Following a 4 p.m. tour of the new Senior Center renovations slated to be completed by June (see related story) and a late-added 5:30 p.m. Closed Session (Item A), the Warren County Board of Supervisors convened to yet another Fiscal Year-2024/25 budget work session. This one, convened about five minutes after the scheduled 6 p.m. start due to the length of the closed session, included one outside agency, the Virginia Department Of Transportation (VDOT) on the Six-Year Plan for road improvements in the county, and five county departmental presentations.

Those budget-related reports in the order presented were:

1. Presentation – Virginia Department of Transportation Secondary 6-Year Plan
2. Discussion – Public Work Transfer Station Rates – Mike Berry, Public Works Director
3. Presentation – Old Oak Lane, Phase IV (4) and V (5) Updates – Mike Berry, Public Works Director and Sanitary District Manager Michael Coffelt
4. Discussion – 2024-2025 United Healthcare Insurance Renewal – Jane Meadows, Deputy County Administrator, Kayla Darr, Human Resources Manager
5. Discussion – Orientation for the Department of Social Services – Jon Martz, Director of Social Services
6. Requested Proclamation: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – Department of Social Services

Since it was a work session, no actions were taken on the presentations or staff recommendations. The board took what they heard under advisement as they move toward a final budget proposal in the months leading to the start of Fiscal Year-2025 on July 1, 2024. Since no action can be taken at a work session, the Social Services Department requested proclamation on recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month would be made at the board’s first meeting of May, Tuesday, the 7th of May.

County Director of Social Services Jon Martz and staffers April White and Christine Lawson outlined their programs and service number increases into the new fiscal year and requested board acknowledgment of ‘April is Child Abuse Prevention Month’.

Among highlights of those presentations and board discussion of them was a staff recommendation from Public Works Director Mike Berry to begin charging the Town of Front Royal for its use of the County’s Solid Waste Transfer Station to dump residential trash. Coupled with a $10 hike in the County’s current tipping fee of $69 to $79 at the Transfer Station, charging the Town “what other commercial users” are charged was projected to increase County revenue by $474,000 to help cover rising costs.

Another highlight came during Deputy County Administrator Jane Meadows update on renewal of the United Health Care Insurance Plan for County employees. In describing the existing situation, employee contributions to their health care coverage balanced against salaries, as well as health and age profiles of county employees, it was observed that may of the County’s employees “feel undervalued” by their employer.

Board Chairman Cheryl Cullers expressed some distress at that description of what is apparently a significant portion of the County’s staff that may be considering a move to a higher-paying or larger employer share of health care costs municipality. And while it may not be a totally new phenomena in the local governmental employer/employee relationship, it is one the board chair believes needs to be dealt with proactively in coming years. How that might be achieved without increasing County revenue through higher service rates, as suggested by the public works director regarding the Town’s use of the County’s Solid Waste Transfer Station, or general tax hikes to provide additional across the board general services revenue will be a dilemma the board must face in coming fiscal years.

County Director of Social Services Jon Martz and staffers April White and Christine Lawson outlined their programs and service number increases into the new fiscal year, as well as requested board acknowledgment of ‘April is Child Abuse Prevention Month’.

Another discussion highlight came in the updates on Old Oak Lane Phases 4 and 5 in the Shenandoah Farms Sanitary District. Staff reported ongoing issues with “production defects” of box culvert sections delivered to the County by the contracted vendor causing ongoing delays as the Phase 4 project creeps toward completion. But that completion of the Old Oak Phase 4 project cited at an approved budget of $1.6 million, with expenditures to date of $796,792, with a remaining budget of $803,208, was recommended for completion. The staff summary also noted that the County “has not paid for the Eastern Vault $249,000 invoice for station 53+00 due to the deficiencies noted.” It was further noted that Public Works has “expended $173,000 in corrective action” with more corrective repairs to come.

As for Old Oak Phase 5 more at a planning stage, due to “Design Constraints” and related costs, staff recommended that the “County Administrator should send a letter to VDOT cancelling the Old Oak Phase V (5).” However, it was added that the County Public Works Department “complete the project internally using current maintenance contracts and approved SFSD (Shenandoah Farms Sanitary District) FY24 road improvement funding.” It was added that: “County General funding no longer necessary for internal SFSD project” which might draw the attention of some Farms Sanitary District residents regarding the use of their Sanitary District tax revenue.

The Closed Session involved legal consultation on wide range of matters involving liabilities, debt, potential bank actions, and recovery of assets related to the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (FR-WC EDA or now WC EDA) financial scandal. The motion made into the Closed Meeting read:

“I  move the Board enter into a closed meeting under the provisions of Sections 2.2-3711(A)(7) and (A)(8) for consultation with legal counsel pertaining to actual or probable litigation and the provision of legal advice regarding the Industrial Development Authority of the Town of Front Royal and the County of Warren, Virginia (the “EDA”), the Town of Front Royal, the EDA vs. Jennifer McDonald, et al., the Town of Front Royal vs. the EDA, et al., the EDA vs. the Town of Front Royal, other potential claims and litigation relating to other possible liabilities of the EDA, the recovery of EDA funds and assets, the outstanding indebtedness of the EDA and potential bank actions related to the same.”

The supervisors came out of the closed session at about 6:05 p.m. to find a captive audience of mostly county staff in the rear of the meeting room, along with VDOT reps Ed Carter and Matt Smith, right to left, in the second row of public seating.

And after the above-cited agenda’s completion, the work session adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Due to what was described as a vendor “glitch” there is some delay on the work session video being posted. County IT staff hopes the video will be posted by the end of the week. When it is available, it will be linked to this story.

At 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the Warren County Board of Supervisors began its three-pronged April 23rd schedule with a tour of the nearly completed two-year Health & Human Services facility renovations that will see the County-overseen Senior Center relocated from its Chimney Field-area site. According to Deputy County Administrator Jane Meadows, relocation will see an approximate doubling of the size of the senior assistance and activities facility. Meadows later elaborated to us that the square footage of the new Senior Center is 5,922 s.f., with shared space with the Parks & Recreation Department adding an additional 2,780 s.f. expanding total usable space to 8,702 s.f. For comparison, the existing Senior Center on Commonwealth Avenue near Chimney Field, the building is 3,964 s.f. The two-year project cost was cited at $867,000.

Deputy County Administrator Jane Meadows, right, gives supervisors and other involved personnel an overview of the status of the almost-ready Senior Center in a renovated portion of the County’s Health & Human Services complex off of 15th Street in Front Royal. Below are two perspectives on what appears to be a main dining area with space for other activities as needed. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Costs and returns on investments are high on the county supervisors’ minds right now as they zero in on a Fiscal year 2024/25 final budget that will see the county’s first tax hike in the past five years to fund crucial departmental and outside agency services. Board members new and old seemed impressed with the amount of renovated space and its condition as presented to them by Meadows, along with Senior Services personnel, a number from Seniors First, including Executive Director Jimmy Roberts, Director of Development Greg Stockton, Director of Senior Center Operations Marsha LeBrecht, and Senior Center staffer Misty Alger. Also joining the tour were County Director of Social Services Jon Martz and Assistant Director Christie Lawson.

The target date for opening the Senior Center at its Health & Human Services complex location at the old middle school site off 15th Street is sometime in June, though involved officials declined to get more specific on a precise date at this point as final renovations continue.

The Senior Center facility tour makes its way through kitchen areas with what appears to be a renovation in progress on the exhaust system hanging from the ceiling. In the third shot below, Warren Senior Center staffer Misty Alger displays a walk-in freezer for food storage in a kitchen area. Cleanliness in food preparation areas was cited and will be encouraged by multiple sink locations.

It was noted that the change of locations would also be beneficial in giving attending seniors nearby access to a number of Health & Human Services in the 15th Street complex in addition to the shared Parks & Recreation space. That access includes the County Health and Social Services Departments for assistance seniors qualify for and utilize in maintaining a more beneficial standard of living.

The group gathers at the exit from the large dining area to an outside patio area.

Meadows shows tour auxiliary rooms with work desks and a bathroom area with a walk-in shower.

On April 28th, 2024, the Bethel Life Church invites community members to a special Seder Meal held at the Bethel Community Center in Front Royal, VA. This event is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. and offers an opportunity for great food and fellowship.

The Seder Meal is a tradition that commemorates the Passover, marking the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery. It’s a time of reflection and community, filled with symbolic foods and stories that resonate with themes of freedom and renewal. The Bethel Life Church’s event is open to all, aiming to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to share in this meaningful experience.

Located at 49 Kendrick Ford Road, the Bethel Community Center provides the perfect setting for this gathering. The event promises to offer a taste of traditional foods and a chance to connect with others in the community. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in experiencing a Seder and learning more about this significant historical and religious event.

For more information, visit the church’s website at www.bethellife.org or contact them directly at 540.635.1826. Whether you’re familiar with the Seder tradition or curious to experience it for the first time, Bethel Life Church welcomes you to join them for a day of remembrance, community, and celebration.

Front Royal-Warren County Airport is gearing up for its anticipated “Wings and Wheels” event, a community celebration that combines the thrill of aviation with the charm of classic cars. Scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this event promises a day full of activities, showcasing aircraft and vintage automobiles, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Julie van Jaarsveld and Sean Roe, from the airport team, shared insights into the day’s festivities, which will kick off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Friends of Front Royal Airport at 8 a.m. The breakfast is an excellent opportunity for early risers to fuel up before diving into the day’s activities.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of aircraft displayed on the ramp, offering up-close photo opportunities and the chance to interact with pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Food vendors, including Buffalo Wild Wings and DonutNV, will be on-site to cater to culinary tastes, while the social highlight of the morning, a pancake breakfast, promises a delicious start to the festivities.

The event isn’t just about viewing planes; it includes a car show that awards prizes for the “farthest traveled” and “People’s Choice,” both for airplanes and cars. The local skydiving team will also perform demonstration jumps, adding an adrenaline-pumping element to the day. For those intrigued by skydiving, discounted tandem jumps will be available post-event, and raffles will offer chances to win skydives and discovery flights.

The “Wings and Wheels” isn’t merely a fun day out; it’s a showcase of the airport’s value to the community, often unrecognized. As Sean noted, the airport is a crucial hub for general aviation and plays a significant role in local tourism and the economy. The event aims to highlight these contributions and strengthen community ties through shared interests in aviation and automobiles.

Whether you’re an aviation aficionado, a car enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to spend a Saturday, the “Wings and Wheels” event at Front Royal-Warren County Airport promises to deliver an engaging and educational experience for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to explore the wonders of flight and the beauty of classic cars in the scenic backdrop of Front Royal, happen on May 11, 2024.

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com

Hargis “Junior” Webb Jr., 79, of Strasburg, Virginia, passed away at Winchester Medical Center on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Hargis “Junior” Webb Jr.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, with Sammy Campbell officiating.  Burial will follow at Panorama Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Webb was born on May 3, 1944, in Pound, Virginia, to the late Hargis Sr. and Linda Mullins Webb.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Vernard “Ray” Webb; sister, Ruby Jean Webb Jones; and sister-in-law, Eloise “Donie” Webb.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Beatrice “Bea” Webb; two sons, Ronnie Webb (Loretta) and Mike Webb (Brenda); four brothers, Bill Webb, Ed Webb (Lesha), James Webb (Dale) and Bob Webb (Chris); sister, Jackie Garmer (Shawn); six grandchildren, Ashley Hamrick (Mike), Amy Webb, Michael Webb (Ashley), Ronnie Webb Jr., Mason Davis and Tori Shamblin; two great-grandchildren, Brentley Hamrick and Keelan Webb; sister-in-law, Ada Webb; brother-in-law, Charles Jones and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.