The regularly scheduled meeting ofthel Norton City Council was held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 5:15 p.m., in the meeting room at the High Knob Destination Center with Mayor Present: Chris Jones, Stacy Salyers, Robert Fultz, Jr., Mark Caruso and Joseph Fawbush Also Present: Jeffery A. Shupe, City Manager and Clerk, Treavor Calhoun, City Director of The invocation was given by Councilman Fultza and was followed by the Pledge of Upon a motion by Councilman Salyers, seconded by Councilman Caruso, and passed by unanimous vote, council moved to adopt the minutes oft the December 17, 2024, council Joseph Fawbush presiding. Finance, and Matthew R. Dotson, City Attorney Allegiance led by Norton Police Chief. James Lane. meeting as presented. There was no response during the Mayor's Call for Visitors. Under Old Business, council was once again asked to consider adoption ofthe City Council of the City ofl Norton, Virginia, Policy for Remote Participation of Council Members at Council Meetings. The remote participation policy was previously discussed at the December 17, 2024, The city manager said the remote participation policy must be considered for adoption by council annually sO it was best to place this item on the agenda for the first council meeting each year rather than on the agenda for the organizational meetings which are held every two years. He offered to answer questions from council and asked if the city attorney wanted to Reminding council that the remote participation policy was discussed at the last council meeting, Mr. Dotson said he believed council felt like this policy was an avenue that would give council more options in today's day and age for more unexpected things that might occur. He briefly discussed four bases for which council may request to participate remotely and the The city attorney addressed council's specific questions concerning the remote participation Mr. Dotson noted that if the council member asking to use remote participation has a temporary permanent disability or a family member has a disability the council member does not have to disclose what that disability is. Ifitis aj personal matter, the council member participating remotely has to disclose to the mayor what the personal matter is, and this is not The city attorney confirmed that the mayor or vice mayor determine whether the personal matter is a reason for remote participation. He said the mayor or vice mayor could confer with the city attorney, but the decision would ultimately be up to the mayor or vice mayor. Mayor Fawbush asked if council had any other questions or concerns. Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Jones, and passed by unanimous vote, council moved to adopt the City Council of the City ofNorton, Virginia, Policy for Remote Participation of Council Members at Council Meetings, as presented. regular council meeting. elaborate on the remote participation policy. process for such. He offered to answer questions from council. policy. for public record. Updating council on the Ridge Avenue road closure, the city manager said shortly after the December 17th meeting he contacted each member of council regarding some concerns and information city administration had reçeived about the Ridge Avenue wall. He said this is something city administration has been monitoring on and off for several years. Mr. Shupe said acouple of concerned residents and staff members had seen areas ofthe wall that appeared to have moved. He said in the fall city administration contacted our engineers to do another set of data points for the movement of the wall and those came back with the recommendation from Mr. Shupe said the road was closed Friday, December 20, 2024, impacting Ridge Avenue between Chestnut and Craig streets, and Craig Street between Kline and Hagan avenues, using concrete barriers with the appropriate road closure signage. He said the reason this was on The city manager said the engineers have recommended that the wall be evaluated quarterly at ai minimum. He said city administration would visually monitor the wall and ift the wall appeared to be moving too much then city administration would ask the engineers toi increase monitoring. Mr. Shupe said once the data readings are processed and analyzed by the engineers the data would be forwarded to the appropriate state agencies for evaluation. He advised that city administration is communicating with the state agencies and they are evaluating all the data we have since we first started monitoring this situation several years ago. For the record, Mr. Shupe said we have communicated with all the residents in the area, noting that the only comments we: received were requests to see the data and that city administration had done the right thing. He said Assistant City Manager and City Engineer Stephen McElroy would discuss this data with one of the residents in the next couple of days. Mr. Shupe offered to answer questions from council. He said he wanted to get this on the record should state agencies ask ifcouncil had been apprised oft the situation. Following inquiry by Mayor Fawbush, the city manager said the road closure was done Friday, December 20, 2024, which was the last half-day for Norton City Schools before the Christmas Break, sO it made sense to close the road after the final bus run that day. He said most residents were notified about the road closure inj person while residents who were not at home received a door hanger notifying them to call city hall. He said he believed Public Works Director Steve McElroy was able to speak to all households except for one. Mayor Fawbush advised the road would remain closed until the city received notification that itiss safe. He thanked Mr. Shupe for the update on the Ridge Avenue road closure. Provided inj packets for council consideration was a Cooperative Agreement Between Family Crisis Support Services, Inc., (FCSS) and Norton City Department of Social Services (NCDSS). Council was asked to consider adopting the agreement and to authorize Norton City Department The city manager said Mr. Rutherford was present to discuss the cooperative agreement and Mr. Rutherford said he was approached by FCSS two weeks ago by phone requesting to have the cooperative agreement signed and sent back to FCSS by December 31S1, 2024. He said he told FCSS the agreement had to be reviewed by the city attorney and presented to city council The NCDSS director said the NCDSS/FCSS agreement is renewed every three years and this would be his second time signing the agreement during his tenure as director. Summarizing the agreement, he said the agreement between NCDSS and FCSS states for FCSS's grant purposes that FCSS will provide services for our clients or customers and NCDSS will uphold its the engineers that we enact ai road closure. tonight's agenda was to have the road closure on record. of Social Services Director Abe Rutherford to execute the agreement. address questions from council. for approval and authorization to execute the agreement. authority as the Department of Social Services to carry out those services which are needed for Mr. Rutherford spoke briefly about the three services Norton City Department of Social Services will provide as delineated in the agreement. NCDSS will refer individuals and families to FCSS at their discretion, make information available about services provided by Family Crisis Support Services, and NCDSS will provide representation to serve on the Task Force and Sexual Assault Response Team, which NCDSS already does. He said the term ofthe agreement The NCDSS director asked if council had any questions. Vice Mayor Caruso askedi ifthe social service director had any issues with the agreement. Mr. Rutherford said he did not have any issues with the agreement. The city manager said the city attorney had reviewed and approved the agreement. City Attorney Matthew Dotson advised the agreement does not require NCDSS do anything Upon a motion by Councilman Caruso, seconded by Councilman Fultz, and passed by unanimous vote, council moved to adopt the Cooperative Agreement Between Family Crisis Support Services, Inc., and Norton City Department of Social Services, as presented, and authorize Norton City Department of Social Services Director Abe Rutherford to execute the Council was asked to consider a request for authorization to execute the Investigative Protocol oft the Southwest Virginia Children's. Advocacy Center (CAC) by the Norton Police The city manager said the Southwest Virginia Multidisciplinary Team exists to strengthen the coordinated community response to situations of child maltreatment, including sexual abuse, severe neglect and fatalities. He asked Norton Police Chief. James Lane and Norton Police Department Second Lieutenant Bucky Culbertson, who were present at the meeting, to discuss ChiefLane said Second Lieutenant Bucky Culbertson was asked to attend the meeting because hei is the main investigator who oversees Norton Police Department's investigation unit and is involved in these types ofinvestigations. He asked the second lieutenant/lead investigator to explain how important this type of service is for the police department. ChiefLane said having a facility to go to where there are trained individuals that handle these types of investigations in a professional manner is important for the police department. He said this Second Lieutenant Bucky Culbertson spoke briefly about the protocol and noted that it does The city manager said the city attorney had reviewed and approved the protocol presented for council consideration and council was being asked to consider this because it involves an Mayor Fawbush commended the police department for their work on these types of Discussion followed about the protocol when minors contact the Southwest Virginia The city attorney also discussed protocol during these types of situations and discussion followed about how many calls of this nature the police department receives. Upon a motion by Councilman Salyers, seconded by Councilman Jones, and passed by unanimous vote, council moved to authorize Norton Police Chief, James Lane, on behalfofthe clients with FCSS. ist three years. that NCDSS is not already required to do by the State. agreement. Department. the protocol. works for our department and other surrounding agencies as well. not include anything that the police department does not already do. outside agency. investigations. He asked if council had any questions or comments. Children's Advocacy Center with a complaint. Norton Police Department, to execute the Southwest Virginia Children's Advocacy Center Upon ai motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Caruso, and passed by unanimous vote, council moved to go into closed meeting for Personnel as per Section 2.2-3711 Investigative Protocol, as presented. (A)(1)oft the Code of Virginia, as amended. Mayor Fawbush declared council in closed meeting. unanimous vote, council moved to go back into open meeting. Mayor Fawbush declared council back in open meeting. Upon a motion by Councilman Caruso, seconded by Councilman Jones, and passed by Mr. Shupe polled each member of council as to the Certification of Closed Meeting with each answering yes. He then read A Resolution oft the Certification ofClosed Meeting. Upon a motion by Councilman Caruso, seconded by Councilman Fultz, and passed by unanimous vote, council moved to adopt A Resolution oft the Certification of Closed Meeting. The mayor opened the floor for nominations for an appointment to the Norton Redevelopment and Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term ofl Roger Sloce who resigned Vice Mayor Caruso nominated Ms. Debbie Lawson to be appointed to the Norton Redevelopment and Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term ofl Roger Sloce who resigned Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Jones, and passed by The mayor declared Ms. Debbie Lawson appointed to the Norton Redevelopment and Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term of Roger Sloce who resigned and whose four-year Mayor Fawbush opened the floor for nominations for an appointment to the City of Norton Tourism Committee to fulfill the unexpired term of Mr. Gordon Sandt, who resigned and whose Councilman Salyers nominated Ms. Beth Walker to be appointed to the City ofl Norton Tourism Committee, fulfilling the unexpired term ofMr. Gordon Sandt, who resigned and Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Caruso, and passed by Mayor Fawbush declared Ms. Beth Walker to be appointed to the City ofNorton Tourism Committee, fulfilling the unexpired term ofMr. Gordon Sandt, who resigned and whose four- Mayor Fawbush opened the floor for nominations for an appointment to the City ofNorton Councilman Jones nominated Mr. John Thompson to the City ofNorton Board of Zoning Appeals to fulfill the unexpired term of Gordon Sandt, who resigned and whose five-year term (Insert) and whose four-year term expires January 28, 2026. and whose four-year term expires January 28, 2026. unanimous vote, council moved that the nominations cease. term expires January 28, 2026. four-year term expires September 30, 2025. whose four-year term expires September 30, 2025. unanimous vote, council moved that the nominations cease. year term expires September 30, 2025. Board ofZ Zoning Appeals. expires on June 2, 2026. Upon ai motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Caruso, and passed by Thei mayor declared Mr. John Thompson nominated to the City ofNorton Board of Zoning Appeals to fulfill the unexpired term of Gordon Sandt, who resigned and whose five-year term expires on. June 2, 2026. This nomination will be presented to the Wise County/City ofNorton Mayor Fawbush opened the floor for nominations for an appointment to the City of] Norton Board of Zoning Appeals to fulfill the unexpired term ofthe late William Hutchinson whose Councilman Jones nominated Mr. Greg Stewart to the City ofNorton Board of Zoning Appeals to fulfill the unexpired term of the late William Hutchinson whose five-year term Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Caruso, and passed by The mayor declared Mr. Greg Stewart to be nominated to the City ofNorton Board ofZoning Appeals to fulfill the unexpired term of the late William Hutchinson whose term expires on May 10, 2025. This nomination will be presented to the Wise County/City of Norton Circuit Mayor Fawbush opened the floor for nominations for an appointment to the Heart of Appalachia Regional Tourism Authority for a two-year term to expire December 31, 2026. Councilman Salyers nominated Beth Walker to be reappointed to the Heart of Appalachia Regional Tourism Authority for a two-year term to expire December 31,2026. Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Caruso, and passed by The mayor declared Beth Walker reappointed to the Heart of Appalachia Regional Tourism Mayor Fawbush opened the floor for nominations for four appointments to the City of Norton Highway Safety Commission for two-year terms to expire January 31, 2027. Councilman Salyers nominated Mr. Ralph Dorton, Mr. Steve McElroy, Mr. Gary Call and Mr. Cody McElroy to be reappointed to the City ofNorton Highway Safety Commission for Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Jones, and passed by The mayor declared Mr. Ralph Dorton, Mr. Steve McElroy, Mr. Gary Call and Mr. Cody McElroy to be reappointed to the City ofl Norton Highway Safety Commission for two-year Mayor Fawbush opened the floor for two nominations for appointments to the Norton Rescue Vice Mayor Caruso nominated Mr. Stacy Salyers and Mr. William Mays to be reappointed to the Norton Rescue Squad Board ofl Directors for one-year terms to expire February 1,2026. Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Jones, and passed by the following vote: YES - Jones, Fultz, Caruso and Fawbush, NO - None, ABSENT - None, unanimous vote, council moved that the nominations cease. Circuit Court for appointment consideration. term expires on May 10, 2025. expires on May 10,2025. unanimous vote, council moved that the nominations çease. Court for appointment consideration. unanimous vote, council moved that the nominations cease. Authority for a two-year term to expire December 31,2026. two-year terms to expire January 31, 2027. unanimous vote, council moved that the nominations cease. terms to expire January 31, 2027. Squad Board of Directors for one-year terms to expire February 1,2026. ABSTAIN - Salyers, council moved that the nominations cease. The mayor declared Mr. Stacy Salyers and Mr. William Mays to be reappointed to the Norton Rescue Squad Board of Directors for one-year terms to expire February 1,2026. Mayor Fawbush opened the floor for nominations for an appointment to the Norton Building Code Board of Appeals for a five-year term to expire February 18, 2030. Councilman Salyers nominated Mr. Stephen McElroy to be reappointed to the Norton Building Code Board of Appeals for a five-year term to expire February 18, 2030. Upon a motion by Councilman Fultz, seconded by Councilman Caruso, and passed by The mayor declared Mr. Stephen McElroy to be reappointed to the Norton Building Code unanimous vote, council moved that the nominations cease. Board of Appeals for a five-year term to expire February 18, 2030. Inc comments from the city manager: 2024 Citywide Paving and Milling List. Perr request from the last council meeting, Mr. Shupe provided council with copies of the The city manager mentioned the following upcoming events: Get Outside in Norton Bird Photo Contest starts January 6th and ends at 5 p.m., February 7th, Slow Flow Yoga Classes taught by Yoga Instructor Barbara Bee, Saturdays in January from 9-10 a.m. at the High Knob Destination Center; Trash to Treasures Workshop from 5-7 p.m., January 14th, at the Norton Community Center; and an Oil Painting Class, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, January 20th, at the Noting that Statements of Economic Interest (SOEI) forms had been mailed to council, Mr. Shupe reminded council that per Section 2.2-3115 ofthe Code of Virginia the SOEI forms must be completed and filed with the City Clerk Jeffery Shupe by Monday, February 3, 2025. The forms cover the 12-month period ofJ January 1, 2024, through December 31,2024. Council members were advised to contact Mr. Shupe or Executive Assistant Jana Brickett ift they have Mr. Shupe reminded council about the Legislative Reception on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, from 5:301 to 7:30 p.m. at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. He requested firm confirmation if they plan to attend. Plans are to travel to Richmond on Tuesday, January 28th, and return to Norton on Thursday, January 30th. Council members will meet with agencies while City offices will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of the Martin Luther The city manager said the next council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, Under city attorney comments, City Attorney Matthew Dotson said he would present council's City ofNorton Board of Zoning Appeals nominations to Wise County/City ofN Norton Norton Community Center. not received their SOEI form. there. Discussion followed about the schedule for those meetings. King., Jr., Day holiday. 2025, in the meeting room of the High Knob Destination Center. Circuit Court. The following comments were made by council members: December, noting that his absence was due toj jury duty. Works for their work during the cold weather. Councilman Jones apologized for his absence from council meetings during the month of Vice Mayor Caruso expressed his appreciation to city crews, police, fire, rescue and Public Mayor Fawbush thanked council members for their support ini reappointing him as mayor. Noting that he had compiled al list of activities and meetings he had attended this past year, he distributed the list to council and the city manager. He said he has enjoyed serving as mayor Discussing possible dates for quarterly council work sessions, the city manager suggested Saturday, January 25, 2025, as a possible date for council's first quarterly work session. Mayor Fawbush gave council members a form to list five primary priority projects and five secondary priority projects. He also asked council to compile a wish list listing five top wish-list priorities and five secondary wish-list priorities. The mayor said the forms would also be given The consensus of council was to have a council work session at 8 a.m., Saturday, January 25, Mr. Shupe had placed at council desks contact information forms to be completed by council. The city manager said he was working on obtaining ap photographer to take group and Upon a motion by Councilman Salyers, seconded by Councilman Jones, and passed by very much. to the city manager and the assistant city manager/city engineer. 2025, with the location to be determined. individual photos of council. unanimous vote, council moved to adjourn the council meeting. CITY OFNORTON, VIRGINIA CA Joseph Fawbush, Mayor ATTEST: Clerk of Council 4