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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/2011 - Regular MINUTES OF A COUNCIL IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 0. 0 P.M. ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 155, 2011, AT THE CRAIG AVENUE RECREATION CENTER LOCATED AT'90 CHESTNUT STREET,'VINTON, VIRGINIA, MEMBERS PRESENT: BradleyE. Grose, Mayor Vide Mayor Carolyn D, Fidler Robert R. Altice Matthew S. Hare William W. Nance STAFF PRESENT: Christopher Ss Lawrence, Town Manager Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk Michael Kennedy, Public Works Director Joey Hiner, Assistant Public Works Director Ben Cook, Police Chief Christopher Linkous, Fire/EMS Captain Lauren Hodges, Facilities Manager Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer Anita McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director Penny Beyer Consuella Caudill, Assistant Town Manager/Economic Development Manager The Mayor opened the meeting at 6:30 pm. and welcomed everyone in attendance. Joe Banks of 315 Franklin Avenue commented on some kids that were in the neighborhood recently and appeared to be hanging around the house that has been burned at 856 Chestnut Street. He wandered if it could be boarded up: Anita McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director, explained that someone had brought that property and is in the process of gaining entrance to the property so it can be demolished: She further commented that he had been in the Planning Office to pick up the proper forms some time ago, but they could possibly write a letter to the new owner. Mr. Nance commented that Ms: McMillan is right that we need to give the new owners an opportunity to work on improving the property, but there seems to be a zoning issue as well as a law enforcement issue that we can look at. At this time all the town staff and several police officers who were present were introduced to the group. The Town Manager introduced Doug Blount, the County's Associate Director of Parks and Recreation, who will be the Director effective January 1, 2012. He welcomed the group to the Craig Center: Allen Casey of 100 Giles Avenue asked Council about the widening of Giles Avenue and putting it in the upcoming budget. It was planned as part of the revitalization of the neighborhood in 1987 when Dick Cranwell got the grant for the Town and he would like to see results this year. The Mayor commented that the upcoming budget will again be a tight budget and that the Town does not get the funding from the State that they need to assist with highway construction and maintenance. Mr. Altice indicated that the original grant was not fully funded. The Mayor expressed thanks to the community for inviting Council to the Cladetown Reunion. The Town Manager introduced Anita McMillan who gave an update on the natural trail that is being developed around the detention basin. The project was stepped because they needed property to create a pedestrian bridge and now Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Wood have donated a piece of property for this purpose. In the upcoming months, volunteers will begin working on the trail. She also indicated that she had a map of the new trail and information can all the greenway trails for citizens to pick up after the meeting. Mike Kennedy made brief comments on some information he had available for citizens to pick up relating to water, wastewater and stormwater management. He showed the backtlow prevention device which is for your outside water hose: He explained the purpose of the device and indicated that he had brought enough for each household to have one at no charge. He also commented on the current Recycle and Win Program and that the Town has picked up around 25 new recyclers since the Program started and encouraged those who are not recycling to call Public Works for their free container: A citizen asked if there were covers for the containers of newspapers to keep the papers from getting wet. Mr. Kennedy replied that they do not have covers, but they will take the paper wet, but appreciate those who put the papers in plastic bags. Mr. Hare commented that the community has a neighborhood watch program and are there any crime issues that have been brought up in their meetings. James Childress indicated that they had problems in the past, but they addressed them in their meetings. Mr. Casey asked if could put something`over the large grates over the stormwater inlets to keep someone from getting hurt. The Town Manager commented any specific issues, rather large or small, are important and this type of meeting helps staff to be advised of these issues. The citizens know more about the issues in their own neighborhood because they live there. 2 The Mayer announced that the first three Saturdays in December from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon, the Mayor or Vice Mayer and one other Council member will be in Council Chambers to meet with any citizens who would like to come. Vice Mayor Fidler commented that she is looking forward to the Saturday morning meetings: The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Mayor introduced Susan Johnson;the Town Clerk; and asked her to call the roll, The Clerk called the roll with Council Member Altice Council Member Hare, Council Member Nance, dice Mayer Fidler and Mayor Grose present. The Mayor introduced the Moment f Silence and Mr. Altice led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag, Under consent agenda, upon motion by Vice Mayer Fidler, Approved minutes of October seconded by Mr. Hare, with a -g vote, Council approved the 25, November 1, November 2; minutes as presented. and November g, 2011 Mr. Hare read a letter from Chief Cook naming Master Police Officer Matt Harris as Police Officer for the month of October. Police Chief Ben Cook gave comments on: the National Prescription Drug Take-Sack Initiative. The Program was started about two years ago nationwide and is designed to collect unused, unwanted or expired medications. The Police Department participated on October 29 at the Kroger in Vinton and our officers collected 112 pounds of prescription medication. Vice Mayor Fidler asked if there are places to take these medications at other times and Mr. Cook indicated they are discussing doing the collection every six months. The Mayor thanked staff for coming to the meeting tonight and for their participation in the recent State of the Town address at the War Memorial. He mentioned a Proclamation that had been prepared in recognition of the Bicentennial of the American Mar of 112 in Virginia and another reminder of the Saturday morning informal meetings in December. Comments from Council — Vice Mayor Fidler commented on the Citizen's Police Academy and invited the citizens to participate; She also encouraged the citizens to go and see the Higher` Ground Monument at the War Memorial if they had not done so. She thanked the citizens who were in attendance and reminded them that Council members are always available to talk with them concerning any issues. Mr. Altice also thanked the citizens for allowing Council to hold their meeting in the community. Mr. Nance briefed Council on the September 2011 financial report. The General Fund is basically on target as far as revenues are concerned at this point-96%. Expenditures were a little below projection based on personnel vacancies, Can the Utility Fund side, revenues are above projection at this time and expenditures are also down. The Mate sales taxes are up from last year, Mr. Dance also commented that the first proposed budget from the Governor's Office has a $300,000 reduction in our highway maintenance fund for next year. Upon motion by Mr. Altice; seconded by Vice Mayor Fidler; with 5- Approved the September 30, 0 vote; Council approved the September 30, 2011 financial report; 2011 financial report. Mr. Nance apologized for not being able to attend the reception before the meeting due to being under the weather. He also expressed his appreciation for the large turnout and for the support of this community. Mr, Hare also expressed his thanks for the attendance at the meeting. He also mentioned the SuyVinton Week which will run the week of November 27-December 3 and encouraged citizens to shop and buy local as much as they can, He also commented about the intersection of Washington and By-Pass Road and if the Highway Safety Commission can look at it. The Town Manager said a meeting is scheduled for December 8th and that item is on the agenda. The Mayor made comments on how important partnerships are and he appreciates the partnership this community has with the Town. Thomas Harper of 119 Franklin Avenue expressed his appreciation on behalf of the group for Council taking the time to hold their meeting in the community, The meeting was recessed back to the Municipal Building for a closed session, The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 8 00 p.m. The Town Manager called the roll with Council Member Altice, Council Member Hare; Council Member Nance, Vice Mayor Fidler and Mayor Grose present, Stephanie Dearing, Human Resources Director joined the meeting, The Mayor advised that Council needed to go into a Closed Meeting pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as Amended; for Discussion or Consideration of Personnel Matters to Interview Candidates for Police Chief Position, On motion by Mr. Nance; seconded by Vice Mayor Fidler, with a vote of -0, Council went into Closed Meeting at 8:05 p,im, 4 At 9:32 pm., the regular meeting reconvened and the Certification that the Closed Meeting was held in accordance with Mate Code requirements was approved can motion by Mr: Nance, seconded by Mr. Hare; with a -g vote: The meeting was adjourned at 9 37 p.m APP OVEDl c =,'ITS( Bradley E. se, Mifro ITT: -�v Qs $-Alt` Susan N. Johnson,TUwn Clerk 5