February 3, 2025 Council meeting - 11- TOWN OF ABINGDON COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025 - 6:30 pm COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MUNICIPAL BUILDING The meeting of the Abingdon Town Council was held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers oft the Municipal Building. A. WELCOME B. ROLL CALL (VIDEO 6:16 - 6:26) Members of Council Present: Mr. Webb Mrs. Quetsch Mrs. Pillion Vice Mayor Wayne Austin Mayor Anderson C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. PRAYER E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (VIDEO 8:27 - 8:57) On motion by Mr. Webb, seconded by Mrs. Pillion, approved the agenda as presented. The roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Webb Aye Mrs. Quetsch Aye Mrs. Pillion Aye Vice Mayor Austin Aye Mayor Anderson Aye F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (VIDEO 8:57 - 9:31) January 6, 2025 January 22, 2025 (Retreat) On motion by Mrs. Quetsch, seconded by Vice Mayor Austin, approved January 6 and January 22, 2025 minutes as presented. The roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Webb Aye February 3, 2025 Council meeting - 12- Mrs. Quetsch Aye Mrs. Pillion Aye Vice Mayor Austin Aye Mayor Anderson Aye G. PUBLIC COMMENTS (VIDEO 9:32 - 12:09) Eddie Copenhaver H. PROCLAMATIONS I. PUBLIC HEARING J. RESOLUTIONS K. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES L. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES M. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS N. NEW BUSINESS 1. Barter Theatre update (VIDEO 12:36 - 20:38) Managing Director Matt Campbell provided an update on Barter Theatre's 2024 progress, highlighting the following achievements: 17j productions with 425 performances 122,000 in attendance; 27,238 students for East Coast Tour 26-28% of attendees are out-of-town guests supporting the Barter 127 employees; 40 contracted employees 80% sold tickets for Grandmother Gatewood, a production in partnership with the Town Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights (February 13-16) at full capacity Mr. Campbell expressed his deep gratitude to the Council, emphasizing the strong partnership that contributes to Barter's success. During the discussion, Mrs. Pillion inquired about visitor demographics. Mr. Campbell noted that many attendees travel from areas such as Virginia Beach, Arlington, Leesburg, and Northern Virginia. Vice Mayor Austin lightheartedly asked whether attendance figures included the Rotary Frolics, while Mrs. Pillion sought suggestions on how the Town could further support the Barter. Mr. Campbell encouraged continued word-of-mouth promotion, emphasizing the importance of strengthening relationships within the community. February 3, 2025 Council meeting - 13- He also shared that Barter had a banner year for subscriptions and is hopeful for the same in 2025, despite a national downturn in attendance Barter is currently up by 10-12%. Additionally, the Barter is in discussions with the VA250 Commission regarding a special offering for next year. 2. Abingdon Police Department quarterly update (VIDEO 20:45 - 42:25) Chief Jon Holbrook provided a quarterly update, highlighting Officer Riley's recognition by MADD Virginia for his significant impact on combating drugged and drunk driving and supporting victims. Officer Riley has served with the APD for one year and has made a notable difference in the community. ChiefHolbrook reported that his department is fully staffed with 26 sworn officers, including two part-time sworn officers and two full-time non-sworn staff. This year, the department processed 626 Freedom of Information Act requests. In December, employee awards were presented: Carrie Price was named Employee ofthe Year, while Jacob Hagge and Ben Pile tied for Rookie ofthe Year. ChiefHolbrook also discussed recent community outreach events. He expressed gratitude to the Council for outfitting the APD fleet with AEDs and recognized Chief Estes for overseeing their maintenance. Additionally, he announced that the department secured $331,012 in grant funding. For the year, the department recorded 3,246 incident reports and responded to 297 roadway crashes. 3. 2026 Virginia Municipal Clerks Association Conference (VIDEO 42:29 = 44:36) Clerk Kim Kingsley shared that Region II is interested in hosting the 2026 Municipal Clerks Conference in Abingdon and requested the Town Council's support. The Council agreed to back the efforts to bring the conference to Abingdon. O. OLD BUSINESS P. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM TOWN MANAGER (VIDEO 4:45 = 49:22) Town Manager Mike Cochran announced that the next bulk day is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4. He also provided an update on the final stages of the Coomes Recreation Center project, noting that 24-hour access to the weight and cardio area is progressing well. Mr. Cochran reported that VDOT's emergency vehicle signalization project is expected to be completed by May 2025. He also addressed the ongoing issue of tractor-trailers turning onto Country Club Drive, emphasizing that VDOT is well aware of the problem and that Town staff continues to remind them oft the concerns. February 3, 2025 Council meeting - 14- Additionally, he noted that Public Works has begun litter pickup, and recycling bins are now being collected twice a week since their relocation from the Coomes Recreation Center to Russell Road. Q. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS (VIDEO 49:22 - 52:52) Mrs. Pillion thanked everyone for their efforts in organizing the January Jams, noting that one restaurant owner saw an increase of$10,000-$15,000 in revenue. Mrs. Quetsch mentioned that her first Tourism Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. Mayor Anderson addressed an incident involving counterfeit $100 bills. Mr. Webb reported that during the Tree Commission meeting, the Town arborist warned of a specific insect damaging trees along the I-81 corridor. Town Manager Mike Cochran added that he recently spoke with Mary Ann Moore about a resident on Bradley Street who wishes to donate a 22-foot Blue Spruce tree to the Town for placement at the Tourism Office. R. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (VIDEO 52:52 - 53:59) 1. Abingdon Redevelopment and Housing Authority - Reappointment of Janet Woolwine, who is eligible to serve an additional term 2. Sustain Abingdon - Reappointment of Lauren Nagle, who is eligible to serve an additional term - Reappointment of Kevin Sigmon, who is eligible to serve an additional term 3. Abingdon Arts Commission - Appointment to fill the term of Greg Lilly, who recently resigned from the Committee On motion by Vice Mayor Austin, seconded by Mrs. Quetsch, reappointed Janet Woolwine to an additional term on the Abingdon Redevelopment and Housing Authority, reappointed Lauren Nagle and Kevin Sigmon to Sustain Abingdon, and appointed Kathy Gibian to the Abingdon Arts Commission. The roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Webb Aye Mrs. Quetsch Aye Mrs. Pillion Aye February 3, 2025 Council meeting - 15 - Vice Mayor Austin Aye Mayor Anderson Aye S. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Anderson declared the meeting adjourned. Mayor Dwyane Anderson Kimberly Kingsley, Clerk