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Town Council Actions April 23, 2013
1) Set the Real Estate Tax Rate at .29¢ per $100 of value. (No change from last year.)
2) Set the Personal Property and Machinery and Tools Tax Rate at .40¢ per $100 of value. (No change from last year.)
3) Heard the Public Works Department will be repairing several water leaks tomorrow.
4) Yard Sale Signs were discussed. It was noted it is illegal to post them on telephone poles or street sign posts. Citizens are requested to remove the signs after the sale is over.
5) Budget Reports were received for review.
6) Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget Public Hearing was set for May 14, 2013, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
7) Heard the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 will be scheduled for amendment soon. The amendment is necessary due to the purchase of generators at the well and wastewater treatment plant.
8) Parks and Recreation News: P&R Building - electric bill went down about $140 since the electric heater was shut off in the office. Big Gem Park - electrical work will begin soon to relocate some wiring and add some new wiring at the park.; JMU Crew Club cannot assist with the cleanup efforts at Big Gem Park this year, but will do volunteer projects next year. Will allow firewood to be obtained from Big Gem Park, but for the downed trees only. Volunteers are being requested to assist with cleanup in the park. Anyone desiring to cut downed wood or volunteer for park cleanup, should sign a form at Town Hall prior to working on the property. Veterans Park – authorized $750 to pay for concrete work to include handicap access to the area behind the flags.
9) Work Orders: Stain all picnic tables, benches on First Street and in all Town Parks.
10) Heard a new restaurant is supposed to be opening soon at 418 North Fifth Street (where Domenicos was located) and the owner also plans a garden center on this property, too.
11) Heard People, Inc. is still planning to give away several lots in the Forest Knolls Subdivision to allow for the construction of new houses to those who qualify. Anyone interested should contact Daphne Mize at email
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or phone 540-459-6434.
12) Following a review, agreed to request the Page County EDA include the speedway property, the old Genie Plant property, and the property at the intersection of Williams Avenue and N. Fifth Street in the proposed Enterprise Zone.
13) Mike Uram complimented Council and everyone involved with the appearance of Veterans Park. He noted as a military Veteran, this park makes him very proud.
14) Mike Uram then invited Mayor Lucas and Council Members to the 13th Annual Triad Conference and Luncheon on May 9th at 9 a.m. at the Rileyville Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Tina Sumpter at 540-843-4506.
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SHENANDOAH
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 9, 2013
CALL TO ORDER: The Shenandoah Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., presiding.
The meeting began with a Pledge of Allegiance.
ATTENDANCE: Council Members present were: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr.; Vice Mayor William Kite; Councilmen Russell Comer, Jr.; David M Hinkle; I. Michael Lowe; and Richard Pierce.
Council Members absent were: Councilman Charles Jenkins.
Other Town Officials present were: Larry E. Dovel, Town Manager; Juanita F. Roudabush, Assistant Town Manager/MMC; and Paul W. Davis, Chief of Police.
Citizens present were: John Robbins, Luray-Page County Chamber President; Reverend Hudson Nuckols; Reverend Stephen Creech; Judy Laird; John Hammel; Sandie Hammel; Ralph Harlow; Deirdre West; John West; Ruth Reid; Kathleen Christy; Pamra McElroy; Linda West; Marcia Donoughe; Elizabeth deVos; Connie Switzer; Amenda Wood; and Doreen Benson.
Media Representatives: None.
RECEIVING OF VISITORS
# 1 - The February 2013 Community Enhancement Award was given to Ronald and Trudy Comer for improvements they made to a house they recently purchased in Town. The house is located at 348 Massanutten Avenue and the Comer’s demolished an old garage, made renovations to the home’s exterior, and completed some landscaping work.
# 2- Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce President John Robbins presented updates as follows: Visitor walk ins and calls are up significantly over last year with 2,300 visitor walk ins and 969 telephone calls in the first 3 months of the year; Several surveys are being conducted. One survey will gain input from the tourists to our County. The other survey will gain input from locals to determine why they sometimes leave the County to shop; April 27th from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. there will be a large community yard sale and business expo at Bulldog Field in Luray. More information may be obtained by calling Gina Hilliard at 743-3915 or email
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; May 11th is Page County's Appalachian Trail Community Designation Ceremony, which will take place at 2 p.m. on the Ruffner Plaza. This ceremony is in conjunction with Annual Festival of Spring.
Mr. Robbins thanked Councilman Comer for representing the Town at the Chamber’s Tourism kickoff meeting and for providing information to attendees about the Town and upcoming events for 2013.
Councilman Comer stated it was a very productive meeting and he noted he was able to inform many people on the northern end of the County about the events and businesses located in Shenandoah.
Councilman Hinkle stated the local Chamber of Commerce does an excellent job of promoting Page County and the Town receives some benefits from their promotions, as well.
Mayor Lucas and Council Members thanked Mr. Robbins for his attendance at meetings and for the tourism updates.
# 3 – Reverend Creech stated he is the Chairperson for the Shenandoah Library Committee and would be speaking on their behalf. He noted many of the library committee members are present as well. He stated they have learned the Page County Board of Supervisors is not planning to fully fund the Massanutten Regional Library (MRL) system for Luray and Shenandoah. If the County does not fully fund the library, then the state aid of $36,231 will be lost as well. If the state aid is lost, the Shenandoah and Luray branches will have a budget shortfall of $55,730. Therefore, the regional library system will likely have to close the Shenandoah Branch, if it is not fully funded. Due to budget cuts in previous years, the Shenandoah Library has been forced to cut back their hours to 3 days a week now. He reported last year’s statistics indicated the Shenandoah Library had 8,478 people come thru the library, 1,354 computer users, 937 children took part in 64 programs, and 779 active users currently are signed up with library cards. With so many people in our County not being able to afford computers, internet, or e-readers, the Shenandoah Library is a very important asset. Also, having good schools and a library are just two (2) of the things that help attract businesses to the locality. Furthermore, school administrators have reported children participating in the library programs are far ahead than children who do not.
Reverend Creech stated when the Stanley Library branch closed in the 2010-2011 budget year; the Stanley community came together and reopened a library that is not part of the MRL. He explained in the 2012-2013 budget year, the Page County Board of Supervisors allocated $142,758 to the MRL and $30,000 to the Stanley Library. He stated population statistics for the County and the Town of Stanley divided by the amount the County allocates to each, there is a breakdown of $5.90 per capita expense for the MRL system’s portion of local library funds and $17.83 per capita expense for the Stanley Library funds. He explained due to a reduction in funds from Page County over the past few years, libraries in other counties that are also in the MRL system, have had to help foot the bill for Page County’s portion of the regional library system funding.
Reverend Creech then submitted a letter from Stacey Bowers, who is the Business Manager of the MRL, confirming the adverse affects a decline in local funding would have and how there would not be enough to adequately fund the Luray and Shenandoah Library branches.
In closing, Reverend Creech stated due to the importance of the Shenandoah Library to our entire community, the Shenandoah Library Committee is urging the Town Council and all citizens to contact the Page County Board of Supervisors and request the Shenandoah Library be fully funded in the upcoming budget year. Otherwise, he explained the Shenandoah branch will be the next one to close.
Reverend Nuckols spoke indicating the Shenandoah Library staff are a true asset to the entire community. He noted whenever he has needed to conduct research, the staff members have always been able to assist him. He noted having a local library improves the skills of our children and community, which in turn allows them to obtain better jobs and pay more taxes to assist the entire County. He urged the Mayor and Council to also support the library by writing a letter to the Page County Board of Supervisors and plead for them to fully fund the local library system. Otherwise, closure of the Shenandoah branch will become a reality and the youth of our community will be adversely affected forever.
Mayor Lucas and Council Members agreed the local library is a very important asset to the entire community and indicated the Town will write a letter to the Board of Supervisors requesting for it to be fully funded.
MARCH 26, 2013, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilman Lowe, seconded by Councilman Pierce, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes held on March 26, 2013, as presented.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
Councilman Pierce inquired what the item in warrant number 31589 was used for?
Assistant Town Manager Roudabush explained the tourism funds, received from the Page County lodging tax, was used to purchase items for a welcome packet to hand out at the State of Virginia’s Annual Municipal Clerks Conference. She noted since our region is hosting the conference this year, each locality was asked to provide items as a welcome packet to attendees who are from localities across the State of Virginia and nearby states as well.
There being no further questions or comments, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Comer, to approve the bills, dated April 9, 2013, in the Combined Accounts Disbursements Warrants #31578-31614 in the amount of $73,770.08.
Members Roll Call Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Mayor Lucas read the Treasurer’s report, submitted by Treasurer Cindy Breeden, for April 9, 2013.
A Motion was made by Councilman Comer, seconded by Councilman Hinkle, to approve the April 9, 2013, Treasurer’s report in the amount of $1,121,717.42, as read.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
CORRESPONDENCE
Item # 1 – Mayor Lucas read a memorandum from Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Christl McCoy regarding the need for portable toilets for Town events through 2013. The total cost will be $960, but $450 of this expense will be reimbursed to the Town by the Shenandoah Heritage Center for the Annual Cruz Ins.
A Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Lowe, to authorize $960 for portable toilets for Town events in 2013.
Members Roll Call Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Item # 2 – Mayor Lucas and Council received a special event application from Sue Kite for a Hymn Sing at the Shenandoah River Park on July 6, 2013. The event will be free to the public, but they will be accepting donations to benefit Food for Friends, Page One of Shenandoah, and local Back Pack Program, which provides food to local school children for the weekends.
A Motion was made by Councilman Pierce, seconded by Councilman Hinkle, to approve the special event application of Sue Kite for the Hymn Sing at the Shenandoah River Park on July 6, 2013, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., as presented in the special event request.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Item # 3 – Mayor Lucas read the following resolution regarding the 2012 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan:
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 2012 NORTHERN SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
WHEREAS, The Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, like any jurisdiction, is vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards that can result in loss of life and damages to public and private property; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Town Council to protect its citizens and property from the effects of natural hazards to the furthest extent possible; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to seek ways to effectively reduce and mitigate the risk of these natural and human-caused hazards through participation with the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission and adjoining jurisdictions in the development and implementation of a regional hazard mitigation plan; and
WHEREAS, it is also the intent of the Council to fulfill its obligation under
Section 322: Mitigation Planning, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act, to remain eligible to receive state and federal assistance in the event of a
declared disaster affecting the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Virginia Department
of Emergency Management have reviewed the said plan, inclusive of the Town section prepared with input from appropriate local and state officials, and has approved the plan pending the completion of local adoption procedures;
Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Town Council this ____ day of ____ 2013, that the Council adopts the 2012 Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and agrees to take such other official action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the proposed actions included in the Town section of the Plan, effective this date.
Adopted the 2012 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, in the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, this 9th day of April 2013.
It was noted Chief Davis served as the Town’s representative in development of this plan, which is a requirement for the Town to continue to receive funding from FEMA in the event of storm damage or other disasters. It was noted the Town recently received approximately $8,700 in FEMA funding for storm damages, so having this approved hazard mitigation plan is a valuable asset for the Town of Shenandoah.
A Motion was made by Councilman Lowe, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to adopt the resolution and the 2012 Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, as presented.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Item # 4 – Mayor Lucas read the following Ordinance for Sale of Surplus Property:
ORDINANCE
TO SELL SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY
AN ORDINANCE approving and authorizing the sale of property owned by the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, located on Maryland Avenue in the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, identified by tax map number 102A3-(1)-C 27, to William and Karen Miller.
WHEREAS, the Town of Shenandoah owns the real property, identified as lot 27, located on Maryland Avenue in Shenandoah, Virginia, having acquired it as open space on or about November 1,1900; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has declared this lot to be surplus property and negotiated with the adjacent property owner for the potential sale of the property; and
WHEREAS, the Town has received an offer from William and Karen Miller, the
owner of the adjacent property, to purchase lot 27, located on Maryland Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council agreed to the sale of this property to William and Karen Miller for the sum of $10,250.00; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council is of the opinion that the sale of this property is in the
public interest will otherwise advance the Town's land use goals; now, therefore,
THE TOWN COUNCIL OF SHENANDOAH HEREBY ORDAINS:
Section 1. That the sale of the real property described below to William and Karen Miller for the sum of $10,250.00 is hereby, approved and authorized: Lot numbered TWENTY-SEVEN (27), Block C, Section 1, as the same appears duly dedicated and recorded in Deed Book 49, Page 303, among the land records of Page County, Virginia.
Section 2. That the Mayor is hereby authorized, on behalf of the Town of
Shenandoah, to do all things necessary and desirable to carry out the sale of the real property described in Section 1, including, but not limited to, the execution of the deed and any other appropriate documents, including this Ordinance.
Section 3. That the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to attest to the execution of the deed and other necessary documents executed by the Mayor pursuant to Section 2, and to affix thereon the official seal of the Town of Shenandoah, Virginia, as necessary.
This ordinance for sale of surplus real property was enacted by a unanimous vote of the Town Council on April 9, 2013.
It was noted this property was obtained by the Town in 1900 and has not been used by the Town for many years. Since the property is no longer useful to the Town, and the adjacent property owner has been the only person interested in purchasing it, there should be no issues with selling it to them for the appraised price of $10,000, plus the appraisal fee of $250.
Therefore, a Motion was made by Councilman Hinkle, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to adopt the Ordinance and sell the surplus property to William and Karen Miller for property located on Maryland Avenue, identified by tax map number 102A3-(1)-C 27, in the amount of $10,250.
Members Roll Call Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
Item # 5 – The Town received an invitation to the Town of Luray’s 14th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 27th at 1 p.m. at the Barbee Monument in Luray. Luray’s Tree City USA status and the Growth Award are being recognized during this event.
Item # 6 – The Town received an invitation from the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council to attend the 2013 Tech Nite at JMU Festival Center on May 1, 2013. Awards will be presented for High Tech Entrepreneur Award; High Tech Company Award, Dr. Noftsinger Leadership Award, Innovation in Higher Education Award, Innovation in K-12 Education Award, Innovative Technology Application Award, and Green Award. RSVP to 540-568-7882. Tickets are $75 each.
Item # 7 – Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) provided information on a green dot payment scam. The scammers manipulated their phone number so it appears the call is coming from SVEC and they ask customers to pay with a specific credit card. SVEC warns customers they would only communicate by mail and no one from their offices would contact customers by telephone asking members to pay their bill by any credit card. For more information Page County customers may contact SVEC at 540-743-1100.
Item # 8 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received the March 2013 Town Vehicle Gasoline Log for review.
Item # 9 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received the March 2013 Police Report for review.
Item # 10 – Everyone present received a copy of the 2013 Memorial Day Brochure.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
WATER & SEWER
(Chairman Kite and Councilmen Comer and Jenkins)
Mayor Lucas reported a work order is needed for a water leak at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and 11th Street.
STREETS & PUBLIC PROPERTY
(Chairman Kite and Councilmen Comer and Hinkle)
Following questions, Town Manager Dovel reported the Town does not currently have any other surplus property that could be sold in the near future. He noted there is one very small portion on Bank Street and another on Sixth Street where the Orchard Hill Subdivision was located, but neither would be very useful to anyone.
Council then briefly discussed the sale of surplus property to the Miller’s and whether or not the Town should pay for the deed preparation and recording fees. It was the consensus of the Council that since the Miller’s are giving a prime price for this small piece of land, the Town could pay for the deed preparation and recording costs.
Councilman Comer requested work orders to paint the historic railroad sign posts white and to cut the stumps down where the trees were cut at Big Gem Park.
POLICE, SAFETY, & JUDICIAL
(Chairman Kite and Councilmen Hinkle and Lowe)
Chief Davis reported the Shenandoah Police Department will partner with the National Drug Take Back Day and on April 27th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., people can drop off their old medications that have expired and/or are no longer needed. The drop off location is the police department at 411 Second Street and the non-emergency telephone number is 540-652-8193.
TAXATION & FINANCE
(Chairman Pierce and Councilmen Kite and Lowe)
Committee Chairman Pierce noted the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year Budget was balanced at the workshop prior to the regular meeting tonight. He noted the Town budget will now be advertised for public hearing.
PARKS & RECREATION
(Chairman Comer and Councilmen Lowe and Pierce)
Committee Chairman Comer stated the Public Works Department did an excellent job of cleaning up the storm damage at Big Gem Park and the River Park.
He then reported the following Parks and Recreation News: River Park – The Clean the Bay Day is scheduled for June 1, 2013, at 9 a.m. at the River Park. Councilman Richard Pierce will coordinate volunteers for this event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact him at 540-652-6277 or meet the volunteers at the park on June 1st. Volunteers with boats and without boats are needed to conduct this cleanup.
INDUSTRIAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROCUREMENT
(Chairman Jenkins and Councilmen Comer and Pierce)
There was nothing further to report during this period.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
(Chairman Kite and Councilmen Jenkins and Pierce)
There was nothing to report during this period.
PERSONNEL
(Chairman Pierce and Councilmen Hinkle and Lowe)
Councilman Pierce noted the Council allocated funding in the new budget for an additional full-time employee, beginning July 1, 2013, for the Public Works Department. He noted the Town will begin advertising for this position in June.
POLICE REPORT
Councilman Pierce requested the police report also include mileage for each vehicle, in addition to the number of gallons of gasoline used.
Chief Davis stated he would include that information on all future reports.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was nothing to report during this period.
NEW BUSINESS
There was nothing to report during this period.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Town Manager Dovel reminded everyone the Town Spring Cleanup is being conducted now.
During this time, the Town will pick up items too large for regular trash pickup. Items being picked up include, but not limited to, old furniture, lawn equipment, play equipment, appliances, etc. The Town cannot pick up brush, paint, chemicals, or remodeling debris. The cleanup runs through next week, but the last day to schedule a pick up is April 18th. Citizens should call 652-8164 for more information or to schedule a pick up.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Lucas stated he did not have anything further to report.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE TOWN
Ralph Harlow urged the Council to support the Shenandoah Library and assist the committee with persuading the Board of Supervisors to fund it fully. He stated as a retired educator, he knows how important libraries are to our children and community. He noted he met children in the past who have never owned a book until one was donated to them and closure of the Shenandoah Library would have a huge adverse impact on the County as a whole. He also urged Council and citizens to attend the next Board of Supervisors meeting and let their voices be heard in the County as to how important the local library is to everyone.
He also thanked the Council for the decision to have a museum at Town Hall to help preserve the Town’s history. He noted the museum contains so much historical information, items, and photographs and it is a great asset to our entire community.
Judith Laird then spoke regarding a problem being experienced in her neighborhood. She stated a rental house is next door to her house and the occupants have a large number of pet rabbits. She explained the hutches are not cleaned on a regular basis and the smell is overwhelming at times. She stated the landlord has not taken care of maintenance and repairs on the home, which was damaged in a fire several years ago. She explained the fire damaged some siding, but it was not replaced and the insulation is exposed. She noted birds or animals spread the insulation all through the yard and it blows into her yard as well. Her neighbors also own a dog that barks for long periods of time, from early evening to late at night. Additionally, her neighbors burn trash and other items in their barrel almost daily, which cause smoke and other noxious smells to spread throughout the neighborhood. She explained the combination of all of these items has caused her to lose the joy of living in her own home and she plans to try to put her property on the market soon, if something cannot be done to assist with these issues.
Chief Davis stated the Town does not have an ordinance to regulate rabbits, but does have a noise ordinance. He stated his department could assist if the she calls his office when she hears the dog barking.
Mayor Lucas and Council Members indicated they would check into the other matters to determine if there are any laws that could help with this situation.
ADJOURN
There being no further discussion, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Lowe, to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 p.m.
Members Vote was as follows:
YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
Councilman Comer
Councilman Hinkle
Councilman Lowe
Councilman Pierce
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
ABSENT: Councilman Jenkins.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion.
APPROVED: ATTESTED:
_________________________ _______________________
Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., Mayor Juanita Roudabush, Clerk
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