PRESENT: Vice-Mayor Sam Burkett, James Gates, Sam Mutter, Mel Leaman, Eugene Hendrick and Ralph Price Council Members; Town Manager Henry Booker; Police Sgt. Richard Henderson; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; and Town Attorney Charles Lincoln.

VISITORS: Charlie Harrington, Betty Harris, Neal Castrodale, Bob Dix, Robert Johnson, Joe Blevins, C. T. Eagle, Salwa Humsi, William Humsi, Micky Humsi, Levi Thomas, Debbie Overbay, Bill Parsons.

INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: The invocation was given by Mr. Hicks and the Pledge to the Flag was led by Vice-Mayor Burkett.

Mr. Burkett welcomed the visitors. Mrs. Humsi stated that three members of Boy Scout Troop #93 are in attendance and are working on earning their merit badges.

PUBLIC HEARING-CDBG APPLICATIONS: Mr. Joe Blevins, MRPDC, explained that the Town has the opportunity to apply for a Planning Grant for the Gilman Street area that would include study of housing rehab., water and sewer line improvements, etc. Mr. Blevins stated that the original application was for $25,000, with the Town committing $2,000 in local funds toward the project. The revised application is for $16,000 with $2,000 in local funds. The deadline for this application is March 10, 1999. Mr. Booker read the resolution. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES approves resolution and application for $16,000 Planning Grant. Dr. Gates, Mr. Mutter, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Price voted affirmatively.

Charlie Harrington, MRHA, stated that he would like to apply for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant. This money would be used to make major renovations to the Marion Manor Apartment complex. The total project is in excess of 3 million dollars. This project would improve the local standards of living and the complex would have apartments with handicap accessability. This project can be completed on a building by building basis, and the entire project should take approximately 1 year to complete. Local funds are not needed for this grant application. Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, Town Council approves applying for the $500,000 Community Development Block Grant. Dr. Gates, Mr. Mutter, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Price voted affirmatively.

Mr. Blevins stated that the property owners at 124 S. Park Street are requesting that their property be rezoned from Commercial General to Residential. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Planning Commission.

ACCOUNTS/INVESTMENTS: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Hendrick and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the accounts were approved for payment in the amount of $729,355.16 and the investments were approved. Dr. Gates, Mr. Mutter, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Price voted affirmatively.

REQUEST FROM AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO FUND LOCAL PORTION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: Robert Johnson and Bob Dix were present to request the Town to commit $125,000 of local funds so that the Authority can apply for an ARC Grant to complete the last phase of the capital improvements project. Mr. Johnson explained that the money could be paid over a 5, 10 or 20 year period at an interest rate of 4.5% to 5%. Mr. Johnson also stated that Wythe County, Town of Wytheville and Smyth County have already committed the funds. This item was continued to the March 15, 1999 Council meeting.

REAPPOINTMENT OF JOINT TOWN/COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE TO AIRPORT AUTHORITY: Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, Council approved reappointment of Bob Dix to the Airport Authority. Dr. Gates, Mr. Mutter, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Price voted affirmatively.

REQUEST FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO HAVE A BENEFIT RUN, SATURDAY MAY 8, 1999: Staff recommendation is for approval with the following conditions:
1. That the sponsor coordinate all traffic control with the Marion Police Department.
2. The sponsor will be responsible for erecting and removing any barricades required for this event.
3. That the sponsor will provide sufficient supervision to assure an orderly event.
4. That the sponsor will clean up any trash, or other debris generated by this event.
5. That the sponsor will obtain the permission of property owners for any private property used in this event.
Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, Council approved Benefit Run with conditions stated.

BID REVIEW FOR BACKFLOW PREVENTION: Mr. Mutter, on behalf of the committee stated that this project would include approximately 300 customers. The project should be re-bid on a pay as you go basis. The bid request should be run in the Smyth County News, Bristol Herald Courier and on TV3. Mr. Booker stated that 123 combination meters would have backflow devices added and 171 complete refittings would be installed. Mr. Hicks stated that there would be a 1 year warranty on equipment after installation. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Mutter and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, Council approved accepting Committees report and re-bidding the project. Dr. Gates, Mr. Mutter, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Price voted affirmatively.

CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALLOW DAYTIME USE OF TRAIN HORNS: Upon motion of Mr. Price, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 4 AYES and 1 NOES (Mutter), Public Hearing is set for April 5, 1999.

EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE-COMPUTER UPGRADE: Mr. Price stated that the Town is at emergency status. The recommendation of the Equipment Committee is to have Framatone Technologies evaluate the Towns' system for $17,000. This evaluation would include status of current system, priorities for upgrading, employee training, and vendor listings to choose from.

Upon motion of Mr. Price, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, Council gives staff authority to hire Framatone Technologies and approves contract of $17,000, with products and completed operation insured. Dr. Gates, Mr. Mutter, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Hendrick and Mr. Price voted affirmatively.

Mr. Burkett stated that he had a request to make Park Blvd a Scenic Highway.

Dr. Gates stated that a framed picture of Sherwood Anderson will be placed in the new Fire Dept. Mr. Booker stated that the new Fire Dept. will be completed by next week.

Mr. Mutter stated that Norfolk Southern Railway should be notified of the Public Hearing scheduled for April 5, 1999. He stated that he would sign the letters to Mr. Lewis and the Vice President of Norfolk Southern.

Mr. Hicks stated that the Public Meeting for the Fowler Street Improvement Project will be Thursday, March 4, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. at the Recreation Department.

Debbie Overbay, Smyth County News, introduced the new publisher of the Smyth County News, Mr. Bill Parsons.

Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.