PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Samuel Burkett, Ken Heath, Buford Cregger, Eugene Hendrick, Mark Warren, Mel Leaman and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Police Chief Michael Roberts and Purchasing Agent B.J. Hamm.
INVOCATION/PLEGE TO THE FLAG: Mr. Hicks rendered the invocation. Eagle Scouts Michael Humsi, William Humsi and Matthew Moorer led the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Leaman, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes of the meeting held 6/2/2003 were approved as written and distributed. Messrs Burkett, Warren, Heath, Leaman, Cregger, Hendrick and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: Colin Delaney, Wanda McGlothlin, Crystal Walk, Dean Atwell, Christy Atwell, Ginny Moorer, Sally Moorer, Glenn Moorer, Dave Fields, Courtney Stewart, Mollie-Blair Delaney, J. W. Martin, Carol Gilley, Jake Hash, Shirley Hash, Betsy Brown, Amelia Bland, Will Beaty, Paul Brown John H. Tate, Jr., William Humsi, Michael Humsi, Dr. Ramzi Humsi, Salwa Humsi, Matthew Moorer.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARDS – MICHAEL HUMSI, WILLIAM HUMSI, AND MATTHEW MOORER: Mayor Helms read Resolutions of Congratulations to Michael Humsi, William Humsi, sons of Dr. and Mrs. Ramzi Humsi and Matthew Moorer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Moorer on the occasion of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Each Eagle Scout was presented with a framed copy of the Resolution. Upon motion of Mr. Warren, seconded by Mr. Heath, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the Resolutions were adopted.
PROCEDURE ON HIRING ENGINEERING ASSISTANT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST: Mr. Hicks advised that 28 applications have been received and interviews will be scheduled next week.
INTRODUCTION OF COLIN DELANEY: Mr. Hicks introduced Colin Delaney to Town Council. Mr. Delaney is a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond as an Engineering Major. Mr. Delaney is a summer engineering intern with the Town of Marion
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL TO APPLY FOR TEA-21 FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $379,948 FOR EAST CHILHOWIE STREET BRIDGE –TOWN SHARE IS $94,987: Mr. Clark informed Council that he and Mr. Hicks talked with VDOT representative Mark White concerning the East Chilhowie Street Bridge situation concerning the possibility of emergency funds to assist with the reconstruction of the bridge so that it can be reopened. Mr. White did not know of any emergency funding, but suggested the Town may consider use of part of the annual Highway Maintenance Funds. Mr. Clark advised that $870,000 is received for Highway Maintenance. If the funds were earmarked, it would consume 50% of the total allocation. Council could approve the use of funds by Resolution. Another possibility would be to transfer allocated funds for the S. Church Street Funding, which is in the VDOT Six Year Plan. Total Cost for the E. Chilhowie Street Project is $511,000. $37,000 has been allocated. Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Mr. Heath and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, Council granted permission to proceed with an application for VDOT TEA-21 for the East Chilhowie Street Bridge Project.
Mr. Cregger stated that the Town should proceed with the E. Chilhowie Street Bridge Project as soon as possible. The bridge closure has added additional traffic at the North Main Street and Chatham Hill Road Intersection. Mr. Hicks noted that the cost of a “regular” bridge would be approximately the same as renovation of the historic bridge. Mr. Heath suggested that the Town contact our representatives concerning the urgency of this matter.
ACCOUNTS: Upon motion of Mr. Warren, seconded by Mr. Leaman, and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the accounts were approved for payment in the amount of $501,858.74. Messrs Burkett, Leaman, Hendrick, Cregger, Warren, Heath and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
INVESTMENTS: There were no re-investments from last meeting to 6/13/03. Upon motion of Mr. Burkett, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the Investment Report was approved as distributed. Messrs Burkett, Heath, Hendrick, Cregger, Leaman, Warren and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
REQUEST FROM MR. RUSS HAUVER ON SPRINT PAYMENT CENTER: Hauver’s Computer Services, Inc. is a payment center for American Electric Power, Atmos Energy and Alltel Wireless. He has contacted Sprint to apply to become a Sprint Payment Center. Sprint representatives have advised Mr. Hauver that there are no plans to create a payment center in Marion. The closest Sprint Payment Center is in Chilhowie. Mr. Hauver advised that over 1,000 AEP payments and 180 Atmos and Alltell payments are made at his store. A large number of the customers walk or take a taxi to his store to make their payments. He requests that the Town of Marion assist in his attempt to become a Payment Center for Sprint Telephone payments. Council members felt that a local payment center would benefit Town residents. Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Heath and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, Mr. Clark was asked to prepare a letter of support for a Sprint Payment Center to be located in Marion.
NOTICE OF TOWN/COUNTY QUARTERLY MEETING AND RESERVATIONS: Mr. Clark advised that the Town of Marion would host the Town/County Quarterly Meeting at Main Street Gifts and Eatery on Monday, June 23, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. A special guest, Mr. Neal Barber, Community Resources Manager with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership will present the program.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COMPLETION OF ROUTE 58: Mr. Burkett explained that Mt. Rogers Planning District Commission has passed a Resolution In Support of U.S. Route 58 Completion Plan. The Commission feels that Route 58 is being forgotten in the scramble to prioritize highway projects in a tight funding environment. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Hendrick and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, Council voted to support the Resolution of Completion of U. S. Route 58.
RE-APPOINTMENT OF EUGENE HENDRICK TO DISTRICT III BOARD: Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Mr. Leaman, and vote of 6 AYES and 1 ABSTENTION (Hendrick), Council reappointed Mr. Hendrick to the District III Governmental Cooperative Board. Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 6 AYES and 1 ABSTENTION (Leaman), Mr. Leaman was appointed Alternate.
MCGLOTHLIN MOBILE HOME PARK: Wanda McGlothlin, owner of the McGlothlin Mobile Home Park, was present to request additional adjustment on her water bill of $1,426.34, which has been adjusted to $864.39. Ms. McGlothlin had been advised of one or more leaks on a private service line from the meter to the Mobile Home Park. Former owner Ronny Cox installed the ¾ inch line to serve three (3) mobile homes. The park now serves nine (9) mobile homes. Residents of the Mobile Home Park had complained of low water pressure. Mr. Hicks had informed Ms. McGlothlin that a new line should be installed or that she could connect to the Smyth County line. Ms. McGlothlin had since connected to the line serviced by Smyth County. She contends that there was no leak on her property and the line containing the leak was a Town line. She further contends that she has been “double-billed” by the Town and County for a two (2) week period. The issues were referred to the Water Committee for study and recommendation.
MATSON DRIVE-TREE REMOVAL REQUEST: Mr. Jake Hash, 1159 Matson Drive, reported to Town Council that there are large trees across from his home that he fears will fall on his property and the street. He also stated that there is a good possibility of a rock and mudslide from the same area. He had mentioned the problem to the Town previously and was informed that the trees and rocks are on private property and not a Town issue. Mr. Hash stated that Adelphia Cable, American Electric Power, Sprint and Alltell have poles among the trees and if they fall, will interrupt several types of service in the area. Mr. Cregger stated while this is a private property issue; Council members would view the area and contact other utility companies of the problem. This item was not referred to Committee.
RECYCLING: Molly-Blair Delaney appeared before Town Council to discuss recycling issues. She is a student at Phillips Exeter located in New Hampshire. However, Miss Delaney is a citizen of the Town of Marion. She is the recycling coordinator for her dormitory at school. She questioned why the Town does not have a recycling program or recycling center. Council members advised that curbside recycling is not economically feasible. Limited recycling is available at the Smyth County Convenience Stations. Miss Delaney stated that she is currently researching recycling programs in towns the size of Marion and will prepare a proposal for a recycling program.
REPORT FROM SANITATION COMMITTEE ON WASHINGTON AVENUE: Mr. Clark stated that County Engineer Duncan McGregor has requested that Smyth County be allowed to connect three (3) customers located on Washington Avenue. If the County could connect to the Town system at Washington Avenue considerable savings could be realized in the construction cost. Mr. Hicks stated that the current system servicing the Washington Avenue Branch of the Bank of Marion was a very expensive project. Council asked that Mr. Hicks compile the cost of the system. Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued.
REPORT FROM TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE ON COMPUTER SPECIALIST FIRM: The Technology Committee reviewed the proposals of six (6) consulting firms that responded to the advertisement. They interviewed King/Moore, Computer Solutions, Dewberry of Marion, and Innovative Technology. The successful firm would handle all of the following work elements: maintaining wireless network, maintaining approximately 30 computers, maintaining LANS, trouble shooting hardware and software problems, working with GIS system. Committee members recommended King/Moore to perform duties related to maintaining LANS and working with the GIS system. The Town is awaiting a Letter of Understanding outlining what they have committed to do. These services will be contracted on an annual basis. Council had given the Technology Committee power-to-act at the meeting of 6/2/03.
Maintaining the wireless network, maintenance of approximately 30 computers and trouble shooting hardware and software problem services will be awarded at a later date.
PAVING CONTRACT: Mr. Hendrick moved that the Spring Paving contract be awarded to W. L. Construction and Paving. Mr. Burkett seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES.
MARION PRIMARY SCHOOL: Mr. Heath advised that two (2) second grade classes from Marion Primary School visited the Town Hall last week. He had received several nice pictures and letters from the students.
CONFERENCE ON SMALL BUSINESSES: Mr. Heath stated that he attended the 9th District Conference on Small Businesses sponsored by Congressman Rick Boucher in Abingdon on Monday, June 16, 2003 and found it to be most informative.
LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN: Mr. Heath informed Council that the season’s first Lunchtime on the Lawn was very successful and thanked Council Members for assisting with cooking and serving. Rain cancelled the festivities on Friday, June 13, 2003.
SCHOOL’S OUT EVENT: Mr. Heath stated that the School’s Out event was well attended. The event was held on Broad Street from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm.
CHILI COOK-OFF TEAM: Mayor Helms and Town Council Members will again enter the Chili Cook-Off with a determined team of cooks. The event will be held on July 18, 2003 from 6 pm – 11 pm.
FIREWORKS PROGRAM ON JULY 4TH: Mayor Helms stated that a wonderful fireworks program is being planned. There will also be a program at the Courthouse at 10 am sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
HAPPY VISITOR: Mayor Helms informed Council that Mr. Bill Becker, from Ohio, came by the office and stated that he was passing thru and wanted to compliment the Town for being such a nice, clean town.
ORDINANCE-BICYCLES DISPOSAL: Mr. Fenyk advised that Police Chief Michael Roberts requested permission to sell or donate confiscated bicycles to charitable organizations. Mr. Fenyk stated that an Ordinance must be written to allow the Town to do this. Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Ordinance Committee.
SET SPECIAL MEETING: Mr. Burkett moved that Council set a Special Meeting on June 30, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. to close fiscal year matters. Mr. Heath seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES.
PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING REQUESTS- 305 N. CHURCH STREET AND 815 NORTH MAIN STREET: Mr. Leaman moved that a Joint Public Hearing be scheduled for July 7, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public input on rezoning requests. Elizabeth Sayers had requested to rezone property at 305 N. Church Street from R-2 to R3. A request to rezone property at 815 North Main Street from R-2 to CG was received on behalf of Charles Berg. Mr. Heath seconded the motion. Town Council set the Joint Public Hearing by a vote of 6 AYES and 1 ABSTENTION (Warren).
TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX: Mr. Clark advised that the traffic signal box at Church and Main Streets is scheduled to be replaced.
RESERVED PARKING REQUEST: Mr. Clark stated that a request has been received from The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for June 27, 2003 to reserve parking spaces from Main to Cherry Street for the official visit of the Grand Master of Masons in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Lodge is located on South Church Street. Approximately 120 people are expected to attend the event. Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to Town Manager Clark.
CLOSED SESSION: Pursuant to Code of Virginia, as amended, Section 2.2-3711 (A) (3) and upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Burkett and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, Council entered into Closed Session to discuss W&L’s request to vacate Hungry Mother Estates Sub-division plat. Mr. Hendrick moved that Council return to Open Session and that it be known that only those matters identified in the motion and legally exempted from Open Session were discussed during Closed Session. Mr. Heath seconded the motion. Town Council approved the same by a vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Burkett, Hendrick, Cregger, Heath, Warren, Leaman and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 7 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.