DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR JANUARY 7, 2008

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.
ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to approve the December 3, 2007 minutes as written, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).
Public Hearing to Convey Properties
Mayor Jones called the public hearing to order.

Tom Davenport has concerns about conveying three acres of town property to the fire department, who is now separate from the town. Mr. Davenport thought state money was involved with the building. Mr. John Rouse explained no public funds have been put into the building and it has been paid for with funds raised from the fire department’s weekly BINGO. Mr. Davenport urged council to lease the property to the fire department. He does not have a problem with the fire department using the property, but has concerns if the department defaults on the loan, the taxpayers of the town would inherit the debt.
Mike Thompson stated the department needs the property as collateral to secure a loan for the building.
Mr. Greene suggested leasing the property until the building is paid off and then the building and property would belong to the fire department, this would allow the department to keep the same interest rate.
Mr. Davenport stated he is not angry or upset, but is trying to understand the situation and do what is best for the citizens of Damascus.
Mr. Dene stated the town could place clauses in the deed that would protect the town and give the town first right of refusal.
Mayor Jones closed the public hearing.
ü Mr. Greene made a motion to adopt the ordinance approving and authorizing sale of real properties.
The fire department will sign a promissory note for the value of the bond, and will have a coterminous payment schedule; we will then have a deed of trust to secure the payment of that debt, and if the fire department defaults the town can foreclose on the property. The deed will also include a first right of refusal 2nd by Mr. Blevins (6-0).
Mike Thompson stated the fire department has voted to allow the town to use the parking area during Trail Days.

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING
SALE OF REAL PROPERTIES

WHEREAS, as the Damascus Town Council desires to dispose of the below- described real property upon the terms and conditions enumerated below; and

WHEREAS, the said Council has conducted a public hearing on the subject matter of this ordinance following advertisement of such hearing as required by law, and

WHEREAS, the Town has caused the below-described real property to be appraised as required by law; and

NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby ordained,

1. The mayor is authorized and directed to execute a deed on behalf of the Town of Damascus (in a form acceptable to the Town Attorney) conveying to the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. for One Dollar ($1.00) the three (3) acre tract of real property described in the attached plat styled “Plat Showing a Division of the Property of the Town of Damascus Virginia”.

2. The mayor is authorized and directed to execute a deed on behalf of the Town of Damascus (in a form acceptable to the Town Attorney) conveying to Charles F. Bolling and Beverly D. Bolling the fifteen foot (15’) alley (to the extent same crosses their other lands) as shown on the attached plat styled “Plat Showing a Portion of the William E. Roark and W. Susan Roark Lands To Be Conveyed to Charles E. Bolling and Beverly D. Bolling”.

ADOPTED this 7th day of January, 2008.

Blevins yea

Cartwright yea

Farmer yea

Greene yea

Greer yea

Parris yea

Marsha Horne gave an update on the Winter fest scheduled for January 19 in the Town Park. She also thanked Eagle Pack Pet Foods for their sponsorship. She asks everyone look for the commercial on WCYB-5.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to pay $50 per household, up to $1,000, to help families in the Town of Damascus, with oil and propane 2nd by Mr. Blevins (6-0).

Neal Kilgore with the Virginia Outdoor Foundation asked council to consider the attached resolution supporting purchase development rights.

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA TO SUPPORT EFFORTS OF THE VIRGINIA OUTDOORS FOUNDATION IN SECURING OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION EASEMENTS WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

WHEREAS, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation was established in 1966 by the General Assembly to conserve and protect Virginia’s scenic, scientific, natural, historic, recreational and open space areas for the benefit of the public; and

WHEREAS, in his January 10, 2007 State of the Commonwealth Speech, Governor Tim Kaine proclaimed as his goal, and in honor of the 400th Anniversary of the Commonwealth, to protect 400,000 acres of open space by the year 2010;and

WHEREAS, the primary mechanism for accomplishing this mission is its open space easement program thereby allowing land to remain in agricultural or forestry in order to protect working farms and forests for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Neal Kilgore, Easement Specialist for the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, has appeared before the Town Council of the Town of Damascus on December 3, 2007 to request the support of the Town of Damascus in this conservation easement campaign along The Virginia Creeper Trail within Damascus’s town limits; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Damascus deems it in the best interest of the citizens and visitors of the Town of Damascus to support and encourage efforts to preserve the beauty of the natural and recreational areas by discouraging intensive uses which would alter the conservation values of the land; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation has secured prior letter of support and endorsement from the Washington County Farm Bureau, Virginia Creeper Trail Club, Mount Rogers Planning District, and The Land Trust for SWVA, and has received verbal support with letters pending from Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Nature Conservancy, Upper Tennessee River Roundtable and Congressman Rick Boucher; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Damascus joins together in support of the efforts of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in securing open space conservation easements along the Virginia Creeper Trail in Washington County, Virginia.

TOWN OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA

BY:_____________________________
Mayor

BY:_____________________________
Town Manager

Jim Cartwright - Yea

Mitchel Greer - Yea

Johnny Blevins - Yea

Mariana Farmer - Yea

Lannis Greene - Yea

Maurice Parris – Yea

WITNESS MY HAND and the seal of the Town of Damascus as of January 7, 2008.

(SEAL) ________________________________________
Clerk, Town of Damascus

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to approve the above resolution supporting Virginia Outdoor Foundation, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).

David Keith with Boy Scout Troop 117 requested permission to use the Town Park and restrooms on February1-3 to host a Klondike Derby.
ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to allow the Boy Scouts to use the park and the town restrooms on Feb. 1-3, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Mr. Cartwright

Mr. Cartwright reported 72% of real estate taxes and 80% of personal property taxes have been collected.
ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to purchase a $25,000 90 day CD from the bank with the best rate, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Greer

Mr. Greer reported the public works department would soon be working on the parking lot on Wilson Street.
Terry Prater has a backhoe for sale for $21,000. Ms. Farmer did some research on backhoes, and the boom needs to be curved in order to reach the town’s dump truck. Ms. Farmer questioned if Mr. Prater’s machine is a 4x4, stated the town really needs a 4x4 backhoe. Mr. Fritts has also done some research and the town could purchase a 4x4 for about the same price.
Mr. Greer spoke with Steve Buston at VDOT and they will help with changes to the handicap ramp on the corner of South Shady and Laurel Avenue.

Sewer, Water and Sanitation- Ms. Farmer

Ms. Farmer stated there is a leak under the concrete slab behind the Dollar General. Mr. Alexander had three bids to remove the slab and then replace after the repairs have been made.
ü Ms. Farmer made a motion to accept the low bid from Andrew Hayden for $750, to be taken out of I& I Abatement, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).
ü Ms. Farmer made a motion to increase Jeff Haynes pay $.50 per hour; his six month probationary period is up, 2nd by Mr. Parris (6-0).
ü Ms. Farmer made a motion to pay $524 for the asbestos training, air and fit tests, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Blevins

Mr. Blevins reported the committee recommended charging $5 per day for parking on Wilson Street.
The committee wants to make sure the pool liner repairs are completed.
The Journey is the Destination has been chosen as the theme for Appalachian Trail Days 2008 and the logo contest is open until February. The committee discussed requesting all proceeds from Trail Days
be set aside and put back into the festival.

Planning Commission

Mr. Blevins questioned the duties of the commission and stated when he was on planning commission they only made recommendations to council. Mr. Sizemore stated the commission has the authority to make decisions, if there is an appeal it would come to council.

Police & Fire Advisory

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to increase Ricky Stumbo’s pay $.50 per hour; his six month probationary period is up, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).
Mr. Rouse is checking on prices for work that was recommended as a result of the DCJS audit. He has received one quote for $2,300 to replace the doors.
Mayor Jones has had complaints about old cars parked on Red Hill. Mr. Dene explained the town can’t do anything if the vehicle is on private property.

ADAM Committee will be sending out letters for businesses to be listed on the website in the next thirty days.

Citizen’s Comments

Eleanor Grasselli encouraged council keep purchasing CD’s and putting money in reserve to draw interest.

Manager’s Report

Mr. Sizemore reported the Rural Development grant for the parking lot at the medical clinic is moving forward and bids have been sent out. However, there have not been many enquires. Mr. Sizemore also stated the town is not in jeopardy of loosing the money.
Mr. Blevins questioned the bid process and who put the job out to bid.
Southern Rivers Watershed Enhancement Program has planning grant money available. Mr. Sizemore suggested the town apply of the grant to study extending the sewer system to the VFW.
ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to apply to Southern Rivers Watershed Enhancement Program for a planning grant to study extending the sewer system, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A
SOUTHERN RIVERS WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE
ORCHARD HILL ROAD SEWER PROJECT

WHEREAS, pursuant to a Town Council meeting held January 7, 2008 the Town of Damascus wishes to apply for $20,000 of Southern Rivers Watershed Enhancement Program planning grant funds to complete a preliminary engineering report for the Orchard Hill Road Sewer Project; and,

WHEREAS, the Orchard Hill Road and the surrounding area is in close proximity to the Middle fork of the Holston River and the Damascus comprehensive plan encourages environmentally friendly growth and development; and,

WHEREAS, in the past Community Development Block Grant funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community development were pursued to address this issue but were not obtained.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Damascus Town Manager is hereby authorized to sign and submit the appropriate documents for this Southern Rivers Watershed Enhancement Program application.

Adopted this, the 7th day of January 2008.

By: _____________________________________
Creed Jones, Mayor
Town of Damascus

Attest: _____________________________________
Tonya Triplett
Town Clerk

Mr. Blevins suggested an RFP for the parking lot job be advertised in the paper. Mr. Blevins stated one of the reasons for grant money is to spur your local economy. There are local contractors who could have bid on this and kept the money in the community. The more local people put to work on the grant money, the better.
ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to issue a RFP to Bristol Herald Courier for the medical clinic parking lot, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).

Attorney Report

Mr. Dene will get the pay off figures and prepare the closing documents for the two property transfers. Mr. Dene has one item for closed session.

New Business

Mr. Cartwright asks Ms. Triplett to get the paper work to start the budget process to each chairperson by early March.

Mr. Blevins ask Mr. Dene to look into section of the code that addresses fees for vehicles for hire or reward.

Consent Agenda

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

Ms. Farmer thanked the maintenance department for great Christmas decorations. Also, thanked all departments for staying in budget.

Council Members Reports
ü Mr. Greene made a motion for closed session , 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0) to discuss the following items:
1. Discussion of Town of Damascus v. Ralph Smith 2.2-3711 (A)(7)
2. Performance of the police department, per 2.2-3711 (A) (1).

Closed Session Minutes

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

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

A motion was mad by Mr. Greene and 2nd by Mr. Cartwright to appropriate $110 to the Town of Honaker for Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. membership (6-0).

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

__________________________ __________________________________________

Creed Jones, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2008

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

Creed Jones, Mayor

Tonya Triplett, Clerk

Thomas Dene, Town Attorney

Mayor Jones called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.

Mr. Cartwright made a motion to include a clause in the fire department deed that if the fire department ceases to exist, the land and building would revert to the town.

After much discussion Mr. Cartwright withdrew his motion.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the January 7, 2008 minutes as written, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (5-0).

Marsha Horne thanked the town for everything they did to make the Husky Serum Run a huge success. Everything went very well and January 17, 2009 has been selected as the date for next year.

Richard Smith asked each council member to give Tonya the name of a person, who has history on Damascus. The people named will be interviewed by a Holston High School student and the information will be placed on the website.

Also, Mr. Smith is the chair of the Virginia Creeper Trail Advisory Board asked council to enforce the right of ways and set backs for their part of the trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail Advisory Board is exploring the possibility of applying for a Dept. of Conservation and Recreation grant for trail maintenance from the sewer plant to the trestle at the pool.

Mr. Smith requested permission to have a Damascus Dog Day in the town park on April 12.

Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Mr. Cartwright

Mr. Cartwright reported 85% of real estate and personal property taxes have been collected. A $25,000 CD has been purchased.

Mr. Cartwright asked the department heads to start looking at their budget items. The budget process will begin in March.

Mayor Jones reported a citizen needed help with oil on a holiday and the First Baptist Church helped the citizen get oil. He requested the town reimburse the church $50.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to reimburse the First Baptist Church for fuel assistance, 2nd by Mr. Blevins (5-0).

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Blevins

Mr. Blevins reported Mr. Fritts has a $2,085 estimate to remodel the restrooms in the park.

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to approve $3,000 from the Trails line item to improve the restrooms in the park, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (5-0).

Mr. Blevins commended the Public Works Department for their help with the Serum Run.

Sewer, Water and Sanitation- Ms. Farmer

Ms. Farmer reported the inflow and infiltration items are being addressed and repairs will be made.

Mr. Alexander has concerns about grease traps.

ü Ms. Farmer made a motion for Mr. Dene look into making changes in the ordinance for grease traps, 2nd by Mr. Parris (5-0).

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Blevins

Mr. Blevins reported the sound equipment needs new cords and microphones.

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to approve up to $500 to update the sound equipment, 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0).

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to approve up to $500 for signs for the pool and campground, 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0).

The next Trail Day meeting will be held Tuesday February 12.

Mr. Sizemore will take care of the necessary permits for the improvements to the Wilson Street parking lot. Mr. Sizemore also has information on a possible grant to help with expenses of improvements to the parking lot.

Mr. Blevins addressed the budget request from Damascus Little League and asked them to submit a copy of their audit; as the town requires every organization to do so.

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to approve the request from Holston High School Baseball Team, for $100 for a sign at Backer Park, 2nd by Mr. Parris (5-0).

Police & Fire Advisory

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve $1,356.10 to replace the doors in the police department, as required by DCJS, 2nd by Mr. Blevins (5-0).

Chief Rouse has one quote from Saratoga for $687 for a firewall. Mr. Dene suggested getting two more quotes.

Chief Rouse asked permission to start a drug account. The department has $3,400 seized from drug distribution cases, if convictions result the money will be distributed between DCJS, the state and the Damascus Police Department. The only way to get the money is to have a separate drug account and it must be spent on combating the drug problem. The state department audits the account.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve $25 start up money for the police department to start a drug account. John Rouse and Steven McVey’s signatures will be on the account, 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0).

Chief Rouse reported the council can request a report on the drug account any time they deem necessary.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to increase Nathan Miller’s pay $.50 per hour; his six month probationary period is up, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (5-0).

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve $819 for Chris Shumate to attend EMT tactical training, which will be offered at the academy to be taken out of Fines line item, 2n by Mr. Greene (5-0).

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve money for one night stay and gasoline for John Rouse and Steven McVey to attend a meth lab training class to be taken from Fine Reserve line item, 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0).

Chief Rouse requested closed session for consideration of a candidate for the auxiliary police officer.

Citizen’s Comments

Una Johnson requested trash be picked up around town, but especially coming into town on the cliff and even over the bank on the Creeper Trail. Also, reported a tree is blocking the creek behind the Carty house on Brook Street and if we get heavy rain it could cause a problem.

Wade Farmer stated he gets sale papers and they have leaf trucks available if the council is still interested.

Manager’s Report

Mr. Sizemore reported the Medical Clinic Commission has received bids for the parking lot job. The low bid was from TJW for $59,694.00.

ü Mr. Parris made a motion to approve the $59,694 bid From TJW, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (4-1-0 Mr. Greene abstained).

Mr. Sizemore reported the County has requested a letter of support showing interest in obtaining a planning grant to extend the water and sewer lines to the IDA property near the VFW. If feasible we could attempt to recruit a small motel that could provide lodging for large groups and tour busses.

ü Mr. Greene made a motion to give the County a letter supporting the planning grant to study the IDA property, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (5-0).

Attorney Report

Mr. Dene requested closed session.

New Business

Diane Smith questioned the letter of support to study the planning grant. Mr. Sizemore stated we would target the tourist who is going to Abingdon to stay. Many times families with children and large groups on tour buses are driving to Abingdon to stay because Damascus can’t accommodate them.

Mr. Blevins stated when the parking lot on Wilson Street is completed the town should have a parking ordinance in place. He made a recommendation to get started on the parking ordinance.

Mr. Greene is not convinced we have a parking problem, tourism is our business, and we should support the people who come here to spend money.

ü Mr. Greene made a motion to allow Friends of the Library to place one or two storage containers on the Library property on Wilson Street and to also allow an announcement to be place on the sewer bills to inform people about dropping off their donated items, and by Mr. Cartwright (5-0).

Council agreed to grant Tonya Triplett permission to take Mark Mitchell’s place on the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and to work with Suzanne Lay to write a grant to request funding for a Washington County brochure.

Consent Agenda

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to pay the bills, 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0).

n

ü Mr. Farmer made a motion for closed session for discussion and consideration of a candidate for appointment to the Town’s auxiliary police force 2.2-3711 (A) (1) 2nd by Mr. Blevins (5-0).

Closed Session Minutes

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

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

A motion was made by Mr. Cartwright and 2nd by Mr. Parris, Chad Byron be appointed as a probationary auxiliary officer at the chiefs discretion. (5-0).

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

__________________________ __________________________________________

Creed Jones, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR MARCH 3, 2008

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

Creed Jones, Mayor

Tonya Triplett, Clerk

Thomas Dene, Town Attorney

Mayor Jones called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the February 4, 2008 minutes as written, 2nd by Mr. Blevins (5-0-1 Mr. Greer abstained, he was not at the February meeting).

Elena Norman and Holly Rector reported Damascus Dog Day is scheduled for April 12 and requested the Town be a co-sponsor for the events.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion the town co-sponsor Damascus Dog Day, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).
Committee Reports

Budget, Finance and Administration – Mr. Cartwright

Mr. Cartwright reported budget hearing will begin March 19, 2008 at 6:00pm at town hall.

Advertising was done for a new auditor and we received one bid from Bostic Tucker.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve $500 for the Holston High School PTA scholarship, 2nd by Mr. Blevins (6-0).

Street, Lights and Maintenance- Mr. Greer

Mr. Greer reported Steve Buston with VDOT has recommended moving both handicapped ramps and raising the sidewalks, on the corner of South Shady. The cost will be less than $2,000.

ü Mr. Greer made a motion to rent a bobcat to take up the sidewalk $175 per day $600per week, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Mr. Greer has found a 1994 backhoe that is in good shape for $19,000. It is a 4x4 with two buckets, new tires and a set of forks with 1,632 hours. Ms. Farmer stated $19,000 is a lot for a 1994 machine, and suggested someone from WECO inspect the machine.

Mr. Blevins would rather purchase a newer model, finance it and know we have a machine that is going to last several years.

ü Mr. Greene made a motion for someone to inspect it and if it passes inspection, purchase it, splitting the cost between public works and the sewer department, 2nd by Mr. Greer (4-1-1 Mr. Blevins nay and Ms. Farmer abstained).

Mr. Greer will be meeting with Mr. Sizemore to decide which streets are in need of paving and also, waiting to hear from the Town of Abingdon about street sweeping, if they would come and sweep our streets or let us borrow their equipment. The also have a leaf truck that we might be able to purchase, rent or borrow.

Mayor Jones thanked the public works for their hard work in remodeling the restrooms in back of town hall.

.

Mayor Jones deviated from the agenda to allow Link Elmore with Virginia Creeper Trail Club to speak. The club will be applying for a grant to resurface the trail between Drowning Ford and Highway 58. The club felt it would be fair to ask for a percentage of Town of Abingdon and Town of Damascus total budgets.

Mr. Elmore requested the town fund $4,100, the club would prefer cash but will accept in-kind.

Mr. Greene made a motion to allocate $3,000 with the other 25% being in-kind, 2nd by Mr. Blevins (6-0).

Sewer, Water and Sanitation- Ms. Farmer

The sewer committee did not meet.

When sewer repairs were done behind the Dollar General a large piece of concrete was placed on John Wright’s property. Mr. Wright requested the piece be moved off his property. Ms. Farmer will speak with Mr. Alexander and see what is going on with the concrete.

Parks and Recreation – Mr. Blevins

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to pay $692.80 to Pools & Spas for work done at the pool, 2nd by Mr. Greer (6-0).

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to put the pool electrical work out for bid, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).

ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to approve the $20,000 budgeted for Trail Days, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Mr. Blevins stated the council had approved the parking lot on Wilson Street, but nothing has been done. He questioned what is going to be done about parking?

Ms. Carolyn Henderson stated the planning commission is recommending the ten parking on Reynolds Street, from corner of the Dollar Store to the post office be limited to one hour parking 7am-7pm. If angle parking was allowed an extra five feet would be gained near the road, but two spaces would be lost.

ü Mr. Parris made a motion to accept and approve the one hour parking near the Dollar General, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).

Mr. Sizemore stated there is a possibility that DCR will have grant money available to pay for the parking lot, but the money will not be available possibly until next year. Council needs to decide if they want to spend town money and have the parking lot now or wait for the grant to start the parking lot.

Mr. Cartwright suggested the planning commission study parking and make recommendations to council.

ü Mr. Greene made a motion to get bids for one hour parking signs 7am-7pm on Reynolds Street from the corner of the Dollar General to the corner in front of the post office, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).

Police & Fire Advisory

Mayor Jones stated he came to a meeting at the town hall and Mr. Dene, Mr. Cartwright Mr. Rouse and Mr. Blevins were having a meeting without council approval, and that the meeting was illegal.

Mr. Rouse reported DCJS did a follow up visit and approved the deadbolts on the doors; the department will still need a firewall for their computer.

Citizen’s Comments

Bobby Smith suggested the town look into the necessary permits before they do work on Wilson Street.

Debbie Smith questioned if all sidewalks in town were going to be addressed? She has concerns about safety. Mr. Greer stated the sidewalks would be addressed as the budget allows.

Manager’s Report

Mr. Sizemore reported the Medical Clinic parking lot work should begin soon.

Mr. Sizemore reported grant for the IDA property study is on hold, DHCD did not think the project was in line with their goals and they said don’t waste time preparing it.

The Orchard Hill sewer planning grant is favorable, if we remove the IDA property and VFW, and only include households.

ü Mr. Parris made a motion to write Washington County a letter requesting the IDA property be turned back over to the Town of Damascus, 2nd by Mr. Blevins (6-0).

The tobacco commission grant for the design of the Creeper Trail Campground on Beaver Dam Creek has been closed out.

Mr. Sizemore has information from Municipal Energy Consultants. They will look at our fuel taxes and anything we have been overcharged they will collect and split the collection 50/50 with the town.
Mr. Cartwright made a motion to allow MEC look into savings. After discussion and a recommendation from Mr. Dene to get bids Mr. Cartwright withdrew his motion.

Mayor Jones has a meeting with Congressman Boucher Friday and he will speak with him about this.

Attorney Report

Mr. Dene reported changes in the court system have been made and the judge explained the system to Mr. Dene. Mr. Dene then passed the detail on to Chief Rouse and Mr. Cartwright. Depending on how charges are made the town may be responsible for the fees for jail time. The Town of Abingdon has adopted a policy to not charge class one and class two misdemeanors, and that is probably what Mr. Dene will suggest Damascus do also.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to establish a policy that the police department is to charge by warrant only for violations of the Code of the Town of Damascus, in cases where incarceration is a possible penalty, 2nd by Ms. Farmer (6-0).

Mr. Dene stated in cases when something significant comes up that concerns the town, where the town could be exposed to significant economic losses, he will take action immediately.

Mr. Dene stated the payoff on the fire department loan is $141,731.45. Now that Mr. Dene has the information from the bank he will complete the note and the deed of trust.

Mr. Dene is still working on the Bolling property; he is not comfortable with the property description. The lot has been surveyed, but the alley has not.

Mr. Dene has a copy of the Municipal Mutual Aid Agreement, but has not had time to look at it and prefers council take no action on it until next month.

New Business

Ms. Farmer reported Discover Damascus will host the Easter Egg Hunt on March 22, 2008 and that Pizza Plus will cosponsor the event.

ü Ms. Farmer made a motion to allow Discover Damascus to use the upper end of the town park for the Easter Egg Hunt on March 22, 2nd by Mr. Blevins (6-0).

Consent Agenda

ü Mr. Parris made a motion the town pay $4,766 workers comp and $8,742 liability insurance for the fire department, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).

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

Council Members Reports

Ms. Farmer requested reviewing health insurance coverage and look into adding dental coverage.

Mr. Blevins questioned if plans for the library were going to be made available to council. Mr. Cartwright stated that he has a copy of the plans and when the plans have been approved by the library board and county commission the plans and drawings will be completed.

Mr. Blevins questioned where the situation stands on the locks being changed to the office of the town clerk and treasurer.

Mr. Cartwright stated the locks were changed and we are getting bids on a fire proof safe.

Mr. Blevins questioned why the locks were changed and why it was done without council approval.

Mr. Cartwright stated he made a recommendation to change the lock; the clerk called the Mayor and was told to change the locks. The cost was $86.00.

Mayor stated he has been trying to get the locks changed for four years and that the mail boxes would be moved to the office behind council chambers. Mr. Greene requested his box be left in the clerk’s office; Mr. Parris would like to have his mailed to his post office box. All others will be in the back office.

ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion for closed session for:

· Discussion and consideration of the performance of the Chief of Police. 2.2-3711 (A) (1)

· Consultation with legal counsel regarding administration of the zoning ordinance, per 2.2-3711(A) (7)

· Discussion of Town of Damascus vs. Ralph Smith, case #01-84, per VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) (7)

· Discussion of Town of Damascus vs. Historical Inns, LLC 2.2-3711 (A) (7)

2nd by Mr. Blevins (6-0).

Closed Session Minutes

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

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

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

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Creed Jones, Mayor Tonya Triplett, Clerk