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Williamsburg council adopts Emergency Operations Plan, awards public‑works contracts and funds tourism event
Summary
Council adopted the updated Emergency Operations Plan (2024–2028), approved a $50,000 tourism grant to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, adopted ordinance 24‑14 designating police as person in charge for certain trespass notices, and awarded contracts for FY25 street resurfacing ($874,177.95) and the Capitol Landing stream restoration ($515,832.50). The council also adopted the 2025–26 goals, initiatives and outcomes.
At its Nov. 14 meeting, the Williamsburg City Council took a series of actions on plans, grants and public‑works contracts.
Emergency Operations Plan: The council approved resolution 20421 to adopt the updated Emergency Operations Plan covering March 2024 through March 2028. Staff highlighted updates including a new EOC layout at the new fire station, memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Colonial Behavioral Health, WADA and Williamsburg‑James City County Schools for sheltering and transportation, and a departmental crosswalk to identify gaps. The motion passed by roll call.
Tourism grant: Council awarded $50,000 from the Tourism Promotion Contingency Fund to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to help offset costs of “Common Cause for All,” a March 2025 conference expected to attract more than 400 attendees. Staff said the fund is designed to seed temporary events and not for ongoing year‑to‑year support; the motion was approved by roll call.
Ordinance 24‑14 — police designation: Council adopted proposed ordinance 24‑14 to add a section to the city code allowing a sworn police officer to be designated as the person in charge of city or Redevelopment/Housing Authority property for purposes of issuing ban notices and supporting trespass prosecutions when staff is unavailable. The council and counsel discussed that the city manager retains authority to issue or rescind notices and that written authorization is required for court evidence. The ordinance was adopted by roll call.
Street resurfacing and restriping: Staff recommended awarding the FY25 street resurfacing and restriping contract (including thermoplastic markings) to Branscomb Inc. for $874,177.95; the work includes Mill Neck Road, Berkeley Lane, Governors Drive and areas around the new fire station and the campus crosswalks. Council discussed temperature constraints for thermoplastic application (recommended at 50°F asphalt temperature) and approved the award.
Capitol Landing outfall and stream restoration: Council awarded a contract to Finish Line Environmental for $515,832.50 to restore approximately 630 linear feet of degraded stream next to Capitol Landing Road. The project secured $473,362 in DEQ and VDOT funding with a city match; staff said the initial low bid exceeded budget, but negotiations brought the project within available funds.
Goals, Initiatives and Outcomes (GIOs): Council adopted the 2025–26 GIOs after a process that included the National Community Survey, public input, a council retreat and staff drafting. The adopted goals will be presented formally at the December State of the City.
Votes at a glance: multiple items passed by roll call (most unanimously). Where a roll call is recorded, votes are recorded in the transcript at the time of each motion.
