Minutes
of Damascus Town Council
July 7, 2008 Meeting
Present: Tommy
Hayes, Kenneth Upchurch, Lannis Greene, Mitchel Greer, Jim Cartwright
and Johnny Blevins
Tonya Triplett, Clerk
Mayor Creed Jones
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager
Thomas Dene, Town Attorney
Mayor Jones
called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance and
Prayer
ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the June 2, 2008 minutes
as written, 2nd by Mr. Greene (4-0-2 Mr. Hayes and Mr. Upchurch abstained).
Bunny Medeiros
addressed the council about a $750 grant awarded to the town for recycling.
The money will be used to purchase recycling containers and bags.
Ms. Medeiros read a letter she had written, thanking Ms. Triplett
for her years of service to the Town of Damascus.
Ms. Triplett thanked the town for allowing her to serve as the Town
Clerk for the last seven years. She stated it had been an honor to
serve the residents and businesses of Damascus.
Budget,
Administration and Finance
Mr. Cartwright reported the library has received enough grant money
to build the building on Water Street and the ground breaking will
be sometime in October 2008.
Street,
Lights and Maintenance
Mr. Greer reported he is working with Mr. Buston with VDOT on the
sidewalk project near Garrett Funeral Home.
John Lester swept the streets last night and did a good job.
ü Mr. Greer made a motion hire Mr. Lester to sweep the streets
once a month for $100, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Sewer,
Water and Sanitation
Cindy Freedman, an employee at the sewer treatment plant, has gone
above the call of duty by giving up her holiday and vacation to the
plant. An employee quit and Mr. Alexander was on a trip to California,
Ms. Freedman made sure the plant was taken care of.
ü Mr. Upchurch made a motion pay Ms. Freedman time and a half
and holiday pay for the extra time she put in, 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Mr. Sizemore
will advertise for a position at the sewer plant in The Bristol Herald
Courier Saturday.
Parks
and Recreation
Mayor Jones reported the Bike Virginia event went well and we had
1,800 cyclists in the town park for lunch on June 24.
Mayor Jones
stated the July 4th celebration and fireworks were great. Mayor questioned
the banner placed in the town park, that Discover Damascus, Fire Department
and Police Department and Parks and Recreation were sponsors. Mayor
Jones stated the town paid $3,000 for fireworks and the band and the
town should have been mentioned.
Mr. Blevins stated the town was the main sponsor and that Park and
Recreation falls under the town therefore the town was represented.
Mayor Jones
also stated he had not appointed a Parks and Recreation committee,
because Mr. Blevins had resigned from Trail Days, but wants to continue
serving as the Parks and Recreation Director. The two have always
been covered under the Parks and Recreation Committee and he wants
to get that resolved before a committee is appointed.
Mr. Blevins stated the Mayor had asked for his resignation in March
and after the 2008 event was over he gave his resignation from Trail
Daysh.
Mr. Blevins reported the July 4th celebration went well and all the
vendors were pleased.
The pool slide has been installed. The pool liner continues to bubble
and come up; also the kiddy pool is turning green and may need to
be closed.
The signs on Wilson Street do not allow camping or horse trailers.
Those signs will be removed and will allow horse trailers to park,
but camping will not be allowed.
Mr. Blevins reported Appalachian Trail Days was the most successful
and profited around $30,000.
The restrooms in the park have been renovated and they look great.
Mr. Blevins thanked Ms. Triplett for her hard work. The most successful
Trail Days and all parks & recreation events wouldn’t be
as successful without her book work and technical work.
Planning
Commission
Tom Horsch requested the town purchase some pedestrian crossing signs
to place at different intersections to experiment with and see if
they will be of benefit.
ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to purchase up to $500 for free
standing pedestrian crossing signs, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Special
Committees
Richard Smith reported the Virginia Creeper Trail Advisory Club is
applying for a Department of Conservation and Recreation grant to
resurface the trail from the sewer treatment plant to the 58 –
91 intersection. Mr. Smith will keep the council informed on the progress.
Mr. Greene
passed around the bank statements for Damascus Little League and requested
they get the $3,000 that was budgeted in last year’s budget.
ü Mr. Greene made a motion to approved the $3,000 budgeted to
Damascus Little League, 2nd by Mr. Greer (6-0).
Citizen’s
Comments
Debbie Smith, with the Apple Tree Bed & Breakfast, had an unexpected
guest, a state representative and his wife, who attended the July
4th Celebration and they were very pleased with the celebration and
will be back to visit Damascus.
Tony Williams
stated he is disgusted with the way the town council handled his police
misconduct complaint. At a special called meeting Mr. Cartwright called
Mr. Williams a drugie, threatened him with jail and intimated he had
to take a drug test if he planned to go forward. Mr. Williams questioned
is this the way the council handles all complaints and why the other
council members were not willing to stand up and tell Mr. Cartwright
he was out of line. Mr. Williams requested Mr. Cartwright resign from
council. Mr. Williams stated he felt his civil rights were violated
by Officer Shumate and he should be reprimanded.
Mr. Cartwright stated the police advisory committee is only to help
with the police budget and complaints should be made to the Commonwealth
Attorney or with the Virginia State Police. Mr. Cartwright stated
he has never seen Mr. Williams, did not use his name, and did not
call him a drugie. Mr. Cartwright stated he did not have his glasses
and could not see the name on the letter.
Mr. Hayes questioned why the police chief did not take care of the
situation. Chief Rouse stated the complaint was not brought to him.
Mr. Williams stated he thought if he turned in the complaint to the
council and police advisory committee they would take it to the police
chief.
Deb Taylor stated assumptions should not have been made, especially
if Mr. Cartwright did not know whom he was speaking about. Ms. Taylor
stated Mr. Cartwright should not speak ill about town citizens and
that Mr. Cartwright owes an apology.
Stan Taylor questioned if no other council members were brave enough
to tell Mr. Cartwright he was out of line in saying these things.
Mr. Greene said he as not present at the meeting when the incident
took place.
Bunny Medeiros questioned why this type of behavior is not supervised
in this town. The behavior sounds inappropriate and something that
should be handled within the town.
Mr. Williams followed advice from a personal friend, who is in the
Washington County Sheriffs Department to make the complaint to the
council.
Ms. Taylor stated Mr. Williams tried to follow the proper procedure
and was treated like a criminal.
Mr. Horsch asked Mr. Cartwright for an apology.
Mr. Cartwright asked the police department how many people ran from
the police during Trail Days. Chief Rouse stated there were three
groups that night.
Mr. Taylor asked Mr. Cartwright if that means a no for the apology
for calling Mr. Williams drugie, and threaten him with jail for bringing
a complaint against the police department.
Mr. Green stated he would personally apologize to Mr. Williams on
behalf of the Town Council.
Mr. Cartwright stated, “I likewise apologize”.
Mr. Blevins asked Mr. Williams to stay for closed session and also
asked Chief Rouse to have the report available.
Deb Taylor
stated the July 4th celebration went well, but thinks giving food
away at the event hurt the merchants selling food and kept the town
from getting meals tax revenue.
Mr. Blevins stated the ice cream give away was sponsored by the fire
department and it was not a town decision. Mr. Blevins stated we do
not celebrate the 4th of July to put revenue in any one’s pocket;
we celebrate it to celebrate our country’s independence.
Mr. Smith thanked Ms. Farmer for her help in setting up the website.
Ms. Farmer stated Nancy Lamb was the originator of ADAM.
Larry Riddle thanked the council for allowing him to operate his business
in Damascus and that it would be a mistake to dismiss the entire police
department.
Manager’s
Report
Mr. Sizemore reported the medical clinic parking lot project is complete
and the money has been dispersed.
The Orchard
Hill planning grant money is on the way and should be in the checking
account within the next two weeks. The money is for the planning only;
there is no money available for the construction.
Mr. Sizemore is checking to see if the town can apply for the Southern
Rivers Program.
The street paving has been finished and the pavers have been paid.
The Bike/ Pedestrian consultants were in town June 16 & 17 and
Mr. Sizemore hopes they will have a plan by the August meeting.
Mr. Sizemore has talked to all parties that might need a wetland study
and he will have the Army Corp look at all properties involved.
Mr. Sizemore
opened the sealed bids for the maintenance equipment. The high bid
for the backhoe is $4,200, bucket truck is $1,051.
ü Mr. Greer made a motion to accept the bids on the surplus equipment
and to apply the money toward the loan for the equipment recently
purchased, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Attorney’s
Report
Mr. Dene suggested council go through the organizational chart.
ü Mr. Cartwright made a motion to appoint Lannis Greene as Vice
Mayor/ President of the Council, 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Mayor requested the fire and police advisory include the present Fire
Chief and Police Chief as a member of the committee.
ü Mr.
Blevins made a motion to appoint Jim Cartwright, Carolyn Henderson,
and Chris Markham to the Planning Commission, 2nd by Greer (3-1-2
Mr. Hayes opposed, Mr. Cartwright and Mr. Greene both abstained).
Mr. Blevins questioned if Mr. Surber is a Damascus resident. Mr. Dene
stated another member should be appointed at the next council meeting.
ü Mr.
Blevins made a motion to approve the appointment of Stuart Wright
to the Health Commission, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Mayor Jones will make the appointments to the Parks and Recreation
when Trail Days is resolved.
ü Mr.
Blevins made a motion to approve the special committees, excluding
the Bayer Committee which was turned over to the Parks and Recreation
Committee last year, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).
Mr. Dene has
been contacted by VDOT about the widening of Hwy. 58 and the town’s
sewer lines may need to be moved and relocated. VDOT have offered
to procure the necessary easements for the town form the property
owners. Mr. Dene will prepare the necessary paper work. He just wants
to let council know they are moving toward Damascus with the project.
New
Business
Mr. Blevins stated he would like the town to check on the cost of
having someone film the council meetings and then showing them on
the local access channel. He feels there are senior citizens who can’t
attend the meeting that could watch them on TV and be more informed.
ü Mr. Blevins made a motion to check of the cost of filming the
meetings, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
Mr. Dene stated
the cable company has contacted him about renewing the cable franchise,
but he recommended waiting until the current contract expires.
Mr. Blevins
reported an estimate to replace the slats in the fence at the swimming
pool is going to cost $5,200. The issue will be tabled until more
research can be done.
ü Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to pay the bills, 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0-1
Mr. Hayes Abstained)
Mayor Jones
thanked Dennis Ely and Black Diamond Rescue for their help with the
rescue of the gentleman lost near Beartree.
ü Mr.
Cartwright made a motion for closed session for consideration and
discussion of the following:
1. Town of
Damascus vs. Historical Inns LLC, per 2.2-3711(A) (7).
2. Consultation
with legal counsel regarding administration of the Town’s zoning
ordinance, per 2.2-3711(A) (7).
3. Consultation
with legal counsel regarding institution of legal proceedings relating
to the town pool lining, per 2.2-3711(A) (7).
4. Consultation
with legal counsel regarding procedures for addressing complaints
regarding town, per employees 2.2-3711(A) (7).
5. Performance
of the police department, including the chief of police, per 2.2-3711(A)
(1).
CLOSED
SESSION MINUTES
A motion was made by Jim Cartwright and 2nd by Lannis Greene to go
out of closed session. 6-0
A motion to certify was made by Jim Cartwright and 2nd by Lannis Greene.
6-0
A motion was
made by Lannis Greene and 2nd by Jonny Blevins to
Wave fee for
the use of Town Park by Mission United. 6-0
A motion was
made by Jim Cartwright and 2nd by Jonny Blevins to
Retain John
Rouse as Police Chief. 3-4
A motion was
made by Tommy Hayes and 2nd by Ken Upchurch to
Terminate
John Rouse as Police Chief. 4-3
A motion was made by Jonny Blevins and 2nd by Jim Cartwright to
Make Steven
McVey acting Police Chief. 6-0
A motion was
made by Lannis Greene and 2nd by Tommy Hayes to
To accept
Ricky Stumbo’s resignation. 4-2
A motion to adjourn was made by Lannis Greene and 2nd by Jim Cartwright.
6-0
DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR AUGUST 4, 2008
Council members
present: Johnny Blevins, Jim Cartwright, Mitchell Greer, Lannis Greene,
Tommy Hayes, and Kenneth Upchurch.
Creed Jones, Mayor
Thomas Dene, Town Attorney
Mayor Jones
called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer.
· Mr. Hayes made a motion to approve the July 7th 2008 minutes
as written, 2nd by Mr. Greer (6-0)
Mayor Jones noted that the first Monday in September was a holiday
and recommended that the September Council meeting be moved to September
2nd. Mr. Dene said that he would not be available for that date.
· Mr. Cartwright made a motion to move the September 2008 Council
meeting to the 2nd of the month, 2nd by Mr. Upchurch. (6-0)
Mayor Jones
stated that the County is no longer issuing decals and if the town
was to follow the $20 fee would be added to the personal property
tax and the Town would no longer have to sell its decals but the revenue
would stay the same. Mr. Cartwright said that he agrees but that we
fist have to have a public hearing. Mr. Dene agreed stating that it
would be a change of tax code. Mr. Dene also stated that the County
treasurer had volunteered to collect this tax on behalf of the Town.
Mayor Jones
noted that there was a vacancy on the Planning Commission and asked
Mr. Bob Smith if he would be willing to serve on the Planning Commission.
Mr. Smith responded that he would be happy to serve but he would be
leaving Town for an extended period of time and would have to miss
several meetings.
Committee
Reports
Budget
Finance and Administration: Mr. Greene; None
· Mr. Greene made the motion to wave the Fee for the St. Jude’s
request for the use of the Town Park, 2nd Mr. Blevins. (6-0)
Streets,
Lights, and Maintenance: Mr. Greer; currently working of
the Right-of-Ways and once that is finished they will work on the
sidewalk. The street sweeper came throught town again and its starting
to look better. The surplus backhoe has been paid for.
Sewer,
Water, and Sanitation: Mr. Upchurch; Owen house has been
hooked up, He has not been able to contact Joe Alexander to get an
update on the operator who was just hired. At this point Cindy is
doing most of the work by he self and is doing a tremendous job. Mr.
Upchurch made the motion to give Cindy a $.50 on the hour raise. Council
decided to table the issue because her last raise was at July 1 and
Mr. Greene said he thought the previous Council had approved her a
$.50 raise.
Mayor Jones said that the last person Joe was authorized to hire was
in the hospital so the plant is still operating shorthanded. Mr. Upchurch
plans to meet with Joe and starting looking at the resumes for our
next option.
Parks
and Recreation: Mr. Blevins; Gene Miller has given a cost
on Pool sealant for the edge of the pool the cost of the sealant is
$678 and labor to put it in is $200.
· Mr. Blevins made a motion to have Gene Miller install the
pool sealant, 2nd Mr. Greene (6-0)
Planning
Commission: Mr. Cartwright; there was no planning commission
this month.
Special Committees: Richard Smith, ADAM; Application
submitted to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for $92,000
to resurface the Creeper Trail from the Sewer plant to the Pool, making
it 8ft wide and move it off the road. He recommended that the council
set an award for young people who succeed academically.
Mr. Blevins
stated that the police a fire advisory had not been reported. Mr.
Jones said the Police and fire was now under the council.
Citizens
Comments
Alma
Millhorne is pleased with the pool. She is impressed by the Police
and Fire Department. They have been very helpful in two incidents
at Woods Landing apartments.
Terry Kammer
would like for the closed session list to be brought up prior to public
comments.
Dian Smith
thanked Mr. Greer for street work, and asked for a follow up public
comment period to give the audience a chance to speak on issues that
come up after citizens comments are over.
Lin Smith
thanked officer Shumate and officer McVey for the professionalism
is helping her last Friday, and she has concerns that there is no
police coverage in Town after midnight.
The owner
of Cowboys was concerned that the Cigarette tax had gone up. The reason
given by a council member was that the budget was out of control with
the Police department. About three weeks ago there was a fight in
Cowboys parking lot and it took the County officer 35 minutes to respond
and there was no Town officer on duty. He wanted to know why there
was no police on duty even though his taxes went up. He also said
the police budget of $250,000 is $14,000 DVM grant, $30,000 599 grant
money and claimed that the Police department and John Rouse was whipping
dog for the Town Council. He sited budget and newspaper as his sources.
He also sited maintenance spending for equipment and an increase of
Police Budget passed for FY 2009.
Dian Smith
is concerned about the speed going by her house and asked that a radar
sign be placed in Town.
Concerns were
voiced that there is no Town police coverage between midnight and
6:00 AM. Acting Chief McVey confirmed that this was true.
Managers
Report
Mr. Sizemore
The Town has
received the money from DHCD for the Orchard Hill Planning Grant.
The Town has
been awarded $94,000 in transportation enhancement funds to be added
to the $234,000 for the Beaverdam Creek Trail.
The planning
Commission has requested that the council give them criteria for the
Boundary adjustment. Mr. Sizemore asked that the council give this
to him before the next Panning Commission meeting.
The Planning
Commission is in need of a member because Chris Markham declined his
reappointment due to his work schedule.
Attorney’s
Report
Mr. Dene
Mr. Dene recommended
that the council thank Tonya Triplett for preparing the minutes for
the July Council meeting on her own time. No compensation was requested
by her.
· This motion was made by Mr. Greene,2nd by Mr. Cartwright.
(6-0)
Mr.
Dene presented to council a set of rules for the public comment portion
of the council meeting. These were written by Mr. Dene according to
his best recollection.
· Motion made by Mr. Upchurch to adopt the Public Comment rules
as they are written, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright. (6-0)
TOWN OF DAMASCUS
VIRGINIA
RULES REGARDING ADMINISTRATION
OF PUBLIC COMMENT
PURPOSE
These Rules
Regarding the Administration of Public Comment (“These Rules”)
are adopted by the Town of Damascus for the purpose of providing an
orderly, amenable and efficient process for the citizens of the Town
of Damascus to be heard during the course of Town Council meetings
while preserving the decorum of a political subdivision of the Commonwealth
of Virginia.
RULES
1. Each speaker
shall address the Council from the podium after identifying himself
by name and address. No person who is not a citizen of the Town shall
address the Council except with the unanimous consent of the Council
and the Mayor.
2. Each qualified
speaker may address the Council for a period not to exceed five (5)
minutes, except by unanimous consent of the Council and the Mayor.
3. Comments
shall be limited to matters of public business which are or reasonably
might be pending before the Council.
4. No member
of the public shall interrupt or disrupt any speaker who has duly
taken the podium.
5. The following
are strictly prohibited: personal attacks, derogatory statements and
invective. Citizens are encouraged to concisely present their views
in an amicable and non-inflammatory way.
6. Members
of Council may address any concern deemed advisable during the New
Business or Old Business portions of the Agenda.
7. The Council
may delegate administration of These Rules.
The Town received
a freedom of information act request on July 9th from Pat Manix for
information regarding the incident between Tony Williams and officer
Shumate. Mr. Dene responded by telling Mr. Manix the full police report
could not be given to him. Mr. Manix then responded by saying what
he was really after was a letter submitted by Mr. Williams to the
Town. A copy of the letter and a general copy of the report was given
to him.
Another FOA
request was submitted under the name of Wayne Austin but once contacted
Mr. Austin said he did not send the request so it was ignored.
Old
Business
None
New
Business
· Mr.
Greene made a motion to pay the gas bill, not to exceed $200, for
the group of Citizens and Business owners who would like to go to
the Rural Community Design Workshop in Pembroke, as Damascus Representatives,
2nd by Mr, Cartwright. (6-0)
Mr. Greene
said he would like to consider Mr. Paul Gadola for the planning commission
since Mr. Smith could not accept. Mr. Gadola said he would consider
the position.
Consent
Agenda
Motion to pay the bill made by Jim Cartwright, 2nd by, Mr. Upchurch,
(6-0)
Council
Member Reports
Mr. Blevins said he was ashamed that the council fired Chief Rouse
last month. He said a reason should have been given even though no
reason had to be been given. He said reasons he knew of were campaign
promises and the need to down size but he didn’t agree with
those reasons. He said the Towns number of tickets written was in
line with other communities this size and the percentage of the budget
dedicated to the police department were in line with the town of Abingdon.
He also stated that daily traffic volumes are much greater that the
number of citizens and that Food Cities costumer number more that
double the number of citizens. He stated that this as well as the
number of tourist is why the Town needs 6 police officers. He said
that all this was being done for personal reasons. His concern was
that Council wasn’t letting the Chief Run the police department.
· Mr.
Blevins made a motion to reverse last months decision to fire Chief
Rouse and have him reinstated, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright
Discussion
Mr. Greene wanted to discuss this possibility with Mr. Rouse during
closed session before making any decisions
Mr. Blevins
said he would withhold his motion until after closed session.
· Motion
to go into closed session for
1) Town of Damascus VS. Historical Inns, LLC, per VA code Sec.2.2-3372
(A) (7)
2) Consideration of Candidates for position of Chief of Police, per
VA code Sec 2.2-3371 (A) (1)
3) Performance of the police department, per VA code Sec. 2.2-3377
(A) (1)
made by Mr. Greene, 2nd by Mr. Blevins. (6-0)
·
Motion to go out of closed session made by Mr. Cartwright, 2nd by
Mr. Upchurch. (6-0)
· Motion to certify made by Mr. Hayes, 2nd by Mr. Greenee.
(6-0)
· Mr. Greene made a motion to hold interviews for the clerk’s
position on Wednesday August the 13th, 2nd by Mr. Greer. (6-0)
· Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Hayes Seconded by Mr. Greenee.
(6-0)
DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
FOR SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2008
Council
Members Present: Johnny Blevins, Jim Cartwright, Mitchell Greer, Lannis
Green, Tommy Hayes, and Kenneth Upchurch
Creed
Jones, Mayor
Thomas
Dene, Town Attorney
Mayor
Jones called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and
Prayer.
·
Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the August 4th 2008 minutes
as presented, 2nd by Mr. Blevins. (6-0)
·
Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the August 8th 2008 minutes
as presented, 2nd by Mr. Blevins. (6-0)
A
presentation was given by Marsha asking if the same facilities would
be provided by the town as at last year’s serum run and dog
race. The Council had no objections. The serum run will be on the
January 17th and the race will be on the 18th. She asked that police
be available for street crossing and foot patrol in the park. She
reported on various activities that would occur during the day. Her
husband also informed the council of a Dog club that was forming at
Holston High school and stated that he would be training the students
in various parts of Dog care.
Committee
Reports
Budget
Finance and Administration:
Mr. Green had nothing to report
Mr.
Jones said that Town needed to activate its line of credit and that
it had to be activated to a certain amount. Mr. Greer said it should
be activated up to $10,000 if needed to keep from having to call a
special meeting if necessary.
·
Motion to authorize a draw from the Town’s existing line of
credit not to exceed $10,000 made by Mr. Greer, 2nd by Mr. Upchurch.
(4-2)
·
Mr. Cartwright made a motion to give Holston High school Athletic
Boosters $100 for a field house sign. 2nd by Mr. Greer. (6-0)
Streets
Lights and Maintenance:
Mr. Greer said two trees on Clifton street are scheduled to be taken
out.
* Mr. Greer Made a motion that Bill Davis be given his $.50 raise
because his 3 month period was up, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright. (6-0)
Sewer
Water and Sanitation: Mr.
Upchurch Said the Committee met on the 24th at 6:00 PM. Joe seemed
to be happy with the new operator Allen Roberts. The last house on
the sewer system just off of Rt. 91 south is hooked up and the line
needs to be covered.
* Mr. Upchurch made a motion to give Cindy a $.50 raise, 2nd by Mr.
Cartwright. (6-0)
* Mr. Upchurch made a motion to hire Allen Roberts full time at the
sewer plant at $10.30. Mr. Blevins questioned the starting salary
compared to his certification and Cindy’s current salary. The
issue was tabled.
Mr.
Upchurch said he was changing the regular sewer meetings date to 4th
Thursday at 6:00 PM.
Parks
and Recreation:
Mr. Jones said that if Mr. Blevins was going to continue to be the
chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee that he should be in
charge of Trail Days. Mr. Blevins said no parks and recreation committee
was appointed.
Mr.
Blevins said there has been no parks a recreation meeting since July
because there was no appointed committee. He also stated that he was
asked to step down from the Trail Days committee and he had done so.
MR.
Blevins said the pool was closing next Friday and asked Mr. Dene to
contact the man who had replaced the liner to have him repair the
new problems. He also said that the construction of the library was
about 2 months from starting and that the County needed to be notified
of the location the Town has chosen for the replacement of the basket
ball court. The property is adjacent to the pool.
Planning
Commission: Mr.
Cartwright said that the Planning Commission had received a draft
of the Damascus Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian plan. A public
comment session will be held at the next planning commission meeting
to discus the plan. Mr. Blevins said he would like to see a join Council
and Planning Commission meeting when the plan is adopted because the
document is so large. A copy of the plan is in the clerk’s office
for public review.
Police:
Mr. Nunley reported that Nathan Miller had turned in his resignation.
$2000 of repairs needs to be done on the cars in the next month, mostly
tires. The department owes an outstanding bill to Lexus Nexus. The
DCJS inspection showed that a firewall was needed. The installation
of a fire wall will cost $1,132. He also said he would like to do
some maintenance work in the police department to include painting.
Bill said he would like to hire Roger Dowel and send him to the July
2009 police academy. Bill would like to allow the officers to take
the cars home. Council had no objections as long as the chief stayed
within his budget. Bill also stated that he was designating the unmarked
car for the officers to use on court days.
·
Motion to allow police officers to take cars home was made by Mr.
Green, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright. (6-0)
·
Mr. Green made a motion to have the firewall installed not to exceed
$1,300, 2nd by, Mr. Cartwright. (6-0)
Special
Committees:
Richard Smith speaking on behalf of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department
and the Creeper Trail Advisory Board recommended that all the locks
on the creeper trail have one combination from Whitetop to Abingdon.
* Mr. Blevins made the motion for all the locks on the Damascus section
of the creeper trail to have the same combination, 2nd by Mr. Green.
(6-0)
Richard
Smith would like to have Damascus Dog Days designated for the last
Saturday in April making it an annual event.
Richard
suggested that the Town website be used for advertising for positions.
Citizens
Comments:
Bob
Smith said the decoy police cruiser was effective.
Eleanor
Grasselly stated that Emory & Henry were working in Town Park.
John
Rouse said the Lexus Nexus bill has an account set up by Tony Richardson
to be privately paid but it was in the Town’s name. He also
asked the mayor to stop making false accusations against him.
Managers
Report:
Mr. Sizemore said that there was an opening on the planning Commission,
and that Paul Gadola had said he was interested. He also said that
the Planning Commission has recommended Christine Hannen.
* Mr. Green made a motion to appoint Christine Hannen to the Planning
Commission, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright.(6-0)
Mr.
Sizemore also said that he intended to apply for Rural Development
funding for 2 new police cars.
Mr.
Green asked about the status of the Beaverdam Creek Trail. Mr. Sizemore
explained that VDOT was reviewing the plan and asking for revisions,
and that the Town could not do anything else until all the engineering
issues were resolved.
Attorney
Report: Mr. Dene reported that the county can help us with enforcement
at the DMV and bill printing if the Town decides to do away with the
Town stickers. Mr. Dene said the town would save about $750 per year
in the cost of stickers and that a better collection rate would most
likely result.
* Mr. Green made the motion to start the process that would allow
the Town to go stickerless, 2nd by Mr. Greer, (6-0)
Old
Business
None
New
Business
Mr.
Greene said he would like to find away to stop continuous yard sales
around Town.
Mr.
Greene also said that “Sheriffs Kids” would like to gather
donations on Saturday the 27th from 10am to 2pm.
* Mr. Greene made a motion to allow volunteers from “Sheriffs
Kids” to gather donation in Town from 10am to 2pm on Saturday
the 27th, 2nd by Mr. Blevins. (6-0)
Mr.
Green also asked if Children at Play signs were place by VDOT of the
Town. Mr. Blevins said that VDOT regulated those signs.
Consent
Agenda:
* Mr. Cartwright made the motion to pay the bills with the addition
of the Lexus Nexus bill, 2nd by Mr. Greene. (6-0)
* Mr. Upchurch made a motion to go into closed session for the following
items.
1.
Discussion and consideration of the performance of the treasurer,
per VA code 2.2-3371 (A) (1).
2.
Consultation with legal council regarding the Mike Rutherford F.O.I.A.
request, per VA code 2.2-3371 (A) (7)
3.
Consultation with legal council regarding parks and recreation commission,
per VA code 2.2-3371 (A) (7)
4.
Consideration of candidate for employment with the police Department,
per VA code 2.2-3371 (A) (1)
2nd
by Mr. Greer (6-0)
* Mr. Hayes made a motion to go back into open session, 2nd by Mr.
Blevins. (6-0)
* Mr. Hayes made a motion to certify, 2nd by Mr. Blevins. (6-0)
* Mr. Blevins made a motion to hire Rodger Down as a police officer
at the rate of $10.00 per hour, 2nd by Mr. Greene, (6-0)
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to increase the pay of the town treasurer
$.75 per hour, 2nd by Mr. Greene. (6-0)
* Mr. Greene made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Mr. Blevins. (6-0)
