Regular Meeting

Minutes

Attendance: Mayor: Paul Williams Town Council: Brandall Branch, Tom Camden, Lisa Rogers, Marcie Hill, Natalie Harris

Staff: Aliyson Finchum, Town Manager/Town Clerk

Call to Order Town Council

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a prayer offered by Mr. Branch. The Regularly Scheduled Meeting was called to order by Mayor Paul Williams at 7:00 pm.

Presentations

None

Appointments

The Town Council unanimously approved the following:

• Reappointment of Deborah Farina for a term of Four (4) Years to Expire December 31, 2028 • Reappointment of Tom Camden for a term of Two (2) Years to Expire December

31, 2026

• Reappointment of Natalie Harris for a term of Two (2) Years to Expire December 31, 2026

• Appointment of Jesse Nelson for a term of One (1) Year to Expire December 371, 2025

Proclamations

None

Review and Approval of Minutes of December 10, 2024

A motion was made by Ms. Rogers seconded by Mr. Camden to approve the minutes of December 10, 2024, regular meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Reports and Updates

a. Public Safety Report

The December 2024 call report was submitted by Rockbridge County but omitted from the Town Council packet and will be in the February packet.

b. Parks and Recreation Committee

Mayor Williams reviewed the written report submitted by staff. The Parks and Recreation Committee will start planning for the 2025 Rockin’ the Gorge music events. The Toys for Tots toy drive was held on December 19th. The event helped make the holidays bright for families in the area. The remaining donations were sent to assist those impacted by the hurricane. Ms. Rogers expressed specific concerns, and Council will have discussion on how to carry out the 2025 toy drive.

c. Farmer’s Market Report

No report. The market is closed for the season.

d. Public Works and Utilities

The Public Works report was read by Mayor Williams. Staff cut brush in several alleys, picked up and recycled metal, prepared brush pile for burning, prepared monthly water meter readings and cut-offs, assisted with treatment plant repairs, and handled several emergency calls.

e. Treasurer’s Report

A Budget Summary Report and information on expenses over $500 were provided in the packet.

f. Planning Commission

Tom Camden provided an update on the Planning Commission activities. The December meeting was brief to adopt the November 2025 meeting minutes.

g. Town Manager’s Report

Ms. Finchum reported on the following: She will begin working on FY25-26 draft budget in January. She contacted the accountants working on the pre-audit for status update.

The Dollar Market successfully opened on December 20, 2024.

The construction contract for the waterline replacement project was awarded to Wells Construction Company in Vinton, Virginia. Construction is scheduled to begin early 2025.

Some of the replacement parts have finally arrived, and repairs continue on the wastewater plant.

All federal ARPA funds were obligated by December 31, 2024. Repair parts for the treatment plant and dump truck were purchased. Also funded by ARPA was the purchase of 1015 Blue Ridge Road and five parcels. Through a generous agreement with the current owner, Baldwin Locher, who sold to the Town for below assessed value, we are now under contract. This purchase will provide the

Town government with a permanent facility for public meetings and events. The land that surrounds the building will additionally be utilized for outdoor events. The site is a valued landmark for the Town, previously used for a post office and library. It is along one of the Town’s main roadways and at the major crossroad in the Old Town historic commercial district. Also along the front of the property is the Town’s shared use path, a previous grant project, which will one day connect the Town internally and beyond.

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission worked with staff to review stormwater issues for consideration of grant funding. The entire grant from application to construction will occur in 2025. The following were the prioritized stormwater projects based on the December 11th Planning Commission site visit:

• 2nd Street and Pocahontas Bioretention project

• Stabilizing residential banks along Blue Ridge Road

• Rain gardens on public property based on future town list The first priority is developing a cost estimate for the first bioretention project. Other projects may be funded based on the initial estimate.

Applications for the police officer position are under review.

Townwide inspections have occurred based on ongoing complaints. Courtesy letters will soon be sent for trash, debris, junk, inoperable vehicles, farm animals, tall grass, etc..

Staff continues working on updates to the Town code. The fee schedule is currently being drafted and reviewed by the Planning Commission.

Information on fees, utilities, job postings, etc. was updated on the Town website. Meeting agendas and minutes will be updated soon.

The Town’s computer consultant is working with Town staff to improve our system.

Citizen and business concerns continue to be addressed on a daily basis.

Old Business

None

New Business

a. Approval of Purchase — 1015 Blue Ridge Road including parcels 108A6-1-

127-46; 108A6-1-127-47; 108A6-1-127-48; 108A6-1-127-49 and 108A6-1-127- 50 (parcels and structures thereon)

A motion was made by Ms. Harris seconded by Mr. Branch to approve the purchase of 1015 Blue Ridge Road and parcels. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment Period

Jesse Nelson, citizen, stated that he spoke to a member of the Rockbridge County School Board about yearly training for community organizations and volunteers on handling special needs children in emergency situations. The training would take place in Glasgow within the next few months. Ms. Rogers stated she will investigate getting items for the pediatric training.

Other Council Comments

Mr. Branch stated that Clarence Martin was chased by a neighborhood dog which was not on aleash. There is an ongoing problem throughout the Town with stray dogs. Ms. Harris concurred. Mayor Williams requested feedback on how to solve the issue. He stated that the Town does not have the resources to manage the issue and Rockbridge County Animal Control handles these problems. Council requested information on the subject be placed in the water bill.

Closed Session

None

Adjournment

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:52 pm.