Salamander Development presented the October 14 session of the Middleburg Town Council with a deadline of 40 to 45 days to make a decision on whether or not to connect the new Salamander Inn to the town's water system.

According to Jeff Zell, project manager for Salamander Development, an iron-clad 18-month construction deadline means that Salamander will have no choice but to move forward on building its own water system in the absence of a positive decision by the Town Council no later than December.

Zell then forcefully restated Salamander Development's previous offer to assist in the funding of major capital improvements to the town's water and sewer infrastructure if Middleburg does provide the Inn with a town water connection.

"We have 40 to 45 days until it's too late for us to work together. We think it would be a shame for the town not to reap the benefits," stated Zell.

The Town Council's response was to agree to proposals by Mayor Tim Dimos to refer Salamander Development's offer to a number of Council subcommittees "to gather more information about the question and to review the possible consequences of a decision."

"We need to review this with wide vision, not just limited to the utility question but across the board," said Dimos. "There is a significant project about to become real out there. What does this mean? We need to acknowledge that there is earth-moving equipment out there right now."

Council Member Margaret New proposed an impact study on the water connection issue even though the deadline would severely constrain such a study.

"We're all volunteers, not professionals. We need professional advice on this," said New. Dimos stated that each committee would determine the level of study it felt was necessary.

After the meeting, Zell commented on the council's resolution to study the issue: "The bottom line is, the Inn is going to happen. Whatever they come up with, it's the same. The Inn is occurring. I am in daily communication with the town. I am available for discussion."

Aldie Mill

Tom Graham of Round Hill spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting on behalf of the Aldie Mill, which is currently being offered to Loudoun County by its former owners and operators, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF).

Graham urged the Town Council to support Loudoun County in taking over care of the mill, which according to Graham "has for 200 years been an integral part of the social, military, commercial and agricultural life of this town (Middleburg)."

The council unanimously approved a letter of support for the county to take over the care of the mill and operate it in "a manner respecting its heritage", a sentence added by the council after some concerns for how the mill might be misused were raised in last month's meeting, when a letter of support was first proposed.

Health Center Budget

Questions about Middleburg's accounting practices were raised in the October session of the town council when donations to charitable organizations from the Town Health Center budget came under discussion.

Last year the Health Center, which is operated and financed by the town of Middleburg, donated its net income to deserving charities selected by the town council.

At this October's meeting, a Town Council committee presented a list of 12 charities slated to receive cash awards totaling $34,000.

Ironically, as Town Council member New reported on the selected charities, Town administrator Mike Casey clarified that the Health Center's net income for this past year was not a $34,000 profit, but a $40,000 loss, with large expenses having gone to building repairs.

This information prompted the council to reconsider donating the money.

"That health project has never been in the red for years and years, and now you all are flaunting and using that money. You need to go back and read the guidelines," said Council member Eura Lewis.

The money problems at the Health center present a large problem for the upcoming holiday season, as the charitable donations from the center's budget represent a sizeable portion of the funding for the Middleburg Business Association's Christmas in Middleburg. The MBA's annual charity is responsible for all of the holiday decorations and lights and also funds the Middleburg Christmas parade. In most other municipalities, the local government usually directly administers the funding for Christmas decorations and parades.

Available Sewer and Water Capacity

The Middleburg Town Council voted unanimously to amend the Town Code to better define the meaning of the word "available" in the context of new sewer and water hookups.

The previous wording of the law stated that applicants must have approved zoning location permits and that water facilities had to be available. The amendment further defines "available" to mean that the town water system at the time of a new application would not be put over 90% of capacity by a new hookup. The amendment is designed to give the council better-defined guidelines for evaluating new hookups if Middleburg endures another water crisis.