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).