PRESENT: Vice-Mayor Samuel Burkett, Buford Cregger, Eugene Hendrick, Mel Leaman, Ralph Price, Sam Mutter and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Police Chief Michael Roberts; Engineer’s Assistant C. T. Eagle and Purchasing Agent B. J. Hamm.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Rev. Charles DeHart rendered the invocation. Vice Mayor Burkett led the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Dr. Gates, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes were approved as written and distributed. Messrs Cregger, Hendrick, Gates, Leaman, Price and Mutter voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: Rev. Charles DeHart, Susan Clark, Charles Call and daughter, Crystal, Bob and Brenda Murphy, Dan Adams, C. T. Eagle.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW/PROMOTED EMPLOYEES AND RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENT: Susan H. Clark was introduced as Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Director of Finance, effective October 1, 2001. The Town of Marion has employed Mrs. Clark for 16 years as an Account Clerk II. She passed a comprehensive examination and panel interview and was selected unanimously for the position. She brings enthusiasm and a working knowledge of the operations of the Clerk and Finance Offices to this position.
Ms. Sheets read a Resolution of Appreciation and Retirement for Charles A. Call. Mr. Call served the Town of Marion for 21 years. He retired on October 1, 2001. His daughter, Crystal, accompanied Mr. Call.
PUBLIC HEARING-REQUEST FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT-1056 HOLLOW ROAD-JERRY HAGA: Mr. Jerry Haga had requested a Special Use Permit to operate a professional locksmith business at 1056 Hollow Road. Ms. Shirley Johnson owns the property. It was noted that adjoining property owners have been notified by certified mail. Bob and Brenda Murphy, residents of Hollow Road, asked if the request is required to be made by the property owner. Mr. Eagle advised that the property owner is the fiancé of the applicant and they share the residence. Mr. Price moved that the request be granted. Mr. Leaman seconded the motion. Discussion ensued. Mr. Fenyk stated that the application must be made jointly as regulations require the property owner to make the request. It was further noted that the letter of conditions to be proffered has not been signed. Mr. Price and Mr. Leaman withdrew their motion and second, respectively. Mr. Mutter moved that the public hearing be continued to the November 5th meeting until all conditions have been proffered. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cregger and carried by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.
REPORT ON STREET LIGHT REQUEST ON JOHN STREET: Mr. Clark advised that John Street is not a Town maintained street. However, it is very dark and AEP states that there is already secondary power to the area and the only cost to the Town would be a monthly charge for the light. Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the request was approved.
CONTRACT SUBMITTAL FROM ANDERSON AND ASSOCIATES ON HIKING/BIKING TRAIL: Mr. Clark advised upon review of the contract, there is concern with charges for additional services. It was his opinion that most of these items should be included in the contract price. Negotiations with Anderson and Associates will continue. If no agreement can be reached, negotiations will begin with the second low-bidder.
REPORT ON RIVERBEND PARK: C. T. Eagle, Sr., Engineer’s Assistant, reported that the project is well underway. The contractors are finishing up on the grading and footers for the shelter haven been poured.
REPORT ON STALEY STREET DRAINAGE: Mr. Eagle reported that the Engineering Department has been working with Dickie Davenport, D&D Contruction, on a joint effort to solve the drainage problem on Staley Street.
ACCOUNTS: Upon motion of Mr. Mutter seconded by Mr. Leaman, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, Council approved payment of the Accounts in the amount of $332,589.86.
INVESTMENTS: Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Price, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the Investments were approved as presented.
REQUEST FROM EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH ON FOUR-WAY STOP SIGN: The Congregation Council of Ebenezer Lutheran Church requested the Town Council to consider making the intersection of South Jones Street and West Town Street a four-way stop. They noted that the intersection of these two narrow alleys has become a rather busy thoroughfare. The fact that the Church now has a Day Care Center operating on the ground level poses a heightened danger. They also requested a "Children Playing" sign be erected in the area. Vice-Mayor Burkett referred this request to the Street and Police Committees for study and recommendation.
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT BETWEEN MT. ROGERS PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION AND TOWN OF MARION FOR GILMAN/EAST CHILHOWIE STREET PLANNING PROJECT: Mr. Clark advised that a Planning grant has been approved by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $19,215 to be spent for the purpose of performing a Market Study, Preliminary Engineering Report, a Needs Assessment, Housing Inspections and CIG Pre-contract activities for the Gilman/East Chilhowie Community and general coordination of all project participants and activities directly related to the overall administration of the Project. The Town has committed $4,000 in local funds to the project. Discussion ensued. Mr. Fenyk expressed concern about one resolution dealing with housing displacement. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Mutter and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this matter was continued, pending review of the contract by the Town Attorney.
APPOINTMENT OF AN ELECTED OFFICIAL TO SERVE WITH TOWN MANAGER ON SELECTING CONSULTANT FOR PER AND HOUSING ASSESSMENT STUDY: Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 5 AYES and 1 ABSTENTION (Leaman), Mr. Leaman was appointed to serve on this Committee with the Town Manager.
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE-AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER FRANCHISE: This item was continued to Public Hearing date of November 5, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Dan Adams was present, representing American Electric Power. Mr. Fenyk distributed the final draft of the Ordinance. It was noted that the public hearing would be conducted on November 5, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE-ADDITIONAL POLICEMAN AND PUBLIC WORKS CREW LEADER: Mr. Mutter reported that the Personnel Committee makes the following recommendations: 1) that Friday after Thanksgiving not be made a Town holiday this year; 2) that an additional police officer be added to the Town force because of the present national and world situation in order to insure better protection of the Town and its facilities; 3) that three or four members of the present Town work force to be elevated to working crew leaders with responsibilities of directing the crew on the jobs they are engaged in.
Additional Police Officer: Mr. Mutter stated that with the way things are today, an additional police officer is warranted. He further stated that Chief Roberts has a plan to better protect the Town, its property and citizens. He noted that two (2) current offices may be called to active duty and one (1) will be eligible to retire. As sworn officers must be certified, it would be prudent to hire at this time and begin the training process, if necessary. Mr. Hendrick expressed concerns about protecting the Town’s water supply. He supported the hiring of another officer. Mr. Price stated that he does not see the situation as an emergency and that there are no budgeted funds for another officer. Discussion ensued. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 5 AYES and 1 NOE (Price), Council voted to approve an additional Police Officer.
Public Works Crew Leaders: Mr. Clark stated that this matter was discussed during budget preparation. The positions would elevate four (4) employees to direct a work crew on each job site. These employees would be working Crew Leaders. Discussion ensued. Mr. Cregger stated that there are already two (2) crew leaders. Mr. Mutter asked Ms. Sheets to verify these positions. A brief recess was called while these documents were presented. Ms. Sheets presented minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting of July 26, 2000, which elevated Denny Parks and Bobby Ellis to Crew Leaders with a one-step increase in salary. She also presented personnel records of the two individuals, which documented that they are Equipment Operator and Laborer II Crew Leaders, respectively. Vice-Mayor Burkett verified these documents. Dr. Gates moved that four (4) working supervisory positions be approved and that Mr. Clark advertise for these positions internally, working with the Town Attorney on legalities. Mr. Cregger seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.
Designation of Approved Holiday for the Day after Thanksgiving: Mr. Mutter moved that the request for Town employees be granted the day after Thanksgiving as an annual holiday is denied. Mr. Hendrick seconded the motion. The motion was defeated by a vote of 2 AYES and 4 NOES (Cregger, Leaman, Price, Gates) Dr. Gates stated that he did not think this was an unreasonable request. He noted that most offices, including County and State offices are closed on that day. He added that holiday pay would only be necessary for the Police Department and garbage collectors. These employees may choose to take the holiday at a later date (within 28 days of the granted holiday). Mr. Hendrick noted that the Town has not received this day off in past years and that the recommendation of the Personnel Committee was based upon services provided to the citizens of Marion. Discussion ensued. Mr. Leaman moved that the Friday after Thanksgiving be granted as a holiday for Town employees. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 2 NOES (Mutter, Hendrick).
SUB-LEASE FOR HAPPY’S RESTAURANT: Mr. Fenyk advised that this item has already been settled.
VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Several members of Town Council, the Town Manager and Town Attorney attended the VML Annual Conference in Virginia Beach October 14-17. Members stated that the meetings and programs were very beneficial.
POLICE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Mr. Mutter requested a meeting of the Police and Personnel Committees immediately following Council Meeting.
IRON STREET: The Street Committee and Police were asked to review the parking on Iron Street. Cars and trucks are being parked on both sides of the street resulting in a traffic and safety problem.
STREET LIGHT: It was reported that the street light at Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is out. Mr. Clark advised that he is working with AEP to replace streetlights that have been reported inoperable for some time. These are reported by the Marion Police Department. He sent AEP a letter complaining of inefficient light replacement.
WATER LEAKS: Mr. Clark reported that Town staff has been repairing water leaks and will continue to do so. Accountability had improved to 57%.
ABANDONED HOUSING: Mr. Clark reported that structures on Lincoln and Pearl Avenues have been demolished and removal nearly complete.
Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.