Regular Meeting

Minutes

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

Staff: Allyson Finchum, Town Manager/Town Clerk

Call to Order Town Council

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a prayer offered by Brandall Branch. The regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Paul Williams at 7:00 pm.

Presentations/Public Comment

None

Appointments

None

Proclamations

None

Review and Approval of Minutes of November 11, 2025

A motion was made by Ms. Lisa Rogers, seconded by Vice-Mayor Tom Camden to approve the minutes of November 11, 2025, Town Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Reports and Updates

a. Public Safety Report

The November and December 2025 call reports were submitted by Rockbridge County. No significant issues.

b. Parks and Recreation Committee

Mayor Williams stated there was no activity by the Parks and Recreation Committee this month.

c. Public Works and Utilities

The Public Works report was presented by Mayor Williams. Monthly water meter report readings, manual readings, notices of delinquent bills, and water cut-offs complete. Water and sewer line repairs throughout Town completed as necessary. Repairs and maintenance at the sewer plant were performed and are occupying significant time for the department. Seasonal Lawn Maintenance — N/A Building maintenance — maintenance and upgrades continue on plumbing, heating/air, painting on the Town buildings.

Council thanked Public Works staff for their efforts.

d. Treasurer’s Report

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

e. Planning Commission

Vice-Mayor Tom Camden provided an update on the Planning Commission activities. The Planning Commission did not hold a December 2025 meeting. 2026 meetings are being scheduled.

f. Town Manager’s Report

Ms. Finchum reported that the Town has begun to address the condition of the plant, and the repairs are a priority project.

Improvements to the Town property and buildings continue.

Staff continue to address existing code violations and concerns. Violation notices will be sent to address issues following adoption of Town ordinances.

Town audits for the past five years are currently underway by the independent auditors, Robinson, Farmer, Cox and Associates.

Annual personal property and real estate tax have been successfully collected.

Plans for 2026 events are underway including Music in the Gorge, Farmer/Flea Markes, etc.

Beautification and economic growth initiatives along Blue Ridge Road continue.

Old Business

None

New Business

Discussion on Additional Dwelling Units on Single Lots in Residential Districts The Town Council discussed a request to add an additional dwelling unit to a single lot within the Town. The Town code currently permits a single-family dwelling on a parcel that is 7,000 square feet or greater and a two-family dwelling on a parcel that is 10,000 square feet or greater. Several proposals were discussed including two principal single- family dwelling units on a single lot at currently required or additional lot size, a detached or attached accessory dwelling unit, additional unit by conditional use permit, or reduction of the minimum lot size for each dwelling unit.

Council expressed satisfaction with the current code and decided not to pursue an amendment at this time.

Approval to Hire a Code Enforcement Officer

The Town Council discussed and approved hiring a Code Enforcement Officer up to twenty-five (25) hours per week. The officer will promote order in the Town focusing on safety, animal control, zoning, and property maintenance issues such as inoperable vehicles, dilapidated structures, trash, tall grass, etc.

Public Comment Period

None

Other Council Comments

Council requested litter clean-ups in the spring as have been done in past years. Council expressed desire to have Town events and a festival. Council requested two Music in the Gorge events for the 2026 season. The Town Manager said that adding additional festivities would be possible if volunteers could be found.

Lisa Rogers spoke about having car shows(s) as one of the events.

Closed Session

Adjournment

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:02 pm.