PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Ralph Price, Mel Leaman, Buford Cregger and Sam Mutter; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; Purchasing Agent B. J. Hamm; and Police Chief Michael Roberts.

INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Cecil Hicks rendered the invocation and Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.

MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Price, and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes were approved as written and distributed. Messrs. Price, Leaman, Cregger and Mutter voted affirmatively.

VISITORS: Judy Taminger, John Taminger, J. J. Kelly, Alan Siedel, Bo Surber, Bob Murphy, Tracy Sledd, Tom Russell, Dennis Farley, Mike Jones, Justin Franklin.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION - RESOLUTION HONORING VIRGINIA STATE PARKS-JOHN TAMINGER: District Manager and Hungry Mother State Park Manager J. J. Kelly, John Taminger, Judy Taminger and Bob Murphy were present to represent the Park and Friends of Hungry Mother State Park. Mayor Helms read the Resolution and made the presentation. Mr. Price moved that the Resolution be adopted commending staff and volunteers of Hungry Mother State Park with regard to being selected as America's Best Managed Park System. Mr. Mutter seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES.

REPORT ON HIKING/BIKING TRAIL: Mr. Clark stated that the application for enhancement grant funds to complete the construction phase of the 3 mile Park Boulevard Hiking/Biking Trail from North Main Street to Hungry Mother State Park is complete. The Town of Marion has committed $20,810 and Smyth County is anticipated to commit $13,872 as matching funds for the $173,410 grant. Mr. Leaman moved that the Town proceed with the application process for the Hiking/Biking Trail. Mr. Mutter seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Mutter, Leaman, Cregger and Price voted affirmatively.

EAST CHILHOWIE STREET BRIDGE RENOVATION PROJECT (PHASE II): Mr. Clark stated that the application for enhancement grant funds to complete the construction/renovation phase of the East Chilhowie Street Bridge Project is complete. The Town of Marion has committed $45,697 as matching funds for the grant. The iron bridge was erected in 1885. This is one of the oldest, fully operational truss bridges of its kind. Mr. Clark noted that a contract for the Preliminary Engineering Report was mailed to VDOT on 11/04/01 and the Town is awaiting a response. Mr. Leaman moved that the Town proceed with the application process for the East Chilhowie Street Bridge Renovation Project. Mr. Mutter seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Mutter, Leaman, Cregger and Price voted affirmatively.

Mike Jones, MRPDC, stated that these grants are very competitive. Town Council urged Mr. Jones to submit the applications in a timely manner on behalf of the Town and Smyth County for these much needed projects.

REPORT ON FIRE TRUCK SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL BIDDING ISSUES-TOWN ATTORNEY/TOWN MANAGER: Mr. Clark reported that the Town is prepared to place this item out for bid. Mr. Fenyk had met with the Town staff and Fire Department Personnel concerning several legal issues. He suggested that several options be included in the specifications for fire truck and equipment: a 7-year lease, a five-year lease and outright purchase. Also requested will be a quote for a yearly maintenance fee for four (4) vehicles and support. Mr. Leaman moved that Mr. Clark, Fire Department Personnel, and Mr. Fenyk prepare the bid advertisement and select vendors. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES. Mr. Fenyk stated that bids should be advertised in the Smyth County News only.

REPORT ON BLUE RIDGE JOB CORPS-$10,000 TRUST FUND FOR NORTH STREET STORM DRAIN-TOWN ENGINEER: Mr. Hicks reported that according to a prior agreement, the Blue Ridge Job Corps had agreed to place $10,000 in a trust account to be used to finish the storm drain system that was proposed for the Job Corps Gymnasium Project. He informed Council that a statement requesting release of these funds as partial reimbursement for the project had been submitted. The total cost of the project was $54,818.09. This report is for informational purposes only.

ACCOUNTS: Mr. Mutter moved that the accounts be paid in the amount of $590,973.99. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Price, Mutter, Cregger and Leaman voted affirmatively.

INVESTMENT: Mr. Mutter moved that the investments be approved as presented. Mr. Leaman seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Price, Mutter, Cregger and Leaman voted affirmatively.

REQUEST FOR STREET LIGHT-SPRUCE STREET: A request for a streetlight has been received in the area of 659 Spruce Street. Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the request was referred to the Street Light Committee for study and recommendation.

REQUEST FOR HANDICAP RAMPS ON EAST END OF DOWNTOWN FROM PASTOR VICTOR JOHNSEY: A request for handicap ramps on the east end of Downtown. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, Council referred this request to the Street Committee and Marion Downtown! Executive Director Ken Heath.

REQUEST FROM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON ESTABLISHING A JAYCEES CHAPTER-ALAN SEIDEL: Mr. Seidel expressed his appreciation and that of Tammy Sauls, Chamber employee, for the Town's quick response when Ms. Sauls was injured recently.

Mr. Seidel informed Council that the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is attempting to organize a local chapter of the Jaycees. He requested a $500 donation from the Town to support the organization and implementation of a local chapter of the Jaycees. Mr. Seidel added that he has made the same request of the Towns of Chilhowie and Saltville, and Smyth County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Leaman moved that this request be referred to the Finance Committee. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 3 AYES and 1 NOE (Mutter).

REPORT FROM PERSONNEL COMMITTEE ON CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM-COUNCILMAN MUTTER: Mr. Mutter reported that the Personnel Committee, Mr. Clark and Mayor Helms met on January 9, 2002 to review bids for a Personnel Classification and Pay Plan for the Town of Marion. The project will also include a grievance procedure. Mr. Mutter moved that the Town award the project to Virginia Tech at a cost of $7,000. Mr. Cregger seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Mutter, Leaman, Price, and Cregger voted affirmatively.

REPORT FROM REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE: Mr. Leaman reported that a meeting would take place on Monday, January 28, 2002 with an Industrial Development Association member to discuss this matter.

MRPDC AND TRI-CITIES REGIONAL VISIONING MEETING: Mayor Helms advised that he attended this meeting, which was intended to share ideas on what areas our region should focus on. Among those matters discussed was the Park Boulevard Hiking/Biking Trail.

VML LEGISLATIVE DAY: Mayor Helms, Mr. Clark and Mr. Leaman have registered to attend the VML Legislative Day. The event will be held in Richmond, VA on January 31, 2002.

ENGINEER'S REPORT: Mayor Helms and members of Town Council commended Mr. Hicks on his in-depth report. The report included photographs, which enhanced his project reports.

TRAFFIC INDICATOR AT THE INTERSECTION OF PARK BOULEVARD AND CULBERT DRIVE: Mr. Mutter stated that he had received complaints that the traffic light is not functioning properly. Mr. Cregger had received a similar complaint. Mr. Hicks explained that the automatic detection apparatus in the signal holds traffic for 11 seconds. As a vehicle approaches the intersection from Culbert Drive, the light will change. In the event that the driver proceeds to make a right turn, the light will change even if the car has cleared the intersection. He suggests installation of a delay on the signal of four (4) seconds before changing signal.

BUSINESS LICENSES: Ms. Sheets advised that the Town is currently issuing 2002 Business and Professional Licenses.

ROUND HILL CEMETERY RECORDS: Ms. Sheets reported that Round Hill Cemetery Records are being recorded in a database. The Town of Wytheville provided the model for this project.

RIVERBEND PARK PROJECT: Mr. Price inquired about the design entry into the Park. Mr. Hicks reported that the Town plans to fill in and extend the existing culverts from the railroad to the road.

CIVITAN PARK: It was requested that streetlights be installed at the Civitan Park, constructed by volunteers on donated land. Mr. Clark reported that AEP recommended a light to face northwest of the river and one facing southeast of the river. A request to install two (2) street lights at the Civitan Park on N. Church Street and the erection of a sign identifying Park hours was approved upon motion of Mr. Mutter seconded by Mr. Cregger and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES.

STREET LIGHT ON THE EASTERN END OF TOWN STREET: Mr. Clark reported that the light, approved by Council, would be installed in the near future.

STREET LIGHT REPLACEMENT: Mr. Clark and Chief Roberts advised that replacement of street light outages is much better.

Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.