JANUARY 12, 2009

Virginia: At a regular meeting of the Council for the Town of Chatham, held at the Chatham Fire Station at 7:00 P.M. on January 12, 2009.

Present: George O. Haley, Mayor

Council Members: Roy Byrd, Alvin Crider, C.B. Cundiff, Jim McDole, and Joe Rogers. Absent: Vice-Mayor Robert Thompson

Present: Attorney: Larry Gott.

The Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation was lead by Mayor Haley.

Council on motion of McDole and seconded by Cundiff approved the Agenda.

The Vote: Aye: Council Members; Rogers, Cundiff, Crider, McDole, and Byrd.

Lisa Wiebking addressed Council concerning the sale of her home on Spruce Hill Drive. She said that the heat pump to her home is slightly on Town water tank property. She requested that Council approve a letter to potential buyers allowing the heat pump to remain.

On a motion by Rogers seconded by McDole Council approved Town Attorney Larry Gott writing the letter emphasizing no liability to the Town.

The Vote: Aye: Council Members; Crider, Cundiff, Rogers, Byrd, and McDole.

Southside Concerned Citizens President Gregg Vickrey addressed council concerning the issue of uranium mining in Pittsylvania County. He stated that there have been many forums presented by various factions on the subject including the State. He questioned why, other than Mayor Haley, no council members have attended any of these meetings. He asked how the town council could idly sit by and allow radioactive pollution of our area while not making an attempt to learn the facts. He said that it is important to the citizens of Chatham to understand the position of its Town Council concerning uranium mining.

Councilman Byrd pointed out that he did attend the legislative committee on uranium meeting at Chatham High School in early January. He added that he heard nothing new as there was too much emotional argument as opposed to facts presented.

Town Manager Jones said that he had sent a memorandum to the state committee from the Town with a check list of most important items to be covered by them for our economic, cultural and technical benefit.

Councilman Rogers said, that as an engineer, he felt, to date, that the forums were primarily an opportunity for citizens to express their emotions rather than discussing technical facts and questions. He stated that this issue is too critical to be marred by emotional debate with no rational discussion. He said that the pros and cons of uranium mining need balance in the debate and that has not yet happened.

Vickrey said that it is important for him to deliver this message from SCC, as people do not think that anyone in authority is actually listening.

Town Manager Mike Jones addressed several issues of importance. He is seeking grant assistance for infrastructure problems from several different sources. He will keep council update on progress.

The police department is currently updating to digital radio equipment through a state grant. The town will receive cameras through a VML grant.

Jones and the Council commended the Town Police Department on their professional action and response to the recent happening on Main Street involving a deputy sheriff and an incarcerated inmate.

Jones requested that Council approve the purchase of a radar speed control device to be placed on Main Street.

He asked that council budget for the next fiscal year an all-electric police patrol vehicle.

He reported that the issue of employee health insurance will be resolved as soon as possible. He hopes to have a recommendation for the February meeting.

Council on motion of McDole and seconded by Rogers approved the Consent agenda including paid and unpaid bills and salaries and wages in the amount of $171,154.55.

The Vote: Aye: Council Members; Crider, Cundiff, Rogers, Byrd, and McDole.

Planning Commission Chairperson Elise Finkner reported that after a public hearing on January 8, 2009 the commission members approved an update to the 2001 Comprehensive Plan of the Town.

Attorney Gott stated that Council now must hold its own public hearing regarding the recommendation of approval from the Planning Commission.

Councilman Rogers made the motion that council approve soliciting professional engineering assistance for the future through an RFP. The motion was seconded by Byrd and approved by council.

The Vote: Aye: Council Members; Rogers, McDole, Crider, Cundiff, and Byrd.

Council on a motion by Rogers seconded by Byrd approved $1500.00 advertising expense for the RFP.

The Vote: Aye: Council Members; Cundiff, McDole, Byrd, Rogers, and Crider.

Rogers stated that the Town should position itself to receive funds/grants from the Federal Stimulus Package that is being considered by Congress. Mr. Jones said that he is keeping current on that issue.

Rogers informed council that the expenditures to license Cherrystone and Roaring Fork dams for safety regulations must be included in the 2008/09 fiscal year.

Council on a motion by Rogers seconded by McDole approved the expenditures.

The Vote: Aye: Council Members; Crider, Rogers, Cundiff, Byrd, and McDole.

Council Clerk Cothran discussed with Council the procedure in eliminating vehicle decals. A decision should be made by Council by the end of June. Cothran also informed council that the entire cost of May elections will likely fall on the Town beginning in 2010. He asked that Council consider changing the Town charter and move elections to November. Council Members were receptive to the change.

Councilman Crider reminded council that in future budgets capital expenditures should match cash flows of the Town.

Mayor Haley informed council that he would no longer push for a Chemical Trespass Ordinance for the Town. He requested that Council read his letter in the meeting packet.

Having no further business council was adjourned.

_____________________________

Mayor

_______________________

Attest: