[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6673018,"mediaKeyId","2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27","parentId",2111965,"title","Council reviews proposed increases to parking fines, higher penalties for handicap-space violations","audioSeconds",144,"startMs",2266000,"endMs",2410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27&start=2266&end=2410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27/thumbnail_2266000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6673018/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Council-reviews-proposed-increases-to-parking-fines-higher-penalties-for-handicap-space-violations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673018-cb5c5a552af35e2bfdd91c280b9d60d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198717&Signature=kxaAb04Kz-8McpxXeaZfgIn1Q0USJKTMj-ArkAYmuWf~Q9N2RPuknAJr4Nlt55GsXXOotGg0o7qhr2RMZw6qX8ROI4MmSyaW2kuGLhSf-Fshut4N7c-HAPgjt5B7dUVrqBpOOlJNh43sIKCbsdMQQ3XPl0DgXS25jX~ofBlAIpVxiOtprRshIh8MmijKuN6SYpTtyQTyBLo~gcltlP2JfdoxaSMu1gz0kM5nIsEYFF-Hk6XBbza6~QRkrPvAS339leKs9vkfDCgnAugPIR4FV0qUJKrSUtvt4zwKGUoNu4hPwN8qfosafozFw6hQOaZU~eqb2LtzaXi9RZ3~pInmtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Winchester","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","Councilors reviewed on Jan. 14 a proposed ordinance (first reading) to update Chapter 14 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) that would increase parking fines and change several parking-related provisions.

Corey McKnight, presenting the item for staff and the Parking Authority Board, said the ordinance would bring long-unchanged fines into modern ranges and would target public-safety-related violations. \"We are wanting to increase the fine for parking in a handicap space to a maximum of $500,\" McKnight said. The staff discussion noted stepped increases for unpaid meter citations (examples presented: base meter fine proposed to rise from $10 to $20; delinquent penalties increase on structured schedule; second violation within eight hours would also rise). McKnight said staff highlighted violations the police no longer issue citations for and proposed removing those obsolete items from the code.

Councilors asked for clarifications about language and implementation. Councilor Herbstree supported a higher penalty for blocking handicap spaces to change behavior, noting the state and city allow vehicles with disability placards to park at metered spaces for up to four hours for free. Staff said the ordinance would remain a first reading and that changes to citation text and software would be required before an effective date. Mayor Beach and staff also discussed public-notice needs; staff said the ordinance would take effect July 1 if adopted, giving time to update systems and notice the public.

Staff described enforcement practice using handheld devices to photograph a vehicle's valve stem location when marking time—an electronic replacement for the old \"chalk the tire\" method—and said follow-up photos are taken to determine whether a vehicle has exceeded time limits.

The ordinance was presented for first reading and no adoption vote was taken on Jan. 14. Councilors asked staff to present final language and public-notice plans at a future meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Winchester - City Council Regular Meeting - 6:00 PM - Jan 14 2025 - Jan 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","On Jan. 14 Winchester council held a first reading of proposed updates to Chapter 14 (motor vehicles and traffic) that would raise meter fines and impose larger penalties for handicap-space violations; the item will return for additional consideration.","taxTitle","Winchester City, Frederick County, Virginia","taxId",5107,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673023,"Council reviews plan for $14 million water and sewer revenue bonds to fund infrastructure projects",244,3040000,3284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27&start=3040&end=3284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27/thumbnail_3040000.jpg","/articles/6673023/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Council-reviews-plan-for-14-million-water-and-sewer-revenue-bonds-to-fund-infrastructure-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673023-da0ddf9fde6e53506e6d2b8805e48a41/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198717&Signature=f0VrnJIL~oR7XIfCluc8QyMOMFgFdZxLyqcOAdA1giMPbAXRLuEF8wtmeFS6gKhdoCmuj7PLJ7L4HFRHqdd8ntCsn9svavKse4N5F9olcMomP~1V4GzuqPVXYKRmCWguEBoaOymZV-MT-9NhrSkIz9prU9M10UaEptiImx3ebe2uuTRNp-AQaceAoD8G81I9dyUQz9mggNWNZb~Ma3wfwYhFY3WXaFILUp~4S2aLmSiKs2QLTfcxrr37rT65stodYCgw~WLT08-Ei42ESwkl5lm21m7jpqihOuyHQKLGsvWTRXpwlh9qD04TI-BqmadHKkqrb5SjinQMDQAHH2OqGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a proposal on Jan. 14 to authorize up to $14 million in water- and sewer-system revenue bonds to pay for multiple capital improvements to Winchester's utility system.

Perry Eisenach, the item presenter, described the loan as a 20-year financing at an estimated 2.25% interest rate through a federally subsidized program that would require compliance with federal rules but yield a lower borrowing cost. \"This particular loan would be for $14,000,000. It's a 20 year loan. The interest rate would be 2.25%.\" He told council the subsidy would save the city “well over a $1,000,000” in interest costs over the life of the loan.

The bond proceeds would fund three high-priority projects: replacement of two sanitary sewer pump stations required under a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) consent order; replacement of a sanitary sewer main at the east end of Woodstock Lane near the burn training center and the city's metering station; and lining about 12.5 miles of sewer main and rehabilitating about 280 manholes. City staff said lining—rather than full excavation replacement—would cost about $5.5 million versus an estimated $20 million to $25 million to dig and fully replace the same length of mains.

Staff said the work would be paid from water and sewer fees and would not use general-fund tax revenues; no immediate rate increase is required to proceed. The proposal was presented as a first reading; the council did not take an adoption vote on Jan. 14. Staff said a public hearing and further consideration will follow at a future meeting.

Councilors thanked staff for advancing the work and asked about construction impacts and longevity of lining; staff said lining is expected to last at least 50 years, possibly up to 100. Councilors also asked about public notice for traffic impacts during construction; staff said they will provide advance notice to residents on affected streets.

","City staff described a plan to issue up to $14 million in water-and-sewer revenue bonds at a subsidized 2.25% rate to replace pump stations, line sewer mains and rehabilitate manholes; no vote was taken — item was a first reading and will return at public hearing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673027,"At a glance: council approves procurement, finance housekeeping and clears potential bidder disclosure",178,624000,802000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27&start=624&end=802","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27/thumbnail_624000.jpg","/articles/6673027/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/At-a-glance-council-approves-procurement-finance-housekeeping-and-clears-potential-bidder-disclosure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673027-693ad3eda187c841f2b32e802342a4e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198717&Signature=dhNgGSHWGG9Se322B0NzxA1ymqAJLzAjpcKq-BS3LEa6WbX0T8VX3fJiEKqIWrNQ6UQab1kwzqef~g5hqyN1QTeg30loHknCbPsuXSoNSmehDvtcO3snBG9jHfMaDKtPGTzT3Nt9ayClUFbfDzl6~0qju-qGaFV1H4PQ~8eZMT8Y-Hqt1PkFBAmhQrUE57oZ9G2BhFsxZq3-JMkyT7vQvpv47mtmAVdzFNynkOTO8r0mG4zuxTGRRA07PNSPe9oAs~qjvPEs~5q0RDP2cIi5zdiI~XW1CwFXj6kAtSiHUUj-b0OtmSW-9NB1tUOD1diLTcvJsnkP05VKXJyqpSfEMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winchester City Common Council took several routine votes at its Jan. 14 meeting, approving two ordinances on second reading and completing an administrative disclosure related to a potential bidder.

Procurement code amendment approved (O-2024-27)
The council adopted on second reading an ordinance amending Chapter 21 (Purchases), Article 4 (Methods of Procurement) of the Winchester City Code (O-2024-27). City staff said the changes update the code to reflect state procurement requirements and clarify RFP procedures. No public speakers addressed the item; the council approved the ordinance by roll-call vote.

Finance director housekeeping ordinance approved (O-2024-28)
Council adopted on second reading an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 9 (Finance director) of the Winchester City Code (O-2024-28). Staff described the changes as housekeeping to align city code with current practice, including changing references from \"departments\" to \"functions\" for internal fund transfers. The council approved the ordinance by roll-call vote.

Disclosure and eligibility for ITB202292 (R-2025-1)
Council considered a disclosure under the Virginia Conflict of Interest Act for an upcoming invitation to bid (ITB202292). City attorney Melissa Michaelson disclosed that a member of her immediate family works for H & W Construction. Michaelson said she would be disqualified from voting or participating further on the matter. The body voted to accept the disclosure; the motion carried with one recorded abstention.

No additional ordinances were carried on first reading at the Jan. 14 meeting; several first readings were discussed but not adopted (see related articles).","On Jan. 14 the Winchester Common Council approved two ordinances (procurement and finance director housekeeping) and approved a disclosure related to a potential bidder; the council tabled a separate policy discussion for later.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673031,"Winchester council tables proposed limits on public comment after sustained opposition",1691,3805000,5496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27&start=3805&end=5496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111965-879990d94d591cd5df83ba21b5195b27/thumbnail_3805000.jpg","/articles/6673031/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Winchester-council-tables-proposed-limits-on-public-comment-after-sustained-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673031-ea1aee3ac819b47200656aa4036088d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198717&Signature=iFRz1dal-PYXVjRGc1QeFqKXS5x031H7bsxjxdoS2ck4f7ZWbZYa6SzTNUMyQo8tbNrTxPgT4hWMMCWWMSZYoA6sR-RFZJsUbjMkvCC08TWojnKJeQGc93lvg3w5t-YR-0Pvs4SmnqfkaGQrRLnSp7xL2yONInOCvcA6N8xYQ~w4tpnowwcI8lt~kuv7alGzagZUdAmDIVFN4MZbc9O9nVLTx~bXpd~zUifU6JzM8JlGvvthGdnbCafBS5az9rs4l3hXEhSkfmVHT0B3VHigxKCnWrWRBoES6fxmAH0ncfu2IB90ha2SBnDjKiyNmmb-jK7tJ10IDZ1aqWJPqMkllw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winchester City Common Council on Jan. 14 voted to table a resolution that would set new limits on public comment and public-hearing procedures after several hours of public comment and objections from council members.

City attorney Melissa Michaelson opened the council discussion by framing the proposal as an effort to put written rules in place. \"I just think that it's important to have some set of rules to establish, you know, how public comment and public hearings will be conducted,\" Michaelson said, adding the written policy was intended to protect the First Amendment by making expectations public.

Dozens of residents used the public-comment period to oppose the proposal, R-2024-40. Several speakers said the changes—most notably a proposed 90-second limit per speaker and a 30-minute total cap—would curtail public participation. \"Limiting of public of the people's right to speak during public comments is nothing short of undemocratic,\" said Rodrigo Etaeta Leon, a Winchester resident. Other speakers presented data and petitions: Maribeth Stoller Watkins said she compiled meeting-length data showing the average public comment period in 2024 was about 16 minutes; Cleo Strauakis said she submitted a petition with about 230 signatures opposing the measure.

Speakers urged restoring the council's existing practice of three minutes per speaker and expressed concern that applause, shouting or other audience reactions could intimidate would‑be speakers. \"I had a resident come to me and say, I would have liked to have spoken and opposed what was being said, but I was too scared,\" Councilor Tagnisi later recounted when discussing the need for decorum.

After discussion among council members, Councilor Richard Bell proposed amendments—raising individual speaking time back to three minutes and raising the total public-comment cap from 30 minutes to one hour—and asked that the policy be reworked. The motion to table the resolution and return a revised draft at the council's Jan. 28 meeting carried. Mayor Mitch Beach seconded the motion to table.

Council members and staff said the delay would allow the administration to produce revised language that reflects council direction, including clarifying differences between public hearings (where additional time and visual aids may be appropriate) and the public-comment period (intended by the council to be a one-way opportunity for residents to address the body). Michaelson said she would bring a revised draft back for council consideration.

The council took no final vote on the policy at the Jan. 14 meeting. The matter is scheduled for return at the Jan. 28 meeting, when councilors said they expect to consider the edits requested at this session.

","The Winchester City Common Council on Jan. 14 paused action on a proposed policy that would limit public-comment time and restrict signage after extended public testimony and objections from residents and several council members.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews proposed increases to parking fines, higher penalties for handicap-space violations

Council reviews plan for $14 million water and sewer revenue bonds to fund infrastructure projects

At a glance: council approves procurement, finance housekeeping and clears potential bidder disclosure

Winchester council tables proposed limits on public comment after sustained opposition