1)      Held budget workshop and will set budget public hearing soon.

2)      Chamber of Commerce current President Karen Riddle and incoming President Briana Campbell gave Council updated membership booklets.  They have been working with the Shenandoah Merchants Association and will mail out notices of their next meeting, scheduled for May 5^th at 7 p.m. at the Shenandoah Community Center.  They reported Stevens Cottage will be open for 10 hours a week with paid personnel and more hours with volunteers.  Both noted the Chamber is available to assist Shenandoah with many programs and activities.     

3)      Heard from Meadows and Weaver families about issues with property line encroachments, mowing, and other issues for properties on Tenth Street.  Also, heard of the need to contain dust and mud from Pocahontas Avenue, which is caused by the water haulers and the need to set rules for the water hauling station, including hours of operation.   

4)      Set the real estate tax rate at .25 cents per $100 of assessed value.  This is no change from last year. 

5)      Set the personal property tax rate at .40 cents per $100 of assessed value.  This is no change from last year.

6)      Rescinded motion from last meeting and authorized advertising for a public hearing on May 11, 2010 for a new cigarette tax ordinance at the proposed rate of .10 cents per pack. If approved, this ordinance would go into affect on July 1, 2010.

7)      Proclaimed April 16-23, 2010, as Disability Awareness Week, to enhance public understanding of and appreciation for the limitations and abilities of people living with disabilities in our community.  This proclamation was sent to the Town by Access Independence of Winchester, Virginia and more information may be obtained at their website at www.accessindependence.org   

8)      Heard the Town of Luray will hold their annual Arbor Day Celebration at Lake Arrowhead on Saturday, April 17^th, which will also honor the 100^th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.  Mayor Lucas invited everyone to attend this event with him.

9)      Heard the Shenandoah Beautification Committee will participate in the Take Pride in Page County Week Cleanup on April 12-19, 2010, for the roadside and streamside litter cleanup. 

10)  Received the March 2010 Police Report for review. 

11)  Authorized a five percent salary increase for Victor Atwood, Jr. successfully surpassing his probationary period.  This increase is effective April 19, 2010.  Congratulations Victor! 

12)  Received the March 2010 Town Vehicle Gasoline Log for review.

13)  Heard Earth Day will be celebrated with events throughout the Luray Greenway on April 24, 2010. 

14)  Received the spring 2010 Town Newsletter, which contains a lot of great information.  Mayor and Council thanked Judy Jewell for all her hard work on the newsletters, which included information about two (2) new businesses in Town, with a reminder to support all local businesses.  The new businesses are MacLayne’s Salon and Studio of Massage at 215 Quincy Avenue and Enchanting Florals and Gifts at 502 First Street.

15)  Authorized pursuing the purchase of a used sewer camera, which will assist the Town with finding clogged sewer lines or broken water lines.

16)  The bridge sign has been damaged and the Town will request VDOT replace it.

17)  Requested work orders:  put gravel down on North First Street leading to the Zirkle residence; install pipe in road on Wahnona Avenue near the Judd and Schupner residences; request public works employees remove illegal yard sale signs that are attached to utility poles or street signs; clear land on Virginia Avenue, which will be used for the new Veterans Memorial Park.

18)  Heard the owner of the old Casey Jones building on Virginia Avenue called and advised the building has been declared a total loss.  The owners have 6 months to either demo the building or repair it.  They want the building saved and therefore, have offered it for sale for a starting price of $49,000 plus they have estimates for the cost of repairs.  Interested persons may contact Jim or Dee Martin at 540-298-1420.

19)  Parks and Recreation News:  The Easter Egg Hunt was held at Wig-Wam Village due to flood damage at the River Park.  1,000 plastic eggs were picked up by children.  The eggs contained candy and McDonald’s coupons.  $124 was raised for the Cheyenne Foltz family for their large medical bills after losing Cheyenne just after the New Year.; Raffle ticket winners were Greg Austin and Carol Gaunt.  Mamma Mia donated a portion of a gift card, Floral Expressions donated a basket and floral arrangement, and Tim and Becky Williams donated a 2 night stay at A Exquisite River Paradise.  Thanks to everyone who made this raffle successful!; Big Gem Bike Trail work is proceeding under the direction of volunteer Alice Pence with help from Alex Pence.; JMU Crew Club has been volunteering hours to help finish cleaning the River Park, bike trail, and repairing the sign at the Scout Park.; Tennis leagues begin on April 24^th and more information may be obtained by emailing Bradley Williams at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Repairs and cleanup are on-going at all parks.  Council thanked the public works department for all their help with these repair and cleanup projects.       

20)   Heard work continues on the Town website and Joyce Fluharty has already started entering much of the content for the new site. 

21)  Heard the Expanding your Business through Technology Seminar is still on track to be held May 8^th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for area businesses interested in learning how to promote their businesses through technology.  The seminar is free and business owners will learn about promotion through use of websites, software, and programs available to assist them in growing their businesses through the use of technology.  It will be held at the Shenandoah Community Center and all businesses are welcome to attend this free event. 

22)  Authorized issuing business community enhancement awards for 502 and 504 First Street for recent improvements.  The awards will be presented at the next Council meeting on April 27, 2010, at 7 p.m.

23)  Terminated an employee who failed to fulfill the requirements of his employment.  

24)  Authorized advertising for a water/wastewater treatment plant operator with both certified and uncertified applications being accepted.  If hired, uncertified employees are required to pass an open book test within a specified time period (normally two years from date of employment).  The application deadline will be April 30, 2010 by 4 p.m. 

25)  Reminded there will be a Relay for Life Walk on April 23, 2010 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Shenandoah Elementary School.  For more information please contact Vickie Shifflett or Janet Good at 652-8621.

26)  Mayor Lucas reported he recently read to a group of elementary age children for a program to encourage reading and learning for young children.  He stated he enjoyed the opportunity to spend time reading with the children.  During the visit he witnessed a group of pre-school age children stop in front of the flag outside the school and place their hand over their hearts while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  He noted the children were 4 years old or younger and it was both touching and amazing to see them be able to do this at their young age.