Berryville public meetings in 2024

Town Council

The Berryville Town Council approved a special use permit allowing Jason T. McCarty to operate a tattoo business as a home occupation at 8 West Fairfax Street, with conditions including hours of operation, signage limits, and a ban on on-street parking. The council also adopted a five-year water and sewer rate/fee plan, reappointed John Hudson to the Berryville Area Development Authority, and recognized Christy Dunkle for 24 years of service.

• Approved Special Use Permit 05-24 for home occupation tattoo business at 8 West Fairfax Street (voice vote)
• Adopted five-year water and sewer rate/fee plan (voice vote)
• Reappointed John Hudson to Berryville Area Development Authority for three-year term (voice vote)
• Adopted resolution honoring Christy Dunkle for 24 years of service (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Adopted consent agenda as presented (voice vote)

Architectural Review Board

The Berryville Architectural Review Board approved three sign permits and one architectural request. The board required the owner of 15-21 East Main Street to replace all chimneys on the historic building, rather than remove them, due to their significance to the streetscape. All decisions were made by voice vote.

• Approved freestanding sign at 517 E Main St with shielded lighting condition
• Approved projecting sign at 3 E Main St for NVDO
• Required replacement of all chimneys at 15-21 E Main St
• Approved projecting sign at 30 W Main St

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommended that the Town Council approve a special use permit for a home occupation tattoo business at 8 West Fairfax Street. The recommendation includes conditions limiting operating hours to Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and requiring all business activities to occur inside the house.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved October 22, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Recommended Town Council approve SUP 05-24 for 8 West Fairfax Street (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:09 p.m. (voice vote)

Berryville Area Development Authority

The Berryville Area Development Authority held a regular meeting on November 20, 2024, and approved the agenda and minutes. The main discussion focused on the Berryville Area Plan update, including potential zoning changes for the Craig's Run light industrial area and review of potential future growth areas. No formal decisions were made on these topics; the Authority only discussed options and requested further study. The December 18 meeting was canceled, and the next meeting was set for January 15, 2025.

• Approved agenda as amended (6-0)
• Approved minutes of August 28, 2024 (6-0)
• Canceled December 18 meeting; next meeting set for January 15, 2025

Town Council

The Berryville Town Council approved a franchise agreement with Shenandoah Cable Television, LLC (Glo Fiber) to construct and operate a cable system, and approved a consent order from the Virginia Department of Health addressing elevated HAAS levels in the town's water system. Both items passed by voice vote. The council also set a December 10 public hearing for a tattoo business special use permit and made appointments to the Planning Commission and Tree Board.

• Approved franchise agreement with Shenandoah Cable Television, LLC for cable system (voice vote)
• Approved VDH consent order for water system PWSID No. 2043125 (voice vote)
• Set public hearing for Dec 10, 2024 for special use permit for tattoo business at 8 West Fairfax Street (voice vote)
• Appointed Tim Sinclair to Planning Commission term expiring 12/31/2028 (voice vote)
• Appointed Sharon Wolf to Tree Board term expiring 12/31/2027 (voice vote)
• Adopted consent agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Certified closed session held to discuss VDH consent order (roll call 6-0)

Architectural Review Board

The Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a wall sign at 26 East Main Street. The sign will be installed above the front entrance clerestory windows.

• Approved wall sign at 26 East Main Street (voice vote)
• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved October 9, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote)

Town Council

The Town Council discussed water/sewer rate and fee options, deciding not to pursue a tiered rate system at this time but asking staff to explore its administrative costs. Council agreed to act on the proposed five-year rate plan at the December 10, 2024 meeting. Staff will also list rates on utility invoices and forecast meter read dates for two years.

• Tiered rate system not pursued; staff to explore administrative costs
• Council to act on five-year rate plan at Dec. 10, 2024 meeting
• Rates to be listed on utility invoices
• Staff to forecast meter read dates for two years

General

The Berryville Town Council Streets and Utilities & Community Development Committee discussed the Park Master Plan, Livery Stable, and other items. They directed staff to collect cost comparisons for pavers versus colored/stamped concrete for park walkways, and to continue HVAC design and engineering review for the Livery Stable. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus.

• Directed staff to collect cost comparisons for pavers vs. colored/stamped concrete for park walkways (consensus)
• Recommended removing brick walkways and reusing bricks elsewhere (consensus)
• Confirmed adding a poured concrete floor to Livery Stable scope, pending plumbing plan (consensus)
• Directed staff to continue HVAC design/estimates and pursue engineering report review with Damron Engineering and Consulting (consensus)
• Requested staff bring draft dumpster shielding ordinance to next meeting (consensus)
• Requested staff recommendation on flood damage risk mitigation for next meeting (consensus)
• Requested staff evaluate cost of acquisition vs. renovation for parking lot adjacent to Crow and S. Church Streets (consensus)

Planning Commission

The Berryville Planning Commission set a public hearing for November 26, 2024, to consider a special use permit for a home occupation (tattoo business) at 8 West Fairfax Street. The commission also approved a site plan amendment for an accessory storage building on the Johnson-Williams Middle School property, requested by the John H. Enders Fire and Rescue Company. Both actions passed by voice vote.

• Set public hearing for special use permit (tattoo business) at 8 West Fairfax Street for Nov 26, 2024 (voice vote)
• Approved site plan amendment for accessory storage building on Johnson-Williams Middle School property (voice vote)

Architectural Review Board

The Berryville Architectural Review Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a temporary banner at 400 East Main Street, allowing 30 consecutive days in October and 30 consecutive days in April 2025. The board also approved the agenda and the minutes from the September 4, 2024 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved temporary banner at 400 East Main Street (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved minutes of September 4, 2024 meeting (voice vote)

Town Council

The Berryville Town Council approved a special use permit for a home-occupation fitness class at 22 Jack Enders Boulevard with specific operating conditions. The Council also confirmed its previous adoption and appropriation of the FY25 budget from June 11, 2024, and set a November 12, 2024 public hearing for a proposed franchise agreement with Shenandoah Cable Television LLC. Additionally, the Council amended the meeting agenda to add a closed session for employment candidates.

• Approved agenda as amended to include a closed session for prospective employment candidates (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of Special Use Permit 04-24 for a home occupation fitness class at 22 Jack Enders Boulevard with conditions (voice vote)
• Approved the consent agenda with changes suggested by Mrs. Petti (voice vote)
• Confirmed adoption and fund appropriation of the FY2024-2025 budget originally passed on June 11, 2024 (voice vote)
• Set a public hearing on the proposed franchise agreement between the Town and Shentel for November 12, 2024 (voice vote)
• Entered into closed session under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711-A-1 to consider prospective employment candidates (voice vote)
• Adopted resolution certifying the closed session in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (roll call vote, 6-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m. (voice vote)

General

The Berryville Town Council Streets and Utilities & Community Development Committee met and discussed several ongoing projects. They confirmed the option 1 layout for the Livery Stable and a single restroom plan, and agreed to review siding samples. They also discussed sidewalk materials for the park, with the town manager recommending pavers but committee members split between concrete and stamped concrete or pavers. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus.

• Confirmed option 1 layout for Livery Stable (consensus)
• Confirmed single restroom plan for Livery Stable (consensus)
• Agreed to review siding samples for restroom (consensus)
• Agreed to ask Tree Board for input on replacing park trees (consensus)
• Agreed to stop pursuing railroad response on trains stopping on tracks unless another occurrence (consensus)
• Directed staff to inquire about purchasing NIK's parking lot (consensus)
• Directed staff to revisit parking spacing in Rixey Moore lot with Public Works Director (consensus)

Planning Commission

The Berryville Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of Special Use Permit 04-24, allowing Megan and Joshua Urban to operate a home occupation (fitness classes) at 22 Jack Enders Boulevard. The recommendation includes conditions on hours, client capacity, and signage. The motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Parker opposing. The commission also approved the amended August 27, 2024 meeting minutes and discussed a water supply and development density concern.

• Recommended approval of Special Use Permit 04-24 for home occupation (fitness classes) at 22 Jack Enders Boulevard (voice vote, Parker opposing)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved amended minutes of August 27, 2024 meeting (voice vote, Parker abstaining)
• Discussed Municipal Water Supply and Development Density concern for BADA review (no action taken)

Town Council

The Berryville Town Council approved Special Use Permit 03-24, allowing Matthew and Deborah Renzi to operate a home occupation (fitness classes) at 308 Breckinridge Court, with conditions including a maximum of six clients per session, restricted hours, and no off-site noise. The council also charged off delinquent personal property taxes for 2017 and 2018, set a public hearing for another home occupation permit, reappointed Police Chief Neal White to two boards, and designated trick-or-treating hours for October 31, 2024.

• Approved Special Use Permit 03-24 for home fitness classes at 308 Breckinridge Court (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to charge off delinquent personal property taxes for 2017 and 2018 (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for October 8, 2024, for a home occupation permit at 22 Jack Enders Boulevard (unanimous)
• Reappointed Neal White to Old Dominion Alcohol Safety Action Board for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Reappointed Neal White to Old Dominion Community Criminal Justice Board for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Designated October 31, 2024, 6:00-8:30 p.m. as trick-or-treating hours (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and consent agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for prospective candidates for employment and certified it (unanimous)

Architectural Review Board

The Berryville Architectural Review Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a wall sign at 23 East Main Street, requested by Christina Kraybill of Berryville Main Street. The sign will be a 14"x16" aluminum sign installed next to the outside door, identifying suites and including a QR code. The motion passed by voice vote.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for wall sign at 23 East Main Street (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved minutes of August 7, 2024 meeting (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Berryville Planning Commission voted to recommend that Town Council approve a special use permit for Matthew and Deborah Renzi to operate a home occupation (fitness classes) at 308 Breckinridge Court, subject to conditions including a maximum of six clients per session, all activities inside with the garage door closed, specific hours of operation, and a limit of two clients parking on-site. The commission also set a public hearing for September 24, 2024, for a similar request by Megan and Joshua Urban at 22 Jack Enders Boulevard. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended approval of SUP 03-24 for home fitness classes at 308 Breckinridge Court with conditions (voice vote)
• Set public hearing for September 24, 2024, for SUP 04-24 at 22 Jack Enders Boulevard (voice vote)
• Approved the agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved the minutes of the July 23, 2024 meeting (voice vote)

Architectural Review Board

The Berryville Architectural Review Board approved certificates of appropriateness for signs at 23 East Main Street, 15 Crow Street, and 10 West Main Street, with conditions. A projecting sign at 10 West Main Street was denied due to size, but a portable freestanding sign was approved. All votes were by voice vote.

• Approved projecting sign and portable freestanding sign for Itiel Therapeutic Massage at 23 East Main Street (voice vote)
• Approved temporary banner for 30 days and portable freestanding sign for Lavish Studios at 15 Crow Street (voice vote)
• Denied projecting sign for Rat Pack Antiques & Toys at 10 West Main Street due to size; approved portable freestanding sign (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Berryville Planning Commission voted to set a public hearing for August 27, 2024, to consider a special use permit for Matthew and Deborah Renzi to operate a home occupation (fitness classes) at 308 Breckinridge Court. The commission also approved the agenda and the minutes from the May 28, 2024 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Set public hearing for Aug. 27, 2024 for SUP 03-24 (home fitness classes at 308 Breckinridge Court) (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved May 28, 2024 meeting minutes as presented (voice vote)

Town Council

Council adopted new ordinances regarding Rose Hill Park and graffiti. They also scheduled a public hearing for a home occupation permit and reappointed members to the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, and Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission.

• Approved repeal and readoption of Berryville Code Section 13-35 and 13-36 regarding Rose Hill Park (unanimous)
• Approved repeal of Berryville Code Section 13-37 and adoption of new Chapter 13 Article II Graffiti (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for Sept. 10, 2024, for a home occupation permit at 308 Breckinridge Court (unanimous)
• Reappointed Michael E. Bell, Jr, William M. Gilpin, and Dana S. Libby to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Reappointed Robin McFillen and Jon Burge to Architectural Review Board (unanimous)
• Reappointed Harry Lee Arnold, Jr and Christy Dunkle to Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (unanimous)
• Agreed to have staff develop a draft cable franchise agreement for Shentel GloFiber

Town Council

The Berryville Town Council approved a special use permit for a home occupation hair salon at 108 Isaac Court with specific operating conditions. The Council also adopted amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding erosion control and street standards, and approved updated reserve specifics for the budget. Staff reported on a recent railroad blockage on East Main Street and agreed to copy federal representatives in correspondence with Norfolk Southern.

• Approved Special Use Permit 02-24 for home occupation at 108 Isaac Court (voice vote)
• Adopted repeal and readopt of Section 322 Erosion & Sediment Control (voice vote)
• Adopted text amendments for street widths and light standards in Zoning Ordinance (voice vote)
• Adopted text amendments for street widths and light standards in Subdivision Ordinance (voice vote)
• Adopted text amendments for street widths and light standards in Construction Standards Manual (voice vote)
• Adopted proposed reserve specifics for FY 25 budget (voice vote)
• Agreed to proposed VDOT sign package for truck route identification
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote)

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new projecting sign at 23 East Main Street, replacing a Berryville Main Street sign that blew down, to be no larger than the previous sign and at least 8'-6" above the sidewalk. The Board also approved siding, gutters, and additional windows for a rear addition at 15 Academy Street, with a recommendation to use flat panel standing seam roofing to match the existing structure. Both motions passed by voice vote. The meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for projecting sign at 23 East Main Street (voice vote)
• Approved siding, gutters, and additional windows for addition at 15 Academy Street, recommending flat panel standing seam roof (voice vote)
• Approved June 5, 2024 agenda (voice vote)
• Approved April 3, 2024 minutes (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Berryville Planning Commission recommended approval of a special use permit for a home-based hair salon at 108 Isaac Court with specific conditions regarding hours, signage, and parking. The Commission also recommended that Town Council repeal and readopt Section 322 of the Zoning Ordinance to align with state environmental regulations, and approve text amendments establishing street right-of-way widths and lighting standards. All recommendations passed by voice vote.

• Recommended approval of SUP 02-24 for home occupation (voice vote)
• Recommended repeal and readoption of Section 322 Erosion Control (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of street width and lighting text amendments (voice vote)
• Approved agenda and previous minutes (voice votes)

Town Council

The Council held a public hearing on the proposed FY25 budget but deferred the final vote until June. Several public hearings were scheduled for June 11 regarding zoning amendments and a home occupation permit. A work session for the Friant rezoning project was set for October 7.

• Approved resolution honoring Darrell Ferrebee (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote)
• Scheduled Friant Enterprises rezoning work session for Oct. 7, 2024 (voice vote)
• Scheduled public hearing for 108 Isaac Court hair salon special use permit for June 11, 2024 (voice vote)
• Scheduled public hearing to repeal and readopt Section 322 Erosion and Sediment Control for June 11, 2024 (voice vote)
• Scheduled public hearing for street rights-of-way and lighting standards amendments for June 11, 2024 (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The commission will consider setting public hearings for text amendments regarding street right-of-way widths and street light standards. They will also discuss updating erosion and sediment control regulations to align with state laws. Additionally, the meeting includes a request for a special use permit for a home hair salon.

• Special Use Permit for a home hair salon at 108 Isaac Court
• Text amendment to update Erosion & Sediment Control regulations (Section 322)
• Text amendment establishing public street widths and street light standards

The Planning Commission scheduled public hearings for May 28, 2024, regarding a home-based hair salon permit and two zoning ordinance updates. The commission also elected a new vice chair.

• Elected Gwen Malone as vice chair (voice vote)
• Set May 28 public hearing for special use permit for hair salon at 108 Isaac Court (voice vote)
• Set May 28 public hearing for repeal and readoption of Section 322 Erosion and Sediment Control (voice vote)
• Set May 28 public hearing for text amendments on street rights-of-way and street lighting standards (voice vote)
• Approved February 27, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote)

Town Council

The Town Council will conduct public hearings regarding proposed 2024 tax rates and a special use permit for a short-term rental at 116A S. Church Street. The council will also discuss the issuance of an invitation for bids related to paving, milling, and line striping.

• Public hearing for proposed 2024 tax rates
• Special use permit for short-term rental at 116A S. Church Street
• Proposed issuance of IFB #2024-01 for paving, milling, and line striping
• Setting a public hearing date for the FY25 budget

The Town Council adopted tax levies for 2024 and approved a special use permit for a short-term rental. Council also authorized an invitation for bid for street paving and milling.

• Adopted 2024 tax rates: $.20 per $100 real estate, $1.25 per $100 personal property, and $1.30 per $100 machinery and tools (voice vote)
• Approved special use permit for short-term rental at 116 A South Church Street (voice vote)
• Approved issuance of IFB #2024-01 for paving, milling, and line striping on nine streets (voice vote)
• Adopted 2024 Arbor Day proclamation (voice vote)
• Scheduled FY25 Budget public hearing for May 14, 2024 (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote)

Architectural Review Board

The Board approved a request from Quick Designs LLC to install two wall signs and one freestanding sign at 115 South Church Street. The approval includes a condition that the signage does not encroach on the sidewalk.

• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Approved March 6, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for signs at 115 South Church Street with condition of no sidewalk encroachment (voice vote)

Tree Board

The Tree Board approved the minutes from the January 3, 2024 meeting. Members discussed potential future presentations on herbicides and spotted lanternfly control, as well as a summer tree walk program.

• Approved January 3, 2024 minutes (consensus)

Town Council

The Berryville Town Council voted 6-0 to adopt a resolution declaring its intent to reimburse the Town from loan proceeds for expenses incurred before securing a loan for the water treatment plant project, described as a $12.4 million effort. Council also set an April 9, 2024 public hearing on a short-term rental special use permit at 116A South Church Street and another April 9 hearing on proposed 2024 tax rates. It extended the blight abatement compliance deadline for 225 and 114 Josephine Street to May 1, 2024, approved $4,500 in Creative Communities Partnership Grant subrecipients, and amended Town Code Section 10-9 on traffic direction. No public hearings were held, and no new business items were taken up.

• Adopted resolution of intent to reimburse water treatment plant expenses from loan proceeds (6-0 roll call)
• Set April 9, 2024 public hearing for short-term rental special use permit at 116A South Church Street (voice vote)
• Extended blight abatement compliance deadline for 225 and 114 Josephine Street to May 1, 2024, with no further extensions (voice vote)
• Set April 9, 2024 public hearing on proposed tax rates for tax year 2024 (voice vote)
• Approved Creative Communities Partnership Grant subrecipients: Barns of Rose Hill $2,500; Main Street Chamber Orchestra, Inc. $2,000 (voice vote, Tibbens abstained)
• Adopted ordinance amending Section 10-9 of the Berryville Code on personnel who may direct traffic (voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural at 19 East Main Street, requested by Berryville Main Street, with the condition that fonts from the Town's branding be worked into the design. The Board also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a freestanding sign for the Battletown Inn at 102 West Main Street. For a projecting sign at 304 North Buckmarsh Street, the Board directed staff to obtain a complete application and then administratively approve it once reviewed for compliance. Both approvals passed by voice vote.

• Approved mural at 19 East Main Street with condition that Town branding fonts be worked into the design (voice vote)
• Approved freestanding sign for Battletown Inn at 102 West Main Street as submitted (voice vote)
• Directed staff to obtain complete application for projecting sign at 304 North Buckmarsh Street and administratively approve once reviewed for compliance
• Approved the meeting agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved the January 3, 2024 meeting minutes as presented (voice vote)

Town Council

The Town Council approved a final deadline of April 9, 2024, for owners of 225 and 114 Josephine Street to comply with blight abatement plans, warning that liens will be placed if work is not completed. Council also adopted resolutions to declare intent to reimburse self-funded costs and authorize the Mayor to sign documents for a USDA loan related to water treatment plant improvements. A work session was scheduled for April 1 to discuss a proposed 198-unit subdivision rezoning, which the Planning Commission previously recommended denying.

• Approved resolution honoring Ronnie Huff for Parks and Recreation Board service (voice vote)
• Set April 9 deadline for blight abatement at 225 and 114 Josephine Street; liens authorized if missed (voice vote)
• Adopted resolution declaring intent to reimburse water treatment plant project costs (voice vote)
• Adopted resolution authorizing Mayor to sign USDA-RD documents for water plant project (voice vote)
• Scheduled work session for April 1 to review Friant property rezoning (voice vote)
• Appointed William M. Gilpin to Planning Commission (voice vote)
• Appointed Dana S. Libby to Planning Commission (voice vote)
• Approved changes to Construction Standards Sections 3 and 4 (voice vote)

Streets and Utilities Committee

The committee noted that VDOT agreed to the Town's proposed truck route. Proposed updates to construction standards regarding water mains and hydrant flags were referred to the full Town Council for action.

• Approved agenda by consensus
• Referred PVC pipe and hydrant marker flag standards to full Town Council
• Determined truck route establishment requires no further Town Council action

Community Development Committee

The Community Development Committee discussed draft zoning regulations for portable storage containers, agreeing that a permit should be required and directing staff to modify the draft. The committee also reviewed proposed changes to rules for use of town property, recommending the removal of a tobacco prohibition and adjustments to wildlife and liability language. Additionally, the committee agreed to post Virginia Commission for the Arts grant application materials on the town website.

• Agreed to require a permit for portable storage containers
• Directed staff to modify draft zoning ordinance definitions and scope
• Agreed to post Creative Communities Partnership Grant materials on website
• Recommended dropping tobacco prohibition from town property rules
• Recommended changing 'animals' to 'wildlife' in town property rules
• Recommended replacing snow/ice rules with 'use at own risk' language
• Concluded town property rules are ready for full Council presentation

Town Council

The Council approved an ordinance for land transfers and easements involving the Town, Clarke County School Board, and a private owner. It also adopted a resolution to request that VDOT accept specific streets into its maintenance inventory.

• Approved land transfers and utility/access easements between the Town, Clarke County School Board, and Paul Howell (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Manager to amend and sign deeds related to land transfers (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution requesting VDOT acceptance of streets into the Urban Highway System and Maintenance Inventory (unanimous)
• Recommended Nancy Merriman to the Clarke County Board of Supervisors for the Parks and Recreation Board (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda including December meeting minutes (unanimous)