Notes and Votes March 5

Notes & Votes from the most recent meeting of the Colonial Beach Town Council.

On Wednesday, March 5^th, the Town Council (TC) met for their March meeting.

Mr. Wood kicked off the meeting by reminding citizens of the Colonial Beach Police Department Monthly Neighborhood Watch Meeting occurs the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM in the police station.

Mr. Larson advised golf cart decals will be available for purchase on begin March 17^th. Decals are $30 and require proof of insurance. Business renewal applications will be mailed March 12^th and are due April 1^st. Utility bills have been mailed and are due April 1^st. As a reminder, please contact the finance department if you are experiencing financial difficulties to discuss payment options.

The Colonial Beach Foundation (CBF) has $20,000 available for grants. If you have a project that strengthens our community, protects the environment, promotes wellbeing, enhances culture, or supports our youth, submit an application. April 15^th is the deadline. Visit the CBF website to find the application.

Director of Public Works Ruchty provided a presentation on our beach erosion and the need for annual sand replenishment and rip rap before tourist season kicks off. Amendment 06-25 passed which amended and appropriated the fiscal year budget to utilize an estimated $150,000. All councilmembers voted in favor with Mr. Williams and Ms. Sandford voting nay.

Ms. Tucker gave councilmembers a brief “first look” at the department needs and requests for the fiscal year 2026 budget. Each department head will be meeting in the coming weeks with Ms. Tucker to discuss their budgetary needs.

Town Council discussed the reading of email comments at town council meetings. Recently, Clerk Oliver advised the policy for reading public comment emails out loud at council meetings had expired. The policy was temporary due to Covid. Mr. Williams argued he believes the Clerk should continue to read emailed public comments out loud. Mayor Schick advised she recently spoke with several mayors, and it is not standard practice. Mr. Williams made a motion to continue the policy of reading emailed public comments out loud and suggested using an automated app to read the emails. Ms. Sandford seconded the motion.

The motion failed with Ms. Schick, Mr. Allison, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Larson voting nay. Mr. Williams, Ms. Grandstaff and Ms. Sandford voted in favor.

And THAT is a WRAP. The council will meet Wednesday, March 19^th at 6PM. Enjoy another day in paradise!