March 11,2008
The regular meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council was called to order on March 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Keith W. Clarke.
Roll was called with the following present: Mayor Keith W. Clarke; Council members: Joyce D. Bland, H. B. Brockwell, Jr., Harry S. Holman, Vanessa Y. Jones, Scott E. Martin and Esther B. Sanderson; Town Manager, C. J. Dean; Police Chief, Douglas R. Pond; Supt. Of Public Works, Randall Lynch; Members of the Brunswick Dixie Youth League, Cherie Clary and Crystal Cheely; Town Clerk, Alice Talbert and the press.
Absent: Council member, Robert F. Pecht, III ; Town Attorney, W. C. Outten, Jr.; Administrative Assistant Wanda Johnson.
On a motion by Mr. Brockwell and a second by Mr. Martin, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as received, the reading suspended and filed.
Cherie Clary of the Brunswick Dixie Youth League handed out an informational packet and explained that the concession stand was in need of repair. They had an architectural engineer examine the building and were told that remodeling would not be a sound investment. The proposed new structure will cost $150,000. Mrs. Clary stated that Building Inspector, David Tucker had approved the use of the old concession stand for this season only. The League is asking for corporate and private donations and applying for several grants. Mr. Brockwell asked about the possibility of a Dixie Youth Museum as a possibility to enhance the grant applications. Mrs. Jones asked if SCORE had been contacted for assistance. Mrs. Clary stated that SCORE and the Mayfield League had been contacted and both are involved. Mrs. Clary’s husband and Mr. Stith are good friends and get together often. Mrs. Clary stated that the SCORE fields are for soccer and football. After the discussion, Mayor Clarke thanked Mrs. Clary for coming and stated that the ball field is great and needs to be preserved. Mayor Clarke also stated that the Town has always been ready to help out at all times doing anything they can. Mrs. Clary thanked the Town for all their work and help.
Mr. Dean stated that a letter had been received from the County Administrator requesting the Town take over the water and sewer lines and pump station in the Green Acres Community project. Also a letter from DEQ along with the Certificate to Operate had been received. A motion to accept the Green Acres system into the Town system and take over the operation was made by Mr. Brockwell and seconded by Mr. Holman. This motion carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean recommended that tax parcel, 52-3A, where the old pump station was, be declared surplus and given back to the County school system. A motion was made by Mrs. Sanderson and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to declare the property surplus and offer back to the school system.
Council had copies of the Certification of Signatures for the Lawrenceville Downtown Planning Grant Project. Mr. Dean stated that this was necessary paperwork needed to continue the project. A motion was made by Mr. Brockwell to authorize the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Treasurer to sign the Certification. This motion was seconded by Mr. Martin and carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean stated that a letter and Amendment to Project Development and Administration Agreement had been received from the Dept. of Transportation. This Amendment would allow the transfer of T21 funds to the Rails to Trails Project. After a discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Brockwell and seconded by Mrs. Sanderson to authorize Mr. Dean to sign the Amendment to transfer the T21 funds to Rails to Trails. This was carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean asked that members please get all comments on the Comprehensive Plan to him as soon as possible so a meeting can be set up.
Mr. Dean reminded everyone that Spring Clean up Week would be April 14 – 18.
Mr. Dean asked that all budget requests be sent to him.
Copies of the financial statement for January were in the packets.
Mr. Holman reported that the fire department had responded to 49 calls in February with 7 of the calls being in town and had expended approximately 373 man-hours. He gave the following breakdown of the calls: EMS – 11; Disregard - 11; brush fire – 8; MVC – 7; car fire – 2; structure fire - 2; chimney fire – 1; electrical short – 1; smoke scare – 1; false call – 1; unfound – 1; good intent – 1; L-Z set up – 1 and alarm activation – 1. Mr. Holman also reported that the fire department had sold 518 quarts. of stew at their recent fundraiser.
Mrs. Bland stated that a new police officer, G. W. Zuban, will be reporting to work the week of March 17th.
Mrs. Sanderson asked Council to be thinking about what we can do for the Dixie Youth League to help them and to help sponsor sports.
Mr. Brockwell stated that the safety report was in the packets. He asked that the list of employees attending the safety meetings be included in the report.
Mrs. Bland asked what had happened to Mr. Kelly, our Housing Code Enforcer. Mr. Dean reported that he had been out of town lately but will be back soon.
Mayor Clarke stated that request for use of the airport had been received from the Lions Club for May 7 for the annual Seafood Feast and from Brunswick Academy for their annual VA Beef and Dairy Festival on May 14th. A motion was made by Mr. Brockwell to approve the two requests with the same conditions as in the past and on the condition the County and the Airport Commission also approve the request. This motion was seconded by Mrs. Jones and carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean reminded Council of the invitation in the packets for the Ribbon Cutting for the new terminal building to be held March 25th at 12:30 at the airport.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sanderson to pay the bills in the amount of $102,945.52 and charge against the proper accounts. This was seconded by Mr. Brockwell and carried by all ayes.
Council members were given committee assignments and council member information sheets.
Mrs. Talbert reported that the Charter changes have been passed and signed by the Governor. The office of treasurer will be an appointed position effective July 1, 2008 and the term of office held by Council will change from Sept. 1 to July 1. This change is also effective July 1, 2008.
There being no further business to come before Council, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Brockwell and seconded by Mr. Martin. This carried by all ayes.
Keith W. Clarke,
Mayor
Alice B. Talbert, Clerk Attest