Lebanon Town Council Regular Monthly Meeting Town Hall, Lebanon, Virginia Monday, April 14, 2025 6:00 P.M. Council Members Present: Nelson A. "Tony" Dodi, Mayor DeAnna C. Jackson, Vice-Mayor Scott J. Gilmer, Council Member M. Elijah Leonard, Council Member W. Bradley Lambert, Council Member J. Leonard Kegley, Council Member Nina J. Fields, Council Member Staff Members Present: Andrew R. Shortt, Town Manager Kevin D. Tiller, Town Attorney Jessee Fields, Police Detective Officer A. Diane Nunley, Clerk of Council Staff Members Absent: Richard Eric Deskins, Chief of Police I. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dodi. II. Prayer: Arnold King Pastor Bethel Baptist Church III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Edit for items not on the agenda: Upon motion made by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mr. Leonard, the agenda was unanimously approved. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. V. Edit and approve minutes from the 03/10/25 council meeting: Upon motion made by Ms. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Leonard, the minutes of the 03/10/25 council meeting were unanimously approved. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. VI. Approve accounts payable and capital assets for the month of March: Mr. Shortt presented A/P Preliminary Report Part B Upon motion made by Mr. Gilmer, seconded by Mr. Lambert, the accounts payable for the month of March including the A/P Preliminary Report Part B were unanimously approved. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. VII. Recognition Lebanon High School Wrestling Team Mayor Dodi presented the Lebanon High School Wrestling Team the following awards: Ian Ray-2025 VHSL Class 2 Wrestling State Champion Isaak Olvera-2025 VHSL Class 2 Wrestling State Second Place Brayden Keen-2025 VHSL Class 2 Wrestling State Third Place Dylan Smith-Lebanon High School Wrestling Coach Lebanon High School Forensics Team Mayor Dodi congratulated the Lebanon High School Forensics Team in winning the 2025 VHSL Class 2 Speech State Championship for the fourth time. He presented the following awrds: Emma Martin-State Champion Prose Landon Owens-State Champion Extemporaneous Speaking Marley Bush-State Runner-Up Prose Mercedes Raguz-State Runner-Up Humorous Interpretation Katelyn Mullins-State Runner-Up Poetry Abby Amos-Third Place Original Oratory Chloee Dillon-Third Place Serious Dramatic Interpretation Kayde Cole-Third Place Storytelling Autumn Brickman and Lilly Garrett-Fourth Place Serious Duo Brock Keen-Fourth Place Impromptu Speaking Haleigh Stiltner-Fifth Place Impromptu Speaking Ali Beck and Ethan Powers-Humorous Duo Macie Ferguson-Original Oratory Olivia Hess-Serious Dramatic Interpretation Kali Saltz and Keaton Stallard-Serious Duo Elliot Breeding-Poetry Sarah Stoots-Coach VIII. Public Hearing An application submitted by Greg Fields for rezoning property from a R-1 Single Family District to a R-2 General Dwelling District. The property is located at 545 Frontage Road. An application submitted by Michelle & Matthew Reed for rezoning of property from a R-1 Single Family District to a R-2 General Dwelling District. The property is located a1 4C5 Fields Avenue. The rezoning ofthe property for Greg Fields and Michelle & Matthew Reed was tabled at the March Town Council meeting. An application submitted by Chad Newberry for rezoning ofthe property on Highland Drive from C-1 Commercial District to R-1 Single Family District. An application submitted by Pam Hughes and Shane Hughes for a conditional use permit for residential use in a C-1 Commercial District. The property is located to the right of Jenks Drive. An application submitted by Justin Stiltner for a conditional use permit to place a 1200-square- foot car garage behind his house in a C-1 Commercial District. The property is located t 360 West Main Street. An application submitted by Pruner Properties and Linda Maxfield for a conditional use permit for residential use the property is located at 54 Cleveland Road in a C-1 Commercial District. Planning Commission Members Present Judy Lockridge-Chair Person David Boyd, Vice-Chairman Drew Shortt, Member DeAnna Jackson, Member David Coleman, Member Reece Henry, Member Doug Lark, Member A. Enter into public hearing: 6:25 P.M. B. Pam Hughes and Shane Hughes stated that they wish to place an 1800-2000 sq are foot modular home on their property but are not sure whether they will enter their pi operty by Price Street or Jenks Drive. Ms. Hughes stated that they plan to place their home more toward the top ofi the hill where the property is more level. C. Sandy Martin stated that she was the only property owner notified concerning the Hughes Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Shortt stated that there is a piece of property that divides the property from the Town Houses. Ms. Martin questioned the location they wish to place their home. She questioned ifthey were planning to use Jenks Drive or Price Street to access their property. She stated her concerns about double-wide mobile homes lowering the value of her property, but she stated that ifit was a nice modular home or stick build home, she would not have any issues. D. William "Bill" Turpen spoke on behalf ofLebanon Tech Development Group. He stated that he was requesting that the Planning Commission place the same restriction for the Hughes' that the Ridges have for their subdivision, such as no mobile homes, all drive- ways and parking areas paved, no unregistered vehicles stored on the lot, no domestic or wild animals. Mr. Tiller advised that most of Mr. Turpen's concerns are covered by the Town ofLebanon's Zoning Ordinance. E. Upon motion made by Mr. Lark, seconded by Mr. Shortt, the Planning Commis sion voted to table the application submitted by Pam Hughes and Shane Hughes for a conditional use permit for residential use in a C-1 Commercial District for more information regarding the location, picture ofhome and entrance to property. The vote was as follows: Ms. Lockridge, Aye; Mr. Boyd, Aye; Mr. Shortt, Aye; Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Coleman, Aye; Mr. Henry, Aye; Mr. Lark, Aye. F. Justin Stiltner advised that he plans to get a 30' X 40' two car garage to place at the back lot of 358 West Main Street which he purchased. He stated that the garage is a metal siding building that will be placed on a concrete foundation. He advised that all setbacks will be at least 6' to 10'. G. No one spoke in opposition. H. Upon motion made by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Lark, the Planning Commission voted to approve the conditional use permit for Justin Stiltner to place a 1200-square-foot car garage on his property. The vote was as follows: Ms. Lockridge, Aye; Mr. Boyd, Aye; Mr. Shortt, Aye; Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Coleman, Aye; Mr. Henry, Aye; Mr. Lark, Aye. I. R. D. Snead advised that he is speaking on behalf ofLinda Maxfield's conditional use permit to request residential use ofthe property located at 54 Cleveland Road in a C-1 Commercial District. Mr. Snead stated that currently the property is used as an Airbnb but Ms. Maxfield wishes to change to residential use. J. No one spoke in opposition. K. Upon motion made by Mr. Boyd, seconded by Mr. Henry, the Planning Commission voted to approve the conditional use permit for Pruner Properties and Linda Maxfield for residential use the property is located at 54 Cleveland Road in a C-1 Commercial District. The vote was as follows: Ms. Lockridge, Aye; Mr. Boyd, Aye; Mr. Shortt, Aye; Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Coleman, Aye; Mr. Henry, Aye; Mr. Lark, Aye. L. Upon motion made by Mr. Henry, seconded by Mr. Boyd, the Planning Commission voted to table the application submitted by Chad Newberry for rezoning oft the property on Highland Drive from a C-1 Commercial District to a R-1 Single-Family District until the May Meeting due to the fact that Mr. Newberry was not able to attend the meeting. The vote was as follows: Ms. Lockridge, Aye; Mr. Boyd, Aye; Mr. Shortt, Aye; Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Coleman, Aye; Mr. Henry, Aye; Mr. Lark, Aye. M. Adjourn public hearing: 6:57 P.M. IX. Ms. Lockridge recommended on behalf of the Planning Commission to table the application submitted by Chad Newberry for rezoning oft the property on Highland Drive from a C-1 Commercial District to a R-1 Single Family District until the May Meeting due to Mr. Newberry not being able to attend the meeting. Upon motion made by Mr. Gilmer, seconded by Mr. Lambert, the Town Council unanimously voted to table the application submitted by Chad Newberry for rezoning the property on Highland Drive from a C-1 Commercial District to R-1 Single-Family District until the May meeting. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. Ms. Lockridge recommended on behalf ofthe Planning Commission to table the application submitted by Pam Hughes and Shane Hughes for residential use in a C-1 Commercial district for the property located to the right of Jenks Drive until they receive specific information regarding the location ofthe home on the property, picture of the home and entrance location to th eir property. Upon motion made by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mr. Kegley, the Town Council unanimously voted to table the application submitted by Pam Hughes and Shane Hughes for residential use in a C-1 Commercial district for the property located to the right of Jenks drive until they receive specific information regarding the location ofthe home on the property, picture of the home and entrance location to their property. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gil: mer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. Ms. Lockridge recommended, on behalf oft the Planning Commission to approve the application submitted by Justin Stiltner to place a 1200-foot car garage on his property located at 360 West Main Street. Upon motion made by Mr. Leonard, seconded by Mr. Lambert, the Town Council unan mously voted to approve the application submitted by Justin Stiltner to place a 1200-foot car garage on his property located at 360 West Main Street. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. Ms. Lockridge recommended on behalf of the Planning Commission to approve the application submitted by Pruner Properties and Linda Maxfield for residential use, which is located at 54 Cleveland Road in a C-1 Commercial District. Upon motion made by Ms. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Kegley, the Town Council unanimously voted to approve the application submitted by Pruner Properties and Linda Maxfield for residential use in a C-1 Commercial district for the property located at 54 Cleveland Road. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. La: mb rt, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. Ms. Lockridge recommended on behalf oft the Planning Commission to approve the application submitted by Michelle and Matthew Reed for rezoning the property from a R-1 Single Family District to a R-2 General Dwelling District the property is located at 405 Fields Avenue. Upon motion made by Ms. Jackson, seconded by Ms. Fields, the Town Council unanim jusly voted to approve the application submitted by Michelle and Matthew Reed for rezoning the property from a R-1 Single Family District to a R-2 General Dwelling District the property is located at 405 Fields Avenue. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. Ms. Lockridge recommended on behalf of the Planning Commission to approve the app'ication submitted by Greg Fields for rezoning of the property from a R-1 Single Family district to a R-2 General Dwelling District, the property is located at 545 Frontage Road. Upon motion made by Mr. Kegley, seconded by Ms. Jackson, the Town Council voted n the application submitted by Greg Fields for rezoning the property from a R-1 Single Famil/ District to a R-2 General Dwelling District, the property is located at 545 Frontage Road. The roll call vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Nay; Mr. Leonard, Nay; Mr. Lambert, Nay; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Nay. The vote failed due to the vote 4 Nays and 2 Ayes. X. Public Request Chad Newberry-Preliminary Subdivision Approval Mr. Newberry is unable to attend the meeting. Clinch Valley Soil & Water Conseryation-Siobhan Nishida Mayor Dodi stated that he requested for the Clinch Valley Soil and Water Conservation to attend this meeting due to the fact that at the last meeting he stated that VDOT might be interested in donating some oft their property at the East End ofLebanon to the County/Town for a welcome center but now the property is no longer available. Mayor Dodi advised that they had applied for a grant through VCEDA for this project therefore now they would like to get this grant funded for the Pellissippi Wetland Park project which is located west ofthe Government Center for walking trails, shelter or other means to enhance the property. Siobhan Nishida and Jeff Mutter with Clinch Valley Soil and Water Conservation presented information regarding the Pellissippi Wetland Park project. Ms. Nishida advised that Clinch Valley SWCD began discussion with the Town ofLebanon back in early 2023 concerning improvements to the property along Technology Park Drive. The primary concerns anc goals were to remove invasive plant species, restoration ofthe stormwater and retention pond. dam and creation of aj public recreational and educational space featuring trail systems, native plant & habitat restoration, educational signage and outdoor classrooms and shelters. Mr. Mutter advised that Clinch Valley SWCD received an Urban & Community Forestry Grant from the Virginia Department ofForestry in the amount of $80,821.40. He stated that they are using the funds for Invasive Species removal, native plant establishment and trail develc pment & design. He stated that this project bid was awarded to Wes Gibson with Appalachian Land works which is about 90% complete in removing the invasive species. Mr. Mutter advised that once the removal is completed, they will plant native trees, grass, and shrubs. He stated that some funds from the Urban & Community Forestry Grant have been set aside for Trail Designs. Ms. Nishida advised that they have applied for the 2025 Cumberland Forest Communit Fund Grant with the Nature Conservancy/UVA Wise for the amount of$15,000.00 which wil be awarded in May 2025. She stated that she was hoping to find grant funds that would help with the stormwater drainage issue. She stated that some of their future goals are to keep applying for funding with the possibility to partner with CGI to explore stormwater best management practices upstream oft the drainage channel. Big Rig Showdown-Melissa Kiser Melissa Kiser advised that the SWVA Big Rig Showdown has been chosen as one of the qualifying shows for the National Championship. She stated that this year should be mu ch bigger than the previous ones because she has trucks registered from Georgia, Wyoming and Wisconsin therefore she is requesting more parking locations, road closure between the Government Center and Wendy's to allow parking for Food Trucks, moving kids zone to the soccer fields behind the Government Center, and trash cleanup from the Town. Ms. Kiser requested for the Town to pay the $8,000.00 for the rental oft the stage. Donnie Pell-Co-Owner Southern Towers Donnie Pell Co-Owner of Southern Towers out of Chattanooga Tennessee advised that they are looking to install 180' cell tower behind Stinson Heating & Cooling which is located in the historical district. He stated that it would require a conditional use permit, but he wanted to speak with the Town Council before they applied for the permit. He stated that currently the Town has a cell tower at each end ofTown but there comes a time when one is needed in the middle of Town. He stated that 180' for the cell tower is high but he would like to bring a crane in to set it at 180' then bring it down to what height the Town Council would approve. The Town Council discussed their concerns about a cell tower in the downtown area. Mr. Pell questioned if the Town Council knew of any other locations for the cell tower. He stated that Verizon wants a site in the Town ofl Lebanon therefore they would like to be able to provide that. The Town Council requested Mr. Pell meet with Mr. Shortt to discuss locations for the cell tower. John Sutherland-Nuisance Complaint John Sutherland stated that his dad keeps receiving Nuisance letters from the Town which he hopes to never receive another one from this board. He stated that there are many more important issues within the Town than his dad's property. He stated that his parents are in bad health plus poor. He stated that there are plenty ofeye sores in the Town in most garages you can't even get around. He requested for the Town to not send no police officer to his home to deliver nuisance letters, he said the police have more to do than deliver mail. Angie Carpenter-Haunting on Main Angie Carpenter advised that Halloween is on a Friday this year. She stated that Leban n High School has a football game scheduled at Lebanon Middle School for that night therefore there is no way to handle the crowd with Haunting on Main and a football game. Mayor Dodi stated that he would speak with Mr. Potts principal for Lebanon High School to see about changing the game date. Ms. Carpenter advised that she is planning dinner to go with the comedy show plus she is working with Eric Adams to do something after the show. Nathan Ballenberger Nathan Ballenberger owner and head instructor for Japan Karate-Do Lebanon training in Martial Arts. He stated that they are a partnership with Elite Grappling with Dylan Smith. He stated that their mission is to help students build strength, physically, mentally and emotionally through traditional karate instruction, rooted in respect, discipline and confidence in personal growth. Mr. Ballenberger stated that his love for this sport started due to his instructor Howie at Viry inia Intermont College. He stated that mentorship taught him that ifyou have the abilities to make something better you also have the responsibility to try. He stated that currently he works with 11 students ranging from 4 years of age to adults plus continuing to grow every week. He stated that many families are turning to martial arts to help their children overcome anxiety, build confidence and develop emotional resilience. Mr. Ballenberger gave an example of one student Bo Cook who struggled deeply with anxiety, hated group play and cried almost every class but W th the consistence encouragement and guidance he has received through Japan Karate-Do Leb non Bo now stands on the mat and has made friends. He stated that they teach students self-defense as the last resort plus group karate teaches how to avoid confrontation, stay calm under pressure and carry themselves with confidence, these are lifelong skills. He stated that they are proud to be a new small business in Lebanon. He stated that as they grow, he hopes to host regional karate tournaments and seminars here in Lebanon which will bring visitors into hotels and restaurants. He stated that their current needs to expand their program and ensure students' safety arin urgent need of floor mats and basic protecting equipment. He requested information regarding any grants, community support or other avenues to help his business plus appreciate the Town's help in spreading the word about his business. Mayor Dodi suggested that Mr. Ballenberger check with VCEDA and IDA concerning applying for grants. XI. Chief ofl Police Report Detective Fields presented the monthly Police Report. He presented a request to purchase a new camera for the monument for the amount of $390.00. Mayor Dodi requested Detective Fields present the camera request to the Town Manager Mr. Shortt. XII. Town Managers Report AEP Mr. Shortt presented the AEP Proposal for streetlights from the Town Hall to DMV. The total cost ofthe project is $255,362.00. He stated that all the streetlight poles would be instailed on the left side oft the road plus remove the current light poles. Mr. Gilmer requested for Mr. Shortt to have the AEP quote for the upcoming budget meetings. Mr. Leonard stated that this pro ject qualifies using the Urban Maintenance Funds. Little League Ballfield Agreement Mr. Shortt advised that the Town has an agreement with Little League that dates back 8 years ago which expires the end of this month. He stated that the agreement gives Little League first priority to the ballfield. He questioned ift the Town Council wished to renew the agreem.ent or what their pleasure was. Mr. Gilmer stated that he felt the Town has a great relationship with Little League therefore he doesn't feel the need to renew the current agreement as it has unnecessary requests. The Town Council agreed for Mr. Shortt to have a Memo of Understanding for the Town and Lebanon Little League. Updates Mr. Shortt advised that they started installing the lights at the ballfield today. He stated that the wall is complete at the pickleball court plus with the temperature warming up the company should be here maybe this week to put the covering down on the pickleball court. He stated that at the Russell Theater Pavilion, the last of the curb and guttering, was poured and should finish the landscaping this week. Mr. Shortt advised that the revenue side ofthe budget is comj plete plus he should have a draft budget by the end ofthis week. Mr. Gilmer questioned whether they could put the Fields Avenue water line on the books as a project. Mr. Shortt stated that he would have The Lane Group to start on the drawings for the Fields Avenue water line project, but Gay Avenue water line project will be replaced first. Upon motion made by Mr. Gilmer, seconded by Mr. Lambert, the Town Council unanimously voted to approve to bid out the stage, sound, and lighting with or without entertainment for 2026. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. XIII. Town Attorney Report Mr. Tiller stated that he had nothing to report. XIV. Enter closed session: 8:38 P.M. A Upon motion made by Mr. Leonard, seconded by Ms. Fields, the Town Council unanimously voted to go into closed session under Code Section 2.2-3711(A)0X5)7) for the purpose of personnel, prospective business or industry and legal. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. B. Upon motion made by Ms. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Kegley, the Town Council unanimously voted to return to regular session. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fie'ds, Aye. C. Diane Nunley, clerk of council, presented the Roll Call Vote: Virginia Code, 1950, Section 2.2-3712(D) Do you certify that to the best of your knowledge, (1) the Town Council in its' closed session; only discussed public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeling requirements under this Chapter and (2) that only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in the meeting by the Town Council. Any member ofthe Town Council who believes that there was a departure from the requirements of clauses (1) and (2), shall SO state prior to the vote, indicating the substance ofthe departure that, in their judgment, has taken place. The roll call vote was as follows: Mayor Dodi, Aye; Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye; Mr. Tiller, Aye; Mr. Shortt, Aye. XV. Adjourn closed session: 9:48 P.M. XVI. Upon motion made by Mr. Gilmer, seconded by Mr. Lambert, the Town Council unanimously voted for approval of an exemption due to economic impact from foam container band for Pals Drive-Thru #21 which operates as a quick service restaurant located at 370 Overlook Drive, Lebanon, Virginia for an effective period of 12-months beginning July 1, 2025. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. XVII. Adjourn: 9:52 P.M. Upon motion made by Mr. Kegley, seconded by Ms. Fields, the Town Council unanir ously voted to adjourn. The vote was as follows: Ms. Jackson, Aye; Mr. Gilmer, Aye; Mr. Leonard, Aye; Mr. Lambert, Aye; Mr. Kegley, Aye; Ms. Fields, Aye. 2phrs sdeypn Q.iw Nelson A." Tony" Dodi, Mayor A. Diane Nunley, Clerk of Council Minutes recorded by: A. Diane Nunley, Clerk of Council Minutes prepared by: A. Diane Nunley, Clerk ofCouncil