March 4, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -12-  TOWN OF ABINGDON COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024- 6:30 pm COUNCILCHAMBERS - MUNICIPAL BUILDING  The meeting of the Abingdon Town Council was. held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:30  pm in the Council Chambers of the 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. PRAYER  E.A APPROVAL OF AGENDA (VIDE09:25-9:51)  On motion of Mr. Webb, 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 February 5, 2024  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  F. APPROVAL OF THE. MINUTES (VIDEO 9:52-10:23)  On motion ofl Mr. Austin, seconded by Mr. Webb, approved the February 5, 2024 minutes  as presented.  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin  Aye    March 4, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -13-  Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye  G. PUBLIC COMMENTS (VIDEO 10:24-13:43)  Eddie Copenhaver Greg Lilly  H. PROCLAMATIONS - PUBLIC HEARING  RESOLUTIONS (VIDEO 13:54-1 17:44)  1. Resolution declaring Abingdon Green II Apartments project tol be a revitalization area in the  Town of Abingdon.  Assistant Town Manager Mayana Rice advised that People Incorporated approached the Town asking if we would support a Resolution declaring Abingdon Green II Apartments project Brad Ailey, Vice President, and Chief Development Officer advised the Abingdon Green II apartments include thirty-two one-bedroom units that serve the elderly and disabled. The apartments are eligible for recapitalization and reinvestment with People Incorporated intending to apply for new housing tax credits in hopes of receiving allocation of credits to leverage additional funding for an additional renovation. The long-term objective for the organization is to maintain affordable housing. Mr. Ailey stated that the Resolution was essential for points and a On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Vice Mayor Anderson, approved the Resolution supporting Abingdon Green II Apartments project to be a revitalization area in the Town  to be a revitalization area in the Town focused on our seniors.  competitive application for People Incorporated.  ofAbingdon as presented.  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice MayorAnderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  K. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES L. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES    March 4, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -14-  M. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS N. NEW. BUSINESS O. OLD BUSINESS  P. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM TOWN MANAGER 1. Presentation from Betsy White, Executive Director of William King Museum of Art (VIDEO Mrs. White presented the Council with information regarding The Virginia Museum of Animal Art, which she refers to as' "A Transformative Gift" which will include a world class art collection, new gallery wing, and ai new campus. Mrs. White conveyed the complete design is March 2024; bidding, staging, and contracts in April/May 2024; construction begins on June 1, 2. Presentation from Virginia Highlands Festival and Restaurant Month (VIDEO 34:50-4 43:20) President Ryan Henderson and Co-Chair of Culinary Arts and Traditions Susan Mole provided an update on the 2024 Virginia Highlands Festival, including a Gala; the Community Day will be at the Visitor's Center, and the arts and crafts returning to the Martha Washington Inn lawn. Mrs. Mole stated there will be many exciting culinary offerings to experience "Eat, Drink, Love Virginia Highlands" during the month of April. She said the events will be posted 3. Quarterly presentation - Economic Development and Tourism (VIDE043:26-54:47) Director of Economic Development Tonya Triplett and Marketing Coordinator Chad Thompson provided information regarding Tourism, including Nathan Wampler receiving a Gold Award from the American Advertising Federation Award for his design ofYeti sticker. The "Best of Abingdon" voting has begun for thirty of your favorites. Mrs. Triplett discussed the Fiddler's Convention. Mr. Thompson discussed the redesign oft the visitor's guide that will have as storybook  17:52 - 34:50)  2024; and construction completed in late 2025.  on their website soon with many interesting partnerships.  feel with interactive digital maps.  4. Presentation of Employee oft the Year (VIDEO 54:47-58:41)  Abingdon Police Chief Jon Holbrook presented the 2023 Employee of the Year award to Officer John Carter. Officer Carter is dedicated to his duties as aj patrol officer and an instructor  toi fellow officers and the Town is proud to recognize him.  (VIDEO 58.41 1-1 1:03:23)  Town Manager Mike Cochran advised Sunday hours were implemented at the Coomes Recreation Center; the mural will receive a clear protective coating soon, and the banner poles will bei installed before April 1St. Mr. Cochran and Council congratulated Kim Kingsley on obtaining    March 4, 2024  Council meeting minutes  -15-  her Master Municipal Clerk certification. Mr. Cochran also addressed Greg Lilly's public comment stating that agenda items the Council needs to address ebb and flow and in the interest  ofCouncil and citizen's s time, the meeting is cançelled. . COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS (VIDEO 1:03:23- 1:05:32)  Councilmember Austin stated he was not opposed to having a public exchange forum with Mayor Pillion reminded everyone ofthe Washington County/Town of Abingdon Day of Service Councilmember Webb advised the Recreation Advisory Committee would be meeting soon to discuss the rebuilding of the playground at the Coomes Recreation Center with some allocated R. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (VIDEO 1:05:32-1 1:07:17) - Appointment to fill vacancy of Mike Rush, who is ineligible to serve an additional term On motion of Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Mr. Webb, appointed Mike Cochran to  structure once quarterly or monthly.  on April 20th.  funding but also collaboration with the community. 1.Abingdon Redevelopment and Housing Authority  serve on the Abingdon Redevelopment and Housing Authority.  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice MayorAnderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  S. CLOSED SESSION  Mayor Pillion declared the meeting adjourned.  Cninw  Mayor Amandal Pillion  aHabsey