Town Council Negotiates a Full Plate at Regular Meeting

With lawns everywhere blonder than green, the current drought under which Front Royal is suffering bore several mentions at the Front Royal Town Council’s regular meeting on July 22, starting at 7 p.m. in the Warren County Government Center at 220 North Commerce Avenue. Councilwoman Amber Morris in her report emphasized that the council did see the drought coming and was not disengaged in any way but was looking for viable options to fight back against nature. One of those options may be McKay Springs which she indicated as a possibility. Then, as if God had heard her speaking, a peal of thunder introduced a torrential downpour.

Town Council settles in for a regular meeting on Monday night. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

After leading the gathering in the pledge of allegiance, Bella Skube receives a gift certificate from Mayor Lori Cockrell, thanking her for her patriotism.

During public comments, Samantha Barber, the president of Reaching Out Now, a non-profit organization that is revitalizing the Raymond E. Santmyers youth center, stood up to express RON’s intention to fulfill its promise to Warren County’s youth despite the lack of financial support that they requested but did not receive from the Town.

President of Reaching Out Now, Samantha Barber, addresses the council regarding her disappointment in not receiving from the Town the funds she had hoped to receive for the youth center currently being revitalized.

Less than a year previously, the Town contributed $25,000 to the cause, but since then has not contributed, even though the discovery of surplus revenue led at least one council member, Glenn Wood, to believe that another significant contribution might be possible. Barber spoke passionately, drawing from scripture to underline the purpose with which she pursues the creation of a safe place for young people to gather, eat and drink, play, and be tutored; in their reports, the mayor and the council responded just as forcefully.

In terms of the budget, it has been a tight year. Even the discovery of surplus revenue has not fully alleviated the reality of how many worthy projects the Town is managing, including a projected sidewalk on West Criser Road which would address the problem of school children walking in the road between Skyline Vista Drive and Route 340. Many of the council members are products of the Santmyers youth center and desire whole-heartedly to see the revitalization of the center come to a successful completion. Mayor Lori Cockrell mentioned that she personally has made a financial contribution to RON, and that while not all taxpayers share her personal attachment to the cause, it is nevertheless a worthy expenditure of taxpayer dollars, considering the benefit to the community. However, the budget has been tight, and the council has had to weigh the grave concerns that face them, as they were elected to do.

School board member Melanie Salins addresses the council regarding the need for alternative health care options.

The council also heard from Warren County School Board member Melanie Salins during public comments on the need for alternative health care options, specifically as it relates to women and babies. Prior to public comments, a special use permit was granted for a short-term rental at 415 East Main Street, an appointment was made for further investigation of a request for the Town to vacate its right-of-way in a portion of an alley located behind and abutting 125 East 8^th Street, and finally the council approved the proposed public use and necessity of a redundant waterline for the Route 522 north corridor and the related acquisition of property under the power of eminent domain through condemnation. Having approved the consent agenda, the council went into closed session.

Chris Vaught is recognized by the mayor and the council for Virginia Waterworks Operator Class.

Cody Lohmann is recognized by the mayor and the council for Class A Line Technician Certification.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Nate Ruggles receives recognition by the mayor and the council on behalf of the Town for Wastewater System of the Year from Virginia Rural Water Association.

Click here to watch the Front Royal Town Council Meeting of July 22, 2024.