Town Council Finishes Retreat, Considers Memorandum of Understanding with Smithsonian for Water Conservation

With the town attorney’s approval and a positive consensus from the town council, a memorandum of understanding is going forward between the Town and the Smithsonian Institution, affirming mutual interest in the conservation of a water resource. At the April 13 work session, the council heard from Smithsonian representatives about Sloan Creek Pond, a potential alternative water source owned by the Town since 1902. “The Town of Front Royal owns property south of town limits on Remount Road consisting of 6.84-acres,” the summary in the council’s agenda reads. “The property was originally purchased by the Town from the Royal Water Company in 1902 for a potential municipal water source. However, the Town has since sourced its water from the Shenandoah River though still retains the property and potential alternative water source.”

The Town Council meets for the second and final segment of a retreat prior to a work session on April 13. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

It continues: “The Smithsonian owns and operates the SCBI [Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute] headquartered in Warren County, which plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. Following recent discussions, the Town and the Smithsonian have expressed interest in ensuring the conservation, ecological restoration, and preservation of the property, including the maintenance of Sloan Creek Pond as an alternative water source. Therefore, we have proposed a potential partnership to work together as described in the attached MOU.”

A representative of the Smithsonian’s local headquarters speaks to the council in favor of a memorandum of understanding between Town and Smithsonian affirming collaboration in conservation of a potential water resource.

It was emphasized by the Smithsonian representatives that this MOU will not commit the Town to any purchases or projects. To be precise, the language of the MOU describes the relationship between parties as follows: “Under no circumstances will this MOU be construed as creating or establishing any formal, legal, association, partnership, joint venture, principal/agent or employer/employee relationship between the Parties.” It is merely a declaration of mutual interest in collaboration, opening a door while assigning initial tasks like the negotiation of a conservation easement. The property is surrounded by parcels owned by the Smithsonian, so this proximity lends feasibility to the venture. One of the representatives described his examination of the site, indicating that there is a great deal of work to be done, including dredging with which the Smithsonian agrees to assist the Town. These indicators led the council to believe that the asset would only ever be supplemental in extreme circumstances. Nevertheless, Vice-Mayor Amber Veitenthal applauded the institute as perfectly suited to the task, thereby reflecting an overall positive response from the council.

Purchasing Manager Michelle Campbell and Chief of Police Brian Whited answer questions from the council pertaining to a purchase for the police department.

Also at the work session, the council heard a virtual presentation from American Municipal Power about the advisability of “memorializing” the current process by which AMP secures short-term power on the Town’s behalf. They considered a critical acquisition for the police department and listened to a presentation from the finance director about the impending advertising of the budget. Wilson also spoke about a budget amendment allocating the funds from the sale of a tubgrinder to the future purchase of a replacement solid waste truck. Prior to the work session, the council finished a review of goals, hearing from the town manager about prospective sidewalks. Petty also mentioned new software that will make various tasks more efficient and in tandem with the mayor praised the success of the Citizens Academy. Cockrell reflected on how the academy creates ambassadors who can spread knowledge about how the Town works, knowledge which Veitenthal simplified eloquently: “Keep the lights on, the water flowing, and the toilets flushing.”

Finance Director B.J. Wilson addresses the council regarding the impending advertising of the budget.

Watch the Front Royal Town Council Meeting of April 13, 2026: