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 March 17, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.

MINUTES: Mr. Hendrick requested that with regard to Wassona Circle surface water coming out of the manholes that the portion of the minutes stating that storm drains in the area have manhole lids be removed from the minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Warren, seconded by Mr. Leaman, and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes of the meeting of March 4, 2003 were approved with the adjustment as requested by Mr. Hendrick.

VISITORS: Rev. Donna Hester, Sid Collier, Willis Bridgeman, Brian Reed, Jack Gardin, James Perkins, Doug Covington.

INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Rev. Donna Hester, Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, rendered the invocation. Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.

Dr. Gates arrived.

CDBG-SECOND PUBLIC HEARING: Mount Rogers Planning District representatives Brian Reed and Jack Gardin were in attendance to answer questions concerning the Gilman Street Project. Mr. Gardin stated that the Town’s application for Gilman Street would be re-submitted for funding in the amount of $738,470. The local matching and in-kind funds required is $139,499 over a three (3) year period. The project will benefit 22 low-moderate income families and rehabilitate nine (9) households. The substandard water line will be replaced and fire hydrants installed. The project will also include a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Marion Redevelopment and Housing Authority. There was no public comment. Mr. Heath moved that the resolution be passed and the Town Manager be authorized to sign necessary documents to file the application for funding. Mr. Leaman seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.

DOWNTOWN SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT-PUBLIC HEARING: There was no public comment. Marion Downtown conducted a survey of downtown businesses. It was reported that a positive response was received. Discussion ensued. Mr. Leaman moved that the Downtown Special Tax District be continued for five (5) years at a rate of $0.11 per $100 value. Dr. Gates seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 5 AYES and 1 ABSTENTION (Heath).

TAXI RELOCATION-RED BIRD TAXI SERVICE-PUBLIC HEARING: Chief Roberts reported that he has inspected the proposed site and vehicles and talked with the neighbors concerning the relocation of Red Bird Taxi Service. There was no public comment. Chief Roberts recommended that the relocation request be granted. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Hendrick and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the request was granted.

REQUEST FROM RED BIRD TAXI TO INCREASE FLEET TO SIX (6) VEHICLES: Chief Roberts stated that one of the Town’s taxi companies has discontinued service. Mrs. Widener had requested to add three (3) cabs to their fleet, making a total of six (6) cabs. Chief Roberts recommended approval of the request. Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the request was granted.

BUSINESS/CHURCH GARBAGE PICK-UP RELATING TO NEW ORDINANCE-TOWN MANAGER: Mr. Clark stated that letters reflecting new garbage pick-up regulations with regard to churches and businesses have been mailed to those affected by the changes. These changes will occur with the April billing. He further stated that some businesses have apartments above them and will be charged a residential rate. This item may be revisited at a future date if it is determined that the businesses are placing their garbage with residences.

BIDS-AWARD ON PURCHASING DEPARTMENT PROJECT-ATTORNEY: Town Attorney Mark Fenyk reported that it has been determined that there is no Conflict of Interest within the Procurement Act for former Council Member Ralph Price to bid and/or be awarded a contract for the Purchasing Department Project. Mr. Cregger moved that Ralph Price Construction, low-bidder be awarded the contract in the amount of $36,202. Mr. Hendrick seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.

ACCOUNTS: Dr. Gates moved that the Accounts be paid in the amount of $512,664.04. Mr. Hendrick seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, with Mr. Leaman abstaining on item # 110 for the Smyth County Free Clinic.

INVESTMENTS: There were no investments. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Cregger and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the Investment Report was accepted as presented.

NOTICE FROM MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: Mayor Helms expressed his appreciation to the Ministerial Association for their letter asking that whenever possible for the Town to refrain from scheduling any type of events or gatherings that would directly conflict with the churches’ traditional schedule of meetings on Wednesday nights, Sunday mornings, and Sunday evenings.

RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION AND APPRECIATION FOR GARLAND PARKS: Mayor Helms read a resolution honoring Saltville Council Member Garland Parks who passed away on February 28, 2003. Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES the Resolution was adopted.

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ON HUNGRY MOTHER ESTATES: Mr. Hicks reported that the Planning Commission met with the developer on March 10, 2003. The Commission scheduled a Public Information Meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on March 25, 2003 at the Municipal Building. The meeting will be held to discuss the proposed project and will be advertised on TV3 and in the local newspaper.

WATER COMMITTEE-RECOMMENDATION FROM WATER COMMITTEE ON COUNTY WATER CONTRACT- COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS TO RENEW EXISTING CONTRACT ANOTHER THREE YEARS AND THEN REVIEW AFTER DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE: Mr. Hendrick moved that the Water Contract with Smyth County be extended for a three year period. The contract would expire on 1/11/06. Mr. Heath seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. The proposal will be communicated to the Smyth County Board of Supervisors.

SANITATION COMMITTEE-SPOT BLIGHT PROGRAM: Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE-REVISIONS IN TAXI CAB SERVICES: This item has been set for Public Hearing on April 7, 2003.

FINANCE COMMITTEE-TOBACCO TAX AND READ-A-THON PROGRAM AND BUDGET FORMULATIONS: Marion Primary School had requested donations to provide prizes for the annual Read-A-Thon Program. Any funds that remain after the program is completed will be used to purchase computer software. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, Marion Town Council donated $200 to the project.
Tobacco Tax and Budget formulations will be considered during the Budget process.

BROAD BAND CONFERENCE: Mr. Heath reported that he attended a Broad Ban Conference in Abingdon on the Town’s behalf. It is the Commonwealth’s intention to develop the broadband access in Southwest Virginia.

ROUND HILL CEMETERY: Mr. Heath commended those employees who have worked in the Cemetery this year. He added that the Cemetery is in good shape after a very difficult winter.

STREET REQUEST-MRS. STELLA MALONEY-LEE STREET: Mr. Heath asked that staff review the request of Mrs. Maloney concerning Lee Street.

THEME PARK PLANNED: Mr. Hicks informed Council that a $500,000 Game Show Theme Park has been proposed in Virginia. He suggested that the Town contact the developer concerning the project. Mr. Heath was asked to follow thru on this.

TREE BOARD: Mr. Hendrick reported that the Tree Board had received a $5,000 grant. During the period of 2/25/03 to 3/6/03 an inventory of trees was completed. There are 402 trees on Town property and all have been properly identified. Markers appear on those trees that are large enough. He added that the Board is short on in-kind (volunteer) match hours and invited anyone interested to participate.

SIDEWALK REPAIR-BROAD STREET: Mr. Hendrick reported that it is the recommendation of the Street Committee that sidewalk and curb and guttering be replaced on 149 feet of Broad Street. The existing sidewalk and curbing are dangerous and should be added to the spring concrete schedule. Mr. Hendrick moved that the sidewalk and curb and guttering be replaced. Mr. Cregger seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.
Mr. Heath stated that Marion Downtown! Have plans to extend the Streetscape along Broad Street. He suggested that Council consider using the brick pavers on the project. It was decided that extension of the Streetscape would not be feasible at this juncture.

DISTRICT III GOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE: Mr. Hendrick gave an overview on several of the many services rendered to the community by District III Governmental Cooperative. These services include, but are not limited to, home delivery of meals, the transit bus program, congregate meals, and homemaker’s service. Budget requests from the Cooperative are $2,603 for the annual appropriation (based upon $0.41 per capita), $13,299 for the Transit Services and $381 to participate in a new Farmer’s Market Program (coupons for fresh vegetables for those who qualify and if the Town elects to participate). Dr. Gates moved that the Town agree to participate in the Farmer’s Market sponsored by District III and that this item be added to the proposed 2003-04 Budget. Mr. Heath seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNS: Mr. Warren requested that Pedestrian Crossing signs be erected at the Post Office on Cherry Street. Staff will comply with this request.

CALLAN DRIVE/PARK BOULEVARD TRAFFIC INDICATOR: Mr. Warren reported that complaints continue to surface with the inoperation of the traffic indicator at this site. The light should change as vehicles approach the intersection from Callan Drive or Culbert Drive. However, this is not always happening. Mr. Hicks stated that if the problem persists, the manufacturer would be contacted to test the light system.

STREET LIGHT-PARK BOULEVARD/MAIN STREET: Mr. Hendrick reported to that a street light is leaning at this intersection and should be repositioned and stabilized.

STREETS-YIELD SIGN: Mr. Warren reminded staff concerning the “Yield” sign at Panorama Drive/Wassona Circle.

MOUNT ROGERS PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION – SPRING MEETING: Mayor Helms reminded Council members of the MRPDC Spring Meeting to be held on 4/3/03. RSVP to the Town Clerk’s Office prior to March 28, 2003.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON HARWOOD: Mayor Helms stated that a request has been received from a University of Pennsylvania student for information on Harwood Manufacturing Company and life in Marion in 1947. This request has been forwarded to former Town Council Member Bill Greenwood a plant manager of the former manufacturing plant.

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK: Mayor Helms informed Council that college students have volunteered at Hungry Mother State Park as an Alternative Spring Break location. The students are housed at the Park and will volunteer at Hungry Mother and Grayson Highlands State Park for one (1) week. Several college groups participate in ASB during the spring and fall seasons. In addition to working, they also enjoy the area and utilize the local facilities. Mayor Helms and Mr. Clark plan to visit the students during their stay at the Park.

DEER PROBLEM: Mayor Helms stated that the deer population continues to pose problems within the Corporate Limits.

ROTARY CLUB: Marion Rotary Club had requested the Town’s assistance with finances and volunteers for the After Prom Party. The Party will be held on 4/26/03 from 10:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.

FIRE COMMITTEE: Dr. Gates reported that the Fire Committee met with a representative of CW Williams Company to discuss payment of the Fire Trucks and Equipment ordered by the Town. It was agreed that the Town will pay for the trucks as they are received, equipped, training provided and serviceable to the Town of Marion. CW Williams is to invoice the Town for each truck and include the cost of the equipment to outfit that truck. The loose equipment may be delivered but will not be paid for until each vehicle is received and placed into service (i.e. payment will be made in one-thirds).

REQUEST TO SMYTH COUNTY FOR GYMNASIUM: Dr. Gates reported that a presentation was made to the Smyth County Board of Supervisors to request a gymnasium. The presentation included the fact that the majority of individuals participating in the Town’s programs are non-Town residents. The request was referred to the Smyth County Finance Committee for study and recommendation.

EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE: Mr. Clark requested an Equipment Committee Meeting to discuss vehicles, gasoline and related items.

Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.

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