Poquoson City Council meeting featured discussion of resolution to support restoration of state fund

Minutes from the Poquoson City Council meeting held Sept. 10 were recently released.

After the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, a proclamation was read that proclaimed the week of Sept. 17 as Constitution Week.

Minutes from two previous meetings were approved and new business was then discussed.

A resolution to support the restoration of state funding for aid to localities was discussed. It was stated that since 2009, localities have been required to send a portion of state funding back or take a reduction in funding for various programs. The city has opted to send its portion back each year. The Virginia Municipal League is currently requesting that each locality write a letter to the governor and legislators and to adopt and send a resolution that requests a budget amendment be introduced into the 2013 General Assembly session to reverse the current year reduction and to eliminate the reduction in 2014. The resolution passed.

A resolution to amend the city's 2012 Emergency Operations Plan was presented by Deputy Fire Chief Michael Bryant. The amendment would add a public information annex to the existing EOP establishing policies and procedures for rumor control and the dissemination of accurate information to the media and citizens during a crisis situation. The resolution passed.

Several council members then spoke on various matters, including the thanking of the Library Advisory Board members for participating in a work session and the thanking of Emmaus Baptist Church  for holding a special service to honor the city's public safety employees.

The city manager spoke and stated that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would hold public meetings later in the month to hear citizen input on the development of a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment for Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The Police Department was applauded by the mayor for its professional and respectful handling of a funeral procession.

After additional council member comments, the meeting moved into a closed session to consult with legal counsel.  Upon reconvening in an open session, the meeting adjourned.

Filed under: GOVERNMENT