Eric Clark

The Town Council meeting agenda included calls to order, prayer, adoption of the agenda, and recognition of several proclamations for February, including American Heart Month, Career and Technical Education Month, and Black History Month. Key discussion points involved several presentations, including an update from the Historic Dumfries President, a presentation on the Retail Attraction Strategy and Implementation, and a review of proposed Brownfield concept plans. The Consent Agenda covered the authorization for using bond note proceeds for capital projects, using transportation authority funds for the Fraley Boulevard Widening Project, ratifying a Declaration of Local Emergency, and appointing a temporary Zoning Administrator and Building Official. Action items included public hearings on amending the Rules of Procedure and discussing the First-Year focus of the Economic Development Authority. The council also approved an ordinance amending the Job Classification and Compensation System. Departmental reports included an updated Treasurer's Report for the second quarter ending December 31, 2025, and a comprehensive Quarterly Report from the Town Manager highlighting achievements such as receiving top-tier bond ratings and the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award. Public safety and infrastructure discussions addressed the status of the Bates trash contract and safety concerns regarding the intersection of Old Stage Coach Road and Route 1, as well as updates on the Route 1 widening project.

The meeting agenda included the adoption of the agenda, awarding several proclamations recognizing Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Poverty in America Awareness Month, donors to the Town, Delegate Candi Mundon King's appointment as Secretary of the Commonwealth, and the Founders' Days of several community organizations. Key discussions involved a public hearing and subsequent vote regarding the repeal of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) ordinance, which ultimately failed. Another public hearing was scheduled concerning an ordinance to amend the Town of Dumfries Job Classification and Compensation System to correct procedural errors, which was approved. Reports included the updated Treasurer's Report and the Quarterly Report from the Town Manager. Action items covered resolutions related to accepting the FY 2025 Audit Report, budget reallocation, health insurance opt-ins for Council Members, and authorizing an agreement for Hydrology Engineering Services. The Council also entered and exited a closed session to discuss personnel matters and made several appointments to the Planning Commission and Youth Advisory Committee.

The meeting commenced with numerous awards and proclamations honoring Delegate Candi Mundon King on her appointment as Secretary of the Commonwealth, and recognizing the Founders' Days of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Discussion items included the scheduling of a public hearing regarding an ordinance amending the Town's Job Classification and Compensation System. Action items involved consideration of an ordinance repealing the chapter establishing the Economic Development Authority (EDA), and adopting an ordinance establishing procedures for implementing public-private partnerships. The Council also discussed an ordinance requiring personal interest disclosures by officials, with concerns raised about the level of accountability imposed on board and commission members versus elected officials. Presentations covered the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit, detailing that gaming tax is the largest revenue stream, and an update on the upcoming FY 2027 budget process. A presentation from The Rose Gaming Resort provided updates on its first-year operations, including revenue figures and future expansion plans contingent on a traffic study triggered by a forthcoming park opening.

The Dumfries Town Council meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics, such as updates from The Rose Gaming Resort regarding their first-year performance, promotions, and revenue, as well as a quarterly financial report from the Town Treasurer. The council also addressed the Legacy Builders Program, recognizing its graduates, and discussed the town's AA Bond Rating. Additionally, there were action items including a public hearing for an ordinance amending and recodifying Chapter 26 related to spot blight, and another for authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation and refunding bonds. The council also considered and ultimately tabled a motion regarding the legalization of neighborhood slot machines.

The Town Council meeting included a presentation from Davenport on the Strategic Plan of Finance, an introduction of the Interim Town Treasurer, and the introduction of K-9, Reaper, with the Town of Dumfries Police Department. The council discussed and considered resolutions approving amendments to the Townwide Classification and Compensation System, establishing a community benefits agreement framework, and appointing Garland Miller, Jr. as the Town Treasurer. They also considered adding a position to the Town's 2026 Legislative Agenda opposing the Legalization of Neighborhood Slot Machines, and scheduled public hearings on ordinances establishing procedures for implementing public-private partnerships and requiring personal interest disclosures by officials. Additionally, public hearings were held on ordinances amending and recodifying Chapter 26, Article VI, Sections 26-170 through Section 26-179 (Spot Blight), and authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation and refunding bonds.