Lebanon Town Council Regular Monthly Meeting Town Hall, Lebanon, Virginia Tuesday, October 11,2022 5:001 P.M.  Council Members Present:  Nelson A. "Tony" Dodi, Mayor DeAnna C. Jackson, Vice- Mayor A.D Doyle Fields, Council Member ScottJ J. Gilmer, Council Member Mary J. Stanley, Council Member M. Elijah Leonard, Council Member W. Bradley Lambert, Council Member Andrew R. Shortt, Town Manager Kevin D. Tiller, Town Attorney A. Diane Nunley, Clerk of Council Richard Eric Deskins, ChiefofPolice  Staff Members Present:  I. II.  The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dodi. Enter closed session: 5:00. P.M.  A. Upon motion made by Mr. Leonard, seconded by Ms. Stanley, the Town Council unanimously voted to go into closed session under Code Section 2.2-3711(A)0)7) for the purpose to discuss personnel and legal issues. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye, Mr. Lambert, Aye. B. Upon motion made by Ms. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Leonard, the Town Council unanimously voted to return to regular session. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye, Mr. Lambert,  Aye.  C.A.D Diane Nunley, Clerk of Council, presented the Roll Call Vote:  Virginia Code, 1950, Section 2.2-3712(D)  Do you certify that to the best of your knowledge, (1) the Town Council in its' closed session; only discussed public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under this Chapter and (2) that only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in the meeting by the Town Council. Any member of the Town Council who believes that there was a departure from the requirements of clauses (1)a and (2), shall SO state prior to the vote, indicating the substance of the departure that, in their The roll call vote was as follows: Mayor Dodi, Aye; Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Shortt,  judgment, has taken place.  Aye; Mr. Tiller, Aye.    III. IV. V. VI.  Adjourn closed session: 6:00 P.M. Prayer: Shawn Street Pledge of Allegiance Edit for items not on the agenda:  Upon motion made by Mr. Leonard, seconded by Mr. Gilmer, the agenda was unanimously approved. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms.  Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye.  VII.  Edit and approve amended minutes from the 09/12/22 regular council meeting.  Upon motion made by Mr. Fields, seconded by Mr. Lambert, the amended minutes from the 09/12/22 regular council meeting was unanimously approved. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr.  Lambert, Aye.  VIII. Approve accounts payable and capital assets for the month of September:  Mr. Shortt presented a couple ofadditions to add to the accounts payable.  Upon motion made by Mr. Gilmer, seconded by Mr. Leonard, the accounts payable for the month of September with additions as presented was unanimously approved. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr.  Lambert, Aye.  IX.  Public Hearing to Consider:  Town ofLebanon abandoning Puckett Street  A. Mayor Dodi opened the Public Hearing: 6:07 P.M.  B. Mr. Keith Viers advised that the request to abandon Puckett Street is to help with the development oft the Main Street Vilas project. He advised that Puckett Street connects to the back oft the property that they are developing. He presented the Town Council a plat showing the need to abandon Puckett Street. Mr. Viers stated that the setbacks for the units on Main Street will be pushed back close to Puckett Street as it exists. Mr. Viers requested the Town Council consider abandoning that section ofPuckett Street. He advised that they will be developing an entrance to the back for the residence oft the area but the road will not be Town maintained. He stated that the East end ofPuckett Street Mr. Rose, Town Citizen, stated that his mother owns thel home on Puckett Street. He stated his concerns for any service such as trash pickup, mail, package delivery and snow removal because iti isa one lane road with no room to turn. He questioned why block the road with the dumpster. He advised also that the residence living in the Russell Builders  will still be a' Town street.  C.    area will have no place to turn. He questioned who will provide maintenance for Puckett Street. Mr. Rose stated that he didn'tu understand why they would need to abandon Puckett Street, maybe just move the road back some. He stated that he was concerned about property value, maintenance, visitors and large vehicles. Mr. Rose stated that Mr. Viers stated that this is a rough plan therefore before he could support it or the Town Council support this request, he would hope Mr. Viers would need to present a more  definite plan.  D. Mr. Viers stated that the engineers are looking to add turn space. He stated that they will provide maintenance and snow removal for the road. He advised that he hopes to have more detailed information for the Town Council that will show a better footprint. The Town Council discussed with Mr. Viers moving the dumpster up the hill to give more  space for the traffic.  E. Mayor Dodi requested Mr. Viers come back to another Town Council meeting and  present a more definite plan of the Main Street Vilas project.  X. XI.  Mayor Dodi closed the public hearing, 6:29 P.M. The Town Council returned to regular session, 6:291 P.M.  Mayor Dodi stated that no action was taken concerning abandoning Puckett Street at this time.  XII. Public Request:  Barry Abromovage with the American Red Cross along with Jess Powers Emergency Manager for Russell County plus for Salvation Army and American Red Cross, and Sharon Dixon Disaster Program Manager for the Red Cross of Southwest Virginia. Mr. Abromovage advised that they are here tonight to recognize the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department for their efforts during a fire on Pioneer Drive that occurred on April 7, 2019. He stated that during the fire the Fire Department entered into a fully engulfed apartment building and resecured one residence. He stated that to be able toj perform such a task it takes a lot oftraining, drills, experience and confidence that no one in the Fire Department would be harmed. The American Red Cross presented aj plaque to the Lebanon Fire Department to recognize them for their bravery during a fire on April 7,2019, on Pioneer Drive. John McCoy Fire Chief thanked all the Volunteer Fire Fighters for always showing up when they are called upon, plus Barry for always helping with displaced family and Jess Powers for always responding to any call. Mayor Dodi advised that this is not an isolated event with the Lebanon Fire Department because they are always committed to taking care ofthe Town citizens as well as the County. Mr. Dodi stated that he is proud that the Red Cross recognized them and advised that the Town Council is proud oft them also. Jess Powers advised that the Lebanon Fire Department members are all volunteers. He stated that ifyou look at the number ofhours of required training plus the hours, they commit oftheir time to protect the residents. He expressed his appreciation for the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Lambert stated that the Lebanon Fire Department spend countless hours to serve the Town and the County plus it is recognized that they are helping the State. He stated that he is honored tol be a member oft the Lebanon Fire Department. He stated that there have been instances where they have been questioned on their integrity ofthe department and other issues, but he stated that    the majority of the Lebanon Town Council fully supports the Lebanon Fire Department. He  expressed his love and appreciation for each member oft the department.  XIII. Public Request  Randy Burke expressed his appreciation for the Town supporting Maro Mero. He stated that Maro Mero received over 500 texts from students in Russell County after speaking at the schools. Mr. Burke shared some text from students that Maro Mero received. Ms. Stanley expressed her appreciation for Maro Mero sharing his story with the Russell County students. She stated that Maro Mero made such an impact on the students that SO many oft them brought their parents back for him to share his story with them. Mr. Burke advised that his wife rented one oft the rooms at the community center to have a retirement party for him, but she requested an additional hour or sO to decorate and was charged an extra $30. The Town Council agreed to refund the additional $30 that Mr. Burke was charged. Mr. Burke stated that someone requested for him to find out how: much the Town had in the bank five years ago and balance this year. Mr. Gilmer advised that Ms. Nunley would provide the bank information that Mr. Burke the requested.  XIV. New Business  Electric Vehicle Charging Stations  Mr. Gilmer advised that there should be funding coming down the pipeline from the infrastructure bill. He stated that they started with water and sewer projects, now that maybe $90 billion has been released for electric vehicle charging stations. He requested that Mr. Shortt along with Shane Farmer pursue any available funding for the Town concerning electric vehicle charging stations. Mr. Shortt stated that the surrounding area Towns are not providing electric vehicle  charging stations mostly businesses that provide this service. Christmas Parade Theme and Parade Marshal  Mayor Dodi advised that the Town ofLebanon Christmas Parade will be December 5, 2022, starting at 6:00 P.M. Ms. Jackson presented some different Christmas Parade themes. The Town Council agreed for the 2022 Christmas Parade theme to be Christmas Past and Present. Mr. Gilmer requested for the parade to promote items from the past like antique cars, horse and buggy ord other ideas. Mayor Dodi advised for the Town Council to forward any ideas for the parade to Upon motion made by Ms. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Gilmer, the Town Council unanimously voted to appoint Doyle Fields as Parade Marshal for the 2022 Christmas Parade. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Abstain; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr.  Ms. Jackson.  Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye. Cedar Fest Discussion  Mayor Dodi requested the Town Council text him any suggestions they have for artists for Cedar  Fest, July 4th and the Beach Party.  XV. Recess: 7:05 P.M.    XVI. Adjourn: 7:19P.M. XVII. Town Managers Report  Ready Set Go Grant-VDOT  Mr. Shortt advised that the Ready Set Go Grant is a VDOT program for populations under 50,000 inn non-metropolitan areas. He stated that these funds are for an alternative transportation project therefore he applied for sidewalk on Technology Park Road. He advised that he is trying to get survey done to see the amount of usage from Gardenside Citizens, Gymnastics, Beartown  CrossFit and the soccer association. Committee Meetings needed this month  Mr. Shortt requested the Town Council set meeting date for the Street Committee, Waterand Wastewater Committee. He stated that the need for the Street Committee was due to Worldwide Equipment request to discuss the rotation program. The Town Council agreed to set the  committee meeting for October 17, 2022, at 5:001 P.M.  Eddie Shelton-VRSA  Mr. Shortt advised that Eddie Shelton with VRSA plans to be in Lebanon November 16, 2022, to  inspect the playground equipment. Broadband update  Mr. Shortt advised that Point Broadband have started aerial and underground construction which should be completed by December 31, 2022. They have permits for all AEP poles, but they are having difficulty getting permits from Verizon. Mr. Shortt advised that the Town should make some type of public announcement concerning the Point Broadband project to the public. Mr. Leonard advised that Aaron Morrison with Quanta Services, subcontractor for Point Broadband planned to attend the meeting tonight to introduce himselftherefore ifa anyone had any complaints with construction related issues, he will provide a contact list for citizens to call.  Fire Report Study and LEO's Study Update  Mr. Shortt advised that this time the Fire Study should be conducted by the fire study board not just one individual. He stated that he hopes to have more updated information soon.  Street Sweeper Hopper  Mr. Shortt advised that when the order was placed Mr. Hughes was advised that the order would Mr. Shortt stated that the bid conference was today with Cumberland Plateau, The Lane Group and interested contractors for the Russell Theater Restoration Project Equipment and Furnishings. Mr. Shortt advised that the sealed bids are due October 25, 2022, at 10:00 A.M.  be three weeks out before receiving it.    Mr. Shortt presented the quotes for Nathan Brown concerning the Veterans Park landscape and the Old Mill bridge due to Mr. Brown being out oftown. Mayor Dodi stated that hel hoped the Upon motion made by Mr. Gilmer, seconded by Ms. Stanley, the Town Council unanimously voted to approve the bid from Davis Bros Nursery in the amount of$12,950 for the Veterans Park landscape project as presented. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Mr. Shortt presented the Old Mill Bridge options and their associated cost estimates. Mayor Dodi questioned ifthere was enough room to expand the sidewalk temporally SO citizens could park at the Old Mill Park and walk to the restaurant. Mr. Gilmer requested that once construction was completed for the Street Department to look at marking the road on Russell Street for the pedestrian traffic. Mr. Gilmer requested Mr. Shortt check on the sidewalk being ground level with the road and check on the sidewalk being raised above the road level. Mr. Shortt presented quotes from Bo Bise to purchase the police radios.  Town Council would move forward with the Veterans Park bid.  Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye.  Mr. Gilmer stated that he would like to look at cameras at all the Town facilities. He advised that the Town may need to request for proposal for cameras. The Town Council discussed getting cameras for each oft the Town facilities. Mr. Gilmer requested with reorganization coming up: for Mr. Shortt to check the bid dates for paving contract, markings contract, HVAC contract and IT  contract.  XVIII. ChiefofPolice Report  ChiefDeskins presented the monthly police report.  XIX. Town Attorney Report  Mr. Tiller requested to speak with the Town Council in closed session.  XX. Committee Reports and Recommendations  Mr. Leonard questioned Mr. Short concerning the Town ofLebanon Meals and Lodging tax if this was the new updated standard operating procedures. Mr. Tiller advised that he prepared the  standard operating procedures regarding past due meals and lodging tax.  XXI. Old Business  Mr. Gilmer requested an update concerning the Russell Theater pavilion. Mr. Shortt advised that the Town employees broke ground today starting on the parking area. Mr. Gilmer requested a update regarding the basketball court. Mr. Shortt advised that Mr. Meade is working toj prepare an updated quote due to the increase price of concrete but the previous estimate for asphalt should bea around the same price. Mr. Shortt stated that Mr. Farmer thinks they can use the extra basketball goals at the recreation facility for the outside basketball court. Mr. Lambert advised that he was concerned with someone mistreating them like lowering them which may cause them to break. Mr. Lambert suggested for Mr. Shortt to purchase new basketball goals for the outside  basketball court.    Mr. Gilmer advised that he would like to propose a second round oft tax relief for the Town of Lebanon citizens immediately. He stated that on the financial side the Town budgeted $100,000 in loss ofrevenue from the budget meetings toj provide that relief. He stated that once all the Upon motion made by Mr. Gilmer, seconded by Mr. Fields, the Town Council unanimously voted to refund a second round of25 percent oft the real estate tax paid for the year 2021 on residential property owned by town residents be awarded to the property owners on December 31, 2021. This refund is limited to residential properties owned by town residents, and does not include rental property, commercial property, or vacant land. Only persons whose real estate taxes were not delinquent on May 1,2022, and who owed no delinquent charges, fees and were in compliance with all town ordinances are eligible for this refund. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr.  criteria were met to qualify the total amount was only around $46,000.  Lambert, Aye.  XXII.  Enter closed session: 8:03 P.M.  A. Upon motion made by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mr. Gilmer, the Town Council unanimously voted to go into closed session under Code Section 2.2-3711(A)0)(7) for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal issues. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye. B. Upon motion made by Ms. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Leonard, the Town Council unanimously voted to return to regular session. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye.  C.A.D Diane Nunley, Clerk of Council, presented the Roll Call Vote:  Virginia Code, 1950, Section 2.2-3712(D)  Do you certify that to the best ofy your knowledge, (1) the Town Council in its' closed session; only discussed public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under this Chapter and (2) that only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in the meeting by the Town Council. Any member ofthe Town Council who believes that there was a departure from the requirements of clauses (1) and (2), shall sO state prior to the vote, indicating the substance of the departure that, ini their The roll call vote was as follows: Mayor Dodi, Aye; Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Shortt,  judgment, has taken place.  Aye; Mr. Tiller, Aye.  XXIII. Adjourn closed session: 10:43 P.M.  XXIV. Upon motion made by Mr. Fields, seconded by Ms. Stanley, the Town Council unanimously  voted to adjust the Police Department salaries as described in closed session. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard,  Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye.    XXV. Upon motion made by Mr. Fields, seconded by Mr. Gilmer, the Town Council unanimously  voted to promote Matthew Hurd as sergeant at the described salary. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr.  Lambert, Aye.  XXVI. Adjourn: 10:48 P.M.  Upon motion made by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Ms. Stanley, the Town Council unanimously voted to adjourn to reconvene October 25, 2022, at 5:00 P.M. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Fields, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Ms. Stanley, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr.  Lambert, Aye.  Ophor MChyPa Nélson A. "Tony" Dodi, Mayor  Diaw A. Diane Nunley, Clerk  Luhy  Minutes recorded by: A. Diane Nunley, Clerk ofCouncil Minutes prepared by: A. Diane Nunley, Clerk of Council