-86-  September 24, 2020 Mid-Month Session  TOWN OF ABINGDON MID-MONTH SESSION  THURSDAVSEPTEMBER 24, 2020 -2 2:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS-I MUNICIPAL BUILDING  A mid-month session oft the Abingdon Town Council was held on Thursday, September  24, 2020 at 2:30j pm in the Council Chambers, Municipal Building.  A. WELCOME- Mayor Webb  B. ROLL CALL - Kimberly Kingsley, Clerk  Members of Council Present:  Mr. Owens Mr. Anderson Mrs. Pillion Vice Mayor Quetsch Mayor Webb  C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Mayor Webb (VIDE03:45-4:13)  On motion of Mrs. Pillion, seconded by Mr. Anderson, Council approved agenda as  presented. The roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Owens Mr. Anderson Mrs. Pillion Mrs. Quetsch Mayor Webb  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  D. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Please place your name on1 the sign-up sheet provided and  comments are limited to three (3): minutes per person. PETITION(S) AND PUBLIC HEARINGS No petitions or public hearings PROCLAMATIONS No proclamations  No public comments  D. E.  G. NEW BUSINESS  1. Discussion regarding proposed zoning text amendment to Article 9. OI Office and Institutional District, Section 9-2.-Same-Special uses, to allow two-family and multi- family dwellings as a special use. = Jason Boswell, Director of Community  Development (VIDEO 4:34-10:11)    87-  September 24, 2020 Mid-Month Session  Jason Boswell, Director of Community Development, advised Council that the Planning Commission unanimously approved this proposed text amended at the August 24, 2020 meeting. Mr. Boswell stated that the Town has few OI District, however one property located near Tanner/White remains vacant and being proposed as a multi-family dwelling, which Planning Commission members determinedi ita appropriate. Mr. Owens questioned whether there were other appropriate uses and commented on the lack of affordable housing in that area. Cameron Bell, Counsel, advised Council that this matter will advertised as a public hearing for the October 5,  2020 meeting.  2. Discussion regarding proposed zoning text amendment to Article 10.-B-1 Limited Business District, Section 10-2-Same-Special uses, Article 11.-B-2 General Business District, Section 11-2.-Same-Special uses, and Article 12.-B-3 Central Business District, Section 12-2-Same-Special uses, to allow short-term rentals as a special use. :. Jason Boswell, Director of Community Development (VIDEO 10:13-27:49) Jason Boswell, Director of Community Development, advised Council that an owner has appeared before Council and Planning Commission requesting a text amendment to allow short- term rentals as a special use. Mr. Boswell presented information regarding short-term rentals and Homestay. Discussion ensued. James Morani, Town Manager, advised Council that this will be  advertised as aj public hearing for the October 5, 2020 meeting.  3. Discussion regarding proposed amendment to the Town of Abingdon Comprehensive Plan pursuant to Virginia Code Section $ 15.2-2229. - Jason Boswell, Director of Jason Boswell, Director of Community Development, advised Council that the proposed amendment to the Town's Comprehensive Plan was twenty-months in the planning. Mr. Boswell introduced Todd Gordon, Senior Planner with EPR, P.C., who presented information regarding the proposed amendment. Council and Mr. Boswell thanked Mr. Gordon and the EPR team for the excellent job. Mr. Boswell advised Council that this will be advertised as a public hearing  Community Development (VIDE027:49-3 36:00)  for the October 5, 2020 meeting. H. RESOLUTIONS  No resolutions UNFINISHED BUSINESS  I.  1. Discussion regarding 2020 CDBG Urgent Need Grant- Tonya Triplett, Director ofEconomic Development/Assistant Town Manager (VIDEO 36:09 -4 44:17) Tonya Triplett, Director of Economic DevelopmenlAssistant Town Manager, advised Council that the Town was awarded a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $200,000 to provide meals from locally-owned, sit-down restaurants pre-established prior to COVID and effected by COVID. Mrs. Triplett provided Council with information regarding the grant and requested permission to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Abingdon Economic Development Authority to write checks to the providing restaurants. Discussion ensued with regard to the grant. Mrs. Triplett stated that this matter would bel heard at the October 5, 2020 and proper notice will be published on October 2, 2020 in the Bristol Herald Courier.    - 88 -  September 24, 2020 Mid-Month Session  J.  MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM TOWN James Morani, Town Manager stated that Coomes Recreation Center is scheduled to open the first week of October. Tonya Triplett, Director of Economic DevelopmenlAsistant Town Manager advised Council that the Findlay House has part-time staff to assist visitors on the  MANAGER (VIDEO 44:19-46:45)  Virginia Creeper Trail.  K. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS (VIDEO 46:45-47:39)  Mayor Webb stated that the Virginia Creeper Trail restrooms are now open.  L. CLOSED SESSION  No closed session  Mayor Webb adjourned the meeting. Kbecl  V  Webb, Mayor  44  Kimberly  Clerk