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Council reviews Fall Arts and Crafts Show enforcement and staff changes; developer outlines Mill at Occoquan timeline
Summary
Council heard the Fall Arts and Crafts Show report, reviewed parking enforcement and citations for vendors and reckless driving, learned Events Director Julie Little will retire in May 2025, and heard that the Mill at Occoquan developer expects a sales trailer in November and demolition between Jan.–Feb. 2025.
Council members discussed event operations and town administration at the Oct. 15 meeting, focusing on vendor parking enforcement at the Fall Arts and Crafts Show, staffing transitions in the events office, and development activity at the Mill at Occoquan.
Events Director Julie Little provided a written report on the Oct. 27–29 Fall Arts and Crafts Show. Councilmember Theo Daubresse said some visitors were confused about paying for shuttle rides and suggested improved signage at shuttle lots. Mr. Linn said staff will review signage options; he noted the current A-frame signs are one-sided and he will look into adding a second side.
Adam Linn described enforcement actions taken during the Craft Show: "parking violations were issued to all vendors that were parked in the Post Office parking lot on Sunday since it was a private lot and affected the port-a-johns located in the lot," and said drivers who drove within the VDOT-closed event area after warnings were issued reckless-driving summonses. Linn added that the Town Prosecutor is prepared to reduce reckless-driving charges to improper driving, which is an amendment only the prosecutor can make. Deputy Chief Jason Forman said more vehicle barriers will be added at vendor parking lots for future shows to limit vehicle entry into the event space.
On administrative staffing, Mr. Linn said Little will retire in May 2025 and that Tammy Hassett has agreed to continue working with the town and transition into the Events Director position when Little retires.
On development, Mr. Linn reported the Mill at Occoquan developer has engaged new engineers, hopes to install a sales trailer by mid- to late-November and expects to begin demolition between January and February 2025.
Other updates: Matt Whitmoyer said one sign-code violation on a business property was abated and staff will consult the Zoning Administrator and Town Attorney about residential signage above that business. Mr. Forman clarified some cameras are town-owned on a closed-circuit network, while lower-mounted utility-pole cameras belong to Prince William County and are being tested for emergency management; he said the cameras are not being used to monitor citizens. Vice Mayor Jenn Loges raised ongoing complaints that mail was being returned to sender despite correct PO Boxes; Mayor Porta asked staff to confirm the Postmaster’s account and consider contacting Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger’s office if the Fairfax distribution system is the cause.
Town Treasurer Asma Rupani told the council that Bann Thai made a partial payment on outstanding meals taxes and that a bank lien is being drafted for the balance; a criminal court hearing is scheduled in December for failure to pay.
