Strategic plan receives unanimous backing

WINCHESTER — The city now has a plan to help guide decisions over the next 18 months and prepare it for its future.

By a 9-0 vote Tuesday, City Council approved a strategic plan. The plan outlines projects the panel hopes to complete before July 1, 2014, and creates five- and 15-year visions for the city.

The plan was created based on input from councilors and city staff members in October retreat sessions and December follow-up meetings. Consultant Lyle Sumek of Palm Coast, Fla., facilitated the discussions and put together the final plan.

The councilors have established four major goals — improve the economy, revitalize Historic Old Town, develop a high-performing city organization and create a more livable city for everyone.

Twenty-two action items have been targeted for completion in the next 18 months.

One of those actions — developing a strategy for the construction of a conference center — was endorsed at the meeting by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.

Mike Guevremont, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, said the chamber and its members often have a difficult time finding acceptable space for meetings and conferences. As a result, they must limit participation or move the event outside the region.

“We commend the city for making this project a priority for the community,” he said. “The chamber is willing to assist in any way in this effort.”

The councilors also:

Voted 9-0 to approve an ordinance to amend City Code to define drop-off boxes and establish regulations relating to them.

Voted 9-0 to approve a motion revoking the conditional-use permit for nightclub use issued to T.C. Tooties Historic Sports Pub. The sports bar went out of business.

Voted 9-0 to approve an ordinance to modify City Code pertaining to expand the list of professionals allowed to operate massage parlors.

Voted 9-0 to approve a resolution to amend City Code to allow the council to use a consent agenda.

Voted 9-0 to approve a conditional-use permit for Shenandoah Personal Communications LLC to upgrade telecommunications facilities with additional antennas at 333 W. Cork St.

Voted 9-0 to approve a conditional-use permit for AT&T to upgrade telecommunications facilities with an additional microwave dish at 799 Fairmont Ave.

Voted 9-0 to approve a resolution authorizing the submittal of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to purchase two mobile generators.

Voted 9-0 to approve a resolution honoring the retirement of Master Police Officer Homer Andrews from the Winchester Police Department and presented the resolution to him.

Voted 9-0 to approve a resolution honoring the retirement of Major David White from the Winchester Police Department.

Voted 9-0 to approve a resolution honoring the retirement of Linda Pommier from the Treasurer’s Office.

Announced the term expiration of Fran Orr as a member of the Social Services Advisory Board effective March 31.

Announced the term expiration of Art Major as a member of the Regional Jail Authority effective Feb. 19.

Announced the term resignation of Debbie Lewis as the parent representative to the Community Policy and Management Team effective Dec. 7.

Held a first reading on an ordinance to authorize the conveyance of the former Taylor Hotel property at 119-129 N. Loudoun St. to the Winchester Economic Development Authority.

Attending the meeting at Rouss City Hall were President Jeffrey Buettner, Mayor Elizabeth Minor, Vice President John Willingham, Vice-Mayor Milt McInturff and councilors Evan Clark, John Hill, John Tagnesi, Les Veach and Ben Weber.

— Contact Vic Bradshaw at vbradshaw@winchesterstar.com