Andrew Keen

The Council of the Town of Marion, Virginia, will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed issuance of a bond. The bond's estimated maximum amount is $2,450,000, and the proposed use of the bond proceeds is to cover the costs of waterline replacements for the Town's water system.

The council meeting included discussions on concerns regarding the town's Facebook page, the unhoused issue, and a message regarding a town event. Reports were given on summer activities, the Personnel Committee, and recognition of a local athlete entering the Baseball Hall of Fame. A formal request for records and information relating to the operations of the water billing department was issued. The Tree Commission presented updates, including a grant received and proposed changes to the Tree Ordinance, leading to a Public Hearing being scheduled. Similarly, a Public Hearing was scheduled for proposed amendments to the Agriculture Uses on Residential Property (Livestock) in the Zoning Ordinance. Updates were provided on sewer projects, creek bank reinforcement, and playground work. The council approved a road closure for sewer line installation and future development. A closed session was held for personnel, real estate, and legal counsel matters, followed by instructions to clean up a property on Henry Street.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as a request for donations from the Smyth Animal Rescue and Humane Society, concerns about the unhoused community, and a possible boundary adjustment at Exit 47. A bi-annual review of departments was conducted, with a focus on the water billing department and credit card spending. The council discussed publishing council members' cell phone numbers on the website, which was later retracted. Reports were given by the Police Chief and Fire/EMS Chief, and updates were provided on the Hungry Mother Festival and upcoming Downtown tours. The council adopted the proposed Sanitation Ordinance Chapter 58 amendment and discussed the Tree Ordinance. The installation of radio read meters was also mentioned. The council entered a closed session for real estate and legal counsel, after which they adopted a Resolution of Assurances for New Development, approved a Performance Agreement for Project Harvest, and decided to continue enforcing ordinances relating to camping at Riverbend Park.

The council discussed updates on the setback for the DPT Program, the integration of the Senior Citizen Center with the Golf Course, and the hiring of a new Producer for the Lincoln Theatre and Song of the Mountains. Reports were given on the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive, a compliance review for the Spruce/Matson CDBG Project, and an Active Shooter Drill. The council approved accounts for payment and discussed revenues for the Golf Course. Updates were provided on Public Works Department maintenance, basketball season sign-ups, and the Appalachian Communities Conference. The council also discussed the demolition at the Wayne Henderson School of Appalachian Arts, the Statewide Tornado Drill, and the feasibility study grant for the Centre Building. The Generator for the Co Gen Project was scheduled to start, and the Edwynne Water Line Project was completed. The council approved the Fair Housing Certification, the Anti-Displacement Plan, and the Management Team for the Crescent/Palmer Housing Rehab Project. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters and the acquisition of real property, after which the council authorized negotiations for an option to purchase property adjoining the Town Spring.

The council meeting included discussions on snow removal efforts, concerns about automobile accidents at a specific signal light, and a future Trout Unlimited Day event. An expedited rate increase application from Atmos Energy Corporation was reviewed, and the accounts were approved for payment. Updates were provided on the Wayne Henderson Appalachian School of Arts demolition, the Gateway Enhancement Project, and a Small Business Summit. The Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Award was noted, and updates were given on the Co Gen Project generator delay and water/sewer renovation plans. Brush removal guidelines for 2014 were approved, and the Highlands Fellowship Church will partner with the town for the National Day of Service. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters.