HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/2/2025 - Regular1
Vinton Town Council
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
311 South Pollard Street
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
AGENDA
Consideration of:
A. 6:00 p.m. - ROLL CALL AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM AND
CITIZEN GUIDELINES
B. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. FLAG
C. COMMUNITY EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
D. REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF AGENDA
ITEMS
E. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consider a motion to approve the minutes of the Joint Public Hearing Meeting of
July 15, 2025.
F. AWARDS, INTRODUCTIONS, PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS
G. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND PETITIONS - This section is reserved for comments and
questions about issues not listed on the agenda.
H. BRIEFINGS
1. Vinton War Memorial Renovation – Jamie Hurt
I. ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION
1. Consider a motion to adopt a Resolution to change Bypass Road name to Dogwood
Boulevard. – Anita McMillan
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Laurie J. Mullins, Vice Mayor
Keith N. Liles, Council Member
Sabrina M. McCarty, Council Member
Michael W. Stovall, Council Member
Vinton Municipal Building
311 South Pollard Street
Vinton, VA 24179
(540) 983-0607
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J. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES
1. Appointment of Town Clerk – Town Manager/Town Clerk
K. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
L. TOWN ATTORNEY
M. TOWN MANAGER’S PROJECT UPDATES/COMMENTS
N. COUNCIL AND MAYOR
O. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT COMMITTEE/TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS AND TOWN EVENTS:
September 6, 2025 – Annual Yard Sale at the Vinton History Museum
September 8, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Blood Drive – Council Chambers
September 10, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – Public Works Committee Meeting – TOV Annex
September 16, 2025 – 3:00 p.m. – Finance Committee Meeting – TOX Annex
September 16, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. – Regular Council Meeting – Council Chambers
NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. Reasonable
efforts will be made to provide assistance or special arrangements to qualified individuals with disabilities
in order to participate in or attend Town Council meetings. Please call (540) 983 -0607 at least 48 hours
prior to the meeting date so that proper arrangements may be made.
Meeting Date
September 2, 2025
Department
Administration
Issue
Consider approval of the minutes from the Joint Public Hearing meeting on July 15, 2025
Attachments
July 15, 2025, minutes
Recommendations
Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented
Town Council
Agenda Summary
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MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL AND OF A JOINT
PUBLIC HEARING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE
VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON,
VIRGINIA.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Laurie J. Mullins, Vice Mayor
Keith N. Liles
Sabrina M. McCarty
Michael W. Stovall
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEMBERS PRESENT: Keith N. Liles, Chairman
Robert W. Benninger, Commissioner
Jonathan P. McCoy, Commissioner
Joshua Mullen, Commissioner
MEMEBERS ABSENT: David R. Jones, Vice Chairman
STAFF PRESENT: Richard Peters, Town Manager/Town Clerk
Megan Lawless, Administrative Operations Manager
Jeremy Carroll, Town Attorney
Fabricio Drumond, Chief of Police
Timothy Lawless, Deputy Chief of Police
Jesse Dibble, Police Corporal
Andrew Keen, Finance Director/Treasurer
William Herndon, Public Works Director
Anita McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director
Nathan McClung, Planning and Zoning Assistant Director
Jill Loope, Special Projects Assistant to the Town Manager
Mayor Grose called the meeting to order at 6:02
p.m. The Administrative Operations Manager
called the roll with Council Member Liles, Council
Member McCarty, Council Member Stovall, Vice
Mayor Mullins, and Mayor Grose present.
Roll call
After a Moment of Silence, Council Member Liles
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Under Upcoming Community Events/
Announcements, and Council Activities, Council
Member McCarty announced the following: On July
26, Mingle in the Market will host Big Daddy Ray
and Abbey & Andy bands. On August 2, the Vinton
History Museum is having their Christmas in
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August Sale. August 5, the Vinton Police
Department will host National Night Out at 5:00
p.m. in the parking lot of the Community Center.
Vice Mayor Mullins announced the following
Council Activities: On June 24 & June 30, Mayor
Grose attended RVARC Executive Committee
meeting. June 26, Mayor Grose attended the
RVARC Board meeting. On July 4, Mayor Grose
attended the Four on the 4th Race for the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia. On July 4, Mayor
Grose and Council Member Stovall attended the
Town of Vinton’s Independence Day Celebration.
On July 5, Mayor Grose and Council Member
Stovall met with Senator Tim Kaine regarding
federal funding for the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Southwest Virginia. On July 9, Vice Mayor Mullins
and Council Member McCarty attended the Public
Works Committee meeting. On July 15, Mayor
Grose and Council Member Stovall attended the
Finance Committee meeting.
Under requests to postpone, add to or change
the order of the agenda: Council Member Stovall
made a motion to add to the agenda a Resolution
for Support on the federal funding of the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia. The motion was
seconded by Vice Mayor Mullins and carried by the
following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0,
Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Mullins, Stovall, Grose;
Nays (0) – None.
Vice Mayor Mullins made a motion to approve
the Consent Agenda as presented with the minutes
of the Regular Meeting on June 17, 2025 and the
minutes of the Planning Commission Joint Work
Session on June 3, 2025; the motion was
seconded by Council Member McCarty and carried
by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote
5-0; Yeas (5) -Liles, McCarty, Stovall, Mullins,
Grose; Nays (0) – None.
Approved minutes of the Regular Meeting of
June 17, 2025, and the minutes of the Planning
Commission Joint Work Session of June 3, 2025.
Under awards, introductions, presentations,
Chief Drumond recognized Corporal Dibble as
Office of the Year for 2024.
Corporal Dibble shared his gratitude for the
recognition.
Council shared their appreciation for Corporal
Dibble’s dedication to keeping Vinton a safe
community.
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Under citizens’ comments and petitions, there
were no comments or petitions from citizens.
Under Items requiring action, consider a
motion to adopt a Resolution to amend applicable
requirements and standards for Planned Unit
Development districts within the Town’s Zoning
Ordinance.
Mr. McClung advised that state code requires a
Resolution when a zoning amendment is needed.
This Resolution is the first step in initiating the
process. Town staff and the Planning Commission
will review the zoning ordinances along with the
needs of the Town and will present specific
amendments later.
Council Member McCarty made a motion to
approve the Resolution to amend applicable
requirements and standards for Planned Unit
Development districts within the Town’s Zoning
Ordinance; the motion was seconded by Council
Member Stovall, carried by the following vote, with
all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles,
McCarty, Mullins, Stovall, Grose; Nays (0) – None.
Approved Resolution No. 2647 to amend
applicable requirements and standards for
Planned Unit Development districts within the
Town’s Zoning Ordinance.
Mayor Grose opened the Joint Public Hearing
at 6:17 p.m. to receive public comments on the
repealing of Ordinance 806 in its entirety by the
2004 Town of Vinton Comprehensive Plan,
adopted on September 7, 2004, and adopted by
reference the Vinton 2050 Comprehensive Plan,
Volumes I and II.
Mrs. McMillan advised this is a Joint Public Hearing
with the Planning Commission and Town Council.
Planning Commission Chairman Liles called the
meeting to order.
Mrs. McMillan called roll with Robert Benninger,
Jonathan McCoy, Joshua Mullen and Chairman
Liles present. Vice Chairman David Jones was
absent.
Mrs. McMillan gave a synopsis of events that led us
to creating the Vinton 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Volumes I and II while acknowledging the
community engagement surveys and work sessions.
Advisory Committee Member Tiffany Rawling spoke
about how she is a proud citizen of the Town of
Joint Public Hearing Opened
Roll Call for the Planning Commission
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Vinton and has been a lifelong resident. She is
honored to have served on the Advisory Committee.
She went on to say everyone worked very hard to
balance growth while maintaining the small-town
charm and culture.
Mayor Grose thanked everyone for the hard work
that was put into this plan.
Advisory Committee Member Seth Wilkinson shared
his appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of this
project and believes Vinton’s best days are ahead.
Mayor Grose asked if anyone on the Planning
Commission had any comments to provide.
Commissioner McCoy acknowledged a lot of hard
work has been put into this plan and went on to say
the real hard work is about to begin as they prepare
for implementation.
Mrs. McMillan shared appreciation for the Planning
and Zoning staff, Mr. McClung and Mrs. Tucei
along with Mr. Peters, Mr. Sexton and Mrs. Loope
for their efforts in putting this plan together.
Mayor Grose asked if Council had any questions or
comments.
Council Member/Chairman Liles commented that it
was a very rewarding process to go through from
start to finish.
Council Member McCarty said it was fun working
with everyone. She complimented Mrs. McMillan
and the work that was put into this plan.
Vice Mayor Mullins thanked the staff and citizens
for their input. She went on to acknowledge 3TP
Ventures and complimented the work of Mr.
Callahan and Mr. Gavrilovic.
Council Member Stovall described the
comprehensive plan as a legacy and people will
look back and realize the fortitude we had. He
congratulated the citizens that participated in
developing the comprehensive plan and thanked
them for their hard work.
Council Member McCarty thanked everyone who
filled out the community survey.
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Mayor Grose thanked the citizens as well along
with those that served on the committees. He
reminded everyone that the comprehensive plan
will be reviewed every five years, adding that
adjustments can be made.
Mayor Grose asked if there were any further
comments or questions. No one offered comments
or questions.
Mayor Grose closed the Public Hearing at 6:35
p.m.
Chairman Liles asked the Planning
Commission if they want to make a
recommendation to the Town Council to repeal in
its entirety the 2004 Town of Vinton
Comprehensive Plan adopted on September 7,
2004, by Ordinance 806 and adopting by reference
the Comprehensive Plan 2050 Volumes I and II.
Commission Benninger made a motion to
recommend; the motion was seconded by
Commissioner McCoy, with all members voting:
Vote 4-0; Yeas (4) – Benninger, McCoy, Mullen,
Liles; Nays (0) – None; Absent (1) – Jones.
Council Member Liles made a motion to repeal
Ordinance 806 and adopt the 2050
Comprehensive Plan Volumes I and II; the motion
was seconded by Council Member McCarty,
carried by the following vote, with all members
voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Mullins,
Stovall, Grose; Nays (0) – None.
Under Items requiring action, Council Member
Stovall presented the Town Council a Resolution
to support the end of the federal funding freeze for
the approved FY25 21st Century Community
Learning Center funding from the Bipartisan Safter
Community Act. Council Member Stovall advised
that Senator Tim Kaine visited the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Southwest Virginia along with parents and
members from Town Council to gather information
on the impact of the federal funding freeze. Council
Member Stovall shared that if the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Southwest Virginia do not receive funding
by mid-September, they will have to close.
Council Member Stovall made a motion to
approve the Resolution to support the end of the
federal funding freeze on the approved FY25 21St
Century Community Learning Center fund
Public Hearing Closed
Approved Ordinance No. 1069 adopting the 2050
Comprehensive Plan Volumes I and II.
Approved Resolution No. 2648 to support the
end of the federal funding freeze for the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia
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provided under the Bipartisan Safer Communities
Act to the Commonwealth of Virginia to help fund
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia; the
motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Mullins,
carried by the following vote, with all members
voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Mullins,
Stovall, Grose; Nays (0) – None.
Under Briefings, Mrs. Loope provided an
Economic Development update. Mrs. Loope
briefed the Town Council on a recommended
redevelopment project at the 7 Walnut Avenue /
McClung property. Mrs. Loope showed a
PowerPoint presentation that will be filed in the
Town Clerk’s office as part of the permanent
record.
Mrs. Loope advised a Request for Proposal (RFP)
was issued for the property to redevelop the
building into a multi-tenant facility. The goal is to
have the developer complete interior modifications
along with managing the tenant leases and
overseeing all operations and maintenance for the
building. Mrs. Loope advised a response to the
RFP was received from the Wilkinson Group. Their
goal is to create a destination retail services space
that will connect the downtown area. Mrs. Loope
added the due-diligence timeline is six months
which will allow time for a Performance
Agreement. Mrs. Loope ended the presentation
noting that this redevelopment project incorporates
elements from the 2025 Comprehensive Plan
Volumes I and II.
Mrs. Loope established the next steps, which
include the acceptance of a proposal and directing
staff on terms that need to be specified in the
Performance Agreement.
Mayor Grose asked the Town Council if they had
any questions or comments. No one offered
questions of comments.
Mayor Grose asked Seth Wilkinson if he wanted to
share comments.
Mr. Wilkinson said they are very excited about the
project due to the key location since downtown is
growing and thriving. Their goal is to create a vision
that does not compete with the current downtown
district but add to the customer base that already
exists. Mr. Wilkinson advised they have already
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found a few tenants to help bring families into town
on a regular basis.
Town Council had no questions.
Mayor Grose said he looks forward to this project
and thanked Mrs. Loope for her presentation.
Under reports from committees, Mr. Herndon
provided an update from the Public Works
Committee that was held on July 9, 2025. He
advised stormwater improvements are still
underway with a few more details to work out
before the RFP package can be posted. Next, he
advised, ECS conducted five drillings for samples
of the material under the road on June 23, 2025.
We should have the results from the samples in
about four weeks. The next step will be to meet with
the engineer to discuss how to fix the road.
Mr. Peters added that the novice look is that this is
not as bad as we thought it was going to be. The
primary concern is the weight of the vehicles that
now travel on it and the age of the surface itself.
Mr. Herndon continued with the analysis of the 4-
way intersection at East Cleveland Avenue and
Poplar Street. He reminded the Council that VDOT
completed a traffic survey with a conclusion to not
add a 4-way stop sign; however, Public Works did
add additional signage to include Dangerous
Intersection Ahead along with stop bars to help
bring attention and awareness to drivers.
The next project that Mr. Herndon spoke about was
Mountain View Road where the road is breaking
away on the shoulder. A meeting was held with
VDOT on July 2, 2025, to devise a plan. Once the
road is repaired, the Public Works Department will
paint white lines to help slow down vehicles and
keep drivers on the roadway.
Mr. Herndon advised the Street Signs project is
about 90% finished. Once the signs are replaced,
we are going to sell the old street signs.
Mr. Herndon explained that a citizen shared a
speeding concern about Ruddell Road. The Public
Works Department is continuing to investigate the
issue and is trying to come up with options to slow
down traffic. Suggestions include adding stenciling
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to the pavement in addition to the digital speeds
signs that have already been installed.
Mr. Herndon advised a trash compactor is going to
be installed at the Farmer’s Market. Fencing will be
added to conceal the trash compactor. Businesses
will have access to the trash compactor by either a
key or a fob. Mr. Herndon is excited about the trash
compactor’s ability to flip the regular trash cans as
this will make it much easier for business owners
to dispose of their trash.
Last, Mr. Herndon advised plans are underway for
the name change of Bypass Road to Dogwood
Boulevard providing the Council approves the
name change. The plan includes cutting back
bushes along the roadway, repainting curbs and
adding stripes to give the road a fresh look.
Mr. Herndon asked if the Council had any
questions.
Council Member Stovall thanked Mr. Herndon for
the work being put into Mountain View Road.
Mr. Peters added that VDOT has some good
recommendations on how we can mitigate the
separation of Mountain View Road.
Mayor Grose thanked Mr. Herndon for the report.
He appreciates all the improvements being made
around town.
Mr. Peters expanded on the trash compactor that
is being installed at the Farmer’s Market. He went
on to explain that it was originally planned to be
installed just for Farmer’s Market vendors but as
we have expanded business opportunities in the
downtown area, there are a few landlocked
restaurants that do not have the ability to have their
own dumpster. The refuse carts are maximizing
ability with trash collections every day, which is a
good sign of success from the businesses. Having
the trash compactor with the lifts will allow
businesses to discard trash more often. He noted
the smell will be contained as well due to the trash
compactor being enclosed.
Under reports from committees, Mr. Keen
provided an update from the Finance Committee
meeting that was held on July 15, 2025. He
explained that early FY25 trends were positive and
continued to carry on through the end of the year.
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Mr. Keen highlighted that the revenue came in at
107% and expenses came in at 95%. Mr. Keen
provided a list of high revenue items that came in
above the budgeted amount to include real estate
tax at $50,000.00 above; sales and use tax at
$115,000.00 above and meals tax came in at $2.1
million which was over $300,000.00 above the
budgeted amount. He shared that business
licenses brought in over $60,000 above the
budgeted amount with over 600 licenses issued.
Mr. Keen then explained that we anticipated
cigarette tax to come in at $170,000.00; however,
it came in above that at double the amount.
Mr. Keen continued by advising the Vinton
Business Center, which is a joint project with
Roanoke County, continues to grow in revenue.
Pari-mutuel tax was budgeted at $1.3 million, and
the total received was close to $1.7 million.
Mr. Keen commented on the investment earnings
which were budgeted at $50,000.00 for the
revenue line. The total investments earnings were
over $300,000.00.
Mr. Keen shared the spring tax collection
percentages. There was a 2% increase in real
estate tax collection, a 7% increase in personal
property tax collection and a 6% increase in
vehicles licenses fees.
Last, Mr. Keen discussed the remodel of the Vinton
War Memorial. We hosted a pre-bid meeting where
11 contractors participated. Mr. Keen went on to
say this project will be partially financed. Final
details will come after we receive all the bids from
the contractors. Once the bids are received, we
can analyze the reserves to see what we want to
cash fund versus finance and what the timeline will
be like. A package will be put together for the
Council to review.
Mr. Peters added that bids are expected by August
4, 2025. Renovations are on schedule to begin in
September providing a contract is awarded.
Mr. Keen asked Council if they had any questions.
No questions were asked. The Council thanked Mr.
Keen for the presentation.
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Council Member Stovall made a motion to
approve the Financial Statements for May 31,
2025, and June 30, 2025; the motion was
seconded by Council Member Liles, carried by the
following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0;
Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Mullins, Stovall, Grose;
Nays (0) – None.
Mayor Grose shared that he is honored to be on
the Finance Committee with Council Member
Stovall. He complimented the staff and how well
they always keep information up to date. He went
on to say that today’s update was a good indication
and reminder that there is a lot of hard work that
has gone into economic development. In addition,
the budget indicates the Town is being run
efficiently by staff. He thanked the staff for the job
they do all year long.
Approved the Financial Statements for May 31,
2025, and June 30, 2025.
Under Town Attorney, Mr. Carroll advised he is
going to work on the 7 Walnut Avenue agreements.
He also shared that the stormwater contracts
should be completed soon.
Under Town Manager’s Project Updates and
Comments, Mr. Peters acknowledged staff and the
legal team on the creation of a MOU for traffic
mitigation barricades with the City of Roanoke. We
were able to borrow the barricades from the City of
Roanoke for use at the 4th of July Celebration. The
goal is to acquire our own barricades and then
reciprocate the MOU with the City of Roanoke.
Mr. Peters encouraged everyone to attend National
Night Out that will be held on August 5, 2025.
Mr. Peters acknowledged all the departments for
their contributions to the 4th of July Celebration.
He went on to advise there will be a lot of
construction going on around town, from Gish’s
Mill, Vinton War Memorial Community Park and the
hotel.
Mayor Grose thanked Mr. Peters for the report and
asked Council if they had any questions. No
questions were asked.
Under Council and Mayor Comments, Mayor
Grose asked if Council had anything to share.
Council Member Stovall commented on the budget
and how it shows the goal of turning Vinton into a
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stop-by town. He went on to compliment the 2050
Comprehensive Plan and recommended everyone
to go online and review the plan. He thanked all the
staff that were involved in the budget process.
Council Member Stovall then thanked the Chief of
Police, Town Attorney and staff for the efforts in
deterring homelessness.
Council Member Stovall continued by saying he
likes the idea of the town turning into a Main Street
Community. He acknowledged it is not an easy
process to complete. There is grant money
available to support the transition. He believes it is
something worth looking into and discussing in the
future.
Last, Council Member Stovall commented on how
great the 4th of July Celebration was.
Vice Mayor Mullins shared compliments on
tonight’s meeting. She is very excited about what
is happening around town. She shared
appreciation for Mr. Keen’s financial report.
Council Member McCarty shared appreciation for
all the reports given. She is excited to see the
remodel of the Vinton War Memorial. She went on
to share that the Town of Vinton is in the top 11 in
the state for retirement. Last, she gave a shout out
to RND Coffee for their delicious coffee.
Council Member Liles commented on the 4th of July
Celebration and how awesome it is year after year.
He thanked the staff for the 2050 Comprehensive
Plan. He acknowledged we are not a go-thru town
anymore, but a go-to town and it shows in our
financial reports.
Mayor Grose echoed what he heard from all
Council members. He thanked the staff again for all
the work they put in every day. He shared that he
has received more positive comments about the 4th
of July Celebration than he ever has. He went on
to say the event was well organized and executed
very well.
Mayor Grose asked if there was anything else to
add to the meeting.
No other comments were offered.
Commissioner McCoy made a motion to
adjourn the Planning Commission meeting; the
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motion was seconded by Commissioner Mullen,
carried by the following vote, with all members
voting: Vote 4-0; Yeas (4) – Benninger, McCoy,
Mullen, Liles; Nays (0) – None; Absent (1) – Jones.
Council Member Liles added a recommendation to
attend National Night Out.
Mayor Grose asked if there were further comments
to be made.
No other comments were offered.
Council Member Liles made a motion to adjourn
the meeting; the motion was seconded by Vice
Mayor Mullins and carried by the following vote,
with all members voting: Vote 5-0, Yeas (5) – Liles,
McCarty, Mullins, Stovall, Grose; Nays (0) – None.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Richard W. Peters, Jr., Town Clerk
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
Meeting Date
September 2, 2025
Department
Capital Projects
Issue
Vinton War Memorial Renovation Briefing
Summary
Brief Council on the bid status of ITB 2025-02-CP Vinton War Memorial Renovation.
Attachements
N/A
Recommandations
N/A
Town Council
Agenda Summary
1
Meeting Date
September 2, 2025
Department
Planning and Zoning
Issue
Consideration of public comments concerning renaming a street from Bypass Road to Dogwood
Boulevard.
Summary
The proposed street renaming has been under consideration for some time and aims to better
reflect the character and long-term vision of the Vinton community. The current name, Bypass
Road, may unintentionally suggest that motorists should avoid the area—contrary to the Town’s
objectives of promoting local economic activity and attracting visitors.
The new name, Dogwood Boulevard, offers a more welcoming and community-oriented image.
It also celebrates Vinton’s nickname as the Dogwood Capital of Virginia and complements
existing street names in Town such as Maple, Pine, Poplar, and Spruce.
Although no formal Town Council action naming the roadway as Bypass Road could be
identified, the following plats and references were found:
1. Fred G. Gray’s plat (dated Nov. 5, 1965; revised May 10, 1971) labels the road as “New
85-feet wide VA. Route 24” and references a VDOT plan dated May 23, 1968.
2. 1969 newspaper clipping shows progress on the new Route 24, titled “Work is
progressing on new Route 24 connecting link between Washington Avenue and Hardy
Road.”
3. Lake Drive Church of Christ plat (dated Sept. 16, 1975) shows the 85-foot wide right-of-
way as VA Route 24.
4. Lat Purser & Associates, Inc., plat (dated April 22, 1987) also references the right-of-way
as Virginia Primary Route 24.
5. P-N-C plat (dated July 19, 1994) labels the right-of-way as Bypass Road/Virginia Route
24, which appears to be the first formal reference to the “Bypass” name.
Town Council
Agenda Summary
2
On July 8, 2025, a notification letter was sent to 21 property owners and/or occupants along
Bypass Road and the 1000 block of Washington Avenue regarding the proposed name change.
The Town received two public comments in response:
• One via email from a business owner at River Park Shopping Center
• One written correspondence from a property owner on Washington Avenue
Town staff followed up with both individuals to provide background on the planning rationale and
intent behind the renaming.
Attachment
• Draft Resolution
Recommendation
• Motion to adopt Resolution renaming Bypass Road to Dogwood Boulevard
RESOLUTION NO.
AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL, HELD ON
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF
THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD
STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Town of Vinton is committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming, and business-
friendly community; and
WHEREAS, the current name of Bypass Road, which connects East Washington Avenue with
Hady Road, may unintentionally suggest to drivers that they should avoid the area,
which would undermine the Town’s goal of supporting local businesses, attracting
visitors, and fostering economic development in the Town; and
WHEREAS, to better reflect the character and vision of the community, the Vinton Town
Council desires to rename Bypass Road to Dogwood Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, the name Dogwood Boulevard not only conveys a more inviting message to
motorists, but it also celebrates Vinton’s long-standing nickname as the Dogwood
Capital of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Town receives highway maintenance funds from the Virginia Department of
Transportation under Virginia Code § 33.2-319 and, therefore, Vinton Town
Council has jurisdiction over public rights-of-way within the Town’s boundaries;
and
WHEREAS, the Town has the authority to rename Bypass Road, which is a public right-of-way
within the Town’s boundaries under Virginia Code § 15.2-2019, and the process
for renaming Bypass Road has been underway for some time; and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2025, a notification letter was sent to twenty-one property owners and/or
occupants who own or occupy real property along Bypass Road and the 1000 block
of Washington Avenue informing them that Town Council is considering the
proposed renaming from Bypass Road to Dogwood Boulevard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Vinton Town Council, pursuant to its
authority under the Virginia Code and in order to better reflect the character and vision of the
community and support the goal of fostering a welcoming and business-friendly environment, that
Bypass Road is hereby renamed to Dogwood Boulevard.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Vinton Town Council, that the Town Manager,
Town Attorney, and Town staff are authorized and directed to undertake all such actions, including
executing and delivering documents, that they deem to be necessary to carry out the purposes of
the resolution, which is to effectuate the renaming of Bypass Road to Dogwood Boulevard.
2
This Resolution adopted on motion made by Council Member _____________, seconded by Council
Member ________________, with the following votes recorded:
AYES:
NAYS:
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Bradley E. Grose, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Megan K. Lawless, Town Clerk
Meeting Date
September 2, 2025
Department
Council
Issue
Council-appointed position:
1. Megan K. Lawless, Town Clerk
Attachments
None
Recommendations
Motion to approve council-appointed position.
Town Council
Agenda Summary