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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/18/2014 - Regular MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00 P.K ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Matthew S. Hare, Vice Mayor 1. Douglas Adams, Jr. William W. Nance Sabrina M. Weeks STAFF PRESENT- Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager Elizabeth Dillon, Town Attorney Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk Ryan Spitzer, Assistant Town Manager Gary Woodson, Public Works Director Barry Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer Ben Cook, Police Chief Joey Hiner, Public Works Assistant Director Chris Linkous, Fire/EMS Captain Glenn Austin, Lieutenant-Patrol Valerie Cummings, Sergeant-Professional Standards The Mayor called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. for an update on renovations to the Farmers' Market as part of the $700,000 CDBG Project. Ryan Spitzer began by commenting that he would make this presentation to Council tonight and then bring it back for formal action at the first meeting in December. They would like to advertise the bids during the month of December and have the bid opening in January. The goal is to have the Farmers' Market renovations completed before the Dogwood Festival in April. He began with a slide showing the current Farmer's Market including the 11 parking spaces along Lee Avenue. The proposal is to eliminate six of these spaces. The next slide was an aerial view of the Market. The new proposed design of the Market was shown on the next slide. The five parking spaces along Lee Avenue that will remain will be angled parking with seat walls in the front of each space for people to sit on during events at the Farmers' Market or other events downtown. There will also be a grassed area to conform with the pervious parking arrangement with the grant. Vendors can also use this area for placing tents and selling their wares. In front of the stage, brick pavers will be placed over the concrete with a concrete wall erected on the side of the stage along Walnut Avenue. This design was approved by the Downtown Management Team. Their basis for this design is to move the stage area towards a "House of Blues"feel with the concrete and a distressed barn look for the building behind the stage. This would be a second phase to the grant: Vice Mayor bare asked about the angle of the sitting wall and Mr. Spitzer commented that they are angled to Deep in line with the front of the stage area. Mr. Adams asked about the trees in the proposed design and Mr. Spitzer commented there will be three placed in the area. Mr. Dance commented if they would black the view of spectators when someone is performing on the stage area and there is a large crowd, Mr. Spitzer further commented that the plan is to purchase trees that will be tall enough to not black the view of the stage.. Mr. Spitzer next commented that at the corner there is a flagpole and a 911 Memorial that the Woodmen donated to the Tower. He is in discussion with the Woodmen to either relocate the Memorial temporarily during construction or to relocate the flagpole and the Memorial permanently near the existing Farmers' Market sign. The next slide showed a diagram of the proposed seat wall. The top of the walls will be level with the seating level based on the slope of the ground. The walls will be concrete on top and the ends with corrugated tin underneath. The idea behind the blouse of Blues feel is to create a unique space at the Farmers' Market when: people will want to come. r. Spitzer continued by commenting that there is also discussion about doing some type of street painting between the stage and the Market to dive a more defined area, but it will have to be done as another phase of the property; not with the grant. The Mayor asked about putting the brick pavers in the area which is typically used for dancing. Mr. Spitzer responded that since there may be only four events that people- actually dance at; an option is to put clown a removal dance floor. The pavers will be close together and will allow for most dancing without high heels: There will be three bollards to keep vehicles from backing up onto the brick area.. Also, the wall to be placed along the stage area will be similar to the seat walls with space 2 to add a name. An idea that came from the Management Team was to sell the space to be named for improvements to the stage area. The Town Manager commented on the painting of the read surface. The concept is about how to brine an urban functional road system environment into an amphitheater/ music venue/special events center when the reads are closed off. The painting could be anything from the new Town branding logo to just a contemporary mural of colors; The stage is very utilitarian and we want to transfer it to fit more of a theme. This will require additional funds because it was not in our original grant proposal. However, once we have accomplished our set goals and there are funds left over, we may be able to ask them to be transferred over to another project. if not, it can become a public project that may have an opportunity for some naming rights if private entity would be interested in contributing some funds for this next phase. The original plan included funds to re-arrange the entire entrance to the Farmers' Market. however, the Management Team looked at the concept and agreed to not do this because it added no value to the project. These funds will be used for more aesthetic improvements. r. Spitzer commented that the original budget for the Farmer's Market was $114,000. The budget and proposed plan►just presented i $1`l2,000. Mice Mayor Aare asked about the useful life of the proposed design plan since we tend to build and renovate expecting to get 10 to 20 years out of them. Mr. Spitzer responded that the "House of Blues" feel will be accomplished through paint with no major faade work dune. Anything that we do with this concept can be changed in years to come; The only items that will have an extended period of life will be the concrete seat walls along the stage area and at the parking spaces. Mtn. Nance commented this is to bring the stage area into a more useful and aesthetically clean venue position and not necessarily trying to open the area: for greater opportunities such as a concert venue. Mr. Spitzer responded that this concept will not bring in larger bands unless the stage is expanded. 3 The Mayor expressed concerns about the hands getting their equipment in and out around the concrete barriers and the trees being obstacles where they are proposed to e located. The Town Manager commented that the barriers will not be a limiting factor for a<band. Mr. lance commented that the Farmers' Market structure itself is much higher than the stage. At the Mingles at the Market there are people standing all the way back at the Market watching the lurid and these two trees will block that line of site. He also commented that the brick pavers look nice, but why are we putting in something that it going to retire the purchase of another floor for a dancing surface. Ms. Leeks asked if the trees could be moved out and do different landscaping in these areas. The Town Manager responded that the trees could be placed on the other sides of the entrances. Nis. Weeks then commented that she would like to see more specifics on the seating walls and the trees. Mr. Spitzer commented that the trees are a suggestion, but are not a requirement. The Town Manager stated that we can do landscaping or just grass the area. The idea o trees was for shading and to get some trees in the downtown area. The Mayor next commented that we need to do something to improve the stage area and he would like to see all of funds spent on that area. Mr. Spitzer commented that he would ask DICD if we can use the funds for improvements to the stage area and building, Mr. Spitzer next commented that the grant also includes 11,470 for improvements to the Virginia/Pollard intersection with tree plantings, low maintenance flowers and new signage. The streetlights construction will begin on December 1st. The section of Lee Street from Pollard to Maple will be done first to limit construction during the Christmas season for the businesses there: We will then move across Pollard to the other section of Lee Street which should be completed in two weeks. It will then take six weeks to complete Pollard Street. At the end of eight weeks, all of the concrete bases will be in place and ready for AEP to crime in and put the streetlights in. 4 The next item on the work session was an update on final design and bidding for renovations to the Fire Department building.. The Town Manager commented that the bids were put out on Sunday and a mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for December 3rd at the Fine House. All the bids are due in on December 12t" and the bid opening will be at 2:00 p,m. if we are able to award a bid, we will bring it back to Council for their final approval: The budget amount is $300,000 and the County has agreed to pay 50% to$150,000. The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:10 Rol call .m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member Adams; Council Member Nance, Council Member Weeks, Vice Mayor Hare and Mayor Grose present. After Moment of Silence, Doug Forbes led the fledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Under upcoming community events/announcements, Mr. Adams reminded everyone of the Breakfast Lions Club spaghetti dinner on December 4t''. Ms. Weeks reminded everyone of the Christmas Parade on December 4th. The State of the Town will be on November 20th at 8:00 a.m.at the War Memorial. The Chamber Holiday Open House will be on December 15't'from 5: 0 pm to 7:00 pm. t the War Memorial, there will be a Holiday Concert and Afternoon Social on December 7th at 3: 0 p.m. presented by the Roanoke Valley hildren's Choir and Madeline's Christmas on December 1'3th from 9:00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Vice Mayor bare announced the Holiday Open House at the History Museum on December 6th from 1 :00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Council Member Nance made a motion to approve the Approved minutes for the regular Consent Agenda as presented; the motion was seconded Council meetings of October 21 by slice Mayor Hare and carried by the following vote, with 2014 and November 4, 2014 all members voting: Vote 5- ; Yeas (5) --Adams; Dance, Weeks, Hare, Grose, Nays (0). The next item on the agenda was the recognition of the Police Department for their 4th .Accreditation Status. The Town Manager introduced Sheriff Ric Adkins from the City of Salem and Gary Dillon, Program Director for the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. Sheriff Adkins made comments and awarded the Pe-accreditation Certificate to Chief Cook on behalf of his department.: Chief Cook recognized Lieutenant Glenn Austin and Sergeant Valerie Cummings who were also present. 5 Council Member Nance read a Memo from Chief Cook naming Sergeant Timothy Lawless as Officer of the Month for October. Under citizens' comments and petitions, Doug Forbes commented regarding the need to expand the current History Museum and would like for Council to take whatever action is necessary for the Historical Society to begin a fundraising campaign for this purpose. The Mayor directed that the matter be put on an upcoming agenda for Council consideration. The next item for consideration was a Resolution approving a General Fund Reserve Policy. Barry Thompson made brief comments regarding the Policy. This Policy establishes a minimum General Fund reserve target for a reserve for economic uncertainty, for emergencies and for working capital. The reserve will be equal to two months of discretionary General Fund revenues which based on the current budget will be $1,270,732. This Policy also allows the transfer of up to $700,000 for working capital for those periods where expenditures exceed revenues with the understanding that those funds would be replaced by the end of the fiscal year. The Policy will be reviewed each year and the reserve amount will be established based on the operating budget for that fiscal year. Vice Mayor Hare commented that the Finance Committee reviewed the Policy and recommends that Council approve it as presented. He then made a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by Council Member Nance and carried by the following roll Adopted Resolution No. 2089 call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) — approving a General Fund Adams, Nance, Weeks, Hare, Grose, Nays (0). Reserve Policy The next item was to consider adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Invoke Ministries, Inc. for a skatepark at 151 West Jackson Avenue, Mr. Spitzer began by commenting that this matter has been discussed on several different occasions with Council and this is a formal presentation on a proposed site plan and Memorandum of Understanding. Mr. Spitzer next began with a PowerPoint presentation. The first slide showed an aerial view of the property. The next slide showed the proposed improvements. The area that is currently graveled will remain a parking area with wood around the area. The two concrete slabs will be repaired and covered with a sports turf surface. This surface Will give a smooth surface for the skateboarders and BMX riders to skate on. This is the same type of surface that you typically see on a tennis or basketball court. The ramps will be set up on the surface to promote flaw and a concrete ramp will be created for transition between the tip and bottom slabs. The area that is currently blacktop will be used for more street-type skating. The area will be bordered by a four-feat black fence to beep skateboards out of the street and to keep vehicles from parking onto the area. There will also be a fence erected between the site and the Municipal Building parking lot to prevent skating from the parking lot onto the concrete slabs. Concrete steps will be built down to the skateboard site for those who may use our parking lot for vehicle parking. The cost to do the improvements will be $20,000. The recommendation is for the Town to purchase all of the materials with some of the labor and equipment to be provide by individuals who are in construction and partners with Renewanation. Mr. Spitzer next commented that in the design process, they looked at the 10 tenets of a successful skatepark from the Tony Hawk Foundation. He then briefly reviewed the 11 tenents and indicated that all of them will be met with this proposed skatepark plan except that the ramps will be steel and woad instead of concrete. Mr. Spitzer next reviewed some of the key sections in the draft Memorandum of understanding that was provided to Council prior to the meeting. Cue to the fact that Invoke Ministries has not completed the process to become a 501c3 corporation; Renewanation will be the entity to execute this MOU This can be amended to change the parties. The premises will only be for approved uses. However, if any other organization desired to use the premises, the Town will have to approve such use. The Town has agreed to maintain the site itself and Invoke Ministries will maintain the ramps. They have agreed to do programming at least twice a month and scheduling some teaching sessions during the summer months and some bigger events. The Town will place trash bins on the premises and trash pick-up will follow the same schedule as the other downtown areas After big events, Invoke will clean up the premises. We will be meeting with AEP on December 2nd regarding putting some type of lights can the two existing poles that are can the site. We have also agreed to provide electricity to the site to be used for their events. 7 Regarding hours of operation, the MOO states that Monday through Saturday the pare will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, when Invoke Ministries is holding events the park can remain open until 10:00 p.m. Sunday hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to :00 p.m. In response to a question of how will the park be closed, Mr. Spitzer commented that we can have the lights programmed to turn off at the designated time. 1e do not recommend that because we do not want the area to remain dark. Basically, the signage will give the operation times. The signs will also state that skaters must wear helmets, knee pads and other protections among other things. The Town Manager commented that we will have the authority to ask anyone to leave by establishing the rules and posting them on the property. It may require a police Officer and we will work with our adjacent churches to make sure they know who to call if they Have an issue. The MOU also provides for an option to renew by a 60 days' notice or to terminate by a 90 clays' notice by either party. R:eneaation,has liability insurance and we have provided that they have 1 million with the Town listed as an additional insured. We are proposing to have the ramps inspected once a month and we will finalize the details of who will handle this Inspection for us Mr. Adams asked about designating the parking area that is now being used by Fire and EMS personnel. The Town Manager responded that these spaces will be reserved and marked for emergency personnel. Curing any event, we will be sure that accessibility is provided for Fire and EMS. The Mayor reiterated that if an event is being sponsored b Invoke Ministries that their Insurance will cover that activity and at any other time our general liability insurance through VML will cover. Vice Mayor Hare asked about providing restroom facilities for the site. Mr. Spitzer commented that we can provide port- John service at the cast of 0 per month. Mr. Hare further commented that perhaps we should plan for it now or come up with an alternative. Mr. Spitzer further commented that the only alternative is that during the summer the Farmers' Market re trooms are ripen during daylight hours and that the Municipal Building restroorns would be available during regular business hours. Vice Mayor Hare next asked about the $20,000 in cost and would it come out of the Town's budget. Mr. Spitzer said it would plus in-kind labor and use of another entity's l equipment. Mr. Aare there commented that as a part of the grant we have to do something to the site. It is not just that we were to do a skatepark. The great provides $5,000 to redo the retaining well in the upper parking lot on the site and the Town said they would commit$ 0,000 to improve the site in some fashion. Mr. !-fare next react Section K in the MtU which states "Renewanation agrees to not expressly promote any one faith over another or discriminate any one by faith; sexual orientation, race, gender or any other characteristics on the Premises. The Pretenses is for use by all of the citizens of the Town". He then asked why we are telling a private entity what they can and cannot do. Mr. Spitzer commented because it is a park and treated like any ether government facility. The Town Attorney responded that she will be glad to provide Council with a Memo on this issue if they so desire.. Mr. Nance asked if Council is expected to vote on the M ? at this meeting and the Town Manager responded only if Council is ready to take action. Staff does not expect it, but it does give a framework for discussion and questions. Also; there is the important aspect of engagement with the public. Mr. Nance then commented that he has concerns about the i( U. He does feel that this is a treat location, that there i a need for a skatepark and that Renewanation will be a very rood partner. His major concern is that this perk has to be a good neighbor with those who are already on the properties on either side; Also, if there is only a commitment by Invoke Ministries to two days a month, then that means this will be basically a Town-rum skatepark for 341 days a year; In all practically, he feels they will be more active than that, but what will be the Ton's responsibility. Dan Coy with Invoke Ministries es next made comments regarding the proposal that has been presented for the- skatepark. He made a correction to the statement that there would be two events a month at the hark by stating that they are committed to having organized programs twice week and once a month for a large event. Mr. Coy next commented that he and his people highly respect the choices of others, but he lives out his life with a Christian world view, 1e just had a one-day event in a park in the Raleigh Court area where we presented the gospel and shared testimonies about how lures can be changed with good options. We also provide good Christian world- view music and this is how we do these events presently wherever we are allowed to held them. He is also very involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and we are invited by students to come to campuses all over. There is no force or coersion and no points at which we try to make someone feel anything other than truth has been shared. In essence, we try to share when asked to share. His organization wants to have a presence at this skatepark and to be responsible and he is meeting with as many churches as possible in the area to see if they will partner with this ministry. This proposal is for opportunities to help youth who skate to have a place where they should be. Mr. Nance commented that he does not think this Council is scared away by but actually encouraged by a faith-based initiative which is similar to something we have done with the pool. However, this MOU seems to put some restrictions on your ministry. Mr. Coy responded that he has just seen the draft as well and the discussions have been different from the language contained in the MOU. His own personal view and his choice is that if his organization is a partner in the program, they should be able to share. However, he realizes that we live in a country that has evolved and is ever changing in front of us, but he is going to live by principles. He would be uncomfortable in saying that he could not mention his faith. The Mayor next opened the floor for comments- Reverend R. E. Coles, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Vinton, commented on behalf of his membership that they did not think this was the right location for the skatepark because it will interfere with their scheduled services, Mike Davich, Deacon of Greater Reed Street Baptist Church, commented on the location of the skatepark being in a high-traffic area. He also stated objection to the Town investing in a skatepark that will be privately run and the fencing that will be placed near the Church property, He also felt that it will interfere with their scheduled services Mary Barnett, a Vinton resident, commented that her son is a skater and he and the other skaters need a positive, safe, preferred Christian-based, location for them. She is in support of the skatepark and only sees positive things that can come out of it. Tim Greenway, a Vinton resident, commented that the location is a perfect place for the skatepark and he Will be disappointed with Council if they cannot find a way to make this happen. He will also be disappointed in the churches in the area if they do not see this skatepark as an opportunity to minister. He would like a basketball court put on the site as well. Jon Merchant, a Vinton resident, commented that he is in support of the skatepark for the youth of Vinton and the surround areas. He is a former Boy Scout leader and is no 10 longer involved in scouting and is looking for an opportunity work with youth again and is interested in helping with the skatepark. His son is a skater and this is very much needed. Robin Merchant also commented that they have been attending the skate events sponsored by Invoke ]Ministries for seven years and she has been impressed with the skaters at the events.. They teach the smaller children how to skate, are polite and they work together at the end of the event to clean up and bring down the ramps. They knew that someone cares enough to provide this for them, so they o not mire cleaning up and participating and are appreciative of what they are getting. Concerning the issue about noise; she has only seen that being a problem when they have a Saturday event and play music in the afternoon. During the week, it will be like any other park where people come and go and skateboarding is not noisy activity. Becky Stewart, a resident of Roanoke City, commented that the skatepark at Waena was only closed for two weeks for repairs.. She takes her son and his friends there to ride their BMX bikes, She is supportive of the skatepark and the leadership of Invoke Ministries. Savannah Caning, a Vinton resident, commented about the noise and is supportive of the location of the skatepark. Matt Combs, owner of Summit Contracting and a member of the Invoke Ministries, commented that he was sorry that the churches were not brought into the discussion-sooner. They will work with the church schedules and want to collaborate together and will Never inhibit a church service. They are researching a way to make the ramps quieter. Regarding the fencing, all of the fencing is low and the tallest one is a four-foot black one that you can still see over. The fences will border the back parking lot and the gravel lot Casey McCauley, a Vinton resident, commented that the skatepark is a great idea and he suggested that the churches and Town staff need to meet together and if possible, move it to another site.: The Mayor then commented that Council approaches this proposal with caution because of the problems at the former skatepark. The fact that there is an organization that i willing to run the park is positive. He feels that the location is good because of its proximity to the Police Department and the Fire Station and believes it can be made to be a safe location. He respects the comments made by the churches and understands their concern. Dan Coy, Town staff and the churches do need to meet and discuss the matter further. He would love to see it work because there is a need for a skatepark in our community because now we see skaters in areas where they do not need to be such as 1 our sidewalks, streets and our Veterans Monument. He suggested that the matter be tabled for further discussions that hopefully will bring all involved closer together to a mutual agreement. Tabled Resolution authorizing the Vice Mayor Hare made a motion to table the matter, the Town Manager to execute a motion was seconded by Council Member dance and Memorandum of Understanding carried by the following roll call vote, with all members with. Invoice Ministries, Inc. for a voting: Vote 5-5; Yeas (5)--Adams, dance, Meeks, Hare, skatepark at 151 West Jackson Grose; days 0), Avenue The next item was to consider adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Branding, Advertising and Marketing Services Agreement between the Town of Vinton and the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce. The Town Manager commented that this Agreement came about based on the concept of how to leverage marketing and advertising money for events, the community in general as well as business recruitment and retention and get the word out that Vinton is a great place to live. Liz burin-Lively, our current Chamber President, asked how the Chamber could do more and would Council be willing to provide additional funds for this purpose. In the I=Y2015 budget, an additional $5,000 was earmarked for this purpose and this Agreement details performance measures will quarterly reports being made to Council. Fundamentally, the Agreement provides that 50% of the funds will be for advertising and 50% for durable marketing materials. We will pay the Chamber in two payments o 2, 00 each this fiscal year and through the budget process we will determine if this arrangement will continue in the next fiscal year. Liz Munn-Lively expressed her appreciation for the Town Manager's work with the Chamber can developing this Agreement: Vice Mayor blare asked about the role and authority of the Economic Development Committee. The Town Manager responded that they will make recommendations and review the progress. They will report their findings and goals back to Council and the Chamber. We have had an ad hoc committee for a long time, but this creates a more formal committee that will serve as a team to work with the Chamber as ambassadors for the Town. Mr. blare then asked what if the Chamber makes a decision to spend some of the funds on something that Council does not support. Ms. Lively responded that the Chamber would not spend any of the funds without providing invoices and getting the support of Council. We have a very itemized plan of how we plan to spend the funds and we will be glad to submit that plan to Council. Ms. Weeks 12 commented that based on her experience as a Past Chamber President, she would like to see the Executive Board make decisions as opposed to just the Executive Director; The Town Manager then commented that perhaps we can amend the Agreement to indicate that the Economic Development- Committee will not only make recommendations, but will approve all expenditures prior to them being made. If the Agreement is approved tonight, then Council will need to appoint someone to serve on the Committee. Council Member dance made a motion to adapt the Adopted Resolution No. 2090 Resolution with change in the language at the end of the authorizing the Town Manager to first sentence in Section 8. of the Agreement to read execute a branding; Advertising "review and approve expenditures" the motion was end Marketing Services seconded by Council Member Adams and carried by the Agreement between the Townof following roll call vote, with all members voting. Vote -0; Minton end the Vinton Area. leas )—Adams, Hance Weeks, Hare, Cruse; flays . Chamber of Commerce The Mayor next asked for a nomination for a Council Member to serve on the Economic Development Committee. Council Member lance nominated Council Member Sabrina Weeks and the nomination was seconded by Council Member Adams and carried by the following .Appointed Council Member vote, with all members voting. Vote 0-0; Yeas (o)—Adams, Sabrina Weeks to the Economic Nance,Weeks, Hare, Grose; lays(0). Development Committee Council Member Nance asked in lieu of time if Council would vivant to table the last work session item regarding the Street Maintenance Operational Program, The Town Manager responded that we can table it to the December 2nd meeting. Council Member lance then made a motion to table the work session item to the December 2, 2014 meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Tabled the work session item Adams and carved by the following vote, with all members regarding the Street Maintenance voting: Vote -0; Yeas t —Adams, Nance, Weeks, Hare, Operational Program to the Grose; flays(0). December 2, 2014 meeting The next item was to consider adoption of a Resolution appropriating funds in the amount of $1,075.66 for the receipt of an insurance claim matte on a 2008 Crown Vic (Unit 1 133)of the Police Department. After brief comments from the Town Manager, Council Member Dance made a Adapted Resolution No. 2091 motion to adapt the Resolution as presented; the "motion appropriating funds in the was seconded by Council Member Weeks and carried by amount of $1,075.66 for the the following roll call vote; with all members voting; Vote receipt of an insurance claim 8-0; Yeas t8 —Adams, Nance, Weeks, Hare, Grose; flays made on a 2008 Crown Vic (Unit (0). 1133)of the Police Department Barry Thompson, Finance Director, commented that he has discussed with the auditors that anything less than $1,000 will not have to be brought to Council for approval, it will be handled administratively. Anything over $1,000 will still require approval of Council. The next item was a briefing on recommendation for replacement of 2006 Chevrolet Impala vehicle in the Police Department. Chief Cook first commented that this Impala was being used to block traffic at the scene of a vehicle accident and was struck by another vehicle. The other drivers insurance company totaled the vehicle and issued payment of$7,936 to the Town. This vehicle was assigned to the Patrol Lieutenant and we are recommending replacing the vehicle with a new Police Interceptor vehicle which is built specifically for police officers. This vehicle will have the police package, all- wheel drive, the heavier shocks and suspension. The price we were quoted is $27,273, including the price of the vehicle and the labor to install all of the needed equipment that was removed from the totaled vehicle. Mr. Nance asked about the comparable price for a Charger and Chief Cook responded about the same price. Mr. Nance then asked if there are ATF funds available for this vehicle. Chief Cook responded that AT F funds are available and we have used them in the past years ago to purchase two vehicles. He would like to use those funds for body cameras and some other specialty items that would be about this same cost. He would use those funds; however, if Council so desires. Vice Mayor Hare asked what factors determined the choice to buy the vehicle instead of leasing and Chief Cook responded the simplicity of purchasing it outright. We got quotes to lease the vehicle, but felt that this was the best option. The interest rate on a lease would be approximately six percent. The Town Manager commented that they did discuss in great length the option of leasing the vehicle by piggybacking on the lease for a dump truck to get a better interest rate. However, his recommendation is to purchase this one vehicle outright and use a lease when we are buying several vehicles at one time. Chief Cook further commented that we have requested the vendor to invoice for payment after the first of the year. The Town Manager commented that we need a Consensus of Council to proceed consensus of Council to proceed with ordering the vehicle with purchase of replacement and they will have to take formal action when the invoice is vehicle for the 2006 Chevrolet received to transfer the funds. Council gave their Impala vehicle in the Police consensus to proceed with the purchase, Department 14 The Town Manager commented on the success of the Shred- -Thom held yesterday at loads Service Center, Tommy Woods seat an email expressing appreciation to the Police and Public Works Departments for their assistance with the event. The Town Manager also commented that at the last rCACP Board meeting he relayed to them about the change to our animal ordinance allowing for four dogs or cats, of which two or more must be spayed or neutered' and it was well received. The Mayor commented that we have received a letter from Senator Tim lame acknowledging Council's concern about the marketplace fairness act. He expressed thanks to the DAr for the three trees that were donated and planted at the War Memorial and the Town Clerk indicated that a note of appreciation had been sent to them. He also expressed appreciation to Deanna Collins, our Duman Resources Specialist, who organized the first luncheon for our employees who are Veterans. The Veterans Day Celebration at Herman L. Horn Elementary School and the Veterans went at the War Memorial on Sunday were both a success. Council e i er Adams made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Weeks and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote - ; Yeas (5) — Adams, lance, Weeks, Flare, Grose; flays 0 -- lone. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. fleeting adjourned APPROVED: Bradley P. Grose, Mayor EST: Susan 1 . Johnson own Clerk