In the absence of a relevant noise ordinance, no arrests were made or fines levied. Chief Webber, however, was reported to be keeping detailed records of the number of times the offending tie was mentioned by Council . . . for reasons, as yet, undisclosed.

Audit

In the face of a serious downturn in the region's economy, Town Administrator Jerry Schiro suggested that Council would be pleased by the forthcoming preliminary audit of the town's financial operations for fiscal year 2008.

The annual audit, conducted by Leesburg's Mitchell and Company, is designed to provide a professional, independent, outside overview of both the Town's financial status, and the ongoing oversight and financial management provided by Council and Town staff.

Thanks in large part to the Salamander Inn project, and to emergency tax increases passed at the beginning of Jerry Schiro's term as Town Administrator, Middleburg finds itself with nearly $2 million in cash on hand.

Record keeping and oversight have improved remarkably since the dark days of 2007, when Mitchell and Company's preliminary reports indicated that the town appeared to be on the verge of bankruptcy. Council as a whole, rather than a select finance committee, is now responsible for oversight from the legislative branch of Town Government.

Debbie Jewell, the Town Treasurer now provides Council not only with highly detailed monthly reports on a timely basis, but a regular monthly list of every check written on the Town's accounts.

Expansion of Historic District

Fears of creeping "MacMansionism," apparently triggered by residential construction on the corner of Route 50 and West Washington Street, are credited with inspiring a proposal to expand the Town's "Historic District" to cover the north-western portions of Middleburg known as "Ridgeview." Current zoning laws now permit construction of houses on small lots that dwarf the existing bungalows characteristic of much of the neighborhood. Combining several small lots into larger ones allows legal construction of even larger buildings.

On Thursday, a special subcommittee appointed by Council presented a draft formal presentation, complete with neighborhood photography and scale models, demonstrating the possible aesthetic and environmental impact of unregulated construction.

The subcommittee members and Town Planner Beniamino reported that an expansion of the Historic District appeared to be both the best and fastest approach to addressing the problem of resolving potential conflicts between individual property rights and those of the community as a whole. Drafting detailed new zoning restrictions or rules governing a "corridor overlay" of the Town's master plan are also possible.

Public hearings are expected soon.

"All American" Route 15

Middleburg joined a host of cities, towns, villages, and other organizations between Gettysburg and Charlottesville supporting the Journey Through Hallowed Ground's efforts to get the route 15, 231,20 and 53 corridor designated an "All American Road." The designation will, among other things, help make National Scenic Byways discretionary grant funds available to local governments along the road to promote tourism and the preservation and enhancement of battlefields and other historic sites. Though Middleburg is not affected directly by the Route 15 designation, Council has long supported the enhancement and promotion of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground's efforts at both historic preservation and tourism development.