[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6009387,"mediaKeyId","5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7","parentId",5810762,"title","City approves participation in two opioid settlement programs; one yields immediate small payment","audioSeconds",442,"startMs",5914000,"endMs",6356000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7&start=5914&end=6356","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7/thumbnail_5914000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6009387/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/City-approves-participation-in-two-opioid-settlement-programs-one-yields-immediate-small-payment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6009387-be3122f1658d5a93e5f53005df863444/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846620&Signature=XqjPh~Cw9zRmwRakmIMJQ35VSjc4BS0h4gvLN~tr1XRPleEyFWv19K8VecrjXc02YYgM~FSHCXBF-m8U3i0O7~6GDev51D9qTqdvsaYy0qAUMUA75ph2pchtI8Pybp3M-ULad7uRCHy4BUSiUvzDSEIXt7rdBDoUCzPmn5790TYqG~~HkDNMKSCfVygpNtPUK1tnbXOuvAHc-xL9P~NJi9RJpkQFlKrrMiXz9czLyxddYTRs45XTflh5Pd8zbQyrLaIDDhonyKGlgORRifuRTa6tkQaGHcfT2fmqOSs8Wjx2zMiNlpopypOnDAHfZv9KPoFYc00rvq9QV~Rq0kbQhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lexington","date","2025-08-08T00:00:00Z","article","City Attorney presented two proposed settlement participations relating to national opioid litigation. The first involved the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan and a settlement with the Sackler family; the attorney reported Virginia's allocation from that resolution is about $39,000,000 and said Lexington's expected share from that settlement is approximately $3,637,000, to be paid over the plan's payout schedule. The council voted unanimously to accept the Purdue bankruptcy plan and to authorize the city attorney and outside counsel to execute documents necessary to participate and release claims against the Sackler family.

The second settlement covered eight manufacturers (Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus) totaling approximately $16,400,000 to Virginia; the attorney reported that Lexington's share from that settlement is about $15,000 and that a substantial portion of the manufacturers' payments will be paid up front. The council authorized participation and directed the city attorney and outside counsel to execute required documents and releases; that motion also passed unanimously.

Council thanked staff for advancing participation. The attorney noted outside counsel will handle settlement paperwork and distributions will follow the national settlement schedules. No additional local allocations or programmatic uses were decided at the meeting; participation authorizes Lexington to receive its share of proceeds under the national settlement frameworks.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lexington City Council: August 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lexington authorized participation in the Purdue/Sackler bankruptcy settlement and a separate manufacturers' settlement; staff reported Lexington's estimated shares of the distributions and directed the city attorney to execute settlement documents.","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},6009393,"Council approves design standards to regulate mini-warehouse developments in C-2 district",162,4678000,4840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7&start=4678&end=4840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7/thumbnail_4678000.jpg","/articles/6009393/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Council-approves-design-standards-to-regulate-mini-warehouse-developments-in-C-2-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6009393-bb7df9cf3e736549ca8638967f9620b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846620&Signature=AKoDgb~~t3BuPJOow3o6YGvxqj3YxOTXKBaG~xs8F1qOKL9jaMUprEPJZ3vHZYwyk49gl90K6KVnaTEBZJbMnPH69CZo38WaJmqruXIw9lm3F73kJPPQiOMYI8TgdXPcFQ9-BdJSh09uB0CP~gsjT90Aqf-5Mcy3MUOaDNTrcvm7BVpkZQPH0vbA4CT3IjytqRAOQngBMCQutZh~O3iHJpyTttBs-s~R4sfVcGAbFdJ4bkcuwOKBZdebXshQAI47o9Oj~owzMB3VjKu~K-1OLKrM3XJXcs4Xk1ohVDcbd12pUOf5m2gYIvJX6TfTA~6xYyNdUMnAoFm1D7Ma148Qaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Arnie Glaser presented a zoning proposal offering three options for mini-warehouse (self-storage) land use: remove the use from the matrix (not allowed), adopt use and design standards, or leave the ordinance unchanged. Planning recommended adding use and design standards and a slightly revised definition to control siting and aesthetics for future mini-warehouse developments.

No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Council approved the planning-recommended amendment (option to add use and design standards and revise the definition) on a unanimous roll-call vote. Council directed planning staff to implement the standards and proceed with the revised definition; no additional conditions were attached to the approval.

The measure was presented as a proactive step to ensure development compatibility in the C-2 district if an application for a mini-warehouse were to be filed in the future.","After a public hearing with no speakers, council approved zoning ordinance amendment 2025-02 adopting recommended use and design standards and a definition amendment for mini-warehouses in the C-2 district to guide future proposals.",{"_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},6009399,"Council re-enacts 1% transient-occupancy tax and directs funds to Main Street Lexington",1561,3766000,5327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7&start=3766&end=5327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7/thumbnail_3766000.jpg","/articles/6009399/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Council-re-enacts-1-transient-occupancy-tax-and-directs-funds-to-Main-Street-Lexington","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6009399-2369f5109002e10f9575d6b7e3b200ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846620&Signature=nh-G3Yl0itEp1iNW9urANwi~kspBpUbRGzFE6c96MkVMoBMHYxX5wWZUEGvwdJ9-2WG-2D8t8KFENV3OHeDFmIMKrIM03QZELha8HyMpYDNHfvIm7Hgc8kdd7Yvv4KPDNUgYPutuvdtl47dNMVNWDdAJJ4c6qYNwifZX7feoMKiAcWNZ4S0~T~zQz~cei5XiXyk4H8gwk44jeiSOTx2CvjMerAgGtfwP-59s8qk14peC6FhAsJB8EnDKdKggPq0GAOwwVPK6SjA67ppLK3qrzX3qYLE1XF-NyNOW0nRZfbLADpM6SP4C8lq~kThyMHKSoua-7EKXLmxMRJXrzcfuTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager (presenter) summarized an ordinance to maintain a 1% transient-occupancy tax (TOT) that had been in place to support the Virginia Horse Center but which would have lapsed after the Horse Center paid off a promissory note. Under current state law the total occupancy tax rate automatically dropped, but the ordinance before council reimposed the 1% so the city would continue receiving the same overall occupancy rate.

The manager said 1% of occupancy tax has historically raised about $100,000 annually and that the city had supported Main Street Lexington at approximately $96,000 over the last two fiscal years. Staff recommended dedicating the 1% to Main Street Lexington, with the city pledging not to let annual support fall below $96,000. The manager explained the ordinance also incorporates state-law changes related to short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and includes provisions to aid collection.

Council members discussed alternatives: amending the budget each year to fund Main Street versus tying a 1% dedicated tax directly to the organization. Councilmembers cited the tourism link and incentive value of predictable funding for Main Street. One council member said dedicating TOT to a local tourism organization \"gives them incentive to continue to work hard and work with the hotels, work with the restaurants, work with businesses.\" Another asked whether the allocation would be the greater of $96,000 or 1% receipts; staff confirmed the intent was to ensure Main Street receives at least $96,000 or the full 1% if it raises more.

A motion to approve Ordinance 2025-O5 (amending chapter 366, taxation, lodging sections 366-17 through 366-24) passed unanimously on roll call. Council recorded the vote as unanimous and thanked staff and Main Street representatives for their work. The change was enacted locally by ordinance at the meeting.","Council approved an amendment preserving the 1% transient-occupancy tax formerly pledged to the Virginia Horse Center and directed the proceeds, at a minimum of $96,000, to Main Street Lexington; staff noted options and recommended the dedicated funding to support tourism-oriented activities.",{"_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},6009404,"Council refers canopy-sign zoning change to planning commission after ARB concerns",1910,1470000,3380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7&start=1470&end=3380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7/thumbnail_1470000.jpg","/articles/6009404/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Council-refers-canopy-sign-zoning-change-to-planning-commission-after-ARB-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6009404-b94e25239ad8ca8705c5000f9e6cd669/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846620&Signature=L9c1pFiSb6cHhKbXUcvGraooBwWBioO2NARhcnCU5GeRyEbSXfAOwQYR7X-CM-HTsrjJqCfXJLpm1Esq1xTZCSg-~NLuBpezWjq80ETav9eo41~2vijg3xK1Mfp1HMI2ppF4eWRvRo4tDD413RALuz7Xv0cOmXzoLwjEbgI~i6SLJ-MqFrJBFSh~l0ePwdDQ-0xekbL-LdcOlOP6lJ6rnkD2vC~ZOg8Jw--gWo15YxZ4HxbogJlVYGjsZ3qqs1mwOumFHp2AtKefg6lUq3aaaxzn988gDA9fcaN1sYfxy5npPToxTB8t6FFCcjWjATKxuIKCV8bizF7fm99xAA2zIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Arnie Glaser, planning staff, presented a proposed zoning text amendment to allow a new category of canopy signs—internally illuminated individual letters up to 10 inches high and up to 5 square feet total—primarily to accommodate a request from the Gin Hotel property owner. Glaser said the amendment would split existing definitions for awning and canopy signs and add limited allowance for canopy signage in the downtown historic (C-1) and C-2 districts.

Glaser told council the proposal grew from an applicant request and that the Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Board (ARB) had not supported the initial draft. \"We did take this particular signed proposal that would impact clearly the downtown historic district, to the ARB for their review. And you'll see the minutes on page 15, they were not supportive,\" Glaser said.

Council members raised concerns about controlling brightness, allowable colors, hours of illumination, effects on dark-sky goals and compatibility within the historic district. Some asked whether a lumen limit or hours restriction should be added; others noted ARB review would still apply if the rule were adopted in the C-1 district.

Lee Taylor, speaking for Gin Hotel owner Frank Benacasa, said the owners prefer white light and that modern LED signs are dimmable. \"I wouldn't think so. Most most of the guests are gonna be arriving, you know, in the early evening hours,\" Taylor said when asked whether it would be problematic to set a cutoff at midnight. Taylor also said the sign originally proposed would be about 3.85 square feet, smaller than earlier renderings that showed larger letters.

Councilmember discussion emphasized supporting downtown businesses while protecting historic character. The council voted unanimously to refer the zoning text amendment to the Planning Commission for further review and asked planning staff to seek a return to council by the second meeting in September. No final change to the ordinance was adopted at this meeting; council requested additional guidance on hours, color limits (with a suggestion to restrict to white light), and brightness controls.

The referral was approved by unanimous roll-call vote. The ARB and Planning Commission minutes and the applicant rendering will be considered during the next review.","A proposed zoning text amendment to allow small internally illuminated canopy letters in the downtown historic (C-1) district was referred back to the planning commission for further review after questions about brightness, hours, colors, and consistency with the Architectural Review Board recommendation.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6009408,"Morris Service Authority wins $4.589 million principal forgiveness, seeks $15 million more for solids-handling project",277,623000,900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7&start=623&end=900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810762-1657d471a8238ec109fecd62dec42ef7/thumbnail_623000.jpg","/articles/6009408/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Morris-Service-Authority-wins-4589-million-principal-forgiveness-seeks-15-million-more-for-solids-handling-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6009408-4f35478152abafbfc382161a960b7ebf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770846620&Signature=ikIyAcS65w~FvA7chdV8eOAdne7Eo2rq6uTpnaCHdI3BShmf9aI6vDNrUwF~Ppx-UNpS3PYv-MGepwQuC2f9Gx8Gp08qIU1c7RsAEk03mZLLe-nKk3-P8DoZYZEOjr8zmQcjULeulg15ILWPM-MiOzWlz2QtS22W~g~QdtVHgul0962doUwy-8jNbH1rUrX1E9KhaVyzvI8ghdjuTkLFMSnGL-XJh~MzjigwQKEh2bpT84MdSaudRZmU3ZtE3aQtrupol71ifrmRk3BouItlqw1YjxxYW2IDgIaai2F9zUyMAlNeyQ3nqQo~ap3xVjW1xZwk~pvKrRNg4FYhCUcV2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charles Alligood, a Morris Service Authority (MSA) board member, told the Lexington City Council that the MSA received $4,589,000 in principal forgiveness and a $241,000 low-interest loan for a solids-handling and storage rehabilitation project at the MSA wastewater plant. The board is continuing to seek about $15 million more to fully fund the larger plant modernization program.

The principal forgiveness and loan cover a first-phase solids-handling project, Alligood said, and the MSA has contracted engineering for the work. \"MSA is fortunate we received a principal forgiveness of almost $5,000,000 ... and so this particular project has to do with the solids handling,\" Alligood said. He said the engineering loan amount for the solids study is currently about $2,400 (transcript: \"that that project is right now about 2.4 a thousand 2.4 thousands, for a loan for doing the engineering work on that\"), a figure staff clarified in the meeting as related to the initial engineering loan portion.

Alligood described recent operational problems at the plant that underscore maintenance and supply-chain challenges. The MSA replaced original variable mechanical drives for an oxidation ditch but then experienced failures in the new drives; the replacements were removed and returned to the manufacturer and remain on order. \"Manufacturer acknowledged that there were issues ... and so that means there's no redundancy at this time at the plant because everything is in use or sent back,\" Alligood said. He added that the plant is meeting state water-quality and land-application standards for biosolids despite those issues.

To improve system reliability, the MSA installed redundant level controls and linked alarms to phone alerts after a control failure at the Enfield water tank nearly led to depletion during multiple major leaks earlier in the year. \"So 1 failed, 1 still should be working there to do it, and the alarms have been linked into the phones,\" Alligood said.

Alligood also reported construction and property actions tied to broader water-system upgrades: the Route 11 waterline improvement contract, reported at about $3 million, is signed and construction is expected to start around September–October; and the MSA board authorized purchase of the adjacent McNamara property on Osage Lane to relocate the river water intake to a less flood-prone site, with a sale expected to close on the 14th of the month. \"One of the items that's on the list to happen, and we've received money for that ... the property that's immediately adjacent ... became available. And the MSA board authorized the MSA to buy it,\" Alligood said.

Council members asked for timelines and additional details; Alligood said the solids-handling construction has not yet started and engineering had recently been wrapped up, with anticipated work in the next year. On the replacement drives, he said delivery timing was \"unknown.\" No formal action or vote was taken by council on the MSA report.

The MSA is still evaluating whether to continue land-applying biosolids or to dry and landfill them; Alligood said the board has contracted a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar study to compare options. \"The decision has not been made yet on that,\" he said.

The council thanked Alligood and Marybeth Mandrovic, the MSA board member who accompanied him, for the update. The report laid out funding obtained so far and the operational risks that the MSA staff and board are working to mitigate while pursuing additional capital for the full modernization program.","Morris Service Authority reported a $4,589,000 principal forgiveness award and a $241,000 low-interest loan for a solids-handling and storage rehabilitation project; officials outlined equipment failures, redundancy improvements, a $3 million Route 11 waterline contract and purchase of McNamara property for a new river intake site.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City approves participation in two opioid settlement programs; one yields immediate small payment

Council approves design standards to regulate mini-warehouse developments in C-2 district

Council re-enacts 1% transient-occupancy tax and directs funds to Main Street Lexington

Council refers canopy-sign zoning change to planning commission after ARB concerns

Morris Service Authority wins $4.589 million principal forgiveness, seeks $15 million more for solids-handling project