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MINUTES DECEMBER 13, 2011 CALL TO ORDER: The Shenandoah Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., presiding. ATTENDANCE: Council Members present were: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr.; Vice Mayor William L. Kite; Councilmen Russell Comer, Jr.; Charles Jenkins; I. Michael Lowe; Richard Pierce; and Keith Sampson. Council Members absent were: None. Citizens present were: Gary Patterson; Eddie and Dianna May; High School Government Students - Emily Owens; Amber Brown; Matt Davis; Josh Breeden; Joseph Cubbage; Brianna Wood; and Tara Aleshire. Media Representatives: Rebecca Armstrong, The Page News & Courier. RECEIVING OF VISITORS Dianna May stated her residence was previously served by a private septic system, but they recently connected to the Town sewer system with a four (4) inch line. She stated she noted on their application for the connection, the Town may want to consider paying the difference to increase the size of the line to allow for future sewer connections for other homeowners, especially since this line was being extended 800 feet. She stated her and her husband knew they would be responsible for paying for the contractor to excavate and install their new sewer line, in addition to the tap fee of $5,000, but thought the Town should have increased the size of the line to accommodate future sewer connections in their neighborhood. However, when the Town did not increase the size of the line being installed, she felt this was a missed opportunity. Following comments, Mrs. May confirmed they decided upon the location of their new sewer line, as it was the least expensive and time consuming route. However, she reiterated the Town should have paid the small difference to increase the size of the sewer line to accommodate future connections from other property owners in her neighborhood. She also pointed out she felt the Town of Shenandoah’s connection rates were a lot higher than the Town’s of Stanley or Luray. Councilman Jenkins thanked Mrs. May for her comments and noted increasing the size of the lines during new connections is something the Council would consider in the future. Town Manager Dovel stated he had discussions with Mr. May, the Page County Health Department, and the May’s contractor regarding the best possible route for their new sewer connections. Following discussions, it was agreed upon for the best route to connect the May residence to Town sewer. He also explained the four (4) inch sewer line extends about 800 feet and may very easily accommodate another 20 homes or more, but an engineer would have to determine exactly how many it could serve. Mrs. May thanked Council for taking her comments into consideration for future connections. NOVEMBER 8, 2011, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: A Motion was made by Councilman Lowe, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes held on November 8, 2011, as presented. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. APPROVAL OF BILLS: Councilman Comer inquired about the legal service bill for cable? Town Manager Dovel stated it is for the cable franchise and Mr. Blatt should almost be ready to have the Council hold a public hearing. Councilman Jenkins inquired if the Town’s truck would be paid off soon? Town Manager Dovel stated yes, it was a three (3) year loan and should be paid soon. There being no further comments or questions, a Motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to approve the bills, dated December 13, 2011, in the Combined Accounts Disbursements Warrants #30139 - #30237 in the amount of $220,642.46. Members Roll Call Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Mayor Lucas read the Treasurer’s report, submitted by Treasurer Cindy Breeden, for December 13, 2011. A Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to approve the December 13, 2011, Treasurer’s report in the amount of $1,363,160.53, as read. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. Item # 1 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received notice the Town Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has two (2) members with expiring terms. Both IDA Members have agreed to continue serving. A Motion was made by Councilman Pierce, seconded by Councilman Lowe, to reappoint Jonathan Comer and Steve Housden to the Town Industrial Development Authority, for terms expiring November 13, 2015. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. It was discussed the type and style gazebo was picked out by a private individual, as it will be paid for with donations specifically designated for this purpose. The initial down payment will be $710, with $2,826 being paid after the gazebo is delivered and setup. A Motion was made by Councilman Pierce, seconded by Councilman Comer, to utilize the donations made for this purpose and purchase a gazebo from Valley Structures, in the amount of $3,536, for use at Veterans Memorial Park, as presented. Members Roll Call Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. Item # 3 – Mayor Lucas submitted a request for Council to consider canceling their second meeting in December due to the busy holiday season. Councilman Pierce stated the Council may want to also consider canceling their second November meeting next year for the same reason. He noted many Members travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and it sometimes makes it difficult to obtain a quorum. A Motion was made by Councilman Jenkins, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to cancel the December 27, 2011, Town Council meeting. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. Item # 4 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received a thank you letter from the Shenandoah Valley Soil & Water Conservation District for the Town’s $275 donation to their organization. Item # 5 – Mayor Lucas and Council Members received notice the Page County Tree Board purchased and donated trees, valued at $674.96, for use at the Town River Park. Councilman Sampson noted the trees have been planted and are protected from beavers. He stated the Page County Tree Board may be able to offer assistance with landscaping needs at the new Veterans Memorial Park as well. Mayor Lucas and Council Members extended their thanks to the tree board for all their assistance to Shenandoah. Councilman Lowe noted the former Board of Supervisor Member Carol Lee Strickler was trying to have flashing lights installed too, but he was not aware of what the status is on that project. This request has been forwarded to the Virginia Department of Transportation for consideration and the Town is awaiting their reply. Item # 7 – The Town received information regarding the need for Council to nominate someone to serve on the Page County Economic Development Authority Board. Gary Morris is the current member who represents the Town on this board. Councilman Comer stated he knew Mr. Morris recently had knee replacement surgery and he was not sure if he still wanted to serve on this board. Councilman Jenkins inquired if there was anyone else willing to accept this position? Following a brief discussion, Councilman Sampson rescinded his motion and Vice Mayor Kite rescinded his second, until Mr. Morris could be contacted to determine if he would like to continue serving on this board. Item # 8 – Gary Patterson reported he will be a guest on a radio show promoting tourism and noted he will discuss any upcoming events the Town would like to submit. The radio interview will take place on March 6, 2012. COMMITTEE REPORTS WATER & SEWER Council Members briefly discussed the issues surrounding comments from citizen Dianna May earlier in tonight’s meeting. It was noted if the Town decided to increase the size of the lines, they would also have had to install manholes and complete the system for the entire 800 feet. The pipe was installed by the May’s to reach the main line, and it is now their responsibility from their home to the main line. It was discussed there may be instances in the future where the Town will consider increasing the size of lines to allow for other connections. Council noted they would review the fees, but felt Shenandoah’s connection were in line with surrounding communities. Councilman Jenkins invited everyone to attend a pre-bid meeting at 1:30 p.m. on December 15, 2011, at the Town Hall to discuss the project to replace a small section of water line along Fourth Street, between Virginia and Pennsylvania Avenues. He noted one engineering firm is interested in bidding on this project and has also indicated their desire to assist the Town with future projects as well. Council briefly discussed a vehicle accident which caused a loss of power to half the Town citizens and businesses the other day. Councilman Jenkins requested a work order to fill in the pot holes along Coverstone alley and to have this area tar and graveled in the future. Council Members noted there are several places on U.S. Highway 340 where pot holes and/or sink holes appear to be forming. POLICE, SAFETY, & JUDICIAL Mayor Lucas stated Chief Monteleone had an event he wanted to attend, but noted if anyone had any questions relating to police or safety, to please let him know. TAXATION & FINANCE There was nothing to report during this period. PARKS & RECREATION Committee Chairman Sampson thanked the public works for the excellent job of installing the drainage pipe on the road at Big Gem Park. He stated it held up great during the last rain storm and carried the water as planned. Following a brief discussion, a Motion was made by Councilman Lowe, seconded by Councilman Sampson, to authorize the Tennis Association to erect a small storage building on Town property to store tennis equipment. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vice Mayor Kite NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas. INDUSTRIAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROCUREMENT Committee Chairman Comer expressed concern the owner of the old lodge building does not appear to be moving forward with renovations to the building and it still appears to be an unsafe structure. It was noted the owner did remove the dangling window frames, but little else has been done. His contractor called the Town Hall, but noted he has been busy on other jobs. Following a brief discussion, Council agreed to begin action on this property after the new year, if the owner does not make more progress before then. Councilman Jenkins inquired if a new owner had purchased the house at 501 Third Street, as he saw they were starting to work on that structure? Town Manager Dovel stated no, Carl and Judy Newell still own the property, but now have started the exterior renovations. Vice Mayor Kite nominated Carl and Linda Simon of Kenesaw Avenue for a Community Enhancement Award for the many improvements to their property. This award will be presented at the next meeting. Committee Chairman Pierce reminded everyone the Town employee Christmas dinner will be held at Noon on December 16, 2011, at the Shenandoah Recreation Center. POLICE REPORT There was nothing further to report during this period. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to come before the Council during this period.
There was no new business to come before the Council during this period. Town Manager Dovel reported the overgrown area is now open for emergency service vehicles from Pocahontas Avenue to Autumn Ridge Apartments. Also, a fire hydrant in this area is slated for repairs soon. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Lucas reported Carol Lee Strickler is recuperating at the Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. He noted the Town sent get well and Christmas cards to her and everyone wishes her a speedy recovery. There was no one present to speak during this period. There being no further discussion, a Motion was made by Councilman Sampson, seconded by Vice Mayor Kite, to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Members Vote was as follows:
ABSTAIN: Mayor Lucas.
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