PRESENT: Mayor David P. Helms; Eugene Hendrick, Buford Cregger, Herbert Clay, Mel Leaman, Ken Heath, and Mark Warren, Council Members; Town Manager J. E. B. Clark, Jr.; Police Chief Michael Roberts; Lt. Rex Anders; Town Engineer’s Assistant Todd Long; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Town Clerk/Director of Finance Dixie Sheets.

INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mr. Heath rendered the invocation. Mayor Helms led the Pledge to the Flag.

MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Warren, seconded by Mr. Clay, and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes of the meeting of March 20, 2006 were approved as written and distributed. Messrs Hendrick, Leaman, Cregger, Heath, Warren, and Clay voted affirmatively.

VISITORS: Dan Kegley

LETTER FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CONCERNING COURT HOUSE EXPANSION: Mr. Clark reported that the Smyth County Board of Supervisors has elected to expand the Courthouse at the current location and to enlarge the area. They requested the Town close that portion of Court Street from Park Street to Church Street and deed the same to the County. With the proposed expansion plans, various county offices would not have to be relocated. It was noted that actual construction would be more than a year away, but this request must be considered for the planning stage. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this request was referred to the Street Committee for study and recommendation.

PROPOSED RECONFIGURATION ON CHESTNUT STREET BETWEEN CHERRY AND TOWN STREET: Plans to establish diagonal parking on Chestnut Street from Town to Cherry Streets were reviewed. The plan also includes designating this section of street to one-way. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Street Committee for study and recommendation.

UPDATE ON SECOND PROPOSED WILLIAMS ROAD WATER TANK: Mr. Long reported that the Smyth County Water & Sewer Committee met on the Town’s request to provide water service to proposed residences on Williams Road. It was noted that the Smyth County Water Committee voted unanimously to recommend allowing the Town to serve this area. The matter will be discussed by the Board of Supervisors at their April 11 meeting. The area is currently served by a water tank, installed to serve 9 residences. Development of the area would require an additional water tank, to be installed at cost to the proposed residents. He stated that there will initially be four customers. The cost would be divided between the number of initial connections.

BUDGET PROCESS 2006-07: The proposed 2006-07 budget has been presented to the Budget/Finance Committee for review. The Town Manager, Town Clerk/Director of Finance and Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Director of Finance compiled the data received from the individual Town departments and other requesting agencies. The proposed budget has been distributed to the Finance Committee for review.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE ON PROPOSED ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: This item was continued.

BUILDING AND REAL ESTATE ON APPALACHIAN GALLERY AND PROCEDURE TO SELL HAPPY’S: This item was continued.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE ON VARIOUS ISSUES: This item was continued.

LIFETIME WELLNESS CENTER: The Lifetime Wellness Center is sponsoring “Steppin’ Out”, a national walking challenge. The week-long community event will ask participants to track their daily steps with a pedometer and sets a goal of 70,000 steps in 7 days. The event will be held April 24-30, 2006. The mission is to challenge people to walk and improve their health and overall wellness. Mayor Helms officially challenged the Towns of Saltville and Chilhowie and Smyth County to participate in this event.

LEE STREET WATER LINE: Grant funds in the amount of $47,975 have been received from the Department of Health. A balance of $1,525 remains. As a grant, these funds do not have to be repaid.

AUTO TAG SALES: Auto and Motorcycle Tags were sold during the month of March.

MRPDC MEETING: Mayor Helms noted that the MRPDC meeting will be conducted on Thursday, April 6, 2006 at 6 p.m.

TRANSIT REPORT: The Marion Transit Program continues to grow. This is a very beneficial program for the Town’s citizens.

REQUEST FOR FUNDS: MSHS has requested a donation toward the expenses for MSHS students to attend the Virginia FBLA competition. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Hendrick and vote of 6 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.

PREPARATION OF DEEDS ON VARIOUS PROPERTIES-TOWN ATTORNEY: Mr. Fenyk reported that all of the deeds on the Gilman Street and Chilhowie Street projects have been prepared. They have been forwarded to Mt. Rogers Planning District Commission for final approval.

The deed for the Prater Lane Property, in regard to the Prater Lane Railroad Crossing, has not been prepared, pending completion of the survey. Mr. Fenyk noted that preparation of the deed would be the responsibility of the Railroad and must be acceptable to W-L. Mr. Heath stated that the Town should forward all necessary documentation to the railroad to expedite the project. It is anticipated that the easement should be completed by May 2006.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT: Mr. Clark reported that the project began on March 28, 2006. The contractor has 365 calendar days to complete the project.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT-LOAN CLOSING: The loan was closed on March 23, 2006 in the amount of $1,684,600 at a rate of 3% for twenty years.

GENERAL FRANCIS MARION HOTEL: Open house for the renovated General Francis Marion Hotel will be conducted this weekend, April 7-9. The restaurant will be open for Easter Brunch on Easter Sunday.

NORTH MAIN STREET RAILROAD CROSSING: Council members noted that the North Main Street Railroad Crossing is getting rough. Mr. Clark was asked to contact the Railroad concerning this matter.

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