DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
FOR OCTOBER 5, 2009
Council
Members Present: Jim Cartwright, Mitchel Greer, Ken Upchurch,
Tom Hayes, Tony Bebber, and Lannis Greene
Creed
Jones, Mayor
Thomas
Dene, Town Attorney
Aaron
Sizemore, Town Manager
Mayor
Jones called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance,
and the prayer.
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the September 1, 2009
minutes, as written; 2nd by Mr. Upchurch (5-0-1 Mr. Bebber abstaining).
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the September 8, 2009
minutes, as written; 2nd by Mr. Greer (5-0-1 Mr. Bebber abstaining).
* Mr. Hayes made a motion to approve the September 11, 2009 minutes,
as written; 2nd by Mr. Upchurch (3-0-3 Mr. Bebber, Mr. Greene,
and Mr. Cartwright abstaining).
Two
representatives from Valley Health Care Center requested a supporting
resolution for their planned expansion of a new facility in Washington
County.
After
discussion the following motion was made.
* Mr. Greene made a motion to pass a resolution to support the
Valley Health care expansion, 2nd by Mr. Bebber (5-1 Mr. Cartwright
opposed).
Committee
Reports
Budget,
Finance and Administration:
Mr.
Greene reported that the final sign-off was given to the 2009
tax bills and they should be mailed out by October 7th. He also
stated that we will need to start working toward bi-annual billing
as previously discussed.
Mayor
Jones brought the Councils’ attention that Barbra Reed would
like to fix up the old Hand building in the Extract. Currently
we have not been able to contact all the owners of the estate.
No action was taken.
Streets,
Lights and Maintenance:
Mr.
Greer questioned if there was a budget for Halloween decorations.
* Motion made by Mr. Greer to put up the same decoration as last
year, 2nd by Mr. Upchurch (6-0).
Mr.
Greer reported that $250 in materials has been spent repairing
the gazebo damage due to recent vandalism. He also reported that
brush is being dumped on the Bayer Property, and will need to
be cleaned up and blocked off before the next Trail Days festival.
The Public Works department will soon begin picking up un-bagged
leaves for Town residents.
Sewer,
Water and Sanitation:
Mr.
Upchurch presented Joe Alexander with a letter of appreciation
for his 30 years of service as sewer plan operator.
Parks
and Recreation:
Mr.
Hayes reported that Stan Taylor will assess the leaking problem
within the Town’s pool as soon as it is drained. Mr. Hayes
is also working with the county on securing some funding for necessary
repairs on the pool.
Planning
Commission:
Mr.
Cartwright asked for any suggested revisions or changes to the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; none were given.
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Plan as written, 2nd by Mr. Greene (5-0-1 Mr. Bebber abstaining).
Police:
Chief
Nunley submitted to the Council a detailed monthly report, attached:
The Police Department has had another busy month. The department
has completed several community events this month including, Chilhowie
Apple Festival Parade, Damascus Neighborhood Watch Family cook
out, Damascus Police Department Explorer Car Show and Chili Cook
off, Explorer meetings at Holston High School and the Police Department
and the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting.
Annual Firearms recertification has been completed at the Bristol
shooting range on September 28th, 2009. All Full Time, Part Time
and Auxiliary Damascus Officers have been recertified on duty
weapons, patrol rifles and shot guns during this training event.
Three used Police cars have been received from the county on surplus.
One 2004 Chevrolet Impala, One 2005 Chevrolet Impala and one 2002
Dodge Intrepid are now being prepared to be placed into service.
Another County Surplus Vehicle has been requested and should know
the answer by October 14th, 2009 from the County Board of Supervisors.
The two new Patrol Vehicles that have been purchased by grant
will be ready for pick up this week in Richmond Virginia. The
dealership will be contacting us in the next couple of days to
arrange a date for pick up. The Damascus Police Department will
have a total of six used cars for sale in November with hopes
that the sale of these used cars will help the Town of Damascus.
The Damascus Police Department Officers competed in a Law Fit
Challenge in Bluefield Virginia during the month of September,
Bringing home 1st, and 3rd place trophies. Officers worked very
hard to achieve there goal during this athletic event.
We have received $2,403.00 in local grants to purchase needed
law enforcement equipment for the department. These checks have
been deposited into the Town account until a purchase(s) is made.
Wal-Mart also assisted the Police Department with a $1000.00 donation
for purchases of equipment, such as digital cameras for each patrol
unit needed for photographing evidence and accident scenes.
The department received a written resignation from Officer Robert
E. Taylor this month, please see attached letter of resignation.
Officer Taylor has not completed the Academy as of this date and
still has six weeks of training left before graduation if allowed
to stay in the Academy. This position now being vacant leaves
the Town of Damascus with a 4 man department and as a reminder,
The Damascus Police Department still continues to operate under
budget.
Also please take notice to new signage on the front door to the
Police Department. Now stating to use Town Hall entrance during
normal business hours and the number to Central Dispatch in case
of an emergency or if an officer is not in the office. This will
help the public in contacting an officer if one is on patrol.
As always, I am eager to address any questions or concerns that
you may have. Feel free to contact me at anytime.
Chief
Nunley requested the six surplus police cars be put out for closed
bidding.
* Mr. Hayes made a motion to advertise for sealed bids on the
surplus police cars in the Sunday edition of the Bristol Herald
Courier (to be opened December 7th), 2nd by Mr. Greer (6-0).
The
Police Dept will be receiving trick-or-treaters on the evening
of Halloween; as well as providing additional patrols in Town.
The
new police cars will be picked up tomorrow, and the equipment
from the old vehicles will be used to equip the new ones.
Special
Committees:
Nothing
to report at this time.
Citizens
Comments
Richard
Smith commented on a few items. First, the wireless internet antenna
is up, and there is a signal in some areas close to it. Second,
the Virginia Creeper Trail Club has been working on the resurfacing
project which will improve the trail in various places; and any
volunteers would be appreciated. Third, Mr. Smith requested that
the playground in the Town Park be deemed a non-smoking/non-tobacco
use area.
Chief
Nunley mentioned that the park has become a common hangout after
dark, and in some cases it has lead to vandalism on Town property.
He would like to address the issue in the near future, but needs
a specific ordinance to follow concerning loitering in the park.
Mr.
Dene said he would investigate other codes and get back to the
council.
Terry
Kammer was concerned that if the youth are forced out of the park
during certain hours, then they may have no other places to socialize.
Mr.
Dene advised that we need to focus on prohibiting the exact conduct
that we don’t wish to condone in the Park.
There
was discussion of a rumor that an attempt had been made to force
the resignation of the Police Chief, and/or other Police Officers.
Several citizens showed their respect and gratitude for Chief
Nunley, and the Police Dept. The Council assured everyone that
no such action was being pursued against the Department. This
topic was moved to closed session for further discussion.
Mr.
Greer voiced a concern about people not cleaning up after animals
in the Park.
Mr.
Greene suggested putting up signs in the Park concerning pet waste.
Manager’s
Report
Mr.
Sizemore submitted his monthly report, attached:
OLD BUSINESS
Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
I would like to have it amended if necessary and adopted.
Washington County Recreation Park
The County expects to bid the project on the Bayer property in
September, and hope to start construction this fall.
Police Cars Grant
The grant has been closed and a request for funds will be made
as soon as a Certificate of Origin is received.
NEW BUSINESS
Police Car Bids
Since the Police Department will be receiving two new cars from
grant funding and three used cars from Washington County we will
need to put the extra units out to bid. I will need to know when
and where to advertise.
Bayer Property
AMEC environmental has looked at the 7 acre fenced-in site, and
we are currently working on a grant application for a Brownfield
EPA grant to do an environmental study.
Mr.
Sizemore has requested a letter of comfort from DEQ, which would
allow the town to accept the remaining 7 acres of the Bayer property.
Attorney
Report
Mr.
Dene is going to advertise a public hearing, during the November
2nd Council Meeting, regarding an ordinance to change from annual
to bi-annual payments for tax collection.
Mr.
Dene reported these topics for discussion in closed session:
1. Town of Damascus v. Ralph J. Smith, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711
(A) (7).
2. Consultation with legal council regarding amendments to the
Creeper Trail ordinance, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (7).
3. A candidate for employment in the sewer department, per VA
Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (1).
4. Consultation with legal council regarding legislative requests,
per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (7).
5. Consultation with legal council regarding consultancy agreement
with Joe Alexander, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (7).
6. Resignation/Performance of Officer Robert E. Taylor and consideration
of a candidate for employment with the police department, per
VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (1).
Old
Business
Nothing
to report at this time.
New
Business
Mr.
Sizemore advised that the Town has received a grant in the amount
of $854, for litter prevention and recycling program activities.
The Clerk asked for Council’s direction in applying these
funds.
Council
advised that the awarded litter grant be spent on the same type
of items it has been used for previously.
Consent
Agenda
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to pay the bills, 2nd by Mr. Bebber
(6-0).
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to go into closed session, 2nd
by Mr. Upchurch (6-0).
* Motion was made to come out of closed session by Mr. Green,
2nd by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).
* Motion was made to certify by Mr. Cartwright, 2nd by Mr. Green
(6-0).
* Mr. Greene made a motion to hire William Carmichael, upon his
completion of the police academy on November 16, with a one year
probationary period, starting pay rate $11/hour; 2nd by Mr. Bebber
(6-0).
* Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Greene, 2nd by Mr. Bebber
(6-0).
Creed
Jones, Mayor Tuesday Pope, Clerk
DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2009
Council
Members Present: Jim Cartwright, Mitchel Greer, Tony Bebber, Ken
Upchurch, Tom Hayes, and Lannis Greene
Creed
Jones, Mayor
Tuesday
Pope, Town Clerk
Thomas
Dene, Town Attorney
Aaron
Sizemore, Town Manager - absent
Mayor
Jones called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance,
and invocation.
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to approve the October 5, 2009
minutes, as written; 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
* Mr. Bebber made a motion to approve the October 13, 2009 minutes,
as written; 2nd by Mr. Greer (6-0).
WINTERFEST-
Marcia Horne, with the Siberian Husky Assist Rescue (S.H.A.R.),
reported that the 2010 ‘Winterfest on the Virginia Creeper
Trail’ events are scheduled for January 16th (reenactment
of the Alaskan Serum Run), and the dogsled race will be on the
17th. A “Meet the Mushers” dinner will be that Saturday
night, at Quincey’s restaurant. Mrs. Horne asked the Council
if there would be a problem with the Rescue gaining sponsorship
for the event from a beer company, which would consist of the
company’s name/logo being printed on the banner(s), the
Council had no objections.
Also,
on November 21st there will be video taping in Damascus for a
show called ‘Animal Rescue” that the S.H.A.R. is hosting
for Heritage TV (a BVU cable station). The show will air on the
first Monday in January to help promote the Winterfest events
in Damascus on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Bunny
Medeiros introduced Tommy Pratt and Judith McBride who, along
with herself, have an interest in furthering the litter prevention
and recycling program for the Town. Ms. Medeiros reminded the
Council that grant funding received last year was used to purchase
temporary event recycling containers, and suggested using grant
monies received this year to purchase permanent recycling containers
for the Town Park, from Windsor Barrel Works (which range from
$900-$1000 for a cluster bin).
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion for the Town Manager to evaluate
the budget and grant monies awarded for the litter prevention
and recycling program, and determine if it is feasible to go ahead
and purchase a cluster recycling bin in the $900-$1000 range,
2nd by Mr. Bebber (6-0).
Committee
Reports
Budget,
Finance and Administration:
Mr.
Greene reported that the tax tickets were mailed out in the middle
of October, and collection is underway at 17% of real estate and
15% of personal property taxes already paid.
* Mr. Greene made a motion to extend the deadline for due taxes
to Monday, January 18, 2010; 2nd by Mr. Bebber (6-0).
Mr.
Greene reported two items for closed session, and advised that
a decision on a bi-annual real estate tax schedule needs to be
made at the next Council meeting.
Streets,
Lights and Maintenance:
Mr.
Greer advised that the bath-house on Imboden St. needs to be winterized
and closed for the winter as soon as the last scheduled Boy Scout
troops have finished camping.
The
Maintenance crew has been picking up leaves with the leaf vacuum,
and asks that people not rake up rocks, limbs, ect…along
with the leaves.
Mr.
Greer checked with Steve Buston, with VDOT, to see if there are
any available monies for sidewalk repairs, and found none currently
obtainable. He will also be speaking with Greg Hayes, with VDOT,
later in the week to discuss the possibility of replacing or painting
rusty guardrails.
There
are still a few holes in the roads that need to be patched, and
will be taken care of soon.
Pertaining
to the Town Park, concerns were previously mentioned about tobacco
use and pet waste in the playground area, and need to be addressed.
* Mr. Bebber made a motion to post signs in the playground identifying
it as a tobacco-free and pet-free area, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright
(6-0).
Mr.
Greer asked about the status of obtaining more mulch for the playground,
which has already been agreed upon by the Council. Mr. Hayes stated
that quotes need to be obtained before a purchase can be made.
Mr. Greene asked that the Town Manager research the market for
the type of mulch needed, and report back to Council.
Sewer,
Water and Sanitation:
Mr.
Upchurch reported the Sewer Department is in the process of removing
the underground fuel tank.
Mr.
Upchurch asked Joe Alexander to approach and be available to answer
questions concerning his recommendation for new hire. A short
discussion followed.
* Mr. Upchurch made a motion to hire Joseph Welborn on a temporary,
part-time basis at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, 2nd by Mr.
Greene (6-0).
Mayor
Jones reported that a settlement agreement has been made concerning
the Town of Damascus v. Ralph J. Smith case. This agreement was
fulfilled on October 16, 2009, when Mr. Smith paid the required
$25k to have his sewer permit reinstated.
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to accept the proposed settlement
agreement between the Town of Damascus and Ralph J. Smith, 2nd
by Mr. Greer (6-0).
Parks
and Recreation:
Mr.
Hayes said that he would probably start the 2010 Trail Days committee
meetings soon, specific meeting time and date to be announced.
The
maintenance crew is working to get the Town Pool winterized.
Mayor
Jones introduced a proposed ordinance to amend a section of the
Code. This amendment will prohibit the discharge of a firearm
upon the Virginia Creeper Trail.
* Mr. Greene made a motion to adopt the proposed amendment to
section 50-182(B) of the 2002 Code of Damascus, Virginia; 2nd
by Mr. Cartwright (6-0).
Planning
Commission:
Nothing
to report at this time.
Police:
Chief
Nunley submitted to the Council a detailed monthly report, as
follows:
The Police Department has had another busy month. The department
has completed several community events this month including the
Chilhowie Apple Festival Parade, Damascus Neighborhood Watch family
cook out, Damascus Police Department Explorer car show and chili
cook-off, Explorer meetings at Holston High School and the Police
Department, and the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting.
Annual Firearms recertification has been completed at the Bristol
shooting range on September 28th, 2009. All Full Time, Part Time
and Auxiliary Damascus Officers have been recertified on duty
weapons, patrol rifles and shot guns during this training event.
Three used Police cars have been received from the county on surplus
including: a 2004 Chevrolet Impala, a 2005 Chevrolet Impala, and
a 2002 Dodge Intrepid, all of which are now being prepared to
be placed into service. Another County surplus vehicle has been
requested and we should have an answer by October 14th, 2009 from
the County Board of Supervisors.
The two new patrol vehicles that have been purchased with grant
monies will be ready for pick up this week in Richmond, Virginia.
The dealership will be contacting us in the next couple of days
to arrange a date for pick up. The Damascus Police Department
will have a total of six used cars for sale in November, with
hopes that the sale of these used cars will benefit the Town of
Damascus.
Damascus Police Department Officers competed in a ‘Law Fit
Challenge’ in Bluefield Virginia, during the month of September,
bringing home 1st and 3rd place trophies. Officers worked very
hard to achieve their goal during this athletic event.
We have received $2,403 in local grants to purchase needed law
enforcement equipment for the department. These checks have been
deposited into the Town account until a purchase is made. Wal-Mart
also assisted the Police Department with a $1000 donation, which
is intended to provide our department with a digital camera for
each patrol unit, to be used for photographing evidence and accident
scenes.
The department received a written resignation from Officer Robert
E. Taylor this month, please see attached letter of resignation.
Officer Taylor has not completed the Academy as of this date and
still has six weeks of training left before graduation, if allowed
to stay in the Academy. This position now being vacant leaves
the Town of Damascus with a 4 man department. Also, the Damascus
Police Department still continues to operate under budget.
Please take notice of the new signage on the front door of the
Police Department. Information is now posted on the door to inform
people to use the Town Hall entrance during normal business hours;
as well as the phone number to Central Dispatch in case of an
emergency, or if an officer is not in the office. This will help
the public in contacting an officer as quickly as possible.
As always, I am eager to address any questions or concerns that
you may have. Feel free to contact me at anytime.
Bill Nunley, Chief of Police
Special
Committees:
Marianna
Farmer, representing the Veterans Memorial of Damascus, reported
on the fundraising efforts, and work dork done on the project,
such as: $1,051 raised during the annual car show at Food City
on Sept. 19th; another $100 donated since then; purchasing of
the hardware and gravel; donated materials such as conduit, electrical
bow, wire, and labor for wiring. Don Hash has a sample of the
granite and engraving for display. The granite and engraving of
the first 100 names will cost $29,500, and the Memorial fund has
a balance of around $19,000, so more fundraising will be necessary.
There are applications available on the Town website, and in various
places around Town, for those who wish to have the names of loved
ones engraved on the Memorial. Instead of charging for each name,
there will be the option of donating $10 (or more) for those who
wish to do so. Hopefully around July 4, 2010 the granite can be
delivered. All donations should made by check, to the “Veterans
Memorial of Damascus”, and given to one of the trustees
(Don Hash, Robert Gray, and Jeremiah Heaton); or directly deposited
into that account at the Bank of Damascus.
Citizens
Comments
Terry
Kammer asked if there had been any restitution for vandalism previously
done in the Park by juveniles.
Chief
Nunley responded that the case is on the docket, and should go
to court within the next month.
Mr.
Kammer reported seeing a government surplus website that the Town
may benefit from in the future; and suggested the possibility
of making recycling bins out of 55gal. drums, which would be much
cheaper than the advertised cluster bins.
Eleanor
Grasselli agreed with Mr. Kammer about the recycling bins; and
referenced the previously mentioned fire-arm discharge law on
the Virginia Creeper Trail, asking about the subject concerning
other trails that go through Damascus.
Mr.
Dene responded that Damascus has an ordinance prohibiting the
discharge of fire-arms within Town limits, which also covers the
trails within.
Manager’s
Report
Nothing
to report at this time.
Attorney
Report
Mr.
Dene informed the Council that there would be a public hearing
at 7:05, during the December 7th Council Meeting, concerning two
ordinance changes. The ordinances of discussion will be changing
the tax billing cycle to include bi-annual payments (due by May
15th and Nov. 15th); and properties lying mostly (over 50%) outside
Town limits will be subject to out-of-town rates and fees.
Mr.
Dene also reported these topics for discussion in closed session:
1. Consultation with legal council regarding the Bishop VRS claim,
per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3371 (A) (7).
2. Consultation with legal council regarding taxes and use charges
for properties only partially within the corporate limits, per
VA Code Sec. 2.2-3371 (A) (7).
Old
Business
Nothing to report at this time.
New
Business
The
Town Clerk’s office has requested a policy confirmation
on temporary signs being placed in the Town Park that do not pertain
to events being held there.
A
short discussion followed, and Mr. Dene suggested the topic be
turned over to the budget, finance, and administration committee.
Mr. Greene agreed that the committee will be responsible for the
deliberation of this topic, and conveying recommendations to the
Council at the next meeting.
The
annual Damascus Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December
5th at 2:00. Parade participants will line-up in front of Subway
around 1:30.
Consent
Agenda
* Mr. Cartwright made a motion to pay the bills, 2nd by Mr. Bebber
(6-0).
* Mr. Bebber made a motion to go into closed session, 2nd by Mr.
Upchurch (6-0).
* Motion was made to come out of closed session by Mr. Cartwright,
2nd by Mr. Bebber (6-0).
* Motion was made to certify by Mr. Cartwright, 2nd by Mr. Bebber
(6-0).
* Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Greene, 2nd by Mr. Bebber
(6-0).
Creed
Jones, Mayor
Tuesday
Pope, Clerk
DAMASCUS
TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES
FOR DECEMBER 7, 2009
Council
Members Present: Jim Cartwright, Ken Upchurch, Tom Hayes, and
Lannis Greene.
Creed
Jones, Mayor
Tuesday
Pope, Town Clerk
Thomas
Dene, Town Attorney
Aaron
Sizemore, Town Manager
Mayor
Jones called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance,
and invocation.
* Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to approve the November 2, 2009 minutes,
as written; 2nd by Mr. Upchurch (4-0).
Mayor
Jones suspended the meeting and opened the public hearing on ordinance
changes concerning the annual tax billing cycle; and properties
lying partially within the Town limits. Mr. Dene explained the
proposed changes, and there was an opportunity for public comment
and discussion. There being no comments or discussion, Mayor Jones
closed the public hearing and resumed the regular Council meeting.
The amended
ordinances are as follows:
* Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to adopt the following amendment, 2nd
by Mr. Hayes (4-0).
BE IT
HEREBY ORDAINED, that Section 54-334(4) of the 2002 Code of Damascus,
Virginia is amended to provide as follows:
(4) Outside
corporate limits. With respect to any premises the majority of
which are situated outside the corporate limits of the town, which
premises now or hereafter have active connections with the sewer
system of the town, there shall be charged a sewer rental of the
rate equal to the charge established in subsections (1)--(3) of
this section, plus a surcharge equal to 100 percent of such charge.
This ordinance
shall become effective on January 1, 2010.
* Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to adopt the following amendment, 2nd
by Mr. Greene (4-0).
BE IT
HEREBY ORDAINED that Section 22-122 of the 2002 Code of Damascus,
Virginia, is hereby amended to provide as follows:
(a) Due
date for personal property taxes. All personal property taxes
due each year shall be due and payable to the Town by November
15, unless November 15.
(b) Due
dates for real estate taxes. Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3916,
all Town real estate taxes imposed on the owners of record of
real estate as of January 1 of each year shall be due and payable
during each tax year in two equal installments as follows:
(1) The
first installment payment of real estate taxes each year shall
be due on May 15 of each year.
(2) The
second payment of real estate taxes shall be due on November 15
of each year.
(c) Penalty
and interest on delinquencies.
(1) Any
person who shall fail to pay to the treasurer any real estate
tax on or before the due date thereof shall pay, along with such
tax, a penalty of ten percent of the amount of such unpaid tax
installment.
(2) Commencing
on the day following the day such taxes are due pursuant to this
section, interest at the maximum yearly rates authorized by general
law of the Commonwealth, as provided for in Va. Code § 58.1-3916,
as amended, shall be assessed and collected on the principal of
and penalties on all taxes unpaid on said day, until paid in full.
(3) Commencing
on the day after November 15, any person who shall fail to pay
to the treasurer any personal property tax, by November 15 of
each tax year shall pay, along with said tax, a penalty in the
same percentage as set forth in subsection (1) above and interest
calculated in the same manner as set forth in subsection (2) above
on the unpaid tax and penalty both, until paid in full.
(4) Tax
payments mailed to the tax collecting entity associated with the
city on or before the due date as determined paragraph by subsection
(c) herein shall be accepted by the treasurer and shall be deemed
paid upon the due date.
(d) In
the event May 15 or November 15 of any year should fall on Saturday,
Sunday or a legal holiday, the tax due date shall be the next
regular working day.
This ordinance
shall become effective on January 1, 2010.
Committee
Reports
Budget,
Finance and Administration:
Town Treasurer
Bill Pafford reported on the following:
Tax revenue
is continuing to flow in. Thus far we have collected 58% of the
real estate and 32% of the personal property taxes.
Sewer
department revenues are holding steady from month to month. Our
annual audit will be starting about the middle of December. Before
the audit can be completed, a new State law requires the Town
to have a trial balance, or pre-audit, prepared by an accountant
other than the auditor.
* Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to approve hiring the services of a second
auditor, as required; 2nd by Mr. Greene (4-0).
VML has
indicated that our insurance premiums are expected to drop approximately
4% overall at policy renewal, with all other things being equal.
Work on completing the renewal questionnaire has already begun.
Mayor
Jones asked the Council for their decision on Town employee Christmas
bonuses this year.
* Mr.
Greene made a motion to give permanent Town employees Christmas
bonuses, in the amount of $100/full time, and $50/part time; 2nd
by Mr. Cartwright (4-0).
Streets,
Lights and Maintenance:
Mayor
Jones complimented the Public Works department for getting the
holiday lights and props displayed for the public to enjoy.
Sewer,
Water and Sanitation:
Mr. Upchurch
reported that the underground fuel tank at the sewer plant has
been removed, and D.E.Q. regulations have been met.
Parks
and Recreation:
Mr. Hayes
reported that there will be a Parks and Rec. /Trail Days organizational
meeting on Wednesday, December 9th at 6pm, in Town Hall.
Mr. Hayes
stated that the annual Christmas parade, which was held on Sunday
the 6th, went very well. He also thanked the Damascus Police Dept.
and volunteer Fire Department for their work and participation
in the event.
Planning
Commission:
Nothing
to report at this time.
Police:
Chief
Nunley submitted to the Council a detailed monthly report, as
follows:
The Police
Department has had another productive month. Several schools have
been attended by our officers which included: narcotic interdiction
training provided at Southwest Criminal Justice Training Academy
in Bristol Virginia, and Gunshot Wound Class that was conducted
at the Damascus General Store (this training was provided by our
department and several agencies attended from all over Southwest
Virginia).
The Damascus
Police Department is operating under budget for the 2009-2010
fiscal year. During the month of November the department has received
$4,975.00 in grant reimbursement from the last grant cycle and
$6,763.00 in 599 grant money (all being received from the state).
Total amount of grant money received this month is $11,738.00.
Upon
speaking with the Commonwealth of Virginia, they advised that
the Town of Damascus will not be able to seek restitution for
the damages that occurred in Town Park, because the vandals were
8 and 9 years old. The Town has the option to civilly sue the
parents for the damages (due to the children’s age at the
time of the vandalism). Town Attorney, Thomas Dene, will look
into this further.
The Damascus
Police Department participated in numerous parades in the last
week. We have attended Bristol, Abingdon, Chilhowie, and Glade
Spring Christmas Parades. The Explorer group having a large float
looked very good during all of the events. The Damascus Police
Department Volunteered to attend the championship football game
at Emory and Henry College to assist with parking and crowd control.
This also showing the Police Departments support for Holston High
School.
Don Griffin,
who locally owns Trails Hardware store on Laurel Ave., has asked
that the Town place two hour parking signs in front of the store
due to the problem that he has with people parking for several
hours in front of his establishment. Upon speaking with him, I
advised that I would bring this before the Council for there approval.
Other complaints have been made due to the Hardware store placing
cones in the parking areas. I have spoke with Mr. Griffin in reference
to this and truly believe we have come to a conclusion that the
cones are to remain in the grass along the side of the parking
spots, and when a truck is expected these spots can be reserved
for loading and unloading purposes.
Vehicle
bids have been compiled and Aaron Sizemore has the information
pertaining to what the bids brought. This information will be
presented to you by Mr. Sizemore.
As always,
I am eager to address any questions or concerns that you may have.
Feel free to contact me at anytime.
Chief
Nunley also announced the Police Department’s Christmas
Dinner and annual awards banquet will be held on Tuesday, December
8th, at 6pm, at the Harbor House in Abingdon. Everyone is invited
to join in the festivities.
Special
Committees:
Richard
Smith, representing the Creeper Trail Advisory Board, recommended
that the board postpone pursuing the various intrusions upon the
right-of-way on the Creeper Trail until the Town can financially
afford the legal fees which will be incurred in the process. The
Council agreed with the postponement.
Mr. Smith
also wanted to give a special thanks to all volunteers who have
been helping with the trail maintenance.
Richard
Smith, representing the Adam Committee, reported that the Town’s
wireless network has provided limited coverage, and will be expanded
as funding is available.
Citizens
Comments
Richard
Smith thanked Mr. Greer and the Maintenance Department for placing
signs in the Town Playground advertising it as a “Tobacco
Free Zone”.
Don Griffin,
of Trails Hardware on Laurel Avenue, asked the Council about designating
the parking spots in front of the hardware (during business hours)
as two hour reserved spots, or using “customer” cones
in those spaces.
The Council
advised that the Town has no jurisdiction over Laurel Ave. because
it is a VDOT regulated street. Mr. Greene commented that there
is not a problem with temporarily blocking the spaces for loading/unloading
supply trucks, and placing the “customer” cones in
the grass near the spaces (keeping in mind that it cannot be enforced).
Manager’s
Report
Mr. Sizemore
submitted the following report:
OLD
BUSINESS
Washington
County Recreation Park
The County
expects construction to be finishing up around the time of Trail
Days 2010.
Police
Cars Grant
The money
and cars have been received and the grant closed out.
Litter
Grant
At the
last council meeting I was directed to look into purchasing recycling
containers for the park with this years litter grant. I would
like to discus the information I have found and request further
instruction.
* Following discussion of the information, Mr. Greene made a motion
to purchase up to 6 of the 50 gal. roll-out waste containers,
which may be used for the collection of recyclables at or near
the bike shops in Town; 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (4-0).
NEW
BUSINESS
Police
Car Bids
A bid
summary is as follows:
1. 2003
Ford Crown Vic (w) high bid: $253.12
X Bid
died for lack of a motion.
2. 2001
Ford Crown Vic (bl) high bid: $804.00
v Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to accept bid, 2nd by Mr. Greene (4-0).
3. 2000
Ford Crown Vic (w) high bid: $250.00
v Mr.
Hayes made a motion to accept bid, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (4-0).
4. 2003
Ford Crown Vic (bl) high bid: $800.00
v Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to accept bid, 2nd by Mr. Greene (4-0).
5. 1999
Jeep Cherokee (w) high bid: $650.00
v Mr.
Greene made a motion to accept bid, 2nd by Mr. Cartwright (4-0).
6. 2000
Chevy Lumina (w) high bid: $1,542.52
v Mr.
Hayes made a motion to accept bid, 2nd by Mr. Upchurch (4-0).
Playground
Fill Material
The
playground in the park needs the top layer of fill replaced. I
have checked into two methods of fill (wood chips and recycled
tires) and will report my findings.
* Following
the report, Mr. Cartwright made a motion to have a load of wood
chips brought in to put on the playground, 2nd by Mr. Greene (4-0).
Attorney
Report
Mr. Dene
also reported these topics for discussion in closed session:
1. Consultation
of a candidate for the position of Superintendent of the Town’s
sewer system, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3371 (A) (1).
2. Consultation
with legal council regarding the Town’s status with the
Virginia Retirement System, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3371 (A) (7).
3. Consultation
with legal council regarding a possible transfer of the sewer
system, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3371 (A) (7).
Old
Business
Nothing
to report at this time.
New
Business
Nothing
to report at this time.
Consent
Agenda
* Mr.
Cartwright made a motion to pay the bills, 2nd by Mr. Greene (4-0).
* Mr.
Greene made a motion to go into closed session, 2nd by Mr. Upchurch
(4-0).
* A motion
to go out of closed session was made by Mr. Cartwright, 2nd by
Mr. Greene (4-0).
* A motion
to certify was made by Mr. Greene, 2nd by Mr. Hayes (4-0).
* A motion
to pay Joe Fritts for built-up compensatory time was made by Mr.
Cartwright, 2nd by Mr. Upchurch (4-0).
* A motion
to adjourn was made by Mr. Cartwright and 2nd by Mr. Upchurch
(4-0).
_____________________________
______________________________
Creed
Jones, Mayor Tuesday Pope, Clerk
