September 9, 2024 Council meeting minutes  -71-  TOWN OF ABINGDON COUNCIL MEETING  MONDAV,SEPTEMBER: 9,2024-6 6:30 Pm COUNCILCHAMBERS = MUNICIPAL, BUILDING  The meeting of the Abingdon Town Council was held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at  6:30 pm in the Council Chambers oft 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.P PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  D. PRAYER  E.A APPROVAL OF AGENDA (VIDEO 6:54-7:49)  On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Vice Mayor. Anderson, the agenda was amended to correct Item N-1, to allow distribution to William King Museum  ofArtand not the Barter Theatre. The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  F.A APPROVAL OF MINUTES (VIDE07:49-8:48)  August 6, 2024 August 22, 2024 presented.  On motion of Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Mr. Austin, the minutes were: as  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin  Aye    September 9, 2024 Council meeting minutes  -72-  Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye  Aye (August 6, 2024 minutes)  Abstained (August 22, 2024 minutes-not present)  G. PUBLIC COMMENTS (VIDE08:50-10:19)  Eddie Copenhaver  H. PROCLAMATIONS PUBLIC HEARINGS  1. Public hearing on proposed Special Use Permit for an adult recreation substance business at 1283 W. Main Street ini the General Business District (B-2). (VIDEO 10:22-18:22) Caleb Conklin, Planner I, conveyed that the subject property is within the General Business District (B-2), requiring a special user permit. Town staff proposed conditions for the business to the Planning Commission on August 26, 2024, receiving approval for the following conditions:  Wall signi is limited to ai maximum of 38 sq. ft. and cannot extend above the parapeti roof Wall sign faces must be singular color as approved by the Planning Commission or Iffreestanding, or other types of signage are proposed later, color scheme is to match One freestanding sign shall be allowed using one of the existing freestanding sign Window signage is limited to 10% sq. ft. of total area of all windows unless Planning All proposed signage to be installed must be submitted with a sign permit application tot the Community Development Department and be issued a sign permit before any No architectural lighting may be around the windows, door, or building façade;  line; white;  No special events shall be permitted;  that oft the wall sign; structures on the property;  Commission sees fit to limit window signage size; Window signage may not be illuminated;  installation of signs;  No music shall be played after 51 pm.  Mayor Pillion opened the public hearing. The representative for the owner, Hussein Abdelmoteleb addressed the Council. Counsel Cameron Bell questioned ifl his uncle agreed with the conditions, with the representative stating yes. Hearing no additional comments, the public  hearing was closed.    September 9, 2024 Council meeting minutes  -73-  J. RESOLUTIONS (VIDEO 18:22-27:05)  1. Resolution supporting a Tobacco Commission grant application to conduct al Historic Cultural  Tourism Strategic Plan.  Assistant Town Manager and Director of Community Development Mayana Rice and Grants Coordinator Laura Dowell met with the Tobacco Commission to present several ideas aimed at promoting tourism across state lines and internationally. The Commission emphasized its current focus on funding projects that enhance tourism in these areas. Mrs. Rice highlighted that Abingdon possesses authentic historical significance unlike other locations that have only  attempted to recreate it.  Notably, 80% of the top 20 attractions in Virginia are historic sites. Abingdon is particularly recognized for the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Barter Theatre, and to sustain low taxes for our citizens, it's essential to expand our tourism offerings. Mrs. Rice proposed applying  for a grant to develop a strategic plan for historic cultural tourism.  Phaselofthis plan will explore tourism marketing strategies that leverage our richl history, especially considering the Virginia 250 Festival in 2026, themed Abingdon's History is America's History." Phase II will involve a needs assessment for key historical structures, including the Muster Grounds, significant in the context of the Revolutionary War.  We aim to secure a $50,000 grant, with the Town contributing $25,000 in cash and an additional $25,000 in in-kind services, essentially forming a one-to-one match. Ms. Dowell discussed the grant process, suggesting that we prepare a resolution indicating the Town Council's support for a plan that promotes our historical assets and revitalizes Town-owned structures. The goal is to obtain approval for the grant and then use the final report to pursue further funding  opportunities.  Additionally, Mrs. Rice noted that the Town has been awarded a $110,000 Virginia 250 grant, specifically for a plaque program highlighting buildings and locations associated with the Revolutionary War, along with a walking tour featuring historical sites, including tombstones. To enhance the tourist experience, we've also partnered with Bandango to create an interactive  walking tour that gamifies local adventures.  On motion of Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Mr. Webb, approved the Resolution to support the Tobacco Commission grant application to conduct the  historic cultural tourism strategic plan. The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin  Aye    September 9, 2024 Council meeting minutes  -74-  Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye  2. Resolution regarding special use permit for an adult recreational substancel business at 1283 W. Main Street in the General Business District (B-2). (VIDE027:05-28.04) On motion of Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Mr. Webb, approved the Special use permit for an adult recreational substance business at 1283 W. Main  Street in the General Business District (B-2). The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice MayorAnderson Mayor Pillion  Abstained (professional conflict)  Aye Aye Aye Aye  K. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES L. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES M. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS (VIDEO: 28:06-32:21)  1. Consideration ofbids forj professional services to produce digitally rendered or pen/ink illustrations and produce a cohesively designed document incorporating Town staffrevised  Design Guidelines language for the Old and Historic District.  Assistant Town Manager and Director of Community Development Mayana Rice expressed her goal fori the Historic Preservation Review Board and the design standards be clearly written in plain English. After posting an RFP, receiving three proposals, and completing the scoring process, it is determined that Kramer Design Group was the most qualified based on the  criteria outlined in the RFP.  Vice Mayor. Anderson, who serves as the Council representative, stated this is an excellent initiative, nothing that the proposed changes will simplify the process. He expressed his full support. Mrs. Rice added that $25,000 was budgeted and Kramer Design Group provided a bid  of$24,829.  On motion of Mr. Austin, seconded by Mrs. Quetsch, approved the bid that was  submitted.    September! 9, 2024 Council meeting minutes  -75-  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  N. NEW BUSINESS (VIDEO 32:21- -3 35:40)  1. Distribution of $750,000 in funds received as a pass-through grant to arts organizations from the Virginia Commission for the Arts to benefit William King Museum of Art.  Director of Finance Steve Trotman said the Town received an electronic deposit from the Commonwealth with very little information. After research, it was a budget allocation from the Virginia Commission for the Arts with some confusion regarding the recipient. Ialso learned there were a couple ofbudget amendments proposed by Delegate O'Quinn, which referenced the Barter. After final clarification this afternoon, it was indeed for the William King Museum of Art, with the Barter receiving their funds directly from the State and it did not come through the Town. Mr. Trotman stated this money is a pass-through as a grant not to us but a grant to William King Museum of Art with the Town receding those funds in and then the Town will cut a check to William King Museum of Art on behalf of the Virginia Commission for the Arts. This was no impact to our budget, either on thei revenue or expense side and we will have proper documentation. On motion of Mr. Austin, seconded by Vice Mayor. Anderson, authorized the Director of Finance to make the distribution of these funds received from the  Commonwealth to the William King Museum of Art.  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Abstained  (Appointee to the Virginia Commission for the Arts Board)  0. OLD BUSINESS    September 9, 2024 Council meeting minutes  -76-  P. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM TOWN MANAGER  (VIDE035.48-45.54, 1. Update for Public Works  Director of Public Works Michael Surrett provided Council with an update on projects, VDOT/Streets conceptual planning, completed projects, ongoing projects, rights-of-way and land  maintenance, and the installation of mural art on the Urban Path.  (VIDEO 45:54-4 48:02)  Town Manager Mike Cochran added that seven handicapped spots at the entrance, sO the flow is functional and updated Council with other projects and discussed January Jams with eight  performances for four weeks.  COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS (VIDEO 48:02--49:57)  Vice Mayor Anderson stated the bridge dedication to Master Firefighter Cameron Craig and thanked ChiefTim Estes for participating in the 911 event at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mayor Pillion advised that Washington County Parks and Recreation Department is conducting a  master plan survey and encouraged everyone to participate. R. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES  S. CLOSED SESSION T. ADJOURNMENT  Clhlan Mayor Amanda Pillion  (lerk  tekekc