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Council directs engineering assessment for Onancock’s old school amid debate over FOS loan
Summary
After extensive public comment and council discussion about repairs and unclear lease terms, Onancock council agreed to direct the town manager to obtain bids for a structural and mechanical engineering assessment of the old school and to develop a fallback heating plan, pausing any loan decision with Friends of the School (FOS).
Onancock’s town council voted to seek bids for a structural and mechanical engineering assessment of the town-owned old school after residents and council members urged the town to get a clear picture of repairs before approving any loan or new lease terms.
Public commenters criticized the current FOS lease as “fuzzy” and recommended the town assume capital responsibility, or at minimum require clearer legal terms. Greg Feldhausen, a frequent commenter, urged the council to void or rewrite the lease and “use the town reserves for band aid repairs” while the community develops a long-term plan. Several council members supported obtaining a prioritized engineering study first. “We must do our due diligence. We must do our fiscal responsibility,” a council member said, summarizing the call for an expert assessment.
Council members discussed whether the estimated repair costs included removing an oil boiler and an underground tank — items that could significantly increase project cost and liability. The town manager noted the loan payment would be less than 1% of the operating budget but attorneys advised against partnering on loans with FOS and recommended using the EDA or DHCD as better conduits for borrowing.
Council resolved to have the town manager solicit multiple bids for an engineering study, prioritize immediate heating/freeze-failure contingency options (plan B), and return with cost and timeline estimates as soon as possible. The motion focused on gathering technical facts rather than approving repairs or financing at this meeting.
