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October 10, 2007

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REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE FARMVILLE TOWN COUNCIL

HELD ON OCTOBER 10, 2007

At the regular monthly meeting of the Farmville Town Council held on October 10, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers, located on the second floor of the Town Hall at 116 North Main Street, there present were Mayor S.C. Newman, Jr. presiding and Council members D.E. Whitus, S.B. Thompson, O.S. Overton, A.D Reid and E.I. Gordon. Also in attendance were Town Manager, Gerald Spates, Treasurer, Carol Anne Seal, Chief of Police, Stuart Dunnavant, Director of Public Works, Robin Atkins, Town Planner, Cindy Morris and Property Inspector, Kim 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.

Town Manager, Gerald Spates welcomed Mr. Thomas Vaughan with Central Virginia Communications. Mr. Spates said Mr. Vaughan’s company installed the telephone and IT equipment in the New Town Hall. Mr. Spates spoke of how pleased he is with their products and service.

Also welcomed was, Dr. Theresa Clark from Longwood University and her students from her social policy class. Dr. Clark said her students are being instructed on how to develop and analyze policies. She said she and her students were attending the meeting to observe an official policy making body in action. Mayor Newman welcomed them to attend the open house scheduled for Thursday, November 8, 2007 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Mr. Chris Foster, a resident of Sunchase Apartments and a Longwood University student addressed Council. He spoke of his concerns with last years’ rash of break ins involving students living off campus, during the Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Mr. Spates said Town Council members were also concerned with the activity that occurred last year and had met with Chief Lowe regarding this matter some time ago. Dr. Gordon said from that meeting, the Town had been told to let the University handle it. Mr. Spates suggested students take their valuablea home or if that is not possible, mark them as a means to identify them should an incident occur. He also said patrols have been increased in those areas. Mr. Spates invited Mr. Foster to attend a meeting he and Chief Dunnavant have scheduled with Chief Beech, Longwood University’s new Chief of Police, for tomorrow morning to further discuss this matter.

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Overton and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the September 12, 2007 reconvened Council meeting were approved, as previously presented to each Council member.

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Reid and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the September 12, 2007 regular Council meeting were approved, as previously presented to each Council member.

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the payment of the following bills:

(BILLS PRINTED IN MINUTE BOOK)

Bills reflect correction of Town Attorney, Don Blessing’s bill.

ALLEY ABANDONMENT REQUEST – 401 MARYLAND STREET

On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved a request on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Shanaberger, property owners of 401 Maryland Street to abandon the alleyway that runs north and south beginning on Maryland Street and ending on Georgia Street.

Town Manager, Gerald Spates reported all adjacent property owners are in agreement with the request and that a Public Hearing has been held. He also said that the Board of Viewers have met and recommend Council abandon the alley.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST ON BEHALF OF NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS

On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Dr. Gordon and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye” Council approved a request on behalf of New Cingular Wireless, PCS Inc. to install a 195’ monopole telecommunications tower and related equipment on property located on Grove Street, owned by Buffalo Shook Co., Inc.

Mr. Spates informed members that a conditional use permit is not required because the tower falls under the “Right by Use” provision. Dr. Gordon spoke of his support of the project, said the tower will be not located in the historic district, and felt that it would have no negative affect on the Rails to Trails project.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – MR. DAVID HOOPER

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council granted a request by Mr. David Hooper for a conditional use permit to operate a web design and consulting/internet service business from his home at 100 Jesse’s Way. The property is zoned residential district R1A and this is an allowed use with a conditional use permit.

Mr. Spates said the Planning Commission has recommend Council approve this request with the understanding that Mr. Hooper is required to adhere to the Town’s zoning ordinances. Dr. Gordon questioned if Mr. Hooper would have dishes at the location – Mr. Hooper said it will be strictly DSL.

ALLEY ABANDONMENT REQUEST – CROSSROADS COMMUNITY SERVICES

On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council agreed to remove this item from the agenda.

Mr. Spates reported that Crossroads Community Services has withdrawn their request to abandon the alleyway directly behind their property located at 410 Maryland Street.

REFUND ALLEY ABANDONMENT FEE – CROSSROADS COMMUNITY SERVICES

On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Dr Gordon and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye” Council authorized the Town Treasurer to refund Crossroads Community Service the alley abandonment fee of $250.00.

ALLEY ABANDONMENT REQUEST – MR. AND MRS. PAUL CAVE

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council referred an alley abandonment request by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cave, property owners of 1203 Fifth Avenue to the Board of Viewers and authorized advertisement for a Public Hearing.

Mr. Spates informed Council members that Mr. and Mrs. Cave have paid the $250.00 fee to cover advertising and all adjacent property owners are in agreement with the request.

ADOPT POLICY OF CODE OF ETHICS FOR MEMBERS OF FARMVILLE TOWN COUNCIL

On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded Mr. Overton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council adopted the amended policy of Code of Ethics for Members of Farmville Town Council. (Policy on file in Town Clerk’s Office)

Dr. Gordon said the Ethics Committee incorporated the recommendations of the attorney with the Virginia Municipal League and the guidelines comply with the Conflict of Interest Act.

DEDICATION PLAQUE FOR POLICE ADMINISTRATION

On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Dr. Gordon and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council approved the following wording on the Overton Police Administration Office plaque:

OVERTON POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

In Honor of

Otto S. Overton

Recognizing Forty-two Years

Of Faithful Service as

Chief of Police

1954-1996

The plaque is to be placed in the entryway of the Police Administration floor.

STREET COMMITTEE – REQUEST FOR CONTINUATION

On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Reid and with all Council members voting “aye” Council continued the matters before the Street Committee: request for additional traffic lights and recommendations on streets needing paving.

FINANCE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE – REQUEST FOR CONTINUATION

On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Reid and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council continued the matter before the Finance and Ordinance Committee of a possible contract for the Town Manager.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE MINUTES

Mr. Spates reported members have received a copy of the minutes from the Property Committee meeting. He said the Committee has selected Thursday, November 8, 2007 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm as the date and time for the New Town Hall open house. The dedication will take place at 5:30 pm.

AMENDMENTS TO TOWN COUNCIL COMMITTEES

Mayor Newman provided members with an updated list of the Town Council Committees members. The committee members are as follows:

Town Council Committee Members:

Finance and Ordinance: Mr. Reid, Mr. Overton, and Mr. Whitus

Water & Sewer: Mr. Whitus, Mr. Overton and Dr. Gordon

Police, Fire and Safety: Mr. Overton, Mr. Hunter and Mrs. Thompson

Town Property: Mr. Horton, Mrs. Thompson, and Mr. Reid

Streets: Dr. Gordon, Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Horton

Personnel: Mr. Hunter, Mr. Horton and Dr. Gordon

Commonwealth Regional Council: Dr. Gordon and Mr. Hunter

Town Planning Commission: Mr. Overton

Town – University: Mr. Horton, and Mrs. Thompson

Recreation Committee: Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Reid

Sandy River Water Committee: Mr. Whitus and Dr. Gordon

Enterprise Zone Committee: Mr. Whitus and Mr. Horton

Library Task Force: Mr. Hunter and Mrs. Thompson

Ethics Committee: Dr. Gordon, Mr. Reid and Mr. Hunter

Voluntary Boundary Adjustment: Mr. Overton, Mr. Reid and Mr. Horton

REQUEST FOR PARTIAL BUSINESS LICENSE REFUND – AUTO WORKS PLUS

On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon, voting “aye, Council authorized the Town Treasurer to refund $185.76 to Auto Works Plus for an overpayment of their 2007 business license.

RESOLUTION – PHASE II STREETSCAPE

On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Overton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council adopted the following resolution requesting funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation program for Phase II of the Main Street Streetscape Improvement Project:

RESOLUTION

FOR THE TOWN OF FARMVILLE FY2007/2008

TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

FOR PHASE II OF THE MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

WHEREAS, in accordance with Commonwealth Transportation Board construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that a request by resolution be received from the local government or state agency in order that the Virginia Department of Transportation program, a Transportation Enhancement Project in the Town of Farmville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Farmville requests the Commonwealth Transportation Board to establish a second and final phase of the streetscape improvements of the downtown Main Street corridor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Farmville hereby agrees to pay a minimum twenty percent (20%) of the total cost for planning and design, right of way and construction of this project, and that if the Town of Farmville subsequently elects to cancel this project the Town of Farmville hereby agrees to reimburse the Virginia Department of Transportation for the total amount of costs expended by the Department through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation.

Adopted this 10th day of October, 2007, Farmville, Virginia, by the Town Council of the Town of Farmville.

APPROVED:                                                      ATTEST:

________________________                           _______________________

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

Mayor Newman and Council members spoke of the complaints they have received on the cobblestones. Mr. Spates said he and the contractor are aware of the issue and the cobblestones will be reset.

Town of Farmville, 116 North Main Street, Farmville, VA  23901

Telephone: 434.392.5686

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