Regular Meeting

Minutes

Attendance: Mayor: Paul Williams Town Council: Vice-Mayor Tom Camden, Brandall Branch, 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 January 13, 2026

A motion was made by Ms. Lisa Rogers, seconded by Vice-Mayor Tom Camden to approve the minutes of January 13, 2026, Town Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Reports and Updates

a. Public Safety Report

The January 2026 call report was 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.

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.

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. The Planning Commission will hold a meeting on February 17, 2026, at 4:30 pm.

Town Manager’s Report Ms. Finchum reported that the Town continues 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.

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

Beautification and economic growth initiatives along Blue Ridge Road continue.

Old Business

None

New Business

a. FY26-27 Draft Budget

The Town Manager stated the draft budget will be distributed at the Town Council meeting in March.

b. Personnel Policy Amendment — Elimination of Benefits for Part-time (less

than 40 hours) Employees The Town Council reviewed the benefits for part-time employees defined as employees working less that forty (40) hours per week. A motion was made by Marcie Hill, seconded by Natalie Harris to eliminate all leave and special pay benefits for part-time employees effective immediately. Motion passed unanimously. No further discussion.

c. Update on the Blue Ridge Road Historic Corridor

The Town Manager updated the Town Council on status of public property and events on Blue Ridge Road in the historic commercial corridor. The Free Market will take place once a month (May-October) on Thursday when the Food Bank distributes food. Donated items of clothing, essentials, etc. will be provided free of charge. The outdoor Flea Market will take place the second Saturday of each month (May-October) on public property along Blue Ridge Road in front of the old Presbyterian Church across the street from the Episcopal Church. Everyone is invited to set up free of charge in 2026 and sell their items — farmers, crafters, yard sale, flea items, etc. The indoor market at 1015 Blue Ridge Road will sell antiques, vintage, and high-end home décor and consigners will pay a small percentage or flat rate to help offset the cost of utilities. The Town Manager explained that this store will provide an anchor to help the Town encourage economic development.

Public Comment Period

None

Other Council Comments

Council asked when the bell was going to be put back at the old Presbyterian Church/New Town Event Hall. The Town Manager said due to the weight it takes a special piece of equipment and staff planning is underway.

Lisa Rogers said that the softball league will return to Town in Spring 2026. Each team will pay $150 to participate. A car show is being planned for early May 2026.

Several Council expressed interest in a large annual Spring Fling.

Council requested revamping the Town website.

Natalie Harris said she spoke with a citizen who wanted to discuss an issue with Town Hall. The Town Manager stated she spoke with the citizen who requested snow removal from the alley behind her house. The Town does not provide snow removal in alleys as they are a second means of access to their property and not VDOT maintained right-of- way. She said citizens may remove the snow at their discretion.

Ms. Harris also asked about Town Hall business hours. The Town Manager stated there are other services to pay bills such as online or by phone which enables less frequent walk-ins and many small towns are reducing business hours as a cost savings. In 2025 Glasgow began closing Town Hall on Fridays, which has seemed to be successful.

Closed Session

Adjournment

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:31 pm.