TOWN OF RICHLANDS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING The Richlands Town Council held a' Regular Monthly Meeting" on' Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 6:00 pmi int the Richlands Council Chambers withi the following present: Mayor: Rod.. D. Cury Town Manager: Jason May Officel Manager:. Absent Town Clerk: Amanda Beheler Town Attorney: Michael Thomas Finance. Manager: Ronnie Campbell Council Members: Seth White, Gary Jackson, Rick Wood, Jordan Bales, Jan' White, and The Town] Meeting was calledt to order at 6:00pm and opened with the invocation by Elaine Laura Mollo. Holmes and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Rod Cury. INRE: public comment. Additions, Deletions, or Corrections to the Agenda Mayor Cury askedi ift there was anyone present who would liket to speak during unscheduled The following citizens were added tol Unscheduled Public Comments: Morgan Earp Jacob Vandyke Ginger Branton Ernest. Edgill The following amendments were: madet to the agenda: Added Ezekial Mullins to (b) Moved (b) under 4 Added Legal Consultation (A8) tol Executive Session present, the Council voted to approve the agenda as amended. Upon ai motion by Gary Jackson seconded by Rick Wood and the roll call vote ofa all members INRE: Mr. Wood: Authorization to Pay Bills (June) Mayor Cury asked the Council ift there were any questions regarding the Check Register. #15997-Thompson. & Litton $14,749.74- What is this for?1 Mr. May explained it was for #15962- Kabota of Kingsport $23,166.22- Mr. May explained this was for the purchase #16009- W&L Construction $5,198.49- Mr. May explained this was for asphalt. #15930- Carter machinery $147,528.11-Mr. May this was: for the WTP Generator Upon a motion by Laural Mollo seconded by Seth White and the unanimous roll call vote ofa all the cost ofre-advertising WWTP/WTP. oft the approved side-by-side. Upgrade and the attachments for the Backhoe. members present, the Council voted to approve paying thel bills for. June. INRE: Minutes Upon ai motion byl Rick Wood seconded by Laura Mollo and the roll call vote of all members present, with Gary. Jackson sustaining from the. June 11, 2024, and. June 18, 2024, minutes, the Council voted to approve the minutes for the following dates: June 11, 2024, Joint Public Hearing June 11,2024, Regular Scheduled Meeting June 18, 2024, Special Called Meeting June 25, 2024, Special Called Meeting June 25,2024, Joint Public Hearing Mr. May commended. Amanda Beheler, the Town Clerk, onl her minutes. INRE: Recognition ofJack Clem, Cooper Hurst,and Ezekial Mullins Mayor Cury gave al brief speech recognizing Jack Clem, Cooper Hurst, and Ezekial Mullins on their recent' Tennis accomplishments. Jack Clem- State Champion- undefeated for the second year inar row. Jack Clem & Cooper Hurst- 2nd place as a1 team- won 19 consecutive games. Ezekial Mullins- Shot Putter- 2nd, place int the state. INRE: Scheduled Public Comments Johnny Clay Lester, 1291 Bragg Road- Mr. Lester spoke briefly to the Council about his issues onl Bragg Road. Mr. Lester stated thisl has been an ongoing issue for many years and would like Mr. May stated hel hasl looked at Bragg Rd. and advised he would have the weeds taken care of. Mr. May also expressed his concerns about the draining issues and fixing this road. The Council discussed the problems on Bragg Rd. and possible solutions. tol have the weeds cut and potholes filled. Mr. White stated once the right of way is determined the' Town could explore some solutions for Mr. White asked Mr." Thomas ifhe could determine the right of way for this property and the George H. Shelton Jr., 3201 Bragg Road- Mr. Shelton also spoke tot the Council about the Mr. Shelton stated this has been an ongoing issue for years and the Town has never helped with it Mayor Cury advised the Council will work with both him and Mr. Lester on solutions for Bragg Mrs. Mollo and Mr. White advised the Town has ai new Council, New Town Manager, and ai new Director of Public Works, and they would address thisi issue as soon as possible. Mr. Bales asked the Council to establish some follow-up dates on this. Council follow-up witht this at the September meeting. this property. Council would revisit this at the next meeting. problems on Bragg Road including the potholes. int the past. Road once the right of way is determined. Mayor Cury advised the' Town Attorney will determine the right of way and suggested the INRE: Unscheduled Public Comments Morgan Earp, 1618 6th St.- Mr. Earp thanked the Town fort the great job on the Freedom Festival and suggested a fant that blows water forI next year's event to beat the heat. Mr. Earp inquired about the reflective mirror on' Tazewell. Ave. Mr. May advised that was replaced., Jacob Vandyke, 721 Farmers Street- Mr. Vandyke stated the Freedom Fest was al huge success and his expectations were exceeded. Mr. Vandyke thanked everyone involved for all their hard work during the event. 2 Ginger Branton- Thanked everyone. for their assistance on the Mural Re-Dedication and suggested the Town oft the Richlands use the mural design as their designated design for murals Ernest Edgil, 206 Terry Drive- Mr. Edgil askedi ift the Town was purchasing more speed limit signs for Hidden Valley. Mr. May advised the Town is working on this] process and the Police Mr. Edgil inquired about trash cans being left out on the streets and Mr. May stated the Town did Mr. Edgil also stated his concerns about parking in the streets, temporary signs being left up, and Mr. Edgil asked ift the Towni is giving any assistance to the Food] Panty, Mr. May stated they did not. Mr. Edgil asked ift the' Town could waive their dumpster fee. Mrs.1 Mollo advised that once a year the Town accepts applications from people and organizations for assistance from the' Town. int the community. Department has increased their patrols int these areas: during this time. not] have an ordinance ont this. the deer. Mr. Edgil thanked Mr. May and his wife for watering the flowers in Town. INRE: Fire Chief Retired Badge Number R-20214-07-03 Mr. May advised newly appointed Fire Chief Rudy Keith has requested tol have Retired Chief Mr. Keith stated it would be anl honor to use. Mr. Puckett's badge number after working under him for many years at the beginning ofhis career. Mr. Keith advised hel hasl beeni in contact with Mr. Thomas drafted resolution! R-2024-07-03 for this and readi itt to the Council. members present, the Council voted to adopt Resolution R-2024-07-03. Drew) Puckett's Badge number un-retired to use. Mr. Puckett's family andl has their blessing. Upon a motion by Rick Wood seconded by Gary Jackson and the unanimous roll call vote ofall Mayor Cury gave al brief speech to the Council about growing up with Andrew Puckett and Mayor Cury called Mr. Puckett's son, Andrew Puckett, and advised him the Council passed thanked Mr. Keith for carrying onl his legacy. Resolution.. Andrew was very happy and thanked Mr. Keith. Mayor Cury declared at ten-minute recess. INRE: Planning Commission Recommendations Mayor Cury advised there are three vacancies on1 the Planning Commission. Gary Jackson- Inaudible. Mr. May stated the Planning Commission wanted to re-appoint Michelle Elswick and Elaine Upon ai motion by] Rick Wood seconded by Gary Jackson and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council voted tor reappoint Michelle Elswick and Elainel Holmes to ai four- Mr. White suggested the Planning Commission make recommendations for the open seat to the Council. Mr. White would also like the Planning Commission to rank the applicants. Holmes and there was also one opens seat. year term ont the Planning Commission starting June 30, 2024. INRE: IEDA. IEDA Recommendations Mr. May advised Cody Harmon and Lynna Mitchell would both liket tol be reappointed to the 3 Upon ai motion by Rick Wood seconded by. Jordan Bales and the unanimous roll call vote ofa all members present, the Council voted to reappoint Lynna Mitchell and Cody Harmon to ai four- yeart term ont thel IEDA Commission starting. June 30, 2024. Mrs. Mollo read Resolution R-2024-07-02 to the Council. INRE: VDOT Resolution R-2024-07-02 Upon ai motion by Laural Mollo seconded by Jan' White and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council voted to adopt Resolution R-2024-07-02 INRE: INRE: Reading) INRE: Water Connection Ordinance 0-2024-08-01 (First Reading) Implementation ofTransient Occupancy Tax 0-2024-08-02(First Mayor Cury read Ordinance 0-2024-08-01. Mr. Bales1 read Ordinance 0-2024-08-02. Mr. White read Resolution R-2024-07-01. Opioid Settlement Resolution R-2024-07-01 Mr. Whitei inquired about the settlement. Mr. Thomas advised he does not know the amount, but itv will go to the county and not the Town. Mr. White asked ifthe Town could receive some of these funds fromt the county and! Mr. May advised he would follow up ont this. Upon a motion by Seth White seconded by Gary. Jackson andt the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council voted to adopt Resolution R-2024-07-01. INRE: Water and Wastewater Plant Upgrades Mr. May gave the Council the following updates ont the Water and Wastewater Plant Upgrades: RFP was sent out fori re-bid. One bid wasi received. Thel bid received was very high, nearly 75% over budget. Has gone through the bidj process on thist three times. Mr. May spoke briefly to the Council about plant upgrades and rate increases. Upon ai motion by Laura Mollo seconded by Seth White andt the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council voted to authorize Mr. May toj put out an RFP for additional Mr. Whites spoke to the Council about] his concerns over the previous RFP not being placed on engineering services. Electronic Virginia. Rick Wood- Inaudible. agreed. with PSA. INRE: Mr. White asked ifl he could be aj part of and attend the renegotiation with the PSA, Council Upon a motion by Laural Mollo seconded by Jordan Bales and the unanimous roll call vote ofa all members present, the Council votedt to allow Mr. May and Mr. Thomas toi renegotiate a contract Rescue Collections Mr. May requested the ability to move forward with an RFP for Rescue Debt Collections. Upon ai motion by Rick Wood seconded by Laura Mollo and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council votedt to authorize Mr. May to seek an RFP for Rescue Debt Collections. INRE: Sanitation and Holidays Mr. May spoket to the Council aboutt the Sanitation Department and their holiday schedule. Mr. May stated they advised they would like to work onl holidays (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) and not fall behind. Mr. May requested the sanitation workers get paid time and al half for these days instead of comp time. Mr. Wood- Inaudible. Upon a motion by Laura Mollo seconded by Jan' White and the unanimous roll call vote ofa all members] present, the Council voted to amend the Sanitation Department schedule andj pay time Mr. May stated that all six workers that work in sanitation agrees with this change. anda al half for holidays worked. Mr. Wood- Inaudible. Upon ai motion by Laura Mollo seconded by Jan White and the unanimous roll call vote ofall Upon aj motion by Laural Mollos seconded' by Jan' White and the unanimous roll call vote of all members present, the Council voted to amend the Sanitation Department schedule andj pay members present, the Council voted to reconsider the motion just passed. double time for holidays worked. Mayor Cury declared at ten-minute recess. INRE: Monthly Financial Report Mr. Campbell gave al brief overview of the! Monthly Financial Report for May as follows: General Fund- Year tol Datel Net Income is $883,000, 88.7% oft budget. Water- Year to date neti income is primarily the result ofl lower revenues, currently at Sewer- Lower revenues, currently at 80.4% of! budget. Water and Sewer) Line Maintenance- Currently at' 75.7% of the budget. Electric- Currently at 84.4% of thel budget. General Fund- Unreserved Cash Balance is 4.4 million. Water Department- Unreserved Cash Balance is 1.1 million. Sewer Department- Unreserved Cashl Balance is 1.51 million: negative. Electric Department- Unreserved Cash) Balance $2,092,782. Mayor Cury asked the Council: ifthey had any questions aboutt the Financial Report. Mrs. Mollo andt the Council thanked Mr. Campbell for this work and congratulated him on his Revenues are 86.5% of] Budget. $373k or 77.2% ofbudget. one year witht the town. The Council hadi no other questions. Mr. Wood- Inaudible. INRE: INRE: Attorney Report Town Manager) Report Mr." Thomas stated! he didn't have anything to report on att this time. 5 Mr. May advised that the Yard Signs are back and growing. (Inaudible). Mr. White stated it should be all or nothing, when removing signs. Mr. Bales asked what other Towns do about thisi issue. Mr. Thomas advised the Town can clear ther right of ways. Mayor Cury-1 Inaudible. meeting. INRE: Laura Mollo- luck. Mr. May stated he would have procedures drafted for this and will bring it back to the next Council Member Reports Stated there were severall Little League teams battling for state titles and wished them Freedom Festival- Thank Mrs. White for her work organizing the event and stated she had received several messages from citizens that were shocked to see. Mr. May and his wife picking up trash and helping. Mrs. Mollo also thanked all the town workers. Stated she spoke to WVVA during Freedom Fest about the Towns unity and morale. Jan' White- Thanked everyone for their help with the Freedom Festival. Paving- Citizens thanked the Town for paving Kents Ridge. Grappler Truck- Citizens thanked the Town for this also. 1. Coach] Pitch Girls- 2nd Place in District and Sectionals 2. Coach Pitch Boys- District 11 Champions and 3rd in Sectionals 3. 9/101 Boys- District 11 Champions, lost to Woodstock in State. 4. 9/10 Giris-1 District 11 Champions, will travel tol McLean for State. 5. 11/12 Girls- District 11 Champions, came in 3rd at State. the Towni is opent to all citizens' ideas for the pool. Solar- Would like to revisit this. Stated the Freedom Fest was great. would update on this in August. Jordan Bales- Littlel League Teams: Pool- Asked Mr. May about the Pool. Mr. May advised the RFPi is currently out for bid and would like tol have a mockup/design available as soon as possible. Mr. May advised Rick Wood- Would like the Town tol look at mowing on Birmingham Road. Stated citizens wanted tol knowi ift there would be a Carnival this year. Mr. May advised he Mechanic Position. Mr. May advised hei is pulling together the ad fort this. Gary Jackson- Inaudible. Seth' White- Freedom Festival and Fireworks were great. Thanked everyone fort their hard work on the Freedom Festival. Would like to make ai motion that all RFP's be advertised on Electronic Virginia. Upon al motion by Seth White seconded byl Rick Wood and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council voted to adyertise all RFPS' on Electronic Virginia going forward. Stated he is working on an Opening Day for the CNX Building, there will be ai ribbon cutting ceremony. 6 Stated the Town) looks good, and optimism and morale: is great. Hasi received al lot of good comments lately. Advised there are many benefits from living in the Town. INRE: Mayor Comments Thanked. Jan' White, Laura Mollo, and all the Town workers for helping with Freedom Section House- thanked thel Police) Department and Town workers for helping paint a part Fest. The fireworks were great. ofthe Section. House. INRE: Section House RFP for) Painting Upon ai motion by Jordan Bales seconded by Laural Mollo and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council votedt to authorize the Town Manager to seek an RFP forj painting tor remainder oft the Section House. INRE: Executive Session Mayor Cury advised the Council would be goingi into Executive Session pursuant to: VA Code Section: 2.2-3711 (A)(8)- Consultation with Legal Counsel members present, the Council voted to go intol Executive Session. members present, the Council votedt to return to Open Session. VA Code Section: 2.2-3711 (A)(1)- Personnel Upona ai motion by Laura Mollos seconded by. Jan' White and the unanimous roll call vote ofall Upon ai motion by Gary. Jackson seconded by Rick Wood and the unanimous roll call vote ofall Upon ai motion by Laura Mollo seconded by Seth White and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council certified that only VA Code Section: 2.2-3711 (A)(1)-1 Personnel and VA Code Section: 2.2-3711 (A)(8)- Consultation with Legal Counsel was discussed during thel Executive Session. INRE: as needed. INRE: asi needed. INRE: Normal Operating Line Maintenance RFP Upon: ai motion by Seth White seconded by Laural Mollo and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council voted toi file anl RFP for the Normal Operating Linel Maintenance, Emergency Operating Line Maintenance RFP Upon ai motion by Seth White seconded by Laura Mollo and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the Council voted toi file anl RFP for Emergency Operating Line Maintenance, Adiournment Upon a motion by Rick Wood seconded by Gary Jackson and the unanimous roll call vote ofall members present, the meeting was adjourned. Rodney DA Cury, Mayor dptuml Benalz Amanda. Beheler, Town Clerk 7 8