Council Members Present: Mariana Farmer, Johnny Blevins, Maurice Parris, Lannis Greene, Mitchel Greer and Jim Cartwright

Creed Jones, Mayor

Tonya Triplett, Clerk

Thomas Dene, Town Attorney

Mayor Jones called the meeting to order.

Mr. Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.

Ms. Farmer made a motion to approve the October 8, 2007 minutes as written, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (5-0- 1 Mr. Greene was absent for the September meeting).

Mayor Jones welcomed Les Smith, new owner of Apple Tree Bed & Breakfast.

Marcia Horne updated council on plans for Winterfest January 19, 2008 at Damascus Park, re-enactment Alaska Serum Run – Alaska Lumberjack Competition and more.
Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Mr. Cartwright

Mr. Cartwright reported the public hearing for the line of credit with Bank of Damascus will be held next month.

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Greer

Mr. Greer reported the public works department will pick up brush as long as they are able to dispose of it; Washington County is not burning at this time and may stop taking brush.

The department will pick up leaves if they are bagged and brought to the property line.

VDOT will work on the drain across Shady Avenue near the Medical Clinic.

Dale Adams trimmed the tree on 5th street.

Sewer, Water and Sanitation- Ms. Farmer

Ms. Farmer reported an OSHA inspection went well, and the only thing required is 8 hours of training on handling asbestos for employees and an air test.

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Blevins

Mr. Blevins reported the committee discussed the sports complex and why one field was only 175’ and the plans did not include the basketball court.

Plans for a parking lot on Whistlestop Road were discussed.

The committee voted to raise pool fees to $4 per day, $75 for a pool party and $10 per hour per guard, $60 for a 20 visit pass and $90 for a 30 visit pass.

Mr. Blevins made a motion to raise the pool fees as stated above, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Mr. Blevins reported water and electricity would need to be installed above the sports complex to accommodate the manufacturer reps. Also, there will be work on the parking area behind the Fire Department. Parking fees with be $10 per car and $5 per person to enter the campground.

Mr. Blevins made a motion for $10 parking and $5 campground, $300 for food vendors and $250 corporate vendors, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).

Mr. Blevins stated the reps have attended the festival for over 20 years and have never been charged, they are setting up tents and booths and advertising and should be charged.

Mr. Greene stated the manufacturer reps are supplying a free service for people and have added to Trail Days attendance.

Tom Davenport stated the reps have increased the population of Trail Days because of the service they provide.

Mr. Bob Smith stated the reps are performing a rare service that is not available in other places. Mr. Smith also questioned why the parking fee was reduced, people are use to paying $15 and there have not been any complaints.

Mr. Blevins stated the reps have been selling at the campground and questioned how we can charge vendors $250 to sell their items and allow manufacturer reps to do the same. The Trail Days festival cost every man, woman and child in town $21 per year.

Mr. Blevins made a motion to charge manufacture reps $250 for a space for electricity and water at the campground, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (4-2 Mr. Greene and Mr. Greer opposed).

Diane Smith asks council not to make new rules but to have the police department enforce the rules in place. If someone is selling at the campground ask them to leave, all should not be punished because one or two are breaking the rules.

Mr. Blevins stated Dennett Dwyer wrote a letter to the town and he encouraged Mr. Dwyer to attend Trail Days meetings if he wants to change what’s going on start doing responsibility that he signed up to do.

Planning Commission

Mr. Sizemore stated a presentation of the walking audit was planned, however, Mr. Horsch was not present and he was instrumental in the walking audit, so the presentation will be next month.

Police & Fire Advisory

Mr. Rouse reported both Mr. Stumbo and Mr. Shumate are doing well in the academy and will graduate December 7.

Mr. Rouse requested permission to purchase $300 worth of ammo for fall qualification.

Mayor Jones requested the police department do some walking or riding bicycles. Mr. Rouse stated the police department can’t be to far away from their cars in case an emergency call comes in.

Citizen’s Comments

Bob Smith was very pleased and proud of Halloween in Damascus. Mr. Smith would also like council to look into limited parking on Main Street, and having paid parking at some location.

Diane Smith asks council to consider spending any excess money on a vacuum sweeper that picks up leaves.

Sandy Davenport questioned ownership of the property that leads to the parking area discussed on Whistlestop. Ms. Davenport also questioned if Trail Days is costing each citizen $21 per year, why have it? Ms. Davenport is highly opposed to the ordinance requiring residents to provide port-a-potties. This proposal would be counter productive of efforts to the Veterans Memorial, and the freedoms they fought for. It is also, in total opposition of the Dillon Rule, which states local government has only those powers expressly granted to them by the General Assembly.

Mr. Cartwright questioned if council should adjourn until control of the meeting could be regained.

Mr. Davenport stated he is very sorry Mr. Cartwright is upset, but citizens are trying to understand what is going on and he will not tolerate being yelled at when participating in a public forum.

Ms. Farmer explained she has received complaints that a citizen charged people to camp and those campers were relieving themselves in public.

Citizens stated that is a police matter.

Diane Smith asks council to enforce the rules already in place instead of making new rules.

Mr. Greene stated the reps should not be charged and have contributed to the success of Trail Days as much as this and previous council. Mr. Greene then read the attached letter from Mr. Dennett Dwyer:

10/24/07

Dennett Dwyer

POB 15

Damascus, VA 24236

Damascus Town Council:

It has come to my attention that the council is considering several proposals for the upcoming Trail Days, and I feel that the issues could use some more examination. The construction of the baseball fields could be underway by next May, and it is important that we make good decisions that will not negatively impact the town or the success of future Trail Days.

Proposal to Charge for Camping at Bayer Property: This issue seems to divide the hiker community, although I feel that it won’t make much difference as long as the price is not exorbitant.

Proposal to Charge for Hiker Support and Repair Enterprises at the Bayer Property: This has never been done in the past. If the idea of charging for this activity is to pay for water and electricity installation, leave it up the Support and Repair Enterprises to provide their own utilities if they deem necessary.

Proposal to Amend the Town Ordinance Regarding Camping on Private Property: The decision by a private citizen to let someone camp in their yard should not be prohibited or restricted. If that citizen chooses to charge for camping, it is already included in the town ordinance that that person is required to have a transient lodging permit and pay the lodging/meals tax. This person acting as a business is also required by the Board of Health to provide bathroom facilities as well. If you had friends or children/grandchildren visiting who wanted to camp out in your yard, the amended ordinance would require you to have a Porta-Potty for them. Let’s not restrict everything and have more rules that we do not need.

On another note, I appreciate all of you on the council for caring about Damascus, working hard, and putting in the hours. Lately, some personal issues/conflicts seem to be occupying the business of the town and making our small town famous for conflict and dissension. I think that everyone in the world can do a better job of respecting each others’ viewpoints, talking about any issues in a calm manner, and dealing with opposing views in a logical and straightforward fashion. If there are past conflicts, they are the past; please make the present business of the town making the future of the town better.

Sincerely Yours,

Dennett Dwyer

Manager’s Report

Mr. Sizemore stated VDOT will clean out the storm drain on Shady.

VDOT has not contacted Mr. Fritts about the public parking signs to put at the Old Mill.

The Beaver Dam Creek Trail application has been submitted and he expects to hear something in the summer. The sports complex plans will not conflict with the Beaver Dam Creek Trail.

Attorney Report

Mr. Dene reported a public hearing for the disposition of Bolling property and the disposition of the three acres to the fire department will be advertised and held together.

Mr. Dene has four items for closed session.

Old Business

Mr. Jones stated Mr. Blevins has approached Rob Goldsmith about the purchase of the Rock School.

Consent Agenda

Ms. Farmer made a motion to pay the bills, 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).

Council Members Reports

Ms. Farmer made a motion to hang the site plan for the Veterans Memorial in the Town Hall, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

The trees have been taken down and the wood will be moved at Veterans Memorial site.

Ms. Farmer made a motion any donations from the wood go directly to the Veterans Memorial fund, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Mr. Blevins stated the County has moved their budget request up to December 14 the committee will be discussing the budget request on Nov. 12 and all are welcome to attend the meeting.

Mr. Blevins stated the email he got called for the police department and fire department to conserve water was absolutely correct and asks departments to honor the request.

Mr. Blevins reminded elected officials and police department that they are not to accept personal gifts.

Mr. Greene made a motion for closed session, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0) to discuss the following items:

1. Discussion of pending litigation, Town of Damascus v. Ralph Smith and Town of Damascus v. Historical Inns, LLC 2.2-3711 (A)(7)
2. Consultation with legal counsel regarding a credit line foe the Town, per 2.2-3711(A) (7)
3. Consultations with legal counsel regarding abatement of nuisance properties, per 2.2-3711 (A) (7).
4. Consideration of candidates for employment with the police department, per 2.2-3711 (A) (1).

Mr. Cartwright did not attend closed session.

Closed Session Minutes

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

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

A motion was mad by Ms. Farmer and 2nd by Mr. Blevins to hire Nathan Miller full time at $10.25 per hour for 60 days then review, effective Nov.12 (5-0).

A motion was made by Mr. Parris and 2nd by Mr. Greer to adopt the resolution on the line of credit. (5-0).

RESOLUTION

TOWN OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Town Council deem it advisable to establish a credit line to ease cash flow problems with the Town’s receipts; and

NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby RESOLVED that

1. The Town shall be and hereby is authorized to establish a credit line with the Bank of Marion in an amount not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) at a rate of interest not to exceed Seven 740/100 Percent (7.740 %) per annum.

2. The Mayor and Treasurer are authorized and directed to execute all documents necessary to establish and access said credit line.

3. Draws shall be authorized in advance by vote of the Town Council.

Adopted this 5th day of November, 2007.

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Creed Jones, Mayor

VOTES

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BLEVINS

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CARTWRIGHT

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FARMER

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GREENE

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GREER

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PARRIS

A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Parris and 2nd by Mr. Blevins (5-0).

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Creed Jones, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk