Regular Council meeting March 11th, 2025 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TOWN OF SALTVILLE, VIRGINIA MARCH 11TH, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M. The regular meeting, of the Saltuille Town Council was held on March 11th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall. Council Members Present: Mayor Cheri Fullen Suzanne Abramson, Council Member Ryan Comer, Council Member Thomas Dickerson, Jr., Council Member R.B. Henderson, Council Member Cary Sauls, Councib: Member Council Member(s) Absent: Eugene Call, Council Member Staff for the Town: Cecile Rosenbaum, Town Manager Tammy M. Woodward, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Hunter Gregory, Director of Public Works Steue McVey, Assistant Chief of Police Paul Cassell, Town Attorney A. Mayor Fullen called the Council meeting to order, and Tammy Woodward called the roll. B. Mayor Fullen led the Pledge of Allegiance. C. Citizen's Time: **Matt Prater spoke on behalf of Friends of the Museum. He wanted to let everyone know that on May 10th, 2025 between 2-4 p.m. they will be hauing a celebration for Hobart Smith's birthday. This will probably be a small event sinceit is the first one, they will haue, but plan to make it a yearly celebration. This will be held in the Town commons area with the use of the stage. Matt asked permission for the road to be temporarily closed on Palmer Avenue. On motion of Mr. Comer, seconded by Mr. Sauls, Council members approued the road to be temporally closed during the event. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye Regular Council meeting March 1fth, 2025 **April Moore-Jones represented Northwood High School's FBLA. The students recently went to the regional competition where 26 schools competed. Twelve of the NHS students aduanced, 4 placed 1st, 4 placed 2nd and 4 placed 3rd in the competition. In less than a month away, 8 or 9 students (depending on how many wants to go) can advance to the state level competition. This will take place in Reston Virginia outside of D.C. She was seeking donations to help towards the trip for the students. There are several students that haue not been anywhere outside of this area sO it would be a big deal to them. Along with doing some raffles to help with cost they are seeking monetary donations as well. The trip will be a 4 day trip and she is trying to get things couered for the students such as food and cost of stay and ouerall, just wants this to be a great experience for the students that attend. Mayor Fullen stated that she has been made aware that there is an administrative discretionary account. Mayor Fullen addressed the council asking if she could get a motion to approue a donation of 2,000 dollars to help towards this trip. On motion of Ms. Abramson, seconded by Mr. Dickerson, Council members approved the request of Mayor Fullen to donate 2,000 dollars to the Northwood High FBLA students that will advance to the state leuel competition. The roll call uote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye Mayor Fullen thanked Ms. Moore-Jones for all she did for the students, it did not go unnoticed. Mayor Fullen understands that the goal to raise during the fundraising is 4,000 dollars. She stated that during the fundraising, if they ran into not meeting that goal as they reach deadline dates, to reach back out and Mayor and council will see what they can do. An emotional Ms. Moore-Jones thanked Mayor Fullen and the full council for this generosity from the bottom of her heart and she knows her students would be sO grateful for this as well. **Rose Likins is speaking on behalf of the Saltuille library. She wanted to let eueryone know about the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on March 20th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at the Saltuille Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. Ms. Likens wanted to reflect on some of the programs that Kris Sheets the Saltuille Branch superuisor has been working on. The Monday Morning Mingle is every Monday from 11:30-12:30 and has become very popular and more attendance is added each week. Tracy Prater hosted as Speaker the week before, attendance was 25 and she had spoken on her trauels to New Orleans. With Monday mingle, once a month they, haue added Armchair traueler which Tracy was the first speaker for that program. They haue speakers line up on schedule throughout June SO far. The Board of Trustees approved allowing the Saltuille library to add a Maker's space. They have applied for grant funding to get equipment for space. Ms. Likins explained that the Maker's space was like what schools would call or use for Home Ec classroom, a wood shop or print shop to which they add technology. They will haue various kinds of printers as well. Hopefully the end of summer Ms. Likins will haue more of a progress update on this. Mayor Kytin expressed thanks for all they do and thanks for how Kris works to keep everyone in the loop with all happenings and changes made within the library. **Linda Larmer spoke on behalf of the Saltuille-Rich Valley Lions club. Ms. Larmer wanted to let Mayor and council know that this year their carnival will be July 16th Regular Council meeting March 11th, 2025 through July 19th. She states this is their biggest fundraiser for the Lions Club and that they use the money, made for all 4 schools, Santas Elves, Fireman's bash, Saltuille Labor Day celebration and all within the community. Ms. Larmer stated that the Mid-way carnival would be arriuing in town on July 13ih and pulling out on July 20th and requests extra security, on hand during the week. Ms. Larmer asks approual from the council to be able to hold the Carnival. On motion made by Mr. Dickerson, seconded by, Ms. Abramson to approue holding the Carnival during July 16th-July 19th, Council members authorized this to take place. Before final votes, Mr. Sauls stated how much the Lions club meant to him as well as his father who was a long-time member. He had a question about a recent happening that took place during the February flooding. He stated that while the middle of road was not drivable near the entrance of Food Country making it impossible for the residents to be able to go the grocery store that way. At that time most residents were driuing behind the Fire department area and coming out near the Lions club gate to access the road to the grocery store. With no mention of names, all a sudden the gate stayed shut denying any access to be able to get to the store. The reasoning given to the ones trying to access the road was it was leauing ruts in the gravel road but at the same time large trucks were allowed to be parked on the club property. Ms. Larmer stated that she wasn't for sure why that had been done but that it had come up at a recent meeting that the trucks could be parked down there. She told Mr. Sauls she would find out why the gate was closed during the time of the flood. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye *Julie Loggins extended congratulations to Ms. Moore-Jones for her work with the current FBLA on making it to the state level. She stated that she also was in the FBLA winning a state office that she ran for and wanted to add that all that she learned during that time had gone on to be useful for her. Ms. Loggins spoke about the recent flooding and giuing thanks to the town, Mayor, members of council, all the volunteers, fire and rescue involued to help work through the crisis. Speaking on behalf of herself and the residents of the town she just wanted to say thank you and expressed how important it is to see all these faces in the community working together during this time of need. Mayor Fullen thanked Ms. Loggins for saying SO as itis very nice to hear a compliment as sometimes, they will just hear negatiue things within the community, and this gaue motivation for all of them to hear a good word as well. Ms. Loggins stated that she too was one of those that spoke negatiue once before and wanted to make sure her thanks were heard and that when she saw the good things done, she wanted to make sure all was commended. Ms. Loggins requested to be able to give out the Emergency Communications committee report as she needed to get home short after to tend to her sick dog. Mayor Fullen said that it was fine to do and that she apologized for not being able to help do the first meeting as she was sick, she thanked Mr. Sauls and Mr. Comer for doing the meeting and Ms. Loggins for the minutes. Ms. Loggins stated that they were able to couer quite a bit and laying the ground work for what they want to accomplish as a committee. They talked about timelines of information and notifications of how they go out for the public. Absence of SOPS (Standard Operating Procedures), Need to identify multiple pios (Public Information Officers) The committee will be working on communication flow charts for various situations. Ms. Loggins Regular Council meeting March 11th, 2025 displayed a flier for Everbridge/Nixle on the bulletin board in the hallway and left the slips at the water window for anyone that would like to access the feature. Hopefully they can assist anyone in the community that would like help registering, possibly before each Town council meeting for a few months. Ms. Loggins stressed the alerts that are sent out to the public to please follow up with a response follow up about the alert if all is cleared up or fixed depending on the type of notice or alert. The committee discussed free training through FÉMA and recommended the mayor, council and department heads take advantage of this training that is auailable online to take. The type of training they are requesting is NIMS training. Mayor Fullen asked the council their preference and Mr. Comer wanted to check out a few more things before the next meeting on the time frame and that way they could report more of what they will be doing. D. Mayor Fullen asked for approval of the agenda. Upon motion made by Mr. Comer and seconded by Mr. Sauls, the Council approved the agenda. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye E. Mayor Fullen asked for approual of the minutes as a group for January, 28th, 2025, work session minutes, February 11th, 2025 Regular meeting minutes, & February 25, 2025 work session minutes. Upon motion made by Mr. Henderson and seconded by Ms. Abramson, the Council approved the group of minutes. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye F. Council Committee Reports "**Mayor Fullen started off with updating Mr. Call's committee Streets and Roads with the Day/Time for the 2025 calendar year. Starting in March that committee will meet every 4th Monday at 6:00 p.m. *** -Reports from the following town committees: Council woman Abramson and her committee discussed a name change to Historical & Beautification Committee. They discussed upcoming projects they like to take on starting with cleanup around the town commons, playground, wellfields. They would like to plant flowers and shrubs once the cleanup is done. They requested some new flowers along town and replaçed the old ones. They set their committee meetings to take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m. They will be looking for town property that they can plant a sunflower field/garden and possibly a pumpkin patch. Councilman Sauls said that the county will be doing a press conference Regular Council meeting March 11th, 2025 to announce the name of the summer collegiate baseball team that will be in Marion. The meeting. will be March 20th, 2025 Mr. Sauls discussed the re-enactment coming back this fall. Mayor Fullen mentioned that Jim Bordwine would attend the work session meeting to bring more information. During Mr. Saul's committee meeting they discussed getting funding from the County for recreation. During the council meeting, Mr. Sauls was able to present board members from the Saltuille Junior league football team a check for 2,750 dollars. They will be using this towards conditioning the football helmets. Tristan Preece accepted the check on behalf of the Junior league. Mr. Sauls brought up that the Smyth County, Tourism was doing studies for feasibility in the County that was discussed in the meeting he attended. Also They are working on their Fish Southwest Va packets to come out soon. Councilman Comer reported that his committee was working towards a few changes in the town charter to be complying to the Virginia Code. He attached hereto copy of suggested changes and made a part of these minutes. On motion of Mr. Comer, seconded by Mr. Sauls, the council voted to refer those changes to town attorney Paul for reuiew to make sure all look good and to bring in compliance with the Virginia Code. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye Councilman Comer requested a joint meeting with Councilman Sauls committee to further discuss asking the General Assembly for more protection ouer the Wellfield. Councilman Dickerson did not haue a meeting last month. Councilman Henderson and his committee discussed motor and pump, costs, Discussion of spare well pump for Cardwell Town pump. He mentioned that Himself and his committee will be visiting the well sites and tanks along with the sewer stations soon. He felt this was something they all needed to see how it all operates. Mr. Henderson asked about the Capitol Improvements funds and how they are utilized or set aside separately. Town Manager Ms. Rosenbaum assured that it would be done so starting in the new budget cycle. With discussion of the new SCADA system, Mr. Henderson would like to know who All will haue access once up and running. Mayor Fullen announced the request of the Pollice, Fire & Rescue Squad Committee to be changed to Public Safety. Along with Councilwoman Abramson's name change request for her committee, town attorney Paul Cassell just needed the updated town ordinance copy with the name changes and he will draft up. the necessary changes to be made. Town manager Cecile Rosenbaum will aduertise for the public hearing concerning this as well. G. Unfinished Business-None Regular Councit meeting March 11th, 2025 H. New Business Councilman Henderson asked about snow remoual and when it is contracted out, should we have a copy of their insurance and contractors' license. Ms. Rosenbaum stated that she does not think there was a copy included in the proposal, but she will get one. Mr. Henderson asked if there was any knowledge as to how much road salt was used. Public works director Hunter Gregory stated there was a lot that was used an estimation of maybe 125 ton. Mr. Henderson received a call from a resident saying they watched the truck down the street but not long after another truck came down the same street with salt again. Hei felt this was wasteful. Mr. Gregory agreed and had addressed this with the contractor who said he felt it was some due to the style of the spreader they used. If contracted out for the next season they will be looking at a more efficient spreader to not use up, as much salt as they did this season. Mr. Gregory stated he has about 60 tons of salt on hand right now. Mr. Henderson also mentioned he's noticed there are several stop signs and street signs that are missing or are not present in seueral locations throughout town. Mr. Gregory has an order that has been put in for all of those that need replacement. The order was confirmed as of yesterday and should be arriving soon. Mr. Henderson asked about a pile of brush on the corner of ist Avenue and Madison that is up near a fire hydrant and says that he thinks it's been that way close to 2 years. Mr. Gregory said he will get the crew to clean up and haul off that. I. Reports 1. Town Manager Ms. Rosenbaum asked for a motion to approve the accounts payable listing that is included in the packet. On motion of Mr. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Dickerson, the Council voted to accounts payable listing prouided. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye 2. EMS, Inc. Report Gary Johnson, EMS, Inc. prouided his report, and it is attached hereto as part of the minutes. 3. SIDA Report Ron Orr, SIDA Chairman prouided his report, and it is attached hereto as part of the minutes. 4. Planning Commission Report John Carter, Chairman noted that they had to cancel last month's meeting. Regular Council meeting March 11th, 2025 5. Director of Public Work Report Mr. Gregory's report is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes. 6. Police Chief Report Assistant Chief McVey reported that they are enforcing tickets for the trucks that keep traueling on the Sycamore Road area. He reported that the "No trucks enter" sign is missing again. Mr. Gregory said he had a replacement ordered. Mr. McVey stated that March 27th, 2025 will officially be Sergeant Hogston's last day with the police department as he accepted another position. 7. Fire Chief Report Brandon Collins gaue the report for the Fire Department. Total calls in the town for the month were 9 and 7 was answered in the county. Mr. Collins reported that during the February flooding, the fire Department pumped an estimation of 90,000 gallons at the entrance of Food Country where the road was flooded. Mr. Collins said the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser was successful and thanked all that volunteered and helped. Mayor Fullen extended thanks for all the hard work and effort from the Fire Department with helping the town during the flooding. 8. Town Manager Report Cecile Rosenbaum, Town manager reviewed her report and said that Mt. Rogers Planning district gave 50,000 dollars to the town in assistance for the pump failure from Nouember 2024. Ms. Rosenbaum stated that budget work sessions haue started and getting good feedback as she meets and works with each department. Ms. Rosenbaum said there will be a new face in the front window starting the following Monday. Mayor Fullen thanked Ms. Rosenbaum for all that she has endured and took on while working for the town, as Town Manager she has oalanced seueral roles daily and it was much appreciated. 9. Mayors Report Mayor Fullen provided her report, and it is attached hereto and made a part of these Minutes. At this time, Council took a recess. Regular Council meeting March 11th, 2025 I. Closed Session-On motion of Ms. Abramson, seconded by Mr. Dickerson, and pursuant to Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, Sec.2.2-37f(A)3) the Council went into Closed Session for the consideration of discussion of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open méeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body: and pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal aduice by such counsel. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Abramson Aye Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye At this time, Council took a recess. **Ms. Abramson left for the second half of the Closed Session due to a conflict of interest. Upon return to Closed Session On motion by Mr. Comer, seconded by Mr. Sauls, Council voted to return to closed session. The roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye On motion of Mr. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Sauls, the Council reconvened in open session. The roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Henderson Aye Mr. Comer Aye Mr. Sauls Aye Mr. Dickerson Aye Town Council members certified that in closed session just conducted, nothing was discussed except the matter or matters(1) specifically identified in the motion to convene in closed session and (2) were lawfully permitted to be discussed under the prouisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act cited in that motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Mr. Henderson I SO certify Mr. Comer I sO certify Mr. Sauls I SO certify Mr. Dickerson - so certify Regular Council meeting March 1ith, 2025 Mayor Fullen declared the meeting adjourned. Tameywon h Tammy M. Woodward, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Chene # Approued: Mayer fiele MayorFullen