Carl C. Cole

The primary discussion focused on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029. A key item addressed was the necessary update to the comprehensive plan, which is currently outdated, with plans to bring on external consultants next year. The presentation detailed the projected $190 million CIP over five years for the general fund, noting that the majority of transportation funds are externally sourced and do not impact taxpayers. Significant discussions surrounded large capital projects, including the Route 28 Innovative Intersections project, the Downtown Garage (secured by grants), Signal Hill Park renovation (including a new water park facility), SCADA system implementation for Community Development, and major school renovations planned for the coming years, such as the high school renovation, middle school roof, and HVAC units. The challenges posed by increased construction costs due to inflation and rising interest rates since 2019 were highlighted as factors affecting the feasibility of certain wishlist projects.

The City of Manassas Park is updating its comprehensive plan to guide future growth, evolution, and prosperity with a vision extending to 2050. The plan will comprise three small area plans for Park Central, Conner Center, and Four Corners, and will address urban systems such as mobility, public open space, and the natural environment. Key areas of focus include housing options, transportation networks, environmental features, infrastructure capacity, public facilities, and parks. The objective is to modernize the land use framework, enhance economic resilience, and ensure growth benefits for all residents.

The meeting included the introduction of the newly elected treasurer, Donald Shoemaker, and the newly elected Commissioner of the Revenue, Lucy Pollen, both of whom discussed initial activities and positive changes within their offices. The consent agenda included the approval of the minutes from December 16th, 2025, and appointments to the Metropolitan Council of Governments. New business focused on a resolution endorsing VOTE design for the Manassas Drive sidewalk project. The presentation detailed the project's scope, design considerations such as avoiding impact on existing drainage and utilities, and the provision of ADA accessibility with a ramp whose slope was reduced to avoid handrail requirements. The project timeline, which projects completion in Spring 2029, and the initial budget of approximately $1.7 million (including a 20% city match) were reviewed, leading to council questions regarding the high cost per mile and the extended timeline due to federal funding requirements involving right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocations.

This document summarizes multiple sessions related to election canvassing and review. Key activities included conducting the initial canvass of election results from the three City of Manassas Park precincts, completing tabulation and verification of precinct results, reviewing election documentation, and contacting Precinct Chiefs regarding missing signatures. Subsequent sessions focused on canvassing Central Absentee Precinct (CAP) ballots, early voting ballots, mail ballots, and post-election ballots. The final session involved completing the final canvassing and validation of all ballots, verifying election totals against Registrar records, and preparing election materials for transport to the courthouse. A closed session was held during the initial and final sessions to review and determine provisional ballots.

The Governing Body meeting agenda included several key items. Recognitions involved a Certificate of Appreciation for Lillian Zhu's service on the Library Board and a Proclamation for Black History Month in February 2026. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of minutes from the January 3 and January 6, 2026 meetings, an appointment to the Northern VA Regional Commission, and a recommendation for an appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals, along with an interest in appointing Neetu Chandra to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission. New Business included an agreement with the Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer regarding personnel and fringe benefits, effective retroactively to January 1, 2026. Discussions also touched upon the Comprehensive Plan update being produced by Stantec Consulting, economic development strategies, and the status of the FY2025 audit, noting the significant debt service cost relative to real estate tax revenue and changes planned for the FY2027 budget process concerning Capital Improvement Program funding and a new Decision Card Process. A detailed training session on the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) and the Conflict of Interests Act (COIA) was also part of the proceedings.