Council President, Robert F. Pecht, III called the regular meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council to order on August 9, 2005 at 7:30 pm with the following present:
Council President, Robert F. Pecht, III; Council members: Joyce D. Bland, Wilbur Hardy, John J. Miller, Jr., Michael F. Moorman and Woodrow Packer; Town Attorney, W. C. Outten, Jr.; Town Manager, C. J. Dean; Police Chief, Douglas R. Pond; Administrative Assistant, Wanda Johnson; Alice Clary and family; Town Clerk, Alice B. Talbert, citizens and the press.
Absent: Mayor Keith W. Clarke and Council member, H. B. Brockwell, Jr.
Mr. Hardy opened the meeting with prayer.
Roll was called.
A motion was made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Hardy to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, suspend the reading and file. This carried by all ayes.
Mr. Pecht stated that a Resolution had been prepared by Mayor Clarke in memory of Fire Chief Franklin D. Clary. Mr. Pecht read the Resolution and presented it to Mrs. Alice Clary. Mrs. Clary thanked Council.
Mr. Chris Stevenson asked to speak to Council. He stated that on August 31, SCORE would be having a ground breaking at 6p.m. Everyone was invited and asked to bring a shovel.
Mr. Dean asked that the Rental Inspection Ordinance be tabled.
Mr. Dean reported that Timmons is working on the TTHM problem.
Mr. Dean asked that the Planning Commission begin working on a Historic Overlay District.
Southside Planning District had distributed a survey concerning telecommunications to help in the planning for future telecommunication needs. Everyone was asked to complete and return to the Town Office. Southside Planning will be tabulating the results.
Mr. Dean reported that The Cinnamon Café, Virginia Wheels Classic Car Club and the Lawrenceville Revitalization Committee would be hosting a Back To The Fifties Cruise-In on August 21 from 5 to 8 pm on Main Street. 50’s Music, contest, car exhibits and food would be some of the activities planned.
Mr. Dean stated that Bike VA was planning to come through Lawrenceville in June 2006 and he would have further information at a later date.
Mr. Pecht reported that the financial statement for the first month of the new year was in the packets.
Mr. Packer reported that the fire department had answered 26 calls in July with 4 being in town and 22 out of town.
Mr. Hardy stated that the new police car was in service.
Mr. Hardy also reported that new radio read water meters were being installed. About 60 meters are being installed; and Mr. Dean stated that this is a start and eventually all meters will be radio read. This will free employees that have to manually read meters and will save time.
Mr. Dean reported that the Revitalization Committee had met and discussed the bike trail, looking for a place to put a town park, sending out building surveys and the placement of benches in town. Mr. Dean also reminded Council that the committee meets the first Thursday of each month and invited everyone to attend.
Mr. Pecht stated that the airport report was in the packets.
Mrs. Talbert stated that there was a letter in the packets from Rich Clary of WLES commending and thanking Officer Moody for assistance.
Thank you notes from Alice Clary and Joyce Bland were read.
A motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Moorman to approve the bills as presented in the amount of $62,737.18 and charge to the proper funds. This carried by all ayes.
Mr. Outten reported that the first round of letters to individuals with delinquent real estate tax had been mailed and given 30 days to respond. Mr. Outten stated that after the 30 days it could take anywhere from 90 days to 6 months for the sale of delinquent property. Also businesses that have not purchased a 2005 business license will be receiving letters.
Mr. Pecht stated that he was excited about Mr. Scott Kelly working with the town on code enforcement. He felt that Mr. Kelly was very interested in helping people to improve their property and in the health and safety of the neighborhoods. Mr. Pecht also stated that letters from Mr. LeBlanc were in the packets stating that he had accepted full time employment.
Mrs. Talbert presented the Town with a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Cancer Brunswick Relay for Life for their support of the 2005 Relay. Mrs. Talbert presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Pecht for Brunswick Ice and Coal for their support of the Relay and in providing ice for the past 5 years. Mr. Outten was presented a plaque for Outten, Barrett and Whitby, PC for their sponsorship and support to the Relay. Mrs. Talbert also stated that Chief Pond had been presented with a plaque at the Relay Wrap Up Party held on July 25, for his support and assistance as security at the team meetings held each month.
There being no further business to come before Council, a motion was made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Moorman to adjourn. This carried by all ayes.
_______________________________MAYOR
Keith W. Clarke
_______________________________ATTEST
Alice B. Talbert, CMC