ARA 1811 Minutes of Council Meeting Buchanan, VA December: 11, 2023 Present: Mayor Tristan Harris Vice Mayor Chris Witt Councilmember Marty Rickman Councilmember. James Manspile Councilmember James Eubank Mayor Harris called the December 11, 2023, Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. This meeting was held in the Town Hall. Town Clerk Claudine Stump took roll call. With five members oft the Council present, a quorum was established. A moment of silence was held, and the Pledge of Allegiance was The first item on the agenda was approval of the consent agenda which included the approval of the financial reports for November, the paid bills, and the minutes of the September 12, 2023, regular Council meeting, and the October 10, 2023 regular Council Meeting. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to approve the consent agenda with a second from Vice Mayor Witt. Mayor Harris asked for further discussion. With no further discussion, the consent agenda was approved with a vote of5-0. recited. The next item on the agenda was awards and recognitions. Councilmember Manspile showed everyone the plaque that will be presented to Gavin Price for his work collecting peanut butter for the backpack buddy's program, and area food banks Councilmember Manspile thanked all the volunteers, and the group that was contracted that Councilmember Manspile also thanked Tim Young and Wally Muterspaugh of Buchanan Flea Market for providing a place for parade line up. They also helped with lining up the parade and ministries. worked on the Christmas lights at the park. entries as Town is short staffed. Town Clerk Claudine Stump announced the winners of the parade. The next item ont the agenda was citizen comments and petitions regarding Agenda items. There wasno one signed upi to speak. The next item on the agenda was newactowpusnespuolc hearings. The first action item was the public hearing for special use permit SUP 2023-02: Request by Scott Heath for special use permit under Zoning Ordinance Article III, Section 211, Commercial 1 District to allow Agricultural Sales and Service land use. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to open the public hearing with a second from Vice Mayor Witt. With no further discussion, the motion was carried with a vote of5-0. Mayor Harris asked if anyone would like tos speak on the matter. Acompany wants to open an agricultural sales and service shopi in the old Dollar General building. The planning and zoning commission approved the special use permit. No one had signed up to speak. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to close the public hearing with a second from Mayor Harris. With no further discussion, the motion to close The next action item was a public hearing for ZA: 2023-01: Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Zoning Ordinance Article II, Section 208, Manufacturing District, add "Data Processing as permitted use. Mayor Harris stated this would bring the manufacturing district: zoning more up to date. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to open the public hearing with a second from Councilmember Rickman. With noi further discussion, the public hearing was opened with avote of5-0. Mayor Harris stated that this would make "Data Processing" an allowable use in the manufacturing district. Planning and zoning commission approved the zoning ordinance amendment. Charles Alphin expressed his appreciation to Council for giving due diligence to the concerns raised fori the business going into the Virginia Forge building. The owners of Coastal Crypto stated thei facility has far less noise now than when it was originally opened. His doors are always open to anyone with any questions. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to close the public hearing with a second from Vice Mayor Witt. With no further discussion, the Councilmember Manspile made a motion to approve the special use permit SUP 2023-02: for thet former Dollar General at 17720 Main St to be used for agriculture sales and service witha second from Counciimember Eubank. With no further discussion, the motion passed witha Vice Mayor' Witt made a motion to approve the amendment of zoning ordinance ZA 2023-01 adding "Data Processing" as permitted use with a second from Councilmember Rickman. With The Next action item was the special Event Permit Request for Town Park use on August 31, 2023 by Roanoke Valley NWTF/ Mike Montgomery. Vice Mayor Witt explained the background leading up to opening the park to special private events. Mayor Harris stated the requirements listed on the application for using the Town Park. The request approval is waiting proofof permits and insurance being provided. Vice Mayor Witt asked if Council will approve thet fees tonight. The $75.00a application fee, rental fee of $500.00. The rentali fee would be $250.00 deposit and $250.00 rental fee. After the event, iff facilities are alli in order, the $250.00 deposit would be returned. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to approve the special event permit with a second from Councilmember Rickman. With no further discussion, the motion to approve the Special Event Permit fori the NWTF/Mike Montgomery was approved with a vote of Vice Mayor Witt made: ai motion to accept the rates discussed for the Special Event Permit and the Special Event Permit documentation with a second from Councilmember Manspile. With no The next action item was approval of the 2024 Town Council Meeting schedule. Mayor Harris explained the schedule. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to accept the schedule witha the public hearing was carried with a vote of 5-0. motion was carried witha a vote of5-0. vote of5-0. noi further discussion, the motion was carried with a vote of5-0. 5-0. further discussion, the motion was carried with a vote of 5-0. 2 second from Councilmember Rickman. With no further discussion, the schedule was accepted The next action item was approval oft the Town holiday schedule. Mayor Harris explained changes to the holiday schedule. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to approve the Town holiday schedule with a second from Councilmember Rickman. With no further discussion, the Town holiday schedule was approved with a vote of5-0. The next action item was approval oft the Town Council work session schedule. Mayor Harris explained the procedure for work session schedule changes. Vice Mayor Witt made a motion to accept the work: session schedule with as second from Councilmember Eubank. With no further Vice Mayor Witt discussed the need tol have the special events calendar approved for 2 years. The next action item was the Resolution R23-1211-22: A Resolution to Enter Into an Agreement Between The Town of Buchanan, Virginia and C& S Disposal Inc. to Provide Solid Waste Collection Services to the Town of Buchanan. Mayor Harris recited the resolution. Councilmember Manspile stated the reasons fori the ratei increase. Councilmember Manspile made a motion to accept the resolution with a second from Vice Mayor Witt. With no further Vice Mayor Witt made a motion to supplement the resolution to increase the residential garbage rate by $.55 cents to $19.00 monthly with a second from Councilmember Manspile. With no further discussion, the motion was carried out with a vote of5-0. The next action item was the façade grant request by Mac' Westland for 19384 Main! St. paving of the parking lots. Vice Mayor Witt stated there are. 2 grants for side-by-side properties. Mayor Harris and' Vice Mayor Witt explained the grant. Mayor Harris stated the façade grant committee recommended approval. Vice Mayor Witt made a motion to approve the façade grants for the Mac Westland properties with a second from Councilmember Manspile. With no Vice Mayor Witt reminded the Council there had been discussion to open the façade grant to properties on the National Historical Registry. The council needs to act on the discussion. bya vote of5-0. discussion, the schedule was approved with a vote of5-0. discussion, the motion was carried out with a vote of5-0. further discussion, the vote was carried out with a vote of5-0. The next item on1 the agenda was staff reports. Town Clerk Claudine Stump stated the corrected Personal Property tax bills are ready and will be mailed out this week. The new meter reading equipment is here, iti is all Bluetooth. Councilmember Manspile explained the new meter reading equipment. Town Clerk Stump Town Manager Hayfield stated his time had been spent on Christmas Events. The new buildings for the park will be done and wired before Carnival. Our newi treasurer started November: 27, explained the issue with the Real Estate tax tickets. 2023. Town is still looking for a Public' Works Supervisor. The next item on the agenda was citizen comments regarding non agenda items. The first person to speak was Mark Lindsay of 19602 Main Street. Mr. Lindsay spoke about his research and thoughts in the editorial that Mayor Harris wrote and was printed in the Fincastle The next person to speak was Mike Burton of 591 Culpepper Ave. Mr. Burton stated his concerns and suggestions about special events and the potential special events coordinator. Herald, and the statement put out by Council. 3 The next person to speak was Pat Jasper of 95 Pattonsburg Lane. Ms.. Jasper spoke abouti the façade grant and the Town Improvement Society's home tour. Ms.. Jasper stated the Town Improvement: Society received a grant from Botetourt County Parks and Rec. The next person to speak was Emily Prillaman of Pico Road. Ms. Prillaman spoke about the elimination oft the Community Events coordinator position. The next person to speak was Dr. Molly O'Dell of2 254 Culpepper Ave. Dr. O'Dellread al letter that she had written to Council about former Community Developer Harry Gleason. The next item on the agenda was additional comments. Councilmember Manspile spoke about the upcoming Civil War Reenactment Weekend and what Councilmember Rickman stated the Carnival Raffle tickets need to be printed soon. Vice Mayor Witt made a motion to accept the Civil War Reenactment dates of April 26-28, 2024, with a second from Councilmember Manspile. With no further discussion, the motion was Mr. Bratcher of 210 Boyd Street stated the BINGO boards did not work for Carnival last year, has anything been done? Mayor Harris stated the problem was being investigated. Councilmember Manspile stated he would like the Council to get a report from the special Vice Mayor Witt spoke to several things that have been discussed recently: billing out accordingly to the public for what water and sewer are costing the Town, business licenses checks and balances for businesses, Planning and Zoning Ordinances rewrite needs to be finished, the Comprehensive Plan needs to be rewritten, the Town Charter needs to be updated, have the electrical outlets on the Town Park for events, purchasing a mobile stage, and hiring a consultant to assist how to structure the Town moving forward. Vice Mayor Witt spoke about Mr. Steve Grigg of 19505 Main Street asked regarding subsidizing the water and sewer inp prior years, should the water and: sewer be reexamined to compare keeping and selling the system. Councilmember Manspile explained the challenges of water and sewer and selling the system. Incoming Councilmember Rose. Jeter stated the citizens need to have better communication Pat. Jasper asked why people who are not Town citizens do not have the same consideration from Council as citizens. Councilmember Manspile explained the reasons. Vice Mayor Witt explained the difference between being able to speak and the right to vote. needs to be done for the upcoming event. carried out with a vote of 5-0. events committee monthly. the public statement that the Council published. about thel bigo decisions involving the Town. Vice Mayor Witt made a motion to adjourn the meeting with a second from Councilmember Manspile. Mayor Harris asked fori further discussion. With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned with a vote of5-0. Adjournment was at 9:04pm. 4 Respertfulysubmittes, Plaudia Claudine Mape Stump, Clerk Tristan Harris, Mayor 5 0G Please place in the Fincastle Herald on November 22 and November29,2023 Public Hearing Notice Town of Buchanan, Virginia The Towne ofBuchanan gives notice of a publichearing of the Buchanan Planning Commission on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 7:00pm and Buchanan Town Council on Monday December 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., in Buchanan Council Meeting Room at 19753 1. Scott Heath is seeking a Special Use Permit under Zoning Ordinance Article m, Section. 211., Commercial District to allow proposed Agriculura/Tractor: Sales & 2. Text amendment. Zoning Ordinance Article n, Section 208., Manufacturing Any citizen may bring comments to Buchanan Town! Hall at 19753 Main Street, Buchanan, VA or mail written comments to P.O Box 205 Buchanan, VA 24066 or email comments to owmmanagerebuchanan-vagov on or before noon Monday December4, 2023. Orattend via phone 701-802-5423 (access code 3474425) ori in person toj present their views on these matters. Copies oft the proposed Special Use Application and the Zoning' Text Amendment are available for review at the Town office, weekdays from Main! Street, Buchanan, Virginia for consideration of; Service operation. District adding Data Processing as aj permitted use. 8:00AM to 5:00PM. By: George Hayfield, Town Manager Town of Buchanan, Virginia Special Use Permit. Application Required items (Section 503): Fees- = $100 with the application. Additional fees include legal advertisements for two weeks prior toi the public hearings and mailing letters ofnotice to abutting property owners (Code of Virginia qurement-915222D, plus any fees for legal counsel review. These fees arenon-refundable. APploation-3copits. Applicant's Report -30 copies. See attached General: Requirements. Plan-3c copies. See attached checklist for required items. Information of Propertyand) Reguest: 1. Parcel Number(s): 65(7)3 3. Owner(s): Brian Brown 2. Address of Parcel(s): 17720. Main Street Buchanan, VA 24066 4. Applicant (If not the Owner, written consent isi required from the Owner): 5. Authorized Agent, if different from the Owner (Owner's written consent: required): Scott Heath 6. Zoning District Classification PlodplainCommerca 7, Proposed Use of the Property from the! Zoning Ordinance: Agricultural Equipment 8, Describe the proposed special use requested, explaining the manner in which the request/ /use complies with the requirements and standards of Section 503-5 9. Describe! how the requested use meets the goals, objectives or strategies of the Town comprehensive plan. Attach additional sheets. The Planning Commission bases their Sales and Services (following page). decision on this. Town of1 Buchanan Special Use Application 1 07/30/2015 10.1 IsaTmfiel Impagt Analysls (TIA); required tol be submitted per VDOT regulatlons? 11. Description ofhow the properlyiet to! boserved forw water and sewer provisions publle water and/or publicsewera are propomed, fhez request must! bez revlewed by the? Towat for caparty ofelther public provislon Requasts for private water or sewer provislons mostl bet xeviewed ande approved by the Virginla Department ofHealth. 12.Arei thare any canditionss you wisht toj place on! thet use? Yes KNo Describe theset tnyour report. Thel Plarning Commlesion and' Town Counel may Yes XNo tmpose conditions. Certiflcttion and Access ofreviewing thsi request. Ihereby certify that this application is. complete and aocate to the best af my knawledge, and Iauthorize' Town: representatlves entry onto thej properly forp purposes Owner/Agent Signatures, 202 Mr*SHEDAN. iolzzlzs. Priatl Namet, Binh. Bown Applicnt's Contaetl Phonel Number. (Bsamp-mp-nn Towne ofBuchenan! Specal Use Application 2 07/30,2015 8. The: special use requested is establishing al Mahindra/Bobcat dealership ati the oid Dollar General building located at 17720 Main Street Buchanan, VA 24066. We currently have an established: and successful dealership in Moneta, VA, and belleve that Buchanan would be ag great place for another location. We plan to use the existing bullding as an! indoor showroom. We do not plan to make any additions tot the propertya and plant to use it asi is. The bullding Is an 8,000 SF freestanding! bullding, situated ona al-acre lot on Rt. 11. Therei is 200fto of road frontage along Rt. 11, which allows easy access for fire and emergency vehicles, The building is on public water and: sewer. There aret two existing bathrooms in the building and we dor notj plan toa add any additional water sources. The water usage of the business willl be minimal. There Isal large parking lot at the existing building, which will provide ample parking for our business. The existing parking lot will not put the safety of pedestrians or motorists at risk. As stated above, we do not plan to add or alter the existing building or parking! lot; therefore, we will not be taking awayi any natural vegetation or open yard space. There is no need! for landscaping, buffers, screening, fences or other features to protect adjacent properties from potential adverse effects. The biohazards present in our proposed established include used oil, aerosols, and diesel fuel. Wei follow the VAI Department of Environmental Quality hazardous waste guidelines. The used oil, hydraulic oll, diesel fuel, and gasoline will all havei individual marked barrels in which the used biohazard goes in. At our Monetal location, we use the company Crystal Clean, who services and disposes oft the used oil." The aerosols are placed. in al labeled: sealed container and disposed ofwhen necessary. The diesel fuel willl bei ina at free-standingi fuel tank with at fuel hose attached, The fuel tank willl bec clearly marked. AIl biohazards are audited by thel Hazardous Waste Compliance team as stated above and random inspections do occur, 9. Opening a new Mahindra/Bobcat dealershipi int thei town of Buchanan meets the goals and objectives oft the1 Town comprehensive plan. One oft the main points ofthe plani is Agricultural. Resources, which consist of the Right to Farm and Protection of Productive Farmland, Adding al Mahindra/Bobcat dealership will give thet farmers oft the area a place to purchase necessary equipment or have existing equipment serviced. Based off oft the comprehensive plan, 53.1% of existing land usei belongst to agriculture. Thet farmers and land owners will benefit greatly byh having an additional resource available locally. Opening a new dealership will also bring employment opportunities tot thea area, We are projected tol bring at! least! 51 full time employment positions; however, that number couldi increase due to need, At the Monetal location,' we employee! 5f full time employees as well as 21 part time employees. We have also hads students doi internships with usi int the past. Wel believe Itisi important for our youtht to learna and appreciate the mechanic side of agriculture. We! believe that a newi farm equipment dealership in! Buchanan will coincide directly with the goals and objectives of Buchanan. 11. The existing! building uses public water and sewer. Inside the building therei isan male restroom as well asaf female restroom. We do notp plan to alter or add any additional water usage. We plant to have approximately 5 employees andi the water usage will be very minimal." The only water that willl be used during ourt typicall business day will be from flushing the tollets, usingt the sinks, and occasionalyspraying off dirty equipment ifr need be. Sutwaytos she BhenandefTeliy SUP: 2023-02i int the Commercial Zoning District Address: 177201 Main Street! Rt 11 Location: (Former Dollar General) Zoning: Commercial District Special Usel Permit required for Agricultural Sales and Service land usei in the Commercial. Zoning Commercial zoned properties on each side ofproposed: site and Main Street/ Route 11 is thei frontage. This commercial usei is compatible with existing area commercial uses. Therei isa a car wash to one side Proposed usei is Agricuitural Sales and Service which requires a Special Use Permit. This use existsi in the immediate vicinity with a John Deere Dealership agricultural sales and service across ther road. The proposed dealershipi is al Mahindra Tractor dealership. Thej proposed use ofthe buildingi is asas sales showroom. This building is ai former Dollar General and has off street parking and handicapped parking. The applicant shalll bel leasing this building with the possibility ofbuyingi in the future. The applicant owns al Mahindra tractor dealership currentlyi inj Moneta which they will continue to operate. andi new Dollar General to the other, Lot Area .984 Acres Building 80x100 8,000sq.f. Building Height 16ft Parking Spaces 30+2handicapped Building is! handicapped accessible a BUC 1811 Sec. 208. M-Manufacturing: District A. Intent. To establish and preserve areas for production and assembly plants and related uses ofs such a nature that they do not create serious problems of compatibility with other kinds ofland uses, and to make provision for certain kinds ofcommercial uses which are most appropriately located as neighbors of manufacturing and industrial uses or which are necessary to service the immediate needs of people in these areas. B. Uses Permitted. 1. Any of the following uses: . Bakery b. Bottling works Book bindery d. Candy manufacturing Electrical equipment assembly - Electronic equipment assembly and manufacturing Engraving plant h. Food products processing and packing Furniture manufacturing Instrument and meter manutacturing : Jewelry and watch: manufacturing - Laboratories, experimental m. Laundry and cleaning establishment n. Leather goods fabrication 00011858.DOCM) 101 OHIC 18113 0. Optical goods manufacturing p. Sporting goods manufacturing q. Microbrewery. Brewpub. Standards; The use shall conform to all restaurant standards. Parking shall be located behind the front line ofthe principal building. The Zoning Administrator may authorize a waiver to this provision for existing parking lots or onstreet parking that he or she determines adequate for the Loading areas shall be sited in such a way sO as to minimize thei impact on any surrounding neighborhood. Sufficient screening meeting the: standards Section 301 of this ordinançe shall bej provided to screen and diffuse noise impacts on adjacent residences.. A buffer yard in accordance with Section 301.B.5. shall be required when al loading area: is located adjacent to a The street elevation oft the principal structure shall have at least one (1) street-oriented entrance, and contain the principal windows oft the store. The use oftractor-trailers or similarly sized vehicles is prohibited for any type of delivery ofbrew-related goods produced on-site for off-site sales A maximum of one (1) delivery vehicle for the company is permitted and shall be parked behind the front line oft the principal building. Delivery activities for beer produced on-site for off-site sales and consumption shall be limited toi non-peak traffic hours at the use site. use. residential use. or consumption. Pet Grooming Restaurants, mobile. u. Data Processing 2. Any oft the following uses: provided no article or material shall be kept, stored, or displayed outside the confines ofa building unless it be sO screened by fences, walls, or planting that it cannot be seen from adjoining public streets or adjacent lots when viewed by aj person standing on ground level: (00011650.DOCM) 102 OFBUD 1811 a. Building material sales yard and lumber yard, including the sale ofrock, sand, gravel, and the like as an incidental part ofthe main business, but not including a b. Contractor'se equipment storage yard or plant, or rental of equipment commonly 3. The following uses when conducted within a completely enclosed building: concrete batch plant or transit mix plant. used by contractors. The manufacture, compounding, processing, packaging, or treatment ofs such products as bakery goods, candy, cosmetics, dairy products, drugs, ice, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, quarry products, perfumed toilet soap, toiletries, and food b. The manufacture, compounding, assembling, or treatment ofa articles or merchandise from the following previously prepared materials: bone, cellophane, canvas, cloth, cork, feathers, felt, fiber, fur, glass, hair, horn, leather, paper, plastics, precious or semi-precious metals or stone, shell, textiles, tobacco, wood The manufacture ofpottery and figurines or other similar ceramic products, using only previously pulverized clay and kilns fired only by electricity or gas. d. The manufacture and maintenance ofe electrical and neon signs, commercial advertising structures, light sheet metal products, including heating and ventilating ducts and equipment, cornices, eaves, and thel like. products. yarn, and paint not employing al boiling process. Manufacture of musical instruments, toys, novelties, and rubber and metal stamps. Automobile assembling, painting, upholstering, rebuilding, reconditioning, body and fender works, truck repairing and overhauling, tire retreading or recapping, Blacksmith shop and machine shop, excluding punch presses over twenty (20) tons rated capacity, drop hammers, and automobile screw machines. h. Foundry casting lightweight: nonferrous metal not causing noxious fumes or and battery manufacturing. odors. (00011659DOCM) 103 a BUCA 1811 Assembly of electrical appliances, electronic instruments and devices, radios and phonographs, including the manufacture or small parts only, such as coils, condensers, transformers, crystal holders, and the like. Wholesale storage or manufacture of alcoholic' beverages. 4. The following commercial uses are also permitted: gas stations, restaurants, sales of new and used motor vehicles, motor vehicle rental, and sales of construction equipment, campers, manufactured homes, and recreation vehicles. Fitness center. Conditional/Special Uses: 5. Drive-in theaters, if designed sO that patron entrance and exit drives lead only to streets having aj paved surface atl least forty-four (44) feet in width, andi ift there is off- street waiting space for at least 10 percent oft the vehicle capacity; and ifr no part ofthe motion picture screen can be seen: from any street or from any residential district. 6. Thei following uses may be permitted after they havel been studied by the Planning Commission and received the express approval ofTown Council. The Town Council may require approval oft the County Health Department, the State Fire Marshall, and other State and County regulating agencies, and may attach to the approval specific restrictions designed toj protect the public safety, public health, or public welfare: a, Cement, lime, gypsum, or plaster of paris manufacture. b. Wholesale or bulk storage of gasoline, propane or butane, or other petroleum 7. Property and buildings in the M-Manufacturing District when used for the following purposes shall have the uses thereon conducted in such ai manner that all operation, display, or storage ofi material or equipment is so screened by fences, walls, and/or permanent evergreen planting thati it cannot be seen from a street. products. a. Scrap metal storage yard. 8. - Uses authorized in this M -N Manufacturing District do not include any such uses which emit fumes, vibration, smoke or noise, except the noise of vehicles coming and going, which is detectable from off the premises by the senses of normal human beings. Noi merchandise shall be displayed for sale in any front yard. (00011659.DOCM) 104 OFBUC 1811 9. Public utility generating, booster or relay stations, transformers, substations, transmission lines and towers, pipes, meters and other facilities for thej provision and maintenance ofpublic utilities, including railroads and facilities and water and sewerage installations. 10. Social/Fraternal Clubs Sec. 209. P-Public District. A. Intent. To establish and preserve areas: for certain public purposes. B. Permitted Uses. Any governmental or proprietary function conducted by any governmental agency or publicly owned corporation which is authorized to conduct such functions, except such uses as constitute ai nuisance int thej place where conducted. C. Conditional/Special Uses. Railways and public service utility installations. D. Height Exception. Water tanks servicing the Town ofl Buchanan may exceed the height Sec. 210. Schedule ofHeight, Placement, Land Use Density and Intensity Regulations. ofthe district. Zone Front Side Rear Height Minimu Minimu Maximu Maximu Setbac Setbac Setbac Limit mLot mLot m eRatio 25 35 ml Floor k k k (feet) Area Width Ground Area (square (feet) Coverag Ratio (feet) (feet) (feet) feet) 10,000 8,500 per dwelling unit F- Floodplain RL-Low Density Residential RM- Medium Density Residential 30 30 15 15 35 30 30 30 100 85 40 50 00011659DOCM) 105 December 11, 2023 Dear' Tristin, Iopened my medical practice in Buchanan in the fall of1983. At that time, town vitality was already beginning to deteriorate. The car dealership had closed and other businesses were struggling as bigger box stores came to Roanoke and more people worked out ofthe county. After the Ben-Franklin and. ABC stores closed, foot traffic plummeted on Main Street. AND, there was no Harry Gleason. There were: no hanging baskets on Main Street There were no trees along town park No cherry trees bloomed throughout town There were no Special Events There wasi no playground beside the carnival grounds There was no. Reggae by the River or Buchanan Community Markets Inviting benches along the sidewalks There were no antique stores with attractive displays to entice shoppers There wasi no. Ironman: running through town or BOCO Wild at town park Buchanan was not yet recognized as an. Arbor Day Town and did not have an. American flag flying from the park There was no Mountain Magic in May or Fall There were: no Fridays after Five Small business Saturdays Friday Night Cruise-ins Attractive trash containers along the street Tree Lighting ceremony Festival ofLights Epiphany tree burning Buchanan was not listed as one oft thel best Small Towns in Virginia And Harry supported, sustained and promoted thel luminaries at Christmas and New Years, After the: flood of1985, the Buchanan Theatre closed and some years later, Harry participated in its restoration. Iknow because he's the one that instructed Dale Carter to get my soni to scrape all All these activities and events invite and sustain community engagement not to mention improve There was no one working behind the scenes on parades and grants like Brownfield and begun in 1985, as a unique feature in Buchanan. the bubble gum off the bottom oft the seats as a community service project. revenues. RERC!!! Harry has command oft the written word and authored many news articles, notices, grant proposals and grant updates. Inever had toi re-write the minutes of planning commission. For every Carnival I've worked Harry's the only employee I've consistently seen work before during and after the carnival every day and every year. He worked selflessly for this Town and its citizens. He filled in for any employee in any department whenever needed. He'd always stop doing his work to help out in whatever capacity he could without complaint. He's taken care of water issues, read meters, recorded water bill payments, searched for utility maps when no one can find what they need, and basically do whatever needs tol be done. In short, Harry built When other people, comehere's' (ofwhich I am one), move to town, it's easy to criticize what's not happening and how things get done but without a thorough history, appropriate perspective: is community. unattainable. There is no living soul that has done more for this town than Harry Gleason. Thank you for allowing me to acknowledge this exemplary citizen and X-town employee. Sincerely, Molly O'Dell, MD, MFA 254 Culpepper Ave Buchanan, Virginia. 24066 Iwant to say a word about the first two items on my letter list: Trees, blooms and hanging Streetscapes and trees have proven to be a critical player in the wellbeing and quality ofl life ofthe neighborhoods they inhabit and connect across the world. At a moment when the public realm is being significantly altered to address issues of public health and security, social, racial, and climate justice, streetscapes inform, inspire and contribute to welll being: Trees and Streetscapes article from June 2020 International Journal of Environmental baskets: Research and Public Health Various human response measures were used in the longitudinal studies thatincluded(a) psychological tests, including questionnaires and cognitive assessments of stress, job satisfaction, and mental acuity (29%); (b) physiological measures such as heartrate, cortisol, adrenalin, and glucose levels (27%); (c) self-reported symptoms ofillness and and air quality (each 5%) using primary and secondary data; (e) actual air quality usingp primary and secondary data (45%); (f) hospitalization and medical records (7%); (g) medication usage based on drug prescription/sales data (3%); and (h) neurological measures such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans (3%). Additional measures, each representing less than 2% of the collection were: () syndromic surveillance records such as ambulance calls and emergency room visits; 0) therapy effectiveness, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; and (k) measures of particpantexperienced ultraviolet Results revealed positive health outcomes associated with trees and streetscapes in the areas of cognition, attention restoration, mental health, mood, anxiety, psychological stress, immune function, active living and healthy weights, cardiovascular function, social cohesion and allergies (14%); (d) modelling ofhuman C health impacts related to heat radiation. connectedness. Based on my area of expertise and many other articles in the public health and environmental literature, Ifeel completely justified in berating those members of council who believe our citizens are not worth the effortofmaintaining living plants and trees in our town. All over the world, the benefits ofstreetscapes are recognized and prized. Even evergreen sprigs in planters during winter season offer physiologic benefits. I plan to stand here until morning until one ofy you offers me justification with a science based reason for removing our streetscape containers.