October 23, 2024, 2024 Council meeting minutes  : 87-  TOWN OF ABINGDON COUNCIL MEETING  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024-4:30 Pm COUNCILCHAMBERS MUNICIPAL BUILDING  The meeting of the Abingdon Town Council was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at  4:30 pm in the Council Chambers oft the Municipal Building.  A. WELCOME - Mayor Pillion ROLLCALL Members of Council Present:  B.  Wayne. Austin Donna Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (VIDEO 7:22-8:27)  On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Vice Mayor Anderson, to amend the agenda to postpone Item I-3, Ordinance to merge the Tourism Advisory Committee and the Abingdon Arts Commission, establishing the Arts, Cultural, and History  Committee" to thel November 4, 2024 meeting. The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor. Anderson Mayor Pillion Greg Lilly  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  E.  PUBLIC COMMENTS (VIDE08:29-16:59)  Vinny Ringrose, Virginia Works Manager Jim Accurso, Small Business Administration PROCLAMATIONS (VIDEO 17:00-22:56)  F.  1. Proclamation recognizing November 2, 2024 as the EO- - Day ofl Endless Opportunities Mayor Pillion read the Proclamation into the record and presented it to Mark Seamon  with EO.  2. Proclamation recognizing November 2024 as Veteran and Military Families Month    October 23, 2024, 2024 Council meeting minutes  - 88-  Mr. Webb read the Proclamation into the and Mayor Pillion presented it to Veterans  Advisory Board members. G. PUBLIC HEARING H. RESOLUTIONS  FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES  1. Ordinance to adopt a Design-build or Construction Management Contract (VIDEO: 23:12- Assistant Town Manager and Director of Community Development Mayana Rice conveyed that a very complex design, such as converting the Train Depot into a Senior Center and a community kitchen, would be beneficial from the proposed design-build. Town Attorney Cameron Bell stated that several years ago, the state code recently added language as a practical  27:48)  matter for contract negotiations through an ordinance and procedures.  On motion of Mr. Webb, seconded by Vice Mayor Anderson, to waive the second reading, adopt the Design-build or Construction Management Contract ordinance  and the rules and procedures. The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  2. Ordinance to repeal, amend, and reenact Chapter 54. Parks and Recreation, Article III.  Virginia Creeper Trail. (VIDE027:48-4 42:28)  Town Manager Mike Cochran conveyed the current Ordinance prohibits the use of electrically assisted bikes. The amendment would allow changes to enforcement and permitted types of bicycles. Electrically assisted bicycles are very popular and are being used on the trail daily. By expressly permitting the use on the trail, it will broaden the appeal to a wider audience. Mr. Cochran and Chief Holbrook also discussed Ordinance 70-243 which regulates reckless driving, which remains in effect. Mr. Cochran advised the Town ofDamascus will adopt the same Ordinance if adopted. Mr. Austin stated the Council received communication from the gentlemen  from the forestry department which expressed concerns. Discussion ensued.  On motion ofl Mr. Austin, to not adopt on the second reading and allow additional time to discuss. Mayor Pillion questioned shall the matter be rejected. Hearing no  comments, the matter will move to a second reading.    October 23, 2024, 2024 Council meeting minutes  89-  3. Ordinance to merge the Tourism Advisory Committee and the Abingdon Arts Commission, establishing the Arts, Cultural, and History Committee (postponed to November. 4, 2024)  J. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES K. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS L. NEW BUSINESS (VIDEO 42:37- 43:24)  1. Acknowledgment ofreceipt of Planning Communication Letter from BrownEdwards, Clerk Kim Kingsley requested the acknowledgement of receipt and reading of the Planning Communication letter from BrownEdwards, Certified Public Accountants.  Certified Public Accountants  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr.Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor Anderson Mayor Pillion  Acknowledged Acknowledged Acknowledged Acknowledged Acknowledged  M. OLD BUSINESS  N. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM TOWN MANAGER 1. Consideration ofa Use Agreement between the Town of Abingdon, Virginia and the Washington County, Virginia School Board, authorizing the Town Manager to execute the Use Agreement, and approve the expenditure of $300,000 for the construction, including Town Manager Mike Cochran advised the Washington County School Board requested $300,000 in funding assistance from the Town for the construction ofs six tennis courts, complete with lighting, adjacent to Abingdon High School. This partnership would allow the Town to convert the existing tennis and pickleball courts at the Coomes Recreation Center into nine dedicated pickleball courts. Mr. Cochran added that with the growing demand for pickleball, this funding would support the shared use oftwo oft the new tennis courts for residents and visitors and preserve open space at the Coomes Center for future development. Board member Lee Brannon added that the site-work drove the price up as the area is contained within the Chesapeake Water  (VIDEO 43:26-54:08)  lighting, of six tennis courts.  Shed.  Oni motion of Mr. Austin, simultaneously seconded by Vice Mayor Anderson and Mrs. Quetsch, to approve the Use Agreement provided between the Town and Washington County School Board, authorize the Town Manager to execute that    October 23, 2024, 2024 Council meeting minutes  -90-  Agreement on behalfoft the Town, and approve the expenditure of $300,000 for the  construction, including, lighting of six tennis courts.  The roll call vote was as follows:  Mr. Austin Mrs. Quetsch Mr. Webb Vice Mayor. Anderson Mayor Pillion  Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye  Town Manager Mike Cochran added that staff continues to make things happen in Damascus, including refreshments at the Avarado Station, new t-shirts coming "Reverse the  Ride" theme.  0. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS (VIDEO 54:08-56:54)  Mr. Austin added that the Damascus Police Chief was very complimentary ofTown employees. Mrs. Quetsch added the turn-out was great for the EO event. Vice Mayor Anderson added the Town-wide trick or treat event is Saturday and use caution ini the area. Mayor Pillion  compliment the Town staff for all their efforts. P. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES  Q. CLOSED SESSION R. ADJOURNMENT  42  Mayor. Amanda Pillion  Kimberly Kingsley, 'Clèrk 4y