building Code, however without a positive motion  by the Council for the easement, the addition will not be feasible.  Mayor Pillion opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Mayor Pillion closed  the public hearing.  2. Ordinance to repeal, amend, and reenact Chapter 66. Taxation - property tax exemption for Elderly and Handicapped homeowner and Qualified Veterans totally and permanently  handicapped property owner. (VIDEO 13:16-15:14)  Town Manager Mike Cochran conveyed to Council this proposed amendment the amount ofexemption as provided by the General Assembly amended Code of Virginia, Chapter 32ofTitle 58.1 relating to exemption or deferral of taxes on property of certain elderly and handicapped person, which will align with Washington County's exemption or deferred taxes. Treasurer Tammy Baldwin compared last year's calculating $2,422 with an additional thirteen new  applications that will help with the residents that need assistance.  Mayor Pillion opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Mayor Pillion closed  the public hearing.  H. RESOLUTIONS (VIDEO 12:49-13:15)  1. Proposed right of way and permanent easement for private utilities for William King Museum of Art, a Virginia non-stock corporation, on Town owned property known as Academy Drive, located at or near 415 Academy Drive NW, consisting of25 feet in length, 15 feet in width (7.5 feet on each side of the centerline), more or less, centered on coordinates 26.7100777, On motion of Mr. Austin, seconded by Vice Mayor Anderson accepted the proposed right of  81.9870557.  way and permanent easement as presented. The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr.Austin Mrs. Quetsch  Aye Aye    April 18, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -29-  Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye  I. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES VIDE015:14-16.02)  1. Ordinance to repeal, amend, and reenact Chapter 66. Taxation - property tax exemption for Elderly and Handicapped homeowner and Qualified Veterans totally and permanently  handicapped property owner.  On motion of Mr.Austin, seconded by Mr. Webb, to repeal the existing Chapter 66 taxation portion as set forth on the agenda and amend the ordinance in compliance with what is  contained in the Council packet, waiving the second reading.  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  J. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES K. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS L. NEW BUSINESS (VIDEO 16:38-20:16)  1. Consideration of allocation to Veterans Advisory Board from Council Contingency Mayor Pillion conveyed the Veterans Advisory Board had some extra needs at the end oft the year On motion of Mrs. Quetsch, seconded by Mr. Webb, contributed $2,500 from Council  and we have extra money in our Council contingency. contingency and move to the Veterans Advisory Board.  The rell call vote was as follows:  Mr.Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vicc MayorAnderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye    April 18, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -30-  Mr. Austin highlighted previous discussions concerning the in-kind contributions made to the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, nothing his and Vice Mayor Anderson'sinvolvement on the Board. Recognizing their needs, he was hopeful that the Council would contemplate making  a donation from the contingency fund int the future.  Vice Mayor Anderson urged the Council to consider a contribution from the contingency fund or perhaps a banner, given that the poles have been installed for the Memorial Day celebration. In response, Town Manager Mike Cochran stated that a draft Resolution or policy would be presented for discussion, either as part oft the budget process or as a standalone resolution, 2. Consideration of Abingdon Town Council Monthly Town Hall Meeting Request Form"  outlining all relevant details. Further discussion followed.  (VIDE020:16-3022)  Mayor Pillion highlighted discussions from the previous month regarding the establishment of public meetings, providing citizens with an opportunity to engage with the Council on current issues. Mrs. Quetsch raised concerns about potential redundancy int the process, questioning the necessity of the topics given the Council's control over the agenda and the delay in addressing matters presented. She emphasized the importance of clarity regarding the purpose  oft the town hall meeting and suggested flexibility in theiri implementation.  Town Manager Mike Cochran explained that the intention behind the town hall meetings was to address issues as they arise, with the three-month rule serving as a guideline rather than a strict requirement. Mayor Pillioni reiterated that the three-month rule was meant to ensure thorough  discussion ifdeemed necessary by multiple Council members.  Mr. Austin expressed confusion over the inclusion ofthe three-month rule, which was not part of his original motion. Clerk Kim Kingsley clarified that the rule was included based on discussions with other clerks and to allow sufficient time for investigation of unfamiliar issues. Ultimately, the Council agreed to delete the three-month rule from the form, acknowledging the need for ongoing adjustments and open communication with citizens. They expressed optimism about the potential of the meetings to enhance community engagement and  decision-making.  Mayor Pillion suggested options for proceeding, including removing the three-month rule or approving the form with adjustments to be made as needed. Council members expressed willingness to: adapt the process as it unfolds, with Mayor) Pillion emphasizing the need forj patience On motion of Mr. Austin, seconded by Mrs. Quetsch, approves the form as provided to us with the deletion of the three-month rule. and gives consideration to that as we move along  and flexibility.  and see how things go.    April 18, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -31-  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  Mayor Pillion expressed satisfaction with the constructive nature of the decision, emphasizing the importance of collaborative problem-solving to improve processes. She highlighted the Council's role in adapting and refining procedures as necessary, expressing enthusiasm for the journey ahead and the potential positive outcomes oft their efforts and where it  leads the Council. M. OLD BUSINESS (VIDE030:41-3155)  N. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM TOWN MANAGER  Town Manager Mike Cochran advised the banner poles were operable, provide an update on the Main Street flooding, the sanitary sewer project on Whites Mill Road, and the roof on the Barter Theatre was 75% complete. He also reminded everyone of Earth Day and the  Community Day of Service events this weekend. 0. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS (VIDEO 31:55-38:37)  Mr. Austin advised oft the Memorial Day program at Veterans Memorial Park on May 27, 2024, at 11:00 am with trec dedications and a great program. He also stated that he had received phone calls regarding the traffic backed upi past Cummings Street for buses unloading at' The Barter Theatre. Town Manager Mike Cochran stated he reinforced the information with The Barter: staff. Vice Mayor Anderson attended the Arbor Day Tree Dedication at Abingdon Elementary School and was very pleased. He also noted that the Town of Abingdon has been a Tree City USA community for twenty-three years. He also thanked Kyle Pollard and the Recreation Staff  for assisting the Giri Scout Troop 161 with ai meeting place.  Mayor Pillion reminded everyone oft the Washington County Day of Service this Saturday Mr. Webb reminded everyone of Earth Day on Saturday and the tree give-way on April  and provided details.  27hh.    April 18, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -32-  P.A APPOINTMENISTO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (VIDEO 38:37-40:50) Reappointment ofk Ed Fuqua, who is eligible to serve an additional term Reappointment of Elizabeth Hill, who is eligible to serve an additional term Reappointment ofTom McMullen, who is eligible to serve an additional term Reappointment of Greg Meade, who is eligible to serve an additional term  1.E Board of Building Code Appeals 2. Sustain Abingdon  -Appointment to fill an expired position  3. Tree Commission  On motion of Mrs. Quetsch, seconded by Mr. Webb, reappointed Ed Fuqua to the Board of Building Code Appeals; reappointed of Elizabeth Hill and Tom McMullen and appointed Grayson Toler to Sustain Abingdon; and reappointment of Greg Meade to serve an  additional term on the Tree Commission. The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor. Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  Q. CLOSED SESSION R. ADJOURNMENT  Amanda Pillion  ngal Lu  Rpe  Kimbirly Kingsley Clerk