PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Buford Cregger, Mark Warren (arriving late), Mel Leaman, Ken Heath, Eugene Hendrick, and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Police Chief Michael Roberts; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk and Purchasing Agent B. J. Hamm.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mr. Heath rendered the invocation. Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Heath, and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes were approved as written and distributed. Messrs Leaman, Hendrick, Heath, Cregger and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: Jeff Spickard, Sara Jennings, and Rebecca Cornett
RESOLUTION-CAMPBELL AVENUE SEWER INTERCEPTOR: Mayor Helms read the resolution committing Town of Marion funds as the local share toward grant applications to raise money for replacement of the Campbell Avenue Sewer Interceptor. Estimated funds of $186,080 were set aside as local match pending Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and various other grant applications. Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the resolution was adopted.
REPORT ON REQUEST TO COUNTY ON CAMPBELL AVENUE SEWER AND SEWER METERS: Town of Marion representatives had appeared before the County Sanitation Committee to ask for assistance on the Campbell Avenue Sewer Construction Project for comprehensive economic development reasons. The Board referred the request to their Budget Committee. While the Town is delighted that General Dynamics has announced an expansion, which will supply much needed jobs to the area, the current sewer line on Campbell Avenue must be upgraded. There is no guarantee that grants funds will be available for the project. In the event that the funds are not made available to the Town, the Town requested assistance from Smyth County on the project.
The Town representatives also encouraged the County to move quickly on the county sewer meter installations to provide a more accurate account of the amount of flow from the County lines. The type of meters placed at Staley Creek, Atkins, and Hungry Mother sites to monitor the sewer flow do not accurately account for the amount of sewer going into our sewer system. A metering device has been found that will correctly monitor the county flow entering the Town of Marion sewer system. The Town requested that Smyth County install these meters to allow the correct amount of flow to be recorded. The County pays Operation & Maintenance costs to the Town based upon flow.
REPORT ON PROGRESS OF RENOVATIONS TO THE FORMER MARION LIFE SAVING CREW BUILDING - SOUTH PARK STREET: Mr. Hamm informed Council that R.L Williams and Marion Roofing have been contacted and shown interest in replacing the roof. However, there have been no quotes received on the roof project. One contractor has submitted a quotation to block up the doors on the front. Another quote on this part of the project is anticipated.
REPORT ON PATRIOT'S DAY CEREMONY: The second annual Patriot's Day was held on September 11, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. on the steps of the Smyth County Court House. The ceremony commends the duties performed by former and current military personnel, law enforcement, fire departments, life saving crews, and various other service organizations. VFW Post 4667 presented the colors and TAPS. Virginia State Police Chaplin Rex Carter and Mayor Helms presented remarks. Marion Middle School and Marion Senior High School Bands gave musical selections. Rev. Mike Sage and the Calvary Mountain Trio also provided music. Mayor Helms stated that he has received several requests that this become an annual event.
ACCOUNTS: Mr. Heath moved that the accounts be paid in the amount of $457,937.53. Dr. Gates seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Heath, Cregger, Hendrick, Leaman and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
Mr. Warren arrived.
INVESTMENT REPORT: Upon motion of Mr. Cregger, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the Investment Report was approved as presented. Note: There were no investments since the August 2003 meeting.
WEE READ PROGRAM-SARA JENNINGS: Mrs. Sara Jennings presented a summary report of the 'Wee Read' Program. The project provides books for babies born at Smyth County Community Hospital. A packet is presented to parents of newborns to emphasize the importance of reading to children from birth. Another book is sent to the child at six (6) months of age. Mrs. Jennings thanked Town Council for their support of this program. Director of Nurses on the OB ward, Rebecca Cornett informed Council that the program is well accepted by the new families. She also noted that with an increase in Spanish-speaking families in the area, plans are being made to secure some packets in Spanish for those new mothers.
ENTERPRISE ZONE-KEN HEATH: Mr. Heath was authorized on September 2, 2003 to pursue the Town being designated an Enterprise Zone. Unlike a Technology Zone, an Enterprise Zone has minimum and maximum acreage requirements. The advantages of an Enterprise Zone are that the state and locality may enter into a 20-year partnership to offer a package of incentives to encourage business expansion and improvements. It allows existing and new businesses within the zone to qualify for significant state and local tax incentives and state job credits. The application is due by October 1, 2003. Mr. Clark advised that Mr. John Elliott assisted the Town of Marion in preparing the Enterprise Zone Proposal.
SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR ENTERPRISE ZONE FOR 9/29/03 AT 5:00 P.M.: Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Dr. Gates, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, a public hearing was scheduled for September 29, 2003 at 5:00 p.m.
REPORT ON GILMAN STREET PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT: Mr. Clark advised that a contract for a Preliminary Engineering Report has been signed with Dewberry and Davis. A management planning session is scheduled for 9/15/03 at 9:30 a.m. in the Marion Town Hall.
Dr. Gates moved that, with the consent of the Town Attorney, the Mayor execute all necessary documents concerning the option to purchase property on Chilhowie Street owned by Mr. Joseph Blevins and Mr. Jay Overbay and CDBG program for E. Chilhowie Street/Gilman Street. Mr. Heath seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.
CIVIC ORGANIZATION SIGN-SPECIAL COMMITTEE (MR. HEATH, DR. GATES): A request to establish a Civic Organization Sign was discussed. Mr. Heath reported that research has begun to determine how many groups are interested in establishing the sign. This item was continued until area civic and service groups could be contacted.
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE-TAX ABATEMENT-MR. HEATH: Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued.
STREET COMMITTEE-REQUEST FOR IMPROVEMENT ON FOURTH STREET: Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the item was continued.
MARION PLANNING COMMISSION: Mr. Warren stated that Planning Commission Chairman Alice Freeman was concerned that the Planning Commission should have addressed the establishment of a Technology Zone. Council requested that letters be mailed to all members of the Planning Commission explaining the development of the Technology Zone.
CHILI TEAM: The Hurricane Chili Team will be traveling to Bristol for the Rhythm and Roots Chili Cook-off. The team will consist of members of Town Council, Town Staff, and MVFD.
GENERAL DYNAMICS: Mr. Clark and Mr. Heath attended the Open House at General Dynamics on Saturday, September 13, 2003. They reported an enjoyable afternoon, which included a tour of the facilities.
MT. DEW DAYS: Mr. Heath advised that Mt. Dew Days would be held on October 25 in the Downtown! area.
SHUCK 'N CLUCK: Mr. Heath advised that a Shuck 'N Cluck will be held at the beach of Hungry Mother State Park from 6-11 pm on October 25. Tickets are $20 and will include music, oysters, shrimp, chicken and the fixins'.
MARION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMENDED: Mr. Heath reported that MVFD responded quickly to the report of a fire in the upstairs apartments of Appalachian Realty on Main Street. The occupant extinguished the fire. However, the fire department had arrived and set up within minutes of the call and no damage or injury was reported.
INTERSTATE 81-WIDENING PROJECT: Mr. Heath moved that the Town conduct a Public Hearing to discuss the I-81 Widening Proposals as presented to VDOT by Flour Virginia and Star Solutions. The motion was seconded by Dr. Gates and carried by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. Mr. Hendrick suggested that the Town invite someone to explain the proposals and set a time limit for each presentation. Dr. Gates noted that the hearing is to receive public input on the proposals only.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT ROAD: Mayor Helms noted that a letter of appreciation was received from Dr. and Mrs. Wassum concerning the recent improvements to the road that leads to the Water Treatment Plant, their home and Church.
SEWER CAPICITY REQUEST BY SMYTH COUNTY: Mayor Helms informed Council that Smyth County would like to discuss purchase of more capacity at the Sewage Treatment Plant.
FIRE STATION/NEW FIRE TRUCKS: Mayor Helms informed Council that a photograph of two of the new fire trucks, the new fire station and fire department personnel has been published in a Fire magazine.
REQUEST FROM MARGARET TILSON TO PURCHASE TOWN PROPERTY OFF OF OAKLEY STREET-TOWN ATTORNEY MARK FENYK: Mr. Fenyk advised that the property in question is a dedicated street to the former Buster Brown property. He advised that the Town take no action. The Town may wish to further develop the property with the establishment of a Technology Zone. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was dropped from the agenda.
TRANSFER OF ACCOUNTS: Town Clerk/Finance Director Dixie Sheets informed Council members that in years past, the Town was granted a waiver of bank charges from local banks. However, Wachovia Bank has lifted that waiver and is now charging the maximum in bank fees. After informing the Town Manager, Mayor and Finance Committee and numerous discussions with local and regional representatives of Wachovia, it has become necessary that funds be transferred from Wachovia Bank to the Bank of Marion. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Hendrick, Ms. Sheets was instructed to transfer accounts from Wachovia to the Bank of Marion. Council approved the same by a vote of 4 AYES and 2 ABSTENTIONS (Cregger, Gates)
Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.
PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Samuel S. Burkett, Mark Warren, Ken Heath, Eugene Hendrick, and Buford Cregger, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; and Town Attorney Mark Fenyk.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mr. Burkett rendered the invocation. Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.
VISITORS: John Elliott
APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION OF AN ENTERPRISE ZONE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE TOWN OF MARION: Mr. Heath stated that the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program was established in 1982 by the Virginia General Assembly. The program assists business development and expansion in specially targeted, economically depressed areas by offering businesses a package of state and local incentives. State Incentives include a ten-year General Income Tax Credit against state tax liability in an amount of up to 80% for year one and 60% for years two through ten; Real Property Improvement Tax Credit equal to an amount of up to $125,000 within a five-year period; Investment Tax Credit equal to a negotiated amount not to exceed 5% of qualified zone improvements; and Job Grants for positions created by business start-ups and expansions by existing firms in amounts equal to $1,000 for positions filled by zone residents and $500 for other positions for each year in a three-year period. The maximum amount a business can receive in one year is $100,000.
The proposed Marion Enterprise Zone is designed to provide an overlay district, which will encompass the primary commercial and industrial properties throughout the Town of Marion. The Zone will extend along Highway 11 (Main Street) from one end of Town to the other, from the Town Limits near Interstate 81, exit 45, along Commerce Street into downtown, along Brunswick Lane, and the entire downtown Special Service District.
Local incentives for qualifying Commercial and Manufacturing Businesses include: HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT: Abatement of both Town of Marion Real Estate Tax and Special Services District tax on approved improvements to historic commercial and industrial buildings (no less than twenty years of age) within the Downtown District. The abatement shall be based upon new investment for improvements approved by the Marion Downtown Revitalization Association and shall extend up to a maximum of fifteen (15) years. Normal reassessment increases for Smyth County commercial or industrial
COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE ZONE: Refund of 100% of the net increase in the Town of Marion Real Estate Taxes paid (refunded taxes will be based upon the new tax revenue from increased valuation) on approved improvements to commercial buildings within the Enterprise Zone, but not in the Downtown District. The abatement shall be applied over five (5) years, following this scale: Year One-100%; Year Two-80%; Year Three-60%; Year Four-40%; Year Five-20%.
MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE ZONE: Refund of 100% of the net increase in Town of Marion Real Estate taxes paid (refunded taxes will be based upon the new tax revenue from increased valuation) on approved improvements to manufacturing facilities within the Enterprise Zone, but not in the Downtown District. The abatement shall be applied over five (5) years, with the following scale: Year One-100%; Year Two-80%; Year Three-60%; Year Four-40% and Year Five 20%.
Other incentives include reduction of Business, Professional and Operators License Fees, waiver of signage fees, waiver of water and sewer connection fees, Downtown façade grants, Architectural Assistance Program, Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, Entrepreneur Training and Development Assistance, Micro-Enterprise Loan Pool through People Inc.'s BusinessStart Program, Workforce Training Assistance and waiver of Machine and Tools Taxes on qualifying manufacturing business locating or expanding within the Zone for a period not to exceed five (5) years.
RESOLUTION-ENTERPRISE ZONE RESOLUTION: Ken Heath read the Resolution to authorize the Town to apply for Enterprise Zone designation. Upon motion of Mr. Hendrick, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 4 AYES AND 1 ABSTENTION (Heath), Council approved the Resolution.
ENTERPRISE ZONE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Virginia Enterprise Zone program was created in 1982 to provide incentives for new private investment and job creation in disadvantaged areas of the state; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is soliciting applications for new Enterprise Zones;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Marion is applying for Enterprise Zone Designation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this locality will designate a program administrator for the Zone; and Town of Marion designates the Town Manager to act as program administrator; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Marion Town Council authorized the Town Manager to submit all information necessary to apply for Enterprise Zone designation and to carry out all program administrative and reporting requirements on its behalf.
Mr. Heath expressed the Town's appreciation to Mr. John Elliott in preparing the application. Mr. Elliott stated that the Town of Marion qualifies due to property vacancies and income. He noted that the 2000 census figures used do not reflect the unemployment that has occurred in Smyth County and Marion since the year 2000. DHCD reviews the applications with final approval granted by the General Assembly. Those localities granted an Enterprise Zone must re-apply each 20 years.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Clark added that applications are not accepted on an annual basis.
Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 5 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.