INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Reverend Charles DeHardt rendered the invocation and Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the flag.

MINUTES: Mr. Leaman corrected the minutes from the January 24th meeting. Mr. Fenyk was present for the meeting. With the correction noted, upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes were approved. Messrs Burkett, Price, Leaman, Cregger, Gates, Hendrick and Mutter voted affirmatively.

VISITORS: Charles DeHardt, Patricia Belcher, Alan Siedel, Dickie Keesling, Tracy Sledd, Jamie Tolliver.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Patricia Belcher briefly explained the Annual Audit Report FY 2000-2001. Ms. Belcher noted that there were 4 irregularities in posting and problems due to computer program compatibility. These irregularities have been corrected and the Town operated in the black for FY 2000-2001. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Hendrick and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the 2000-2001 Annual Audit Report was accepted.

REPORT ON GENERAL BIDDING OF FIRE TRUCK ISSUES: Town Manager John Clark reported that on 1-25-02 he and the Committee met with a Fire Dept. Representative to go over the final specs. The specs were advertised locally and sent to selected manufacturers. The bids will be due March 13, 2002.

REQUEST FOR WATER SERVICE: Arnold Sexton requested water service at Stoneybrook Park located in Atkins, Va. Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Finance Committee.

REQUEST FROM MARION PRIMARY SCHOOL: Marion Primary School is requesting a monetary donation for the Math-A-Thon Program, planned for the month of April 2002. The money would be used to purchase prizes or supplies. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Finance Committee.

VML INSURANCE NOTICE: Due to the events of September 11, an increase in insurance will be necessary.

VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SEMINAR: The seminar will be held February 28, 2002 at the Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. The program will be "The Changing Face of Southwest Virginia, Planning for Tomorrow.

REPORT FROM STREET COMMITTEE-SPRUCE STREET: Mr. Cregger stated that the Street Light Committee met and recommends installing a light in the area of 659 Spruce Street. Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Mr. Price and a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the request for a street light was granted. Messrs Burkett, Leaman, Mutter, Price, Gates, Hendrick and Cregger voted affirmatively.

REPORT FROM STREET COMMITTEE ON HANDICAP RAMP REQUEST AT THE LOWER END OF EAST MAIN STREET: Mr. Hendrick stated that the Street Committee met with Ken Heath and Doug Covington to discuss if there is a need for the ramps in the area. After discussion, it was decided that the ramps would eliminate parking spaces and the area already has ramps at the signal lights. The Committee recommends denying the requests at this time and dropping this item for the agenda. Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Cregger and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the request was denied.

REPORT FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE ON REQUEST FROM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON ESTABLISHING A JAYCEES CHAPTER: Mr. Burkett informed Council that Committee recommends denying this request because it would set a precedence for other clubs trying to establish an organization. Dr. Gates added that the Jaycees should get a Charter first and become established as a club, then return to Council with a request. Mr. Siedel stated that the monetary request is to get the charter started and that the Smyth County Board of Supervisors is pledging $500.00 contingent to what the area Town's pledge. Upon motion of Mr. Burkett, seconded by Mr. Mutter and vote of 6 AYES and 1 NOE (Mr. Leaman), Council denys request from the Chamber.

MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Helms reported that he, Town Manager John Clark and Mr. Leaman attended the VML Legislative Day in Richmond, Va., January 30-31, 2002. Mayor Helms stated that the meeting was very informative and Mr. Leaman added that this area is trying to have a lobbyist for SWVA in Richmond to give this area a stronger voice.

RIVERBEND PARK PROJECT: Mr. Hicks stated that he spoke with Ken Morrison of Ken Construction about making the entrance road to the new Riverbend Park wider. Ken Construction will provide labor, tools and materials to excavate and install 48 L.F. of 60" concrete pipe for a total of $9,360.00. Mr. Hendrick moved that the work by Ken Construction be approved at a cost of $9,360.00. Mr. Cregger seconded the motion and with a vote of 5 AYES and 2 NOES (Mr. Mutter, Mr. Price), Council approved the motion.

WOLFE AVENUE - VEHICLES PARKING ON STREET: Mr. Mutter stated that he had received complaints about the problems on Wolfe Avenue when trucks are going down the hill. If vehicles are parked on the street and a truck is coming down, the vehicle going up must back up. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Street Committee.

W. COYNER AVENUE - CURB AND GUTTER: 312 W. Coyner Avenue to Chatham Hill Road, curb and guttering is not adequate. Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Mr. Cregger and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Street Committee.

ENGINEER'S REPORT: Mr. Hicks stated that he has received information that the Manufactured Home Industry is trying to get legislation passed to mandate localities to allow manufactured housing in all residential districts throughout the State. He further reported this legislation has been tabled for this year.

Mayor Helms commended the Police Department for a "job well done" in light of the recent robbery and hostage situation.

Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.