July 8, 2003

Mayor Keith W. Clarke called the regular meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council to order on July 8, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. with the following present:

Mayor Keith W. Clarke; Council members: Joyce D. Bland, H. B. Brockwell, Jr., Wilbur Hardy, William E. James, John J. Miller, Jr., Michael F. Moorman and Robert F. Pecht, III; Town Manager, C. J. Dean; Public Works Director, Randall Lynch; Fire Department President, Frankie Clary; Town Clerk, Alice B. Talbert, citizens and the press.

Absent: Town Attorney, W. C. Outten, Jr.

Mr. Hardy opened the meeting with prayer.

Roll was called.

MINUTES APPROVED

A motion was made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, suspend the reading and file. This motion carried by all ayes.

HIGH STREET UPDATE

Mr. Dean reported that bids are due in next week on demolition of two more houses on High Street. Two houses that have been removed were owned by St. Paul’s Community Development and they hope to rebuild and sell to new homeowners as single family houses.

WATER/WASTEWATER PROJECTS

Mr. Dean stated that copies of water/wastewater projects were in the packets and would be advertised in this Sunday in the Richmond paper and in the local papers on Wednesday. After bids are received the Committee will meet.

COURTHOUSE SIDEWALK

The Courthouse Square sidewalk project was finished in time for the block party the last of June. Next Tuesday, July 15^th, the engineer will be here to do a punch list of items to be corrected. Virginia Power will be taking the old poles down shortly.

TOWN CREW

Mr. Hardy commended the town crew on getting the pear trees down. Mr. Hardy stated that it looks good with the grass coming up.

Mr. Dean reported that the town crew had put the Christmas tree up and encouraged everyone to look at it before leaving.

The town crew was also commended on painting the line on the streets.

FINANCE

As this was the last finance statement of the year, Mr. Pecht gave an overview of the report.

SURPLUS VEHICLES

Mr. Dean asked that three vehicles, a Chev suburban, a Chev Pickup and a Dodge pickup be declared surplus and he be authorized to advertise to sell at sealed bid. A motion was made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to declare the three vehicles surplus and authorize Mr. Dean to advertise for sell at sealed bid. This motion carried by all ayes.

TOWN DEVELOPMENT

Mayor Clarke asked the Town Development committee to look into the cost of purchasing a couple “Welcome to Lawrenceville” banners that could be put up when events like the district tournament games held at the ballpark last week, and when St. Paul’s students return in the fall. The committee was also to check into what improvements could be done to the street going to the ballpark.

Mr. Hardy reported that the water/wastewater committee had met before Council for an update on upcoming projects.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

A motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. James to pay the bills as presented and charge to the proper accounts. This was carried by all ayes.

NO FAULT PROPERTY DAMAGE

Mayor Clarke stated that council would need to adopt the No Fault Property Damage Coverage presented at last meeting. Mr. Outten had looked this over and recommended the town adopt Option B and authorize the Town Manager to sign. A motion was made by Mr. Moorman and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to adopt Option B and to authorize Mr. Dean, town manager, to sign. This carried by all ayes.

WELCOME SIGNAGE

Mr. Dean stated that the company working on the new welcome to Lawrenceville sign had given an estimate on replacing the sign in front of the town office. The sign was 42 X 72 and would cost $800. Council asked that a design be presented for review. Most felt the size was too large for the front of the building.

Mayor Clarke stated that he was reappointing all committees to remain the same as last year.

WILLIAM JAMES RESIGNATION

Mayor Clarke stated that he had received a letter of resignation from Mr. James effective July 15, 2003. Mayor Clarke thanked Mr. James for his service and told him he would be missed. Mr. James stated that he has a new career opportunity and has accepted a job in North Carolina and would be moving in the near future. A motion was made by Mr. Miller to accept Mr. James’ resignation, with regret, effective July 15^th. This was seconded by Mrs. Bland and carried by all ayes.

Mr. James thanked the Council and stated that it had been a real pleasure working with everyone and he had enjoyed his time on Council and would miss everyone. Mayor Clarke stated that he would be hard to replace.

APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL SEAT

Mayor Clarke then stated that Council would appoint someone from District 1 to fill the unexpired term, which runs till 2006. Nominations are made by the remaining members in District 1 with the entire Council voting on the nominations. Mayor Clarke also stated we have 45 days to appoint someone.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY MOVIE

Mayor Clarke also reminded Council of our Christmas in July movie on Main Street to be held Friday night, July 11^th at 8:30. Cotton candy, ice cream, popcorn, hot dogs, drinks and “snow” cones will be sold.

Mrs. Talbert thanked everyone that attended or helped with the Relay for Life. Over $70,000 was collected for the fight against cancer.

There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Pecht. This motion carried by all ayes.

____________________________MAYOR

____________________________ATTEST