1)      Representatives of People Inc. presented a plan for 5 to 10 new homes in Forest Knolls Subdivision.  The homes are contingent upon grant funding to People Inc., which would subsidize the down payments for those who qualify.  Council agreed to hold a special meeting on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss this matter further. 

2)      Town will draft an agreement between the Shenandoah Indians and the Town for use of the proposed ball fields to be constructed in the future at Big Gem Park.  This agreement term will be for 15 years with a review every 5 years.

3)      Received a request for participation from Valley Health regarding the Community Health Needs Assessment.  Councilman Russell Comer, Jr. agreed to serve on one of the Committees for Valley Health. 

4)      Authorized destruction of records according to state law regulations.

5)      Received a thank you card from the family of Buddy Sampson for the Town’s donation to the Shenandoah Rescue Squad in lieu of flowers.

6)      Received an invitation for public comments on Verizon’s desire to expand the competitive determination and deregulation of retail services throughout their incumbent territory.  Public comments are accepted until March 25, 2011.

7)      Received information and an invitation from the Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District’s recognition breakfast on March 17, 2011, at 9 a.m. at Keezletown Ruritan Hall.  More information or RSVP to 540-433-2853, ext.

8)      Authorized relocating the Flag Retirement Ceremony to Virginia Avenue, if it does not require a street closure in this area and details can be worked out with the Memorial Day Committee. 

9)      Authorized purchasing a Hach DR28 for use in lab testing at the sewer plant.  This equipment will cost approximately $2,800.

10)  Authorized hiring Kruger to upgrade the PLC’s at the sewer plant in the amount of $4,334.  Heard there may be additional charges if parts are needed.

11)  Heard the Town has repaired six (6) water leaks within the past week. 

12)  Agreed to research costs involved with having permanent lights installed at all 3 Town entrance signs and 1 light at the cannon for the flag.  The solar lights being used now do not emit enough light to see the signs at night.

13)  Agreed to have the Town Attorney review amending the Town Code for Vehicles and Traffic to require safety equipment for moped operators.

14)  Heard the police department received a free Humvee from military surplus.  Currently the Town has less than $1,000 invested for this vehicle, which is valued between $30,000 and $40,000.  It will be used by the police department for search and rescue or during inclement weather conditions.   

15)  Received Town Budget Reports through January 31, 2011 for review.  The Town will be discussing the new real estate tax assessments and tax rates at upcoming budget workshops.

16)  Council is still reviewing adopting the property maintenance code but agreed it may not be the best solution for the Town at this point due to the expenses involved.  However, they noted the Town may still consider legal action against property owners who do not comply with safety regulations for their properties in Town.

17)  Discussed a structure in Town that appears to be unsafe.  The property owner has been notified by certified letter of the potentially dangerous situation.  This matter will be discussed again at the next Council meeting for the appropriate legal action if the property owner does not take steps to ensure the structure is made safe.  

18)  Parks & Recreation News:  16 old tires have been removed from Big Gem Park and the landfill has agreed to take up to 50 tires without charge; Wig-Wam Village Playground totem pole will be repainted soon.

19)  Valley Banner reporter Ted Hayes stated free oak and white pine seedlings will be distributed in Elkton in March.  He noted anyone interested in obtaining a seedling may contact him for more information.