Town Council Regular Meeting — Oct 8, 2024

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

Staff: Allyson Finchum, Town Manager/Town Clerk; Ashley Kerr, Administrative Assistant

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.

Public Comment Period

Mr. Lewis Hamilton expressed concern about the increase in his water bill for his businesses — car wash and laundromat. He stated that fixed expenses are horrible and there are a small number of customers in the area to draw from. He appreciates the people who use his businesses. He said he draws people into the Town and helps the economy. The wastewater from his businesses is soapy water with no solids.

Mr. Lew Hamilton stated his family is trying to do the right thing for Glasgow. They have cleaned up the lumber mill site and hauled away 70-80, 30 yard container loads of debris and created a beautiful entry into Town with a mural. He also stated the Town must address the drainage issue on his property as the construction of the Dollar General site has caused water to back up on his property during the severe storms. He also stated that the homeless people living in Glasgow is a problem and should be addressed. They have caused damage to his and other properties. They should not stay in the hiker shelter.

Proclamations

None

Review and Approval of Minutes of September 10, 2024

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

Reports and Updates

Public Safety Report

The call report was submitted by Rockbridge County.

Parks and Recreation Committee

Mayor Williams reviewed the written report submitted by staff. The Fire Department assisted the Town by changing light bulbs on poles at Locher Pavilion. Southpaw played at the final Rockin’ the Gorge. Crowd and sales were largest of the year. The red building has been closed and winterized. Trunk or Treat is scheduled for November 2nd at Locher Pavilion from 3-5 pm.

Farmer’s Market Report Carolyn Bradley reported on the activities of the Market. Closing date for the season expected to be the end of October.

Public Works and Utilities

The Public Works report was read by Mayor Williams. Rain caused additional need for maintenance of culverts. Cleanup of several trees that fell during the storm. Clean up of alleyways and pickup of debris continues. The Town was approved by VDOT for snow removal for the 24-25 season.

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

Planning Commission

Tom Camden provided an update on the Planning Commission activities. Future projects are being discussed including grant opportunities for community revitalization for the Route 130 corridor. The monthly meetings are scheduled for the third Tuesday at 4:30 pm.

Town Manager’s Report

Ms. Finchum reported that the Dollar General Store continues site development including re-grading of the parcel, temporary erosion and sediment control, and permanent stormwater management measures. The on-site and off-site stormwater control system was not complete at the time of the significant rainfall experienced over the past weeks. Flooding issues occurred around the area of the project site. Town staff has been in contact with Rockbridge County and construction companies hired by Dollar General to oversee the project. The Town has been told that once the system is finished, problems with the flow of water will diminish, however, additional off-site measures to create better flow to the river must be accomplished by the Town.

Staff met with CHA, the Town engineering consultant, on issues for public utilities and stormwater. Minor repairs to the Town utility system continue. The Town seeks approximately $3 to $5 million in funds for major renovations to the sewer plant.

New utility rates are in effect. It appears that due to incorrect software data input, commercial accounts have been billed incorrectly for several years.

Staff is working with the Glasgow Planning Commission to identify grant opportunities. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development provides grants to improve our business district. Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission has agreed to assist the Town in preparation and implementation of the grants at no cost to the Town for their services.

The Waterline Project Grant is ongoing. Bids for construction will occur by the end of the year with construction scheduled for early 2025.

A Lead Service Line Inventory required by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has been finished by CHA for submittal to the state.

Staff continues to work with CHA, the Town’s consulting firm for engineering on identifying grant opportunities for stormwater and public utilities.

The Town Manager is meeting with a law firm about contracting for legal services. Information will be brought to Council.

Staff continues to work on low cost options to move the batteau.

Staff issued several tall grass and trash violation notices. Compliance has occurred with several violations.

Staff continues working on updates to the Town code.

Town staff addresses citizens and business concerns on a daily basis.

New Business

Commercial Water and Sewer Rates

The Town Council discussed the rates and expressed concern for the businesses. A motion was made by Ms. Harris seconded by Ms. Rogers to table the decision on water rates so Council may consider the issue and to discount the rate for commercial high water use customers (car wash and laundromat) who are most greatly affected by the utility rates to the previous rate until a decision is made. The motion passed unanimously.

Funding Priorities

The Town Council discussed the priority of public safety.

A motion was made by Mr. Camden seconded by Mr. Williams to authorize the Town Manager to act as necessary for reallocation of funds for the purpose of hiring a full- time police officer from within the existing budget by reduction of force and reassignment of job functions effective immediately. The motion passed unanimously.

Other Council Comments