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Town of Farmville, Virginia |
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Home >> Town Government >> Town Council >> Meeting Minutes July 11, 2007 |
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE FARMVILLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON JULY 11, 2007 At the regular monthly meeting of the Farmville Town Council held on July 11, 2007, at 7:00 pm in the Council’s Chamber located on the second floor of the Town Hall, 116 North Main Street, there present were Mayor S.C. Newman, Jr., presiding and Council members D.E. Whitus, D.L. Hunter, A.H. Nase, H.L. Horton, O.S. Overton, A.D. Reid and E.I. Gordon. Also in attendance were Town Manager, G. Spates, Chief of Police, S. Dunnavant, Town Treasurer, C.A. Seal, Public Works Director, R. Atkins, Town Planner, C. Morris, and Property Inspector, K. Thompson. Reverend Price opened the meeting with a prayer. On proper motion, duly seconded and carried, the regular order of business was dispensed with to hear from guests. Residents of the First Avenue area addressed Council with their concerns regarding the property located at 305 First Avenue. Mrs. Susan Bagby presented Council with a petition that called for Town Council and the Town Manager to take immediate action to demolish the burned structure at 305 First Avenue, currently owned by Mrs. Peggy Byrd. The petition said the building has been condemned by the Building Official and declared a total loss for insurances purposes, yet has remained standing for over three months since the fire. The petition also said the building is a blight on the neighborhood, attracts vermin and stray animals, a safety hazard and has a negative effect on property values. Mrs. Bagby informed members that over 150 people from the community, not just the area of First Avenue had signed the petition. Council members and the Town Manager addressed the community’s concerns explaining that the Byrd’s have expressed their desire to rebuild the structure as a multi-family dwelling instead of a single-family residence. It is Council’s wish that a single-family structure be rebuilt. The issue is currently in the hands of legal counsel. The Town Manager and Council members expressed their agreement with the community’s frustration but reiterated that they are proceeding at the advice of legal counsel. Discussions continued – in closing Mr. Spates assured the residents that the property will be boarded up by Friday. Mr. Aaron Bondvrant of 308 Beech Street addressed Council. Mr. Bondvrant said he is a student at Longwood University and is working on a public service project. He said he thought the large tire at Newman Tire (Third Street) was a visual traffic hazard to vehicles and pedestrians. Mr. Bondvrant said he contacted Mr. Spates by e-mail and within a week, Mr. Spates had responded and the tire was removed. He thanked him for responding so quickly. On motion by Mr. Horton, seconded by Mr. Reid and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the June 13, 2007 regular Council meeting were approved, as previously presented to each Council member. On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Overton and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the June 26, 2007 joint Farmville Town Council and Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors meeting were approved, as previously presented to each Council member. On motion by Mr. Horton, seconded by Mrs. Nase and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the June 27, 2007 special called Council meeting were approved, as previously presented to each Council member. On motion by Mr. Hunter, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the Treasurer’s Report. On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Overton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved payment of the following bills: (BILLS PRINTED IN MINUTE BOOK)> TOWN MANAGER’S UPDATE Street Committee: Mr. Spates spoke of Council’s decision from the July 9, 2007 work session. He said Council had directed him to move forward with constructing curb, gutter and sidewalks on one side of Peery Drive. He said the improvements were recommended by VDOT and the decision to move forward on this project was due to concerns for pedestrian safety. Mr. Jack Houghton requested a sketch of the proposed construction. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST The Town Manager recommended removing this item from the agenda. APPOINTMENT OF TOWN OFFICIALS On motion by Mr. Hunter, seconded by Dr. Gordon and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council reappointed Mr. Gerald J. Spates as Town Manager. On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council reappointed Mr. Stuart O. Dunnavant as Chief of Police. On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council reappointed Mr. Donald C. Blessing as Town Attorney. APPOINTMENT OF FIRE MARSHAL On motion by Mr. Horton, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council reappointed Mr. Timothy McKay as Fire Marshal. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Mayor Newman appointed the following members to Town Council committees for 2007-2008. Town Council Committee Members: Finance and Ordinance: Mr. Reid, Mr. Overton, and Mr. Whitus Water & Sewer: Mr. Whitus, Mr. Hunter and Mrs. Nase Police, Fire and Safety: Mr. Overton, Mr. Hunter and Dr. Gordon Town Property: Mr. Horton, Mrs. Nase, and Mr. Reid Streets: Dr. Gordon, Mrs. Nase, and Mr. Horton Personnel: Mr. Hunter, Mr. Horton and Dr. Gordon Commonwealth Regional Council: Dr. Gordon and Mrs. Nase Town Planning Commission: Mr. Overton Town – University: Mrs. Nase, Mr. Horton, and Mr. Reid Recreation Committee: Mr. Hunter, Mr. Reid, and Dr. Gordon Sandy River Water Committee: Mr. Whitus and Dr. Gordon Enterprise Zone Committee: Mr. Whitus and Mr. Horton Library Task Force: Mrs. Nase Ethics Committee: Dr. Gordon, Mr. Overton and Mr. Hunter Voluntary Boundary Adjustment: Mr. Overton, Dr. Gordon and Mr. Horton Tourism Committee: Mrs. Nase, Mr. Horton and Mr. Hunter PROPERTY INSPECTOR’S REPORT Council members received copies of the June 2007 Property Inspector’s Report. REQUEST FROM MULLIGAN’S SPORTS GRILLE On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council referred a request by Mr. Matt Hurley, owner of Mulligan’s Sports Grille to the Town Manager, with authority to act on their behalf. Mr. Hurley has requested permission to provide outside live entertainment on the front lawn of the Hotel Weyanoke during the week and on Fridays after work. REQUEST PERMISSION TO HOLD 5K ROAD RACE On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council granted a request by Mr. and Mrs. Brian Eckert to host a 5k road race on Saturday, October 20, 2007. Mr. Hunter recommended Recreation Director, Carol Hurley offer her assistance with the event. REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – 408 BEECH STREET On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Horton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council referred a conditional use permit request by Mr. John Green to the Farmville Planning Commission and authorized advertisement for a public notice. Mr. Green has requested a permit to convert a single-family residence into a two (2)-unit apartment at 408 Beech Street. The Town Manager said the property is zoned residential district R-3 and this is an allowed use with a conditional use permit. On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Horton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the minutes of the July 9, 2007 rescheduled work session. REQUEST FOR DONATION FROM CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS Town Manager, Gerald Spates referred Council members to the policy they adopted at the July 9, 2007 work session regarding requests for donations and said he would contact Church without Walls explaining Council’s policy. Mr. Horton asked Mr. Spates to read the policy for the record. The following policy was read relating to requests for donations and/or funding: Civic groups, individuals and organizations requesting an allocation from the Town of Farmville shall be notified by the Town Manager that Farmville Town Council will consider requests for donations and/or funding at Council’s annual budget deliberations held in June of each year. All civic groups, individuals and organizations requesting donations must complete the Town of Farmville Request for Community Agency Funding form and submit it to the Town Manager’s office. Requests received throughout the year shall be asked to resubmit their application and request prior to the June annual budget meeting. AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO DOMINION VIRGINIA POWER On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, and Council members Nase and Horton abstaining, stating “conflict of interest”, Council approved payment of $332,517.32 to Dominion Virginia Power. Mr. Spates said he received a check for $228,000.00 this evening, leaving a balance of approximately $104,000.00 and that balance is owed by the CDA. He said he will be meeting with Mr. Bob Fowler tomorrow morning to discuss the remaining balance but has been assured the Town will receive payment in 30 – 60 days. Mr. Spates also said in order for the Town to meet their financial obligations we might have to borrow money and if so that interest will be charged to the CDA. Council members expressed their agreement and asked to be kept up to date on the progress. REQUEST PAYMENT FROM THE NARCOTIC’S FUND On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Overton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved payment of $20.00 from the Narcotic’s Funds to Security Alliance Command Center. TOWN CHARTER AMENDMENTS Mayor Newman appointed the Finance and Ordinance Committee the task of reviewing the Town Charter and Town ordinances. The committee will make their recommendations to Council on proposed revisions. Council members discussed amending the zoning ordinances. Mr. Spates said the Farmville Planning Commission has begun this process and will be making recommendations to Council. REQUEST TO PURCHASE VEHICLE On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Horton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the purchase of a 1999 GMC van from Henrico County for $2,000.00 REQUEST TO ABANDON ALLEY – 410 MARYLAND STREET On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Overton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Nase, Horton, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council referred an alley abandonment request on behalf of Crossroads Community Services for the property located at 410 Maryland Street to the Board of Viewers and authorized advertisement for a Public Hearing. Council members agreed to deny Crossroads request to waive the $250.00 legal advertising fee. REQUEST FROM TOURISM BOARD Council members Nase, Horton and Hunter agreed to follow suit with the decisions of the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors and resign from the Tourism Board in an effort to create more opportunities for community participation on the twelve panel Board. On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with all Council members in agreement Council approved a twelve member Tourism Board, with the following six (6) citizens serving a one year term: Dan Albert, John Farrah, Brenda Ferguson, Diane Fore, Anne Reeder and Wanda Whitus. The Board will serve in an advisory capacity and make recommendations to Farmville Town Council and the Prince Edward County board of Supervisors. It was also recommended that Town Planner, Cindy Morris continue to be Council’s representative on the Board. Council member Horton commended Mrs. Morris for her hard work and commitment to the concept. TOWN MANAGER REPORTED ON THE FOLLOWING: · Milnwood Road Public Meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 29th · Mr. Proctor Harvey, with Harvey and Delaney has suggested several backgrounds for the Town flag – Council went with Mr. Harvey’s recommendation of white. · Mr. Spates shared information he had received from his recent visit to Danville’s Skatepark · Updated members on the Streetscape project · Informed members of the status of the Town’s recent purchase on the property located at 107 North Virginia Street and on the plans to demolish the house and construct additional municipal parking – landscaping issues were discussed · Route 45 Bridge – November 2007 completion · Route 460 Bridge – approximately another year before completion TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTED ON THE FOLLOWING · Council member Nase asked about the American flags on Main Street. Mr. Spates said he had the Public Works Department remove the flags. He said he had received complaints from the people traveling on Main Street and commenting on the poor condition of the flags · Council member Gordon informed members that Mr. Fore with the CRC will be contacting Mr. Spates regarding a list of priorities the Town would like the CRC to focus on · Mayor Newman suggested the Water and Sewer Committee meet to discuss possible increases to the water and sewer rates and tap fees. Discussion turned to Poplar Hill, the Sandy River Water Line project and Prince Edward County. Members spoke of Farmville’s strong infrastructure and the lack of support from the County. Mr. Max Watson addressed Council. Mr. Watson discussed the water in-take and the importance of the water line for future development. He spoke of the money the County collected starting in 1972/1973 for a ten year period and how that revenue was suppose to be earmarked for the water line. But no money was found. In closing Mr. Watson said the County, College and Hospital need to pay their fair share of the infrastructure costs and that the Town of Farmville should not subsidize Prince Edward County. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm. _____________________________ _________________________ Mayor S.C. Newman, Jr. Lisa M. Hricko, Clerk | ||
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Town of Farmville, 116 North Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901 Telephone: 434.392.5686 |
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