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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/1/2026 - Public Hearing 1 Vinton Town Council Regular Meeting Council Chambers 311 South Pollard Street Tuesday, September 1, 2026 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 approval of the minutes of the Work Session of August 18, 2026 2. Consider approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 18, 2026 F. AWARDS, INTRODUCTIONS, PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS G. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND PETITIONS - This section is reserved for comments and questions for issues not listed on the agenda H. BRIEFING I. ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION J. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Consideration of public comments regarding a Resolution requesting the General Assembly amend the Charter of the Town of Vinton to remove and/or resolve inconsistent, outdated, and/or unnecessary language, to clarify language regarding the Town Manager’s authority, and to incorporate other language requested by Town Council. a. Open Public Hearing 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 2 • Report from Staff – Richard “Pete” Peters, Town Manager • Receive public comments • Council discussion and questions b. Close Public Hearing c. Consider a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented K. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES L. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES M. TOWN ATTORNEY N. TOWN MANAGER’S PROJECT UPDATES/COMMENTS O. COUNCIL AND MAYOR P. ADJOURNMENT NEXT COMMITTEE/TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS AND TOWN EVENTS: September 7, 2026 – Town Offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day September 9, 2026 – 10:30 a.m. – Public Works Committee Meeting – TOV Chamber September 15, 2026 – Regular Council Meeting – TOV Chamber October 6, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. - Regular Council Meeting – TOV Chamber October 10, 2026 – 10:00 a.m. – Fall Festival – Downtown October 12, 2026 – Town Offices will be closed in observance of Columbus Day October 14, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. – Community Development Committee Meeting – TOV Annex October 26, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. – Finance Committee Meeting – TOV Finance October 27, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. – Trick or Treat Event- Downtown 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 1, 2026 Department Council Issue Minutes from the Work Session of August 18, 2026 Minutes from the Regular Meeting of August 18, 2026 Attachments Minutes Recommendations Consider a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Town Council Agenda Summary 1 MINUTES OF A WORK SESSION OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 4:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 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: Richard Peters, Town Manager Cody Sexton, Deputy Town Manager Megan Lawless, Town Clerk Jeremy Carroll, Town Attorney Anita McMillan, Director of Planning and Zoning Nathan McClung, Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning Mayor Grose called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member Liles, Council Member McCarty, Council Member Stovall, Vice Mayor Mullins, Grose present. Under Work Session – Town Charter Updates, Mr. Carroll reviewed proposed changes Town Charter. Changes to the charter were posted on the Town’s website and were provided at the presentation is on file at the Town Clerk’s Office as part of the permanent record. Updates include: Chapter 2 - Powers Virginia – this section received Virginia references longer valid. 2.3. Eminent domain – this section received new are no longer valid. Chapter 3 – Council mayor and councilmen – this section received updates on gender neutral verbiage; the months of which elections take place from May to November; vacancies, when to enter upon duties. 2 3.1.1 Holding other office – received an update on gender neutral verbiage and verbiage was added board or commission. 3.4. Mayor and vice mayor – continued with gender shall choose a vice mayor. 3.5. Vacancy in office of mayor – the time of which a mayor vacancy can be filled changed from thirty days to forty- explanation of the term. 3.7. Powers of council – include without limitations the powers incorporated from Chapters 9 and 11 of the Code of Virginia. 3.7.1. Council not to interfere with appointments or removals – this section was added to define that direct or request the appointment of any person to, or removal from, office by the town manager or any of the manager’s subordinates, etc. 3.8. Salaries and expenses – updated to reflect current state code. Chapter 4 4.1. Appointments – reflect the appointment of the town manager, town treasurer, town clerk, and town attorney at the first meeting in January following each council member election. Mayor Grose clarified that the only change in this section is the elimination of the chief of police being an appointment position. deputies. Council Member Liles commented that it includes assistants as well. There was a brief discussion on the role of the town clerk who may serve as the town m t Section 15.2- appoint or designate a clerk for the governing body 3 administrative officer and an attorney to the localities discretion. Mr. Peters shared that on several occasions when there has been a vacancy in the clerk position, the town manager has been appointed as the clerk. Code Section 15.2- appointment of a financial officer, which is why he wanted to keep the town treasurer as an appointed position. 4.2. Town manager – this section was updated to manager. The current Town Charter does not specify that the town manager has to live within the town limits. It is Mr. Carroll’s recommendation not to candidate list with this requirement. He suggested that if this is something that is needed, it could be done so in the form of an employment contract. 4.2.1. Powers and duties of the town manager – section (a) – (o) were added to show the powers personnel; supervise and exercise control over the administration of all town departments; attendance directives, orders, financial condition and future needs; advise council provide recommendations to town council concerning operations and develop policies; assist council in developing long- partnerships; provide staff support services for the duties and functions prescribed in the charter and by town council. Mr. Carroll noted that section (k) may need to be updated to include the mayor aligning with Town Code or it can read contracts, deeds, and other instruments. 4 It was also noted that Town Code requires Council meetings to be at 7:00 p.m. This will need to be removed as this is not necessary. Charters are reviewed by the General Assembly. 4.3. Town treasurer – appointment of a financial officer. This section was updated to reflect the Code of Virginia. 4.4. Town clerk – this section outlines the statutory guidelines set for a clerk. 4.5. Town attorney – the verbiage was updated to allow the town attorney to appoint such deputies and assistants as he or she deems necessary. Mr. Sexton asked if the town treasurer and town clerk need to have the authority to appoint deputies like the town attorney. c deputy. He went on to say this could be changed deputies. appointment of deputies is drafted as he wants to have oversight over deputies agreeance and avoid potential conflict. Mayor Grose agreed with Mr. Peters. 4.6. Public safety – updated. The council appointment of the chief of police was removed and added verbiage defining the functions of the police department by orders of the town manager. Mr. Carroll shared that this chapter provision has been taken directly from the City of Lexington with a few edits. This system works well for the City of Lexington. Another option for this chapter is to include verbiage to say the town manager can hire the chief of police with approval of town council; this option would serve as a function of advice and consent. There were no comments or questions regarding the additional option. 5 4.6.1. Police Department – this section defines that the supervision of the police department to be under the town manager and that the chief of police and the other members of the police department shall have the power and duties of police officers as provided by the laws of the Commonwealth. Mayor Grose clarified that Council determines the process. options for 4.6. – Public safety. 4.6.2. Chief of Police – functions this role. says the chief of police may appoint a deputy chief of police. There was a brief discussion on how the chief of police shall appoint all members of the department and assign all members. Mr. Peters shared that he does not get involved in the assignments of police officers. He continued by would prefer to keep all deputies consistent, and he provides oversight into the appointment of the deputy chief. Council Member Liles noted that Mr. Peters does not have the capacity to handle hiring all positions such as public works staff, police department, etc. This would make him a hiring manager. serve in the absence of the department head, so in that case it may not be the rank; there could be a deputy chief. While this is rare, it is possible. Mr. Sexton provided another scenario for having two captains where one is the deputy chief and one is not. Mr. Peters believes it is not automatically assumed consultation with the chief of police. 6 Mr. Carroll advised the change could be to remove the appointment of the deputy from the chief of police and added authorize the chief of police to make the deputy appointment after consultation. Mr. Peters agreed. Mr. Sexton said that revised verbiage aligns with absence of a deputy chief, the town manager also appoints an acting chief of police. 4.9. Term of office – appointed officers. 4.13. Boards and commissions – this section was updated to reflect committees as well. Chapter 7 7.6. Legislative procedure – resolution. 7.7. Water and sewer service charges – this entire owns water and sewer services. substantial changes necessary from the proposed edits, the next step will be to have a public hearing on September 1, 2026. Action does not have to be taken at the public hearing if a lot of feedback is received concerning the edits; however, action will resolution, a letter will be drafted with the resolution prefile. There was a brief discussion on the importance of the updates. There were no questions. refreshments were served. Following refreshments and no further discussion 7 seconded by Council Member McCarty. ATTEST: _______________________________ Megan Lawless, Town Clerk APPROVED: _______________________________ 1 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 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: Richard Peters, Town Manager Cody Sexton, Deputy Town Manager Megan Lawless, Town Clerk Jeremy Carroll, Town Attorney Tiffany Stewart, Director of Finance Anita McMillan, Director of Planning and Zoning 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, Grose present. After a Moment of Silence,Mr. Sexton led the Pledge of Allegiance. Announcements, and Council Activities, Council Member McCarty announced the following events: August 22 – Mingle in the Market with Supafly Five. Vice Mayor Mullins announced the following Council activities: July 28 – Mayor Grose, Vice Mayor Mullins, Council Member Liles, and Council Member McCarty attended the American Planning Association-Virginia Chapter Awards Ceremony. August 4 – Mayor Grose, Council Member Liles, Council Member McCarty, and Council Member Stovall attended National Night Out. August 5 – Vice Mayor Mullins attended the RVTV Committee meeting. August 12 – Council Member Liles and Council Member McCarty attended the Community Development Committee meeting. 2 August 17 – Mayor Grose attended the Regional Commission-Executive Committee meeting. August 17 – Council Member Liles attended the August Birthday Luncheon. August 18 – Mayor Grose and Council Member Stovall attended the Finance Committee meeting. August 18 – All members of Council attended the Work Session on the Town Charter. Requests to postpone, add to or change the order of agenda items, no requests were offered. Vice Mayor Mullins made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; the motion was seconded by Council Member Stovall and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Grose; Nays (0) – None. 21, 2026. Under Awards, Introductions, Presentations, Mr. McClung recognized Mrs. McMillan for winning Association’s (APA Virginia) 2026 Bluebell Award – Virginia’s Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year. Mrs. McMillan thanked council, administration, and her team for all their support throughout her career. Mrs. McMillan for her achievements. Under Citizens’ Comments and Petitions, no comments were offered. Under Briefings, there were no items. Under Items Requiring Action, Mr. Peters presented a Resolution to adopt the new changes in the Town of Vinton Employee Handbook. Proposed edits were provided at the July 21, 2026, Town Council meeting and include Section 4 – Safety and Security for inclement weather, defined essential and non- implementation of a Safety Glasses Program; Section 6 – practices 3 Discretionary Time, and a Remote Work Policy; and Section 7 – Time Off to set a maximum payout employment ends. No comments or questions were offered. Council Member McCarty approve the Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by Council Member Liles and voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Under Items Requiring Action, presented a Resolution to approve a contract with Taxing Authority Consulting Services, PC (TACS) and for the collection of delinquent tax accounts. The tax accounts to be included in the collection are real estate, personal property, and trust tax. The town treasurer has identified the outside support for collection. Under the Code of Virginia § 58.1-3934 and § 58.1- can hire attorneys or a collection agency to collect delinquent tax bills that are behind six months or more with a fee not to exceed 20%. Vinton Virginia Code of Ordinances Sec. 86-2 acknowledges the 20% collection fee. was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting. opportunity to pay their delinquent tax bills before TACS goes live. Mr. Peters clarified that the contract was signed by approve the contract and ratify the signing of the contract. Council Member Stovall approve the Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Mullins and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Grose; Nays (0) – None. Under Public Hearing, Mayor Grose opened the public hearing at 6:21 p.m. to receive comments regarding the issuance of a general obligation bond to the Town of Vinton in a principal amount not to Resolution No. 2689 to adopt the new changes in the Town of Vinton Employee Handbook. Resolution No. 2690 to approve a contract with Taxing Authority Consulting Service, PC for the collection of delinquent local taxes and accounts and ratifying the town manager’s execution of the contract. Public hearing opened. 4 and payment of the bond and payment of the bond and authorizing certain actions. Mr. Sexton shared that the Vinton War Memorial determined that approximately $2,000,000 of Town funds existing in the investment accounts and cash reserves would be used for this project and then the remaining $2,500,000 would be funded through a bond. A Request for Proposals was issued, and the Bank of Botetourt has been identified as the successful proposer. The Resolution provided was drafted by the bond council, Mr. Michael Lockaby. The key takeaways on the bond are $2,500,000 on the total principal, 20-year term with a fixed rate of 5.99%. There is no early payoff penalty, so the intention is to refinance the loan to a lower rate or pay the bond off earlier than the 20- payment is $215,000. Mr. Sexton always been to allocate revenue generated by the Vinton War Memorial to cover the debt service on this bond. It is believed that with the new pricing met. available to pay the bond down sooner. Staff feel and believe the said terms give the Town the most flexibility. The bond is expected to close at the end of August or the beginning of September. public. No comments or questions were offered by council. Mayor Grose closed the public hearing at 6:25 p.m. Council Member Liles approve the Resolution as presented; the motion Public hearing closed. 5 carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Under Reports from Committees, Mrs. Stewart provided a report on what the Finance Committee discussed at the meeting on August 18, 2026. Operating Cash and Investments total $7.058 million. Grant Fund expenditures increased due to an end- of-year reimbursement for the Gish Mill project. Staff started seeing some expenditures for yearly County and debt payments. Pari- continue to monitor this as the year progresses. committee discussed change to the fuel card provider. No comments or questions were offered. Vice Mayor Mullins made a motion to approve the Financial Statements for July 31, 2026 motion was seconded by Council Member Stovall and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, McCarty, Stovall, Mullins, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Under Reports from Committees, Mr. McClung provided a report on what the Community Development Committee discussed at the meeting on August 12, 2026. This committee meeting was an economic development heavy agenda. Staff have received the proposals with the intent of the development team on the McGimsey project. The developer would like to do a design charrette neighborhood would want to see there. Staff have drafted a Request for Proposal for the issuance of a general obligation bond exceed $2,500,000 and provide the form, details, bond and authorizing certain actions. Approved the Financial Statements for July 31, 2026. 6 separate parcels, the land will be combined into one property with one address. Construction properties. Staff continue to work with the developer to discuss options for this property. maintain ownership of the parking lot. Easements and other legal documents will be drafted so that business owners have access to parking spaces for their clients. The property survey has been completed at 234 W. property owners to clean up some of the outdoor storage area. Staff have been working with a potential buyer for the property at E. Cleveland Avenue / E. Jackson Avenue. tenant spaces. Dos Mas restaurant owner is still determining an open date. Wing Stop is currently working on sewer line issues and hopes to open in September. The site plan has been approved for Wawa, but the permits are still pending. There is no construction update or deadline at this time. agenda during the committee meeting. Shopping Center with the construction of a credit union; the hotel required some sidewalk work along S. Pollard Street which delayed the opening of the completion. Development project updates. Special Projects Assistant to the Town Manager, 7 murals. She obtained a grant for $3,500 to help fund this project. There Ordinance Housing Amendments Study. There are a lot of meetings coming up on this topic. The committee received an update on the Vinton financing of this project. Restaurant Week which is taking place September 12- events. Mayor Grose shared appreciation for the report. Under Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees, there were no appointments. Under Town Attorney, no comments were offered. Under Town Manager’s Projects Updates, Mr. Peters provided a few updates. was originally planned to be closed for three days for a stormwater project. Once the project started, abandoned waterlines were discovered and per the Western Virginia Water Authority, those lines have to be reopening of the road. During the road closure, the upcoming concrete work regarding their need to connect electricity hotel. Rather than opening and closing the road, the road will remain closed for a few more days in projects were able to get done in one closure. The contractor is back on site at Gish Mill. They were offsite for a couple of months for a different project. There will be a second construction crew on site in September. One crew will be for exterior work and the other for interior work. This project is at 50% completion and is 8 the end of August. This project is two months ahead of schedule. The Vinton War Memorial renovation going well. 80-90% of the drywall has been hung in the interior of the building. The roof should be on in a couple of days. amenities such as benches and trash cans to allow time for staff to review operations to see what was needed. The benches will be installed soon. Under Council and Mayor Comments, Council Member Stovall complimented National Night Out and the new location. new park to a friend who appreciated the adaptive swings. Council McCarty shared that she enjoyed National Night Out. She congratulated Ms. McMillan on her hard work. park, he suggested that National Night Out remain downtown. He congratulated Mrs. McMillan on her award. Mayor Grose congratulated Mrs. McMillan on her award and shared that the Planning Commission is a great training field. Next, he congratulated Chief Drumond on completing Senior Executive Institute; Boys and Girls Club on the donation of $850 from the lease rental fee from Cargill; and then shared update on the road closure. Vice Mayor Mullins made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Liles and carried by the following vote 5- 0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Meeting Adjourned at 6:52 p.m. 9 _______________________________ Megan Lawless, Town Clerk _______________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Meeting Date September 1, 2026 Department Administration Issue Amendment of the Town of Vinton Charter Attachments Resolution with proposed edits to the Town Charter Recommendations Conduct Public Hearing Consider a motion to adopt the Resolution requesting that the General Assembly amend the charter of the Town of Vinton to remove and/or resolve inconsistent, outdated, and/or unnecessary language, to clarify language regarding the town manager’s authority, and to incorporate other language requested by town council. Town Council Agenda Summary 1 RESOLUTION ______ AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE VINTON TOWN COUNCIL, HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA. A RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE § 15.2-202 REQUESTING THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF VINTON TO REMOVE AND/OR RESOLVE INCONSISTENT, OUTDATED, AND/OR UNNECESSARY LANGUAGE, TO CLARIFY LANGUAGE REGARDING THE TOWN MANAGER’S AUTHORITY, AND TO INCORPORATE OTHER LANGUAGE REQUESTED BY TOWN COUNCIL. WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Vinton has directed the Town Manager and Town Attorney to review the Town Charter and propose changes that would remove and/or resolve inconsistent, outdated, and/or unnecessary language, clarify language regarding the Town Manager’s authority, and incorporate language requested by Town Council; and WHEREAS, Town Council has reviewed the Town Manager’s and Town Attorney’s recommended changes to the Town Charter and has determined that the amendments reflected in this Resolution are in the best interests of the Town and its residents; and WHEREAS, Town Council has provided notice of a public hearing to be held in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-202; and WHEREAS, Town Council has conducted such public hearing on September 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, Town Council desires that the sections of the Town Charter referenced in this Resolution be amended as reflected herein, and that all other sections of the Town Charter remain in full force and effect in their current form without amendment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Vinton, Virginia, as follows: 1. Town Council requests that the General Assembly amend and reenact Chapter 618 of the Acts of Assembly with the following revisions: Vinton, Town of County of Roanoke * * * Chapter 2. Powers. 2 * * * § 2.2. Adoption of certain sections of the Code of Virginia. The powers granted in § 2.1 of this charter include specifically, but are not limited to, all powers set forth in Chapters 9 (§§ 15.2-900 through 15.2-988) and 11 (§§ 15.2-1100 through 15.2-1133) of Title 15.2 §§ 15.1-837 through 15.1-907, inclusive, of the Code of Virginia, as amended, and all acts in furtherance thereof and supplemental thereto. (1981, c. 618) § 2.3. Eminent domain. The powers of eminent domain as set forth in Title 15.21 and Title 25.1 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, are hereby conferred upon the town of Vinton. (1981, c. 618) * * * Chapter 3. Council. § 3.1. Election, qualification and term of office for mayor and councilmembersn. The town of Vinton shall be governed by a town council composed of a mayor and four councilmembersn, all of whom shall be qualified voters of the town, to be elected from the town at large. Any person qualified to vote in the town shall be eligible for the office of mayor or councilmemberan. The mayor and the councilmembersn in office at the time of the adoption of this charter shall continue in office until their successors are duly elected and qualified. An election for two councilmembersn shall be held on the first Tuesday in NovemberMay, 20261982, and on the first Tuesday in NovemberMay of every second year thereafter. A mayor shall be elected on the first Tuesday in NovemberMay, 20281984, and every four years thereafter unless a vacancy in office occurs, in which case the provisions of § 3.5 of this charter shall control. The mayor and councilmembersn shall enter upon their duties, after qualifying, on the first day of Januarly next succeeding their election, and shall each serve for a term of four years or until their successors have qualified. (1981, c. 618; 1982, c. 86; 1998, c. 249) § 3.1.1. Holding other office. Except as otherwise authorized by law, the mayor or a councilmemberan shall not be eligible during his or her term of office, or for one year thereafter, for any compensated town employment. If appointed by the council to a board or commission, the councilmember may be compensated as a member of such board or commission. (2003, c. 199) * * * § 3.4. Mayor and vice-mayor. The mayor shall preside over the meetings of the council, have the same right to speak therein as other members and shall have a vote but no veto. ThHe mayor shall be recognized as the head of the town government for all ceremonial purposes, the purposes of military law, and the service of civil process, and shall authenticate by his or her signature, such documents or instruments as the council, this charter, or the laws of the Commonwealth shall require. At its first meeting in January following a councilmember election, the council shall choose by a majority vote of all 3 the members thereof one of their number to be vice-mayor for the ensuing two years. The vice- mayor shall in the absence or disability of the mayor perform the duties of the mayor. In the absence or disability of both mayor and vice-mayor the council, by majority vote of those present, shall choose one of their number as acting mayor. (1981, c. 618) § 3.5. Vacancy in office of mayor. A vacancy in the office of mayor shall be filled within forty-fivethirty days of when the vacancy occurs, for the unexpired portion of the term, by a majority vote of council. The person appointed by council shall hold the office of mayor until the qualified voters fill the vacancy by special election pursuant to Article 6 (§§ 24.2-225 through 24.2-229.1) of Chapter 2 of Title 24.2 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, and the person so elected has qualifiedIf, however, the unexpired portion of the term is more than two years, the person appointed by council shall serve only until the next regular councilmanic election. At such election, the vacancy shall be filled by the electorate for a four-year term beginning on July 1 of the year of the election. Succeeding mayoral elections shall be every four years after the election at which the vacancy was filled. (1981, c. 618; 1992, c. 272; 1998, c. 249) * * * § 3.7. Powers of council. In addition to exercising the powers of the town specified in Chapter 2 of this charter, including without limitation those powers incorporated from Chapters 9 (§§ 15.2-900 through 15.2-988) and 11 (§§ 15.2-1100 through 15.2-1133) of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, the council shall have the power to make such rules as are necessary for the orderly conduct of its business and for the administration of the town government not inconsistent with the laws of Virginia. (1981, c. 618) § 3.7.1. Council not to interfere with appointments or removals. Neither the council nor any of its members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or removal from, office by the town manager or any of the manager’s subordinates, or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in the administrative services of the town. Except for the purpose of conducting administrative inquiries and hearings by the council or a committee thereof, the council and its members shall deal with the administrative service solely through the town manager, and neither the council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinates of the town manager, either publicly or privately. § 3.8. Salaries and expenses. The council by ordinance may establish the salary of the mayor and members of council as provided for in §§ 15.21-1414.7827 and 15.1-827.1 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, or other applicable law. The council and may also authorize monthly expense allotments or expense accounts for the mayor and members of council. However, all claims for expenses shall be for reasonable expenses to the extent permitted by law incurred in the conduct of official town business and shall be itemized and documented by stamped paid receipts to the extent feasible. (1985, c. 14) Chapter 4. Appointive Officers. 4 § 4.1. Appointments. At the first meeting in Januarly following each councilmemberanic election, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the council shall appoint the following officers: town manager, town treasurer, town clerk, and town attorney. (1981, c. 618) § 4.2. Town manager. TheA town manager who shall be the chief administrative officer and executive head of the municipal government. ThHe town manager shall be chosen by the council without regard to political beliefs and solely upon the basis of his or her executive and administrative qualifications. The town manager shall be responsible to council for the proper management of all the affairs of the town which council has authority to control. No member of council may be appointed as town manager during the term for which the councilmember shall have been elected nor within one year after the expiration of the councilmember’s term. The town manager shall receive such compensation as the council shall fix from time to time. (1981, c. 618) § 4.2.1. Powers and duties of town manager. The town manager shall have those powers and duties prescribed in § 15.2-1541 of the Code of Virginia, as amended. Without limiting the foregoing, the town manager shall have the following powers and duties: (a) The town manager shall direct, supervise, and provide oversight for all town personnel. The town manager shall appoint and suspend or remove all town officers and employees, except as otherwise provided by law, this charter, or personnel rules or policies adopted by council. The town manager may designate officers and employees to perform administrative duties and to exercise administrative powers as provided in § 15.2-1501 of the Code of Virginia, as amended. The town manager may appoint deputies and assistants to aid him in carrying out his or her powers and duties, including deputies and assistants within the town’s departments, offices, and agencies, as provided in § 15.2-1502 of the Code of Virginia, as amended. The town manager may authorize any administrative officer subject to the town manager’s direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in that officer’s department, office, or agency. (b) The town manager shall direct and supervise and exercise control over the administration of all town departments, offices, and agencies. The town manager may reorganize departmental and staff responsibilities as needed, except as otherwise provided by law, this charter, or policies adopted by council. The town manager will receive reports from, and give directions to, the heads of all town departments, offices, and agencies. (c) The town manager will attend all town council meetings unless excused by counsel. The town manager may take part in discussions during all meetings that are open to the public but shall not have a vote. Unless excluded from a closed meeting by council, the town manager may take part in discussions during all meetings that are closed to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Chapter 37 (§§ 2.2-3700 through 2.2- 3715) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia, as amended. 5 (d) The town manager shall see that all ordinances, resolutions, directives, orders, and other acts of council, all provisions of this charter, and all laws of the Commonwealth subject to enforcement by the town manager or by officers subject to the town manager's direction and supervision are faithfully executed. (e) The town manager shall prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the town council and implement the final budget adopted by council. The town manager may undertake any acts he or she reasonably believes to be necessary to implement the final budget adopted by council, including without limitation entering into contracts, in the manner provided by law, for the procurement of goods and services from nongovernmental sources. (f) The town manager shall keep council fully advised of the town’s financial condition and its future financial needs. The town manager shall submit to town council and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the town as of the end of each fiscal year. (g) The town manager shall keep the council fully advised as to the present and future needs of the town and as to all operations of its government. The town manager shall make such reports to council from time to time as may be required or as the town manager may deem to be advisable concerning the operations and other affairs of the town under the town manager’s control and supervision. (h) The town manager shall make recommendations to town council concerning the operations and other affairs of the town and facilitate the work of the town council in developing policies for the town. The town manager will recommend to council for adoption such measures as he or she may deem necessary or desirable. (i) The town manager will assist council in developing long-term goals for the town and strategies to implement those goals. (j) The town manager shall oversee all procurement activities for the town. (k) The town manager may execute deeds, contracts, and other instruments on behalf of the town. (l) The town manager will encourage and provide staff support for regional and intergovernmental cooperation. (m) The town manager will promote partnerships among council, staff, and citizens in developing public policy and building a sense of community. (n) The town manager shall provide staff support services for the mayor and council members. 6 (o) The town manager shall perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed in this charter or required by town council. § 4.3. Town treasurer. TheA town treasurer shall have t, whose duties shall be as prescribed by the council. The town treasurer also shall serve as the town financial officer as required under § 15.2-1537 of the Code of Virginia, as amended. (1981, c. 618) § 4.4. Town clerk. TheA town clerk, who also may be the town manager, and/or the town treasurer, shall have twhose duties shall be as prescribed by council. The town clerk shall serve as the clerk of council as required under § 15.2-1538 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, and perform those duties required under § 15.2-1539 of the Code of Virginia, as amended. (1981, c. 618) § 4.5. Town attorney. TheA town attorney, who shall be an attorney-at-law licensed to practice under the laws of the Commonwealth. The town attorney He shall receive such compensation and fees as shall be provided by the council by ordinance or resolution. The town attorney’s His duties shall be as prescribed by the council. The town attorney may appoint such deputies and assistants as he or she deems necessary. (1981, c. 618; 1992, c. 272) § 4.6. Public safetyolice and fire department officers. The functions of public safety shall be performed by the police department and such other bureaus, divisions, and units as may be provided by ordinance or by orders of the town manager consistent therewith. The council, in its discretion, may provide a chief of police and a fire chief whose duties shall be as prescribed by council. In accordance with the provisions of § 15.1-796 of the Code of Virginia, there shall not be created in the town the office of town sergeant. (1981, c. 618) § 4.6.1. Police Department. The police department shall be under the supervision of the town manager and consist of the chief of police and such other officers and employees of such ranks and grades as may be established by council. The police department shall be responsible for the preservation of the public peace, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, protection of the rights of persons and property, and enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth, the ordinances of the town and all rules and regulations made in accordance therewith. The chief of police and the other members of the police department of the town shall have all the powers and duties of police officers as provided by the general laws of the Commonwealth. § 4.6.2. Chief of Police. The head of the police department shall be the chief of police who shall be appointed by the town manager. The town manager also shall appoint a deputy chief of police, after consultation with the chief of police. The chief of police shall appoint all other members of the police department and shall assign all members of the police department to their respective ranks, posts, shifts, details, and duties. The chief of police shall make rules and regulations in conformity with the general laws of the Commonwealth, this charter, and the ordinances of the town concerning the 7 operation of the police department, the conduct of the officers and employees thereof, their uniforms, arms and other equipment, their training, and the penalties to be imposed for infractions of such rules and regulations. The chief of police shall be responsible for the efficiency, discipline and good conduct of the police department. Orders of the town manager relating to the police department shall be transmitted in all cases through the chief of police or, in his or her absence from the town or incapacity, through the deputy chief of police or, if there is no deputy chief of police, through an officer of the police department designated as the acting chief of police by the town manager. * * * § 4.9. Term of office. All appointments of officers hereunder shall be without definite term. Appointees hereunder shall serve at all times at the pleasure of the council, and they may be dismissed at any time, with or without cause, by a majority of the council. (1981, c. 618) * * * § 4.13. Boards and commissions. The council, in its discretion, may appoint such boards, and commissions, and committees as it deems necessary. (1981, c. 618) * * * Chapter 7. Miscellaneous. * * * § 7.6. Legislative procedure. Unless otherwise required by lawExcept in dealing with parliamentary procedure, the council shall may act only by ordinance, or resolution, or motion, and with the exception of ordinances making appropriations, or authorizing the contracting of indebtedness, any such ordinance, resolution, or motion shall be confined to one general subject. (1981, c. 618) § 7.7. Water and sewer service charges. In operating public water and sewer services, the town may charge a different rate for any such services furnished to customers without the corporate limits from the rates charged for similar services to customers within the corporate limits. The town may provide by ordinance that all such unpaid charges and interest thereon shall constitute a lien on the real estate served by such water line or sewer. (1981, c. 618) * * * 2. Town Council requests that the General Assembly reenact, without amendment, those sections of Chapter 618 of the Acts of Assembly, as amended, that are unaffected by this 8 Resolution, and that those unmodified sections of the Vinton Town Charter remain in full force and effect in their current form. 3. The Mayor, Vice Mayor, Town Manager, and Town Attorney, acting individually or collectively, are authorized and directed to take any and all actions on behalf of Town Council in conjunction with the proposed Charter amendments as may be required by applicable law or as may be reasonable and necessary to effectuate the Charter amendments. 4. The recitals to this Resolution are incorporated herein and declared to be the findings of Town Council in support of this action. 5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. This Resolution was adopted the 1st day of September, 2026, on motion made by ___________________, seconded by_______________, with the following votes recorded: AYES: NAYS: APPROVED: _____________________________ Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Megan Lawless, Town Clerk