| Regular Meeting September 28, 2010 |
|
|
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 CALL TO ORDER: The Shenandoah Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., presiding. ATTENDANCE: Council Members present were: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr.; Russell Comer, Jr.; I. Michael Lowe; Richard Pierce; and Keith Sampson. Council Members absent were: Vice Mayor William Kite and Councilman Charles Jenkins. Citizens present were: Planning Commission Member Guy Monger, Jr.; Shenandoah Recreation League Members Buck Gordon and Dave Mongold; Shenandoah Indians Member Karen Comer; Carol Lee Strickler; Kevin Shifflett; Diane Shifflett; and Greg Vaughan. Media Representatives: Joe Farruggia, The Page News & Courier. RECEIVING OF VISITORS # 1 - Mayor Lucas reported Kevin Shifflett won the July 2010 Community Enhancement Award for recent improvements to his apartment building located at 511 Third Street. New siding, windows, doors, and gutters were added to the building, which has enhanced the area. He noted Mr. Shifflett has now returned from military service in Iraq and is present to accept the award. Mr. Shifflett accepted the plaque and thanked Mayor Lucas and the Council for recognizing his efforts to renovate the property. Mayor Lucas also thanked Mr. Shifflett for his military service to our country. # 2 – Councilman Sampson stated representatives of both the Shenandoah Recreation League and the Shenandoah Indians were present to discuss use of the ballpark if the stadium is reconstructed. Karen Comer spoke representing the Shenandoah Indians. She explained it has never been the intention of the Indians to take away anything from the children. She noted they have always expected the children would still play at the stadium using the same fields they are currently using now, until new youth fields are constructed at Big Gem Park. She stated until new youth fields are ready for use at Big Gem Park, the Indians will continue to rent Page County High School fields. Buck Gordon, who is the President of the Shenandoah Recreation League, stated his group has expressed concerns they are being requested to help fund installation of new lights at the ballpark, but there is no agreement, between the Shenandoah Recreation League and the Shenandoah Indians, that the youth leagues will have first choice of use of the fields. He noted they served over 300 children last year and are planning tournaments again for this year, which are a fundraiser for their group. He noted they currently use all the fields at the ballpark and want assurances they will still be able to utilize all the fields, after the stadium is rebuilt, since there are no other fields available for the youth leagues to play on. If the youth league does not have first choice or if they are unable to use the ballpark due to the diamond being reconstructed for Indians play, he noted maybe it would be better if the recreation league puts their money towards construction of new fields at Big Gem Park, rather than spend money erecting lights at the current ballpark. Karen Comer noted when meetings were first held they intended this to be at least a 10 year plan. She explained part of the plan was to get water to the ballpark, which has now been completed. Also, she noted the second part was to install lights, which is in the process of being done now. She stated the stadium was to be rebuilt and youth league fields were intended to be constructed at Big Gem Park. She noted only after the youth league fields were constructed and ready for use at Big Gem Park, would the Indians refurbish the stadium’s baseball diamond for adult league use. Councilman Sampson explained the Town intended to already have a recreational access road in place at Big Gem Park, which would have opened it up for youth league ball field construction. He explained due to years of environmental and VDOT delays, the Town was not able to afford our portion of the recreational access road grant and was forced to reject all bids and cancel the project at that time. He noted one small area has been cleared, seeded, and mulched at Big Gem Park for future ball fields. He stated developing ball fields at Big Gem Park is in the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan, but noted it will likely take $50,000 to complete all the engineering and design work needed before the Town could apply for grants to assist with field development. He explained due to current budgetary constraints, the Town is not able to expend the funds at this time. However, he noted the Town does have full scale plans available, which could be used to show the ball field locations and the proposed road locations at Big Gem Park. Mayor Lucas and Councilman Sampson clarified the Town of Shenandoah is not rebuilding Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, but rather a group of citizens interested in seeing it rebuilt have volunteered to work on trying to raise funds and obtaining volunteers to have it rebuilt. They noted the Town currently holds an agreement with a the Shenandoah Recreation League for use of the park. Councilman Sampson noted when the group came before the Council years ago and requested approval to begin fundraising for rebuilding Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, everyone on Council at the time was in agreement with their plans. He noted now the recreation league and the Indians need to draft an agreement between themselves regarding use of the fields. He stated the document can also be approved by Council, signed by the Mayor, and then be put on record showing each groups approval with the plan they come up with for use of the fields. Mayor Lucas noted the Town would review its agreement with the Shenandoah Recreation League to ensure any agreements will also comply with the current agreement too. Following a brief discussion, it was noted VDOT has given its approval for the lights and stadium to be erected. However, it was explained all approvals should be in writing to prevent any future delays on the project. The discussion concluded with the Shenandoah Recreation League and the Shenandoah Indians being requested to draft an agreement, and then present it to the Town for review. # 3 – Fifth District Board of Supervisor Jeff Vaughan addressed the Council to bring them updates on various projects and programs being worked on by Page County. He stated he does not plan to attend every Council meeting, unless requested, but is always willing to respond to the Town or citizens and can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 540-652-6110. He also noted if anyone ever wanted to address the Board of Supervisors, they should call their Clerk, Regina Miller, to be placed on the agenda prior to the meeting. He then reported the following: He feels local governments should be run the same as a business and believes the tax payers will be pleased with tax rates set by the County. The County had to cut funding for gravel for the Towns. Also, they cut some funding for the Sheriff’s Department and are planning more cuts in the future. The County feels it is in survival mode now with its budgets and do not plan to add other items at this point.; the County is working to have the landfill be self sufficient and not continue to lose money; he believes the previous board wasted a lot of money on attorney, engineering, and consultant fees, but the new board is putting an end to this wasteful spending; Regarding the Shenandoah Rescue Squad – there is a group of citizens (Ikey Rosazza, Jackie Smoot, Eddie Vaughan, and Mike Sullivan) who have volunteered their time to act as mediators and are getting the issues resolved so the Shenandoah Volunteer Rescue Squad can be running again. Everyone is working together now since the egos on both sides have been taken off the table and he believes everyone will be happy with the results. He noted for the past few years neither the County staff nor the Rescue Squad were approaching the situation or disagreements in a professional manner, but finally everyone is working together now and it seems to be working well with both attorneys being taken out of the picture too.; The property maintenance code will be discussed at an upcoming meeting between the County and the appointed representatives of the Towns of Stanley and Shenandoah (Luray has been invited, but declined the offer at this point.) and he believes the County will adopt the code for use on a county-wide basis. If adopted, each time a Town uses the County Building Official for property maintenance inspections, there would be a fee.; VDOT will hold a meeting with the County regarding long-range planning and the County has several problem areas, but plan to include as much as possible in their communications with VDOT about what is needed to improve the County’s road system.; County Administrator Mark Belton is scheduled to return from military service on October 18th.; The County is working to amend its sign ordinance to reflect the needs of Page County businesses, which he believes should include some allowances for electronic signs with a changing face to include scrolling messages. The County will address the location of signs, fees, and the types of signs allowed. He suggested the Council also consider reviewing the Town’s sign ordinances to assist business promotion and retention and allowing electronic signs as well.; The Board of Supervisors is pursuing all options for a County office building, including using Grove Hill Elementary School for the time being.; The Board is concerned about the closure of the Stanley Library and feels Shenandoah may be next due to the cost of running them. Councilman Pierce suggested Supervisor Vaughan attend the Council’s meeting on a quarterly basis to bring them up to date on what is happening in the County. Mayor Lucas and Council Members thanked Supervisor Vaughan for attending the meeting and bringing them up to date on programs and projects in the County. Councilman Sampson noted one correction in the September 14, 2010, regular meeting minutes. He clarified the cannon wheels have been removed, but not sent away for repairs yet, as they are awaiting another price quote first. He stated the wooden handles will be removed and repaired as well and the repairs are expected to cost approximately $2,300. A Motion was made by Councilman Lowe, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes held on September 14, 2010, as corrected. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Councilman Comer NAY: None. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Councilman Comer NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. APPROVAL OF BILLS: There being no questions, a Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Councilman Comer, to approve the bills, dated September 28, 2010, in the Combined Accounts Disbursements Warrants #28936 - #28967 in the amount of $55,234.61. Members Roll Call Vote was as follows: YEA: Councilman Comer NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. TREASURER'S REPORT: Mayor Lucas read the Treasurer’s report, submitted by Treasurer Cindy Breeden, for September 28, 2010. Councilman Sampson noted the General Fund and Utility Fund capital improvement checking accounts would become even again soon when funds are just put in the Utility account to catch up with the General account. He explained the Town was able to save $4,000 a month and it was being split equally between both accounts. However, the Town had more expenditures in the Utility account and it’s balance is much lower now. Therefore, Council authorized putting the entire $4,000 a month into the Utility capital improvement checking account until it’s balance is even with the General capital improvement checking account. Once the two accounts are equal, the savings will again be split equally among both accounts. A Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Councilman Lowe, to approve the September 28, 2010, Treasurer’s report in the amount of $1,244,183.11, as read. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Councilman Comer NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. CORRESPONDENCE Item # 1 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members reviewed the draft of a drought plan, which is a requirement of the Department of Environmental Quality. Mayor Lucas or the Council Members did not have any objections to the plan as presented. Item # 2 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received an invitation to the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet on November 3, 2010, at Big Meadows Lodge in the Shenandoah National Park. The event begins at 6:15 p.m. and is $50 per person. More information may be obtained by visiting www.LurayPage.com Item # 3 – Mayor Lucas read an invitation from Valley Health to attend a special presentation of the Community Health Needs Assessment on October 1, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the Town of Luray meeting room. RSVP should be sent to Mary Zufall at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Item # 4 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received a report on the 2010 Main Street Cruz Ins, which were organized by Shenandoah Heritage Center and sponsored by Shenandoah Gym; Shenandoah Pharmacy; Pioneer Bank; and Page Valley Bank. Christ United Methodist Church allowed use of their picnic tables for the events.; Local organizations raised thousands of dollars by food sales, bake sales, and 50/50 ticket sales.; Next year’s Cruz Ins are scheduled for April 29th; June 3rd; July 8th; August 12th; September 16th and October 7th and the sponsors are Richard’s Auto Salvage; Shenandoah Machine Shop; the Coffee Pot; Richard Strickler; May’s Garage; and Shenandoah Pharmacy. Also, the Annual Memorial Day Cruz In will be held on May 27th. There are no registration fees for any of the Cruz Ins. The Council thanked all the volunteers who work to make these Cruz Ins so successful and to the sponsors of the events. WATER & SEWER Councilman Comer stated he has surveyed 10 residents, living in the area brought into Town by the boundary line adjustment, regarding connecting to Town water and sewer. He explained the results are 4 residents want and need water and/or sewer service, while 4 others did not want or need it at this time, and 2 others said maybe. He noted the citizens main concern was paying the connection fees, but some residents really need the service and are willing to pay it. Councilman Pierce inquired if residents could make payments on the connection fees? Town Manager Dovel explained the Town cannot accept payments on these connection fees. He noted the Town has never accepted payments in the past, and it would not be a good precedence to set now. Following questions, Town Manager Dovel explained the residents would not be able to connect to sewer only, as the Town would not have a way to monitor the amounts being put into the sewer system without a water meter too. Following other questions, Town Manager Dovel explained the new water line to serve residents along River Road should go in by the spring of next year. It was noted water was the only utility being installed at this time, which is being paid for by North American Phillips. STREETS & PUBLIC PROPERTY Councilman Sampson stated the tunnel needs to be painted again as it has graffiti on it. Town Manager Dovel stated he would contact the railroad to request they paint it again. There was nothing to report during this period. TAXATION & FINANCE There was nothing to report during this period.
Committee Chairman Sampson then reported the following Parks and Recreation News: Reminded everyone of the invitation only auction being held at Christ United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 2nd as half the proceeds will go towards the construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Park. He noted they have collected many items to be auctioned off, including NFL memorabilia. INDUSTRIAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROCUREMENT Committee Chairman Comer Expressed a safety concern for the old Wrangler (Casey Jones) building on Virginia Avenue and noted it needs to be demolished or repaired as soon as possible. COMMUNITY SERVICE There was nothing to report during this period. PERSONNEL There was nothing to report during this period. 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 reported the Town’s sewer plant had several pieces of equipment quit working and it will cost over $11,000 for the repairs. He noted the Town will turn everything into the insurance company to determine if they will pay for the replacements, but if not, the Town will have to absorb theses costs. Councilman Sampson noted the equipment is computerized and is the reason the Town could not use local machine shops for the repairs. He noted his company uses MRE for some of its equipment and he would provide Town Manager Dovel with this information too. Greg Vaughan noted Servo from Waynesboro may be able to assist with some of the Town’s equipment needs as well. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Lucas mentioned Halloween falls on Sunday, October 31st this year. He inquired if Council desired the Town to observe Halloween on Saturday instead? Following a brief discussion, Council agreed to check with other localities and then make a determination on when Halloween should be observed this year as it falls on a Sunday. (CLERK’S NOTE: After learning Stanley and Luray have decided to observe Halloween on Saturday, October 30th, Shenandoah Mayor and Council decided Halloween will be observed on Saturday, October 30th in the Town of Shenandoah too.) FOR THE GOOD OF THE TOWN 1.Greg Vaughan thanked the Council for the previous work done to assist with his low water pressure at his residence. He noted the pressure increased a little, but is still not adequate. Therefore, he requested assistance with increasing water pressure for his home and for his neighbors. He suggested several options for the repairs needed to solve the low water pressure problems currently being experienced. One of his suggestions included the Town paying for the parts and him doing the labor to install a 250 gallon tank with a pump on his property to increase his water pressure problems. Following a brief discussion, Council determined they could not set a precedence by paying for parts for private homes. However, Council agreed to review this matter further and determine the cost of installing a small pressure reducing station in this area to assist with pressure problems being experienced in this neighborhood. 2. Diane Shifflett thanked Chief Monteleone for his assistance at her residence last week. She reported her neighbor has moved two posts where the property was surveyed and appears to be planning a new fence which may be in violation of site distance requirements if it were to be erected; only 3 children got off the bus at her neighbor’s apartment and it appears they may be in compliance now with the regulations for babysitting. ADJOURN There being no further discussions, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Councilman Comer NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
__________________________ _______________________ |