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Town officials discuss charter clarification, notice mailings, DMV status and possible camera ticketing after meeting with delegate
Summary
Urbanna staff told council they met with Delegate Keith Hodges to discuss clarifying the charter to make the mayor a voting member for quorum purposes, relaxing certified‑mail requirements for small localities, the future of a local DMV select, and possible legislation (HB20) enabling camera ticketing for towns without police departments.
Town staff reported back to the council on a recent meeting with Delegate Keith Hodges and the town attorney, covering four separate items: clarifying the town charter, notice‑mailing requirements, the status of local DMV services and early discussion of speed enforcement options.
The staff member said the delegate indicated willingness to carry language to clarify that the mayor is a voting member of the council for quorum and voting purposes. "We need to go back and clarify the charter that the mayor is a member, a voting member of the council for the purposes of establishing a quorum," the staff member reported.
Staff also raised the cost of certified mail for required notices. The presentation noted that some state notice rules require certified mail for most items under certain thresholds, creating high costs for small localities when many adjacent properties must be notified. The staff member described a possible change to allow first‑class mail with an affidavit in lieu of certified mail for smaller notices or grant a population cutoff for the certified requirement.
On DMV services, staff said the town had provided data to the agency and received a reply from a subordinate that, based on the agency’s analysis, a local "DMV select" may no longer be needed; staff said the town is waiting for further clarification from the commissioner or the delegate.
Councilors also discussed speeding and temporary speed‑warning signs installed on approaches to town. Staff said VDOT had placed signs and the town had asked for additional follow‑up. The staff member said there is a legislative proposal referenced as HB20 that could allow towns without police departments to use camera ticketing systems, with tickets handled by county enforcement, but that the proposal was in early stages and would likely face debate.
Council members asked where any ticket revenue would go and whether VDOT or the sheriff’s office would operate cameras. Staff said those details were unresolved and that the matter remains in a legislative and informational stage.
No formal votes or actions were taken on these items at the work session; staff said they will continue follow‑up with the delegate and state agencies.
