Town Council Meeting January 25, 2011
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SHENANDOAH
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2011
CALL TO ORDER: The Shenandoah Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., presiding.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
ATTENDANCE: Council Members present were: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr.; Vice Mayor William Kite; Councilmen Russell Comer, Jr.; Richard Pierce; and Keith Sampson.
Council Members absent were: Charles Jenkins and I. Michael Lowe.
Other Town Officials present were: Larry E. Dovel, Town Manager; and Juanita F. Roudabush, Assistant Town Manager/MMC.
Citizens present were: Annie Pierce and Dustin Good.
Media Representatives: None.
RECEIVING OF VISITORS
# 1 – Annie Pierce presented updates for the Veterans Memorial Park, which will be located on Virginia Avenue. The ground has been excavated, the stone markers have been purchased and the flags and poles have been ordered, plans are set for everything else needed at the park. She explained the layout of the park and their desire to have it partially completed before the 2011 Memorial Day Festival and Parade.
Mrs. Pierce explained the final phase is planned after more funds are raised through the Christ United Methodist Church Auction in 2011, and donations received. She explained some ideas for the wall mural include: A Veterans Parade; Retiring of the Flag; Hats, Helmets, etc. representative of each branch of service; or a Visual History Lists of Wars.
Following questions, Mrs. Pierce noted the sidewalks in the new park will tie into the existing sidewalk along Virginia Avenue, but there will not be enough auction proceeds to make any repairs or replace any of the existing sidewalk. However, she noted if the Town planned to make some repairs or replace this sidewalk, it would be best to do it while the project is being done since they will tie into each other.
In conclusion, Mrs. Pierce stated a dedication service will be conducted at the park when everything is ready.
Council Members noted they will keep this sidewalk replacement in mind when they begin budget work shops. They also noted any inquiries about the Veterans Memorial Park will be directed to Mrs. Pierce.
Mayor Lucas and the Town Council Members expressed their thanks for everyone’s hard work involved with bringing this park into existence, which will honor all Veterans from all wars.
# 2 – Councilman Comer noted Fifth District Board of Supervisor Member Jeff Vaughan was not able to attend the meeting tonight due to an unforeseen business meeting in Harrisonburg.
JANUARY 11, 2011, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:
Councilman Sampson stated he had one correction in the draft minutes of January 11, 2011. He noted his comments on page 8 should state they were going to review the matter to determine if anyone could be using the Town’s electric by running an extension cord from the Town’s property to private property.
A Motion was made by Councilman Pierce, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes held on January 11, 2011, as corrected.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilmen Jenkins and Lowe.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
Following a brief discussion, it was noted the electric has been turned off at Big Gem Park until warmer weather arrives.
There being no further questions or comments, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to approve the bills, dated January 25, 2011, in the Combined Accounts Disbursements Warrants #29271 - #29311 in the amount of $73,205.66.
Members Roll Call Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilmen Jenkins and Lowe.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Mayor Lucas read the Treasurer’s report, submitted by Treasurer Cindy Breeden, for January 25, 2011.
A Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Councilman Comer, to approve the January 25, 2011, Treasurer’s report in the amount of $1,283,747.60, as read.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilmen Jenkins & Lowe.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
CORRESPONDENCE
Item # 1 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received an invitation to an open house for the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative. The events will be held on Monday, February 14, 2011 and Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. at the Stanley Fire Hall.
Mayor Lucas and several Council Members may attend this event.
Item # 2 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received an invitation to Congressman Cantor’s Annual Local Leaders Appreciation event. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at 9 a.m. at Graves Mountain Lodge, located on Route 670 in Syria, Virginia.
Mayor Lucas and several Council Members may attend this event.
Item # 3 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received a lease agreement from Norfolk Southern Railroad for a sign to advertise local businesses. The Merchants Association is proposing to erect the sign on the railroad property, but the lease is required to be in the Town’s name. There is a $500 fee each year to lease the property from the railroad and it was unclear if the Merchants Association would fully fund the sign or not.
Following a brief discussion, Council agreed to table action on this lease for a sign.
Council will request a member of the Merchants Association attend the next meeting to answer questions regarding the sign location and discuss who will be responsible for paying for this sign.
Item # 4 – Mayor Lucas read a thank you card from the family of Garland Comer for the Town’s expression of sympathy and for the flowers. He noted Mr. Comer was a business owner in Town for years and everyone was saddened to learn of his passing.
Item # 5 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received a thank you card from the Shenandoah Lions Club for the Town’s donation to their Christmas Cheer Project.
Item # 6 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received information on the next Business Technology Seminar as follows: Shenandoah Computer Center on March 19, 2011, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The seminar is free and open to anyone who has a business or who is thinking of opening a business. Attendees may pick and choose which seminar topics they are interested in and learn how to create a business logo; create a web banner; create a Face Book account; or create a website. Register for this free seminar by calling 540-652-8164. The seminar is open to residents of Page County, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County and surrounding areas.
Item # 7 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received a memorandum from Treasurer Breeden indicating the Town will save $7,539.24 a year, with a total savings of $53,088.56 during the term of the loans, since Council decided to refinance the two (2) SunTrust Loans.
Item # 8 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received a thank you letter from the Shenandoah Library for the Town’s donation to them.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
WATER & SEWER
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Jenkins and Sampson)
Committee Chairman Kite stated the water leak on North Fifth Street seems to be getting worse and needs to be repaired.
Town Manager Dovel stated they have it on the list for repairs. He noted they repaired two (2) water leaks last week and then the backhoe was down for repairs.
Mayor Lucas requested some gravel be put down on the area where the water leak was repaired beside Kyger’s Funeral Home. He noted they have a funeral scheduled for Saturday and will need additional parking spaces.
STREETS & PUBLIC PROPERTY
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Comer and Sampson)
Following questions, Town Manager Dovel reported the Town put down some stone on Trenton Avenue, near the King residence, and will request the Virginia Department of Transportation make some additional repairs in the future.
Councilman Sampson stated they plan to conduct a litter clean up at Big Gem Park in the spring. He noted a large number of tires have been dumped on the backside of the park. He requested the Town contact the Page County Landfill to determine if they will waive the tire fee.
POLICE, SAFETY, & JUDICIAL
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Comer and Lowe)
Councilman Sampson stated he was approached by several business owners on the south end of Town who would like more of a police presence during their closing hours of 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. They noted with robberies in nearby areas, it would be good to at least see more patrols in this area during these time periods.
This request will be forwarded to Chief Monteleone.
TAXATION & FINANCE
(Chairman Pierce and Councilpersons Kite and Lowe)
Committee Chairman Pierce stated the budget reports through December have been received for Council’s review. He noted the cigarette tax has generated more income than expected.
Mayor Lucas and Council Members briefly discussed a possible new business in Town.
They discussed gasoline and cigarettes are currently available for purchase at the kiosk in front of the old Milnes Market. It was noted a new owner is planning to take over the store soon and it is supposed to be open 24 hours a day.
Council noted it would be nice to have the store up and running again and a 24 hour operating schedule would be convenient for residents and people driving through Shenandoah.
PARKS & RECREATION
(Chairman Sampson and Councilpersons Pierce and Lowe)
Committee Chairman Sampson then reported the following Parks and Recreation News:
Committee Chairman Sampson reported he met with the Town Parks and Recreation Director recently and completed assessments on all parks in Town. Their review concluded with a list of 99 items needed in the parks. Some of the items will be completed with inmate labor and others will be completed when funds become available. Some of the items include building a staircase leading from the parking area to the restroom area at the river park, extending the walking trail, making upgrades to the skate park, etc.
Councilman Sampson then reported there will be a Shenandoah Recreation League meeting on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at 5 p.m. at Town Hall to discuss the ball fields and other items. He requested either Town Parks and Recreation Committee Member Lowe or Pierce attend this meeting as well.
INDUSTRIAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROCUREMENT
(Chairman Comer and Councilpersons Jenkins and Pierce)
Committee Chairman Comer reported Fifth District Board of Supervisor Member Jeff Vaughan could not make the meeting tonight, but did say he feels the Town may have to adopt the property maintenance code on their own. He noted Page County will still have to approve the adoption of the property maintenance code, and the Town will have to determine if we can afford to make the costly changes to the Town Code and hire an inspector to take the necessary action. He suggested the Town should contact the Town Attorney to determine how to approach the Board of Supervisors to inquire about the Town adopting the property maintenance code on our own.
Council discussed tearing down structures can be costly and noted it cost the owners approximately $40,000 to tear down and clean up the lot where the old Casey Jones building was located.
Council Members noted there are several structures in Town that need attention and at least one that may be in danger of collapse.
Following a brief discussion, Council agreed to request the Town Attorney to respond on the best way to handle adopting the property maintenance code on our own and to comment on the new laws that went into effect in July 2009 regarding localities dealing with derelict structures.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
(Chairman Kite and Councilpersons Jenkins and Pierce)
There was nothing to report during this period.
PERSONNEL
(Chairman Pierce and Councilpersons Sampson and Lowe)
There was nothing to report during this period.
POLICE REPORT
There was nothing further to report during this period.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business to come before Council during this period.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to come before Council during this period.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Town Manager Dovel noted a private property owner would like to purchase a lot from the Town. He noted the lot is located beside 403 Second Street, between the house and the Town’s Skate Park. He stated the homeowner wants to construct an addition to the house, but there is not enough room to meet the setbacks.
Following a brief discussion, Town Manager Dovel agreed to contact Town Attorney Blatt to determine the proper procedures for the sale of Town owned land.
MAYOR’S REPORT
There was nothing further to report during this period.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE TOWN
There was no one present to speak during this period.
ADJOURN
There being no further discussions, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Pierce
Councilman Sampson
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilmen Jenkins and Lowe.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
APPROVED: ATTESTED:
_________________________ _______________________
Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., Mayor Juanita Roudabush, MMC
