PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Samuel S. Burkett, Ralph Price (arriving late), Dr. James Gates, Mel Leaman, Buford Cregger, Eugene Hendrick and Sam Mutter, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Police Chief Michael Roberts; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; and Town Attorney Mark Fenyk.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Rev. Bill Wing of Stone Memorial Presbyterian Church rendered the invocation and Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES: Mr. Hendrick stated that he made a motion to proceed with the Fowler Street Extension Project under the Public-Private Transportation Act under the guidance of VDOT. The motion was duly seconded and carried by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Burkett, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes were approved as corrected. Mr. Mutter, Mr. Hendrick, Mr. Cregger, Mr. Leaman, Dr. Gates and Mr. Burkett voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: Rev. Bill Wing.
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION - VOLUNTEER FIREMAN RONNIE BUCHANAN: A Resolution was to be presented to Retired Volunteer Fireman Ronnie Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan had served the Marion area as a Volunteer Fireman for 43 years. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Cregger, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the Resolution was adopted. As Mr. Buchanan was unable to attend the meeting, the Resolution will be presented at the 4/16/01 Town Council Meeting.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW/PROMOTED EMPLOYEES: Council was informed that new full-time employees to the Public Works Department are Joe Osborne, Jason Hess, and Ronnie Powers Jerry Richardson was transferred from the Sewer Treatment Plant to the Water Treatment Plant. Mr. Richardson is a Class I Water Operator and a Class II Wastewater Operator. He is replacing Don Hutton at the Water Treatment Plant. Council expressed their appreciation that Mr. Richardson agreed to transfer to the Water Treatment Plant upon the unexpected vacancy due to Mr. Hutton's health conditions.
HEPATITIS B INOCULATION SCHEDULE-TOWN MANAGER: Mr. Clark reported that 9 employees did not take the vaccine at the Town Shop. However, four of those had already been vaccinated. Sixteen Firemen were vaccinated. Several more plan to receive the shot at Smyth County Community Hospital.
Mr. Price arrived.
REPORT ON WALMART TRASH SITUATION-KELLER LANE, VETERANS STREET AND MONTE VISTA DRIVE-TOWN MANAGER: Mr. Clark reported that he has been in contact with Wal-Mart representatives concerning the trash problem in the area. He stated that they recognize that there is a problem and plan to have security checks at more frequent intervals. Wal-Mart intends to clean the parking lot better. Mr. Clark advised that the Property Manager plans to visit the store and meet with Town representatives and the Police Chief this month. Mr. Cregger suggested installation of a mesh fence. Mayor Helms read a letter from Don Roland, a resident of Veterans Street that reflected the neighbors' concern about the litter problem. It was noted that recently a fire kindled from trash blown across the street from Wal-Mart parking lot.
With regard to the trash problem at S. Main Street and Monte Vista Drive, Mr. Burkett stated that garbage should not be placed curbside prior to the night before scheduled pickup and that this should be enforced. It was noted that Mr. Hudson had been informed by the Town that a dumpster would be placed on their property. Discussion ensued. Upon motion of Mr. Burkett, seconded by Mr. Cregger and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Sanitation Committee.
MARION TROUT HERITAGE DAY-TOWN MANAGER: Mr. Clark reminded Council that Trout Heritage Day will be held in Marion on Saturday, April 7, 2001. The area designated for stocked fishing extends from Staley Creek at Chatham Hill Road to River Bend Park. He advised that the Town and State were unable to obtain permission from all property owners to extend the fishing area from Chatham Hill Road to the Iron Bridge at Chilhowie Street.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD-NORTH MAIN STREET CROSSING-TOWN ENGINEER: Mr. Hicks advised that he has tried to contact Miles Dyer, Superintendent of Norfolk Southern Railroad concerning the rough crossing on North Main Street. Mr. Hicks suggested that the Street Committee view this area and consider milling the approaches to the crossing. Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Street Committee for study and recommendation.
PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING PROPERTY AT 225 PARK BOULEVARD ON APRIL 16, 2001: This item was continued to Public Hearing Date 4/16/01. The request is to consider a change in zoning from R1 to Commercial General.
RIVERBEND PARK BIDS-TOWN ENGINEER: Mr. Hicks advised that a pre-bid conference is scheduled on April 12, 2001 at 10 a.m. Bids are due April 26, 2001 at 2 p.m.
TAX RELIEF FOR THE ELDERLY: Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Mutter and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Finance Department for study and recommendation.
SAFETY MEETING 3/16/01: "Stress---America's #1 Health Problem" was the topic of a Safety Meeting held at the Town Shop on March 16, 2001. A program on fall safety was presented on April 2, 2001. Mr. Clark stated that the Town is aggressively promoting safety in the workplace thru these programs. Engineer's Assistant C.T. Eagle, Sr. recently attended a seminar on Safety Programs in Wytheville.
VML TOWN SECTION MEETING: A series of regional town section meetings will be held around the state in May. The closest to the Town of Marion will be held in Abingdon, VA, Martha Washington Inn, on Friday, May 4, 2001. These gatherings will offer town officials an opportunity to receive useful information on issues of concern as well as time to interact with other elected and appointed officials.
ARRIVAL OF NEW POLICE CARS: Two new 2001 police cars have arrived.
LEO AWARD-MARION POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police Chief Michael Roberts has been informed that Police Lieutenant Darrell Hayden has been named a winner in the 2000 LEO Awards presented by the Virginia Department of State Police. Chief Roberts will travel with Lt. Hayden to Richmond on April 19, 2001 to receive the award.
DMV AFTER PROM PARTY GRANT: Chief Roberts informed Council that the Police Department has been awarded a $500 grant for the After Prom Party. Dr. Gates moved that the Town of Marion accept the Prom Party Grant. Mr. Burkett seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE-MEETING WITH CEMETERY OWNERS ON GRAVE EXCAVATION: Mr. Mutter reported that the Cemetery Committee met with local funeral home directors concerning the possibility of contracting grave excavations. The funeral directors recommended a contractor that frequently excavates other graves. The cost for an adult grave is $385. The committee recommended that the Town agree to contract grave excavations for Round Hill Cemetery at a cost of $385 per grave. The Town would be required to mark the grave and maintain records. The contractor would dig, fill and maintain the grave, providing there is a vault. Mr. Mutter reported that the funeral directors highly recommend the contractor and have assured the town that he cleans up the site and maintains the graves that he digs. Mr. Cregger moved that the Town offer a contract for l year on a trail basis and obtain set prices for services. The Town Attorney will prepare the contract. Town of Marion regulations for Round Hill Cemetery would be revised to reflect these changes. Mr. Price seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
REPORT ON ESTIMATE TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY IN THE CEMETERY TOOL BUILDING: Mayor Helms requested that this item be continued.
FOWLER STREET EXTENSION-STREET COMMITTEE: Mr. Fenyk stated that he has received information from VDOT that the Town may proceed under the Public-Private Transportation Act to receive unsolicited proposals from the property owners with regard to the construction and purchase of a street without further approval from VDOT, provided that all guidelines of the ACT are met. This includes the Procurement regulations. Mr. Hendrick asked that a Street Committee meeting be scheduled to review these guidelines. The property owners shall submit an unsolicited proposal. Currently the proposal is incomplete and does not meet the Code of Virginia. Upon receipt of an unsolicited proposal, the Town must request additional proposals for 30 days. Upon motion of Mr. Price, seconded by Dr. Gates, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this matter was referred to the Street Committee with authorization to proceed.
2020 TRANSPORTATION PLAN- CONFERENCE CALL REPORT -STREET COMMITTEE: Mr. Hicks reported that after discussing the plan with Bob Chandler of the VDOT Urban Engineer's Office, the Street Committee requested alterations and revisions for Town Council's approval. This item was continued.
VRS LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE-INSURANCE COMMITTEE: Mr. Hendrick informed Council that the Committee has met to discuss possibly changing the Life Insurance carrier for Town employees. The Town currently has Guardian Life Insurance, which provides coverage until retirement and limited coverage for spouse and dependents until retirement. Minnesota Life under the Virginia Retirement System would provide the proposed Life Insurance Coverage. The initial insurance would be similar to that currently provided with the exception that premiums stop at retirement and the amount begins to reduce at 2% per month until it reaches 25%. Employees would have at least that amount of life insurance. The Town of Marion participate is 55% of the cost of life insurance. The cost to employees would increase from $0.17 per $1,000 to $0.30 per $1,000. Optional insurance is offered on employee, spouse and dependents. Town employees will be surveyed concerning interest in changing carriers.
INOPERABLE VEHICLES-SANITATION COMMITTEE: Mr. Leaman moved that this item be continued. The motion was seconded by Mr. Burkett and carried unanimously.
STREET LIGHT COMMITTEE-626 LESLIE STREET-KATHERINE O. TRAIL: Mayor Helms continued this item.
REPORT ON TOWN /COUNTY QUARTERLY MEETING: Mayor Helms reported that Jerry Mallory encouraged all localities to promote their "All American City" status to their advantage. The Town of Marion has ordered "All American City" signs to be erected in Marion.
PEAKS OF VIRGINIA MEETING: Mayor Helms stated that the main point of this group is to recruit industry to the area. They are trying to get the private sector involved. They hope to increase their budget with the help of adding private sector partners.
YOUTH GOVERNMENT DAY-APRIL 10,2001: Youth Government Day will be held April 10, 2001 from 10 a.m. until Noon.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: Mr. Helms reminded Council that April is Child Abuse Prevention month. The designation is to encourage citizens to report incidents of child abuse.
UNITED CITIES GAS COMPANY-FRANCHISE ORDINANCE: Town Attorney Mark Fenyk informed Council that the draft Franchise Ordinance has been made available to them and that any changes be reported to Mr. Fenyk by April 16, 2001. The proposed Ordinance will then be forwarded to United Cities Gas for review. A Public Hearing to received input will be held prior to adoption.
ARBITRATION HEARING ON FIRE HALL: Mr. Fenyk reported that a pre-meeting would be held on 4/5/01 to determine a time when all involved parties can schedule to meet on this matter.
SUPLUS PROPERTY NEAR FRANCIS BROTHERS: A public hearing was set for April 16, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. to consider this request. The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
MRPDC MEETING: Mr. Price reminded Council Members that Mount Rogers Planning District Commission would meet on April 5, 2001 at the Northwood High School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.
ADELPHIA CABLE RATES: Mr. Mutter informed Council that he is in receipt of a letter from Adelphia Cable stating that a 13% rate increase will be placed on Town of Marion customers on their May, 2001 statements. He had tried to contact the Adelphia Corporate offices but had little success. He noted that there has been no notification on local statements to customers. Mr. Fenyk was asked to review the Franchise agreement with regard to this matter. This item was continued.
PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 2.1-344 (1) and upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Price, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, Council entered into Closed Session to discuss request from Stephen Farris resulting from accident and Town Manager moving expenses. Mr. Hendrick moved that Council return to Open Session and that it be known that the only matters discussed in Closed Session were those lawfully exempted from Open Session and identified in the motion above. The motion was seconded by Mr. Price, and carried by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES. Mr. Mutter, Mr. Hendrick, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Cregger, Mr. Price, Dr. Gates, and Mr. Burkett voted affirmatively.
FARRIS REQUEST: Mr. Burkett moved that the request from Stephen Farris be denied based upon policy. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mutter and carried by a vote of 6 AYES and 1 NOE (Leaman). Mr. Mutter, Mr. Burkett, Mr. Price, Mr. Hendrick, Dr. Gates, and Mr. Cregger voted affirmatively. Mr. Leaman voted against the motion.
TOWN MANAGER MOVING EXPENSES: Mr. Burkett moved that $2,000 be allocated for moving expenses for the Town Manager. The motion was seconded by Mr. Price and carried unanimously. Messers Burkett, Gates, Mutter, Price, Hendrick, Cregger, and Leaman voted affirmatively.
Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.