Minutes of a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Marion, Virginia held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on April 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Vice-Mayor W. Eugene Hendrick; Ken Heath, Mark Warren, Herbert Clay and Dr. James Gates, Council Members; Town Manager John E. B. Clark, Jr.; Town Engineer/Assistant Town Manager Cecil Hicks; Police Chief Michael Roberts; Town Attorney Mark Fenyk; Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Director of Finance Susan Clark.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Reverend William Wing rendered the invocation. Vice-Mayor Hendrick led the Pledge to the Flag.
VISITORS: Jeff Spickard, Reverend William Wing, Willis Widener, Willis Bridgeman, Dan Kegley
MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the minutes of the meeting held April 2, 2007 were approved as written. Messrs Warren, Clay, Heath and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
UPDATE ON PAVING AT RAILROAD TRACKS ON NORTH MAIN STREET AND RETAINING WALL ON STALEY CREEK: Mr. Hicks informed Council that W-L Construction has completed the paving project and traffic is running smoothly. He added that Ken Construction will begin on the retaining wall the week of April 23.
BID RESULTS ON BULK STORAGE BUILDING AT WATER TREATMENT PLANT: Mr. Hicks stated that three bids were received:
ARIS Construction $24,650.
Ralph Price $28,669.
Elrod Home Improvement $43.550.
Mr. Clark added that the Town will save $25,000 to $30,000 by using Town staff for some of the work. The building will be 20’ x 20’, with a concrete floor and asphalt shingles. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the low bid from ARIS Construction for $24,650 was accepted.
BID RESULTS ON REVENUE SHARING PAVING PROJECT: Mr. Hicks reported the only bid was received from W-L Construction and Paving, Inc. in the amount of $202,180.12. Mr. Fenyk added that the bid must be submitted to VDOT for acceptance and Town should have the authority to be the bid designee. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the bid was accepted contingent to receiving the Revenue Sharing funds from VDOT.
INSURANCE BIDS ON PROPERTY AND CASUALTY COVERAGE: Mr. Clark reported that two bids were received. One bid from VML Insurance and one from Slemp-Brant-Saunders Insurance. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Dr. Gates and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the bids were referred to the Insurance Committee for review and recommendation.
ACCOUNTS: Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Warren, and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the accounts were approved for payment in the amount of $718,200.95. Messrs Heath, Clay, Warren and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
INVESTMENTS: Mr. Heath moved that the Investment Report be approved as presented. Mr. Warren seconded the motion. Messrs Heath, Warren, Clay and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
RESOLUTION ON REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY PLANNING: Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the Resolution was approved. Messrs Heath, Warren, Clay and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
TOWN’S WATERWORKS AWARDED “2006 VIRGINIA’S EXCELLENCE IN WATERWORKS AWARD”: Mr. Hicks informed Council that the Department of Health has selected the Town of Marion to receive the “2006 Virginia’s Excellence in Waterworks Performance Award”. The award will be given at a banquet on May 10, 2007 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, Virginia.
APPOINTMENTS AND CAB FARES: Upon motion of Mr. Clay, seconded by Mr. Heath and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued.
SPRINKLE AVENUE PARKING: Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was continued.
SEWER TREATMENT PLANT - REFINANCE EXISTING LOAN: Dr. Gates explained that the Finance Committee is considering the possibility of refinancing the existing STP Loan to be paid off in 2014. Refinancing would extend the loan five years to 2019 or ten years to 2024. The interest rate is 4.01% for the additional five years, and ten additional years would have an interest rate of 4.12%. The ten year addition would save the Town over $260,000 per year, but the added interest would amount to approximately $300,000 over the ten year additional period. Staff feels confident that the Sewer Treatment Plant will not need any major repairs thru the extension of the loan. Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Heath and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, Council will consider refinancing the existing STP loan that is currently at 2.5% interest with a final payment due 2-1-2014 for an additional ten years at 4.12% interest to be paid in full in 2024, resulting in a savings of $260,000. per year.
REQUEST TO CLOSE TOWN PARKING LOT ON JULY 7, 2007: Mt. Zion Temple Church requested to close and use the Town Parking Lot from 3:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2007. Mr. Heath will inform the businesses. Upon motion of Mr. Heath, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, Mt. Zion Temple Church will be allowed the use of the Town Parking Lot on July 7, 2007.
PUBLIC USE OF COURT HOUSE LAWN: Mr. Heath stated Senator Puckett and Representative Carrico will meet with Judge Freeman in the near future and Council will be informed of any developments.
FIREWORKS CELEBRATION: Upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Mr. Warren and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the Town of Marion will participate and help coordinate the annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION: Mr. Heath reminded Council of the Arbor Day Celebration scheduled for Monday, April 30, 2007 at 12:00 pm. behind the Marion Fire Department, 231 W. Main Street.
COMMUNITY VIGAL REMEMBERING THOSE AFFECTED BY THE SHOOTING AT VIRGINIA TECH: Mr. Heath informed Council of the event to be held Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 6 p.m. on the Municipal Building front steps.
PURCHASE OF DISTRICT III SURPLUS VEHICLES: This item was referred to the Finance Committee for budget purposes.
SMYTH COUNTY HAZARDOUS WASTE CLEAN UP DAY: Mr. Hendrick informed Council that April 21, 2007 has been designated for the clean up. The Town should try to coordinate with Smyth County to schedule for next year.
DOWNTOWN SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT: Upon motion of Mr. Warren, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, a Public Hearing has been set for May 21, 2007 to consider continuing the Downtown Special Tax District.
WATER TANK-MARION CORRECTIONS: Mr. Fenyk stated that an Ordinance must be established reverting the water tank property back to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Upon motion of Mr. Warren, seconded by Mr. Heath and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, a Public Hearing has been set for May 21, 2007.
SHERWOOD ANDERSON FESTIVAL: The 2007 Sherwood Anderson Proposed Budget has been submitted to the Town and $1,500. has been requested to meet the budget expenses. Upon motion of Mr. Warren, seconded by Mr. Clay and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, this item was referred to the Finance Committee.
CLOSED SESSION: Pursuant to Code of Virginia, as amended, Section 2.2-3711(A3 & A7) and upon motion of Dr. Gates, seconded by Heath and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, Town Council entered in to Closed Session for the purpose of discussing real estate and possible litigation. Dr. Gates moved that Town Council return to Open Session and that it be known that only those matters legally exempted from Open Session and identified in the motion were discussed in Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Heath and carried by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES. The Deputy Clerk polled the Council Members. Messrs Heath, Warren, Clay, and Dr. Gates voted affirmatively.
OLD ATMOS BUILDING-REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE: Mr. Warren moved that the Town Attorney prepare and execute a contract to purchase the former Atmos Building located at 702 South Main Street for $350,000. The amount is to be paid within 60 days. The Police Station is to be located at that address and possibly move the Marion Transit Service to 307 South Park Street where the Police Station is currently operating, the motion was seconded by Mr. Heath and carried by a vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES.
Upon motion, duly seconded, and vote of 4 AYES and 0 NOES, the meeting was adjourned.
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Vice-Mayor Deputy Clerk