Michael Helm

The Work Session agenda included several items later placed on the Consent Agenda for the subsequent Regular Meeting. Discussions included a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to update facility maps for growth, including the new Police Department location, which received a recommendation from the Planning Commission. The Council discussed placing the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, the FY2025 Audit Report (which reported an unmodified opinion and a net position of over $50 million), and proposals for a Playground Communication Board at the Town Park, funding for which would be a 50/50 match with a local Girl Scout Troop. Other items slated for consent included approving a resolution concerning the Shenandoah Rail Trail, urging transparency and completion of the VDOT feasibility study regarding trail options versus rail-with-trail concepts, and consolidating park positions. The Council also discussed the RFP for Solid Waste Service Providers, leaning toward Waste Management Harrisonburg based on evaluation criteria, and preliminary discussions on a VDOT Resolution for road maintenance inventory updates. Key discussions involved the proposed consolidation of park positions and a Right of Way Easement Vacation request from the Van Norton Family and Compassion Cupboard. A significant portion of the session involved a detailed discussion regarding a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning a Utility Extension request from Holtzman for a parcel across I-81, stemming from a 1998 agreement. The MOU proposes annexation of the parcel in exchange for water and sewer service commitments, with a defined timeline to avoid obligation termination. The Council concluded with a closed session to discuss position adjustments, appointments, and the appointment of a Town Manager.

The meeting agenda included action items for the Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Discussion items focused on the Data Center Analysis, Data Center Design Standards, and a Review of the Draft Annual Report. Support materials referenced minutes from the December 11, 2025, meeting. The December 11 meeting included a public hearing and recommendation to modify the maximum permitted awning sign size for a property on East King Street. Old business involved recommending approval to the Town Council regarding an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan related to the Public Facilities Map and the inclusion of the Electrical Facility Map. New business involved a site plan review for the Pleasant View project, specifically addressing utility easements and setbacks. Commissioner comments touched upon updates regarding projects on Stover Avenue and Powhatan Road, as well as the development status of the Sheetz location and pending townhouse construction.

The agenda for the meeting included the approval of the minutes from the January 22, 2026 meeting. Action items centered on two Certificates of Appropriateness (COA): one for 151 West King Street concerning the installation of new windows and doors (excluding the main front entrance), and another for 322 Capon Street regarding the replacement of an existing metal roof with shingles. Discussion items included a review of the Draft Annual Report, and old business involved continuing the review of draft bylaws.

The Work Session included several key discussions and presentations. The Council recognized Stone Hill Construction for their contribution to the Tribute to Trent Skatepark. Dewberry provided a detailed presentation on the site plan and interior layout for the planned police department facility at 115 W. King Street, detailing estimated costs of approximately $3.6 million and a construction timeline from March 2026 to March 2027. Discussions covered design features ensuring accreditation compliance, potential future expansion, and the necessity of adding the project to the Town's Comprehensive Plan for final site plan approval. Other items included updates on appointments for the Board of Zoning and Appeals, Planning Commission, Architecture Review Board (ARB), and Towing Board. The Council also discussed placing the final draft of the Towing Board Ordinance, which includes term limits and reappointment details, on the next Regular Meeting agenda. Consensus was reached to place the renewal of the Lydia's Closet Lease Agreement and the establishment of fixed physical boundaries for the Skatepark for enforcement purposes on the next Consent Agenda. Finally, staff recommended updating Section 2.2 of the Park Policy to align with the recently adopted Noise Ordinance.

The meeting began with the call to order, pledge of allegiance, and invocation, followed by the amendment of the agenda to include a closed session. A presentation recognized the graduation of the first class of the Strasburg Civic Academy, outlining its mission to foster an informed and engaged community. The consent agenda, which included approvals for previous meeting minutes, re-appointments, a lease agreement, and policy items, was unanimously approved. In Old Business, the Council discussed the Towing Board Ordinance, focusing on the Council's policymaking role and final decision authority, and subsequently approved the ordinance. New Business involved authorizing staff to proceed with abating a Town Code violation at 865 East King Street for accumulated trash if voluntary compliance was not achieved by a specified date. Departmental reports covered operational challenges like icy conditions and utility issues, planning for upcoming festivals, and coordination for a future VDOT bridge replacement closure on I-81. The Director of Finance reported on tax processing, an upcoming audit presentation, and the status of the Queen Street project funding extension. The Council held a brief recess before entering into a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding utility extension matters before adjourning.