Council Minutes Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 - 6:30 p.m. - 502 Front St. E, Coeburn, VA Attendees: Upon roll call, all members of council were present. Jimmy Williams - Town Manager, and William Sturgill - Town. Attorney, were also present. Cathy Sharpe -Clerk/Treasurer, was absent. Call to Order: Mayor Deventae Mooney called the meeting to order. Mr. Joe Still gave the invocation. The group remained standing for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Mooney. Public Expression: Mr. Clarence Rusty Peters, Supervisor for District 4, stopped by to introduce himselfto Council and leave his contact information. Mr. Peters encouraged Council to reach out tol him ifthey have Ms. Linda Lane, 618 Meadow Street, thanked the town for their assistance with a problem she needed help with. Ms. Lane said she was embarrassed by the conduct of Council at the last meeting. She asked Mayor Mooney ifl he had found out how much gravel the town has access to and referred to the fact that there is concern since there was a recent snowfall after the meeting. Ms. Lane asked Vice Mayor Still why she would suggest a $10,000.00 fine to the owner of a blighted property knowing it would not be paid. Ms. Lane suggested giving the homeowner a reasonable fine and having the homeowner clean up the property. Ms. Lanc also asked Council to consider allowing public works to help with the moving ofthe trash cans on trash day for citizens any issues to discuss ori ifk he can be ofassistance in any way. that are: not able to move their trash cans. Public Expression was closed. Response to Public Expression: There was no response to Public Expression from the January 8, 2024, meeting. Approval of the Agenda: Deventae Mooney made a motion to add under New Business (C.) Service Agreement for Solid Waste Collection. Sharon Still seconded the motion, which resulted in all Ayes. Deventae Mooney made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Sharon Still seconded the motion, which resulted in all Ayes. Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 - Page 10 of9 Reports: Fire Department Mr. Logan Jackson, Assistant Chief, gave the monthly activity report for November 2023. There were 45 calls, 237.5 - man hours, 29 personnel responding, and 340 training hours. He apologized for not being at the past few meetings and reported that the fire department has been very busy and has experienced a significant loss. Mr. Jackson reported the fire department also assisted with the For the month ofDecember 2023, Assistant Chief Jackson reported 46 calls, 288.5 man hours, 341 personnel responding, and 340 training hours. He reported thc fire department participated in Christmas Parades in Wise, Norton, St. Paul, and Coeburn. Mr. Jackson reported the department also participated in escorting the State Champion One Act team back into town from their For the month of. January 2024, Assistant Chief Jackson reported 45 calls, 415 - man hours, 241 Assistant Chief. Jackson also informed Council that unit 675 has been striped and lettered and will be sent to be fitted with sirens and lights within the next few weeks after the weather breaks. Mr. Jackson reported the fire department is down a truck. He said the engine blew in the pickup truck. Chief Hawkins and Assistant Chief. Jackson have found a truck that would cost between $66,000.00 and $68,000.00. The fire department is asking the town to givc $10,000.00 toward the cost oft the truck, and asked what the town would like to do with the truck that has a blown engine. Mr. Mooney informed Mr. Jackson that the Treasurer has been out of the office and unable to provide a financial report, sO the issue could not be voted on during this meeting. Mr. Jeff! Kiser suggested that the fire department approach the Wise County Board of Supcrvisors for additional funding. Mr. Jackson said they have spoken with] Mr. Hatfield but have: not spoken with the Board ofSupervisors. Vicel Mayor Still suggested that Mr. Jackson call and bej put on the agenda for the Mr. Jackson thanked the town employees for cleaning off the bridge for the Clint Hawkins Mr. Jackson informed Council that the valve and hydrant at the Coeburn Primary School are not working. He said the morning of the fire at the school the fire hydrant was frozen and there was no access for water if water had been needed at the school. Mr. Jackson asked Mr. Williams to have the hydrant and valve looked at again. He asked that the hydrant going into Crab Orchard be Mr. Joe Still extended his condolences for the loss of Clint Hawkins, a fire department member who had dedicated 52 years volunteering for the department. Mr. Jackson said Mr. Hawkins was one of the best pump operators in the state of Virgina. Mr. Still thanked St. Paul and Wise Fire 2ad Annual Home for the Holidays event. competition. personnel responding, and 340 training hours. Board meeting. memorial. raised because it is hard to access, and a 5-inch line can't be used there. Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 Page 2 of9 Departments for covering for the Coeburn Fire Department as they mourned the loss of Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Jackson said more than 20 departments came together for the memorial. Mr. Still saidi hel has never seen such al loving and tight knit group ofmen willing to lay their lives down for each other and he appreciates having people of that quality guard the town and serve thc Mr. Jackson said hel knows that the water plant needs to bei notified when the fire department needs to use large quantities of water to deal with a fire. He said the day of the fire on Front Street, it slipped his mind but someone else called it in. Mr. Jackson said that its helpful to have town Mr. Kiser said that the town needs to do a public auction and could include the truck with the blown engine. Mr. Jackson asked if the money from the auction would go to the fire department. Mr. Kiser said the money would go to the General Fund and what it was used for would be a Mr. Kiser complimented the fire department on their skill handling the house fire next door to his home. Mr. Jackson said home layouts vary and it's difficult dealing with structure layout and building materials. Mr. Kiser said the department was on the scene for six and half hours. Mr. Jackson said the department works hard to prepare for difficult situations. Mr. Kiser said they did Mr. Mooney let Mr. Jackson know that he had been thinking of the department as they went through the loss of one oftheir firefighters, Clint Hawkins, and thanked the department: for all they community. employees to help. separate decision. agoodj job. do. Police Department Mr. Travis Mullins, Police Chief, included his report in the council packets. Chief Mullins said call volume was down in the month of. January. He said that could be attributed to overlap in thc schedule and that the bad weather probably restricted a lot oft the movement in and around town. ChiefMullins said that there were al lot ofs stranded motorists, vehicle crashes and house fires. He said the police department worked closely with the fire department on many of these calls and Mr. Chief Mullins said they encountered several complicated cases, including an attempted suicide call, trespassing calls at. local businesses, impaired individuals, and several ordinance related calls. Chief Mullins advised he has a meeting about the Highway Safety Grant this coming week, and he is also working on grants for equipment and personnel. Mr. Mullins said he is also working with' Town Manager, Jimmy Williams, on closing out Fiscal Years 22 and 23 grants and purchase order paperwork. Chief Mullins is working on: finalizing an agreement with CTAC, a group that can deal with mentally ill people during the day sO that ift the department gets a call involving a mentally ill individual, the person can be transported to that location and cared for, allowing the officer to continue to answer calls. He said there may also be grant funding available if officers Mullins feels they worked well together. have to do TDO transports. Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 Page 3 of9 Mr. Jeff Kiser asked Chief Mullins to ensure that the officers are patrolling the parks; there are Mr. Kiser and Ms. Still informed ChiefMullins that they have heard lots of positive feedback from the community and in the county regarding ChiefMullins. Mr. Mullins said he is trying to make his way around introducing himselfand buildingrelationships in the community but has been quite Mr. Mullins discussed the Federal Equitable Sharing Program for asset forfeitures. He said the report hadn't been completed for a number of years, preventing the town from accessing funds. He said the reports have now been completed, submitted, and approved. The department is in compliance with the program and will have access to those funds and Chief Mullins will be often people there when the park is supposed to be closed. busy and will continue his effort. speaking with ai representative to see exactly what those funds can be used for. Water Plant Mr. Brian Markham, Plant Supervisor, was absent. Town Manager Mr. Jimmy Williams, Town Manager, informed Council it is time for the Lincoln Bridge inspections. He reported the inspection will be done in May for $2,000.00. Mr. Williams had no Mr. Mooney asked what the plan for the footbridge is because it is currently blocked off. Mr. Williams said he will speak with the bridge inspectors and see what their recommendation is for Mr. Williams was unable to attend the ARC grant writing workshop in Wytheville due to the Mr. Williams participated in a webinar with the Health Department regarding lead and copper pipes in the ground, and they have extended the deadlinc for applying for funds until the end of March. Mr. Williams said all the meters are entered into the system and he will get with Isaac Mr. Williams is writing a survey to add to the town website to see what sort of lines homeowners have on their side of the meter. Ms. Still asked what happens ifthe homeowner has lead lines or mctal lines. Mr. Williams said that there will be funds to assist the homeowner with replacing the lincs. He said the town will verify what line is on the town side and the homeowner side. The town will ask thel homeowner what sort ofline they have. Mr. Kiser asked ift the homeowner would need to dig up their line to see. Mr. Williams said he will need to get all the answers, not all is known at this time, Ms. Still is concerned that there are only five weeks to get the information together. Mr. Williams said at this point all the water meters have been found and the next stepi is response from The Lane Group regarding their meeting attendance. the bridge. weather. with The Lane Group in Abingdon to get that matched up with the GIS. tol begin identifying what sort ofline is in the ground at cach location. Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 Page 4 of9 Mr. Mooncy asked if the No Parking signs have been ordered for Virginia Avenue. Mr. Williams has received those signs and is waiting on the posts and then the signs will be installed. Ms. Still askedifMr. Williams received her email and pictures attached. Ms. Still said she likes the idea of fixing that road with gravel until the paving can be done. Ms. Still would also like the signs that are on the ground or leaned over to be fixed or straightened. She feels like the road signs need to be kept up. Mr. Williams said there is an issue with the. ATV use all over town and not on approved roads. Ms. Still said there are laws governing the use of ATVs and golfcarts on public roads. Mr. Kiser said that he would like to see the Virginia Codc dealing with those vehicles and asked Mr. Mr. Joe Still asked the status ofthe Banner Project. Mr. Williams said that as soon as PSA bids, William Sturgill to give him the code to clarify the issue. the town will join in and try to secure the same contract status to save: money. Public Works Mr. JeffLivingston, Public Works Supervisor, reported that sewer lines were jetted at Dickerson Avenue, and lines were relocated on May Avenue. Public works also sealed the top oft town hall, repaired water leaks on Lamar Street, Litchfield Street, Laurel Avenue and repaired a leak at the Lays Building. He said the Lays Building was also replumbed, except for the kitchen. Sewer lines were. jetted on Cordertown, leaks were repaired on Lonesome Road and a new pump was installed on Cordertown road. Sewer lines were jetted on Wise Mountain Road, a setter was replaced at Brookside Trailer Park, filters were changed at the MEOC building, the pump was installed at the track and twenty-five new: registers were installed. The heat pump came in and HCE has the town Sharon Still said the opening day for the pool will be May 31St. Mr. Livingston asked ifthe pool needed to be painted and Ms. Still said it looks pretty rough. Mr. Mooney asked if all the work had been completed at the pool. Ms. Still and Mr. Williams said all the work had been completed except replacing the returns and the plumbing for the returns. Ms. Still said she would like to see the water supply to the slides connected to the pool plumbing to be recirculated. She said doing Mr. Livingston said that he should hear from the Job Corps this week about installing a sloped roof Mr. Jeff Kiser asked about the status of the building repair after the car drove into it over a year ago. Mr. Williams has not heard from the insurance company. Mr. William Sturgill said he will on the list for installation. Public works completed 209 work orders. that would save water and keep the pool warmer. at town hall. contact the company and see what is going on. The Lane Group There was no representative from The Lane Group present. Treasurer Ms. Cathy Sharpe, Clerk/Treasurer, was absent. No report was given. Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 Page 5 of9 Attorney Mr. William Sturgill, Town Attorney, informed Council his report is on the agenda, and he will be discussing the Fidelity Power Systems agreement. New Business: A. Pro Med Ambulance Company Mr. Eddie Kiser addressed Council about KDK Transport, the company started by himself and his wife, Kimberly, five years ago. The transport company offersnon-emergency medical transport with 50 vehicles available which services an area from Roanoke to Danville and to Thomas Walker. The company covers transport to ambulatory patients and patients needing wheelchairs or stretchers. The stretcher transport is for non-emergency situations not requiring oxygen. This is at no cost to the client and all costs are billed to insurance. No client has ever paid out of pocket for the transport service. Mr. Kiser has scen a need for additional support in the area because response times for EMS arel horrendous and the needs of the people oft the Coeburn areaare The majority of KDK employees are from Wise County. KDK wants to open Pro Med Ambulance Company in Coeburn and attract the workers from this area that work out of town to work locally and increase the overall care available ini thc arca. Mr. Kiser: says there is a large base of EMS workers living in Wise County that go outside of the area for employment that offers higher wages. He pledges to dedicate two type 1 ambulances to serve the Town of Coeburn. The two ambulances will cost $600,000.00 and will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment at the cost of $150,000.00 per truck and thc ambulances will always be staffed and on call here in Coeburn. The business is willing to putt that in writing and is asking for Council's blessing to apply for1 their ambulance license. Mr. Kiser said once that license is obtained, the funding can be put in place to purchase the ambulances. The company will run three other ambulances that will provide the income to fund the trucks dedicated to Coeburn. The company is willing to go out with the fire Aj paramedic with the company addressed Council. Bud spoke on the fact that paramedics must leave the area to make more money and the different types ofambulances. A type I ambulance is a big, box ambulance and a type 2 is a van. Type 1 ambulances make less money than at type 2 van style ambulance. Response times are poor in the area and having al local ambulance that is staffed and on call 24/7 will increase response times. The fire department needs to be first responders and the company will be able to certify and provide Mr. Mooney asked ifthe on-call ambulance will be 24/7 and ifso, will it be transporting a patient. Mr. Eddie Kiser said that in an emergency the transport will happen. Ifso, other support staff will be brought tol be on hand. Mr. Kiser also said the business will not solicit any funding from the town. Mr. Kiser said that they will nccd a garage to house vehicles and they will also need a dispatcher for their business. Mr. Mooney wants to make sure not being met. department if needed. continuing education to. EMTs. Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 Page 6of9 that there is always a truck in Coeburn in the event of an emergency. Mr. Kiser said that Mr.JeffKiser: askedi ift the business was asking for exclusivity in town and Mr. Eddie. Kiser Mr. Mooney said that right now, Lifecare is the primary contact and asked what the protocol is for who gets the call and is that something determined by dispatch. Bud, the paramedic, said that the closest provider to the situation is supposed to be dispatched. The CAD system is supposed to contact the closest provider ifi it is working as it should. Ms. Still asked what they will need for the town to give its blessing. Mr. Mooney said a Resolution will need to be: made. Mr. Eddie Kiser said they have already approached the county and the county is supportive and then they will go before the state. Mr. Kiser said Prol Med Ambulance will have new equipment and have a LUCAS System that can provide Mr. Jeff Kiser asked what will happen ift the company changes hands and would like an assurance that the town's interests are covered. Mr. Eddie Kiser said that if that time comes, there will be contingencies inj place to that effect or the sale will not happen. Ms. Sharon Still would like to. have Mr. William Sturgill, Town Attorney, to look into the information and gather what is needed for the Resolution. Ms. Still would like to see the Resolution in two weeks to: review and vote oni it at the March 11th meeting. is what the business is going to do. said no, they are only asking for the Council's blessing. CPR for up to 45 minutes. The mceting had a brief recess. Mr. Mooney called the meeting back to order. B. Food' Trucks within the Town of Coeburn - Mr. Jeff Kiser had asked tol have this put on the agenda, because a food truck was set up long term in the town and multiple people approached Mr. Kiser asking who paid for the power and water used by the truck. When thet town. has events for a: few days and: resources are used, that is a different situation. There is an issue of a truck setting up in a town parking lot using power provided by the town. Mr. Kiser doesn't have issues with food trucks but would like some clear guidelines about determining what to charge for utilities daily and how to go about that. Mr. Kiser asked Town. Manager, Jimmy Williams, to work on thisi issue. Mr. Kiser asked Mr. JeffLivingston ifthere are. meters in the parking lot used by the food truck. Mr. Livingston said yes. Mr. Kiser said that he thinks ifai food truck sets up for a non-town sponsored event, the power used daily should be determined and the truck should reimburse the town for power used. The food trucks also need to be paying meals tax and have a valid business license. Ms. Still said the meter could be read each month and usage determined. Mr. Kiser said a daily . Service Agreement for Solid Waste Collection - Mr. Williams spoke with the Wise County Public Service Authority and other towns about their agreements that are in usc. Mr. rate could be determined and charged. Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 Page 7of9 Williams said there are dumpsters all over town that need to be replaced because the bottoms are out oft them, and they can't be emptied. He said he will get with Mr. Larry Beavers to get prices on dumpsters and Mr. Williams would like to lease the dumpsters to the businesses or the business could buy them outright. Mr. Williams said the terms ofthe trash can agreement arc pretty straighttorward. Ift the trash is not in the can, it won'tbe picked up, the lid: needs to be on the can, no loose garbage, cans must be out by 7a.m., and all cans Mr. Williams asked Council to look at page 2 to review prohibited items. He said that it wears the trucks out crushing pallets and furniture. Mr. Mooney questioned what would happen if an item purchased comes in a large box that will not fit in the can. Mr. Williams said that would have to be taken off by the homeowner or cut into pieces that fit in a can. Ms. Still asked if there was a provision in the agreement specifying the town will only pick up trash in cans provided by the town. Mr. Mooney thought the agreement would say customers must use cans provided by the town and will not be responsible for damages to Ms. Still asked how customers are going to know about the new agreement. Mr. Williams said he would put it in the paper and Ms. Still said that an all call would be a good idea. Mr. Kiser said the timing of the call would be important because work schedules vary. Mr. Williams said that he could set it up to call at different times. Ms. Still said it could also be put on the website. Mr. Kiser suggested leaving utility cutoffinformation offt the agreement and just having the trash can information in the agreement. Ms. Still also suggested adding need to be curbside and not on private property. the cans. Mr. Williams said he will add that back into the agreement. animal waste to the prohibited items. Old Business: A. First Bank and Trust Company - Town Manager, Jimmy Williams, asked for this item to be tabled until Treasurer, Cathy Sharpe, is in attendance. Mayor Mooney said this will be B. Fidelity Power Systems Preventative Maintenance Program - Mr. Williams said the information in the red box on page 2 of the information provided to Council is what the program covers. The fee is $1,275.00 a year. The program is for a 60-month term. Mr. Williams said this program will help to identify problems before they become costly to repair. Mr. Carles Collins asked ift the generatorhas any warranty. Mr. Williams said there isa warranty on the generator. Mr. Sturgill says he has looked over it and it appears very Sharon Still made a motion to take the Fidelity Power Systems Preventative Maintenance Program the Water Plant generator for 60 months at a rate of $1,275.00 per year. Joe Still seconded the placed on the agenda for the next meeting. straightforward. motion. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Carles Collins - Aye Jeff Kiser Ayc Deventae Mooney Aye Town of Coeburn Regular Meeting February 12, 2024 Page 8of9 Joe Still - Aye Sharon Still- Aye Closed Session: Mayor Deventae Mooney made a motion to enter into closed session in accordance with Virginia Code $2.2-3711 (A1)t to discuss performance ofTown ofCoeburn personnel, and Code $2.2-3711 (A8) to consult with legal counsel pertaining to specific legal matters. Vice Mayor Sharon Still Immediately following closed session, Mr. William Sturgill read "Certification of Closed Meeting", which is attached to these minutes and made a part hereof. AI roll call vote certifying that only business matters that were identified in the motion convening were discussed or seconded the motion, which resulted in all Ayes. considered. The roll call vote resulted as follows: Carles Collins - Aye Jeff Kiser Aye Deventae Mooncy - Aye Joe Still - Aye Sharon Still Aye There were no actions resulting from Closed Session. Council Comments and Concerns: Carles Collins Mr. Collins had no comments or concerns. Jeff Kiser Mr. Kiser had no comments or concerns. Joe Still - Mr. Still had no comments or concerns. Sharon Still - Ms. Still had no comments or concerns. Deventae Mooney Mr. Mooney had no comments or concerns. Adjournment: Mayor Deventae Mooney made a motion to adjourn this meeting. Mr. Jeff Kiser seconded the motion, which resulted in all Ayes. Respectfully Submitted, CaHky Sape Attest: Cathy Sharpe, Clérk Pirrbe Deventae Mooney, Meeting February 12, Town of Coeburn Regular 2024 Page 9of hny