PRESENT: Vice-Mayor Eugene Hendrick, Buford Cregger, Herbert Clay, Ken Heath, Mel Leaman, Mark Warren and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Town Engineer Cecil Hicks; Police Chief Michael Roberts; and Town Clerk/Director of Finance Dixie Sheets.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mr. Hicks rendered the invocation. Vice-Mayor Hendrick led the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES: Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES AND 0 NOES, the minutes were approved as written and distributed. Messrs Heath, Warren, Clay, Leaman, Cregger and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
VISITORS: David Barrett
INTRODUCTION OF DAVID BARRETT-NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-MOUNT ROGERS PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION: Vice-Mayor Hendrick welcomed new Executive Director of the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission, David Barrett. Mr. Barrett assumed the position on January 1, 2005. Mr. Clark advised that Mr. Barrett is not a stranger to the serviced MRPDC area. He has been an employee of MRPDC for 26 years, serving as Deputy Director for 12 of those years. He has been involved in many major projects for MRPDC localities. It will be a pleasure to work with Mr. Barrett as Director. Mr. Barrett requested that the Town contact him concerning future projects.
UPDATE ON EAST CHILHOWIE STREET BRIDGE: Mr. Clark advised that “Notice to Proceed” has not been received. However, “Notice” is expected to be received by mid-January. Mr. Clark anticipates the project to begin in mid-January and be completed by the end of April 2005.
UPDATE ON LEE STREET PROJECT: Mr. Hicks presented a schematic of the Lee Street Bridge Project. He advised that there is a problem with limited right-of-way. Plans include a five (5) foot sidewalk along Lee Street. The Town will encourage property owners to donate right-of-way, as the project will be an improvement to their property. Members of Town Council expressed safety concerns about citizens walking along the street without sidewalks. Mr. Hicks stated that the project to replace the bridge, install sidewalks and widening of the street will be bid as one (1) big project but will be constructed in phases over a period of two (2) fiscal years. The bridge project will be completed within 90 days of the beginning of construction. Mr. Heath advised that the Town might be able to use funds as a match on a future CDBG project. Discussion ensued. Mr. Hicks noted that he would begin to approach property owners concerning easements.
UPDATE ON EASEMENT (S) FOR CAMPBELL AVENUE SEWER PROJECT: Mr. Fenyk advised that he has received the plat and will begin to prepare the easements. He anticipated no problems in obtaining the easements.
LETTER TO JOHN TATE REGARDING HUNGRY MOTHER ESTATES: Mr. Clark stated that he has spoken with John Tate concerning development of Hungry Mother Estates. They plan to schedule a meeting with D.C. Walker during the week of January 10. Council requested that Mr. Clark and Mr. Fenyk represent the Town Council at this meeting.
START OF COUNTRY CLUB/RIVERVIEW SEWER PROJECT: Mr. Hicks stated that Teaters Trucking began the project the week of December 27, 2004.
STREET COMMITTEE ON UNOPENED LANE BETWEEN IRON STREET AND PEARL AVENUE: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Heath and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued.
VML LEGISLATIVE DAY: VML Legislative Day will be held on February 3, 2005 in Richmond. Messrs Helms, Heath, Clay, Leaman and Warren will attend.
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR HOME OCCUPATION-808 CHINQUAPIN ROAD: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, a public hearing was scheduled for February 7, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
AID TO HOUSE FIRE VICTIM: Dr. Gates reported that a house fire occurred in a home in Atkins in the early hours of Christmas Day. Among those assisting the family was Ernest “Pop” Teaters. Mr. Teaters brought his equipment and located a well quickly for the family. He commended Mr. Teaters for his quick response to the plight of this family.
JAMESTOWN 2007: Mr. Heath informed Council that a local committee has been formed concerning this statewide celebration. Marion is the 90th community to be accepted into the festivities. Mr. Heath and Mayor Helms will meet in Richmond on January 26 to discuss the project with other localities.
MARION DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN: Mr. Heath advised that Thompson & Litton have completed the Marion Downtown Master Plan. A Community Meeting and presentation will be conducted on January 25 from 6-7 p.m. The meeting will include a parking study and marketing analysis.
SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING FOR MARION DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN: Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, a public hearing was scheduled for February 22, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
VML LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN: Mr. Clark advised that the VML Legislative Bulletin is available for Town Council members. A subscription may be obtained at a cost of $75 each to be paid by the Town. If members choose to have the VML Legislative Bulletin by e-mail, there is no cost to the Town. Informational purposes only.
LUNCH SERVED TO SENIOR CITIZENS: Vice-Mayor Hendrick noted that several members of Town Council and Town Staff served the Senior Citizens at a luncheon during the holiday season. All in attendance reported a very good time.
RESCHEDULE COUNCIL MEETING: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the next meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.