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Meeting Schedule
Wednesday, January 13
4:00 pm
Board of Zoning Appeals
City Hall, Council Chambers
Thursday, January 14
4:00 pm
Social Services Advisory Board
WDSS, 24 Baker Street
5:30 pm
Old Town Development Board
City Hall, 4th Floor Exhibit Hall
Tuesday, January 19
8:00 am
Economic Development Authority
City Hall, Council Chambers
3:00 pm
Planning Commission
City Hall, Council Chambers
Thursday, January 21
8:00 am
Tourism Board
Visitor Center, 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road
8:00 am
Community Development Committee
OHND, 107-C North East Lane
Monday, January 25
7:00 pm
Parks & Recreation Board
WMB, 1001 East Cork Street
Tuesday, January 26
5:30 pm
City Council Work Session
City Hall, Council Chambers
Thursday, January 28
7:30 am
Winchester Parking Authority
City Hall, Council Chambers
4:00 pm
Tree Commission
City Yards, 301 East Cork Street
Upcoming Events
Winchester Little Theatre Presents: "Doubt; A Parable"
Thursday-Sunday, January 14-17
315 West Boscawen Street
"When a strong minded nun grows suspicious of a young priest, she instigates a relentless campaign to uncover the truth." Contact the box office for details. wltonline.org
Magic Lantern Theatre Presents: "Beauty In Trouble" (not rated - appropriate for adults only)
Wednesday, January 13
7:00 pm
Saturday, January 16
2:00 pm
Handley Library Auditorium, 100 W. Piccadilly St.
Film is in Czech (English subtitles). Showings are free and open to the public; donations appreciated. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Handley Library. Contact: 678-0963. www.magiclanterntheater.org
"Fuel" the Movie - 2008 Sundance Film Festival Winner
Saturday, January 30
2:00 pm
Handley Regional Library
"FUEL "is a comprehensive and entertaining look at energy in America: a history of where we have been, our present predicament and a solution to our dependence on foreign oil. Rousing and reactionary, FUEL is an amazing, in-depth, personal journey of oil use and abuse as it examines wide-ranging energy solutions other than oil, the faltering US auto and petroleum industries, and the latest stirrings of the American mindset toward alternative energy. A question and answer discussion with Kevin Rooney CGA will follow the film. Free.
Northeast Infrastructure Improvement Project (NEIP) Update
Road work has wrapped up on Berryville Avenue between Fort Collier Road and Interstate 81. Construction is now occurring on Ross Street, between Berryville Avenue and the city limits. All existing water and sanitary sewer infrastructure will be replaced. Every effort will be made to maintain access to properties in the project area.
Approximate Completion Date: End of January 2010
Announcements
1. Please remember that City Code requires that
resident and business property owners remove snow from sidewalks within
24 hours.
2. Purchase a WPRD membership in January and receive $10 off the price of that membership. This offer is good for new passes only, not current pass renewals.
3. Coordinators of the City of Winchester's International Children's Festival are
currently looking for: international food vendors, country
representatives, volunteers and much more for the 2010 Festival to be
held on October 2! Please visit www.winchesterva.gov/icf for more details and contact information.
Links
Next CitE-News Issue
Wednesday, January 27
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Northeast Infrastructure Improvement Project (NEIP) Nears Completion
Construction on this utility replacement project by the contractor, General Excavation, Inc, started in September 2008 at the intersection of Cork/South Loudoun and progressed east on Cork, north on East Lane, east on Woodstock Lane, north on East Street, and then east on Berryville Avenue.
The current work location is near the intersection of Berryville Avenue/Fort Collier Road and is progressing east towards I-81 which is the terminus of the project. The total length of the project is approximately 2 miles.
The City anticipates completing the project within budget by the end of January 2010. For more information about the project, please visit www.winchesterva.gov/neip.
Snow Series #1: Snow Plans
When winter weather strikes Winchester, the City has several plans in place to make the roads as safe as possible for motorists.
Plan A - Snow and Ice Treatment
As soon as snow begins to lay or ice begins to form on the streets, creating hazardous driving conditions, the City of Winchester will:
1) Place Snow Plan A into effect; and
2) Begin treating the roadways as necessary, in accordance to the
route schedule.
During Snow Plan A, use caution, drive only when necessary with snow tires or chains (recommended), and keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
Plan B - Plowing
When it becomes necessary to plow snow:
1) Snow Plan B will be placed into effect; and
2) The Public Works Department and City contractors will plow
roadways when necessary in accordance to the route schedule.
Plan C - Snow Removal
When it becomes necessary to remove snow:
1) Snow Plan C will be placed into effect; and
2) City Police close parking lots and parking on all city streets where
snow is to be removed
During Snow Plan B & C, use caution, drive only when necessary with snow tires or chains (required), keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice, and do not park along designated snow emergency routes.
When Snow Plan B or C is in effect, it shall be unlawful for any person to:
1) operate a motor vehicle, which is not equipped with effective tire chains or snow treads, on any of the streets or alleys within the city;
2) park or abandon a vehicle on any snow emergency route;
3) obstruct or impede traffic on any snow emergency route, when such vehicle is not equipped with effective snow tires or chains.
The City of Winchester Police Department shall authorize immediate removal and storage, at the owner's expense, of any vehicle that is parked, stalled or abandoned on any snow emergency route. (City Ordinance, Section 14-33.)
Downtown Utility Infrastructure Improvement Project - Phase II (Piccadilly Street)
The Downtown Utility Infrastructure Improvements Project (DUII) will replace the City’s underground utility infrastructure in the downtown area. The project started in May 2009 and the majority of the work has been completed on Braddock and Cameron Streets.
The final phase of the project includes work on Piccadilly Street between Washington and Kent and on N. Loudoun Street between Piccadilly and Fairfax. Work on this final phase began on January 6 and be completed by April 24 (before the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival).
Why Replacement is Necessary
Winchester is blessed with a long and unique history. A part of this history includes operating the third oldest water distribution system in the United States behind only Philadelphia and Allentown, Pennsylvania. Some of the existing water mains still in service in the core downtown area are 150+ years old. While these old pipes have served the City well, it is imperative that the City replace this old infrastructure to ensure that a reliable and safe water and sewer service is provided for Winchester’s future.
Project Components
• Replacement of all existing water, sewer and storm infrastructure
(mains and service lines)
• Sidewalk & Curb/Gutter Replacement. All the new sidewalks on
Piccadilly Street between Braddock and Kent Street will be all brick.
• New Decorative Streetlights
• Traffic Signs/Posts Replaced
• Parking Meter Posts Replaced
• Numerous New Street Trees
• Streets Repaved and Striped
• Decorative Crosswalks
Cost
The City’s Utility Fund is paying for all the costs of this project by issuing water and sewer revenue bonds that will be repaid solely by water and sewer rates. The total cost of all the much needed improvements associated with the Downtown Project will be approximately $12 million.
Weekly Update Meetings
The City of Winchester will hold weekly update meetings throughout the duration of the final phase of construction on Piccadilly Street.
Meetings will be held at 9:00 am in the Exhibit Hall (4th floor of City Hall) every Friday morning and are open to the public.
City staff will be available at the meetings to answer questions about the project and address concerns about the construction.
City Welcomes New Commissioner of the Revenue
 At the November 2009 elections, Ann Burkholder was elected as the City's new Commissioner of the Revenue. Ms. Burkholder holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has extensive experience in information technology and as a business owner.
She admits that she surprised herself when she decided to run for Commissioner of the Revenue, but after researching the position she realized that her "professional skills and personality would be a good fit for the position and provided an opportunity to bring new energy and leadership to the office." She adds, "We are a government of, by and for the people, so it is important for qualified individuals to step forward into public service."
Ms. Burkholder is a firm believer in personal accountability in all aspects of life and agrees with Abraham Lincoln's statement that "most people are about as happy as they make their minds up to be." As Commissioner, Ms. Burkholder's key guiding principle will be to look at each situation from both an administrative and taxpayer's perspective.
In her new job, Ms. Burkholder is looking forward to working with her staff "to offer our citizens the most accurate, efficient and friendly service possible." They have some projects in place and are exploring others to increase the accuracy of our personal property and real estate assessment records.
IMs. Burkholder is enjoying the variety of her new responsibilities and working with both her staff and the citizens of Winchester. However, her biggest challenge is to become familiar with all the state and local codes by which the Commissioner of the Revenue operates. But Ms. Burkholder feels fortunate to have a great support system. "Fortunately there is a good educational and support structure within the Commissioners’ Association and extensive experience within my staff."
Outside of work, Ms. Burkholder enjoys a number of activities such as running, bicycling (both road and mountain) and knitting. She also serves on the Session and Facilities Council at her church, and is the president of the Winchester Parks Foundation.
Real Estate Tax Relief Available for Elderly or Disabled
If you or another of the owners residing in the home meets the below requirements, please complete the Real Estate Tax Relief application to possibly qualify for up to a full exemption from 2010 real estate tax. The completed application must be signed, and returned to the Commissioner of the Revenue's office in City Hall by April 1, 2010.
Tax Relief is also available to homeowners under 65 who are permanently or temporarily disabled. Copies of forms for Disability Certification by private physicians are available on request. Certification for persons on Social Security Disability is available by calling 1-800-772-1213 and requesting "Form TPQY". Bring or send a copy of that form with the application to the Commissioner of the Revenue's office in City Hall.
REQUIREMENTS
AGE: Must be at least 65 on December 31 of previous year, unless permanently or temporarily disabled.
APPLICATION: Must apply by April 1st each year.
NET FINANCIAL WORTH: Not exceeding $200,000 as of December 31 of previous year. (Value of dwelling house and lot is not included, up to one acre.)
OWNERSHIP: Must own and occupy dwelling, unless forced to live elsewhere for health reasons and dwelling is not rented out.
INCOME: Total combined income from all sources of owners and relatives living in the household, other than necessary caretaker, may not exceed $50,000. (First $6,500 of income of each relative other than spouse is exempt.)
EXEMPTION:
Income Level Exemption
$0 - $40,000 100%
$40,001 - $45,000 75%
$45,001 - $50,000 50%
Please contact the City's Commissioner of Revenue
office at 667-1815 ext. 1430 or (TDD 722-0782) if you have questions or
need any help in filling out the form. If requested, someone from the
Commissioner of the Revenue Office can come to your home to assist you
in completing the form.
Making Payments on Delinquent Tax Accounts
Did you know that you can make payments toward delinquent real estate and personal property taxes?
To avoid collection actions such as bank liens, wage liens and distress warrants, please send payments bi-weekly or monthly to the City's Treasurer’s Office at 15 North Cameron Street, Winchester, VA 22601.
The Treasurer reviews accounts before taking drastic collection actions to collect. Please contact the City of Winchester Treasurer's office at 667-1815 if you should have any questions.
Note: Payments do not release DMV Registration Withholding, or waive Penalty/Interest.
Recreation Center Gym Floor Replacement is UnderwayThe Winchester Parks and Recreation Department (WPRD) is pleased to announce that the repairs to the damaged gym floor are near completion and the gym will officially re-open on Monday, February 1.
Over a month ago, the Active Living & Recreation Center was damaged when a broken sprinkler head flooded the gym floor. The damage caused WPRD to move many programs back into the schools and cancel or postpone others. “The old flooring and sub-floor material was removed and we had to start from scratch”, said WPRD Operations Superintendent Michael White. “Believe it or not, there was still some water present beneath the gym floor when they took it out,” said White.
Activities will return to their normally scheduled times and open gym activities will resume beginning February 1.
OPEN GYM SCHEDULE:
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AGES
| DAYS
| TIME
| COURTS
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All
| Mon-Fri
| 5:30 am-2:00 pm
| A & B
| |
30+ years
| Mon-Wed
| 4:30-6:30 pm
| A & B
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16+ years
| Tue, Thu & Fri
| 8:00-9:30 pm
| A & B
| |
16+ years
| Sat & Sun
| 4:00-6:00 pm
| A & B
| |
15 & under
| Friday
| 8:00-9:30 pm
| C
| |
15 & under
| Sat & Sun
| 4:00-96:00 pm
| C | |
11-14 years
| Mon-Fri
| 3:00-4:30 pm
| C
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Winchester Parks Foundation Receives $1,000 Gift
The Winchester Parks Foundation recently received a gift from The Elizabeth C. Clark Foundation in the amount of $1,000 to be dedicated to the Winchester Dog Park. Chairman of the Winchester Dog Park, Rebecca Oliver, was very surprised and appreciative. “We are very honored to accept this gift. We plan on purchasing a nice kiosk for the dog park using these funds,” said Oliver.
The Winchester Parks Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 organization that exists to enhance Winchester Parks & Recreation Department facilities, parks, and programs. “The foundation has been instrumental in helping the department enhance certain facilities and programs,” says WPRD Operations Superintendent Michael White.
Note: 2010 dog park memberships are on sale now! For information on rules and pricing, contact WPRD at 662-4946.
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