Regular Meeting

Minutes

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

Staff: Allyson Finchum, Town Manager, Jon Ellestad, Interim Town Manager (Former), Ashley Kerr, Administrative Assistant

Call to Order

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a prayer offered by Mr. Dunn. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Williams at 7pm.

Public Hearing

1. Receive public comment regarding Ordinance 2024-2 removing the Utility Rate

Structure from the Town Code and deleting the Refuse Fee.

2. Receive public comment regarding Resolution 2024-5 appropriating the

FY2024/25 Town Budget and establishing Various Taxes, Rates and Fees

Carolyn Bradley asked about rental fees for the Farmers Market. Jon Ellestad responded that the fees were based on current fee structure and not changed. Lisa Rogers asked if fees for various facilities were waived for non-profits. Mayor Williams stated it would be reviewed at time of request.

There being no other comments from the public, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:04 pm.

Proclamations

None

Review and Approval of Minutes of June 11, 2024

Lisa Rogers stated that the minutes mentioned that Carolyn Bradley had not attended a Farmers Market Managers meeting as stated in the minutes. Correction should state the following:

“ Farmer’s Market Report

Carolyn Bradley reported on the activities of the Market. She indicated that there were 3 or 4 vendors each day and that attendance was light, so far. She

A motion was made by Ms. Rogers seconded by Ms. Hill to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2024 regular meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Reports and Updates

Public Safety Report

The call report was not submitted.

Parks and Recreation Committee

Mayor Williams reviewed the written report that had been submitted. The band Late Night Stumblers performed at Rockin’ the Gorge on June 15th. Attendance is expected to increase throughout the season.

Farmer’s Market Report

Carolyn Bradley reported on the activities of the Market. She indicated an average of five (5) vendors on Fridays and three (3) vendors on Saturdays. The market started a customer count which indicated an average of twenty-eight (28) customers on Fridays and three (3) on Saturdays. Currently some vendors are not participating for various personal reasons. Also, dry weather conditions have affected the crops.

Public Works and Utilities

The Public Works report was read by Mayor Williams. Grass cutting reduced due to lack of rain. Focus on brush cleanup in alleyways. A fallen tree was removed. A water leak was repaired on 7th Street. Ongoing cleanup after storms. Special attention to cleanup of Route 130 for the holiday weekend.

Treasurer’s Report

Information on expenses over $500 was provided in a written report.

Planning Commission

Mr. Camden reported that the June meeting was cancelled. A meeting

Town Manager’s Report

Ms. Finchum began her employment on July 3 and is concentrating on learning the operations of the Town. She reported on the following items:

Town staff have made extra effort to enhance the appearance of Town Hall by organizing the interior and pressure washing and planting flowers on the exterior.

The Town dump truck bed needs repair to be ready for snow removal. VDOT provides generous funds for the Town to participate in plowing the roads within Town limits. This enables snow removal to be done in an expedient manner. After comparing options for repair, replacement as opposed to repair, of the truck bed on the Town dump truck appears to be the least costly approach. Town staff is in the process of locating and negotiating a replacement.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a drought watch advisory for ninety-five (95) localities. The advisory is intended to increase awareness and facilitate preparation. Affected localities have been requested to develop or review water conservation and drought response plans to help protect current water supplies. The Town website will be updated with information.

Ashley Kerr, Administrative Assistant, researched playground equipment for special needs individuals and a flyer was presented to the Council for consideration.

Lisa Rogers stated that she would like to research grant opportunities for funding playground improvements.

The accounting firm of Rodefer Moss began their work auditing our books for FY22, FY23 and FY24. Staff has assisted with providing information as requested by the auditors.

Town staff are presently seeking a new source to move the batteau. Tom Camden requested further review by Town Council on cost. An amendment to the real estate sales agreement for the Dollar General land

purchase is in process.

Testing of well #4 of the Town Water System indicated the PFAS range to be within appropriate levels at this time.

Sam Holland, citizen, residing at 902 Fitzlee Street, requested that Council abandon the unimproved right-of-way adjacent to his property near Blue Ridge

Road between Fitzlee and Anderson Streets. Allyson Finchum explained that a utility easement should be provided and if Council agrees to abandon the undeveloped right-of-way, it may be sold or given to adjacent property owners, typically split between all adjacent owners.

Discussion ensued and Town Council stated they want to think about the request prior to any decision.

Rockbridge County is holding public hearings (attendance virtual or in person) on the Comprehensive Plan July 10th 7 pm. (Planning Commission) and July 22nd at 6 pm (Town Council).

Old Business

None

New Business

1. Consideration of Ordinance 2024-2 removing the Utility Rate Structure from

the Town Code and deleting the Refuse Fee Mr. Camden made a motion to adopt the ordinance as presented, which was seconded by Ms. Hill. It was adopted unanimously. AYES:5 NAYS:0 The motion passed. No further discussion.

2. Consideration of Resolution 2024-5 appropriating the FY2024/25 Town

Budget and establishing Various Taxes, Rates and Fees Mr. Camden made a motion to adopt the resolution as presented, which was seconded by Mr. Branch. It was adopted unanimously. AYES:5 NAYS: 0 The motion passed. No further discussion.

Public Comment Period

None

Other Council Comments

Mr. Branch mentioned that the Garden Club is requesting the Town to contribute $250.00 for improvements to Centennial Park including a butterfly sanctuary. Mr. Branch will advise the Garden Club to provide a presentation at an upcoming Town Council meeting. Mr. Branch stated he is receiving requests for a fair or carnival in Town. The Mayor said to plan for next year.

Ms. Rogers said that she has received positive response for assistance with providing children in the community with back-to-school essentials. She is collecting various items (backpacks, school supplies, clothing, combs, brushes, toothpaste, etc.) Notify her of any children in need. Deadline is first week in August.

Citizens at the meeting commented on various issues:

• Gravel on the right-of-way in front of the center.

• Request for schools to participate in the Christmas Parade. Lisa Rogers will ask the event coordinator of the parade to request participation by local schools.

• Request to place the bell at Centennial Park. The Garden Club maintains the park and alternatively prefers not to locate the bell in the park.

• Request to return the vintage baseball uniform and picture to the Glasgow Community Center.

• Concern of the rising cost of water and sewer bills.

• Code compliance of trash, debris, tall grass, dilapidated structures.

• Petition to eliminate the incorporated Town of Glasgow.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 7:54pm.