Grant Autry

The agenda for the meeting includes routine items such as a roll call of members present and the approval of minutes from previous meetings, specifically the Regular Meeting and Work Session of December 16, 2025. New business consists of two appeals against the Zoning Administrator's Notices of Violation: Appeal 2600001 concerns raising and breeding livestock (goats) in the R-S Zoning District, which prohibits agricultural pursuits. Appeal 2600002 relates to violations of Home Occupation standards, specifically related to exterior appearance changes and outdoor storage of materials at the same property. The meeting also includes the election of officers (Chairman and Vice Chairman) and a discussion of the 2025 BZA Annual Report.

The work session agenda covered several items. Key discussions included an overview of the Electric Cost of Service Study, which detailed a significant revenue shortfall due to increased wholesale power costs, and staff recommendations for a two-phased approach to update the electric rate structure. New business items involved the requested purchase of replacement police department patrol vehicles, a budget amendment to receive reimbursement funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia 9-1-1 Service Board for Call Handling Equipment, a request for a sidewalk waiver for the Squirrel Hill Subdivision, and a Deed of Easement regarding public water/sewer facilities. Unfinished business included updates on the Shenandoah Avenue Lighting VDOT Revenue Sharing Project and an ordinance amendment concerning special events.

The work session featured a presentation from CHA regarding Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) Abatement and Consent Order Management Update, detailing system diagrams, project history, and the impact on the Wastewater Treatment Plant, including plans for flow monitoring and smoke testing. Key action items included the approval of repayment to the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation for an Economic Access Grant, and the approval of a Resolution for the 2026 Schedule of Regular Meetings of Town Council. New business focused heavily on adopting a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Operations Policy for the Town of Front Royal, detailing mission types, structure, and implementation phases, as well as reviewing revisions to the FOIA Policy. Council also discussed reinstating two readings for public hearings, with a decision deferred to a subsequent meeting, and reviewed proposed amendments to Chapter 72 regarding Special Events Held on Town Streets and Public Property. The session concluded with a closed meeting to discuss interviews of prospective candidates for employment (Clerk of Council and FREDA Directors) and consultation with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters, including the insolvency of the Industrial Development Authority and a tax settlement agreement.

The session included a closed meeting for consultation with legal counsel regarding ongoing litigation (Downes, Trustee v. Town of Front Royal) and the insolvency of the Industrial Development Authority. Action items approved the order of business for 2026 regular Council meetings and ratified council appointments to various committees for terms expiring December 31, 2026. The Council also readopted the Remote Participation by Electronic Means Policy for 2026. New Business involved a review of Fiscal Year 2027 Budgetary Items, which prompted extensive discussion regarding staffing requests (part-time positions in legal, police, and fleet maintenance) and funding sources, including speed camera revenue. Other FY27 items discussed included insurance increases, capital projects (vehicles, Town Hall AC, infrastructure), and debt service. The Council agreed to add the FY26 Budget Amendment for the Operation Ceasefire grant to the consent agenda. Unfinished Business included agreeing to add the two-year extension request for the Automated Systems Speed Enforcement Systems Agreement with Blue Line Solutions LLC to the consent agenda, scheduling a follow-up meeting regarding the Retail Strategies Agreement, and agreeing to add the Repayment of Economic Development Access Grant to a future work session agenda. A public hearing was scheduled for February to address a request to vacate a portion of an unimproved alley between W. 13th & 14th Streets. Liaison items for the January 15th meeting were also reviewed.

The Work Session Agenda included a call to order, roll call, and a New Business item concerning Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2600020, submitted by the Town of Front Royal, to replace all street lights within the Historic District, which involved a walking tour and discussion. The Regular Meeting Agenda covered the Election of Officers for Chairman and Vice Chairman, followed by New Business addressing the same COA application regarding the streetlight replacement in the Historic District. The minutes of the January 13, 2026 meeting noted a recognition of service for Gary Duane Vaughan, who served for sixteen years, and a brief work session was held following the regular meeting to continue the review of the Historic District Guidelines.