Damascus, Virginia - Trail Town, USA

Town Council Minutes
January / February / March
2006

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR JANUARY 9, 2006

Council Members Present: Maurice Parris, Don Morgan, Tom Hayes, Lawrence Lewis, Mariana

Farmer and Lannis Greene

Creed Jones, Mayor

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 December 5, 2005 as written. 2nd by Mr. Parris. (6-0).

Mr. Morgan made a motion to approve the minutes of December 15, 2005 as written. 2nd by Mr. Lewis. (6-0).

Mike Thompson and James Bishop from the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department ask council to consider refinancing the loan for the community center building. They requested $200,000 for 10 years.

Mr. Dene will do some research to see if it will be more cost effective to do a bond issue or a real estate loan.

Mr. Greene suggested also checking on terms of a 15-year loan.

Mr. Thompson also requested the fee to rent the building be raised to $100 for everyone except members of the fire department and that they be charged $25, with everyone paying a $50 refundable deposit.

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration- Ms. Farmer

Ms. Farmer is preparing the management and discussion letter for the auditors.

Ms. Farmer asks that all budget requests be turned into her by the February meeting.

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris

The Seller’s property should be cleaned up in 30-60 days.

Mayor Jones complimented the Public Works Department for the Christmas Lights.

Sewer, Water and Sanitation
A blower motor needs replacing at the sewer water treatment. The cost is $904.37.

Mr. Greene made a motion to approve the purchase of the blower for $904.37. 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Mr. Green made a motion to approve a raise Cindy Freedman’s salary to $9.50 per hour. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Hayes

The Trail Days Committee will be meeting soon and applications for vendor spaces will go out next week.

The playground is complete with the exception of the railroad timbers and mulch.

A lady requested a wedding with a live band at the gazebo; council did not have a problem the live band.

Police – Fire - Ms. Farmer

Ms. Farmer requested closed session to discuss police personnel. Mayor Jones stated, “We have a good Police Department.” He also removed Mr. Parris from the committee because of conflict of interest. Mayor Jones also suggested letting the police chief run the department and if there is a problem he can come to council or the town manager and they can help with it.

Ms. Farmer made a motion to raise the fee for renting the community center building to $100; except for fire department members will be charged $25. Everyone will pay a $50 refundable deposit. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).

Adam Committee

Ms. Farmer will be sending renewal letters for business who want to be listed on the website soon.

Ms. Farmer questioned if Parks and Recreation was going to do the Easter Egg Hunt this year. Discover Damascus will oversee it.

Citizens Comments
Ms. Lamb asks council to consider the cleaning lady for a raise.
Mr. Parris made a motion to raise Ira Blevins and Ralph Grove to $8.00 per hour and Isabelle Stanley to $6.50 per hour. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Ms. Grasselli questioned when Trail Days meeting would be taking place, and what council’s plans for the Caboose in the spring.
Mr. Lewis made a motion to bring Mary Gentry back to work for the town. After much discussion Mr. Lewis withdrew his motion.

Manager’s Report

The bids for the police vehicles have been received and when Rural Development has approved them we will be able to order the vehicles.

The medical clinic project is on schedule and budget.

The road to the two houses People Incorporated plan to build is under way.

Rural Development will not be able to fund the full $50,000 for a public works garage. They believe the will be able to fund $20,000 and make up any short fall with a low interest loan.

Mr. Hayes made a motion to table and discuss this at the next meeting. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

Mr. Morgan questioned the bid opening for the police cars.

Attorney’s Report

Mr. Dene and the Ordinance Review Committee to meet on December 15, 2005 at 7:00pm and the meeting went well.

Mr. Dene questioned if everyone was on the same page about the fire department loan. He suggested a special called meeting next week to discuss the details.

Consent Agenda

Mr. Hayes moved to pay the bills. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

Mr. Hayes made a motion for closed session for 2.2 3711 (A) (7) consultation with counsel Town vs. Ralph Smith case and 2.2 3711 (A) (1) police department personnel. . 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

_____________________________ ____________________________

Mayor, Creed Jones 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. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

A motion was made by Mr. Greene and 2nd by Mr. Morgan to accept Mr. Parris and Ms. Farmer’s resignations from the police advisory committee. (4-0-2 Mr. Parris and Ms. Farmer abstaining).

A motion was made by Mr. Parris and 2nd by Mr. Lewis to do nothing with chief’s recommendation regarding the discipline of Officer Clark. The motion fails 2-3-1 Parris and Lewis yea, Hayes, Morgan and Greene nay and Ms. Farmer abstaining.

A motion was made by Mr. Greene and 2nd by Mr. Hayes to refer possible disciplinary action against Officer Clark to the police advisory committee for review and recommendation (5-1 Morgan nay)

A motion was made by Mr. Parris and 2nd by Mr. Greene to request that Mayor Jones make two appointments to the police advisory committee. (6-0).

A motion was made by Mr. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Hayes to adopt the attached ordinance.(6-0).

TOWN OF DAMASCUS

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION

54-126(b) OF THE CODE OF DAMASCUS

Be it hereby ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Damascus that Section 54-126(b) of the Code of Damascus is hereby amended to provide as follows:

This article shall apply to all users of the POTW. The article authorizes the issuance of wastewater discharge permits; provides for monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities; establishes administrative review procedures; requires industrial user reporting; and provides for the setting of fees for the equitable distribution of costs resulting from the program established. Any permit heretofore issued pursuant to Article III of this Chapter 54 shall be deemed a wastewater discharge permit within the meaning of this Article IV of Chapter 54 and such permit shall be subject to the provisions of this Article IV of Chapter 54, including, without limitation, Sections 54-281 through 54-305.

This ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption.

Adopted this 9th day of January 2006.

___________________________________

MAYOR

___________________________________

TOWN CLERK

Farmer _________________

Greene _________________

Hayes _________________

Lewis _________________

Morgan _________________

Parris _________________

A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Farmer and 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

Special Called Meeting of Damascus Town Council

January 19, 2006 7:00pm at Town Hall

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

Mr. Jones called the meeting to order.

Mr. Dene explained there are several ways the loan can be handled. He has proposals from the Bank of Marion and BB&T. One options is a lease-lease in which would not require a bond attorney, but would require a public hearing and a survey.

BB&T: 3.89% tax exempt or 6.98% taxable for a 10-year term. BB&T also has agreed to remove the 1% penalty for early pay off.

Bank of Marion: 4.11% tax exempt with town’s attorney certifying the loan tax exempt, 3.50% tax exempt with bond attorney, 7.25% taxable with no origination or closing fees imposed by the bank.

Council would like to see an amortization table for the 3.50%.

Mr. Lamb is checking to see if it is possible to make adjustments to the existing loan.

Mr. Parris stated it is election year and increasing council salaries might entice more people to run for office.

Mr. Morgan made a motion to raise council salaries to $300 per month effective February 1. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

The police car repair will cost $5,599 and we have a deductible of $500. The police advisory committee feels the car should be repaired; the car has a value of $14,000.

Mr. Sizemore explained the rural development grant for the public works garage. Rural Development can give $20,000 toward the building and will give the town a loan of $50,000 at low interest. Over a 10 year term the payment would be around $530 a month.

Mr. Morgan made a motion not to pursue the Rural Development Public Works Garage. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (5-1-1 Ms. Farmer voted nay and Mr. Parris abstained).

Mr. Parris made a motion adjourn. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2006

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

Mayor Jones called the meeting to order.

Mr. Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.
Mr. Hayes made a motion to approve the minutes of January 9, 2006 as written. 2nd by Mr. Lewis. (6-0).

Mayor Jones questioned if the council salary increases at the January 19 called meeting was legal. Mr. Dene stated the town and state code allows the council to increase salaries and to make it effective when they choose.

Mr. Hayes made a motion to approve the minutes of January 19, 2006 special called meeting as written. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Patty Belcher with Albano & Associates, P.L.C. Certified Public Accountants reviewed the June 30, 2005 Financial Statements. The Town of Damascus received an unqualified opinion.

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Ms. Farmer

Ms. Farmer thanked Ms. Belcher for her attending the meeting.

Mr. Hayes made a motion to send Ms. Triplett to the Clerks Institute in September. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Mr. Greene made a motion to donate $100 saving bond to Rhea Valley Elementary School for a bingo prize. 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).

There is information about the community center loan in the council packets. The fire department requested a 10-year loan for $180,000 with the Bank of Damascus with the bond attorney.

Ms. Farmer made a motion to engage the bond counsel and commence the process. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (6-0).

Ms. Farmer stated the building looks great is worth more than the money requested for the loan.

Mr. Thompson and the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department donated two smoke detectors to Rhea Valley Elementary School for bingo prizes.

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris

Council would like to use the $50,000 set a side for the public works garage to do some road improvements.

Sewer, Water, Sanitation Mr. Greene

Mr. Greene reported during the heavy rain in January the sewer plant had increased flow, but the flow is now back to normal.

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Hayes

The Trail Days is coming along well.

Mr. Hayes requested a pole and light be installed on the roadside of the playground.

Mayor Jones stated the Town of Saltville would not be having their Labor Day Celebration this year and suggested Town of Damascus might want to do something.

Planning Commission

Mr. Morgan stated there will a meeting February 23.

Police and Fire Advisory

Mr. Greene made a motion to purchase bulletproof vests for two officers for $300 each. Chief Eades will apply for a grant to reimburse the town for the vests. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (5-0-1 Mr. Parris abstaining).

The police car bids were opened earlier today and Bobby Jones Ford was low bidder, with a bid of $46,836 for two crown victorias.

Mr. Morgan made a motion to accept the lowest bid of $46,836 from Bobby Jones Ford for two Crown Victorias. 2nd by Mr. Parris (5-0-1 Mr. Parris abstaining).

Mr. Hayes made a motion to sell the Impala and the money will go toward the $12,500 match the town must pay. 2nd by Mr. Morgan (5-0-1 Mr. Parris abstaining).

ADAM Committee

The fees for advertising on the website are coming in. The money is used to pay the Webmaster and to update equipment.

Citizens Comments

Ms. Campbell requested the town purchase a 4x8 sign to be placed at Backer Park to help the Holston High School Baseball team raise money for uniforms and equipment. The sign would cost $200 the first year and $100 each year after.

Shirley Brand addressed the Mayor and council and read the following letter:

I have something I wish you, Mr. Mayor, council members and the public to know. I am bringing this out in open session because in previous instances Tonya and I have brought to the attention of Council for discussion in closed session under personnel, the mayor has found it convenient to dispute our word and deny our statements as being true.

Several weeks ago, deceased Council Chester Gentry’s widow, Nancy, came to inquire what month the W2 she received for 2005 represented. I knew that it was for the month of January 2005 because it was for $150. She answered that was not right because Chet did not get a check for that month. I explained to her that since he was living on the 1st of the month, the check was done for January and put in his packet. She said, “No, he didn’t get a check for that month and Creed Jones told me that Chet’s check was torn up and rewritten for someone else.” I asked her who Creed told her it was given to and she wouldn’t tell me but said that she had harbored hard feelings toward someone because of this. I told her that there was only one person he could be saying got the check and that was Maurice Parris. She neither denied nor confirmed this.

The payroll program history in the computer shows no check for Mr. Parris for January nor for anyone else other than should have been. A query for February showed Mr. Parris as receiving his first check for that month. Tonya pulled her cancelled checks for January and found a check written on January 1 to Mr. Gentry that was endorsed and cashed at BB&T by Mr. Gentry on January 10. We gave her a copy of this check front and back.

This implied that Tonya and I committed an impropriety in that we tore up a check and issued another incorrectly. I would like the public to know that Mr. Jones has previously accused Tonya and me of wrongdoing. And I want you also to know that since Tonya and I have been in our offices, this year marks our second unqualified audit. These were the first ever-unqualified audits the Town of Damascus has received. This translates to our handling the money from you, the taxpaying citizens of Damascus, in a very responsible and honest manner with every penny being accounted for.

I do not know Mr. Jones’ intentions in telling Mrs. Gentry this at the Senior Citizens in a public manner but think that he should be admonished to find out the truth about such situations before he tells someone what he thinks. Tonya and I do not understand why Mr. Jones could not come to us to verify the facts about something like this before he would go to Mrs. Gentry and have her upset and then she should feel she had to confront us when just a few minutes checking on his part could have prevented stress and hard feelings on hers and our parts.

I request that this statement be attached to the minutes and made a part thereof.

Shirley H. Brand, Treasurer

.............................................................

Ms. Lamb reported the streetlight at Blue Blaze Bike rental is out and requested council budget for $2,000 for the 4-H Center.

Ms. Grasselli asks to be informed of the maintenance committee meeting to look at the roads to be paved.

She also has concerns about the road and the potholes on Drowning Ford Road just past the sewer plant.

Manager’s Report

Doug Canody, Washington County Service Authority, reviewed the plans for a pump station on the Bayer Property, to supply water to Tennessee residents. Washington County Service Authority requested the purchase 2,600 sq. ft. with an easement for $6,000.

Council questioned a buffer or a gate if necessary and Mr. Canody stated a vegetative buffer and gate could be considered in the option.

Mr. Dene stated this would require a public hearing and taken to the Planning Commission.

The Medical Center is complete. DHCD came and did the final inspection; everyone was very pleased with the project.

Mr. Parris made a motion to spend the $50,000 for the maintenance building on paving. 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Dan Taylor ask council to allow him to run a water line on a town alley, so People Inc. can purchase his property and build two homes.

Council suggested he run the water line on his own property.

The Crooked Roadl Music Trail is requesting a donation for the town for $1,000 to support the trail.

Mr. Greene asks the matter be tabled until we have more information about what we will get for the $1,000.

Mr. Greene made a motion to purchase a $200 sign for this year for the fence at Backer Park to support the baseball team. 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Attorney’s Report

Mr. Dene reported he has received a preliminary, preliminary subdivision plat from Mr. Triplett’s surveyor. Mr. Dene met with him last week and discussed issues to comply with the subdivision ordinance. Mr. Morgan suggested checking with DEQ, possibility there is nothing wrong with the property now, but if the topsoil is disturbed it could cause more problems.

Consent Agenda

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

Mr. Morgan made a motion for closed session to discuss 2.2 3711 (A) (7) Town of Damascus v/s Ralph Smith. 2nd by Mr. Lewis. (6-0).

_____________________________ ____________________________

Creed Jones, Mayor 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. Morgan and 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

Mr. Hayes and 2nd by Mr. Lewis to made a motion sponsor two holes in a golf tournament at Greenway Creek for a fundraiser for the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department at $100 per hole. (5-0-1 Mr. Parris abstained).

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

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2006

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.

Public Hearing for The Town Recreation Center Bond
Mr. Dene explained that the bond would be for $180,000, $40,000 of which is considered new money; the rest is repayment of the old debt or reimbursement for expenses people have made.
After no public comments, Mayor Jones declared the public hearing closed.

Mr. Lewis made a motion to approve the minutes of February 6, 2006 as written. 2nd by Mr. Hayes. (6-0).

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Ms. Farmer
Ms. Farmer stated she has received a few budget requests and a budget workshop would be held on Tuesday March 7, 2006 at 5:30pm.
Mayor Jones has concerns about the traffic in the clerk’s office.

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Parris
Mayor Jones asks that Mr. Fritts check on the leak in the town hall.

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Hayes
Trail Days is on schedule and the brochure will be going to the printers within the next couple weeks.

Planning Commission
Mr. Morgan reported the commission met on Tuesday and that the property on Brook Street would go back through the complete process again.

Police and Fire Advisory
Mr. Morgan stated work continues on the grant for the cars.
The fire department had a meeting with Mark Bowery and made change to their insurance policy. They raised the deductible from $250 to $500 and added workman’s compensation. They will bill the town for $1,100, but will refund $700. So the policy will cost about $385.00 difference.
Mr. Parris made a motion to approve the changes and additions to the fire department insurance policy, which includes workman’s comp. 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

ADAM Committee
The fees for the website are coming in and they hope to do good things with the money.
Richard Smith is willing to make space on the website for the council and mayor candidates. He would like to have a picture and 150 words or less about each candidates. He will take picture if anyone wants him to.

Mr. Greene reported the chair ship of the Virginia Creeper Trail Club would revert back to the Town of Abingdon.

Citizens Comments
Mr. Wright with Sonny Land Mulch complained about citations issued to him by the police department. Mr. Dene explained there are charges pending on this issue and the matter is now in front of the court and it will be up to the court to resolve. Mr. Dene recommended opening a file on this and revisit it after the case is disposed of.

Ms. Campbell asks council to approve $1,000 for flowerpots or barrels and plants for the town.

Clifford Watkins asked questions about placing a double wide in town limits. He asks council if someone could be available to answer questions about placing a double wide and the setbacks.

Manager’s Report
Mr. Sizemore reported they are still getting quotes on the police cars. The total must equal $50,000 and can include cameras and radar equipment.

Mr. Greene made a motion to table the $1,000 request from The Crooked Road until after the budget meeting on Tuesday. 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).

Mr. Watkins asked council to gravel the street in front of his house on 5th street.
Mr. Parris made a motion to have the maintenance department gravel a 50’x25’ section on 5th street. 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Daniel Taylor requested the town allow him to run a water line on the town alleyway between 5th street and Ena Street. Mr. Dene stated in order to allow an individual to use town property, a public hearing must be held. Mr. Dene will check with Washington County Service Authority to see if they already have an easement.

Surveys are being done on Orchard Hill Road, looking at numbers and qualification guidelines; the town would be a candidate for the grant. The grant must be requested by locality, which will be Town of Damascus.
Mr. Parris made a motion to approve the resolution for the Orchard Hill Project. 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).
Council suggested Mr. Sizemore check with Joe Alexander to see if the sewer plant can handle the new hookups.
Attorney’s Report
Mr. Dene reported on the bond counsel had reviewed the information that we submitted to them in connection with the nature of the expenditures after the original bond amount was depleted and he thinks he can fit into tax exempt file. The bank has been easy to work with.
Mr. Morgan made a motion to adopt the bond ordinance for the community center building from Mr. Lamb. 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).
Mr. Morgan made a motion to adopt the bond resolution. 2nd by Mr. Lewis (6-0).

The undersigned Town Clerk of the Town of Damascus, Virginia (the “Town”), certifies as follows:
1. A regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Damascus, Virginia, was held on March 6, 2006, at the time and place established by such Town Council for such meetings, at which the following members were present and absent during the voting on the ordinance referred to below:
PRESENT:

ABSENT:

2. An ordinance entitled “Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds of the Town of Damascus, Virginia, in a Principal Amount Not to Exceed $40,000,” having been the subject of a public hearing held in accordance with Section 15.2-2606 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, on March 6, 2006, prior to the consideration of such ordinance, was adopted by a majority of all members of the Town Council by a roll call vote, the ayes and nays being recorded in the minutes of the meeting as shown below:
MEMBER VOTE

3. Attached hereto is a true, correct and complete copy of such ordinance as adopted at such meeting and as presented to and recorded in the minutes of such meeting.
4. The ordinance has not been repealed, revoked, rescinded or amended and is in full force and effect on the date hereof.
WITNESS my signature and the seal of the Town of Damascus, Virginia, this ____ day of March, 2006.

(SEAL) ______________________________________
Town Clerk, Town of Damascus, Virginia

ABSENT:

(SEAL) ______________________________________
Town Clerk, Town of Damascus, Virginia

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF THE TOWN OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA, IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,000
WHEREAS, the Town of Damascus, Virginia (the “Town”), desires to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of improvements to the community events center and related costs (the “Project”);
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA:
1. It is determined to be necessary and expedient for the Town to finance the Project and to borrow money for such purpose and issue the Town’s general obligation public improvement bonds therefor.
2. Pursuant to the Public Finance Act of 1991 and without regard to the Town Charter, there are authorized to be issued general obligation public improvement bonds of the Town in a principal amount not to exceed $40,000 to provide funds, together with other available funds, to finance the Project.
3. The bonds shall bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times not exceeding 40 years from their date or dates, bear interest at such rate or rates, be in such denominations and form, be executed in such manner and be sold at such time or times and in such manner as the Council of the Town may hereafter provide by appropriate resolution or resolutions.
4. The bonds shall be general obligations of the Town for the payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on which its full faith and credit shall be irrevocably pledged.
5. The Town Clerk, in collaboration with the Town Attorney, is authorized and directed to see to the immediate filing of a certified copy of this ordinance in the Circuit Court of Washington County, Virginia.
6. This ordinance shall take effect immediately.

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF THE TOWN OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA, IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,000
WHEREAS, the Town of Damascus, Virginia (the “Town”), desires to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of improvements to the community events center and related costs (the “Project”);
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA:
1. It is determined to be necessary and expedient for the Town to finance the Project and to borrow money for such purpose and issue the Town’s general obligation public improvement bonds therefor.
2. Pursuant to the Public Finance Act of 1991 and without regard to the Town Charter, there are authorized to be issued general obligation public improvement bonds of the Town in a principal amount not to exceed $40,000 to provide funds, together with other available funds, to finance the Project.
3. The bonds shall bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times not exceeding 40 years from their date or dates, bear interest at such rate or rates, be in such denominations and form, be executed in such manner and be sold at such time or times and in such manner as the Council of the Town may hereafter provide by appropriate resolution or resolutions.
4. The bonds shall be general obligations of the Town for the payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on which its full faith and credit shall be irrevocably pledged.
5. The Town Clerk, in collaboration with the Town Attorney, is authorized and directed to see to the immediate filing of a certified copy of this ordinance in the Circuit Court of Washington County, Virginia.
6. This ordinance shall take effect immediately.

A original public hearing for the pump station was held in 2003, and will require another public hearing. Mr. Dene will contact Washington County Service Authority and check on the amount they offered and the appraisal amount.

Mr. Dene requested closed session for 2.2 3711 (A) (7) Town of Damascus v/s Ralph Smith.

New Business
Mr. Morgan made a motion to accept the resignation letter from Blake Eades as police chief effective March 1, 2006. 2nd by Mr. Greene(6-0).

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

Ms. Farmer announced the Discover Damascus will have the Easter Egg Hunt April 15, 2006 at Backer Park. Also, they are working on a Fall Festival.

Mr. Hayes made a motion for closed session to discuss 2.2 3711 (A) (7) Town of Damascus v/s Ralph Smith and 2.2 3711(A) (1) police department personnel. 2nd by Mr. Morgan. (6-0).

_____________________________ ____________________________
Creed Jones, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

Motion made by Mr. Hayes and seconded by Mr. Morgan to go out of closed session (6-0).

Motion to certify made by Mr. Parris seconded by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Motion to make Mike Rutherford chief pro temp at + $1 per hour and John Rouse as sergeant at + $.75 until July 31, made by Mr. Morgan seconded by Mr. Greene.

Substitute motion made by Mr. Parris to interview and hire a permanent chief immediately. Substitute motion failed 3-4 so original motion passed 4-3.

Motion made by Mr. Morgan seconded by Ms. Farmer to advertise for police chief as soon as possible. Passed 6-0

Motion made by Ms. Farmer seconded by Mr. Morgan to make police application deadline April 15 and to have interviewing done by the end of April. Passed 6-0

Adjournment Mr. Hayes Seconded by Mr. Parris