Front Royal public meetings in 2022

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommended approval to Town Council for amended proffers at Anna Swan Est and two short-term rental permits. The commission postponed a decision on the new Comprehensive Plan to a future work session.

• Recommended approval to Town Council for proffer amendments at Anna Swan Est (5-0)
• Recommended approval to Town Council for short-term rental at 309 E Prospect Street (5-0)
• Recommended approval to Town Council for short-term rental at 302 Blue Ridge Avenue (5-0)
• Postponed consideration of the Comprehensive Plan to January 4 and January 18 meetings (5-0)
• Approved November 16 and November 30 meeting minutes (4-0-1)
• Approved consent agenda for public hearing advertisements (5-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request by Property Connection LLC for multiple variances to adjust a property line between two dwellings. The application failed after a motion to grant the variance did not receive a second.

• Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Denied Variance Application 2200398 for property line adjustment at 225 East 7th Street and 631 Kibler Street

Board of Architectural Review

The Board of Architectural Review denied an application to demolish a portion of a contributing structure in the Town of Front Royal Historic District. The decision followed a public hearing where board members cited a lack of information to justify demolition over restoration.

• Approved minutes of November 8, 2022 (5-0)
• Denied Application #2200483 for demolition of terracotta block and brick veneer at 131 E. Main Street (4-1)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council will hold a regular meeting on December 12, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes appointments to the Planning Commission and the Local Board of Building Code Appeals, as well as authorizing advertisement for a public hearing to vacate a portion of an alley. The consent agenda covers a FY23 budget amendment for auction proceeds, a contract for the 2022 I&I Abatement Rehabilitation Project, and a lease agreement with the Front Royal Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department for the Carnival Lot.

• Appointment to the Planning Commission
• Appointments to the Local Board of Building Code Appeals
• Advance application/authorize to advertise for a public hearing on vacation of a portion of an alley
• FY23 Budget Amendment for Auction Proceeds (Consent Agenda)
• Lease Agreement with Front Royal Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department for the Carnival Lot (Consent Agenda)

Council approved a 5-year lease of the Carnival Lot to the Front Royal Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and a budget amendment to replace a refuse truck. The board also appointed members to the Planning Commission and the Local Board of Building Code Appeals.

• Approved FY23 Budget Amendment of $40,700 for refuse truck replacement
• Approved $172,000 task order for CHA Engineering for I&I Abatement Rehabilitation Project
• Approved 5-year lease of 1.803 acres (Carnival Site) to Front Royal Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department
• Appointed Glenn E. Wood to the Planning Commission through August 31, 2024
• Appointed George E. Cline, Jr. and C. Frank Stankiewicz to the Local Board of Building Code Appeals
• Approved meeting minutes from November 28, 29, and 30, 2022
• Removed alley vacation item from agenda and moved to January 9, 2023 work session

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a request to rezone 6.239 acres for faculty and student housing. The commission postponed a decision to allow the applicant to explore lot consolidation as an alternative to rezoning.

• Postponed action on Rezoning Application #2200468 (R-1 to R-3) until December 21, 2022 (3-0)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Front Royal Town Council is holding a special meeting to appoint a Town Manager. The council will vote on a motion to appoint a candidate and authorize the Mayor to execute the employment agreement.

• Appointment of Town Manager with proposed motion to authorize Mayor to execute agreement dated November 30, 2022

The Town Council appointed Joseph E. Waltz as Town Manager. The Council also authorized the Mayor to execute the Town Manager Agreement dated November 30, 2022.

• Appointed Joseph E. Waltz as Town Manager (6-0)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

This is a special meeting of the Front Royal Town Council consisting solely of a closed session to discuss personnel matters related to the Planning Commission and Local Board of Building Code Appeals. No public business or decisions are scheduled.

• Closed meeting for discussion of public officers, employees, or appointees
• Specifically addresses the Planning Commission and Local Board of Building Code Appeals

The Town Council convened two closed meetings to discuss specific public officers, appointees, or employees. Following these sessions, the Council certified that only lawfully exempted business was discussed.

• Approved closed meeting to discuss Planning Commission and Local Board of Building Code Appeals personnel (5-0)
• Approved closed meeting to discuss Town Manager personnel (5-0)
• Certified that only lawfully exempted business was discussed in closed session (5-0)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

Town Council will hold public hearings on three special use permits: short-term rentals at 200 E Main Street and 206 Lee Street, and a daycare at 1111 N. Shenandoah Avenue. The Council will also consider a consent agenda including a one-year extension for a development plan, budget amendments for flood preparedness grants and equipment purchases, and a resolution adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday. A reappointment to the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee is on the business agenda.

• Public hearing: Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 200 E Main Street
• Public hearing: Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 206 Lee Street
• Public hearing: Special Use Permit for daycare at 1111 N. Shenandoah Avenue
• Consent item: HEPTAD request for one-year extension to submit development plan
• Consent item: Resolution to update employee handbook to add Juneteenth holiday

Council appointed Finance Director BJ Wilson as Interim Town Manager with a 10% salary increase. The board also approved several special use permits for short-term rentals and a daycare, and awarded a $4.9M sewer rehabilitation contract.

• Appointed Finance Director BJ Wilson as Interim Town Manager with 10% salary increase
• Approved $4,947,300.00 sewer rehabilitation project bid to Snyder Environmental Services
• Approved Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 200 E. Main Street
• Approved Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 206 Lee Street
• Approved Special Use Permit for daycare at 1111 N. Shenandoah Avenue
• Approved $14,641,631.39 budget amendment to carry forward unpaid purchase order balances
• Approved $90,000 budget amendment for Community Flood Preparedness Grant funds
• Approved update to Employee Handbook to add Juneteenth as a holiday

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the advertisement of the new Comprehensive Plan for a public hearing. The commission also postponed a decision on a short-term rental application due to incomplete construction and site debris. Additionally, Connie Marshner was appointed Vice Chairman.

• Appointed Connie Marshner as Vice Chairman (3-0-1)
• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0-1)
• Approved consent agenda for five applications to be advertised for public hearing (4-0-0)
• Postponed action on short-term rental application for 1116 N. Royal Avenue until December 21, 2022 (4-0-0)
• Authorized the Front Royal Comprehensive Plan for advertisement for public hearing (4-0-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board denied a variance request for a front porch addition at 1015 Wine Street. A decision on multiple variances to subdivide a parcel at 225 East 7th Street and 631 Kibler Street was postponed to a future meeting.

• Approved October 18, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Denied variance for front porch setback at 1015 Wine Street (3-0)
• Postponed decision on Variance Application 2200398 for Property Connection LLC to December 20, 2022 (3-0)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council will discuss items slated for public hearings on November 28, including special use permits for short-term rentals at 200 E. Main Street and 206 Lee Street, a daycare at 1111 N. Shenandoah Avenue, and a $14.6 million budget amendment to carry forward unpaid purchase orders. They will also consider a resolution to add Juneteenth as a paid holiday, a request to donate a retired bucket truck to Warren County, and an update on capital improvement projects.

• Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 200 E. Main Street (two units, three rooms, up to six occupants)
• Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 206 Lee Street (entire house)
• Special Use Permit for daycare at 1111 N. Shenandoah Avenue (LifePoint Church)
• FY23 Budget Amendment for $14,641,631.39 in outstanding purchase orders carried forward
• Resolution to update Employee Handbook to add Juneteenth as a paid holiday

Town Council ratified the Town Manager Agreement and authorized the Mayor to execute it. The meeting primarily served as a work session to move various permits, budget amendments, and contracts to future public hearings or consent agendas.

• Ratified Town Manager Agreement (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session (5-0)
• Approved motion to certify closed session conclusion (5-0)
• Moved Short-Term Rental permit for 200 E. Main Street to public hearing
• Moved Short-Term Rental permit for 206 E. Lee Street to public hearing
• Moved Daycare permit for 1111 N. Shenandoah Avenue to public hearing
• Moved FY23 Budget Amendment for Outstanding Purchase Orders to public hearing
• Moved 13 items to the November 28th consent agenda, including a commercial mower purchase and Juneteenth holiday addition

Town Council Meeting Agendas

This is a special meeting with only three items: appointing a town attorney, entering a closed meeting to discuss the town manager's performance and salary, and adjourning. No other business is scheduled.

• Appointment of George M. Sonnett, Jr. as Town Attorney and ratification of his employment agreement
• Closed meeting to discuss the town manager's performance, salary, and discipline under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A)(1)

The Town Council appointed George M. Sonnett, Jr. as Town Attorney and Joseph Waltz as Town Manager. The council also held a closed meeting to discuss the Town Manager position.

• Appointed George M. Sonnett, Jr. as Town Attorney and approved his November 9, 2022 Employment Agreement (5-0-1)
• Approved motion to enter Closed Meeting regarding the Town Manager (5-0-1)
• Certified that only lawfully exempted business was discussed in Closed Meeting (5-0-1)
• Appointed Joseph Waltz as Town Manager pending ratification of contract dated November 21, 2022 (5-0-1)

Board of Architectural Review

The Board of Architectural Review approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior repairs at 301 E. Main Street. The board also elected a new Chairman and Vice Chairman. Members discussed potential ways to better educate homeowners within the Historic District.

• Elected Collin Waters as Chairman (3-0)
• Elected Holly Rhodenhizer as Vice Chairman (3-0)
• Approved September 20, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved Application #2200380 for wood stair replacement and siding repair at 301 E. Main Street (3-0)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council will hold public hearings on a special use permit for a short-term rental at 30 Fairview Avenue, a special exception for parking at 12 Chester Street, proposed ordinance amendments for snow and ice removal on sidewalks, and a FY23 budget amendment for the Route 522 North Corridor redundant waterline and storm water abatement. The consent agenda includes awarding a bid for construction of the redundant waterline and purchasing/installing pressure reducing valve vaults for Richmond Road. The meeting also includes recognition of a retiring employee and updates on the Shenandoah Rail Trail and recent electric outages.

• Public hearing: Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 30 Fairview Avenue
• Public hearing: Special Exception for parking at 12 Chester Street
• Public hearing: Ordinance amendments to Town Code Chapter 142-4.1 – Snow and Ice on Sidewalks
• Public hearing: FY23 Budget Amendment for Route 522 North Corridor Redundant Waterline and Inflow/Infiltration Storm Water Abatement
• Consent agenda: Award bid for construction of redundant waterline in Route 522 North Corridor

The Town Council approved a $28,174,904.00 FY23 budget amendment for the Route 522 North Corridor redundant waterline and inflow/infiltration storm water abatement. Council also approved a special use permit for a short-term rental at 30 Fairview Avenue and a special exception for parking at 12 Chester Street. Consent agenda items included awarding a $18,294,904.00 construction bid to Snyder Environmental Services for the redundant waterline and a $380,000.00 contract for oversight and permitting support.

• Approved $28,174,904.00 FY23 budget amendment for redundant waterline and storm water abatement (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for short-term rental at 30 Fairview Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved special exception for parking at 12 Chester Street with fee waiver (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance amendments to snow/ice removal on sidewalks (unanimous)
• Awarded $18,294,904.00 construction bid to Snyder Environmental Services for Route 522 redundant waterline (consent agenda)
• Approved $380,000.00 contract with CHA Engineering for oversight and permitting support (consent agenda)
• Approved $30,246.00 purchase of PRV vault from Fortiline Inc. (consent agenda)
• Approved $33,950.00 installation bid from Bushong Contracting for PRV vault on Richmond Road (consent agenda)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council and Economic Development Authority (FREDA) are meeting to discuss the setup and support of the authority. Current concerns include an incomplete setup regarding Federal Tax ID, differences between EDA Bylaws and the Town Code, and staff support requirements.

• Discussion on direction and support of the Front Royal Economic Development Authority (FREDA)

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council is meeting to appoint a member to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Joseph McFadden. The body is also considering a resolution to fund local shares of VDOT projects and grant signature authority to the Interim Town Manager.

• Appointment to fill Town Council vacancy
• Resolution for VDOT project funding and signature authority for Interim Town Manager Kathleen R. Leidich
• Proposed $380,000 contract for C.H.A. Engineering for 522 North Corridor Redundant Waterline administration and permitting
• Public hearing for FY23 Budget Amendment and Inflow/Infiltration Storm Water Abatement
• Upcoming public hearings for short-term rental at 30 Fairview Avenue and parking at 12 Chester Street

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a closed session. The purpose of the session is to interview for a council vacancy.

• Closed meeting for Council Vacancy Interview

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council is reviewing several Special Use Permits for short-term rentals and proposed amendments to the Town Code. The agenda also includes various budget amendments and infrastructure project updates.

• Special Use Permit: 107 Highfield Lane
• Special Use Permit: 124 Luray Avenue
• Special Use Permit: 12 Chester Street
• Proposed Ordinance Amendments to Town Code Chapter 4
• FY23 Budget Amendment for VA Tourism Corp funds

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council is holding a special meeting to decide on three special use permits for residential and short-term rental uses. A subsequent work session will review upcoming budget amendments, contracts, and ordinance changes for a future regular meeting.

• Special Use Permit for two dwelling units at 650 W. 11th Street
• Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 425 N. Royal Avenue
• Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 18 E. Stonewall Drive
• FY23 Budget Amendments for Virginia Tourism Grant, Highway Safety Program, and Law Enforcement Block Grant
• Bid awards for de-icing road salt and water/wastewater chemicals

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding a special use permit for a new private street at 508 Kendrick Lane to improve traffic flow. The body will also consider several contract awards and a resolution to end the local Covid-19 emergency.

• Public hearing for a 20-foot-wide private street at 508 Kendrick Lane (Poe’s River Edge LLC & Eagle Sky Industrial Park LLC)
• Contract award of $448,982.00 to Bushong Contracting Corp for waterline upgrades at Braxton Road & Manassas Avenue
• Resolution declaring the end of the Covid-19 communicable disease local emergency
• Contract awards for bridge inspection services and a compensation study/employee handbook update
• Condemnation resolution for a redundant waterline in the Rt 522 N. Corridor

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council will consider special use permits for apartments and short-term rentals, as well as amendments to the Town Code regarding government administration. The body will also review several contract awards for infrastructure and professional services.

• Public hearing for apartments special use permit at 650 W. 11th Street
• Public hearings for short-term rental permits at 425 N. Royal Avenue and 18 E. Stonewall Drive
• Contract awards for waterline upgrades at Braxton Road & Manassas Avenue and bridge inspection services
• Contract award for compensation study and employee handbook update services
• Resolution to declare the end of the Covid-19 communicable disease local emergency

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council and Planning Commission are holding a joint session to review the Comprehensive Plan draft. A subsequent special work session will address energy procurement for 2023-2025, hotel blight abatement, and a waterline condemnation resolution.

• Comprehensive Plan update presentation by Summit Engineering, Inc.
• Proposed 2023-2025 energy supply schedule with American Municipal Power, Inc.
• Blight Abatement Program discussion regarding long-term residency in hotels
• Condemnation resolution for a redundant waterline in the 522 N Corridor
• Closed meeting regarding personnel and legal counsel

Town Council Meeting Agendas

Town Council held a work session to review items slated for public hearings and a consent agenda on August 22. The body discussed short-term rental requests, apartment conversions, and administrative code updates. A resolution to end the COVID-19 local emergency was also presented.

• Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 425 N. Royal Ave (up to 6 people)
• Special Use Permit for short-term rental at 18 E. Stonewall Dr (up to 8 occupants)
• Special Use Permit to convert first floor of 650 W. 11th Street into two 900 sq ft apartments
• Proposed amendments to Town Code Chapter 4 regarding government administration
• Contract awards for bridge inspections, waterline upgrades, and a compensation study

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council held a public hearing regarding a special use permit for a short-term rental at 108 Virginia Avenue. The meeting also included reports on various water and paving infrastructure projects currently underway in the town.

• Public hearing for short-term rental permit at 108 Virginia Avenue
• Ordinance amendments to Town Code Chapter 16
• FY23 Budget Amendment for Anti-Litter Council funds
• Redundant Waterline Condemnation Resolution for Route 522 corridor
• Waterline upgrade bids for Braxton Road and Manassas Avenue

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council is reviewing proposed ordinance amendments regarding the Industrial Development Authority and data center regulations. The session also covers upcoming bids for concrete and transformers, and a waterline condemnation resolution.

• Proposed ordinance amendments to Town Code Chapter 16 (Industrial Development Authority)
• Proposed ordinance amendments to Chapter 175 to move data centers from 'by-right' to 'special use' in (I-2) zoning districts
• Condemnation resolution for a redundant waterline for the Route 522 North Corridor
• Bids for three-phase transformers and concrete
• FY23 Budget Amendment to receive funds from the Anti-Litter Council

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council will conduct public hearings regarding short-term rental permits and updates to town codes for data centers and vehicular laws. The body will also consider budget amendments for paving and a redundant waterline project.

• Public hearings for short-term rental permits at 108 Virginia Avenue and 201 E. Main St
• Ordinance amendment to Town Code Chapter 175 to add data centers
• Public Necessity Resolution for Redundant Waterline Project in Rt 522 North Corridor
• FY22 Budget Amendment for revenue exceeding budget and funds for Advance Paving Plan
• Bids for FY23 stone and asphalt grades

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Front Royal Economic Development Authority (FREDA) and the Town Council are holding a joint meeting. The discussion focuses on proposed FREDA by-laws and potential changes to Chapter 16 of the Town Code regarding the Industrial Development Authority.

• Discussion of proposed FREDA By-Laws
• Proposed amendments to Town Code Chapter 16 – Industrial Development Authority

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council is holding a special meeting to approve a budget amendment for litigation costs and a work session to discuss various administrative and infrastructure items. The body is also reviewing proposed by-laws for the Front Royal Economic Development Authority.

• FY22 Budget Amendment of $150,000.00 for legal fees related to litigation
• Ratification of Front Royal EDA By-Laws
• Deeds of easement for stormwater infrastructure between 610 B and 612 W. 11th Street
• Proposed ordinance amendment to Chapter 175 for data centers
• Special Use Permit requests for short-term rentals at 108 Virginia Avenue and 201 E. Main Street

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council approved an ordinance renaming Scranton Avenue and a portion of Edgemont Avenue to George Banks Boulevard. The council also approved the FY2022-2023 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and several infrastructure purchases.

• Renaming of Scranton Avenue and part of Edgemont Avenue to George Banks Boulevard
• Approval of the FY2022-2023 Annual Appropriation Ordinance
• Purchase of a pressure reducing valve vault for Robinhood Lane for $32,460.08
• Installation of a new pressure reducing valve vault for Robinhood Lane for $28,556.00
• Purchase of dry barrel fire hydrants for $31,152.89

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council is holding a special meeting to appoint a member to fill the vacancy left by former Councilman Scott Lloyd. A subsequent work session will cover energy purchases and various town infrastructure items.

• Appointment of a Councilmember to fill a vacancy through November 2022
• Proposed solar energy purchase agreement with American Municipal Power (AMP) for up to 4200 kW at up to $45.00/MWh(ac)
• Proposed resolution for purchase of power blocks for 2025-2029
• Ordinance amendment to Section 158-6 of Town Code regarding state laws governing vehicle operation
• Proposed purchases and contracts including a bucket truck, Shenandoah Avenue streetlight design, and a water tower antenna for T-Mobile

Town Council Meeting Agendas

The Town Council will conduct public hearings regarding the annual appropriation ordinance for the FY2022-2023 budget and a proposal to rename portions of Edgemont Avenue and Scranton Avenue. The body will also consider several infrastructure purchases and a memorandum to create a drug treatment court program.

• Public hearing for Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY2022-2023 Budget
• Proposed renaming of Edgemont Avenue and Scranton Avenue to George Banks Boulevard
• Purchase and installation of Pressure Reducing Valve Vaults
• FY22 Budget Amendment to accept Local Law Enforcement Block Grant
• Memorandum of Understanding to create a Drug Treatment Court Program

Front Royal Economic Development Authority

The Front Royal Economic Development Authority is reviewing its organizational structure and governance. The agenda includes a presentation on the role of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and a discussion regarding draft bylaws.

• Presentation on Virginia Economic Development Partnership and EDA’s Role
• Review of Draft Bylaws
• Planning for a FREDA Retreat