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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/19/2026 - Public Hearing 1 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 19, 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 Sabrina M. McCarty Michael W. Stovall MEMBERS ABSENT: Keith N. Liles STAFF PRESENT: Richard Peters, Town Manager Cody Sexton, Deputy Town Manager Megan Lawless, Town Clerk Jeremy Carroll, Town Attorney Tiffany Stewart, Interim Director of Finance Kimberley Ramsey, Interim Town Treasurer Fabricio Drumond, Chief of Police Jill Acker, Interim Director of Public Works Administration Jason Davison, General Services Manager Andrew Critcher, Crew Leader Mandy Adkins, Director of Cultural Placemaking and Events Judy Cunningham, Museum Coordinator Mayor Grose called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member McCarty, Council Member Stovall, Vice Mayor Mullins, and Mayor Grose present. Roll call After a Moment of Silence, Council Member Stovall led the Pledge of Allegiance. Under Upcoming Community Events/ Announcements, and Council Activities, Council Member McCarty announced the following events: May 25 – Town offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day and BoomTown CrossFit is hosting the annual Murph Challenge in honor of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy; June 13 – Mingle in the Market with That 80’s Show at the Vinton Farmers’ Market. Vice Mayor Mullins announced the following Council activities: May 13 – Mayor Grose attended Good Morning Series with Virginia Blue Ridge; May 13-15 – Vice Mayor Mullins, Council Member McCarty and Council Member Stovall attended the Small Towns Conference; May 14 – Mayor Grose attended the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission Executive Committee meeting; May 19 – Mayor Grose and Council Member Stovall attended the Finance Committee meeting. 2 Requests to postpone, add to or change the order of agenda items, no requests were offered. Council Member Stovall made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Mullins and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0-1; Yeas (4) - McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0) – None; Absent (1) – Liles. Approved minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 5, 2026. Under Awards, Introductions, Presentations, Proclamations, Council Member Stovall read the proclamation for ALS Awareness Month. Mrs. Cunningham and her family were present to accept the proclamation on behalf of her husband, Jim who was diagnosed with ALS in April. Mrs. Cunningham expressed appreciation to Council for spreading awareness of this disease. Vice Mayor Mullins read the proclamation for GBS/CIDP Awareness Month. Mr. Rick Forney was present to accept the proclamation and briefly shared his journey with this diagnosis. Council Member McCarty read the proclamation for National Public Works Week. Mrs. Acker accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Public Works Department. Mr. Sexton then presented Certificates of Achievement recognizing Andrew Critcher for placing 3rd in the Bucket Truck Competition, Jason Davison for placing 1st in the Knuckleboom Competition and 2nd in the Bucket Truck Competition and Chris Lawhorn (not present at the meeting) for placing 1st in the Zero Turn Mower Competition at the Southwest Virginia Public Works (SWVA-PW) Academy Roadeo at the Berglund Center on April 8, 2026. Also, there was recognition of Andrew Critcher for placing 3rd in the Mini-Excavator Competition and Jason Davison for placing 1st in the Bucket Truck Competition at the APWA Mid-Atlantic Roadeo in Ocean City, Maryland on May 13, 2026. Lastly, Mr. Sexton acknowledged the Treasurer/Finance Department for receiving the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award for FY2025- 2026. 3 Under Citizens’ Comments and Petitions, Mr. George Baldwin spoke in support of the Vinton Police Department with compliments to Chief Drumond and Deputy Chief Lawless. He continued to share that he has watched the Town grow over the years and reminded Council to pay, honor and support the police officers. Miss Skylour Stultz shared concerns about the future of the Town to include a decline in community involvement, morale, promotion of the Town and an overall lack of connection between Town leadership, employees, and residents. She continued to express concern about an employee who was terminated and asked Town Council to review leadership practices and work culture within the current administration to ensure employees are being treated professionally, ethically and with the respect they have earned through years of service and work to rebuild community engagement. Ms. Gloria Charlton requested a community meeting for residents, business owners, banks, churches, and others before this year’s election to discuss concerns surrounding empty buildings, and the need for more contractors and business from Vinton to be hired for projects. Under Briefings, Mr. Peters provided a PowerPoint presentation on the recommended budget for FY27. This presentation is on file at the Town Clerk’s office as part of the permanent record. Mr. Peters provided an overview of revenue trends, reviewed fund balance reserves and recent activity, shared the current expenditure plan to include departmental budgets, personnel expenses, contributions to community organizations, CIP priorities, and the balanced budget review. Total operational revenues are currently sustainable; however, Mr. Peters projects them to level off or decrease in some areas in the short- term. The Fund balance reserves of one-time money has been used frequently for community improvements such as the Vinton War Memorial Park, replacement of traffic signals, paving, and acquiring properties for redevelopment. 4 Expenses are expected to outpace revenues; however, there are positive revenue sources coming in the future such as the hotel, increased pari-mutuel tax, Vinton Business Center residential tax and the redevelopment of Gish Mill. Major revenue sources include real estate taxes at $525,000, personal property taxes and vehicle license fees at $717,942, business licenses at $944,151, state sales taxes at $1.65 million, meals taxes at $2.1 million, and pari-mutuel taxes at $3.5 million. Mr. Peters asked if there were any questions. None were spoken. The General Fund operating cash balance is approximately $1.0 million with investments at $2.5 million. The Capital Fund operating cash balance is approximately $976,000 with investments at $4.9 million. Fund balances have been drawn down for projects such as the Vinton War Memorial Park, renovations to the Vinton War Memorial and property acquisitions. Personnel expenses are the largest portion of the budget with a 3% COLA raise. Originally, the draft budget included 2% COLA, but Council asked staff to revisit the COLA. The mid-year bonuses will be maintained, and the budget will absorb the health insurance premium increase. Other major expenditures include paving, equipment replacement, future CIP project planning, and performance agreements for economic development. Community contributions such as, but not limited to, Vinton Dogwood Festival, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Vinton Volunteer First Aid Crew along with joint local government services such as Roanoke Valley CATV-Channel 3, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, Roanoke Valley TPO, and Roanoke Regional Partnership all total $97,593.89. Mr. Peters asked if there were any questions. None were spoken. FY27 CIP proposed budget is $1.795 million. Some of the projects include equipment replacement, vehicle replacement, HVAC repairs, police training 5 facility at Gearhart Park, Community Center and Farmers’ Market design and construction. The FY27 budget is expected to be adopted at the next Town Council meeting on June 2, 2026. Council expressed appreciation for the presentation. Mayor Grose thanked everyone who worked on the budget. He acknowledged how well things are going in the Town. Council Member Stovall shared that people are excited about the Town and it shows in the number of issued business licenses and meals tax collection. He then shared comments on the Town’s ability to provide a 3% COLA increase and cover the health insurance premium increase. Lastly, he commented on what Mr. Baldwin said, in that police officers do not make enough money and that we should focus on them and the Public Works Department. Under Items Requiring Action, Mr. Peters presented a Resolution in support of a newly established RFP Subcommittee under the Community Development Committee. This RFP Subcommittee is to maintain consistent, transparent, and efficient processes for the review of RFP’s for projects within the Town. The subcommittee will have a direct correlation with Roanoke County which will provide open communication and insight into what the Town is trying to accomplish. Mr. Carroll proposed an edit to the Resolution in paragraph 3 to allow Council, not just the Mayor, the authority to appoint and remove members and Town employees from the subcommittee. Mayor Grose agreed with the edit. Vice Mayor Mullins made a motion to adopt a Resolution reflecting the change from Mayor to Town Council in support of establishing the RFP Subcommittee, the motion was seconded by Council Member Stovall and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0- 1; Yeas (4) -McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0); Absent (1) – Liles. Adopted Resolution No. 2672 adopting the RFP Subcommittee. 6 Under Public Hearing, Mayor Grose opened the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. for consideration of public comments regarding the proposed FY2026- 2027 Town of Vinton Budget. Given that Mr. Peters presented the recommended budget earlier in the meeting, Mr. Sexton asked Council if they had any comments or questions. No comments or questions were offered. Mayor Grose asked if there were public comments. None were spoken. Mayor Grose asked Council if they had any questions or comments. None were spoken. Mayor Grose officially closed the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. As noted on the Agenda, the adoption of the FY2026-2027 budget will take place on June 2, 2026. Under Public Hearing, Mayor Grose opened the second public hearing at 7:11 p.m. for consideration of public comments regarding the proposed rate changes for the Vinton War Memorial to be effective July 1, 2026. Mrs. Adkins provided a PowerPoint presentation. This presentation is on file at the Town Clerk’s office as part of the permanent record. Mrs. Adkins shared that the Vinton War Memorial is under construction for a major renovation. The rental fees have not been updated since 2018. As staff prepare for the reopening of the Vinton War Memorial, it is time to reconsider updating the fees. The proposal includes two packages. “The Signature Experience” is $6,500 for the weekend and $5,500 for weekdays. This package provides access to the building for two days and full setup of tables and chairs. “The Grand Affair” adds linens, dishware, centerpieces, and setup of tables and chairs. The rate for this package is $7,250 on weekends and $6,250 on weekdays. Single weekday events will cost $4,000. This option is for smaller events, celebrations, or corporate gatherings. Opened public hearing at 7:09 p.m. Closed public hearing at 7:11 p.m. 7 There are optional add-ons for The Signature Experience and The Grand Affair packages such as a dedicated Day-of Coordinator to manage timelines, vendors and ceremony coordination for $800. For clients who only need ceremony coordination for bridal party cues, music, timing, etc., the fee is $350. Optional add-ons for Single Weekday Events include linens for $15 per table, $150 for dishware, $250 for décor which will include setup and cleanup of centerpieces. Wedding Ceremony fee will be $1000. This includes setup of house chairs for ceremony, partition wall in place for ceremony and staff coordination to flip the room during cocktail hour and setup of Dogwood Ballroom for wedding for reception event. Feedback from Council at the FY27 Budget Work Session was to ensure the South Ballroom and North Ballroom equaled the Dogwood Ballroom. That adjustment has been made. Proposed hourly rates are split between weekday rates Monday – Thursday and weekend rates Friday – Sunday and then broken down by room such as the Library, South Ballroom, North Ballroom and Dogwood Ballroom. The Dogwood Ballroom is the combination of the South and North Ballrooms. The minimum rental time is four hours with the ability to rent additional hours up to eight hours. A four-hour block on a weekday in the Dogwood Ballroom will cost $1000, and the eight-hour block will cost $1,500. A four-hour block on the weekend in the Dogwood Ballroom will cost $1,320, and the eight-hour block will cost $1,800. If a client has more than 120 guests, they will be required to rent the Dogwood Ballroom and the Library. Mrs. Adkins asked Council if they had questions or comments. Vice Mayor Mullins asked about the ability to rent just the parking lot. 8 Mrs. Adkins advised we have the ability to rent the parking lot. In the FY27 Budget Work Session, it was discussed that if clients could rent the parking lot, then they would have to rent the Dogwood Ballroom and the Library. This option is in the proposed rental rates. Mr. Stovall shared that this was discussed earlier in the Finance Committee meeting. He made a recommendation to remove the option to rent the parking lot at the Vinton War Memorial and rent out the parking lot at Walnut Avenue instead. He also recommended renting the Vinton War Memorial parking lot only on Sundays. Mrs. Adkins finished her presentation by saying that tonight is for the adoption of the fees and then in the future, she will present policy updates for consideration to include the feedback from Council Member Stovall. Mayor Grose shared that this is really complicated with a lot of moving parts, but that Mrs. Adkins has done a great job of simplifying it as much as possible. Mrs. Adkins clarified that the parking lot is still listed in the proposed rental rates, so if Council wants to take that out, a change can be considered for the Resolution and should be noted in the motion. The proposed rental rates sheet showed that events utilizing the parking lot as event space (beyond standard guest parking) require rental of both the Dogwood Ballroom and Library. Council Member Stovall voted to take it out and requested staff be given the opportunity to look at other options. Vice Mayor Mullins agreed. Mr. Peters said he does not believe we are going to have a lot of trouble reserving the building. The parking lot is not requested very often. Council Member Stovall asked if discretion language was in the proposed rate sheet because if someone rents the parking lot, but then someone else wants The Grand Affair package, they cannot rent it because the parking lot is not available. 9 Mayor Grose said that was a good point. Council Member Stovall advised that his recommendation is to take it out and let staff look at other options. For public comments, Mary Beth Layman asked if the rental of the front lawn ties into the parking lot. Mrs. Adkins advised that the lawn was discussed in the FY27 Budget Work Session, and it was decided not to rent the lawn. Mr. Peters shared that we are more equipped to host events downtown than we were before, so we have the ability to use other amenities. Council Member Stovall said that we may need to advertise all the different locations the Town has for events. Mayor Grose asked if there were any more public comments. No additional public comments were offered. Mayor Grose asked if there was anything else to be discussed. No additional comments were offered. Mayor Grose closed the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. Council Member Stovall said he will ask Council the question again. Mr. Carroll asked for clarification on the ability to rent the parking lot or not. Council Member Stovall said the proposed rental rates sheet includes the option to rent the parking lot. He then asked if he had to make a motion to remove it out of the proposed rental rates sheet to give staff the opportunity to research it further. Mr. Carroll advised that it does not have to be removed in order for staff to look into the issue to then come back with a follow-up recommendation. He clarified that the language on the proposed rental rates sheet says, “the following events require rental of both Dogwood Ballroom and Library” and it lists utilizing the parking lot as event space. He clarified that using the parking lot also Closed public hearing at 7:26 p.m. 10 requires the rental of the Dogwood Ballroom and the Library. Council Member Stovall expressed that if someone rents the parking lot, the Dogwood Ballroom and the Library, signs a contract they have now tied the parking lot up. Three days later, someone calls and wants the - - Mr. Carroll understood the comparison and acknowledged the revenue difference. Mr. Peters shared there would not be much revenue loss because that is why the parking lot rental requires rental of the building as well. Staff were trying to give opportunities for the parking lot because they do not know what events may come up. Mr. Peters proposed not renting the parking lot as event space. Vice Mayor Mullins and Council Member Stovall agreed. Mr. Carroll then advised Council to make a motion to approve the rates as proposed except removing the ability to rent the parking lot as event space. Mayor Grose asked if Council Member Stovall makes that motion of which he said yes. Council Member Stovall made a motion to adopt a Resolution to approve the rates as proposed except removing the ability to rent the parking lot as event space, the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Mullins and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0- 1; Yeas (4) -McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0); Absent (1) – Liles. Mayor Grose made one additional comment. It is his understanding that these rates are very competitive compared to folks throughout the valley. Mrs. Adkins confirmed. Under Public Hearing, Mayor Grose opened the third public hearing at 7:30 p.m. for consideration of public comments concerning the proposed amendment and additional appropriation to the Town of Vinton’s FY2025-2026 budget for funding Adopted Resolution No. 2673 to approve the rates as proposed except removing the ability to rent the parking lot as event space. Opened public hearing at 7:30 p.m. 11 for the purchase of real property in the total amount of $260,000. Mr. Sexton shared that the first transfer is for the purchase of the property that has been identified in the downtown and then ratifies the execution of a Purchase Agreement for that property. The Purchase Agreement has been executed by Mr. Sexton, so the Resolution ratifies his signature as well. The negotiated purchase price is $250,000; however, there is extra funding to cover closing costs or other associated fees in the amount of $10,000. The money for this purchase is from interest earnings in the Capital Fund in the amount of $80,000. The remaining $180,000 comes from unassigned fund balance in the General Fund. Mr. Peters added that there is a press release that has been issued to provide additional background on the property. He shared it is very important for the Town to be involved in this and actively redevelop that site appropriately. Mayor Grose asked if there were public comments. None were spoken. Mayor Grose asked Council if they had any questions or comments. Council Member McCarty shared that she is excited to see this move forward. Mayor Grose agreed and thanked the property owners for working with the Town. There were no additional comments. Mayor Grose closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Council Member McCarty made a motion to adopt an a Resolution to amend the Town of Vinton’s FY2025-2026 budget to appropriate funding for the purchase of real property in the total amount of $440,000, the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Mullins and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0-1; Yeas (4) -McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0); Absent (1) – Liles. Closed public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Adopted Resolution No. 2674 to amend the Town of Vinton’s FY2025-2026 budget to appropriate funding for the purchase of real property in the total amount of $440,000 12 Under Appointments to Boards/Commissions/Committees, staff recommended that the following individuals be appointed to the newly adopted RFP Subcommittee of the Community Development Committee with terms effective immediately and expiring on January 1 following the next Town Council election. Upon expiration of the term, members may be considered for reappointment. Council Member Keith Liles Council Member Sabrina McCarty Josh Mullen Alexander Jones Jeremy Holmes The following Town staff will be on subcommittee: Richard Peters Jill Loope Nathan McClung Mr. Carroll clarified that Town staff are not appointed members. Mr. Peters shared that the subcommittee will provide recommendations with no authority to take action or make decisions. Vice Mayor Mullins made a motion to appoint Council Member Keith Liles, Council Member Sabrina McCarty, Josh Mullen, Alexander Jones, and Jeremy Holmes with terms effective immediately and expiring on January 1 following the next Town Council election, the motion was seconded by Council Member Stovall and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0-1; Yeas (4) -McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0); Absent (1) – Liles. Under Reports from Committee, Mrs. Stewart provided a report on what the Finance Committee discussed at the meeting on May 19, 2026. An RFP has been issued for the financing of the Vinton War Memorial renovation project. The General Fund revenues and expenditures remain sufficient to meet budget goals. Operating cash and investments total $8.7 million which is a 15% increase over March’s balances. Appointed members to the RFP Subcommittee with terms effective immediately and expiring on January 1 following the next Town Council election. 13 General Fund revenues stand at $9.9 million, which is 71% of the budget. With normal treasury activities, we should see a jump in revenue for the remainder of the fiscal year due to personal and real estate tax collection. As of April 30, personal property and VLF totaled $72,000 in collections. Real estate collection is $5,100. General Fund expenditures increased to $10.7 million for the fiscal year, which is 77% of the allocated budget. This is due to the completion of capital projects. Major expenditures as of May 7 include police academy yearly dues, the purchase of the greenway disc golf course, and the final payment for the park equipment and installation. Expenditures are in line with budget expectations. All departments have used between 70-90% of their budget. Council expressed appreciation for the report. Council Member Stovall made a motion to approve the April 30, 2026, Financial Statements, the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Mullins and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0-1; Yeas (4) -McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0); Absent (1) – Liles. Approved the Financial Statements from April 30, 2026. Under Town Attorney, no comments were offered. Under Town Manager’s Projects Updates, Mr. Peters shared that paving should be wrapping up tonight. Striping will take place next week not only on Virginia Avenue and Hardy Road, but along Mountain View Road and Clearview Drive. The Town received a nice letter from the Vinton Historical society for the Town’s additional donation of $50,000 towards the museum lift. The Vinton Historical Society has signed a contract with G&H Contracting for the installation of the cargo lift. Under Council and Mayor Comments, Mayor Grose invited Mrs. Layman to share details about 14 the upcoming play Land & Liberty: The Vinton Story. Performances will be on June 12, June 13 and June 14. There is an option to purchase dinner for the 7:00 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday. Vice Mayor Mullins complimented the Small Towns Conference. She is excited to celebrate the Public Works Department during Public Works Week. Council Member McCarty gave a shoutout to KFC for bringing back their buffet. She expressed gratitude for the staff and reminded everyone that Town Council meets twice a month. Mayor Grose complimented the 3% COLA and coverage of the increased insurance premium for staff. There were no additional comments offered. Vice Mayor Mullins made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member McCarty and carried by the following vote 4-0-1; Yeas (4) – McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0) – None; Absent (1) – Liles. ATTEST: _______________________________ Megan K. Lawless, Town Clerk Meeting Adjourned at 7:53 p.m. APPROVED: _______________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor