DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR JANUARY 9, 2012
Council Members Present: Don Morgan, Mitchel Greer, Tony Bebber, Ken Upchurch, and Tom Hayes
Council Members Absent: Lannis Greene
Jack McCrady, Mayor Thomas Dene, Town Attorney
Tuesday Pope, Town Clerk Bill Pafford, Town Treasurer
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager
7:00pm: Mayor McCrady called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and gave the invocation.
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Mr. Upchurch made a motion to approve the December 5, 2011 Regular Council Meeting minutes as written; 2nd by Mr. Bebber (5-0).
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Mr. Upchurch made a motion to approve the December 19, 2011 Special Called Council Meeting minutes as written; 2nd by Mr. Bebber (5-0).
Committee Reports
Budget, Finance and Administration:
Town Treasurer Bill Pafford, submitted the following report:
Our final audit for the 2010-2011 fiscal year has been completed with no significant findings. The auditor rendered an unqualified opinion and found no instances of noncompliance and no control deficiencies.
Streets, Lights and Maintenance:
Mr. Greer reported that there are now no part-time employees in the Public Works department. There are currently two full-time employees, and will possibly be hiring to fill another full-time position later on.
Sewer, Water and Sanitation:
Mr. Upchurch reported the old clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant is not running well, and needs improvements or replacement soon.
Mayor McCrady reported that the agreement for the transfer of the wastewater treatment plant to the Washington County Service Authority (WCSA) has been submitted to Rural Development for approval.
Parks and Recreation:
Mr. Hayes reported the next Trail Days meeting will be held on Feb. 2nd, at 6:30. Mr. Hayes voiced a concern about water balloons being thrown during the hiker parade at Trail Days, and suggested looking at ceasing this practice due to the threat of liability and damages.
Chief Nunley commented that the Police Department will no longer have their cars in the parade due to the throwing of water balloons.
An event organizer for a proposed Iron Mtn. Bike Race on Sept. 8th, spoke to the Council about the purpose of the event and gave a detailed agenda.
Planning Commission:
Nothing to report at this time.
Police:
Chief Nunley submitted to the Council a detailed monthly report, as follows:
The month of December, the Damascus Police Department saw an increase in call volume. On December 3rd, 2011 members of the police department attended the Abingdon and Glade Spring Christmas parades representing the Town of Damascus. The annual Damascus Christmas parade was another success. All activities were completed with no problems reported.
Additional road checks and saturation patrols were conducted during the Christmas and New Year holidays. These activities were funded by Division of Motor Vehicles and National Highway Safety Office grants. All officers of the Damascus Police Department worked long hours keeping the roads safe during high traffic times, with no major incidents to report.
The police department had its annual Christmas dinner at the Iron Horse Campground on December 11th, 2011. The department annual awards were presented at the completion of the dinner. Top Gun Award was presented to Investigator Roger Dowell. Rookie of the Year was presented to Officer Cody Johnson. Rescue of the Year and Officer of the Year was presented to Lieutenant Kermit Turner. The Damascus Police Department has accomplished many of its goals during the year of 2011 and look forward to all the opportunities and challenges that the year 2012 holds. Please see attached list of annual statistics for 2011. These reports show all criminal and traffic arrest numbers for the year of 2011.
Upon speaking with a military surplus program representative in reference to military equipment requested, we have been advised the equipment will be available in the near future. The department has completed all necessary paperwork and now awaiting the call advising the equipment is ready for pickup. The department will be purchasing two narcotic / tracking k9s this month. Officers will be meeting with there new partners this week. These police k9s are scheduled to complete all training in the next 60 days then be ready for pickup by the officers in March.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Special Committees:
Mayor McCrady spoke about the formation of the Damascus Advisory Tourism Committee, and offered to chair the committee since Mr. Hayes is already the chairman of the Parks and Recreation, and Trail Days committees.
Richard Smith asked the Council to request the ADam Committee to review and reconsider the current charges being implemented for advertising on the town’s website. The Council agreed that the current fees should be reassessed.
Town Treasurer Bill Pafford reported on a proposed wireless system to cover downtown Damascus.
Mayor McCrady tabled the proposal until the February meeting.
Manager’s Report
Mr. Sizemore submitted the following report:
OLD BUSINESS
Clifton Street Drainage
The drainage work is complete, and there have been no complaints at this point.
Sewer Study
A resolution was passed last month to begin the process of transferring the system to the Washington County Service Authority.
Daniel Boon Trial Turn Around
The Council is asked to identify a specific boundary on the town’s portion of the land/easement swap. A possibility is to use the edge of the existing Daniel Boone Trail Rd. (closest to the Knapp’s house) as a guideline. The Council had no objections.
NEW BUISNESS
Frost Lane
Attached is a letter from Valarie Johnson concerning the Frost Lane drainage project which was completed in the summer. Ms. Johnson is requesting the open drainage line be enclosed.
Also, attached is a letter from Hill Studios concerning revised abutment plans for the Beaverdam Creek Trail.
The large drainage ditch at the (new) library property has been an ongoing safety concern, and there are a few options to consider. A written estimate for a solution will be obtained and proposed to VDOT for approval.
Attorney Report
Mr. Dene gave a summation of events to occur during the transfer of the wastewater treatment plant (date set for May 10th). The proposal has currently been submitted to Rural Development. Once they approve it, then it will be submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). After DEQ approval, a public hearing will be held, and then the transfer of deeds can commence.
The WCSA is having some trouble locating records of deeds of transfer for personal property easements.
The Town of Damascus agrees to retain environmental liabilities, for five years, before the date of the transfer. Mr. Pafford noted that the Town can buy “tail coverage” from VML to cover such occurrences.
Mr. Dene addressed the Town ordinance for the transfer of public property, including easements, that requires an appraisal first and suggested amending such requirement. Also, he brought to the Council’s attention that at some point in the future the sewer ordinances will need to be repealed.
Mr. Dene reported no topics for discussion in closed session.
Old Business
None at this time.
New Business
None at this time.
Council Members Reports
Mayor McCrady read a note of thanks to Mr. Sizemore and VDOT, for resolving the drainage issue on Clifton St.
Citizens Comments
Richard Smith reminded the Council of the (January) national internet contest, through Budget Travel, that lists Damascus in the top ten “Coolest Small Towns in America in 2012”.
Mayor McCrady encouraged everyone to vote daily.
Consent Agenda
_____________________________ ______________________________
Jack McCrady, Mayor
Tuesday Pope, Clerk
DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2012
Council Members Present: Don Morgan, Mitchel Greer, Tony Bebber, Ken Upchurch, Tom Hayes, and Lannis Greene
Council Members Absent: None
Jack McCrady, Mayor Thomas Dene, Town Attorney
Tuesday Pope, Town Clerk Bill Pafford, Town Treasurer
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager
7:00pm: Mayor McCrady called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and gave the invocation.
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Mr. Upchurch made a motion to approve the January 9, 2012 Regular Council Meeting minutes as written; 2nd by Mr. Bebber (5-0 Mr. Green had not yet arrived).
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Mr. Bebber made a motion to approve the agenda, including one addition of a presentation by Mr. Owens, 2nd by Mr. Hayes (5-0 Mr. Green had not yet arrived).
Keith Owens, director of the Washington County Parks and Recreation Department, advised the Council of upcoming plans for the Beaverdam Creek Park, including metal roofing on dugouts, protective covering on fences, lighting the unlit fields, obtaining scoreboards, and clearing out brush along the fence line. Also, Mr. Bebber offered his assistance, if needed.
More discussion was held about soil mixture, base placement, fencing, etc…
Mr. Morgan asked if the Town was going to have access to the utility field during Trail Days, and Mr. Owens answered yes.
Mr. Owens reported receiving a letter from the Ms. Pope reserving the ballfield complex from Wednesday (May 16th) through Sunday (May 20th), for use during Trail Days.
Committee Reports
Budget, Finance and Administration:
Mr. Greene gave the following treasurer’s report:
We will soon begin preparations for the spring real estate tax billing due May 15. We have currently collected 89% of the real estate tax and 79% of the personal property tax billed for 2011 tax year.
Also, a current employee vehicle use policy was presented to the Council for adoption.
Mr. Dene suggested circulating the proposed policy around to all the department heads, after adopting the proposed policy, to check for needed modifications or corrections.
Streets, Lights and Maintenance:
Mr. Greer reported that one of the public works trucks has broken down, and is currently in the shop for repair.
Mr. Greer suggested taking applications for another full time employee for the maintenance department.
Sewer, Water and Sanitation:
Mr. Upchurch reported that one of the old clarifiers at the sewer treatment plant had quit working, and had to be repaired.
Parks and Recreation:
Mr. Hayes reported Trail Days preparations are underway. The next meeting will be March 1st at 6:30pm.
Planning Commission:
Nothing to report at this time.
Police:
Chief Nunley submitted to the Council a detailed monthly report, as follows:
During the month of January, the police department has attended many different training classes and seminars. The Damascus Police Department now has two members on the Regional Fire and Explosive Task Force team. This team has members from multiple law enforcement agencies participating from this area. All members of the team are certified Virginia 1033 Fire Investigators.
The two narcotic k-9s have been purchased and the first k-9 will be ready for service in the next sixty days. Numerous saturation patrols have been conducted this month by officers of the department. During the month of February the department will continue with the Check Point Strike Force patrols during different times throughout the month.
Officers Johnson and Miller have started the fifteen week police academy and are doing well.
Attached is a copy of the new mutual aid agreement between the Town of Damascus and the Washington County Sheriffs Office. This mutual aid agreement will require the approval and signature of the Town Council and a signature from the Town Mayor. Upon review, I do not see any problems with this mutual aid agreement, and recommend approval.
The Neighborhood Watch Program will be hosting its second Methamphetamine Awareness Program on February 23rd, 2012 at 7:00PM at the Town Hall. All the public and businesses are invited to attend.
On February 17th, 2012 I will be attending a state accreditation manager meeting in Richmond Virginia. This meeting is mandatory for agencies seeking state accreditation.
As always, feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns.
Special Committees:
Mayor McCrady reported that Damascus advisory tourism committee met in January, and the next meeting date is still to be determined.
Manager’s Report
Mr. Sizemore submitted the following report:
OLD BUSINESS
Sewer Study
The Washington County Service Authority has submitted a transfer of ownership request to Rural Development which is currently under review.
Daniel Boon Trial Turn Around
The current survey showing the two parcels to be considered for easement swapping (between the Knapps and the Town’s Creeper Trail right of way) is attached.
A discussion followed and the Council came to a consensus directing the attorney to move forward with the project.
Damascus Library
A letter requesting reimbursement for up to $3,000 has been submitted to Washington County, which if approved will allow the Town maintenance crew to pipe and fill the ditch created during the library construction project.
Beaverdam Creek Trail project update
A full submission has now been turned into the Virginia Department of Transportation for approval, which can take up to three months.
NEW BUISNESS
Frost Lane
In response to a letter submitted last month, the Maintenance Department has made improvement to the drainage ditch in question and made better access to the property from Textile St.
Council Members Reports
Mr. Morgan raised concerns about improvements needed at the pool to remain in compliance with federal regulations.
Mr. Dene commented that he is watching the ADA regulation requirements for pools, and advised that no changes are necessary at this time.
Attorney Report
Mr. Dene reported the following topics for discussion in closed session:
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Discussion of the performance of the Police Department, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (1).
Old Business
Discussion resumed concerning the wireless network proposal that was submitted to the Town at the last Council meeting. The project is expected not to exceed $10,000.
New Business
Mr. Morgan presented the Council with a pool project list that, if everything is approved at the listed price, will total around $30,000.
Mayor McCrady commented that during the last operating season the pool expenses far exceeded the pool income, and this topic needs to be considered during budget planning.
Mr. Greer suggested spacing out the upgrades over the next couple of years.
Mr. Bebber suggested approving the entire list and start working on it right away, but not all the improvements at once.
Mr. Greene suggested going ahead with projects before the pool opens for the season, instead of waiting until May for budget meetings.
Mr. Upchurch commented that sidewalks in town are in need of repair, and recommended they take priority over the pool.
Additional discussion followed, and the Mayor and attorney agreed that the large money projects must be put out for bid. They also asked the Town Treasurer to check with local banks about resuming a line of credit for the expenditures.
Mr. Bebber reported being approached by some citizens who are interested in the set-up of a farmer’s market in the Baptist Church parking lot on Saturdays, if the Council is open to the idea.
The Council supported the idea.
Mr. Bebber also reported being contacted about a lady who is moving to Damascus, and wishes to pursue publishing a Damascus newspaper.
Citizens Comments
Geneva Campbell, 710 Mock Ave., voiced concern to the Council for a second time that a ditch in front of her house needs to have a drainage pipe installed and then filled up with dirt before an accident occurs.
Shirley Brand, 124 Commerce St., reported that the Washington County library’s ‘A tisket, a tasket, a literary basket!’ fundraiser will contribute all funds raised this year to the new Damascus branch library for fixtures. All donations will be appreciated.
Mayor McCrady recognized that Damascus came in third in the Coolest Small Towns in America contest, and the area newspapers did a great job covering the contest.
Mr. Greene commented that by his calculations, Damascus is number one.
Announcements
Mayor McCrady reminded everyone that Town Hall will be closed on February 20th, for President’s Day.
Consent Agenda
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Motion was made to certify by Mr. Bebber, 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
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Mr. Greer made a motion to authorize and direct the Chief of Police to purchase up to $2,500 of ammunition for the police department, at a price not to exceed the lowest of three bids; 2nd by Mr. Bebber (6-0).
Mr. Hayes made a motion to adopt a resolution approving the mutual aid agreement between the Town of Damascus, the Damascus Police Chief, the Washington County Sheriff, and the Washington County Board of Supervisors; 2nd by Mr. Greer (6-0).
_____________________________ ______________________________
Jack McCrady, Mayor
Tuesday Pope, Clerk
DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES FOR MARCH 5, 2012
Council Members Present: Don Morgan, Mitchel Greer, Tony Bebber, Ken Upchurch, Lannis Greene and Tom Hayes
Council Members Absent: None
Jack McCrady, Mayor Thomas Dene, Town Attorney
Tuesday Pope, Town Clerk Bill Pafford, Town Treasurer
Aaron Sizemore, Town Manager
7:00pm: Mayor McCrady called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation.
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Mr. Upchurch made a motion to approve the February 6, 2012 Regular Council Meeting minutes as written; 2nd by Mr. Bebber (6-0).
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Mr. Bebber made a motion to approve the agenda, as presented, 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Mr. Morgan proposed the following addendum to the regular Council meeting minutes on Feb. 6, 2012:
During discussions concerning town pool projects for 2012, the question of installing a handicapped power lift came up and on advice of the Town Attorney to not be concerned with installing the aforementioned power lift, the decision was made by Council to remove this item from the project list.
Mr. Dene clarified that the handicapped access will not be required to be installed for the 2012 swim season, but the Council will need to move in a direction of planning to comply with this new regulation.
Mr. Sizemore suggested building this improvement into the upcoming budgets.
Committee Reports
Budget, Finance and Administration:
Mr. Greene presented the following Treasurer’s report:
We will soon begin preparations for the spring real estate tax billing due May 15. We have currently collected 89% of the real estate tax and 79% of the personal property tax billed for 2011 tax year.
At the last Council meeting, the Council asked the Treasurer to check into the options concerning opening a line of credit for certain Town expenditures. Mr. Pafford reported that the Bank of Damascus offers the option we are looking for.
The employee health insurance cost will increase by 1.15% starting July 1st, and their co-pays will start counting toward their annual deductible.
Also, the budget planning meetings need to be scheduled in the near future so it can be finished by the end of May.
Streets, Lights and Maintenance:
Mr. Greer reported the Maintenance Dept. is almost finished with the library ditch project, and has been working on refurbishing picnic tables for the park and pool.
Also, applications are still being taken to fill a full-time position within the department.
Sewer, Water and Sanitation:
Mr. Upchurch reported that a clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant is still broken because there has been too much water flow to drain the tank and fix it (it has been running over 500,000 gallons and until it’s less than 100,000 gallons, the tank can’t be drained). There is a possibility that there are some down spouts and rain gutters draining into the sewer system, creating some extra water flow. Also, the generator has been serviced, and another PLC (Programmable Logic Control system for the fine screen unit) has been purchased for the plant.
Parks and Recreation:
Mr. Hayes reported the vendor applications for Trail Days are still coming in, and preparations are well underway.
Planning Commission:
Nothing to report at this time.
Police:
Chief Nunley submitted to the Council a detailed monthly report, as follows:
The Damascus Police Department had a very productive month. The Town received $5,500.00 in reimbursement from the Division of Motor Vehicles for saturation patrols and road checks conducted during the last quarter. The police department completed additional saturation patrols during this quarter resulting in numerous citations and arrests. The two police officers attending the police academy are doing well academically and physically. These officers are now starting week five of the sixteen week academy program.
The police department has received several pieces of equipment this month through the Military Surplus Program to include 5 patrol rifles and 2 hummers. These vehicles have very low mileage and are in great running condition. The police department is currently obtaining bids for painting of the vehicles.
The police department auxiliary program is again on active status as of March 1st, 2012. Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is now allowing these officers to perform their assigned duties. In the near future, DCJS will mandate all training needed for auxiliary officers across the State of Virginia. This decision was made just in time for the auxiliary officers to assist during the annual Trail Days event.
The Damascus Police Department and the Damascus Neighborhood Watch program sponsored another Methamphetamine Watch presentation on February 23rd, 2012 at Town Hall. The police department has received several requests for this presentation to be presented at churches and private businesses. These are being scheduled as requests are received and time allows.
Last year the Town of Damascus applied for a grant through the U.S. Department of Justice that would provide one additional officer to the police force. The Town of Damascus wasn’t selected to receive this grant nor was any agency in Southwest Virginia. The Department of Justice advises now the Town is eligible for this grant with many changes being proposed. This grant no longer pays 100% of all costs. This grant now offers to pay 75% of costs with a 25% local cash match. I would like the opportunity during closed session to explain the additional requirements needed to qualify for this grant. The deadline to apply is May 22nd, 2012.
The police department will be conducting another National Drug Take Back on April 28th, 2012. The police department and other representatives will be setup in the Food City parking lot in Damascus collecting any medications no longer needed by the public. This event has been very successful in the past and we are looking forward to another good turnout.
As always, feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns.
Special Committees:
Marianna Farmer presented the Council with a committee letter from the Damascus Veteran’s Memorial project, including a budget request of $3,000 for the 2012-13 fiscal year, detailed expense report, and audit. Ms. Farmer also gave the Council an updated status report on the project, and requested permission to set up a smoker at the site to sell BBQ dinners during Trail Days, as a fundraiser for the memorial project.
Manager’s Report
Mr. Sizemore submitted the following report:
OLD BUSINESS
Daniel Boon Trail Turn Around
A deed is being worked up. The surveyor will need to prepare a plat showing the two properties before going through the public hearing process, then an ordinance will be proposed.
Damascus Library
The county has approved the letter requesting reimbursement for the Town maintenance crew to pipe and fill the ditch created by the library project. The work is underway.
NEW BUISNESS
Hazard Mitigation Plan Renewal
A resolution adopting the revised regional hazard mitigation plan has been generated. There were no changes involving the Town of Damascus. The resolution will be presented to the Council for adoption.
South West Cultural Heritage Foundation Funding Request
The Council will take the funding request into consideration during budget meetings for the next fiscal year.
Economic Bridge Funding Request
The Council will take the funding request into consideration during budget meetings for the next fiscal year.
Attorney Report
Mr. Dene reported contacting the property owner (previously Sally Patterson), as requested by the Mayor, and they are not interested in renting out camping spaces during Trail Days this year.
There are still communications with a garbage collection company that has asked to provide a bid for residential trash pick-up.
Mr. Dene said he would speak with an account representative at the Bank of Damascus about opening a line of credit for the Town, and create an ordinance to be presented for adoption.
Mr. Dene presented to the Council with a proposed ordinance to amend the Town code to allow the Council to decide how to go about selling pieces of property.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS
50-152, 50-154 AND 50-157 OF THE
2002 CODE OF DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED that:
1. Section 50-152 of the 2002 Code of the Town of Damascus, Virginia shall be and hereby is amended to provide as follows:
All parcels or tracts of real estate owned by the town may be sold by means of public or private sale, the manner of sale to be prescribed by a three-fourths vote of the council.
2. Section 50-154 of the 2002 Code of the Town of Damascus, Virginia shall be and hereby is amended to provide:
No parcel or tract of real estate owned by the town may be sold to any private person by means of private sale until a monetary value has been affixed to the property by means of a professional real estate appraisal and the fair market value as established by this appraisal accepted by a three-fourths vote of the council at a regularly scheduled meeting. An appraisal of no more than seven years of age performed by a professional real estate appraiser may be accepted as the fair market value upon three-fourths vote of the council. In the case of real property located within the corporate limits of the Town the purchaser of the property shall be required to file an application for zoning permit with the town and appear in person at a regularly scheduled meeting and announce publicly the desire to purchase the property and the intended use of the property upon its purchase. The council shall then vote on the sale of the property, a three-fourths vote being required to accept the offer of purchase. In no instance may the town accept less than the appraised fair market value of the property unless a lesser figure is accepted by a unanimous vote of the council.
3. Section 50-157 of the 2002 Code of the Town of Damascus, Virginia shall be and hereby is amended to provide:
Unless otherwise provided for, approval for all actions taken in this article shall be by a three-fourths vote of the council.
This ordinance shall become effective on April 5, 2012.
Mr. Dene reported the following topics for discussion in closed session:
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Discussion and consideration of the performance of the Police Department, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (1).
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Discussion and consideration of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, and discussion and consideration of the terms and scope of such contract, when discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the Town, per VA Code Sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (30).
Old Business
1. Rep fee: Mr. Hayes informed the Council that the Trail Days Committee wishes to start charging the Manufacturer’s representatives, who set up in the campground during Trail Days to perform free services to hiker’s gear, a fee of $50. This $50 fee will also include two wristbands and two parking spaces beside/behind their spaces, which alone is a $50 value. Mr. Greene suggested the amount to charge be $100 due to the value of the advertising these companies receive while their reps are set up at Trail Days. A short discussion followed.
2. Town wireless project: Mr. Pafford informed the Council of a decision that needs to be made concerning where the wireless equipment will be placed. The equipment can be either mounted on the power poles (owned by Appalachian Power), or on buildings in town (owned by various individuals). The most stable and effective option will be to use the power poles, if we are granted permission to do so (the power company has been contacted several times over the past weeks, but hasn’t replied with an answer yet). We will need to tie into the wireless connection on three separate buildings through town: Mojoe’s, a building on Laurel Ave. owned by Mike Cole, and in the park (which will have to add at the gazebo). The install dates for the equipment are scheduled for March 15-17, and the wireless range should reach all of the town park, Laurel Ave, Douglas Dr., and down to Mojoe’s.
3. Pool project bids: Mr. Sizemore reported that there were bids advertised for, and collected, concerning the four big money items on the project list presented at the last Council meeting. Those four items were: re-plumbing the chemical room; installing a filter, motor, and pump to the baby pool (completely separate from the big pool); refinishing the pool decking; and adding a water feature to the baby pool. Mr. Sizemore asked three companies to come look at the project list/site, and give estimates. One company submitted a bid, another company looked and declined the projects, and the other looked and hasn’t submitted their bid as of yet. The total estimate from the one bid we have received so far is $24,425.
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Mr. Bebber made a motion to move forward with the following pool projects, not to exceed $11,000: filter and pump room, small building to house the pool covers, re-plumb the mechanical room, and the purchase of a shelter/shade canopy (everything except the decking and water feature); 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Mayor McCrady asked the Council their thoughts on asking if the county wants to look into the option of taking over or leasing the pool. There was a lengthy discussion, with some in favor and some not. The Mayor asked the Council to authorize him, along with the Town Manager, to pursue discussing the option with county officials.
Mr. Greene asked if the Mayor thought the county could have an answer in the next couple of weeks, because the Town needs to get started on the projects soon in order to have them finished in time for the 2012 swim season.
Mayor McCrady responded that he would try to get an idea soon on whether or not the county may be interested in looking into the possibility.
New Business
Mr. Greer is working toward securing donations and materials for some of the proposed pool projects, and asked to be provided with a materials list.
Mayor McCrady also offered to help out with half the cost of labor on some of the projects.
The Damascus Little League has asked to use the Town Hall on Saturday, March 31st from 2-4pm, for an umpire’s clinic.
A police officer will be available to unlock the facility, and lock it back afterwards.
Council Members Reports
None at this time.
Citizens Comments
Terry Kammer, 125 East Laurel Ave., questioned the Council’s process of pool expense money allocation that had just taken place because it seems a public hearing was avoided.
Mayor McCrady replied that if the Council sees fit to spend over 1% of the Town’s annual budget on something that wasn’t budgeted for, then a public hearing must be held. In the conversation about the proposed pool projects, the Council cut down the project list to only the items that are necessary for the pool to operate this year. Some of the less necessary project items can be revisited in the next fiscal year.
Consent Agenda
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Motion was made to certify by Mr. Hayes, 2nd by Mr. Greene (6-0).
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Motion was made by Mr. Bebber to adopt the proposed resolution approving the Regional Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan (which follows), 2nd by Mr. Hayes (6-0).
Resolution Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan
Whereas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Emergency Management, and the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission agree that a regional Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan shall be developed for the Mount Rogers Planning District; and
Whereas, the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission has completed the necessary tasks required by the agreement between the Virginia’s Department of Emergency Management and the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission; and
Whereas, the Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan contains risk assessments and potential losses of each of the identified hazards, a mitigation strategy to reduce or eliminate the risk of damage from future incidents, and a process to update the plan every five (5) years, thereby making the Town of Damascus, Virginia, a jurisdiction of the Mount Rogers Planning District, eligible for hazard mitigation grant assistance.
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Town of Damascus adopts the Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Jack McCrady, Mayor
Tuesday Pope, Clerk
