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Town of Farmville, Virginia |
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Ú Town Council |
Home >> Town Government >> Town Council >> Meeting Minutes Meeting Minutes |
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DRAFT REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE FARMVILLE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 At the regular monthly meeting of the Farmville Town Council held on Wednesday, September 10, 2008, there present were Mayor S.C. Newman, Jr., presiding and Council members D.E. Whitus, 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 S.O. Dunnavant, Director of Public Works, Robin Atkins, Town Treasurer, Carol Anne Seal, and Town Planner, Cindy Morris. Council member Whitus 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. No one present elected to address Council. Mr. Spates welcomed Longwood University Professor Lettner-Rust and students from her English 400 class. Each semester Professor Rust encourages her students to become involved in the community and the workings of government. On motion by Mrs. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Overton and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the August 13, 2008 regular Council meeting were approved as amended. On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the August 21, 2008 special called Council meeting were approved, as previously presented to each Council member. On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the August 28, 2008 special called Council meeting were approved, as previously presented to each Council member. Council member Whitus asked that the minutes of the August 13, 2008 regular Council meeting be amended to reflect that Council member Gordon made the motion to approve the 2008-2009 employee winter holiday schedule. On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Overton and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved the Treasurer’s Report. On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved payment of the following bills: (BILLS PRINTED IN MINUTE BOOK) BUILDING OFFICIAL’S AUGUST 2008 REPORT Members received copies of the August 2008 Building Official’s Report, for their information. PROPERTY INSPECTOR’S AUGUST 2008 REPORT Members received copies of the August 2008 Property Inspector’s Report, for their information. Mr. Spates made mention of a discussion that occurred at the September work session. Members questioned the Property Inspector’s report and the citations that were issued. Mr. Spates said there were no citations issued – the column labeled “citations” indicates that the Property Inspector has written a letter to the property owner regarding the violation but no judicial proceedings have been taken. He said the following notification steps would be followed for violators: 1. Verbal contact – in person or by telephone 2. Letter issued 3. Citation issued – after consulting legal counsel REZONING REQUEST ON BEHALF OF LONGWOOD REAL ESTATE FOUNDATION On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council agreed to continue the rezoning request on behalf of the Longwood Real Estate Foundation. The Foundation has requested the property at 605 and 611 High Street and 606 Chambers Street be rezoned from R1A to R3A for the purpose of constructing an Alumni Office and Conference Center, adjacent to the house at 611 High Street. Mr. Spates updated members on the progress. He said the rezoning sub-committee comprised of members from the neighborhood and representatives from the Foundation will have their final meeting at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 16. That Committee will make their recommendation to the Planning Commission at their meeting scheduled for 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 16. The Commission will then make their recommendation to Town Council, in order for Council to consider the request at the October Council meeting. Council members spoke of procedures they have followed and their intent to do their due diligence prior taking any action on the request. They noted that all the upcoming meetings are open to the public and encouraged them to attend. Mr. Spates reminded members that the October meeting has been scheduled for the third Wednesday in October – October 15, 2008. TEMPORARY SIGN ORDINANCE - REGULATION On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Pairet and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council referred the matter of establishing a temporary sign ordinance - regulations to the Street Committee for their recommendation to Town Council. Council discussed this issue. At the August Council meeting, members agreed to follow the recommendation of the Property Committee and hold a public hearing on a proposed temporary sign ordinance. At the work session held on September 3, 2008, Mr. Spates informed Council that the advertisement for the Public Hearing was not published due to the responses received from the community. He said he had received many comments from members of the community voicing their displeasure with proposed temporary sign ordinance and the residential homeowner permit fees compared to the Southside Realtor permit fee. Many felt there was an unfair financial hardship placed on the property owner selling his or her home. Mr. Spates went on to say that since that meeting, he has received a letter from the Department of Transportation which states that VDOT does not allow advertising or directional signs on State right of ways, which is Route 15 and Route 45, within the Town of Farmville. Members were supplied a copy of the letter and discussions continued. In conclusion, members agreed to refer the matter of a temporary sign ordinance and permit fee to the Street Committee for further investigation. COMMITTEE UPDATES Mr. Spates gave a verbal update on committee meetings: Retirement Committee: agreed to advertise for a request for proposals from qualified investment companies interested in handling the Town of Farmville employee retirement account. Recreation Committee: interviewed applicants for the position of Recreation Director and selected Mr. William Bailey. Mr. Bailey has a degree in recreation from the University of West Virginia. He has accepted the position and will be starting in two weeks. Property Committee: awaiting final cost of additional IT equipment for Council Chambers. Gang Awareness Meeting: Mr. Spates reminded members of the Gang Awareness meeting scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, September 15 in the Council Chambers. An ex-Blood gang member from California currently on probation in Virginia will be addressing the group. He will be sharing is past experiences. Administrative personnel of adjacent counties along with school administrators have been invited. Mr. Spates said it is his hope that they will find the presentation informative and interesting and will consider having this person speak to the students about the pitfalls getting involved with gangs. Downtown Merchants Meeting: Mr. Spates said the Downtown Merchant meeting would be scheduled shortly. Mr. Spates said he had received a request from a downtown merchant on behalf of several merchants. The request was for Council to consider free-metered parking on Friday and Saturday. Mr. Spates suggested that Council consider allowing free parking on Saturday for retail businesses. Members discussed placing a sticker on the meters, placing something around the meter pole, bags on the meters or possibly replacing the meter head. Mr. Pairet made a motion to place stickers on meters allowing free parking on Saturday. Mr. Spates expressed his concerns saying the stickers fade and over time will look bad. Mr. Whitus recommended Town Council refer to the Town Manager on the best way to handle the free parking on Saturday. Members agreed and Mr. Pairet withdrew his motion. Discussions continued and members agreed to allow free parking on Saturday and Sunday leaving it up to the discretion of the Town Manager on the best way to handle the meters. Mr. Spates supplied members with a copy of the towing letter sent to all towing companies providing services in the Town of Farmville. He said the letter drafted by the Town Attorney reminds the businesses of the towing regulations and the requirements of the Code of Virginia. REQUEST FOR PARADE PERMIT – HOPETREE FAMILY SERVICES On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council approved a request for a parade permit by Mr. George Harrison on behalf of the HopeTree Family Service. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 9:00 am. beginning on Milnwood Road. REQUEST FROM FARMVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY On motion by Mr. Reid, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council approved a request by Ms. Jayne Johnson, Executive Director of the Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity to waive the water and sewer tap fees, the building permit fee and agreed to prepare the driveway apron at 408 Bridge Street. REQUEST FOR PAYMENT FROM THE NARCOTIC’S FUND On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by M. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council authorized payment of $35.00 from the narcotic’s fund to Third Street Wrecker Inc., for towing charges. On motion by Mrs. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye”, the minutes of the September 3, 2008 work session were approved, as previously presented to each Council member. REQUEST FEE WAIVER - CENTRAL VIRGINIA ARTS Mr. Spates shared a letter he had received from Dr. Stephen Goldberger on behalf of the Central Virginia Arts. The letter is requesting a waiver of rental fees to use the South Street Conference Center. Council members spoke of their recent policy in not waiving the fees for use of any Town facilities. Members declined to consider the request and no action was taken. REQUEST FOR PARADE PERMIT – FUQUA SCHOOL On motion by Mr. Hunter, seconded by Mrs. Thompson and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council granted a request by Mr. Bland Newman on behalf of Fuqua School to hold their homecoming parade on Friday, October 10, 2008, beginning at 2:00 pm. REQUEST FOR PARTIAL BUSINESS LICENSE REFUND On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council granted a request by Dr. Steve Giltz, with the Back and Neck Center for a 2008-2009 partial business license refund of $221.96. The Back & Neck Center located at 1403 Milnwood Road closed on September 1, 2008 and is now the Farmville Family Chiropractic operated by Dr. Travis Johnson. REQUEST FOR PARADE PERMIT – PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL On motion by Mr. Whitus, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council granted a request by Mrs. Lisa Simon on behalf of the Prince Edward County High School to hold their homecoming parade on Thursday, October 2, 2008, beginning at 5:30 pm. AVIATION FIELD DAY Mr. Spates informed members of “Aviation Field Day”. The event is sponsored by the Heart of Virginia Aviation along with PHI Air Medial and the local chapter of Experimental Aircraft Association. It will take place at the Farmville Regional Airport on Saturday, September 13, 2008 starting at 10:00 am. Charter aircraft will be on display and demo-flights will be offered. REQUEST METERED PARKING SPACES ON RANDOLPH STREET On motion by Mr. Pairet, seconded by Mr. Whitus and with all Council members voting “aye”, Council approved installing nine (9) metered parking spaces – two (2) hour parking, on Randolph Street by the United Methodist Church. Mr. Spates said the metered spaces would help clear up the confusion with the posted residential parking spaces and church parking. He said he has contacted the church and they have no issues with the proposed metered parking. ENTRANCE SIGNAGE – FARMVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT AND MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE On motion by Mr. Pairet, seconded by Dr. Gordon and with a recorded vote with Council members Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon voting “aye”, Council selected an entrance/way-finding signage design for the Farmville Regional Airport and Municipal Golf Course. The design was created by Harvey Design Land Architects. ICA FACILITY UPDATE Mr. Spates reported on the status of the ICA facility. The contract with the federal government was signed on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. There is an employment ad in the Farmville Herald for transportation positions. The transportation portion of the operation will begin soon. Once the government has reviewed all the documents, a per diem on housing the detainees will be issued and construction on the facility will begin. It is anticipated that the facility will house 1000 detainees and employ 199 full time employees with an additional 100 federal employees working at the facility and transferring to the area. The business owners will be making a presentation to Town Council and the community to share the design of the facility, speak on the operation and answer any questions. MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT Mr. Spates spoke of the recent complaints he had received regarding the municipal parking lot. Longwood University students and professors are using the parking lot, in order to avoid paying the $200 or $300 University parking permit fee. With limited parking spaces available for merchants and employees working downtown, this creates a hardship. Mr. Spates said he had contacted University Police Chief Beech and he will address the situation with the students and facility. Mr. Spates went on to say that, the Town would be installing signage to informing the public that the lot is to be used by merchants and those working downtown. On motion by Dr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Hunter and with all Council members voting “aye” Council went into closed session pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A.1 of the Code of Virginia, for discussion or consideration of or interviews of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific public officers, appointees or employees of the Town of Farmville and 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 issues between the Town of Farmville and 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: 7 “AYES” MOTION: Dr. Gordon SECOND: Mr. Hunter AYES: Whitus, Hunter, Thompson, Pairet, Overton, Reid and Gordon NOES: none ABSENT DURING VOTE: none ABSENT DURING MEETING: none _____________________________ Clerk There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 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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