Mayor Seeks Clarity at Town Council Work Session on Town’s Financial Obligation, If Any, to the Former Santmyers Youth Center

On Monday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Front Royal Town Hall at 102 East Main Street, the Town Council met for a work session. After coming out of closed session, in which they discussed personnel issues as well as EDA litigation, a great deal of the evening’s discussion focused on the former Raymond E. Santmyers Youth Center at 201 East 8^th Street, now proposed to be called the Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center, where non-profit Reaching Out Now, Inc. (RON) has undertaken the project of revitalizing the building as a recreational facility for the community’s youth. This is expected to happen under a three-way Memorandum of Agreement between Warren County, the Town of Front Royal, and RON, which, as of Monday evening, still needed to be authorized.

Town Council meets on Monday evening for the work session. Royal Examiner Photos Brenden McHugh

Included in the language of the MOA is a provision that the Town, although willing to contribute $25,000 to RON upon execution of the MOA with an additional $50,000 to follow before the end of Fiscal Year 2023/2024, will not be obligated to make similar financial contributions during future fiscal years. “Any such appropriation shall be voluntary,” the MOA declares.

Mayor Lori Cockrell carefully delineated the County’s obligation to maintain the building. Although the Town is eager to help in the future and may indeed make subsequent financial contributions, it is important to remember that responsibility for the building’s maintenance rests solely with its owner, the County, under the leadership of the Board of Supervisors. The funding that the Town is willing to contribute before RON’s projected launch date in January 2024 can be used at the discretion of RON to meet their operational needs. However, the idea that the Town is obligated to make such financial contributions in the future is erroneous. That RON is running a viable, cost-effective operation is the most important concern.

According to Mayor Cockrell, RON is pleased with the MOA and is ready to go forward. It only remains for the County to sign the MOA, after council passes it, which they gained a unanimous consensus to do before the end of the work session. This came after a request from the County to delay the passing of the MOA, which council members felt would be inappropriate, especially considering some of the messages they have received from frustrated parties who perceive council as dragging their feet. After a motion from Councilwoman Morris and a second from Councilwoman DeDomenico-Payne, the unanimous consensus to approve the MOA was passed.

After hearing from Lauren Kopishke about transportation, B.J. Wilson about several budgetary concerns, and Michelle Campbell about several purchases being presented to council for approval, council then discussed a bridge dedication for FRPD Lt. William P. Farrell, who succumbed to a terminal illness after being scratched and bitten in the line of duty, and then they adjourned.

Planning and Zoning Director Lauren Kopishke briefly addresses the council on transportation, indicating resources pertaining to the improvement of the 340/522 corridor, included in the council’s agenda packet, which is available on the Town’s website.

Director of Finance B.J. Wilson presents several budgetary concerns, including grant funding from the Virginia Department of Forestry as well as funding from VDOT for street maintenance, construction, and reconstruction.

Manager of Purchasing Michelle Campbell presents several purchases for council’s approval, including vehicular arrangements as well as a traffic signal cabinet and equipment.