PRESENT: Mayor David Helms; Samuel Burkett, Sam Mutter, Mel Leaman, Dr. James Gates, Buford Cregger, Ralph Price and Eugene Hendrick; Town Manager John Clark; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; and Police Chief Mike Roberts.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Rev. Judd Compton rendered the invocation. Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES: Mr. Mutter corrected the minutes of the last meeting with regard to the stop sign on Prater Lane. He stated that Mr. Cregger made the comment concerning the stop sign not being effective, not Mr. Mutter. With the correction noted, upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes were approved. Messrs Mutter, Burkett, Cregger, Hendrick, Leaman, Price and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: Mike Speer, Tracy Sledd, Jim May, Ricky Henderson, Dennis Farley, Bo Surber, Buck Sawyers, Steve Wymer, B. J. Hamm, Firemen; Alan Sidel, Larry Stevens, Will Mahone, Rev. Judd Compton, Ken Heath.
INTRODUCTION OF ALAN SIDEL: Mayor Helms introduced Alan Sidel as the new Director of the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sidel recently relocated to Smyth County from Germany. He expressed his intention for the Chamber to work closely with local governments and participate in more community events. He encouraged comments for direction for the future.
TIME FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FOR LARRY STEVENS-FIRE CONSULTANT: Mr. Stevens had met with Council at 5:00 p.m. on ll/19/01. It is his recommendation that the Town lease fire equipment to provide the needed fire protection services. The lease would include 4 pumpers, including all necessary apparatus. If approved, the equipment would be on a replacement schedule of every 5 years. Dr. Gates moved that the recommendation be referred to the Finance Committee. Mr. Mutter seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a unanimous vote.
COMMENTS FROM WILL MAHONE OF SMYTH COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ON PARK BOULEVARD INTERSECTION AND PAVING: Will Mahone, Smyth County Community Hospital, commended the Town and Contractors on the intersection on Route 16. He stated that the project was completed in a timely manner and is an improvement to the area. He added that Snider Street was recently paved by the Town and was very much needed. He advised that development of the sub-division would be an asset to the Town and SCCH. Housing is a vital part of attracting physicians to the area. SCCH is in the process of finalizing bids to address improvements at the Hospital.
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ON CHILHOWIE STREET/GILMAN STREET PER AND HOUSING ASSESSMENT STUDY: Mr. Clark advised that a committee comprised of Mr. Clark, Mayor Helms, Brian Reed and Mel Leaman scored bids for the PER/Market Study and Rehabilitation for the project. Adams/Heath was recommended for the PER/Market Study and Woodford for the Rehabilitation portion of the project. Mr. Leaman moved that the recommendation of the Special Committee be accepted and the contracts awarded. The motion was seconded by Mr. Price and carried unanimously. Messrs Burkett, Price, Leaman, Hendrick, Cregger, Mutter and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
APPROVAL OF MT. ROGERS PDC CONTRACT AND VARIOUS ASSURANCES: Mr. Clark advised that Mr. Fenyk had suggested that a change be incorporated into the contract so that the Town will not be limited if it is discovered that the safety of the public requires Gilman Street be widened. Mr. Mutter moved Section 4, Subsection B of the Local Business and Employment Plan be changed to state ‘Smyth County News, Roanoke Times and/or Bristol Herald Courier’. Mr. Cregger seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES. Dr. Gates moved that the contract be approved, with corrections. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same unanimously. Messrs Burkett, Price, Leaman, Cregger, Hendrick, Mutter and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
DISCUSSION OF GIS CONTRACT AND JOINT VENTURES WITH COUNTY: Mr. Hendrick reported that Smyth County has hired a full-time staff member to oversee the GIS System. They have worked to develop a digitized mapping system. Much of the information and maps generated by the County would be useful to the Town. In an effort to reduce duplication and costs to both entities, Mr. Hendrick moved that the Town enter into a joint contract with Smyth County for WebGIS Services to be provided by Anderson and Associates. Mr. Mutter seconded the motion. Council approved the same unanimously. Messrs Burkett, Mutter, Price, Leaman, Hendrick, Cregger and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
CONTRACT SUBMITTAL FROM ANDERSON AND ASSOCIATES ON HIKING/BIKING TRAIL: Mr. Clark reported that the proposed contract with Anderson and Associates contains the work elements needed for the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and correctly states the scope of the work. Mr. Hendrick moved that Mr. Clark be granted authority to finalize the contract on this project. Mr. Cregger seconded the motion. Council approved the same unanimously. Mr. Burkett, Mr. Hendrick, Mr. Leaman, Mr. Cregger, Mr. Price, Mr. Mutter, and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
RIVERBEND PARK: Mr. Hicks reported that the shelter is 85% complete. A laminated bridge has been added to the trail and most of the grading is complete. Development of the parking lot and general landscaping are expected to be complete in the next few weeks. Mr. Hicks advised that the Railroad has not responded to the Town’s correspondence with regard to extension of the fence.
STALEY STREET DRAINAGE: Mr. Hicks advised that the Town continues negotiations with D&D Construction on this project.
ACCOUNTS: Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Mutter and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, Council approved the accounts in the amount of $553,086.18. Messrs Burkett, Mutter, Cregger, Hendrick, Leaman, Price and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
INVESTMENTS: Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the Investments were approved as presented. Messrs Burkett, Mutter, Cregger, Hendrick, Leaman, Price and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
REQUEST FROM MARION DOWNTOWN! ON STREET LIGHT: Ken Heath requested that the Town move a street light from Chestnut Street to Town Street to illuminate the alleyway behind the former Piggy Wiggly building. He noted that all of the renovated upstairs apartments are rented and new businesses have been added to the area. The request was referred to the Street Light Committee.
NEW BROCHURES: Mr. Heath asked for Council’s review of proposed new brochures.
MARION DOWNTOWN! OPEN HOUSE: Mr. Heath announced Marion Downtown!’s open house is scheduled for December 6, 2001 from 5:00-8:00.
PARK BOULEVARD BIKING/HIKING TRAIL: Mr. Heath advised that the project is to be funded by a Transportation Enhancement Grant. He noted that the History Walk Project is funded by the same entity. The project was approved in 1998 but the Transportation Enhancement Program has released no funds.
CIVIL WAR TRAILS: Mr. Heath reported that he has been working with Engineer’s Assistant C. T. Eagle, Sr. on mapping. He added that a marker would be installed near the Allen home near Exit 47.
CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Christmas Parade was held November 18, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. and was a huge success. Mr. Heath stated that all Christmas decorations have not been displayed. Also, Mr. Clark noted that some of the lights on the new decorations are not working. Staff is assessing the problem.
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEARING FEES: The Ordinance Committee recommends a flat fee of $75 for all public hearings. The fee will cover the cost of advertising and administration work. Mr. Hendrick moved that a public hearing be scheduled on December 17, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. to consider this change. Dr. Gates seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES.
WATER COMMITTEE ON REQUEST FROM COUNTY ON ADDITIONAL WATER RATES: Upon motion of Mr. Burkett, seconded by Mr. Hendrick and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued for further study.
FINANCE COMMITTEE-FUNDING FOR WEE READ PROGRAM: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Mutter and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued at the request of Mrs. Sarah Jennings.
SANITATION COMMITTEE-REQUEST FROM HAROLD WADDELL ON ASPHALT REPAIR: Mr. Leaman moved that the Town replace the asphalt at Mr. Waddell’s apartments and that the method of garbage pickup be changed. These will now be picked up from the street. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the motion unanimously.
TRANSDOMINION EXPRESS: Mayor Helms informed Council that he, Mr. Clark and former Mayor Marshall Guy attended a TransDominion Express meeting in Roanoke on Friday, November 16, 2001. He felt that it was a very informative meeting. However, it appears that funds will not be available until 2003.
SMYTH/BLAND REGIONAL LIBRARY TREE LIGHTING: Mayor Helms announced that the annual tree lighting would be held December 3, 2001.
INMATE PROGRAM: Mayor Helms reported that the Inmate Program with Smyth County Jail is working well. The inmates have recently completed painting the inside of the Recreation Department.
TOWN/COUNTY MEETING: Mayor Helms stated that the Town/County Meeting, held 11/15/01 was very informative.
MSHS FOOTBALL TEAM: Mayor Helms expressed Town Council’s pride in the accomplishments of the 2001 football team. The Hurricanes are Highland District Champions and are currently involved in post-season play.
CROSS COUNTRY-FLEET HOWER: Dr. Gates reported that MSHS Senior Fleet Hower finished second in the State Cross Country Meet. He will compete in a meet in which the top 8 finishers will go to the National Cross Country Competition in Orlando, Florida.
NEW YORK FIREMEN VISIT MARION: Mr. Helms stated that six (6) New York City Fire Fighters stopped in Marion on a Thank You America Tour on Monday, November 19. Mr. Helms said that it was very inspirational to talk with these men.
ROYAL OAK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Mr. Fenyk advised that the case brought by the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church has been dismissed.
POLICE GRANTS: Chief Roberts announced that Marion Police Department has received two (2) grants from the Department of Motor Vehicles. One is in the amount of $4,000 for overtime on seat belt safety. The other grant is in the amount of $5,000 to be used to purchase an in-car video camera.
AELPHIA CABLE: Mr. Mutter reported that he has been in contact with Hilda Sexton, General Manager, concerning the weak signal on Channel 8. She informed him that Adelphia is aware of the problem and their engineering technicians are investigating.
TOM BUCHANAN-SURVIVOR AFRICA: Mr. Mutter moved that the Town of Marion draft a Resolution commending Mr. Buchanan on his National television appearances on the Survivor Africa Program. He stated that Mr. Buchanan has brought recognition to Smyth County on a national level. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES.
TREE BOARD: Mr. Hendrick informed Council that the Tree Board is in the process of developing a Tree Ordinance.
MARLEY WATER METER: Mr. Hendrick noted that a new meter was installed at Marley Mouldings in October 2001. He brought Council’s attention to the fact that their billed usage increased from 129,730 gallons to 1,389,400 gallons. He added that the increase in revenue is approximately $7,500 per month.
ELKINS STREET SEWER PROBLEM: Mr. Cregger informed Council that a manhole on the other side of the river has been discovered. The manhole was buried eight (8) feet deep and filled with tree roots. 130 feet of sewer line in the same area was replaced.
SEWER-NEW SUB-DIVISION: Mr. Hicks stated that the sewer line along old Prater Lane, to Chilhowie Street, to Elkton Street should be redesigned and replaced by the Town before the sub-division begins to sell lots. It will be the responsibility of the contractor to replace all pipes and recondition manholes in the sub-division.
FIRE SERVICES: Dr. Gates asked that staff obtain information on an ordinance allowing localities to bill insurance companies for fire services. It is understood that these billings would not increase local premiums.
ROUTE 16/CULBERT DRIVE/FOWLER STREET: Mr. Hicks reported that the traffic indicator has been installed. Traffic will flow without change unless traffic approaches Route 16 from Fowler Street or Culbert Drive. At that time, a video signal will change the light.
ADELPHIA CABLE: Mr. Burkett complained that the Wytheville weather appears on Channel 16 rather than the Marion weather. Mr. Mutter moved that Mr. Clark compose a letter to Adelphia Cable to request that current weather conditions in Marion appear on Channel 16. Mr. Burkett seconded the motion. Council approved the motion by a vote of 6 AYES and 1 NOE (Leaman).
PRATER LANE STOP: Mr. Hicks will contact VDOT concerning the intersection of Fowler Street and Prater Lane.
VML INSURANCE GRANT: Mr. Clark advised that C. T. Eagle, Sr. applied for and received a grant in the amount of $500 to be used in purchasing safety shoes.
PURSUANT TO VA. CODE SECTION 2.2-3711(A7) and upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, Council entered into Closed Session to discuss potential litigation with the Town Attorney. Mr. Hendrick moved that Council return to Open Session and that it be known that only those matters legally exempted and identified in the motion were discussed during the Closed Session. Dr. Gates seconded the motion. Council approved the same unanimously. Messrs Burkett, Leaman, Hendrick, Price, Mutter, Cregger and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.