Fredericksburg public meetings in 2022
22 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviewed the Area 10 Small Area Plan, which proposes new village centers, transportation improvements, and stormwater studies. The commission also recommended initiating ordinances for accessory dwelling units, permanent supportive housing, and a Form-Based Urban Neighborhood Zoning District.
- Recommended initiating an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
- Recommended modifying Planned Development-Residential Standards for Permanent Supportive Housing
- Recommended initiating text and map amendments for Form-Based Urban Neighborhood Zoning District
City Council
City Council approved the gift of the Mary Washington Monument, Caretaker’s Lodge, and associated grounds to the Washington Heritage Museums, Inc. The agreement includes a special use permit for museum use and a right-of-way vacation for Pitt Street. Council also approved an economic incentive for the William Square project.
- Approved Resolution 22-89 granting special use permit for museum use at 1500 Washington Avenue (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance 22-28 vacating portion of Pitt Street right-of-way (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance 22-29 gifting Mary Washington Monument and Caretaker’s Lodge to Washington Heritage Museums, Inc. (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-93 for economic incentive agreement with William Square, L.L.C. (6-1)
- Approved Resolution 22-90 amending FY2023 budget for DOJ Law Enforcement and Mental Health Wellness Grant (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-91 amending FY2023 budget for school salary increases (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-92 amending FY2023 budget for school capital projects (7-0)
- Approved FY2023 budget amendment for FY2022 carryovers and capital projects (7-0)
City Council
The City Council conducted a work session featuring interviews for the Building Codes Appeal Board and Planning Commission. Members discussed workforce development needs with Germanna Community College and reviewed public safety and housing density presentations. No formal votes were taken during the session.
- Agreed to start review of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), Affordable Housing, and Planned Development – Residential
- Proposed sending ADU and other housing initiatives to the Planning Commission for review
Architectural Review Board
The Architectural Review Board approved fence and sunroom installations and a deck project with material conditions. The board approved the site planning for an elevator addition at St. George’s Episcopal Church but continued other church and townhome applications for redesign and further review.
- Approved fence installation at 1205 Charles Street (6-0)
- Approved patio roof at 503 Sophia Street with conditions to remove PVC wrap and retain windows (6-0)
- Approved sunroom at 804 Prince Edward Street with condition for mechanically crimped metal roofing seams (6-0)
- Tabled townhomes at 400 Princess Anne Street to February 13, 2023, with a work session on January 23, 2023 (6-0)
- Approved deck and porch at 1309 Prince Edward Street with condition to use wood or composite instead of vinyl/PVC (6-0)
- Approved site planning for McGuire Hall elevator addition at 905 Princess Anne Street (6-0)
- Continued meeting space addition and entry ramp at 905 Princess Anne Street to January 9, 2023 (6-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority approved funding for a tourism project and authorized a new legal counsel contract. The board also approved a performance agreement for William Square, LLC, pending City Council approval.
- Approved $10,000 allocation for Black Tourism Project with request for City match (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Authorized Susan Richey as a signer on EDA accounts at Community Bank of the Chesapeake (7-0)
- Authorized Chair to execute performance agreement with City of Fredericksburg and William Square, LLC upon City Council approval (6-0, 1 absent)
- Approved Chair to execute contract with Jackson Key as legal counsel (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved agenda (7-0)
- Approved minutes from November 14 and November 23, 2022 meetings (7-0)
Architectural Review Board
The Board conducted a site visit at St. George’s Episcopal Church to review proposed alterations. No formal decisions were made; the application will be scheduled for a public hearing in December.
- Scheduled public hearing for 905 Princess Anne Street application for December meeting
Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority approved a resolution to borrow $600,000 from Community Bank of the Chesapeake. The funds are designated for the purchase of the property located at 706 Caroline Street.
- Approved agenda (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 22-18 to borrow $600,000 for purchase of 706 Caroline St. (5-0)
City Council
The City Council approved a resolution to explore ranked choice voting for 2023 elections and passed a first-read budget amendment for FY 2023. Other actions included supporting transportation grants and the East Coast Greenway designation.
- Approved Resolution 22-84 to explore feasibility of Ranked Choice Voting for 2023 elections (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-83 (first read) for FY 2023 budget amendment for carryovers and capital projects (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-85 supporting climate mitigation, air quality, and Surface Transportation Block Grant applications (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-86 supporting East Coast Greenway designation across Chatham Bridge (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 22-27 (second read) updating dangerous and vicious dog codes (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-82 releasing motor fuels tax funds for various projects (7-0)
- Approved November 8, 2022 Regular Session minutes (6-0)
City Council
The Council reviewed updates to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and discussed population projections and housing density. No substantive policy decisions were made during the work session, though the Council approved entering and exiting a closed session regarding the William Square project.
- Approved motion to convene in closed session regarding William Square project (7-0)
- Approved return to open meeting (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-81 certifying the closed meeting (7-0)
Recreation Commission
The Commission approved a change to its meeting schedule to occur every other month. The board also approved the September 2022 meeting minutes. Other discussions included budget updates for FY23 and FY24 and ADA compliance at the Dorothy Hart Community Center.
- Approved September 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved moving meetings to every other month (unanimous)
Architectural Review Board
The board approved five sign installations and a chimney reconstruction at 904 Caroline Street. A request for a new patio roof at 503 Sophia Street was continued to December 12, 2022, for further design revisions.
- Approved sign installations at 715 Caroline St, 318 Charles St, 400-402 William St, 1017 Sophia St, and 1011 Caroline St (6-0)
- Approved chimney reconstruction at 904 Caroline Street with conditions on height, materials, and roof slope (7-0)
- Continued COA FY23-0022 for 503 Sophia Street patio roof to December 12, 2022 (7-0)
- Approved September 12, 2022 minutes (7-0)
- Approved September 26, 2022 minutes (7-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Economic Development Authority approved a business loan for Metro Nova Creative and authorized a contract with Jackson C. Key. The board also discussed the future of the Visitor Center property and received presentations on regional funding and career technical education.
- Approved $25,000 InvestFXBG loan to Metro Nova Creative at 6.25% for five years (7-0)
- Authorized staff to draft a contract with Jackson C. Key (7-0)
- Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved minutes from October 17, 2022 meeting (7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 22-16 to enter closed session regarding legal counsel personnel (7-0)
- Adopted Resolution 22-17 certifying the conduct of the closed session (7-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission recommended approval for a Special Use Permit to allow a museum at 1500 Washington Avenue and the vacation of the Pitt Street right-of-way. Action on a rezoning request for 1500 Gateway Boulevard was deferred to December 14 following public comment.
- Recommended approval of Special Use Permit for a museum at 1500 Washington Ave
- Recommended approval of Pitt Street right-of-way vacation
- Deferred action on 1500 Gateway Boulevard rezoning request to December 14
City Council
Council approved a comprehensive agreement for a new 1,100-student middle school and authorized the sale of up to $80 million in general obligation bonds. The body also declared two properties on Caroline Street blighted and approved several budget amendments for school grants and electric buses.
- Approved agreement for new middle school construction (6-1)
- Approved issuance of general obligation bonds up to $80M (6-1)
- Declared 1100 Caroline Street blighted and approved abatement plan (6-1)
- Declared 1101 Caroline Street blighted and approved abatement plan (6-1)
- Approved $73.075M net interim agreement for middle school (6-1)
- Approved budget amendments for school grants and electric buses (7-0)
- Accepted donation of 1.8 acres on Blue Gray Parkway for open space (7-0)
- Extended the November 15 due date for FY2023 real estate taxes (7-0)
City Council
The City Council conducted a work session to review noise ordinance enforcement and receive updates on University of Mary Washington (UMW) and tourism initiatives. No formal votes were taken during the session.
- Discussed noise ordinance enforcement and potential use of public nuisance laws
- Reviewed UMW's $150 million plan for a new theater and academic building renovations
- Received update on the Civil Rights Trail project and upcoming February release
- Reviewed Washington Heritage Museum's development plan for 1500 Washington Avenue
City Council
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to issue up to $80 million in general obligation bonds for a new middle school, wastewater treatment plant renovation, and other infrastructure. The body also designated two properties on Caroline Street as blighted for city-led repairs and approved a petition for a special election for Sheriff.
- Approved first read of Ordinance 22-23 for bonds up to $80M (6-1)
- Approved Resolution 22-67 (second read) to appropriate funds for new middle school (6-0)
- Approved first read of Ordinances 22-24 and 22-25 declaring 1100 and 1101 Caroline Street blighted (5-1)
- Approved Resolution 22-75 petitioning for a special election for Sheriff (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-74 (second read) for SAJ Entertainment, LLC performance agreement (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-72 (first read) to carry forward school grants (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 22-73 (first read) for electric school bus funds (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance 22-26 (second read) regarding tax due date advertisements (6-0)
City Council
The City Council held a work session to discuss several administrative and planning items. No formal votes were taken, but the City Attorney will prepare a resolution regarding ranked choice voting for the November meeting.
- Proposed resolution to further investigate ranked choice voting costs and guidelines
- Reviewed updated FEMA floodplain maps and the Floodplain Management Ordinance
- Received update on the Transit Strategic Plan and public outreach starting in October
- Discussed potential spot blight abatement for two properties with unresponsive owners
Architectural Review Board
The Architectural Review Board held a pre-application discussion for St. George's Episcopal Church's proposed alterations and additions, including an ADA ramp and meeting room. No votes were taken; the board requested more design and impact details. A committee was formed to encourage National Register nominations.
- No formal decisions were made on St. George's Church proposal; board requested further study on alternatives, grave disturbance, and design reversibility
- Board formed a committee to encourage National Register of Historic Places nominations
Electoral Board
The Electoral Board is meeting to perform the canvass of the election. The board will also hold private meetings to review non-ID provisional ballots and post-election ballots.
- Canvass of the Election on June 22
- Private meeting for Non-ID Provisional Ballots on June 22
- Private meeting for Provisional I.D. and Post-Election Ballots on June 24
Architectural Review Board
The board will review several administrative reviews, continued applications, and new applications. The meeting also includes a discussion on COIA training and a site visit for 307-311 Prince Edward Street.
- Administrative Review: 804 Charles Street
- Administrative Review: 1002 Caroline Street
- Administrative Review: 907 Charles Street
- Administrative Review: 1101 Caroline Street
- Continued Application: 406 Lafayette Blvd
Architectural Review Board
The Architectural Review Board is considering two continued applications. The board will discuss a new residential building and modifications to a bank ATM site.
- COA FY22-0029: Proposed three-story multi-family residential building at 406 Lafayette Boulevard
- COA FY22-0032: Modified ATM design and exterior lighting for C&F Bank at 400-402 William Street
Architectural Review Board
The Architectural Review Board will conduct a public hearing to review several Certificates of Appropriateness (COA). The board will also handle an administrative review for one property and hold elections.
- Public hearing for 406 Lafayette Blvd (COA FY22-0029)
- Public hearing for 1207 Prince Edward Street (COA FY22-0030)
- Public hearing for 1323 Caroline Street (COA FY22-0031)
- Public hearing for 400-402 William Street (COA FY22-0032)
- Public hearing for 721 Caroline Street (COA FY22-0034)