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 17, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Samuel S. Burkett, Mel Leaman, Eugene Hendrick, E. S. Mutter, Jr., Ralph Price and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; Purchasing Agent B. J. Hamm 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 corrected to include the Joan Query Reid and family as visitors. Messrs Burkett, Mutter, Hendrick, Price, Leaman, and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: Alan Siedel, Mark Warren, Ken Heath, Brian Reed.
PUBLIC HEARING-FY 2002-03 TOWN OF MARION BUDGET: Mayor Helms opened the public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Town of Marion 2002-03 Budget in the amount of $6,807,871. There was no citizen input. Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, a Special Called Town Council Meeting will be held on June 24, 2002 at 8:00 p.m. to consider approval of the 2002-03 Budget.
PUBLIC HEARING-FLOOD PLAIN/WETLANDS: The Town is considering Gilman/East Chilhowie Street Improvements, between Chatham Hill Road and Catron Street. A portion of the project is located in the 100-year flood plain. This public hearing was scheduled to inform the public that one structure on Elkton Street is in the flood plain and as a requirement by the Army Corps of Engineers for the Community Improvement Grant application.
SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT-WASSONA CIRCLE-IN CONJUNCTION WITH CURB AND GUTTERING-TOWN ATTORNEY: Mr. Fenyk informed Town Council of the procedure to establish a Special Service Tax District for Wassona Circle. Under the Special Service Tax District, 75% of the affected property owners must agree for the District to be created. Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Dr. Gates, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, a Public Hearing will be scheduled to consider the creation of a Special Tax District for the purpose of installing curb and guttering on Wassona Circle. The Town has proposed that curb and guttering be installed in the area. The Town policy is to pay 50% of the installation costs and the property owner pays 50%.
POTENTIAL TRANSFER/SALE OF LOTS ON IRON STREET TO PROJECT CROSSROADS: Upon motion of Mr. Mutter, seconded by Dr. Gates, and vote 4 AYES and 2 ABSTENTIONS (Burkett, Leaman), a Public Hearing was scheduled for July 15, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering property on Iron Street as surplus property.
CDBG APPLICATION STATUS FOR GILMAN STREET/E. CHILHOWIE STREET-BRIAN REED AND TOWN MANAGER: Brian Reed, Mt. Rogers Planning District Commission stated that the project was not funded this fiscal year. He is awaiting a "scoring sheet" which will indicate the weaknesses in our application. The application will be re-submitted during the March, 2003-grant period. Mr. Reed stated that the successful completion of the Planning Grant should bolster the Town’s application next year.
STATUS OF RIVERBEND PARK AND CALLAN DRIVE-TOWN MANAGER AND TOWN ENGINEER: Mr. Clark reported that the doors at Riverbend Park are unlocked and the facility is being used. The road is not completed but should be in the near future. A Senior Citizen Center employee will be in charge of shelter maintenance. Mr. Fenyk noted that W-L Construction was under a deadline for completion of the project. Mr. Clark reported that construction on this project continues.
UPDATE ON PARK BOULEVARD HIKING/BIKING TRAIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIAL-TOWN MANAGER: Mr. Clark stated that all public comments received by the Town (pro and con) are being forwarded to Anderson and Associates. A 30-day window for citizen comments will be completed 6/20/02. At that time, Mr. Clark and the Street Committee plan to meet with Anderson and Associates and VDOT concerning the project and comments. Mr. Clark stated that he will work with Anderson and Associates concerning possible re-design. Dr. Gates asked who would pay for re-design services. Mr. Clark stated that the cost was included in the contract.
ACCOUNTS: Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the accounts were approved in the amount of $595,275.35. Messrs Burkett, Mutter, Price, Leaman, Hendrick and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
INVESTMENTS: There were no investments in the last 30 days.
TOWN/COUNTY QUARTERLY MEETING: The Towns/County Quarterly Meeting will be hosted by the Town of Marion at Al-La-Carte on Monday, June 24, 2002 at 6:00 p.m.
SET SPECIAL MEETING DATE TO CLOSE 2002-03 FISCAL YEAR MATTERS: A Special Meeting was set for Friday, June 28, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of closing Fiscal Year 2001-2002 matters.
APPOINTMENT TO DISTRICT THREE BOARD: Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Burkett and vote of 3 AYES, 2 NOES (Mutter, Price), and 1 ABSTENTION (Hendrick), Mr. Hendrick was reappointed to the District III Governmental Cooperative Board. An alternate will be named after July 1, 2002.
APPROVAL OF MAYOR AND FINANCE DIRECTOR OR TOWN MANAGER TO SIGN BANK OF MARION LOAN DOCUMENTS FOR FIRE TRUCKS: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Leaman, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, Council approved the Mayor and Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Town of Marion for Bank of Marion loan documents. In the event that the Town Manager cannot sign, the Finance Director may sign on behalf of the Town. The loan will be used to partially finance the purchase of fire fighting equipment and vehicles.
BUILDING COMMITTEE-MT. PLEASANT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Mr. Price reported that the Building Committee has asked Mrs. Evelyn Lawrence to establish a Board to make suggestions on how the building may be utilized. Upon motion of Mr. Price, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued.
STREETS COMMITTEE-RECOMMENDATION ON PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT FOR EAST CHILHOWIE STREET BRIDGE: Mr. Clark reported that proposals were submitted by Dewberry and Davis and L. A. Gates on the Preliminary Engineering Report for the East Chilhowie Street Project. Dr. Gates asked if selection of an engineering firm commits the Town to the Project. Mr. Clark advised that $10,000 only commits the Town for the PER. $37,000 has been allocated to begin the project. Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Price and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, Dewberry and Davis was selected to submit a contract including a scope of work for the project. Messrs Burkett, Price, Mutter, Hendrick, Leaman, and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively. Mr. Clark noted that if the scope provided by Dewberry and Davis is not adequate or within budget, the Town may contact L.A. Gates.
DOWNTOWN YARDSALE: A Downtown Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2002 from 7 am to 4 pm.
CHILI COOKOFF: The 17th Annual Chili Cook-off will be held July 19, 2002.
CIVIL WAR KIOSK: The sign for the Civil War Trails has arrived and will be erected soon. Other signs will also be erected through out the Town of Marion. Work on this project will continue.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: The Annual Fireworks display will be held at the MSHS stadium on July 4, 2002. This display is the result of many individuals, businesses and volunteers. This is expected to be another spectacular show.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (DAR): The Town of Marion and DAR will conduct a ceremony on the Courthouse lawn on the morning of July 4, 2002.
GENERAL DYNAMICS: General Dynamics, formerly Marion Composites, will host a Boeing Ceremony to recognized Marion Composites for their contribution to the 100th C-17Globemaster III transport aircraft on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at 10 am.
RIVERBEND PARK: Mr. Price asked that staff contact Ken Construction to install 6X6 posts on the trellises at the Park.
LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN: Mayor Helms stated that Lunchtime on the Lawn continues to be well attended with great entertainment. He thanked members of Town Council for serving on June 14. He also expressed appreciation to the cloggers who provided entertainment.
COUNCIL CHILI TEAM: Mayor Helms encouraged members of Town Council to redeem themselves by entering a team in the Chili Cook-off.
GOVERNOR WARNER’S VISIT: Mayor Helms noted the Governor’s visit to Marion and to the Industrial Park in Glade Spring.
STREET COMMITTEE: Police Chief Michael Roberts asked that the Street Committee consider an unidentified intersection problem at their next Committee meeting.
CARE OF PREMISES: Chief Roberts noted that the two (2) residences on Pearl Avenue have removed old vehicles and continue to clean up their property.
MARION MANOR APARTMENTS: Mack B. Trammell, owner of Marion Manor Apartments, has requested that 911 change the name of the street leading to the apartments. One name has been rejected by 911 and another is being considered.
DELEGATE BILL CARRICO: Delegate Bill Carrico has requested several dates to use the Council Room for meetings with his constituents. The Town of Marion is happy to accommodate Delegate Carrico.
PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 2.2-3711-A-3 AND 2.2-3711-A-6 and upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, Council entered into Closed Session to discuss acquisition or disposition of public property. Mr. Hendrick moved that Council return to Open Session and that the only matters discussed during the closed session just concluded were those both lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements and identified in the motion by which the closed session was convened. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Burkett, Mutter, Price, Hendrick, Leaman and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
SURPLUS PROPERTY: Mr. Mutter moved that a public hearing be scheduled for July 15, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. to determine if two (2) parcels of property belonging to the Town of Marion may be considered surplus property. Dr. Gates seconded the motion. Council approved the motion by a vote of 4 AYES and 2 ABSTENTIONS (Leaman, Burkett).
ADELPHIA: Dr. Gates moved that the Town send a representative to Charlottesville concerning Adelphia and possible sale of the cable company. Mr. Leaman seconded the motion. Council approved the motion by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.
Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.
MINUTES FROM THE SPECIAL CALL MEETING ON JUNE 24, 2002
Minutes of a Special Called Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Marion, Virginia held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on June 24, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Samuel Burkett, Ralph Price, Mel Leaman, Eugene Hendrick, and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; and Police Chief Michael Roberts.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Councilman Burkett rendered the invocation and Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.
VISITORS: Ken Heath, Mark Warren
APPROVAL OF 2002-03 BUDGET: Mr. Burkett moved that the Town of Marion 2002-03 Budget be approved as advertised in the amount of $6,807,871. Mr. Price seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES. Mr. Leaman abstained from voting on matters regarding the Smyth County Free Clinic.
PRICE: Mayor Helms presented a plaque to Mr. Price in appreciation of his service to the citizens of the Town of Marion.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Price moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Burkett seconded the motion and Council approved the same by a vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES.
MINUTES FROM THE SPECIAL CALL MEETING ON JUNE 28, 2002
Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Marion, Virginia held at the Municipal Building, on June 28, 2002 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Eugene Hendrick, Mel Leaman, Ralph Price, and Buford Cregger, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Purchasing Agent B. J. Hamm; Police Chief Michael Roberts and Town Attorney Mark Fenyk.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mr. Hicks rendered the invocation and the Pledge to the flag was lead by Mayor Helms.
VISITORS: None
ADJUSTMENT OF CHARGES AND CREDITS - FINANCE OFFICE: Mr. Hendrick moved that these adjustments be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Price and charges and credits were approved by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES.
CHARGES:
Delinquent Taxes 2001 $ 14,359.41
Automobile Tags issued since March 1, 2002 56,798.00
at $15.00 each.
Motorcycle Tags issued since March 1, 2002 180.00
at $5.00 each.
Automobile Tags issued balance of 2001 2,683.25
Total Charges $ 74,020.66
CREDITS:
Losses on Water, Sewer, Garbage due to move outs, errors in billing, errors in reading, adjustments for leaks corrected , etc. $ 54,569.97
Credit Invalid Tax Tickets on file for 2001
Real Estate 0.00
Personal Property 1,641.16
Total Credits $ 56,211.13
NOTE: Total Charges to Office of Finance for Water, Sewer, and Garbage for fiscal year 2001-2002------$2,572,740.80
PAYMENTS OF 2001-2002 ACCOUNTS ON HAND: Mr. Leaman moved that the accounts be paid from the General Fund in the amount of $240,168.54. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cregger and approved by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES.
SET TAX LEVY: Mr. Price moved that the following tax levy be set for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hendrick and was approved by Council by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MARION, VIRGINIA; THAT pursuant to the Town Charter, the following taxes be levied for the necessary and proper management and expenses of the Town of Marion, Virginia for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2002: