Regular Meeting

Minutes

Attendance: Mayor: Paul Williams Town Council: Vice-Mayor Tom Camden, Lisa Rogers, Natalie Harris, Kent Dunn, Brandell Branch (remote)

Staff: Allyson Finchum, Town Manager/Town Clerk

1. Call to Order Town Council

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

Presentations

None

Appointments

None

Proclamations

None

Review and Approval of Minutes of June 10, 2025, continued to June 24, 2025

A motion was made by Ms. Lisa Rogers seconded by Ms. Natalie Harris to approve the minutes of June 10, 2025, regular meeting continued to June 24, 2025. The motion passed unanimously.

Reports and Updates

a. Public Safety Report

The June 2025 call report was submitted by Rockbridge County. No significant issues.

Parks and Recreation Committee

Mayor Williams reviewed the written report submitted by staff. The first Rockin’ the Gorge event held on 6/28/25 was a success! Southpaw was the band performing and the event was well attended despite many other events in the area and forecast for inclement weather which did not occur.

Farmer’s Market Report

Carolyn Bradley, Farmers Market Manager, reported that the market is open on Fridays. There is a possible new vendor, however many long-time vendors are presently not participating due to moving out of the area and other reasons. A vendor meeting was held June 6th.

Public Works and Utilities

The Public Works report was read by Mayor Williams. The seasonal grass mowing and weed eating continue. Staff filled numerous VA 811 Locate Tickets — most are for the waterline replacement project. Three calls for sewer issues were resolved by staff. Staff received one call from dispatch for UPS trying to deliver a package to Town Hall during closed hours. Staff spent numerous days at the sewer plant fixing the telescope valves and clarifier which were backing up due to rags and other things. All the new 12-inch water lines and most of the 8- inch water lines have been installed and pressure tested with samples submitted to the lab for testing. Wells Construction is beginning to install insert valves on existing water lines on the north side of town which will allow the town to better control the water if a major break occurs. Staff completed monthly water meter report readings, manual readings, notification notices, and water cut offs.

Treasurer’s Report

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

Planning Commission

Vice-Mayor Tom Camden provided an update on the Planning Commission activities. A June meeting was not held due to the joint Town Council and Planning Commission meeting held on June 10th for public hearing on text amendments the Planning Commission had been reviewing for several months. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, July 15th.

Town Manager’s Report

Ms. Finchum reported the following:

A public hearing was held on the FY25-26 draft budget at the June 10th Town Council meeting. The budget, fee schedule, and new utility rates were adopted on June 24th. Staff continue working on updates to the Town code. An animal control ordinance and various property maintenance ordinances are being drafted for the Planning Commission and Town Council review. Staff continue to address code violations and citizen inquiries. The construction of the new waterlines continues. Staff attend monthly project meetings with the Town

engineer, CHA, VDOT, Wells Construction and others. American Tower is requesting additional ground space for equipment and co-location for the tower located on Town property.

Old Business

None

New Business

a. Code Amendments

The Town Manager reviewed draft ordinance amendments with the Council concerning animal control and property maintenance including nuisance, tall grass, debris, trash, and inoperable vehicles.

Public Comment Period

None

Other Council Comments

Council requested a worksession in August to discuss the draft ordinances and other matters.

Closed Session

Motion by Vice-Mayor Tom Camden seconded by Ms. Lisa Rogers to go into closed session under section 2.2-3711.3 of the Code of Virginia for the discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body.

Motion by Ms. Natalie Harris, seconded by Ms. Lisa Rogers, to come out of closed session and certification that only items for which the closed session was called were discussed.

Roll call vote: Vice-Mayor Tom Camden-aye, Lisa Rogers-aye, Natalie Harris-aye, Kent Dunn-aye, Brandell Branch (remote)-aye. The motion passed unanimously.

Acquisition of Property

Motion by Mr. Kent Dunn, seconded by Vice-Mayor Tom Camden, to approve the purchase of 908 Anderson Street for $100,000 and direct the Town Manager to act upon the request accordingly. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:36 pm.