Minutes of a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Marion, Virginia held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on June 3, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Samuel S. Burkett, Ralph Price (arriving late), Mel Leaman, Eugene Hendrick, E. S. Mutter, Jr., Buford Cregger and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; and Police Chief Michael Roberts.

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

MINUTES: Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes were approved as written and distributed.

VISITORS: Paula J. Perkins, James Perkins, Alan Siedel, Helen Burkett, Jim May, Bo Surber, Mark Warren, Ken Heath, B. J. Hamm, Tommy Russell, Steve Wymer, Charles Snider.

TOWN ATTORNEY ON ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION GIVING TOWN AUTHORITY TO PARTICIPATE IN H-GAC COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM: Town Attorney Mark Fenyk explained that the Town of Marion may enter into an alternative form of purchasing, governed by Federal Law and adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Fenyk read the necessary Resolution to allow the Town of Marion to enter into an Interstate Interlocal Contract for Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with H-GAC Cooperative Purchasing Program. If this Resolution is adopted by Town Council the Town could proceed with purchase of fire fighting equipment through the Houston Consortium. He added that the Town would also qualify to purchase at least one pumper truck due to the fact that the current "back up" pumper would not pass a pumper test to perform as a front line pumper.

Mr. Price arrived.

Dr. Gates moved that Mr. Fenyk adopt the Resolution as read. Mr. Leaman seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES.

Dr. Gates noted that during the competitive bidding process, the bid received did not meet the Town’s specifications and that it was much higher than anticipated. He further stated that it is the recommendation of the Fire Committee to join with the H-GAC.

SELECTION OF OPTION FOR PURCHASE: Dr. Gates noted two options were presented by Larry Stevens, who has served as the Town’s consultant with regard to upgrade of fire fighting equipment. The apparatus cost, fully equipped, would be $823,001 for one (1) quint tanker, to be delivered immediately. $1,100,000 for two (2) pumper tankers. Total cost for 3 new vehicles is $1,923,001. Dr. Gates moved that this option be approved for purchase of fire fighting equipment. Mr. Mutter seconded the motion. Council approved the purchase by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES.

QUOTES FROM LOCAL BANKS ON BORROWING MONEY TO FINANCE FIRE TRUCKS: Loan quotations have been secured from local banks and Rural Development with regard to financing of fire trucks and equipment for a term not to exceed 15 years. $1,500,000 is the proposed loan amount. The Town has accumulated approximately $300,000 for this project. Dr. Gates moved that the loan be secured with the Bank of Marion at a rate of 4.74%, low bidder for the fifteen (15) year term. Mr. Mutter seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 N0ES.

Fire Chief Steve Wymer thanked the Town Council for their assistance in obtaining updated equipment for service to the Town of Marion and Smyth County Communities.

NOTICE OF APPROVAL OF SEWER SYSTEM IN HUNGRY MOTHER ESTATES-ENGINEERING: The Town has been advised by the Department of Environmental Quality that Plans and Specifications for the Hungry Mother Estates Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project have been approved. Water line plans have been previously approved by DEQ.

COMMENTS ON HIKING/BIKING TRAIL: Several letters of opposition from concerned residents along the proposed Hiking/Biking Trail have been received. Also received was a petition opposing the Trail. Mr. Clark advised that these concerns would be forwarded to Anderson and Associates.

REQUEST FROM PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH D. D. QUERY ESTATE-ZONING CLARIFICATION ON 1024 NORTH MAIN STREET: The D. D. Query Estate requests that the property be rezoned from R-1 to CG. According to the minutes of August 7, 2000, this property was rezoned to Commercial General.

FINANCE COMMITTEE ON BALANCING PROPOSED 2002-03 BUDGET: The proposed budget has been balanced in the amount of $6,807,871. A Public Hearing has been scheduled on June 17, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. to receive public comments.

FIRE AND RESCUE COMMITTEE- RECOMMENDATION ON ELIMINATION OF REMAINING TOWN OF MARION FREQUENCY: Dr. Gates reported that Smyth County has requested that the Fire Department relinquish their high band frequency. The Fire Department would like to retain the frequency, but are willing to give it up when the new County system is operational. Mr. Leaman noted that the Police Department would have to purchase all new radio equipment for the change over. He stated that if 911 funds are used for this project, the County should purchase this equipment. Mayor Helms advised that 911 funds would not be used for this project. Several members had the understanding that radio equipment would be purchased for the Towns of Saltville and Chilhowie by Smyth County. Chief Roberts did not feel that the County would purchase equipment for the other Towns and not for the Town of Marion. Chief Roberts stated that hand-held radios have been included in the FY 2002-03 Budget for the Police Department and will adapt to the new system.

Dr. Gates moved that the Town/Fire Department’s high band frequency be relinquished when Smyth County establishes their new radio system. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 1 NOE (Mutter).

Mr. Cregger moved that the matter of purchasing new radio equipment for the Police Department be put on hold until funding becomes clear. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mutter and carried unanimously.

Mr. Clark was asked to contact Smyth County Administrator Ed Whitmore concerning this matter. He was also asked to determine if the system and equipment is a budgeted item for the County.

BUILDING COMMITTEE ON MT. PLEASANT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Mr. Price moved that this item be continued for further study. Dr. Gates seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES.

POLICE/RETIREMENT: Chief Roberts notified Council that Sgt. Roger Bennett will retire on July 1, 2002. He will be recognized at the Town Employee Summer Luncheon on June 28, 2002 at Noon at the Marion Fire Department Building.

Mr. Mutter asked if Sgt. Bennett would be replaced. Chief Roberts responded that the retirement would open a position. Mr. Mutter was concerned that the process has not begun to replace Sgt. Bennett.

SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT-WASSONA CIRCLE: Mr. Hendrick requested that this item be continued regarding the replacement and/or installation of curb and guttering. To proceed, the Town must have 100% resident participation. Participation would include the resident paying one half (1/2) of the cost of installation.

WEB PAGE: Mr. Hendrick noted that the web page is updated and on-line with ten (10) links. He stated that 915 hits per month have been received on the web site.

MSHS SOCCER: Dr. Gates reported another successful year for the MSHS Boys Soccer Team.

RECREATION: Dr. Gates noted that the Roanoke Times has advertised budgets for area localities. Most of them have a Recreation Budget of nearly 5% allocation for recreation. Currently, Smyth County allocated 0-1% for recreation purposes. He asked that this information be compiled and forwarded to Smyth County.

BENCHES: Mr. Price stated that he had requested Town staff to re-paint the benches in front of the Municipal Building.

RIVERBEND PARK: Mr. Price asked the status of Riverbend Park. Mr. Hicks stated that bids for paving the entry road to two (2) lanes have been received. Construction will begin June 10, 2002. The starting date is a part of the contract.

OLDER AMERICANS DAY: Mayor Helms stated that Older American’s Day, May 24, 2002, was very successful and well attended.

LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN: Mayor Helms noted that Lunchtime on the Lawn would begin on June 7, 2002. He reminded Council members that they would be serving on June 14, 2002.

TRANSIT SYSTEM: Mayor Helms stated that the Transit System continues to be well utilized.

ATTORNEY REPORT-GIS: Town Attorney Mark Fenyk suggested that the Town consider including zoning on the GIS system and clear tracts to identify the zones.

VML ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Mr. Clark reported that an application has been forwarded to VML for the Town of Marion to be considered for an Achievement Award with regard to Callan Street and the proposed sub-division.

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