Town Council Catches Up on Business Delayed by Inclement Weather

Firstly, the Town of Front Royal’s energy department has no intention of doubling electric rates. This malevolent rumor, born on social media, was debunked by Mayor Lori Cockrell at a February 2 meeting, when she pointedly asked Director of Energy Services Carey Saffelle whether such a thing was being planned. The answer was no. In the context of a discussion and vote on electricity fees and procedures, Vice Mayor Amber Veitenthal added that this ordinance amendment will reduce costs for the Town and its citizens. Social media may not be any more reliable than the Delphic oracle, located above a gas reservoir, where the prophets were inspired by the fumes.

Above and below: the Town Council gathers on February 2 for a regular meeting that was delayed due to inclement weather. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

Debunking troll rumors is one of the many things that the mayor does effectively. Having made the call amid the inclement weather on January 25 that the meeting the next day should be postponed, Cockrell rescheduled the regular meeting of that month for the first Monday of February, on which the first work session would occur. What could have been an overwhelming event with business backed up went quickly and smoothly as she navigated the agendas for two separate meetings, and at one point, moderated a tense moment between two members of the council. Watching her become more authoritative as she mastered the ropes of her job has been a pleasure for the Royal Examiner.

Above: the council commences a work session that was already scheduled for February 2 as the first work session of the month. Below: Planning Director Lauren Kopishke presents three items for the council’s consideration.

After giving the go ahead to Fussell Florist for a mural to exceed sixty square feet, approving a batch of requests for the Town to vacate portions of several streets, and authorizing the ordinance amendment for energy services, the reports of town manager, members of council, and the mayor emphasized the sacrifices made by employees of the Town to respond to the snow storm. This meant significant time away from family in the interest of keeping the residents of Front Royal safe, should they venture out of their homes, hopefully only out of pure necessity, as the recommendation to the residents was: “Stay home.” Every member of the council expressed their gratitude for that service. With snow piled up on sidewalks, the result is not perfect, but one might see how full the glass is.

The work session focused on the proposed expansion of an auto repair shop at 3 West 14^th Street, a special-use permit for a tow yard on Kibler Street, bringing the shopping center on South Street that features Rural King and Martins into compliance through special permitting, and another request for the Town to vacate a portion of a street. The exchange became heated during the ongoing discussion of possibly reinstating two readings for items that have a public hearing. That would mean that items receive a final vote at a subsequent meeting, proceeding without a public hearing, having received a hearing at the previous month’s meeting, in the interest of giving the council more time to process what they have heard from the public. The disagreement was about whether a vote at the first meeting is necessary, since it is not final. Veitenthal, for whom the advocacy of reinstating two readings was a campaign promise, feels both votes are pivotal, while Councilman Joshua Ingram supports two readings but considers the first vote unnecessary. Other members expressed that they have not heard about the urgency of the two readings from any constituents. There may be other solutions, like leaving public hearings open, by majority vote, on a case-by-case basis.

This conversation was tabled by the mayor for future discussion before the council proceeded to a closed meeting.

Click here to watch the Front Royal Town Council Work Session of February 2, 2026

Click here to watch the Front Royal Town Council Meeting of February 2, 2026