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Town of Farmville, Virginia |
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Ú Town Council |
Home >> Town Government >> Town Council >> Meeting Minutes May 14, 2008 |
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REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE FARMVILLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON MAY 14, 2008 At the regular meeting of the Farmville Town Council held on May 14, 2008 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.L. Hunter, S.B. Thompson, T.B. Pairet, O.S. Overton, A.D. Reid and E.I. Gordon. Also in attendance were Town Manager, Gerald Spates, Chief of Police, Stuart Dunnavant, Town Treasurer, Carol Anne Seal, 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. Ms. Susan Davis, Membership Program Director with PHI Air Medical, an air medical unit based at the Farmville Regional Airport, addressed Council. Ms. Davis asked Farmville Town Council members to consider a membership for Town employees. She said PHI is a private air ambulance company that provides rapid transportation service for trauma victims Ms. Davis spoke on the trained flight crew staff and highlighted the benefits of the membership program. On motion by Mrs. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Reid and with Council members Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the minutes of the regular April 9, 2008 Council meeting, as previously presented to each Council member. Council member Hunter abstained from voting stating he was not present at the meeting and Council member Pairet did not vote because he was not a member of Town Council at the April 9, 2008 meeting. On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, and Council member Pairet not voting, because he was not a member of Town Council at the date of the meeting, Council approved the minutes of the reconvened meeting of April 17, 2008, as previously presented to each Council member. On motion by Mr. Hunter, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with a recorded vote with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the Treasurer’s Report. On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Reid and with a recorded vote with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the payment of the following bills: (BILLS PRINTED IN MINUTE BOOK) PROPERTY INSPECTOR AND BUILDING OFFICIAL’S APRIL 2008 REPORTS Members received copies of the April 2008 Building Official’s and Property Inspector’s Reports for their information. REQUEST FOR PARTIAL 2008 BUSINESS LICENSE REFUND – CAFÉ ZELIA On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Overton and with a recorded vote with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council authorized the Town Treasurer to issue a refund for $156.24 to Café Zelia for their 2008 partial business license. Mr. Robert Chapman, owner of Café Zelia notified the Town Manager’s Office that as of April 15, 2008 he would be closing the restaurant. WESTVIEW CEMETERY LOT INCREASE On motion by Mrs. Thompson, seconded by Dr. Gordon and with a recorded vote with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council agreed to amend Farmville Town ordinance Sec. 8.8 Lot price schedule to charge $400.00 per grave for all individuals living in town or out of town limits. The amended ordinance will read: Sec. 8-8. Lot price schedule. The price for lots in Westview Cemetery shall be as follows:
The Town Manager supplied members with a list of cemetery rate comparisons from adjacent localities, which substantiated his recommendation that Council amend the fee schedule to charge $400.00 per grave and no longer have a separate fee for individuals living outside town limits. Members also supported his suggestion of placing a notice in the Farmville Herald notifying the public of the new fee schedule and the effective date. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO THE VIRGINIA TOBACCO INDEMNIFICATION COMMISSION On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council adopted the following resolution of support: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION TO THE VIRGINIA TOBACCO INDEMNIFICATION AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION COMMISSION FOR SPECIAL PROJECT FY 2009 FUNDS FOR HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL REST AREA AND KIOSK IN THE TOWN OF FARMVILLE WHEREAS, the Town of Farmville is eligible, through the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, to apply for Special Project Funds for Fiscal Year 2009. WHEREAS, the Town of Farmville is applying for Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission’s Special Project Funds by the June 2, 2008 deadline for funds in the amount of $377,200 to construct a public rest area, kiosk, install period lighting, bicycle racks, benches and landscaping on the High Bridge Trail at Main Street in Farmville. The Town of Farmville is the hub of the 35 mile long linear park located in central Virginia. The portion of the 3.5 mile long Trail which traverses through Farmville is located in the region of the heart of Virginia. WHEREAS, this is a tourism initiative type project and qualifies for Special Project funding under the Tobacco Commission’s eligibility criteria where the High Bridge Trail Project will attract new private capital investments to the region, create new businesses and new jobs. WHEREAS, the High Bridge Trail project will attract many visitors to our region, who will eat, sleep and shop in the area. WHEREAS, the Tobacco Commission, under the Special Projects type, requires at least 25% of funds to come from other sources. The percentage of leverage funds for this project is 96% and comes from sources, including VDOT’s Enhancement Funds, Capital Outlay and Bond Sales by General Assembly and the Town of Farmville for the overall construction of this project. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the construction of the scope of work identified in the the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission application is vital to the creation of the hub of the High Bridge Trail State Park. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Farmville urges the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission to recognize the need for the construction of these amenities for this major link of the trail and to provide the necessary funding for this project as it will enhance this tobacco region area as a tourist destination and attract outside investments. Adopted this 14th day of May, 2008 by the Farmville Town Council. APPROVED: ATTEST: _____________________________ _____________________________ Mayor S.C. Newman, Jr. Lisa M. Hricko, Clerk Mr. Spates said the resolution of support is a requirement for the Tobacco Grant application. The Town will be applying for Special Project FY 2009 funding in the amount of $377,200 to construct a public rest area which will include public restroom facilities, kiosk, and lighting on the section of the High Bridge Trail located adjacent to Main Street. PROPOSED 2008-2009 FARMVILLE TOWN BUDGET On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Overton and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council authorized advertisement for a Public Hearing on June 11 for the 2008-2009 proposed Town Budget, as presented to members at the May 7 work session. Mr. Spates reported to Council members that the budget includes 7 million dollars for the joint Town/County proposed library, with the County having agreed to pay 2/3 of Phase 1 of the project. He said the project has a proposed cost of 7 million dollars and will be going out on bid soon, depending on the current market; adjustments might have to be considered. Mr. Spates also said the proposed budget has the same allocations as last year’s and includes a three percent raise for all employees with an additional two percent for those employees who do not drive a town vehicle home. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS Mayor Newman appointed Council member Pairet to replace Mr. Lafoon on the following subcommittees: · Town Property · Streets · Personnel · Town-University · Enterprise Zone Committee Mayor Newman reminded members subcommittee appointments are made each July. REQUEST FOR JOINT FARMVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION AND TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council authorized advertisement for a joint Public Hearing on the following zoning ordinance amendments: Chapter 29 ZONING Article I. In General
Article II. Permits and Certificates
Article III. District Regulations
Mr. Spates updated Council members on the Farmville Planning Commission meeting held on Tuesday, May 13. He said Commission members discussed the proposed zoning amendments and recommended Town Council authorize advertisement for joint Public Hearing. Mr. Spates spoke briefly on each zoning amendment recommendation.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE VICE MAYOR TO SIGN THE ALLGRACE COMMONS SUBDIVISION
On motion by Mr. Hunter, seconded by Dr. Gordon and with all
Council members voting “aye”, Council authorized the Vice Mayor, Otto Overton to sign the Allgrace Commons Subdivision plat.
Mr. Spates informed Council that the Town’s Subdivision Administrator,
Will Nash has reviewed the plat and finds it to be incompliance with the Town’s zoning and platting requirements.
The subdivision is located off Layne Street and the five lots are Phase 1 of a 59-lot subdivision, which borders
on the Rails to Trails.
REQUEST FEE INCREASE FOR REZONING AND CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT REQUESTS AND REQUEST FEE FOR ZONING COMPLIANCE LETTERS
On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Reid and with all
Council members voting “aye”, Council authorized advertisement for a joint Public Hearing with the
Farmville Planning Commission to amend the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to increase the fees charged for a
rezoning request and a conditional use permit request from $250.00 to $500.00 and also to charge $50.00
for requests for zoning compliance letters.
Mr. Spates informed members that the Farmville Planning Commission
recommended the increases and supported Town Council considering an additional increase in July of 2009. He also
said that the Town currently does not charge for requests for zoning compliance letters and that the Commission
reviewed other localities zoning ordinances and recommended the Town charge a $50.00 fee.
2008 SUMMER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
On motion by Mr. Hunter, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with
all Council members voting “aye”, Council approved the following 2008 summer holiday schedule:
Friday, May 23 and Monday May 26 – in observance of Memorial Day
Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4 – in observance of Independence Day
Friday, August 29 and Monday, September 1 – in observance of Labor Day
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE VEHICLE
On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a
recorded vote with Council members Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye” Council
authorized the purchase of a 2008 F-150 from Tri-County Ford for $21,428.00. The vehicle purchased will be
used by the Director of Public Works, Robin Atkins.
Mr. Spates said Tri-County Ford was the lowest bid. He said
the Town received $132,000 as an administrative fee from the Virginia Department of Transportation for
overseeing the Route 45 Bridge project and the fees are to be used on highway related projects. A portion
has been used to install the traffic light at Sunchase Boulevard and will cover the cost of this vehicle.
CATS
Members discussed the issue of stray cats and the cost to
Town taxpayers having the Animal Control Officer pick them up. Mr. Spates said the County charges the
Town to house and dispose of the unclaimed cats. Mr. Spates spoke of dispensing with picking up the cats.
Dr. Gordon spoke supporting picking up the stray cats because of the health related issues.
TOWING COMMITTEE
Mayor Newman formed a special Towing Committee consisting of
Council member Hunter, Pairet and Gordon. The Committee will address the recent complaints the Town Office
has received in relation to towing charges.
Mr. Spates spoke of the numerous complaints regarding the towing
charges vehicle owners have been charged. He said Senate Bill 134 allows Councils to restrict the amount a
business can charge for towing in town. It also requires the business owner to accept two major credit cards,
cashier’s check or cash. He said he would suggest Council form a Towing Committee made up of representatives
from the towing company, a citizen representative and a representative from Council.
TOWN MANAGER REPORTED ON THE FOLLOWING:
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Shared letters he had received regarding requests for a dog park
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Met with representatives from Longwood University and Hampden
Sydney College in relation to welcome banners for students returning to campus. The banners will be placed
on streetlights, light poles and the main entrances into town.
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Provided members with a copy of the Fire Marshal’s April Report
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Informed members of the status of Greyhound Bus Lines saying
they have recently merged with Carolina Trail Ways and will be looking for a new location to reopen the Farmville
stop in the near future. He also said Greyhound is hoping to add a route from Farmville to Lynchburg.
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Traffic Lights –
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Traffic light at Sunchase Boulevard has been installed
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Milnwood Road traffic light has been ordered
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Asked Council to consider adding a traffic light at Cedar Avenue
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Will be starting on the sidewalks on Peery Drive next week – Days
Inn will be closing the rear access to their property
COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTED ON THE FOLLOWING:
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Council members welcomed Mr. Pairet
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Mrs. Thompson questioned the status of the hanging baskets on Main Street.
CLOSED MEETING MOTION
On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Reid and with all
Council members voting “aye”, Council went into closed meeting pursuant to land acquisition,
Section 2.2-3711.A.3 of the Code of Virginia, for the discussion or consideration of the condition,
acquisition or use of real property for public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held property,
as well as legal consultation, Section 2.2-3711.A.7 of the Code of Virginia for consultation with legal
counsel and briefings by staff members, consultants or attorneys, pertaining to actual or probable litigation,
or legal matters regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Prince Edward and the Town of
Farmville and other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel.
On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all
Council members voting “aye”, Council returned to the regular order of business.
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 certified 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.
VOTE: 6 “AYES”
MOTION: Dr. Gordon
SECOND: Mr. Hunter
AYES: Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon
NOES: -0-
ABSENT DURING VOTE: Whitus
ABSENT DURING MEETING: Whitus
_____________________________
Clerk
There being no other business, the meeting was declared recessed at 8:36 pm.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
_____________________________
_____________________________
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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