DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL Minutes for July 6, 2015

Transcription

1 DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL Minutes for July 6, 2015 Council Members Present: Tim Williams, Mitchel Greer, Shirley Brand, Susan Seymore, Melissa Barrett, and Tom Hayes Absent: None Also Present: Thomas Dene, Town Attorney Gavin Blevins, Town Manager Linda Rouse, Town Treasurer Jack McCrady, Mayor Roger Dowell, Police Chief 7:00pm: Mayor McCrady called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the invocation. Mayor McCrady asked for approval of the June Minutes. Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the June 1 st Regular Council Meeting Minutes as presented, 2 nd by Mr. Hayes. The motion passed (6-0). Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the June 8 th Special Called Council Meeting Minutes as presented, 2 nd by Mr. Greer. The motion passed (6-0). Mayor McCrady asked for approval of the agenda. Mr. Greer made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, 2 nd by Mr. Williams. The motion passed (6-0). Committee Reports Budget, Finance and Administration: Ms. Seymore deferred to the Town Treasurer, Linda Rouse. Ms. Rouse submitted the following report: Taxes Our Real Estate tax collection rate for 2015 is 90.68% and 92.67% for all years with $87,969 outstanding. Personal Property rate is 85.23% for all years with $31, 255 outstanding. Notification letters of legal proceedings will be mailed to 28 taxpayers that are 3 or more years delinquent in July. Meals & Lodging Tax To Date: $98,351 - $8,351 over budget, $37,652 - $2348 under budget Business Licenses & Website 90% of our Businesses have obtained Licenses New website: We have 34 listings for in Town and 4 out of 19 have renewed for out of Town. Streets, Lights and Maintenance: Mr. Greer reported that the Public Works Department has been busy with facility upkeep and maintenance throughout Town. Building Site Update The WCSA will soon bring water access across the road to the new building.

2 Parks and Recreation: Trail Days Report - Mr. Williams deferred to the Events and Entertainment Committee for updates. The committee reported that the June Crooked Road events went well, and they hope to build on those experiences in planning next years events. Mr. Williams added that many of the event participants and spectators were from out of Town, and were pleasantly surprised to see the inside of the Rock School Auditorium. Mr. Williams also reported that Damascus hosted an official participant rest-stop in the Park for the Bike VA tour cyclists, on June 27 th. Committee members as well as other Town residents volunteered their time and efforts to make the Damascus rest stop a great and memorable one for the participants. Town Pool Swim season started on May 30 th and the last day open for this season will be Friday, July 31st. The Town s annual July 3 rd, Independence Day Celebration was rained out and has been rescheduled for Labor Day (September 7 th ). The Laurel Ave. Church of Christ has requested a fee waiver for reserving the park on August 15 th. Mr. Williams made a motion to waive the fee as requested, 2nd by Mr. Hayes. The motion passed (6-0). Planning Commission: Mr. Dene presented a resolution for the court to appointment Ms. Denise Lowe to the Board of Zoning Appeals, as a successor to Ms. Bunny Mederios. Mr Williams made a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the resolution as presented, 2 nd by Ms. Seymore. The motion passed (6-0). The resulting court order follows:

3 Mr. Blevins suggested waiving the $25 fee for each of the people who have been waiting for months for their zoning permit applications to be brought before the BZA. Ms. Brand made a motion to waive the fee as suggested, 2 nd by Mr. Greer. The motion passed (6-0). Police and Fire Advisory: Mr. Hayes deferred to the Chief of Police. Chief Dowell submitted the following P.D. activity report for the month of June: Operations: In June 2015, Damascus Officers: handled 166 calls for service; issued 49 citations; and made 10 criminal arrests. Annual Statistics for 2015 are as follows: 734 calls for service; 63 arrests; 17 offenses; and 135 citations issued. Traffic Enforcement Activities: During the month of June 2015, Officers responded to 3 motor vehicle accidents in Town; issued 49 traffic summons; and notified 5 subjects that they were suspended. Speeding complaint areas include: South Shady Avenue, Douglas Drive, Damascus Drive and BeaverDam Avenue, with special attention being placed on crosswalk areas. Investigations Report:

4 The Damascus Police Department assisted the United states Marshall Service, Washington County Sheriff s Office, and the Virginia State Police with the Investigation into the Arson Cases in Washington County. We sat up surveillance and watched several locations, and also searched a house in the town where we located evidence that was tied to the case. The DPD, the Washington County Sheriff s Office, the Forestry Service, the United States Marshall Service, and the Smyth County Sheriff s Office worked on trying to located the Amber alert / missing female and male subjects in the Damascus and Whitetop areas. The Damascus Police Department worked a DOA on the Virginia Creeper Trail that had had a heart attack and was deceased on our arrival. Was out of SC, Retired Chief of Police Worked a DOA on Frost Lane which was sent to the Medical Examiner s Office for and Autopsy to determine cause of death for a 36 year old female. Special Notes: K9: Chris Hogston will not be going to K9 School in July. We have returned K9 Uno to her trainer at the Ultimate K9 (Uno came with a three year warranty). This was due to her demonstrating aggressive behavior as well as attempting to bite an officer and passersby. The Damascus PD specifically requested a passive K9 for the unit, and should be receiving Uno s replacement in a few weeks. Gun Raffle: We have started our gun raffle with the drawings to be in September. Tickets are 2 /$ Officers: Patrolman Michael Reid will start Academy in August. VDOT Work Crew: VDOT work crew has been used for trash pick-up. Police Vehicle Status: All police vehicles are good working condition. Vacation: Officers Turner and DeBusk will take vacation / time off in July 501 3C: I have the Articles of Inc. for the DPD Auxiliary for the council to review. Mr. Dene advised that a board of directors must be established for the Auxiliary, Inc. Special Committees: Virginia Creeper Trail Club: Mr. Williams reported on the Council consensus to pledge $2,000 as a contributing partner for a Virginia Tourism Grant that is being applied for by the Creeper Trail Club. Mr. Williams put the consensus topic in the form of a motion, which was 2 nd by Ms. Seymore. The motion passed (6-0). Manager s Report Mr. Blevins submitted the following report: Beaverdam Creek Trail - Working on the final environmental clearance forms. DHCD Downtown Planning Grant The Management Team is meeting now for a pilot program called Rally SWVA, to implement a small project based off the Master Plan design during the planning grant during the time while we re awaiting news on the CDBG grant.

5 Regional Planning Grant Economic Development Arnett Muldrow & Associates, partnered with Dr. Robert S. Brookover from Clemson University, have developed a scope for the Economic Redevelopment aspect of the project and will be beginning preliminary research this month. Branding/Marketing Arnett Muldrow & Associates is currently working throughout SWVA on a large scale branding project, and will begin focusing in on the Mount Rogers area as early as this month. Virginia Tourism Grant Currently awaiting the full marketing/branding package from Arnett Muldrow with a redesigned cover for our brochures before we print. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Currently waiting to see if funding is awarded. DHR Review has cleared the project to move forward. COPS Grant - Submitted, awaiting response on September 01, Visitdamascus.org The new site was launched last month, with 4,297 unique visitors in the month of June. The site is 99% functional, but will still be undergoing tweaks and revisions over the next few months to get visitdamascus.org much closer to its full potential. The town s ATC Vista has been so gracious as to offer ideas and support for the site fresh eyes and ideas go a long way. Thank you Jay! Other - The Town closed on the line of credit from the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission on July 02. Attorney Report Mr. Dene presented the following court order for the appointments of Mr. Robert Van de Vuurst and Mr. Dave Donovan to the Board of Zoning Appeals:

6 Ms. Seymore made a motion to approve the court order, 2 nd by Mr. Greer. The motion passed (6-0). Mr. Dene reported the Town Manager received another correspondence letter from VRS, which spoke of another possible change in a retirement allowance account. No action is needed on this right now. Mr. Dene reported no items for Closed Session. New Business Mr. Dene reported closing on a line of credit with the Mt. Rogers Planning District Commission. Ms. Seymore made a motion for the Town to pay off the current line of credit (through the Bank of Damascus) with a draw down from the newly established MRPDC line of credit. Mr. Greer 2 nd the motion, which passed (6-0). Mayor McCrady listed the following Appointments/Re-appointments of Town Officials and Committees: TOWN OF DAMASCUS ORGANIZATION Elected Officials Jack McCrady Mayor

7 Tim Williams Mitchel Greer Shirley Brand Tom Hayes Susan Seymore Melissa Barrett Vice Mayor STANDING COMMITTEES Finance, Budget and Administration Susan Seymore - Chair Shirley Brand Melissa Barrett Mr. Williams made a motion to retain the current Finance, Budget and Administration Committee members, 2 nd by Ms. Seymore. The motion passed (6-0). Public Works Mitchel Greer Chair Shirley Brand Tim Williams Mr. Hayes made a motion to retain the current Public Works Committee members, 2 nd by Mr. Greer. The motion passed (6-0). Parks and Recreation (4 year terms) Tim Williams Chair Melissa Barrett (Events & Entertainment Sub-committee) Tuesday Pope - Administration Larry Ginn 2019 Brian Zier 2019 Katie Lamb Mayor McCrady reappointed the current Parks & Recreation Committee members. Police & Fire Advisory Committee Advisory Committees Tom Hayes - Chair Mitchel Greer Shirley Brand Mayor McCrady reappointed the current Police and Fire Advisory Committee members. Virginia Creeper Trail Advisory Board (CTAB) - Town of Damascus Representatives: TimWilliams (Member), and Tuesday Pope (Alternate)

8 Mr. Greer made a motion to approve the Damascus CTAB appointments, 2 nd by Mr. Williams. The motion passed (6-0). COMMISSIONS Planning Commission Mitchel Greer - Council 2018 (4yr terms, appointed by Council, 1 Council Member) Jim Cartwright 2016 Brian Zier 2016 Brian Schmitt 2016 Erin Oneisom 2016 Dottie Knapp 2019 Kaitlyn Kelly 2019 Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the Planning Commission, as listed, and to extending the terms for Ms. Knapp and Ms. Kelley trough The motion was 2 nd by Mr. Greer, and passed (6-0). Board of Zoning Appeals Joy Rowe 7/31/2016 (5yr terms, Rec. by Council App. By Judge; Dave Donovan 7/31/ may be Planning Commission Member) Jim Cartwright 7/31/2018 Robert Van de Vuurst 7/31/2019 Denise Lowe ( to replace Bunny Mederios) 7/31/2020 Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the Board of Zoning Appeals, as listed, 2 nd by Mr. Greer. The motion passed (6-0). Damascus Health Center Commission Stuart Wright Chair 2018 (5yr terms) Susan Seymore 2016 Jim Bishop 2018 John Henderson 2019 Vickie Van de Vuurst 2020 Janice Donovan 2020 (* Reappointments tabled until the August meeting.) SPECIAL COMMITTEES Personnel (1 Year) Town Manager Gavin Blevins Town Attorney - Thomas Dene OTHER PERSONNEL Town Manager M.R.P.D.C., Gavin Blevins Town Attorney Dene & Dene, Thomas Dene Police Chief, Damascus Police Dept. Roger Dowell Town Clerk Tuesday Pope

9 Town Treasurer Linda Rouse Zoning Administrator M.R.P.D.C., Gavin Blevins Fire Chief, Damascus Volunteer Fire Dept. Steve Barlow (Not appointed by the Town) Auditor Owens CPA & Associates PC Accountant Bostic, Tucker &Company, P.C Engineers Appalachian Technical Services Town Historian Eleanor Grasselli Mt. Rogers Planning District Jack McCrady (2008 Elected Official) Virginia Water Projects Phoebe Cartwright (Not appointed by the Town) Ms. Seymore made a motion to approve the appointments as announced, 2 nd by Mr. Williams. The motion passed (6-0). * ALL TOWN EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON AN HOURLY WAGE BASIS Town Departments & Employee Listing Administration Position 1. Linda Rouse - Part Time Treasurer 2. Tuesday Pope Clerk 3. Isabell Stanley - Part Time Custodian Public Works 4. Joe Fritts Public Works Supervisor 5. Bill Davis Public Works 6. Ralph Lane Public Works Police Department 7. Roger Dowell Police Chief 8. Kermit Turner Police Lieutenant 9. Adam DeBusk 10. Chris Hogston 11. Michael Reid Police Officer Police Officer Police Officer

10 2015 Pool Staff (seasonal) 1. Karrie Bishop 2. Kellie Frost 3. Seth Thomas 4. Jared Davenport 5. Jesse Sizemore 6. Mahlon Robinson 7. Kent Kestner 8. Brennon Kimbler 9. Samantha McCauley 10. Katherine Wassom 11. Kevin Anderson Co-Manager Co-Manager Ms. Seymore made a motion to retain all Town employees, 2 nd by Mr. Williams. The motion passed (6-0). Mayor McCrady announced the Regularly Scheduled Monthly Meetings (listed below), which includes a change in the meeting day for the Parks and Recreation/Trail Days Committee. Damascus Town Hall Regularly Scheduled Monthly Meetings (Unless otherwise posted) Meeting 1 st Monday of each month at 7pm Parks & Rec. / Trail Days Committee 2 nd Monday of each month at 6:30 Board of Zoning Appeals 4 th Monday of each month at 6pm (when called) Budget, Finance & Admin. Committee Last Monday of each month at 7pm (when called) Public Works Committee 2 nd Tuesday of each month at 5pm Planning Commission 2 nd Tuesday of each month at 6pm (when called) Mr. Williams made a motion to approve the meeting schedule as announced, 2 nd by Mr. Greer. The motion passed (6-0). Old Business Election date move to November Mr. Dene advised that a public hearing will be scheduled on the topic during the August 3 rd meeting. Citizens Comments Paul Gadola, 830 S. Beaverdam Ave., hopes to soon be opening a community minded gym/fitness center in Town, Iron Mountain Community Fitness, at 108 W. Laurel Avenue. They are in the process of securing the necessary funding.

11 Announcements * July 7 th Local Author s event scheduled at the Rock School 7-9pm * July 25 th C-TREC (letter of request to waive the gazebo/park reservation fee) Mr. Greer made a motion to waive the fee as requested, 2 nd by Mr. Williams. The motion passed (6-0). Mr. Williams made a motion to pay Manuel s Fireworks for the supplies purchased but not used on July 3 rd. The fireworks will be stored by Mr. Manuel and used for the Labor Day celebration in September. Mr. Greer 2 nd the motion, which passed (6-0). Consent Agenda Mr. Williams made a motion to pay the bills for invoices exceeding $500, 2 nd by Mr. Greer; The motion passed (6-0). Mr. Hayes made a motion to pay the bills, 2 nd by Mr. Williams; the motion passed (6-0). A motion was made to adjourn by Mr. Williams, 2 nd by Mr. Hayes; the motion passed (6-0). Jack McCrady, Mayor Tuesday Pope, Clerk