Council Members Present: Marianna Farmer, Creed Jones, Don Morgan, Lawrence Lewis, and Lannis Greene

Maurice Parris, Mayor
Toby Boian, Town Manager
Tonya Triplett, Clerk
Thomas Dene, Attorney

Mayor Parris called the meeting to order.

Mr. Lewis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Morgan stated the date needs changing on the minutes from 2003 to 2004. Mr. Lewis motioned to accept the minutes as corrected. 2nd by Mr. Morgan. (5-0).

Committee Reports
Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Lewis
Mr. Lewis motioned to accept Michael Phipps resignation and to hire Steven McVey at $7.00 per hour for the public works department. The motion was approved 5-0.

Mr. Lewis stated that the town could no longer pick up big brush. If it will fit in the chipper the town will pick up but the bigger stuff will be the property owners responsibility.

Sewer, Water and Sanitation- Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones suggested the town get moving on the leaks in the sewer system.

Mrs. Farmer motioned to approve work order #3 for the sewer plant. 2nd by Mr. Jones. (5-0).

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Morgan
Mr. Morgan reported there have been about 80 vendors signed up for Trail Days.

Police and Fire Advisory – Mr. Morgan
Mr. Morgan reported the auxiliary police department is moving along. The fee for the police academy will be reduced, but not sure how much.

Mayor Parris stated the Fire Department would be replacing the motors, wiring and remotes to the doors at the Fire Department for $2,800.00. The department is requesting the town pay ½ the bill.

Mr. Jones motioned to pay $1,400.00 toward the work on the doors. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (5-0).

The building at Bayer Property will cost around 120,000.00-turn key. Mayor asks the administrative committee to check with the banks in town about a loan for 5 years.

Special Committees
Adam Committee- Mrs. Farmer
Adam Committee will be sponsoring the Kid’s Talent Show for Trail Days with a $250.00 donation for prizes, and will also have the photo contest. The Side Track Café and Sundog Outfitters are now open and have computer access.

The hundred-year committee is going well and they have a lot of good ideas.

Citizens Comments

Mr. Blevins requested $5,000.00 for Backer Park.

Mrs. Farmer motioned to give the $5,000.00. 2nd by Mr. Jones (2-2-1 Mr. Morgan abstaining, motion fails).

Dennis Ely addressed council about the Black Diamond Search and Rescue team camping at the Bayer Property this weekend.

Mrs. Farmer motioned to let the group camp and use the bathhouse. 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0).

Mr. Blevins ask council to explain their decision on funding recreation for the Town.

Manager’s Report
A 250 feet section of sewer line at the old 91 bridge is in need of repair.

Mr. Jones motioned to repair the line with grant money and a local match of $7,352.00. 2nd by Mrs. Farmer (5-0).

In Mock Hollow there are 4 houses under construction and three others out to bid.

Mr. Boian has a pre application for development of the Bayer/Beaver Dam Creek Property to the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. The town has been invited to submit a pre application. We will need three jurisdictions to participate.

Mr. Jones motioned to approve the pre application to Virginia Tobacco Commission Fund. 2nd by Mr. Morgan. (4-0-1 with Mrs. Farmer abstaining).

An engineering agreement for solid waste management is enclosed in packets for council information.

Attorney’s Report- Mr. Dene
Mr. Dene suggested putting the RFP to Bayer on hold to see what becomes of the Tobacco Commission pre application.
Mock Hollow trials have been held and the cases should be resolved in the next few weeks.

Mr. Dene reminded council about the public hearings and advertising cost to the town in securing a debt.

Council needs to appoint someone to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Tim Williams would like to serve again, but need to appoint someone in Mr. Rowe’s position.

The ordinance for the auxiliary police force will be advertised and public hearing will be held May 3, 2004 at 6:30pm.

New Business

Mrs. Farmer requested moving the Dead End sign on Intermont Street to the light pole on Extract Street so people will know they are entering a dead end street.

Mr. Lewis and 2nd by Mr. Morgan made a motion to approve the Damascus Little League request for $3,000.00. (4-1 Mrs. Farmer -Nye).

Mr. Greene and 2nd by Mrs. Farmer made a motion to give Backer Park $2,000.00 (5-0).

Consent Agenda
Mrs. Farmer questioned equipment rental bill. Mr. Lewis motioned to pay the bills. 2nd by Mr. Morgan. (5-0).

Mayor entertained a motion for closed session for 2.2-3711 A7 Litigation. Motion made by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Lewis (5-0).

Maurice Parris, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Lewis to go out of closed session. (5-0).

A motion to certify was made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Lewis. (5-0).

A motion made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Lewis to allow the mayor to engage counsel to prosecute a declaratory judgment action related to the Bayer Property ( 5-0).

Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Jones and 2nd by Mr. Morgan. (5-0).

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MINUTES FOR JUNE 7, 2004

Council Members Present: Marianna Farmer, Creed Jones, Don Morgan, Lawrence Lewis, Tom Hayes and Lannis Greene

Maurice Parris, Mayor
Toby Boian, Town Manager
Tonya Triplett, Clerk
Thomas Dene, Attorney

Mayor Parris called the meeting to order.

Mr. Lewis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Lewis motioned to approve the minutes of May 3rd as written. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

Mrs. Farmer motioned to reappoint John Henderson to the Damascus Health Center. 2nd by Mr. Morgan. After some discussion Mrs. Farmer withdrew her motion and the reappointment will take place next month.

The July meeting falls on July 5, which is a holiday. The July meeting will be held on July 6th at 7:00 p. m.

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration- Mr. Morgan

Mr. Morgan reported all meals and lodging taxes are current. All businesses have purchased a business license except one.

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Lewis
Mr. Lewis has had a lot of complaints on water problems. Mr. Poff and Mr. Snodgrass are complaining about water run off from other properties. Dale Adams will be contacted about the tree that needs attention on 3rd Street. Also, questions about paving on Rutledge Street; repairs on that street will be considered in next years budget.

Sewer, Water and Sanitation- Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones motioned to raise Clark Roach to $9.00 per hour beginning on July 1, 2004. 2nd by Mrs. Farmer. (6-0).

John Ponish with ATS reviewed with council the consent order that will be sent to DEQ on June 15, 2004.

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Hayes
Mr. Hayes reported Trail Days went well and the July 4th celebration will be held on July 2 in the park. Mr. Hayes thanked all the volunteers helping with Trail Days.

Planning Commission – Sharon Arnold
There was no planning commission meeting this month.

Special Committees

Adam Committee- Mrs. Farmer
Adam Committee did not have a quorum. They have received several pictures for the contest and will be announcing the winner soon. Mrs. Farmer commended the Trail Days committee for all the hard work and thought thing went well.

The 100-year celebration is going well and there will be a meeting on June 10th at 8:00. Anyone welcome to come and share his or her ideas.

Citizens Comments

Johnny Blevins reviewed the Backer Park financial report, and ask council for the remaining $3,000.00 and requested the 04-05 budget be amended to include $5,000.00 for Backer Park.

Mr. Smith questioned the Fire Department loan.

Manager’s Report
The housing committee approved applications for Mock Hollow and work will begin when contractors are available.

The contract with the engineering firm and the PDC grant administration agreement need approval to move forward with the grant process.

Mr. Morgan motioned to approve these agreements with some pending changes. 2nd by Mr. Lewis. (6-0).

A cost estimate for the Caboose is in the packets; there are volunteers who will do the work. Friends of the Mt. Rogers will meet tonight and will be contributing to the project.

Mrs. Farmer motioned to approve up to $2,000.00 for the Caboose restoration. 2nd by Mr. Jones. (6-0).

Mr. Jones motioned to reappoint Mrs. Farmer to be our representative on the Mt. Rogers Planning District Commission. 2nd by Mr. Hayes. (6-0).

Mr. Morgan motioned to approve the 04-05 budget. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0). Mrs. Farmer questioned adding the money for Backer Park; Mr. Boian stated the budget could be amended at any time.

Attorney’s Report

There will be public hearing on June 23, 2004 at 7:00 on the issuance of general obligation bonds and there will be a special called council meeting at 7:30 for resolution on issuance of bonds.

Old Business

Mrs. Farmer motioned to give Backer Park the $3,000.00 that was budgeted in this last budget. Mr. Greene asks to discuss this in closed session to give council time to review the financial report. Mrs. Farmer withdrew her motion until later.

Consent Agenda
Mr. Hayes motioned to pay the bills. 2nd by Mr. Lewis. (6-0).

Mayor entertained a motion for closed session for 2.2-3711 A7 Litigation for issuance of possible bonds and 2.2-3711 A1 personnel, regarding compliance with state tax law. Motion made by Mr. Lewis and seconded by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

Maurice Parris, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

A motion was made by Mrs. Farmer and 2nd by Mr. Hayes to go out of closed session. (6-0).

A motion to certify was made by Mr. Hayes and 2nd by Mr. Lewis. (6-0).

A motion was made by Mrs. Farmer and 2nd by Mr. Jones to allocate $3,000.00 to Backer Park.(4-2 motion fails).

A motion was made by Mr. Greene and 2nd by Mrs. Farmer to allocate $2,250.55 to Backer Park.

( 5- 1 motion passed).

Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Hayes and 2nd by Mr. Morgan. (6-0).

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