Council Members Present: Marianna Farmer, Don Morgan, Tom Hayes, Lawrence Lewis, Maurice Parris and Lannis Greene
Creed Jones, Mayor
Tonya Triplett, Clerk
Thomas Dene, Attorney
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager

Mayor Jones called the meeting to order.
Mr. Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.
Mr. Morgan motioned to approve the minutes for February 7, 2005 as written. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
Mr. Morgan motioned to approve the minutes for March 7, 2005 as written. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Mr. Morgan motioned to approve the minutes for the Special Called Meeting on March 28, 2005 as written. 2nd by Mr. Parris (5-0-1 Mr. Green abstaining, he was not present).

Sallie Garrett with Highlands Literacy addressed council and asks for funds to continue the program for Damascus residents.
Mr. Morgan motioned to give $2,020 to the Literacy program for reading materials. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Tom Horsch spoke about a new trail being created by the Johnson County Trail Association. Mr. Horsch asks council to maintain the ¼ mile of trail and hold the easements if they were able to secure it for a trail.
Ms. Farmer motioned to have Mr. Dene work with Johnson County Trail Association to establish the correct paperwork and to report back to council at the May meeting with Johnson County Trail Association being responsible for Mr. Dene’s fees. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

Stuart Wright with Mock’s Mill LLC asks council to terminate the lease existing for the parking lot adjacent to the Old Mill Restaurant with Mock’s Mill LLC and to renew an exact lease with the new owners Historical Inns LLC.
Mr. Morgan motioned to terminate the lease with Mock’s Mill LLC for the parking lot. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Mr. Greene motioned to approve the new lease with Historical Inns, LLC. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Mrs. Farmer
Budget meeting was held March 16 at 6:00pm. The budget will be advertised twice and a public hearing will be held at 6:30 May 2.

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris
Mr. Jones is getting complaint about balls being lost on the lot behind Backer Park. Mr. Blevins informed council they are purchasing a net to put up at Backer Park, so this should not be a problem in the future.
Sewer, Water and Sanitation – Mr. Greene
The committee met on March 14 and discussed the capacity from January 02 February 05. Several leaks have been repaired and since July 04 the plant has been well under capacity. Mr. Alexander is doing some research on grease traps for restaurants and will address council next month with the information.
Parks and Recreation- Mr. Hayes
Trail Days is on schedule. The brochures are here and should have t-shirts by the end of the week. Work on the pool will begin next week.
Planning Commission- Mr. Morgan
All variances on the medical clinic were approved.
Police and Fire Advisory- Ms. Farmer
Minutes for the meeting were in packets. Council decided to equip the Lumina to get us through Trail Days and until we hear from the grant.
Ms. Farmer motioned to approve naming a Sergeant, who would fill in the absence of the Chief and would receive .25-.50 per hour more for this job. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Ms. Farmer motioned to approve the low bid of $429 for firearms for six officers and, $80 for the holster for a total of $515 per officer. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Ms. Farmer motioned to purchase an evidence and gun safe at a cost of $750. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Ms. Farmer motioned to approve in service training for the Chief at Radford University May 22-27 at a cost of $600. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Special Committees
ADAM Committee is looking at redesigning the website, at $600-$1,000.
Ms. Farmer motioned to approve up to $800 to redesign the website. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Mr. Greene stated Baja Café is interested in getting an ADAM computer for the restaurant.
Discover Damascus Group will be working on the flower boxes at 10:00am on Saturday April 9, if anyone wants to help please show up.
Mayor Jones thanked the committee for a great Easter Egg Hunt.

Citizens Comments
Bob Fritz asks council to approve short-term parallel parking of drivable cars between Fritz’s Garage and Commerce Street. He assured council there would not be any junk cars parked for long periods of time. He is willing to paint lines so people don’t park near the corner and block the view. Mr. Dene suggested the Streets, Lights and Maintenance Committee take a look and make a recommendation. The committee will meet with Mr. Fritz and Mr. Fields tonight after the meeting.

Jim Cartwright addressed council about the Library purchasing the Minute-ette building. Mr. Cartwright spoke about some of the programs they are working on getting for the new Library and ask council and the town for ideas.

Eleanor Grasselli announced the Creeper Trail Celebration would be held this Saturday at the Y near Abingdon, weather permitting. Kids will get free helmets.

Manager’s Report
Mr. Sizemore stated the Medical Center had a meeting on March 22, reviewed the draft of the floor plans and ATS reviewed the plans with the service providers.
The permits for the flood conservation at Backer Park have been secured and work should begin in June.
Mr. Morgan motioned to approve the Operation and Maintenance Agreement for the Beaverdam Creek-Backer Park Erosion project. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Mr. Sizemore questioned the operations of the campground, would the town operate it or lease it to someone else. Mayor Jones asks him to treat is as either.
As part of the Rural Development grant process they have ask the town to assist them in getting a environmental and historical review done for the public works building.

Attorneys Report – Mr. Dene
Mr. Dene stated the chicken running at large couldn’t be picked up by animal control. So far we have not been able to determine the owner.

Old Business
Mr. Hayes asks about cleaning up the Old Hosiery Mill in Extract. Mr. Dene will send a letter stating what needs to be done.
Ms. Farmer motioned to have Mary Gentry take care of the Caboose. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Ms. Farmer motioned to purchase Ms. Gentry uniforms (6-0).
Ms. Farmer motioned to accept the three bids on the police cars and reject the one on the Lumina, which we will keep. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).

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

Mr. Parris motioned to adjourn. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

_____________________________ ____________________________
Creed Jones, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR MAY 2, 2005

Council Members Present: Marianna Farmer, Don Morgan, Tom Hayes, Lawrence Lewis, Maurice Parris and Lannis Greene
Creed Jones, Mayor
Tonya Triplett, Clerk
Thomas Dene, Attorney
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager

Mayor Jones called the meeting to order.
Mr. Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.
Mr. Lewis made a motion to approve the minutes for April 4 as written. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).
Mr. Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes of the special called meeting on April 18, 2005 as written. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

Senator William Wampler and Delegate Joe Johnson presented House Joint Resolution No. 729 commending the Town of Damascus on the occasion of its centennial.

Jim Cartwright addressed council about the library purchasing the Minute-ette building. He asked council to help support by agreeing to 10% of the cost. There are possibilities for grant money.
Mr. Greene made a motion to approve 10% of $300,000. 2nd by Mrs. Farmer.
Mr. Morgan stated we should not agree to 10%, but look at other options for money. The town should check into grants to lower our cost.
Mr. Greene withdrew his motion.
Mr. Greene made a motion the town of Damascus cover 10% of the cost of buying the Minute-ette building, payable over a five-year period not to exceed $30,000. 2nd by Mrs. Farmer (6-0).

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Mrs. Farmer
A public hearing was held earlier this evening on the budget and will be voted on next month.
Mrs. Farmer made a motion the resolution from Senator Wampler and Delegate Johnson be framed for display in the town hall. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to extend the deadline for vehicle decals until June 1, 2005. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to continue support from Southern Software. The cost for Administration is $1500 and Police $2340. 2ne by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to approve the clerk go for training to become certified for one week per year for three years usually in Virginia Beach. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris
Don Hash is complaining about water running off the parking lot of Sundog Outfitters on to his property. Mr. Sizemore informed council the town does not own any property there and if we get involved the town would be responsible for any problems in the future. The problem is between two property owners and should be settled between them. Mr. Hayes will take a look at the site to see what can be done.

Parks and Recreation- Mr. Hayes
Trail Days is on schedule. All booths have been sold. The Boy Scouts will take down the old flag in the park on May 14, 2005 at noon and replace it with a new, bigger flag.

Police and Fire Advisory- Ms. Farmer
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to approve the purchase of a 2003 Crown Victoria, with 69,000 miles for $8,900. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Mike Rutherford has been named the town Sergeant and will get .50 per hour more for that position.

Special Committees
Mayor Jones spoke with Nancy Gentry and promised her a tree would be planted with a plaque in front in honor of Chester.
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to purchase a tree and plaque. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
The website is being redesigned and it looks very nice.
There will be a computer placed in the Baja Café for public use.
Discover Damascus Group will be working on the flower boxes as soon as the weather will allow.

Manager’s Report
Mr. Sizemore stated Phase 3 of the sewer repair is complete. The next project will be the river crossings.
Bids for the medical clinic project will be opened May 5.
Mr. Morgan made a motion to approve the CDBG funding resolution. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
The Creeper Trail Campground funds have been frozen and we will wait to see what will happen with the funding.
Rural Development grant for the public works garage funding has been cut from $75,000 to $50,000.
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to approve the letter of support for the police car grant. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Attorneys Report – Mr. Dene
Mr. Dene stated the construction at the medical clinic will discharge some water onto the Stuart Wright property and an easement for the water run off is necessary. Mr. Dene asked the planning commission to look at the plat.

New Business
Mr. Parris made a motion to approve the agreement with BFI for trash pick up. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
Damascus Little League has requested $3,000.
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to table until June meeting and council has time to review the audit. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

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

Mr. Mr. Lewis made a motion for closed session for 2.2-3711 A3 Acquisition Of Property. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

_____________________________ ____________________________
Creed Jones, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

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

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

A motion was made by Mr. Greene and 2nd by Mr. Parris to offer $50 for the American Legion Island. (6-0).

A motion was made by Mr. Hayes and 2nd by Mr. Lewis to hire Ford Richardson to put a roof on the Gazebo for $5,200 or less. (6-0).

A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Parris and 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR JUNE 6, 2005

Council Members Present: Mariana Farmer, Maurice Parris, Don Morgan, Lawrence Lewis, Tom Hayes and Lannis Greene
Creed Jones, Mayor
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager
Tonya Triplett, Clerk
Thomas Dene, Attorney

Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.
Mr. Lewis made a motion to approve the minutes of May 2 as written. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0). Mr. Hayes moved to approve the minutes of May 24 as written. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Mrs. Farmer moved to approve the minutes of May 18. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (5-1-0 Mr. Hayes was absent).

Mr. Hayes moved that July meeting be on July 11 being the first Monday is July 4th. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration- Mrs. Farmer
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to give Backer Park the $2000 that was budgeted in the 04-05 budget. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to approve the 2005-06 budget with the new tax rate at .46 per $100. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris
Mr. Parris will be looking at which streets need work.

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Hayes
Trail Days went well, took in around $26,000 and a possible profit of $14,000 still have some bills and payments outstanding.
The pool has a leak and they are looking to see what can be done about the leak.
Mr. Parris made a motion to take $1,000 of the Trail Days profit for the July 4th Celebration. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

Police – Mrs. Farmer
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to pay Southwest Law Enforcement Academy for the training of six officers at a cost of $1,620. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Mr. Parris made a motion to purchase a used police car at a total of $7,550 and to take $2,710 more to pay for the car. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
Special Committees

Adam Committee- Mrs. Farmer
The new website is being redesigned and it is going to be really nice.
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to pay Fred Blevins $200 from Adam for the use of Nancy Blevins pictures on the website. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
The plaque for the time capsule is here and will be installed soon.
Mrs. Farmer thanked everyone in the Discover Damascus group who helped with the flower planting. These have made the Town look very nice.

Citizens Comments

Eleanor Grasselli requested use of the community center for Trail Days next year for some of the Trail Day presentations. This would eliminate having to put plastic on the windows at the Rock School and we could use the Rock School for lectures and for events that would not require it to be dark.
The register at the Rock School showed there were people here from thirty-seven states, including Hawaii, Canada and Australia.

Johnny Blevins stated the truck driver for BFI has been very rude to his wife and some other citizens and he asked council to speak with BFI about this problem.
Mr. Blevins asks council to purchase a plaque in honor of Nancy Blevins for her contributions to the Town.

Clarence DeBusk stated the citizens are paying BFI and it should be taken care of by council.

Mayor Jones stated that Dr. Tom Morris from Emory & Henry College is hiking part of the Appalachian Trail and will be in Damascus on Wednesday. There will be a celebration at Dr. Morris’s home at 3:00 on Wednesday.
Mr. Hayes motioned to pass a resolution recognizing Dr. Morris for promoting the Appalachian Trial and Damascus. 2nd by Mrs. Farmer (6-0).

Manager’s Report
The campground is still on hold and we are waiting to hear from the Tobacco Commission.
We should hear from Rural Development by late July about the police cars.
The historical review on the maintenance building has been done and also an environmental review is in process.
All the permits have been received for the Flood Conservation project at Backer Park.
The Regional Economic Strategic Plan is enclosed in packets and Mr. Sizemore does not think there will be any changes, but asks council to include the campground in the plan.
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to include the campground in the Regional Economic Strategic Plan. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

Attorney’s Report
Mr. Dene requested closed session for acquisition of property concerning the Legion Island.

Old Business
Mr. Jones has had complaints on Mock Cemetery. Mr. Morgan has talked to the chairman of the committee and they have planned on doing some clean up.

New Business
Mrs. Farmer made a motion to get a plaque and possibly teardrop lights for each painting of Nancy Blevins hanging in the Town Hall to $500. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

Mr. Morgan made a motion to have Thomas Dene look into changing the code on restriction of adult bookstores. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Mr. Morgan made a motion to have Thomas Dene draw up a resolution to present to the General Assembly that changes the town election method where the council elects the Mayor. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (5-1 Mrs. Farmer voting nay.)

Mr. Lewis asked the police to watch for bike riders in the streets late at night.

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

Mr. Hayes thanked all involved in Trail Days, the committee, police department and Eleanor Grasselli for a great job at the Rock School.

Mr. Morgan made a motion for closed session for 2.2 3711 A7 acquisition of property concerning Legion Island. 2n by Mr. Parris (6-0).

_____________________________ ____________________________
Mayor, Creed Jones Tonya Triplett, Clerk

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

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

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

A motion was made by Mr. Hayes and 2nd by Mr. Morgan to appropriate $28,500 of eligible program income funds to the construction of the Damascus Health Center, subject to DHCD approval. (6-0)

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