DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR JULY 11, 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 Pastor Jane Ayers was asked by the Mayor to have prayer.
Mr.
Hayes made a motion to approve the minutes of June 6 with
the signature line change to Creed Jones, Mayor. 2nd by Mr.
Lewis (6-0).
Mr.
Hayes moved to approve the special meeting minutes of June
6 and June 13 as written. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).
Jim
Bishop addressed council about the fire department building.
They to borrow more money to complete the building and also
to refinance for a ten-year term instead of five. Mr. Bishop
will check with the Bank of Damascus to see if there is $40,000
left on the loan that they could use. They have estimated
it will take $60-70,000 more to complete the project.
Black
Diamond Search and Rescue has trainings at Backbone and have
requested permission to use the Bayer Campground if the Backbone
Rock Campground is full. They will need it the third weekend
of July, August and September.
Committee Reports
Budget,
Finance and Administration- Mrs. Farmer
Mrs.
Farmer stated we have a dot matrix printer that needs to be
disposed of.
Mr.
Parris made a motion to dispose of the printer to school or
library or who ever might want it. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0)
Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris
Mr.
Parris stated Mrs. Morris’s daughter ask the ditch be
cleaned out on Docie Street
Mayor
Jones has arranged for a group from Emory & Henry College
group to come on August 27, 2005 from 9:00-12:00 to help finish
the bathhouse on Imboden Street.
The
air conditioner is broken and need replacing.
Mr.
Parris made a motion to purchase a new unit. 2nd by Mr. Hayes
(6-0).
Mr.
Parris made a motion to hire Ralph Grove as permanent part-time
at $7.21 in the public works department. 2nd by Mr. Morgan
(6-0).
Sewer,
Water and Sanitation
Jason
Lachniet will be leaving his position at the sewer plant the
end of July and the Mayor asked Mr. Greene to take Jason and
his wife to the Baja Café for lunch on the town in
appreciation for his good work.
Mrs.
Farmer made a motion for the sewer committee to approve who
will replace Jason, at a starting wage of $9.00 per hour with
$9.25 after three months depending on performance. 2nd by
Mr. Greene (6-0).
Mr.
Greene made a motion to accept the committee’s recommendation
on the grease trap policy. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).
Parks and Recreation – Mr. Hayes
July
4th celebration in the park was great. There is a water leak
at the Bayer Property; public works will take a look at that
to see what is going on.
Mr.
Jones had a meeting with Congressman Boucher and Steve Smith
concerning Dockie Triplett’s property. Mr. Triplett
wants to give the town some property to make a park, some
benches and some bathhouses and the Town of Abingdon and the
Creeper Trail Club would help with this. Mayor asks council
to approve to accept the property and to agree to the maintenance.
Mr.
Lewis made a motion to accept the property and maintenance.
2nd by Mrs. Farmer (2-4 Motion fails).
Mr.
Greene made a motion to have a joint meeting with all parties
involved and look at the details before a decision is made.
2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Mr.
Dene informed council we could not accept land without a deed
and should to make sure there are no restrictions; he advised
looking into the details and getting more information before
making a decision..
Mr.
Jones attended a Tobacco Commission meeting in Abingdon last
week and Damascus will probably receive $250,000 to start
on the infrastructure of the campground.
On
July 30th It’s A God Thing will be having their grand
opening and ask the town to mark off some spots beside their
building going toward the funeral home.
Jack
Garland with Habitat for Humanity is looking for land to build
Charlie Holiday a house.
Police – Mrs. Farmer
Mr.
Lewis complained about bikes in the streets late at night,
with no lights.
Mrs.
Farmer made a motion to hire officers from other areas, up
to 40 hours a week at $8.00 an hour to fill in while our officers
are in academy. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Mrs.
Farmer made a motion to purchase two Tazers at $800 each with
holsters and heads at $25.00 each and $250.00 to certify Officer
Rutherford to train the other officers, for a total of $2,400.
2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
Special Committees
Adam Committee- Mrs. Farmer
The
new website is being redesigned and is going to be really
nice.
Mr.
Lewis questioned the house to be built on Beaver Dam Avenue
and asked Mr. Sizemore to look into it.
The
Creeper Trail Club met last week and discussed the caboose.
Mr.
Hayes made a motion to plant a tree in honor of Chester Gentry
beside Town Hall near the time capsule. 2nd by Mr. Greene
(6-0).
Citizens
Comments
Nancy Lamb requested the $2,000 council budgeted for the 4-H
Center.
Mr.
Green made the motion to give the $2,000 to the center. 2nd
by Mr. Morgan (5-0).
Mr.
Lewis received a call and had to leave the meeting.
Jane Ayers addressed council about juvenile activity, riding
bikes in yards and very loud profanity by the Methodist Church
and on Mrs. Hall’s lawn. She had called the police and
no one had answered the phone so she was forced to call 911.
She asked council to consider changing the curfew time and
age, and also, noise from vehicles.
Bob
Smith, 203 East Laurel, stated he was also concerned about
the juvenile activity and has concerns about excessive speeding.
Also, concerned about pedestrians in the crosswalks, traffic
not stopping and going too fast to stop.
Eleanor
Grasselli spoke about a proclamation from the Appalachian
Trail Conservancy voted for. They will be sending us a certificate
honoring our 100 years, that the Appalachian Trail goes through
the town, and The Place is here for the hikers to use, and
that Appalachian Trail Days has been celebrated since 1987.
Diane
Smith, 203 East Laurel, questioned if there might be grants
available for traffic signs that show what speed a car is
doing or lighted pedestrians signs. She wants our town to
be safe for our residents as well as the tourist.
Shirley
Brand questioned if it is a state law for cars to stop for
pedestrians. Mr. Dene said it was.
Johnny
Blevins was not happy with the way the fire department building
was handled. He thinks there should have been a budget to
work from.
He
asked council to use the $250,000 to put in the infrastructure
for something, and not lose that money.
Manager’s Report
Mr.
Sizemore stated plans are needed for the campground. Hill
Studio’s plans for the campground can be changed if
they need to be.
The
grant for the public works building did not make it into this
round of grants and must wait until next round.
The
Flood Conservation project is scheduled to start the middle
of August.
The
Medical Center is going well; the footers have been poured
and masons should be on site this week. A change order to
include cabinetry, paid for by Stone Mountain Health is being
done.
Mr.
Sizemore will be working on environmental reviews for Bayer
Property and public works building.
Attorney’s
Report
Mr.
Dene reviewed the Constitution of Virginia to see if there
were problems with Mr. Parris being appointed to serve the
remainder of Mr. Gentry’s unexpired term. His opinion
has not changed and Mr. Parris should serve the unexpired
term.
Mr.
Dene was requested to prepare a proposed charter amendment
for the General Assembly to consider, at its next session.
The purposed changes will eliminate the Mayor as an elected
official replacing that with one additional council member
bringing the number of council to seven, and provides the
Mayor is selected by the council starting July 2006 and every
two years thereafter. If council has any more changes Mr.
Dene needs to know.
Mr.
Dene has review several other municipality’s ordinance
on the adult bookstores and has settled on the one Washington
County Board of Supervisors will take up tomorrow night. Mr.
Dene suggested letting the planning commission review the
ordinance and make any necessary changes. Mr. Dene would be
happy to meet with the commission and help with draft to recommend
to council.
Mr.
Greene made a motion to for planning commission to review
and make a recommendation to council. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (5-0).
Mr.
Morgan made a motion to have a public hearing on the ordinance
possibly August 1, 2005 or as early as possible. 2nd by Mr.
Parris (5-0).
Old
Business
Mrs.
Farmer questioned if there had been quotes for the plaque
in honor of Nancy Blevins. Mr. Greene is meeting with William
Wyatt on Wednesday to get input from her family.
New
Business
Mr. Morgan made a motion to allow the 9-10 year old girl’s
softball team, which has advanced to the state playoffs, to
have their requested pool party and to waive the fee. 2nd
by Mr. Greene (5-0).
Mr. Greene made a motion to approve the Damascus Little League’s
request for money to help with food expenses for the state
tournament; town will give up to $500 and ask receipts be
turned in and any unspent money be returned to the town. 2nd
by Mr. Hayes (5-0).
Mr.
Greene has had request for a playground. He also noticed the
swings are in need of repair. Mr. Greene asked council if
he could start looking for some playground equipment.
Consent Agenda
Mr.
Morgan moved to pay the bills. 2nd by Mr. Greene. (5-0).
Mr.
Greene made a motion for closed session for 2.2 3711 A3 acquisition
of property concerning Legion Island and 2.1 3711 A7 consultation
with counsel concerning Ralph Smith case. 2nd by Mr. Hayes
(5-0).
_____________________________
____________________________
Mayor,
Creed Jones Tonya Triplett, Clerk
CLOSED
SESSION MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Greene and 2nd by Mr. Hayes to go
out of closed session. (5-0).
A motion to certify was made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr.
Parris (5-0).
A
motion was made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mrs. Farmer to allow
Janet Fuller to appraise Legion Island (5-0)
Mr.
Parris made a motion and 2nd by Mr. Hayes to increase line
10-324-00 in the budget by $11,000 and also increase line
10-510-01 by $11,0000 (5-0).
Motion
to adjourn made by Mr. Hayes and 2nd by Mr. Morgan. (5-0).
DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR AUGUST 1, 2005
Council
Members Present: Maurice Parris, Don Morgan, Lawrence Lewis,
Tom Hayes and Lannis Greene
Creed Jones, Mayor
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager
Tonya Triplett, Clerk
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of
Allegiance and prayer.
Mr. Hayes made a motion to approve the minutes of July 11 as
written. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (5-0).
Committee Reports
Budget,
Finance and Administration- Mrs. Farmer
Mrs. Farmer was not present.
Mr. Hayes made a motion to waive the fee for use of the gazebo
for a group raising money for St. Jude’s Children’s
Hospital. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (5-0).
Street,
Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris
A group from Emory & Henry College will be coming to Damascus
on August 27, 2005; there will be three groups. Mayor Jones
has arranged for them to wash the senior building and work on
the bathhouse on Imboden Street and the gazebo.
Sewer,
Water and Sanitation
Jason Lachniet will be leaving his position at the sewer and
a new person has been hired to take his place.
Parks
and Recreation – Mr. Hayes
The pool has been closed due to a leak in an expansion joint.
The pool really needs a liner installed.
The Capitol Holiday Tree 2004 Project has sent us a plaque for
our participation and it is hanging in the town hall.
Police
– Mrs. Farmer
Traffic reports were given to each council member.
Citizens
Comments
Nancy Lamb questioned what motivated the charter change that
has been effective for 100 years. Mr. Morgan stated it would
allow us to have a cohesive unified team type management for
the town. Mrs. Lamb said it would be taking away the right of
the people to say what they want. Mr. Morgan explained the people
will still vote, but for seven council members.
Eleanor
Grasselli asks anyone who might be available on August 6, 2005
at around 10:30 – 11:30 to cheer on Lawrence Dye, he has
traveled 100,000 miles on the Creeper Trail since 1995.
Bob
Smith commended the police department for all their hard work
and a great job. He stated the police can’t always be
around and asks about checking into the digital speed limit
signs.
Leslie
McVey gave a letter to each council member about her position
as pool manager.
Theresa
Titman’s sons work at the pool and she would like to see
if open. The kids in Damascus need somewhere to go and stay
out of trouble. Mrs. Titman volunteered to help man the pool
on her days off and evenings.
Shirley
Brand asks everyone to look at the 9-10 year old girls softball
teams picture on the town website and also an article that was
printed in the Washington Post is one the website, www.damascus.org
On August 12, 2005 at 6:00 the town would like to have a parade
through town, food, and recognize the softball team at the gazebo.
Mr. Greene made a motion to purchase a banner and some signs
to post as you are coming into town and food for the park, up
to $1,000. 2nd by Mr. Parris (5-0).
Tom
Davenport had two issues to talk about. First, he ask council
to evaluate costs before accepting the Triplett Property and
to make sure the maximum number of citizens will benefit before
taking on the project. The citizens are not getting their garbage
picked up, and ask council, “Can we use the money to better
service citizens of the town.”
Second, Mr. Davenport stated the council and Mayor should work
together to move the town in a positive direction. Also, ask
council to put together a decision-making framework without
personalities getting involved.
Josh
Bebber commended the council on a good job.
Manager’s
Report
Mr. Sizemore asks council to have a special meeting on the Beaver
Dam Campground to discuss the possibilities.
Rural Development will let us know about the police car in the
next couple weeks.
Beaver Dam Creek Trail project has been awarded $234,000, just
received $9,000 more from VDOT T-21 grant, town will be responsible
for 20% of that.
Mr. Sizemore asks council to pass a resolution on the hazard
litigation plan. Mr. Morgan questioned if anyone from council
had reviewed the plan.
Mr. Hayes made a motion to table the decision until council
has had a chance to read it. 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0).
The medical clinic is going well and about 30% of the framing
is complete. There is a huge rock that has been dug up and the
contractor would like to know if the town would like to put
it in the park.
Mr. Morgan made a motion to let the County keep the $853 allocated
by a homeland security grant, to place surveillance equipment
in the county courthouse. 2nd by Mr. Parris (5-0).
There is also $3,090 available for homeland security, but there
is a specific list we must follow to get the money. Mr. Sizemore
will meet with Police and Fire Advisory Committee to see what
should be purchased.
New
Business
Mr. Morgan stated there is $5,000 in the budget for playground
equipment and he would like to see the town get started on the
project. There are several organizations interested in helping.
Clarence Debusk stated Gary Ritchie is trying to get something
started, but no one seems to care or wants to give him money.
Council explained they cannot support one church in town and
not all and also federal and state money cannot be given to
a religious organization.
Mr. Parris made a motion to use $25,000 from reserve, $5,000
in the budget and $500 for the VFW for a total of $30,500. 2nd
by Mr. Hayes (5-0).
Consent
Agenda
Mr. Morgan motioned to pay the bills. 2nd by Mr. Hayes. (5-0).
Mr.
Greene spoke with Fred Blevins and Mr. Blevins said we could
use our own judgment on what we would like to do to honor Nancy.
Mr.
Hayes made a motion for closed session for 2.2 3711 A1 personnel.
2nd by Mr. Lewis (5-0).
_____________________________ ____________________________
Mayor, Creed Jones Tonya Triplett, Clerk
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
A
motion was made by Mr. Parris and 2nd by Mr. Morgan to go out
of closed session. (5-0).
A
motion to certify was made by Mr. Parris and 2nd by Mr. Morgan
(5-0).
Motion
to adjourn made by Mr. Hayes and 2nd by Mr. Parris. (5-0).
DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
Council
Members Present: Maurice Parris, Don Morgan, Mariana Farmer
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.
Parris made a motion to approve the minutes of August 1, 2005
as written. 2nd by Mr. Greene (3-1 with Ms. Farmer abstaining).
The
Creeper Trail Advisory Club needs a President and Secretary.
Shirley Brand has agreed to accept the secretary position and
Mark Smith will accept the president.
Committee
Reports
Budget,
Finance and Administration- Mrs. Farmer
Ms.
Farmer moved to accept the agreement with Telimagine for a 36-month
contract for the phone system. The price will reduce to by more
than half. 2nd by Mr. Parris (4-0).
Experienced
Works would like to see the town hire Mary Gentry full or part-time,
if not they will be moving her to a new location for more training.
Mayor
Jones stated a letter was sent to the town attorney, questioning
the bond attorney fees. He also asks Mr. Dene for an answer
to the letter. Mr. Dene stated if he received a copy of the
letter he would respond to it. Ms. Farmer stated the letter
was probably a standard audit letter.
Public
Hearing was called to order by Mayor Jones.
Nancy
Lamb, Virginia Adams, Jim Cartwright, Bron Duncan, Geneva Campbell,
Johnny Blevins, Gaines Montgomery, Ruby Williams, Bob and Diane
Smith, Suzanne Bullard, Debbie Reed and Louise Hall spoke in
opposition of the charter change.
Mayor
Jones closed the hearing.
Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris
Mayor
questioned work at the Masonic Lodge.
Sewer,
Water and Sanitation
Cindy
Freedman has been hired at the sewer plant.
Mr.
Greene moved to change the probationary period, to receive benefits
to three months for all employees. 2nd by Ms. Farmer. (4-0).
Mr.
Dene will amend the personnel policy and the grievance procedures.
Parks and Recreation – Mr. Hayes
Mayor Jones asks council if they want to accept the property
from Dockie Triplett.
Mr.
Greene stated without a hazardous materials test the town should
not accept the property. The town does not have the money to
clean up hazardous material if it were present. Mr. Dene is
waiting to hear from Mr. Triplett about a survey of the property.
Mayor
Jones entertained a motion to either accept or decline the property.
Mr.
Morgan moved not to accept the property. 2nd by Mr. Greene.
Ms. Farmer stated she would rather not have to vote on it until
there is more information.
Mr.
Greene withdrew his 2nd, and suggested tabling the issue.
Mayor
Jones complimented Ms. Farmer and all who helped with The River
Rock Jam.
Mayor
Jones stated that he had talked with Stan Taylor, who has someone
who will take a look at the pool and see what it will take to
repair it.
Police – Mrs. Farmer
Part
time help from Glade is helping cover while our officers are
in the academy.
The
police car grant has been approved. Mr. Sizemore will get three
bids for two new cars and the town will be responsible for $12,500.
Special
Committees
Ms.
Farmer thanked Richard Smith for a job well done on the website,
it looks great.
Mr.
Parris requested identification at the Rt. 58 – 91 split
and old 91 to identify the trail; the fire department is going
out several times a week to find people who have traveled beyond
Damascus toward Abingdon.
Ms.
Farmer asked Mr. Dene to look into the setbacks and rights-of-way.
Citizens
Comments
Nancy
Lamb thanked the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department for a wonderful
job last week at her house when the large tree was on fire.
Debbie
Reed thanked everyone who helped with the Fall Festival and
stated the Fall Festival had not cost the taxpayer any money.
Ms. Reed also welcomed anyone who would like to join The Discover
Damascus Committee.
Ms.
Reed questioned the evacuation plan for the town. Where would
people go? How would we take care of our older citizens who
can’t drive?
Ms.
Grasselli asked when the Christmas Parade will be. December
3 has been set for the parade.
Christine
Smith will check with VDOT on some grant money available for
signs for the Rt. 58- 91 split.
Mr.
Duncan complained about the mess at the hosiery mill and that
the property owner be made to clean up or condemn the property.
Manager’s Report
Mr.
Sizemore asked for a special called meeting to discuss plans
for the Bayer Property and the Tobacco Commission money. The
meeting was set for September 19, 2005 at 6:00pm.
The
medical clinic project is 26% completed and ahead of schedule.
Mr.
Greene moved to adopt the Hazard Litigation Plan Resolution.
2nd by Ms. Farmer (4-0).
Mr.
Parris made a motion for Tonya Triplett to serve on the Crooked
Road Steering Committee, which will meet quarterly. 2nd. By
Mr. Greene. (4-0).
Mr.
Sizemore has sent the Homeland Security Grant request to Abingdon.
A
change order to do the river crossing repairs will be done.
Attorney’s
Report
Mr.
Dene stated Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Wright has agreed to give
the town a drain easement at the Damascus Medical Clinic.
Mr.
Dene will look at the creeper trail maps, but a surveyor may
be needed, because the right-of-way vary.
Mr.
Dene stated the Triplett Park project is going to take some
time. He encouraged the council to follow sound practices and
this should be handled in the same manner as the Bayer Property
was handled. The project starts with a survey and with good
adequate documentation about the extent of environmental contamination.
Mr.
Dene requested closed session for 2.22 317 A 3 pending litigation
specifically the Ralph Smith case and 2.22 317 A 7 Acquisition
of property.
New
Business
Mr.
Parris moved to drop the charter amendment. 2nd by Ms. Farmer
(3-1 Mr. Morgan voted nay).
Consent
Agenda
Ms.
Farmer moved to pay the bills. 2nd by Mr. Greene (4-0).
Mr.
Greene made a motion for closed session for
2.22
317 A1 personnel,
2.22
317 A3 pending litigation specifically the Ralph Smith case
2.22
317 A7 Acquisition of property.
2nd
by Mr. Parris (4-0).
_____________________________
____________________________
Mayor,
Creed Jones Tonya Triplett, Clerk
CLOSED
SESSION MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Greene to go
out of closed session. (5-0).
A motion to certify was made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Parris
(5-0).
Motion
to adjourn made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Parris (5-0).
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