[{"_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",6088371,"mediaKeyId","2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60","parentId",2881565,"title","Council approves consent agenda, authorizes closed-session legal consultations","audioSeconds",2642,"startMs",6383000,"endMs",9025000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60&start=6383&end=9025","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60/thumbnail_6383000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6088371/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Council-approves-consent-agenda-authorizes-closed-session-legal-consultations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088371-05a958c436329807714577f6a32074bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157042&Signature=HzSNkHIxynDvmlttFGzDAHPHMuhO6zuSo1pi9B4l8XRq-yq1bIZiAuVn3W0R34FvCJakeShQ~8SqqWywe1vdJ5-2MTaxmfnprad554crSOHaYCIFB5~g341wjFdXyRpZ97VGFJmywEA3~7y2mfn9euTEQrxQ~R0Bc25GNlXcLrc9-DP4KLgu6njF0rzZOfK1NPIQBUCh2WU7G4RF0WOTXWSQzIFVC5j6CrSwlxeEny6NYgFS3en6lOn9PTXBXMQ85SOfJAsP0-t8njw3RIC5bX4zJmJNqmLx79PRmsY8A-xaVHQTN174wWG7SRl-7T9Hnt-F1aAAuxC3XiFUqbrrCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lexington","date","2025-04-05T08:40:07.467Z","article","Lexington City Council took two recorded formal votes during its April 3 meeting.

1) Consent agenda: Council approved the consent agenda, which included a street‑closure item, by roll‑call vote. The motion carried with councilmembers recorded as voting Aye in roll call; the item was adopted as presented.

2) Closed session authorization: Council voted to convene a closed meeting under Virginia Code §2.2‑3711(a)(7) and (8) for consultation with legal counsel regarding actual or probable litigation and specific legal matters requiring legal advice. A roll‑call vote was recorded and council members present voted to authorize the closed session; the mayor noted one council member was absent.

Votes at a glance (as recorded in the meeting transcript):
- Consent agenda (street closure and related consent items): motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded Aye votes from Ziegler, Driscoll, Strahan, Betts and Alexander; motion carries (minutes reflect 5‑0 with one absent).
- Motion to enter closed session pursuant to Virginia Code §2.2‑3711(a)(7) and (8): motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded Aye votes from council members present; motion carried. The mayor stated one member (Smith) was absent.

Ending: After the closed session was authorized, the council adjourned to closed meeting and planned to reconvene only to adjourn the public meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lexington City Council: April 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lexington City Council approved the consent agenda by roll call and later voted to enter a closed meeting under Virginia Code to consult with legal counsel on litigation and legal advice matters.","taxTitle","Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia","taxId",56190,"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},6088376,"Council hears details on homeowner‑repair pilot and EDA sprinkler loan to unlock downtown units",1573,6806000,8379000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60&start=6806&end=8379","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60/thumbnail_6806000.jpg","/articles/6088376/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Council-hears-details-on-homeownerrepair-pilot-and-EDA-sprinkler-loan-to-unlock-downtown-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088376-7b4948fd0bc7e0dbe533afc43558f0c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157042&Signature=jOEEN77l-h5xWcjw10Vy3~0FZLgiZFeIJUFGfkUySnjqR2RanT3ONvsjypk4hfeoPPYLyDYCqF0mv7S8wMVAJfW3ZmKK6TmM0IvXw-NJn9vpIeAidm4x8ZGP1z9nonGKVO8RDVHwRsNryQbvmDtfb7QnvU2WFPZQw65v8CXmUPff3OAu~erV8-WQEgbrBKY~O-0dp7nh5UcQ9N3QYjRr0EMwZzl4ZKEUssj6MnMEmm2UtfPO1AAegHVKbDKsUkXO9hPozEYqVhUJKpsSDP8rZ0FexXhgDoP~YZvmiFmIsf2DzS7jQkG~VlDR4Rnug5qfvVGTPVKepHzvy93RK3QFaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council received updates on two related programs aimed at preserving housing and unlocking upstairs residential space in Lexington on April 3: a homeowner‑helper revolving loan concept under discussion by the Threshold group and a sprinkler incentive program the city’s EDA is preparing to administer.

Threshold’s proposal, as reported by Council Member (Miss) Alexander, adapts a model used in another state in which local funds form a revolving, zero‑percent loan pool to pay contractors directly for exterior and limited interior repairs that are necessary for safety, habitability or code compliance. The council previously set aside $250,000 for a homeowner‑helper program. Alexander said the Ohio example typically capped repairs near $15,000 per house, served elderly and disabled homeowners, and used liens that were repaid at sale or otherwise satisfied, with program proceeds returning to the revolving fund.

Why it matters: advocates framed the program as a tool to help low‑income, elderly, or disabled homeowners who cannot afford safety repairs and to prevent deterioration that could otherwise require code enforcement or result in loss of housing stock.

Separately, the EDA has drafted a sprinkler‑incentive program aimed at downtown property owners. City Manager Tom Carroll and staff described proposed terms the EDA is considering: a loan cap of $125,000 per project, a 10‑year payback period and effectively 0% interest. The program contemplates rolling certain water connection (tap) fees into the loan and offering a forgiveness or waiver of the tap fee if the borrower fulfills the loan obligations over the loan term. The city set aside $250,000 for the sprinkler incentive at the same time it reserved funds for homeowner repairs.

Staff said the sprinkler incentive has a potential early candidate: a Washington Street property with vacant storefront space and two upstairs apartments that could be activated if sprinklers are installed. Estimates for smaller downtown sprinkler retrofits mentioned at the meeting ranged from roughly $30,000 to $40,000 for the initial candidate, though engineering and detailed bids remain pending.

City Attorney: the city attorney cautioned that, under Virginia law, the city must identify an appropriate statutory authority for any program copied from another state; he said the EDA can serve as the practical conduit for the homeowner‑helper model in Virginia where a local housing authority does not exist.

Ending: Council and staff plan additional work with the EDA and Threshold to refine eligibility, lien and repayment mechanics, procurement of local contractors, and outreach. Staff said a draft marketing brochure for the sprinkler incentive will be refined and the EDA will consider formal program documents for future action.","Council members and staff discussed a proposed homeowner‑helper revolving loan and an economic‑development‑authority (EDA) sprinkler incentive that would offer low‑cost, time‑limited loans to property owners to repair or sprinkle structures and encourage reuse of upper‑story housing.",{"_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},6088380,"Healthy Green Neighborhoods coalition outlines tree, creek and recycling projects for Lexington",916,4451000,5367000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60&start=4451&end=5367","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60/thumbnail_4451000.jpg","/articles/6088380/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Healthy-Green-Neighborhoods-coalition-outlines-tree-creek-and-recycling-projects-for-Lexington","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088380-25657f9310c845e7796113ce62ff1dc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157042&Signature=MNWTVVFLNJipmdsTmhf8dXDeuGEy4dG0yC8o4VPWw6~Hb5j1TnhKHR1fKYbqP8G19xxitiHLV4DU0YOxoxeT1vYwa3EOOmUEFYZseMmP65SsexkmnMn~19tRULzeS93Iadg2C~lqIZOlMbdLtmbnWlqNKMNhW4KR7t1mRb1kWU49HaZ8C9YnmY6R1XtRrrsSZcqAppfZxp2rVT0VhsG6jWKaNDZ0UoL1cxruq3SZPYql0cLMSiqX4762QaFFdkIZaVQ~QQrDpHcFZ~km6qINzm-15aPIknm7Syl4UoRCavwXkOT9ZWG8qCjrIgcCMShrjrExDto9avQc0~3Eb0Q4vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jamie Gooden, representing the Lexington Healthy Green Neighborhoods coalition, told City Council on April 3 that the group is advancing a set of small‑to‑mid‑scale projects intended to support the city’s comprehensive plan goals on green infrastructure, walkability and stormwater.

Gooden described a cross‑sector steering committee that includes Rock Ridge Conservation, the Lexington City Tree Board, Main Street Lexington, Washington and Lee University, VMI, Boxerwood and other local partners. He said the initiative received roughly $20,000 in startup funding from Rock Ridge Community Health Foundation and a health clinic and used those funds for coordinator support, tree nursery start‑up, a tree giveaway and other pilot activities.

Why it matters: the coalition’s work focuses on neighborhood‑level tree canopy, shore‑line stabilizing plantings on Woods Creek, removal of invasive species, and pilot recycling improvements — efforts officials said are intended to reduce stormwater runoff and improve public health and walkability.

Examples of current and planned work the coalition described:
- Tree plantings at Jordan’s Point and along Woods Creek; a “great tree giveaway” last year distributed 51 trees to households, with a waiting list for the next round.
- Removal of invasive species along Woods Creek and coordination with Friends of Woods Creek and W&L on trail segments and monitoring.
- A planned tree nursery at Public Works and public seating installations tied to Woods Creek improvements.
- Recycling research and data collection work in concert with the county and local businesses and exploration of potential KPI metrics for a revamped program.

Gooden said the coalition is using memoranda of understanding where appropriate with the city and partner institutions and that several projects are already in execution. Councilmembers thanked the group and asked staff to share any draft recommendations for public reuse or operations, particularly for recycling and Woods Creek projects.

Ending: The coalition asked the council to note the initiative as a local implementation partner for the comprehensive plan and indicated it will return with more detailed recommendations as pilot projects complete initial phases.","The Lexington Healthy Green Neighborhoods coalition described planting, invasive‑species removal, stormwater work and recycling studies that it says support the city's comprehensive plan and public health goals.",{"_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},6088385,"Lexington council reviews FY26 operating budget, flags interest-income risk and agency grant cuts",5985,354000,6339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60&start=354&end=6339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2881565-9ede346b87fea182e42ef33d8d068d60/thumbnail_354000.jpg","/articles/6088385/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Lexington-council-reviews-FY26-operating-budget-flags-interest-income-risk-and-agency-grant-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088385-af3dcdea4331e724538d85783e95132c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157042&Signature=ZXHgE~DhUEpDiPnoeZNfyMJORBD-9C2RqkmF7i5-w2vOLbSe8IccjN3NUA7ytGxr~6UrhZebirCboQDvLMPUQweHNplZgksaTxSwFREFWpF2n6uCAvCClpt48QKIcaUi-0uvyB~bwZEPQOzbNYysp4KyXdTp875WyOsaxDAlIcu9sla698XOuI8sVYxoK6E6FQYpvMPB8cNyPnH61KLzEo8NAdtHw4-qwqRWPhWGAn-h0gIPh8gxxsXDcGUuh4za8IG-wqMhhVRR0LTWU0xDmZDGmXp4o2ihh8~gy5WusIMBMPxM0pkScmDxiPabg7EEPojCqMMeSS2MBlC-i72lFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Tom Carroll and finance staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget to Lexington City Council on April 3, stressing that projected interest income is a material line item in the general fund and that changes in market rates could leave a modest gap.

Carroll told council that “interest income is estimated…at $1,520,000,” and that the budget model assumes “a 4% average yield on a $38,000,000 treasury.” Staff said they have opened longer-term investment options to lock in rates and are using a laddered approach to reduce exposure if yields fall.

Why it matters: interest revenue in the FY26 draft is one of the larger single non‑tax revenue sources, so a sustained decline in yields would reduce available discretionary funds and could require expenditure reductions or other adjustments before the fiscal year ends.

City finance staff described a stress test showing that, under the budgeting assumptions and a modest projected decline in yields through the calendar year, the city would miss the FY26 budgeted interest target by roughly $41,000 under the modeled scenario. Finance Director Jennifer Bell and Treasurer Pat Delaney have been pursuing a mix of LGIP/VIP accounts, short-term bond funds, T-bills and CDs to secure higher yields without adding credit risk, and staff said the model can be updated as market data changes.

At the same meeting council reviewed outside-agency funding recommendations and heard three agency representatives during the statutory public hearing on the operating budget. Julie Goyette, director of the Rockbridge Regional Library System, asked the council to support the library’s FY26 request of $245,254, citing planned restroom renovations in Lexington and a library catalog upgrade. Goyette said the library has budgeted $30,000 for the Lexington restroom renovation and noted donations have declined.

Michelle Watkins, speaking for Rockbridge Area Transportation System (RATS), asked the city to consider a $7,000 contribution toward resurfacing a parking lot used by RATS. Watkins said the full reseal would cost about $32,000 and that the $7,000 figure was prorated to reflect the roughly 40% of riders the system expects to come from the city.

Other budget items discussed or updated in the work session included:
- Mountain Gateway (Mountain Mesa) relocation and lease support: city staff reported Mountain Gateway will occupy a new building owned by a real-estate fund; the agency is still requesting local contributions toward lease payments. Council heard that the Buena Vista center’s current annual lease is $142,327 (about $112,252 of which is subsidized by participating localities) and that Mountain Gateway’s new center lease is projected at $83,000 per year.
- School activity bus request: staff said one activity/ADA-accessible bus option is approximately $80,000; council directed staff to gather quotes and additional usage data before deciding how to fund the vehicle (purchase from equipment replacement fund, reallocate another purchase, or leave out of the budget).
- School Resource Officer (SRO): staff reported that in FY25 the city received about $47,000 in grant offset for an SRO; FY26 currently includes the full personnel cost and no guaranteed grant. Council discussed the policy question of whether the role should continue without grant funding and emphasized stakeholder engagement before changes.
- Operating equipment and capital concerns: staff noted supply-chain and price volatility risk and recommended staggering large purchases; some vehicles already ordered are locked in at contracted prices.

Staff reminded council that the FY26 package remains available on the city website, that a follow-up combined public hearing on the budget and CIP was planned for May 1, and that formal budget adoption would occur with the appropriation ordinance in June.

Ending: Council did not adopt budget changes at the meeting. Staff said they will continue regular monitoring, update the forecasting tool for sales tax and other recession‑sensitive revenues, pursue investment decisions to secure yield where prudent, and return any new information for council consideration before the May and June adoption milestones.","City staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget, described a stress test showing modest downside risk if interest yields fall, and summarized recommended outside-agency funding; the library and regional transit providers urged fuller support during a public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves consent agenda, authorizes closed-session legal consultations

Council hears details on homeowner‑repair pilot and EDA sprinkler loan to unlock downtown units

Healthy Green Neighborhoods coalition outlines tree, creek and recycling projects for Lexington

Lexington council reviews FY26 operating budget, flags interest-income risk and agency grant cuts