Regular Meeting June 22, 2010 Pages 10-18
recommending approval for consolidation of lots request from the Lorene Good Estate/Clayton Homes/Jeff Staples. If approved this request would allow for two (2) existing lots to be combined as one and not to be sold separately.
A Motion was made by Councilman Jenkins, seconded by Councilman Comer, to concur with the Planning Commission and approve the consolidation of lots request from Lorene Good Estate/Clayton Homes/Jeff Staples to combine two (2) lots into one (1) lot at the intersection of Eighth Street and Shenandoah Avenue, identified by tax map numbers 102A4-(1)-7 lots 1 & 2.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Jenkins
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
Councilwoman Switzer
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: None.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Item # 7 – Mayor Lucas read a letter from the Town Planning Commission regarding the need to replace either Commissioner Lowe or Commissioner Pierce on the Commission as both will be Town Council Members effective July 1, 2010, and state law allows for just one Town Council Member to serve on the Commission. Both Carol Lee Strickler and Guy Monger, Jr. have expressed interest in filling the Town Planning Commission vacancy. However, the Planning Commission’s vote was tied on a recommendation of one of them for possible appointment, due to having one (1) of their seven (7) member Commission absent at their last meeting.
Following a brief discussion, Councilman Jenkins stated he felt the Council should go ahead and make a decision on either Mr. Monger or Mrs. Strickler.
However, other Council Members felt this matter should be returned to the Planning Commission for a recommendation. It was noted the Planning Commission would be required to hold a special meeting to make a recommendation and each member of the Commission would have to be present to avoid any possible tie votes on an appointment recommendation.
A Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to return this matter to the Town Planning Commission for a recommendation, as there are two (2) individuals interested in filling the Commission’s vacancy.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: Councilman Jenkins.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
Councilwoman Switzer
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: None.
VOTE: 5 to 1 in favor of motion.
Item # 8 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received information from Congressman Cantor regarding nominating a veteran for the Congressional Veteran Commendation. Following a discussion, Mayor Lucas and Council Members noted they may nominate a veteran for this award.
Item # 9 – The Town received information from the City of Staunton with a draft resolution to prevent predatory and usurious lending practices by pay-day lending institutions in Virginia. Mayor Lucas read the resolution as follows:
RESOLUTION
OF
THE TOWN OF SHENANDOAH, VIRGINIA
SEEKING ACTION BY THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND GOVERNOR
TO PROHIBIT
ALL PREDATORY, USURIOUS LENDING PRACTICES
IN THE
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, represents the citizens of the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia;
WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, believes the citizens of the Town remain concerned over what are perceived to be predatory, usurious lending practices in the Town of Shenandoah and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, including practices that can exploit dedicated, brave women and men called to serve in the United States armed services;
WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, shares these continuing concerns and intends through this Resolution to express the collective sentiments and will of Shenandoah citizens that the General Assembly and Governor of Virginia need to take action to prohibit all predatory, usurious lending practices; and
WHEREAS, it is essential that the General Assembly and the Governor of Virginia address this matter as a high priority at the next legislative session, leading to enactment of laws strictly prohibiting and deterring all predatory, usurious lending practices in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia that, at the next legislative session, the General Assembly and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia are hereby requested to enact laws strictly prohibiting and deterring all predatory, usurious lending practices, including but not limited to provisions that would:
1. Impose an interest rate cap of thirty-six percent (36%), calculated as an effective annual percentage rate including all fees or charges of any kind, for any consumer credit extended in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
2. Prohibit a creditor’s use of a personal check or other device as a means, directly or indirectly, to gain access to a consumer’s bank account; and
3. Incorporate into the Virginia Code the protections regarding consumer credit to military personnel as reflected in the Military Lending Act, 10 United States Code Section 987.
Following a brief discussion on the need to protect the citizens, especially our military personnel, from these type of lending practices, a Motion was made by Councilman Comer, seconded by Councilwoman Switzer, to adopt the resolution requesting the General Assembly enact laws to strictly prohibit and deter all predatory, usurious lending practices in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as presented.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Jenkins
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
Councilwoman Switzer
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: None.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Item # 10 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received an invitation to the grand opening of Century Station Playground on June 25, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in Stanley. This playground was sponsored by Pioneer Bank.
Item # 11 - Several Council Members noted they will attend the Stanley Homecoming Parade on July 3, 2010, at 6 p.m. Prior to the parade, there will be a reception at the Stanley Fire Hall at 4 p.m.
Item # 12 – Mayor Lucas read a letter from the Shenandoah Women’s Club regarding a donation from the organization in the amount of $2,347 to be used for projects in the Big Gem Park. The women’s club was formed in 1953 and the group has decided to disband due to changing times and low membership. They are now disbursing their remaining funds by donating to worthy causes in our Town.
Mayor Lucas noted he would send a letter of thanks to the group for their donation.
Councilman Sampson noted once the project is determined the money will be used toward, they will also install a plaque in the park recognizing the Women’s Club for the donation.
Item # 13 – Mayor Lucas noted the May 2010 vehicle gas log was received for review.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
WATER & SEWER
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Jenkins and Sampson)
Work Orders were requested for the following: water leak on Fifth Street-near the Beebe residence; repair water leak on Second Street; replace water meter lid at Masonic Lodge.
Town Manager Dovel stated the public works department plans to repair the water leaks by using the new ditch excavation machine.
STREETS & PUBLIC PROPERTY
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Comer and Sampson)
Other Work Orders were requested as follows: weed eat along right-of-ways at Third and Pennsylvania Avenue; determine a way to remove the wheels from the cannon for repairs; change banners on 340 to summer.
Following questions, Town Manager Dovel stated the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has patched an area on Eleventh Street, near the Vaughan residence and they are scheduled for more work on Fifth Street too.
Town Manager Dovel then presented Council with bids for repaving areas where water leaks were repaired. These areas require milling out and repaving to meet VDOT regulations.
Following a brief discussion, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to award the bid to Hensil Good Paving in the amount of $3,250 to repave areas where water leaks were repaired.
Members Roll Call Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Jenkins
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
Councilwoman Switzer
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: None.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
POLICE, SAFETY, & JUDICIAL
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Comer and Switzer)
There was nothing to report during this period.
TAXATION & FINANCE
(Chairman Pierce and Councilpersons Kite and Switzer)
Committee Chairman Pierce noted the Town budget reports through May 31, 2010, were received for review.
Councilman Comer inquired why the recently adopted cigarette tax did not include tobacco products too?
Committee Chairman Pierce stated the state law allows localities to tax cigarettes only and it does not include other tobacco products.
PARKS & RECREATION
(Chairman Sampson and Councilpersons Pierce and Switzer)
Committee Chairman Sampson noted he has been approached by the Shenandoah Recreation League about holding an all night ball tournament at the fields on Junior Avenue.
Council Members noted an all night tournament should not present problems for neighbors as they normally do not hear noises from the ball games. They noted the police department could monitor the situation for any noise violations if they received calls.
Committee Chairman Sampson noted Skyline Drive has been named one of the top 5 scenic places to visit and they hope to draw tourists from the drive to the Town of Shenandoah with our varied park opportunities, including fishing.
Committee Chairman Sampson then reported the following Parks and Recreation News:
The Town is participating in the summer youth program through the school system. There will be two young men working for the Town parks and public works departments all summer and they are being paid by the school system. Big Gem Park – Ball field areas have been seeded and straw placed down over it. River Park – The walking trail is almost complete. First Street – New flags were ordered for the flag poles and for the area on the sidewalk that will hold 3 flags.
INDUSTRIAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROCUREMENT
(Chairman Comer and Councilpersons Jenkins and Pierce)
There was nothing to report during this period.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Jenkins and Pierce)
A Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to award the June 2010 Community Enhancement Award to Loraine Deavers of 125 Quincy Avenue for recent improvements made to her home.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Jenkins
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
Councilwoman Switzer
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: None.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Mayor Lucas noted the apartment building on Third Street behind the school was recently renovated and may qualify for a future Community Enhancement Award as well.
PERSONNEL
(Chairman Pierce and Councilpersons Sampson and Switzer)
Committee Chairman Pierce reported Computer Center Supervisor Fluharty would like to shorten the hours of the center by one hour each day. The center is not normally used until 9:30 a.m. and patrons are done by 7:30 p.m. This would save the Town approximately $2,000 per year, which could possibly be placed in the center’s budget for supplies in future years.
A Motion was made by Councilman Pierce, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to authorize Computer Center Supervisor Joyce Fluharty to set the center hours as needed.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Jenkins
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
Councilwoman Switzer
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: None.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Committee Chairman Pierce stated once Chief Monteleone returns from vacation, they will set up interviews for the vacant police officer position.
POLICE REPORT
Council noted cruise ins are scheduled throughout the summer on First Street, with the first one taking place on Friday, June 25, 2010, at 6 p.m.
They requested the Chief of Police bring his new car to at least one of the First Street Cruise Ins to answer citizen’s questions and allow children to see the car.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business to come before Council during this period.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilman Comer suggested Council consider setting up a Committee to review issues related to the property maintenance codes; changing the charter to allow Council to hold one regular meeting a month rather than two; and whether or not the charter should include provisions for the rescue squad similar to what it includes for the fire department.
Following a brief discussion, Council authorized Councilmen Comer and Pierce to serve on a committee to review the pros and cons of the following: adopting a property maintenance code; possibly asking the General Assembly to amend the Town Charter to change the Town Council meetings from twice a month to once a month; possibly asking the General Assembly to amend the Town Charter to place the volunteer rescue squad under the Town’s Charter – same as the fire company is now. The Committee will collect information on these issues and report back to the full Council for decisions.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Town Manager Dovel reported the Page County Building Official has requested the Town issue either a zoning permit or letter of approval for the temporary office trailer being used by the paid County rescue squad personnel. This trailer is parked on Town property, but the County will be paying for the water and electric usage at this location.
Council Members agreed to table action on this matter in hopes the issues will be resolved soon between the volunteer rescue squad and the County. If the issues are resolved, the County will remove the temporary office trailer from Town property.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Lucas reported the following:
- A Joint Public Hearing is scheduled between the Town Council and the Town Planning Commission on July 13, 2010 at 7 p.m. to hear a special use permit request from Sheila Bentley to relocate her barber shop from Second Street to property located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street.
- He attended the grave marking ceremony of patriot Jacob Smith on Saturday, June 19th at the Jollett cemetery. About 350 people attended this event.
- Reminded citizens Rockingham Memorial Hospital has opened their new facility and anyone seeking services should go to the new location.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE
Mayor Lucas noted this is the last regular Council meeting for Councilwoman Switzer, as her term ends June 30, 2010. Therefore, Mayor Lucas presented Constance Switzer with a bouquet of flowers and a card from the Town in appreciation of her service as a Member of the Town Council. He noted everyone completely understood her reasons for not running for re-election to care for her ailing mother and stated her service on the Council was greatly appreciated.
All Council Members thanked Councilwoman Switzer for her service on the Council and noted they would miss her.
Councilwoman Switzer thanked Mayor Lucas and Council Members for everything.
ADJOURN
There being no further discussions, a Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Jenkins
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
Councilwoman Switzer
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: None.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
APPROVED: ATTESTED:
__________________________ _______________________
Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., Mayor Juanita Roudabush, MMC
