BUILDING OFFICIAL’S DECEMBER 2007 REPORT

Council members received copies of the December 2007 Building Official’s Report.

RESOLUTION AMENDMENT TO THE YEAR 2020 FARMVILLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

On motion by Mrs. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Lafoon, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council adopted the following amended resolution:

RESOLUTION

Adoption of an Amendment to the

Year 2020

Farmville Transportation Plan

WHEREAS, the Year 2020 Transportation Plan was originally adopted by the Farmville Town Council on May 8, 2002, as prescribed by the laws and regulations of the Code of Virginia: and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Transportation recognizes bicycling and walking as fundamental travel modes and their Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy supports the inclusion and funding of independent accommodations,

WHEREAS, increased public interest in utilizing bicycle and pedestrian facilities connectivity between Wilck’s Lake Park/Trail and the community of Farmville and High Bridge Trail State Park,

WHEREAS, the Farmville Town Council indicates that a public participation effort was followed in considering adoption of an amendment to their 2020 Transportation Plan,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Farmville Town Council hereby adopts the January 9, 2007 Amendment to the Year 2020 Transportation Plan, to include a Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge across Buffalo Creek to connect Dogwood Trail to Wilck’s Lake Trail and a Multi-Purpose Trail connection from Wilck’s Lake Trail under the Buffalo Creek Bridge (West 3rd Street/Rt. 15 Business) to High Bridge Trail State Park.

Adopted this 9th day of January 2008, by the Farmville Town Council, Farmville, Virginia

APPROVED:                                                  ATTEST:

_____________________________              _____________________________

Mayor S.C. Newman, Jr.                                         Lisa M. Hricko, Clerk

Mr. Spates stated that a bicycle and pedestrian bridge across Buffalo Creek that would connect the Dogwood Trail to Wilck’s Lake Trail and the multi-purpose trail connection from Wilck’s Lake Trail under the Buffalo Creek Bridge to the High Bridge Trail State Park would be considered for urban funding Town Council would need to adopt the above-amended resolution.

WILCK’S LAKE TRAIL – NAMED THE SARAH TERRY TRAIL

On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Dr. Gordon and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Lafoon, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council agreed to rename the Wilck’s Lake Trail, the Sarah Terry Trail in recognition of Mrs. Terry’s dedication to the community.

Council members spoke of Mrs. Terry’s recent passing and of her humanity and dedication to the public and her service to many commissions and boards. Dr. Gordon spoke of her assistance in obtaining federal funding for the Trail and Mayor Newman spoke of her love for hiking and walking. Council member Reid said he sought her advice on many community matters. Members unanimously supported renaming the trail in her honor.

FARMVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATE

On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Reid and with all Council members in agreement the issues before the Farmville Planning Commission were continued.

Mr. Spates informed Council that the Commission did not have a quorum at their December meeting and the meeting has been rescheduled for January 22, 2007. There are presently two items before the Commission: a rezoning request by Mrs. Sherry Honeycutt for 1.433 acres on the northern side of Milnwood Road and a conditional use permit by Mr. Chris Dowdy for property located on South Main and Graham Road.

SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY – 305 FIRST AVENUE

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Lafoon, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council accepted the recommendation of the Finance and Ordinance Committee and awarded the property at 305 First Avenue to Mr. Tommy Brannock of Charlottesville for the price of $42,500.00.

Council had authorized advertisement for sealed bids to be opened by the Finance and Ordinance Committee. The Committee received four bids: $42,500.00, $42,150.00, $41,250.00 and $37,000.00 and agreed to recommend Council accept the high bid of 42,500.00

2007 YEARLY BUILDING INSPECTION REPORT

Members received copies of the 2007 Yearly Building Inspection Report. Mr. Whitus requested the annual cost of building construction, in dollars.

PROFFERS

Mayor Newman referred the matter of proffers to the Finance and Ordinance Committee.

Dr. Gordon suggested Town Council explore the possibility of proffers. Mr. Whitus spoke briefly on the topic saying many high growth areas use proffers to improve their infrastructure. It is a source of income to improve the localities roads, water, sewer and school system. Mr. Spates said the locality has to meet certain criteria to establish proffers. He said the cost is paid by the developer when he submits his subdivision plans. It is a set amount paid per lot. Mr. Whitus requested additional information from the Virginia Municipal League.

APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all members voting “aye”, Council agreed to refer to the Planning Commission the matter of appointing a member from the Planning Commission to the Board of Zoning Appeal.

Mr. Spates informed Council that Mr. William Bell has resigned from the Board of Zoning Appeals and that the Town of Farmville Code requires a member of the locality’s Planning Commission serve as a member on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Council members requested the Commission make a recommendation on the appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

DISBAND THE BOARD OF VIEWERS

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Lafoon, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, council agreed to disband the Farmville Board of Viewers.

Mr. Spates informed Council that requests for alley and street abandonment were referred to the Board of Viewers. He said the Code requires localities to advertise for a Public Hearing but does not require them to have a Board of Viewers. He suggested continuing to advertise for Public Hearings and any requests for alley or street abandonment's be referred to the Street Committee for their recommendations to Council.

REQUEST FOR DIRECTIONAL SIGN - THE WOODLAND, INC.

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Lafoon, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, and Council member Whitus “abstaining”, stating conflict of interest due to the requester being his employer, Council granted a request on behalf of the Woodland, LLC to install a directional sign on the Town’s right of way, as per plat submitted by Mr. Greg Cole, Director of the Woodland, LLC. with the condition that if the Town should ever need the right of way, the sign would have to be removed.

The plat identified the location as being at the corner of Agee and West Third Street. Mr. Spates informed members that all directional signs have to come before Council.

DECEMBER 2007 PROPERTY INSPECTOR REPORT

Members received copies of the December 2007 Property Inspector Report.

RECREATION BUILDING

On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Lafoon, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council accepted the recommendation of the Town Manager and authorized advertisement for architectural firms interested in designing a recreational building. The building will be located on the Wilck’s Lake property.

Mr. Spates spoke of the success of the Town’s recreational program and asked for Council’s support in the constructing a small multi-purpose recreational building, which can be added on to. Mr. Hunter and Dr. Gordon spoke of their support of the recreational programs and events.

2007 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT

Police Chief, Stuart Dunnavant supplied Council members with the 2007 Traffic Accident Report.  Members discussed the increase in traffic accidents.  Dr. Goldberger suggested installing flashing stops signs at some of the most heavily traveled roadways.  Members discussed the affect cell phone usage has had on traffic accidents throughout the state.

ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT

Members received copies of the December 2007 Animal Control report.

TOWN MANAGER REPORTED ON THE FOLLOWING:

· VML Legislative Day is Thursday, February 7, 2008

· Anticipating the Skate Park equipment arriving on Monday, January 14, 2008 – it should take approximately three days to install the equipment

COUNCIL REPORTED ON THE FOLLOWING:

· Council member Hunter announced his intentions on running for re-election

· Council member Overton asked about the status of the INS project – Mr. Spates said he will be meeting with engineers next week to review the sewer plans and anticipates the proposed facility housing 500 detainees

· Council member Gordon informed members he had been appointed to the Commonwealth Regional Council Budget Committee

CLOSED MEETING MOTION

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with all Council members voting “aye” Council went into Closed Session pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A.5 of the Code of Virginia for discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ of industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community and Section 2.2-3711.A.7 of the Code of Virginia for consultation in regards to water and sewer issues with legal counsel and briefings by staff members, consultants or attorneys, pertaining to actual or probable litigation, or other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel or staff.

CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING

WHEREAS, the Farmville Town Council has convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and

WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Farmville Town Council that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Farmville Town Council hereby certifies that, to the best of each member’s knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Farmville Town Council.

MOTION:   Dr. Gordon                                         SECOND:    Mr. Hunter

VOTE:   6   “AYES”,          0   “NOES”

AYES:   Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Lafoon, Overton, Reid and Gordon

NOES:   None

TOWN COUNCIL AND THE TOWN MANAGER REPORTED ON THE FOLLOWING:

·   Members expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Nase, praising her leadership and guidance.

The meeting recessed at 8:40 pm.

_____________________________              _____________________________

Mayor S.C. Newman, Jr.                                         Lisa M. Hricko, Clerk