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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/5/2026 - Regular 1 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Laurie J. Mullins, Vice Mayor Keith N. Liles Sabrina M. McCarty Michael W. Stovall STAFF PRESENT: Cody Sexton, Deputy Town Manager Megan Lawless, Town Clerk Jeremy Carroll, Town Attorney Tiffany Stewart, Interim Director of Finance Fabricio Drumond, Chief of Police Tim Lawless, Deputy Chief of Police Andrew Hagy, Corporal Mandie Baker, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police Nathan McClung, Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning Mayor Grose called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Town Clerk 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, Mrs. Baker led the Pledge of Allegiance. Under Upcoming Community Events/ Announcements, and Council Activities, Council Member McCarty announced the following events: May 15 – Spring Golf Tournament at Blue Hills sponsored by Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce; May 25 – Town offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Vice Mayor Mullins announced the following Council activities: April 22 – Council Member Liles and Council Member McCarty attended the Community Development Committee meeting; April 23 – Mayor Grose attended the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission meeting; April 25 – all members of Council were at the Dogwood Festival and participated in the stroll; April 30 – Mayor Grose attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Glade Creek Greenway; May 5 – Council Member Stovall attended the Regional Chamber Legislative Wrap Up seminar. Requests to postpone, add to or change the order of agenda items, no requests were offered. 2 Council Member Stovall made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; the motion was seconded by Council Member Liles 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 April 21, 2026. Under Awards, Introductions, Presentations, John Hull, President/CEO of Roanoke Regional Partnership presented the 2025 Annual Report. He showed a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the economic impact, total investments and employment support. This presentation is on file at the Town Clerk’s office as part of the permanent record. Roanoke Regional Partnership’s economic impact reached a new record at $396.9 million with 555 business inquiries. The total capital investment was $175.9 million with 715 new jobs. Manufacturing continues to grow. The Roanoke region ranks in the top 25% with 30% of metros growing. Mr. Hull reported 679 project opportunities, which was a 38% increase from 2024. 2025 was a year of growth with 142,911 social followers, 434,911 unique website visitors, and 37,591 email contacts. The Roanoke region received national recognition. Livibility.com named the region in the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2025. Roanoke was named #2 on USA Today’s 10 Best Destinations for Fall Colors and named in the top 1/3 among metros in the 2025 Best Places for Food and Beverage Manufacturing Report. In 2025, the region celebrated a slew of exciting outdoor developments such as In-River Kayak Park, expanded trails on Mill Mountain, Craig- Botetourt Scenic Trail, new skatepark and pump track, New River access and campsites at Explore Park, and the Jackson River Scenic Trail. Roanoke saw two times the growth since 2020 with 1,949 new residents in 2025. Mayor Grose expressed appreciation for the Regional Partnership and for the staff. He values promoting being outdoors. 3 Under Awards, Introductions, Presentations, Council Member Liles read the proclamation recognizing the week of May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week in the Town of Vinton and called upon all citizens of the Town of Vinton and surrounding areas to recognize small businesses. Under Awards, Introductions, Presentations, Council Member Stovall read the proclamation recognizing May 11-16, 2026, as National Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Town Council called upon all citizens that are served by the Vinton Police Department to observe this week and to recognize officers for their faithful and loyal devotion to duty and dedicated service to their community. Under Awards, Introductions, Presentations, Chief Drumond introduced a new division within the Vinton Police Department The Wellness Division operates on four foundations that they believe build resilient individuals and strengthens the agency. Those foundations are faith, family, fitness, and finance. Within each foundation, the police department has recruited, trained, obtained certifications, and developed partnerships with experts. Chief Drumond then introduced the new partnership with Shield Chaplaincy. This organization has three chaplains and two canines: Darren Potter, Gareth Stephenson, Adam Hughes, Scarlett (canine), and Moose (canine). Together, they provide full-time chaplain services to support local law enforcement officers throughout the valley, as well as services across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Shield Chaplaincy will be a part of the Wellness Division. Mr. Potter expressed appreciation for the introduction. He shared that he started volunteering in 2009 when he noticed the need for this type of service. Once he got involved in the law enforcement community, he felt the need to start Sheild Chaplaincy to offer more services. Mayor Grose shared that he and Council are very proud of the Vinton Police Department. Council Member McCarty shared appreciation for the police department and Chief Drumond. 4 Council Member Stovall thanked Shield Chaplaincy for the services they offer, and work performed by the police department. Council Member Liles expressed gratitude for the police department. Chief Drumond then shared information on Impact First Responders. This program serves the community’s first responders through education, peer support, and counseling to address the chronic stress and trauma experienced both on and off the job. He then introduced the Program Director, Kristen Sharett. She will support the development and implementation of the Peer Support Team within the Wellness Division. Chief Drumond recognized Mandie Baker and Jake Miller for obtaining certifications through the National Association of Sports Medicine in support of the new Wellness Division. Categories of the certification include personal training, wellness coaching, weight loss management, nutrition, and mental toughness. Lastly, Chief Drumond recognized Corporal Hagy as Officer of the Year. Throughout the year, Corporal Hagy consistently demonstrated a level of performance that sets the standard for others to follow. His work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively under pressure exemplify what it means to serve with purpose and discipline in today’s law enforcement environment. All members of Council congratulated Corporal Hagy. Under Citizens’ Comments and Petitions, no comments were offered. Under Briefings, there were none. Under Items Requiring Action, there were none. Under Public Hearing, there were none. Under Appointments to Boards/Commissions/Committees, there were none. Under Reports from Committee, Mr. McClung shared details from the Community Development 5 Committee meeting that was held on April 22, 2026. McGimsey Property – Study and Development: The RFP has been issued with a due date of April 30, 2026. The Town is seeking a developer or anyone interested in a housing project that will involve high density residential in that parcel. Greenway Construction Properties (E. Madison Avenue): This property is compiled of five parcels. The Brownfield Grant is being used to complete some design work for this project. The goal is to have a mixed-use space. Staff have met with the property owner and Westwood Engineering to review the project scope, development expectations, and Town requirements. 7 Walnut Avenue: The Town obtained environmental funding to help with some mitigation as there was some paint left in the building. National Chain/Franchise Updates: There are prospects, individual companies, or national corporations that have submitted site plans or building plans for properties within the Town of Vinton. Zoning Ordinance Housing Amendments Study: The Planning and Zoning Department is going to work with Line & Grade and New Paradigm Planning, to complete this study. This study should take approximately six months. Mr. McClung shared that Mandy Adkins, Director of Cultural Placemaking and Events, shared the new proposed Vinton War Memorial rental rates, and Jamie Hurt, Director of Capital Projects, shared an update on the renovations taking place at the Vinton War Memorial. Walnut Avenue Improvement Project: There is a new crosswalk across from the McClung Parking Lot that was a due diligence project in relation to the E. Lee Avenue Redevelopment Project. Walnut Avenue Improvement Project, Phase III: This is a VDOT Smart Scale Project that is in the right-of-way phase now. VDOT is currently meeting with property owners to discuss right-of-way acquisitions and different impact costs. 6 3rd Street Stormwater Improvements and FDR Engineering: A lot of stormwater improvements have to be implemented in addition to the FDR process. The funding of this project will be phased out over two fiscal years. Bowman Street: A complaint came in regarding how narrow this street is. The committee decided that no changes would be made to the street. FY2027 Budget and CIP Discussion: There was a brief discussion on the budget and CIP. Last, Mr. McClung shared that he gave an overview of the code enforcement process in the Town of Vinton. Council shared appreciation for the briefing. There were no questions from Council. Under Town Attorney, no comments were offered. Under Town Manager’s Projects Updates, Mr. Sexton shared that the Shred Event from May 2, 2026, brought in 159 vehicles with 7,700 pounds of paper. Feeding Southwest Virginia held a fundraiser in conjunction with the Shred Event. They collected 244 pounds of food and $582 in monetary donations. All donations combined will provide over 1,450 meals. Also, Mr. Sexton highlighted the annual yard sale at the Vinton History Museum and how that event was a successful fundraiser. Mr. Sexton then thanked the Dogwood Committee for the 71st Dogwood Festival. He has heard nothing but great things about the event. It is estimated that attendance reached a new record. The Town will share those final numbers once collected. Mr. Sexton then acknowledged assistance from the police department, public works department, and the community development department. Mr. Sexton advised that the Town is tentatively planning to pave Virginia Avenue and Hardy Road from S. Pollard Street up to Clearview Drive. This project will be conducted at night beginning the week of May 10. 7 Council was reminded that the Public Hearing for the FY2027 budget will take place on May 19, 2026. Town Manager, Pete Peters will provide a presentation on the budget. Adoption of the FY2027 budget will take place on June 2. Lastly, Mr. Sexton recognized National Municipal Clerk’s Week. There were no comments or questions from Council. Under Council and Mayor Comments, Council Member Stovall commented on the Dogwood Festival and the crowds that were in restaurants such as Pollard 107 and Pok-e-Joe’s. Vice Mayor Mullins complimented the Shred Event and the fundraiser for Feeding Southwest Virginia. She acknowledged the success of the Dogwood Festival. She expressed gratitude to the police department for their presentation. She then thanked Roanoke County EMS for their helpfulness and kindness. Council Member McCarty complimented the Dogwood Festival stroll and how the band played the entire time. She expressed appreciation for the Shred Event. Her two shout-outs were to Desert Sun and Woods Automotive. Lastly, she acknowledged the award for the Comprehensive Plan from the APA Virginia 2026. Council Member Liles recognized the award from the APA Virginia 2026. He then complimented the Dogwood Festival and the stroll. Lastly, he acknowledged the police department and their community involvement such as the fundraiser event, Tip-A-Cop at Dunkin’ Donuts to benefit the Special Olympics. Mayor Grose congratulated the police department on their achievements and awards. He shared excitement over the success of the Dogwood Festival and acknowledged this is a tradition that we should always have. He then complimented the Shred Event and the national celebrations such as Teacher’s Week and Municipal Clerk’s Week. Also, he complimented EMS for their service. Lastly, he recognized that three restaurants within the Town of Vinton who will be providing meals to Ronald McDonald House on Wednesday, May 6. 8 Those restaurants are Vinton Café, Pok-e-Joe’s, and Pollard 107. Council Member Stovall shared comments on the sale of the old street signs from within the Town. Unsold signs will be donated to the Vinton History Museum. No additional comments or questions were offered. Council Member Liles made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member McCarty and carried by the following vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0) – None. ATTEST: _______________________________ Megan Lawless, Town Clerk Meeting Adjourned at 7:27 p.m. APPROVED: _______________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor