PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Samuel S. Burkett, Ken Heath, Buford Cregger, Mel Leaman, Mark Warren and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk and Police Chief Michael Roberts.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mr. Hicks rendered the invocation. Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Karen Copenhaver and Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Joseph Copenhaver led the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES: Mr. Warren advised that the minutes did not reflect the names of the Council members who made and seconded the motion to approve payment of the accounts for the meeting of November 17, 2003. The motion was duly made and seconded and the minutes confirm that Messrs Cregger, Hendrick, Leaman, Heath, Warren and Dr. Gates voting affirmatively approved payment of the accounts. With this noted and upon motion, duly seconded, the minutes were approved by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Burkett, Cregger, Leaman, Heath, Warren and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: Mary Price, Scott Wilson, Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Karen Copenhaver, Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Joseph Copenhaver and Henry Brant.
PARK BOULEVARD DRAINAGE COMPLAINT-MARY PRICE: Mrs. Mary Price informed Town Council that her family rents the property on Park Boulevard, owned by Rebecca and Amanda Currin. The property is located across from Smyth Valley Crossing Shopping Center and she complained that, during rain events, her property and house is flooded by the drainage from the shopping center. She cited two occasions that the water has damaged both real estate and personal possessions. The Town has made efforts to remedy this situation. However, Mrs. Price stated that flooding problem continues. Mr. Hicks advised that a new drain line was installed to the north of the property and a strip of asphalt was placed to deter the water. He added that intense water flows might add to the situation. Mr. Hicks has tried to contact the shopping center owners to assist in a remedy for this problem. Mrs. Price asked for assurance that the Town will try to remedy the drainage problem. Mayor Helms noted that this is a natural low-lying area of the Town. Upon motion, duly seconded and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Street Committee.
CIVIL AIR PATROL WEEK PROCLAMATION: Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Joseph Copenhaver and Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Karen Copenhaver were in attendance. Lt. Col. Karen Copenhaver advised Town Council that the Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U. S. Air Force and was established in 1941. She gave an overview of the program. Following the presentation and upon motion of Mr. Burkett, seconded by Mr. Leaman and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the following proclamation was adopted:
WHEREAS, the Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer, non-profit humanitarian organization for adults and youth established on December 1, 1941 as part of the Office of Civilian Defense and since 1948, the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, and
WHEREAS, the Civil Air Patrol conducts “Missions for America” in providing Emergency Services (search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian services, counter-drug operations and homeland security); Cadet Programs for youth focusing on building character and dynamic leaders for tomorrow; and Aerospace Awareness (promoting aerospace awareness for educators, enthusiasts and future aviation leaders) and
WHEREAS, the Civil Air Patrol has established eight geographic regions of 52 Wings representing each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to serve our country and
WHEREAS, the Civil Air Patrol is recognized with a memorial erected in Arlington National Cemetery dedicated to its members who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and
WHEREAS, the Civil Air Patrol volunteer members have dedicated their time, energy and resources to serving their fellow man in their communities and their country.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, David P. Helms, Mayor of Marion, in Smyth County, Virginia do hereby proclaim the week of December 1-7, 2003 as
CIVIL AIR PATROL WEEK
And thus do urge the peoples of the Town of Marion and Smyth County in the Commonwealth of Virginia acknowledge and duly recognize the contributions of Civil Air Patrol to the betterment of mankind through immeasurable volunteer service in its Missions for America through its motto “Semper Vigilans”, Always Viligant.
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David P. Helms, Mayor Date
NORTH MAIN STREET RAILROAD CROSSING-POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL ROBERTS: Chief Roberts requested that this item be continued. Upon motion of Mr. Leaman, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Street Committee.
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION: Mr. Clark advised that the resolution is presented in connection with the Department of Housing and Community Development Funds. Ms. Sheets read the proposed resolution. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Heath and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the following Fair Housing Resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, the Congress has enacted the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended; and
WHEREAS, federal and state law provides equal housing opportunity for all citizens regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, familial status, or handicap; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Marion has provided programs to assist the development of decent, affordable housing for citizens of all incomes.
NOW, THEREFORE, We, the Town Council, do endorse the concept of Fair Housing and call upon the citizens of Marion and government officials along with those in the banking and housing industries to join and work together in this observance for free and equal housing treatment for all.
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David P. Helms, Mayor Dixie O. Sheets, Town Clerk
LEE STREET BRIDGE-SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS-TOWN ENGINEER: Mr. Hicks reported that the Engineering Department is soliciting proposals for this project.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Henry Brant was present to discuss health insurance renewal rates for the Town of Marion, effective 12/1/03. The current plan includes a $200 deductible and prescription card ($10/$25/$35) was quoted with an 11% increase. The Insurance Committee and staff met several times to discuss alternatives. The Committee recommended an increase in the deductible to $500 and to retain the prescription card ($10/$25/$35). Out of pocket maximum will increase from $1,500 per person to $2,500 per person. Out of pocket maximum will increase from $3,000 per family to $5,000 per family. Monthly rates would be as follows: Single coverage $231.22; Employee/Child coverage $328.20; and Family coverage 614.55. The Town currently pays 75% of the premium and the Employee pays 25%. Per pay period, (*26 times per year), an employee would expect to have the following amounts withdrawn from each pay check for selected insurance coverage: Single $26.68; Employee/Child $37.87 and Family $70.91. Mr. Burkett moved that the recommendation of the Insurance Committee be accepted. Dr. Gates seconded the motion. Council approved the same by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Burkett, Leaman, Cregger, Heath, Warren and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
WELLNESS CENTER BENEFIT: Mr. Heath asked that it be determined how many Town employees are members of the Wellness Center. He stated that the Town might wish to increase the benefit to employees to ensure that they can afford to attend the Center and may decrease the possibility of illness and/or injury.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: The Christmas Tree Lighting was held on December 1, 2003 at the Smyth-Bland Regional Library at 5:15 p.m.
CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Christmas Parade was held on Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 3 pm and was well attended.
LEGISLATIVE DAY: Mayor Helms informed Council members that Legislative Day is scheduled for February 12, 2004.
THOMPSON & LITTON: Mr. Scott Wilson was present to introduce himself as an employee of Thompson & Litton Engineering Firm, located in Bristol, VA. He advised that he and Doug Covington are now employees of the firm and available to provide services to the Town. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Covington were previously employees of Dewberry & Davis, who have recently announced the closure of their offices in Marion.
STREET LIGHT PETITION: Ms. Donna Sheaves, 706 Prater Lane, had submitted a request for Street Lighting to be considered on Pole # 68-3517. Her request was referred to the Street Light Committee for study and recommendation.
DEWBERRY & DAVIS: It was reported that a meeting has been scheduled with Darren Conner and Jeff Spickard concerning the intentions of Dewberry and Davis with regard to completion of Town projects that have been awarded to the firm.
SEWER METER INSTALLATION-SMYTH COUNTY: Mr. Warren requested a status report on sewer meter installation for county master meters. Mr. Clark reported that the specifications are complete. Prices will be submitted by December 5, 2003. Mr. Fenyk was asked to draft a letter to Smyth County concerning purchase and installation of these meters.
CLOSED SESSION-RETIREES PRESENT/FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH INSURANCE-JUSTIFICATION 2.2-3711 (a7), CODE OF VIRGINIA, AS AMENDED: Dr. Gates moved that Council enter into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the subject identified in the motion. Mr. Heath seconded the motion. Council approved the motion by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. Dr. Gates 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 the Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cregger and carried by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES. Messrs Burkett, Leaman, Heath, Cregger, Warren and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
Dr. Gates moved that the item discussed in Closed Session be referred to the Insurance and Finance Committees for study and recommendation. Mr. Cregger seconded the motion. Council approved the motion by a vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES.
RETIRED EMPLOYEE – HEALTH INSURANCE: Former Police Officer Roger Bennett appeared before Council concerning a letter he received stating that his participation in the Town’s insurance plan under Cobra would expire on 12/31/03. Mr. Bennett retired with the understanding that he would be eligible for the Town’s group plan until he became eligible for medicare. Town Council action on 5/7/90 allowed retired employees to remain on the plan until medicare is available for the employee. The employee was required to pay 100% of the premium. Minutes of the Town Council meeting of August 16, 1999 adjusted the amount that retirees are required to pay for participation in the insurance and began paying a portion of the premium. These Council actions were taken when the Town was partially self-funded. In December 1999 the Town joined a fully funded health insurance plan (currently known as Anthem). The Town has been informed by Slemp-Brant and Associates that the provisions and requirements under the fully funded plan vary from those of the Town’s previous plan. Mayor Helms advised that the Insurance and Finance Committees would study this situation and make a recommendation.
Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.