Minutes of a regular meeting oft the Town Council of the Town of Marion, Virginia held in the Council PRESENT: Vice-Mayor Dr.. Jim Gates, Tricia Spencer, Suzanne. Jennings, Larry Carter and Avery Cornett Council Members; AsstantTownMimgeraly Hamm, Town Clerk Cindy Stanley, Town Attorney Mark Fenyk, Smyth County News Representative Stephanie Porter-Nichols, Police Lieutenant Rick Billings, Fire/EMS Deputy Chief Richard Keesling, Community & Economic Development Director Ken Heath,  Chambers of the Municipal Building on November 18, 2024, at 5:30p.m.  Director of ITTodd Long and urchasing/Recenving Agent Mandy Wolfe.  ABSENT: None.  VISITORS: Dr. Charles Wassum, Jerryl Harmon, Joe Naff, Lili Cornett, David Fulton, HunterA Atwell, Shawn Utt, Roger & Rebeccal Bowman,. Jeff8 &Annal Leigh DeBord, Gale Atkins, Charles & Nancy Hayden, Shawn Cruz, Dr. Blake. Justice, Michael Kravitz, Mary Lord, Tiffani Nevuke,A AlyssaG Godfrey, BenjiSalerine, Dr. Lou Fincher, Ryan Bowyer, Todd May, Dalayna Henao, James Moss, James Accurso and Rose Pignataro. INVOCATION/PLEDGE TO THEF FLAG: Mr. Heath rendered the invocation. Vice-Mayor Gates led the MINUTES: Uponn motion of Mrs.Jennings, seconded by Mr. Carter and a vote of 5AYES and ONOES, the minutes of the meeting held November 4, 2024, were approved as written. Messrs Gates, Spencer, AGENDA: Upon motion of Mr. Carter, seconded by Mrs. Jennings and a vote of 5AYES and ONOES, the agenda was approved as distributed with one addition for public presentation by. James Accurso. PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL USE PERMIT: 809 HICKORY LANE: Mr. Long reviewed the special use permit application for 809 Hickory Lane for Michael Kravitz fora al Financial Advisory home-based occupation. The adjacent property owners were notified and no concerns reported. Vice-Mayor Gates opened the Public Hearing. With no public comments, Vice-Mayor Gates closed the Public Hearing. Upon motion of Mr. Cornett, seconded by! Ms. Spencer and a vote of 5AYES and ONOES, the special use permit for 809 PUBLIC PRESENTATION: Dr. Blake. Justice, Emory & Henry University, gave an update on community activities. Dr. Lou Fincherpresentedthe town with a replacement Emory & Henry flag for the town hall. Dr. Fincheraddressed community concerns regarding elimination of some programs. Ryan Bowyer, Emory & HenryUniversity,notedtheunwerstyworkedwithat financial analysis firm from Charlotte, NC. The report noted the university is likely oversized and reviewed programs, retention rates and Emory & Henry student Benji Salerine gave a presentation on Community Concerns - ADA & Homelessness. Hei interviewed Chief Clair, Nolan Wolfe, Mount Rogers staff and two homeless people.  Pledge to the Flag.  Jennings, Carterand Cornett voted affirmatively.  Hickory Lane was approved.  graduation rates.  He hopes to raise awareness and fosteri interventions.    Emory & Henry student Tiffani Nevuke gave a presentation on Accessibility tot the Courthouse. She hopes to raise awareness regarding the ramp down to the Courthouse, noting the ramp is not wide enough and is very steep. She suggested: some affordable proposals to assist with correcting. She also James/ Accurso, Small Business Administration Public Affairs Specialist, reviewedassistance programs for individuals and businesses following Hurricane Helene. They offer loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. The deadline to apply is December2 2, 2024. There is not fee to apply and no obligation to PUBLIC COMMENT: Charles Hayden, 726 South Church Street, expressed his concerns that the BAUD program is an attack on fixed income citizens. Jimmy Moss, Mount Rogers PDC, explained the program toi the citizens present. Therei isat forgivable secondr mortgage at the beginning of the loan. The program Joe Naff, 148 Countryside Drive, wanted to recognize Public' Works employees. Jeff Dillman and Kevin Reece for assisting his father-in-law on November 6, 2024. He had al health related issue andi these mpbyeesoppedandaleds 911 and stayed withl him until the ambulance: arrived, and took care of his Annal Leigh DeBord, 343 College Street, commended thet towncrewforthel Royal Oak Cemetery cleanup Charles Wassum expressed his appreciation fort the data provided by the Emory & Henry students. Mr. Cornettnotedi thel AUDprogramcontinvues to make adjustments toi improve. The VFW had a great Vice-Mayor Gates reported the town is working towards a spring special election to replace the two additional vacancies and Mr. Rush'sreplacement: as hei is leaving December 31, 2024. ACCOUNTS:Upon: motion of Mrs. Jennings, seconded by Ms. Spencer and a vote of 5AYES and ONOES, the accounts were approved for payment int the amount of $1,554,685.21. Messrs Dr. Gates, Spencer, Lieutenant Billings reviewed the Police Department'sr recruiting process and noted they are looking to Deputy Chief Keesling reported there were 217 calls in October. He reviewed the Fire/EMS Departmentshring: process, noting they are looking to replace the most recent vacancy. Mr. Heathreported dthe Annual Gobbler Gallop willl be Thanksgiving Day. The Christmas tree lighting will be Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 6:00 pm. The Christmas Parade will! be Friday, December 6, 2024.  noted there are only 3handicapped parking spots.  accept the loan.  is helping to make work force housing affordable.  vehicle.  inp preparation fort the monument dedication.  Veteran's Day Program.  Jennings, Carterand Cornett voted affirmatively.  hire for the. January Academy.    Mr. Long reviewed ar request to vacate Red Oak and Cedars fora2 20foot Right Of Way. Upon motion of Mrs.. Jennings, seconded by Ms. Spencerandav vote of 5AYES and ONOES, ap public hearing willl be set Mr. Hamm noted the bid opening for Callan Drive rough grading willl be November 26, 2024. The Lead CLOSED SESSION: Pursuant to Code of Virginia, as amended, Section 2.2-3711 (A-land A-3), upon motion of Mrs.. Jennings, seconded by Ms. Spencer and vote of 5AYES and ONOES, Town Council entered into Closed Session for personnel and real estate. Mrs. Jennings moved that Town Council returnto Open Session andi identified it be known that only those matters legally exempted from Open Sessionandi identifiedi ini the motion were discussed during Closed: Session. The motion was seconded! by Mr. Carter and carried by a vote of 5AYES and ONOES. The Clerk polled the Council Members. Messrs Upon motion of Mr. Cornett, seconded by Ms. Spencer and a vote of 5AYES and ONOES, the meeting  for December2,2 2024meeting.  Service Line project should be completed by the end of the year.  Dr. Gates, Spencer, Jennings, Weaver: and Carter voted affirmatively.  was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.  Vice-Mayor  Clerk