2023 Annual Report - Town of Front Royal

ANNUAL REPORT

Town Hall 102 East Main Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630

5406358007

Lori A. Cockrell

Mayor

cockrell@frontroyalvacom

Elected: November 2022

Term expires: December 31, 2024

R. Wayne Sealock

Vice Mayor

wsealock@frontroyalva.com

Elected: November 2022

Term expires: December 31, 2024

Melissa DeDomenico-Payne

Councilwoman

mdedomenico-payne@frontroyalvacom

Elected: November 2023

Term expires: December 31, 2024

Joshua L. Ingram

Councilman

jingram@frontroyalvacom

Elected: November 2022

Term expires: December 31, 2024

tpresley@frontroyalvacom

Amber F. Morris

Councilwoman

morris@frontroyalva.com

Elected: November 2022

Term expires: December 31, 2026

H. Bruce Rappaport

Councilman

hbrappaport@frontroyalvacom

Elected: November 2022

Term expires: December 31, 2026

Glenn E. Wood

Councilman

gwood@frontroyalvacom

Elected: November 2023

Term expires: December 31, 2024

jwaltz@frontroyalvacom

Tina

George

Joseph

TOWN MANAGER

It is my pleasure to present the 2023 Annual Report for the Town of Front Royal. This report highlights major accomplishments and initiatives over the past year along with departmental information

Since re-joining this amazing team in November 2022, I have been impressed by the daily dynamics that make the Town run so effectively It gives me immense pride to work alongside staff who act with resilience and determination, and consistently meet the needs of the community to enhance their quality of life.

There have been many goals set over the last several years that align well with the Towns’ vision and priorities. As we move into the next budget cycle, we will continue to implement the Town Council’s top priorities, and balance current revenues and expenses while maintaining acceptable reserve levels The 2024 operating budget will create a foundation to maintain a balanced budget in future years while still maintaining the highest quality of services.

The Town of Front Royal is committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic vitality to meet the Town’s needs now and into the future. We strive to promote innovation to maximize economic and social benefits while also reducing environmental impacts

In closing, none of our Town’s accomplishments and initiatives would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Town Council, Department Heads and employees, both in helping to shape and in carrying out the goals and objectives of the Town I am extremely proud to serve the Front Royal community alongside such a professional group.

Sincerely,

Joseph E. Waltz Town Manager

INTRODUCTION TOWN COUNCIL

The Mayor and Town Council are the only elected officials of the Town

Local Government powers are conferred on the elected Mayor and Town Council by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the people of Front Royal, Virginia Powers are defined by the Charter of the Town of Front Royal, the Code of Virginia, and the Virginia Constitution.

The Town Council meets every fourth Monday of each month in a formal session at the Warren County Government Center. The Council also meets in work session the first and second Monday of every month

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Town of Front Royal to provide its citizens, businesses, and visitors with quality public services in a fiscally prudent manner that sustains Front Royal’s character, beauty, and small-town charm.

Vision Statement

Front Royal is a place citizens and businesses are proud to call home and where there is a strong sense of community and commitment to sustain the quality of life for future generations.

“Front Royal, where you can spend a lifetime..”

(Left to right, back row: Bruce Rappaport, Josh Ingram, Glenn Wood, Wayne Sealock, front row: Melissa Domenico-Payne, Mayor Lori Cockrell, Amber Morris)

COUNCIL INITIATIVES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Establishment of the Local Board of Building Code Appeals (LBBCA)

Contracted a new Town Auditor

Updated Town Procurement and Policy Manual

Dedicated Commerce Avenue Bridge in honor of Sgt. Dennis Smedley

Awarded Town Scholarships to high school students

Involved students in Town Council Meetings by leading the Pledge of Allegiance

Financed construction on a new Fleet Maintenance Building

Approved Speed Cameras for School Zones

Accepted Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCIS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Public Safety Grant to Approve the Purchases of Advanced License Plate Readers and Two Vehicles for the Narcotics Investigations Division

Authorized Participation in the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Virginia Main Street Program: Exploring Main Street in support of Downtown Front Royal, Inc

Accepted additional funds from VDOT to be used for Street Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects

Authorized the Execution of the 2025-2028 Fixed Volume Energy Supply Schedule with American Municipal Power, Inc (AMP)

Approved trade and purchase of new firearms for the Police Dept.

Addition of Mobile Food Units in Town Code

Addition of Cemetery in Town Code and approved cemetery for Dynamic Life Church

Approved Short-Term Rentals

11

FOIA Requests Fulfilled

124

Town Council Meetings

12

Council Work Sessions

20

Special Meetings

6

Accepted donations from Loudoun County for Police Tasers

TOWN AWARDS & RECOGNITION

TOWN AWARDS

National Recognition for Achieving Exceptional Electric Reliability from American Public Power Association (APPA)

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2021-2022

Water Treatment Plant- Gold Award- The Office of Drinking Water of Virginia awards this for achieving Virginia’s Optimization Program Goals in Water Treatment Plant Performance

American Municipal Power (AMP) Safety Award in the Transmission and Distribution category in recognition of no time lost due to reportable accidents or injuries

Arbor Day Foundation Recognition as Tree City USA town

EMPLOYEE AWARDS

Town Manager recognized Mary Ellen Lynn for Going

Above and Beyond as interim Energy Director

Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards

Erik Rosemeck- Gold Valor Awards

Eric Suess- Gold Valor Award

Rachel Martin- Gold Valor Award

Beautification of Front Royal Committee recognized Jon McDonald for horticulture projects

Mothers Against Drunk Driving- Virginia Award

d Mark Hajduk & Jacob Dodson

RETIREES

Sgt Kevin Coffman

Front Royal Police- 30 yrs

Major Kevin Nicewarner

Front Royal Police -28 yrs

K-9 Bosco

Front Royal Police- 6 yrs.

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

The Front Royal Town Council appoints individuals to various boards and commissions that help create and influence policy for various Town Departments by providing feedback and direction

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (ACES)

The Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) focuses on the Town’s ecosystem, including recommended goals for environmental protection involving waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, clean air and water, natural resources, and a sustainable community

Focal Projects

Maintaining Front Royal’s recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA town Coordinating with community organizations and volunteer groups to develop and implement environmental projects

Planning the annual Earth Day festival and Arbor Day ceremony

Improving the health of our local watershed, with emphasis on Happy Creek

Expanding the Town’s greenway, along with improving greenway safety and accessibility

BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BAR)

The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) determines the appropriateness of property improvements to maintain the historic character of the town's historical districts and ensures the historic integrity of buildings and sites are preserved. The BAR consists of five (5) voting members who are appointed by the Town Council.

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS (BZA)

The Code of Virginia requires all jurisdictions with a Zoning Ordinance to have a Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals is a five-member board of citizens appointed by the Circuit Court. The Board hears variance requests from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Administrator.

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

LOCAL BOARD OF BUILDING CODE APPEALS (LBBCA)

The Local Board of Building Code Appeals (LBBCA) is required by Town Code, The LBBCA’s duty is to administer and enforce the mandatory provisions of the Virginia Uniform Building Code, including the construction code and the rehabilitation codes. The LBBCA only hears cases when the department receives an appeal to the decision of the Property Maintenance Official, they do not meet outside of an appeal except to annually select one of its regular members to serve as chairman and vice chairman

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission is a five-member body appointed by the Town Council whose responsibilities include making critical zoning and planning recommendations to the Town Council on matters related to the orderly growth and development of the town, including site plans, special use permits, re-zonings, and zoning ordinance text amendments.

The Planning Commission is established in accordance with an ordinance adopted by the Front Royal, Virginia Town Council on October 8, 1934, and in accordance with Title 152, Chapter 22, Article 2, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.

The Front Royal Economic Development Authority is a 7-member Board of Directors appointed for staggering terms by the Town Council whose responsibilities include fostering and stimulating the development and redevelopment of Downtown, Town's capital improvement projects, industry, commerce, education, and all other purposes set forth in the Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, Virginia Code 15.2-4900.

FRONT ROYAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (FREDA)

DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS

ElizabethLewis CommunityDevelopment& TourismDirector

CareySaffelle EnergyServicesDirector

BJWilson FinanceDirector

LauraMcIntosh HumanResourcesDirector

CharlesHutchings InformationTechnologyDirector

LaurenKopishke

RobertBoyer PublicWorksDirector

DonMcPaters FleetMaintenanceDirector

HillaryWilfong ExecutiveAdministrativeAssistant

TinaPresley ClerkofCouncil

GeorgeSonnett TownAttorney

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

The

& Tourism Department collaborates with internal and external partners to develop, coordinate, and promote special events and the value of arts and culture in the Town of Front Royal. The Department works closely with community organizations, entrepreneurs, and businesses to ensure a strong vibrant local economy through collaboration and support.

The Town’s Main Street Visitor Center saw over 21,000 visitors in 2023, serving visitors from 47 states and 23 countries. Our Tourism efforts include marketing collectively with Shenandoah Valley partners, sharing the arts and cultural opportunities in Front Royal, and inviting all to share in the natural wonders in this small mountain town

Town Sponsored Events

VA Historic Garden Week

Earth Day Celebration

35th VA Wine & Craft Festival

Red, White, & Block Party

Royal Independence Fireworks

Movie Nights

National Night Out

51st Festival of Leaves

Spooky Saturday

Happy 235th Birthday Party

Christmas on Main & Parade

ENERGY SERVICES

The Department of Energy Services provides electrical services to almost 8,000 homes and businesses in the Town of Front Royal and Warren County. It is one of sixteen municipal electric systems in Virginia and one of over 2,000 municipal-owned systems in the United States.

The Department of Energy Services is a self supported enterprise fund, with total costs for operation derived through the town’s electric rate structure

MAJOR PROJECTS

SHENTEL Project: town wide electric infrastructure improvements

Kendrick Substation Power Transformer Replacement: replacement of a 30+ year old Power Transformer to improve system reliability and electric distribution efficiency

Traffic Signal Upgrades at South Royal Avenue & Criser Road:

132 Power Outages

35 New Services

PUBLICPOWERDAY

In October 2023, the Department of Energy Services hosted it’s first annual Public Power Day Event at the Downtown Commons.

ELECTRICRELIABILITY

The average service availability index (ASAI) is the ratio of the total number of electric consumer hours that service was available during a given time period to the total consumer hours demanded.

Operations Manager: Travis Petty and Class A Linemen: Alan Bell, Chris Cubbage, Ryan Lyerly & Chris Roland completed their registered apprenticeships through the Virginia Apprenticeship Council and Virginia Department of Labor

FINANCE DEPT

The Finance Department provides leadersh customer service to maximize the Town’s fi resources. The Finance Department is com to meeting the financial and administrative support needs of all Front Royal departmen offices, and elected officials by providing th high-quality, timely, accurate, and meaning information and services delivered in an ho clear, and transparent manner in conforma with the highest standards

Responsibilities

It is the goal of the Finance Department to customers with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. Complaints are promptly recorded and directed to the appropriate office and followup is made to confirm that the complaint is resolved

Accomplishments

Received GFOA award for Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2021-2022

It is the responsibility of the Finance Department to ensure that the Town's finances are managed in accordance with Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations Included in this is the responsibility for the annual audit and the Town's compliance with generally accepted accounting and financial reporting procedures.

In addition, the department is charged with overall prevention of waste, fraud and abuse. An important measure of our success in these efforts is receipt of annual certificates issued by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the Town's annual financial report.

Created and implemented new Procurement Policies and Procedures Manual

Created and implemented P-Card Program

Expended 85% of American Rescue Plant Act Funds on the Redundant Waterline Project and I&I Abatement Projects. Started utilizing GovDeals to auction Town’s surplus properties online.

Obtained $2.45 million loan for the Fleet Maintenance Building Rehabilitation, solicited procurement for contractor to perform rehabilitation services. Began cost of service study for solid waste; The project remains on-going with anticipated implementation of new rates July 1, 2024

Obtained $250,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Health for lead service line inventory; which is required to be completed by October 2024

HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT

The Department of Human Resources and Risk Management serves approximately 185 local government employees. It is the mission of Human R h l nd h ll f the

omote

Goals

Recruitment of qualified individuals

Retention of valuable employees

Training, development, and education to promote individual success and increase overall value to the organization

Demonstrate and maintain a healthy work environment, both physically and mentally Inspiration and encouragement for a high level of employee morale through recognition, effective communication, and constant feedback

Anticipating and meeting the changing needs of the workplace.

lanning, facilitates departmental training, and

ccomplish risk management goals related to

ms, and insurance program objectives. It is our mission to protect and preserve the Town’s assets and resources, both human and financial, in support of the Town’s efforts to serve its citizens and build a stronger community. We work to promote a healthy, safe, and productive work environment through a strong commitment to health and safety practices and programs

Responsibilities

Risk Assessments

Policy/Procedures

Health and Safety Committee

Accident/incident Management

Health and Safety Training

General,

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Information Technology Department offers leadership and guidance in an array of secure technical services and products for Town staff and elected officials. The IT Department introduces, encourages, supports, and maintains use of technological services to increase efficiency of local government operations and for the convenience of Town residents.

Responsibilities

Perform Cybersecurity

Manage vulnerability and software patching

Manage updates and Operating System Life

Respond to Cyber Threats

Scan for and eliminate possible threats

Maintain Hardware within the entire Town IT

Infrastructure

Town Hall Assets

Front Royal Police Department Assets

Energy Services Assets

Public Works Assets

Protect the assets and data of the Town of Front Royal in accordance with confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility guidelines to ultimately protect information associated with doing business with the Town of Front Royal

Provide Town Employees and Town Boards with the technological services they need to perform their duties in an efficient manner.

GOALS

ImproveGovernment

SecurityPosture

Seeknewtechnology efficiencyopportunities

PLANNING & ZONING

Planning and Zoning maintains and enforces regulations that ensure the Town of Front Royal grows and develops in ways that support the Town’s vision, are beneficial to residents and businesses alike, and preserve the neighborly character for which Front Royal is so well known.

This department also assists residents and customers on developing and implementing long-range, comprehensive plans for the growth of the community, dealing with challenges such as land use, community facilities, transportation, utilities and other related issues, rezoning requests, and subdivision administration, including site and subdivision plan reviews. The Department also provides staff support to the Town Council, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Board of Architectural Review

The Town of Front Royal Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency composed of 53 sworn, non-sworn, and support personnel dedicated to providing our community with high quality service in a prompt, polite and courteous, problemsolving, community policing manner.

The total calls for service number reflects incoming emergency and non-emergency requests for service It excludes activities such as officer self-initiated calls, location and status calls, power outages and any other routine administrative activities.

CALLS FOR SERVICE

FLEET MAINTENANCE

DEPT

The Vehicle Maintenance Division maintains the fleet of vehicles and motorized equipment of the Town Responsibilities include maintenance, repairs, and record-keeping for the vehicles and equipment in 9 Town departments An extensive program of preventive maintenance enables the Town to prolong the life expectancy of the fleet

Whether a vehicle is powered by gasoline, diesel fuel or propane the Town's mechanics are qualified to work on it. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved a paint booth. This helps keep the bodywork in-house, saving taxpayers the cost of 3rd-party contracts. The shop performs its own state inspections, as well.

The Fleet maintains over 245 of the Town’s Equipment which includes vehicles, heavy duty equipment, and small engines.

PUBLIC WORKS

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

Responsibilities

Performs skilled maintenance and repairs to town owned buildings

Completes electrical, carpentry, painting, plumbing and building needs

Delivers products to all town buildings

Oversees contractors for services not provided by Town Departments

Maintains cleanliness of Town buildings

PUBLIC WORKS HORTICULTURE

The Town maintains landscaping on all Town-owned property and rights-of-way including medians. All hanging flower baskets on Main Street and Chester Street during the Spring and Summer months are arranged and placed by the Horticulture Division.

SOLID WASTE

The Town of Front Royal Solid Waste provides trash & recycling collection for residents and businesses. The following are some of the services offered:

Refuse collection

Recycling collection

Christmas Tree Disposal

Yard Waste & White Goods Manages Manassas Ave Disposal Site

Responsibilities

Handles mowing, weed eating and tractor mowing of Town properties, Rights-of-way and medians

Plans, designs, installs and maintains floral landscape areas throughout Town

Collection of dead animals in the Town rights-of-way

Plants and maintains over 50 hanging baskets on Main Street and Chester Streets

Installs the official Christmas Tree and holiday decorations at the Gazebo, on Main Street and Town Hall Oversees chipper collection

PUBLIC WORKS STREETS, ASPHALT & CONCRETE DEPT

The Town's Streets, Asphalt and Concrete operations are directed toward the safe travel of motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and the preservation of the road surface.

Responsibilities

Maintenance of 137 moving lane miles of streets and 92 miles of storm sewer

Pothole and street repairs

Bridge maintenance

Daily street sweeping

Maintenance of sidewalks, trails and crosswalks

Snow and ice removal

Perform sidewalk and curb-and-gutter

installation and repairs

Perform storm drain installation and repairs

SIGN DEPT

The Sign Department fabricates, installs, maintains and removes all traffic and parking signs in the Town‘s right of way. This makes for safe and orderly streets, biking/hiking trails, parking areas and walkways.

Responsibilities

Fabricates, installs and repairs Town Street Signs

Install and maintain crosswalks

Annual line painting and thermoplastic application

106 POT HOLES FIXED

508 TONS OF ASPHALT USED

2,011 SqFt. SIDEWALKS

Projects

E. Prospect Street Bridge Complete Rehabilitation

Curb & Gutter Installation on Braxton Road & Manassas Ave

Wayfinding Sign Installation

Alleyway Inspections Program

North Shenandoah Ave Lighting

W. Criser Road Sidewalk Improvements

Inspection of street signage and pavement markings

144 Signs Fabricated

132 Signs Installed

412 Sign & Post Repaired

WATER & SEWER MAINTENANCE

The Water and Sewer Maintenance team has a wide range of responsibilities that are vital to our Town‘s infrastructure. W&S Maintenance always has 2 employees on-call, 24/7/365.

Responsibilities include:

Installation and maintenance of all water mains, service connections, meters and related calls

Maintaining sewer mains, service laterals, manholes and grease trap inspections

Provides and maintains water service to 6,406 customers

Provides and maintains sewer service to 6,093 customers

Maintains:

Handles all service calls-sewer backups,

Repairs all water breaks

Completes work orders from Finance Dept.

Works with DEQ to reduce amount of inflow and infiltration

Redundant Waterline

Pressure Reducing Vault

Replacements, Richmond Road and

Inflow and

PUBLIC WORKS WATER TREATMENT

The Town owns and operates a Water Treatment Plant to ensure a plentiful supply of potable water to all customers in the Town and some in Warren County. The Plant currently is rated to supply up to 5.94 million gallons of water per day (MGD). Most of the Town's water is obtained from the South Fork of the Shenandoah River with additional water coming from Happy Creek and Sloan Creek

The WTP has exemplified extraordinary service and efficiency, earning a Gold Award from the VA Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water for the last 8 years!

Projects

PUBLIC WORKS

WASTE WATER TREATMENT

The Town owns and operates a Wastewater Treatment Plant to treat sewage from 6,093 residents and Warren County customers The plant is rated to treat 5.3 million gallons of wastewater per day (MGD). The responsibilities of the Wastewater Plant staff is to operate and maintain a septage receiving facility that accepts septage from all Warren County citizens and 7 off-site lift stations. The Town has 3 VPDES permits through Virginia DEQ that ensures good Effluent Quality to be discharged into the Shenandoah River.

Projects