The regular meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on July 13, 2004, by Mayor Keith W. Clarke with the following present:
Mayor Keith W. Clarke: Council members: Joyce D. Bland, H. B. Brockwell, Jr., Wilbur Hardy, John J. Miller, Jr., Michael F. Moorman, Woodrow Packer and Robert F. Pecht, III; Town Attorney, W. C. Outten, Jr.; Town Manager, C. J. Dean; Administrative Assistant, Wanda Johnson; Lawrenceville Planning Commission members: Cynthia Pecht, Cheryl Robertson and Michael Redman; Town Clerk, Alice B. Talbert, citizens and the press.
Mr. Hardy opened the meeting with prayer.
Roll was called.
Mayor Clarke welcomed Dean Packer back to Council after his illness.
A motion was made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, suspend the reading and file. This carried by all ayes.
As this time had been advertised for a Joint Public Hearing with the Planning Commission to consider use of a flea market on S. Hicks Street, Mayor Clarke declared the Hearing open. A map of the proposed site was in the packets along with Mr. Temple application for a special exception permit. As no one asked to speak on this matter, a motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to close the Public Hearing. The Planning Commission left to discuss the request.
Mayor Clarke stated that the Town, and especially Chief Pond, is very excited and happy to have Officer Jeff Clary back from school. Officer Clary’s class was the first to have to pass a standardize test. Mayor Clarke and Chief Pond presented Officer Clary with a certificate from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Ms. Anne Williams of 701 Windsor Avenue asked to speak to Council. Ms. Williams handed out a list of 11 items she wanted addressed, (copy attached). After going over her list, Mayor Clarke stated that he; Mr. Outten and Mr. Dean would meet concerning her request.
Mr. Pecht stated that Council had a corrected copy of the financial report before them. Mr. Pecht gave an end of the fiscal year overview of the town’s finances.
The Planning Commission returned to Council with a recommendation. Mayor Clarke read the recommendation, which stated that the Commission recommends granting the special exception permit to as presented by the application of Dale Temple. Mayor Clarke reminded Council that they could approve the special exception permit as recommended, table until conditions could be worked out or reject the request. A motion was made by Mr. Pecht and seconded by Mr. Miller to table until the August meeting a decision on the special exception permit so that conditions could be determined. This carried by all ayes. Mayor Clarke thanked the Planning Commission for their time.
Mr. Dean reported that he had met with Emergency Services and worked out an agreement concerning the placing of antennas on the water tank at the prison. There will be five antennas, one for the Emergency Services, one for use by the Sheriff’s Department, one for the Lawrenceville Fire Department, one for the school system and one for the Town. Mr. Dean will meet with Mr. Outten to draw up a permanent agreement.
Mr. Dean also reported that fiber optics are looking to come through Lawrenceville in the spring of 2006, we will be in phase one. This should be a great tool for industrial growth.
Dean Packer reported that the fire department had answered 14 calls in June with 4 being in town and 10 in the county. 100 man-hours were expended.
Chief Pond stated that he had talked with Mrs. Bland and Mr. Hardy concerning changing the time on the curfew for youth under the age of 18 from 11 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the summer months. Chief Pond is to meet with the police committee.
The Resolution of Support for the Downtown Revitalization Grant was tabled until the August meeting.
Mrs. Talbert reported that thank you notes had been received from Mr. Miller and from his mother’s church for the donation sent by the Town.
A motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to pay the bills in the amount of $39,863.79 as presented. The following voted aye: Bland, Brockwell, Hardy, Miller, Moorman, Packer and Pecht.
Mayor Clarke stated that the viewers had met with Mr. Dean and viewed the alley that Mr. Pearson had requested to have closed. Since that time, Mr. Pearson had changed from a permanent closing to a temporary one. Mr. Dean had requested a site plan and had not received one as of council night. Mayor Clarke asked that a decision be tabled 0until the August meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Moorman and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to table the request for further study. This carried by all ayes.
Mayor Clarke stated that the Code of Virginia requires us to appoint a Fire Marshall. This person will have to be certified. No action will be taken tonight however Mayor Clarke will be talking with some qualified individuals before the next meeting.
Mr. Pecht stated that Council had in their packets information concerning a meals tax. He would like for members to look at the information and he would like to receive input from them and from citizens before the next meeting. The finance committee will be meeting before the August meeting to consider the matter.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Packer and seconded by Mr. Pecht. This carried by all ayes.
_________________________MAYOR
Keith W. Clarke
_________________________ATTEST
Alice B. Talbert, CMC