Town of Mineral
Post Office Box 316
102 E. First Street
Mineral, VA 23117
540-894-5100
Email: mineral@louisa.net

Minutes of Town of Mineral Council Meeting
January 14, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Roll Call

Invocation was given by Pam Harlowe

Public Comments
Ed Kube wanted to thank the Council for the donation in the memory of his father. Council's thoughts were appreciated.

Adopt Agenda (add or take away items at this time)
Under new business add discussion of retreat
Under new business add discussion of Planning Commissions recommendation on multifamily housing
Under old business add appointment of committee to work on comprehensive plan
Under new business add discussion of dilapidated cars and houses

Roy Payne made a motion to adopt agenda as amended. William Thomas seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.

Approval of December regular meeting minutes and December 19, 2007 continuation meeting minutes
William Thomas made a motion to approve minutes as presented. Brooks Besley seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.

Approval of January bills to be paid
It was asked by Bernice Wilson-Kube that the bill for Lakeside Electric be paid out of maintenance and not beautification. It was agreed that the bill for Lakeside Electric bill will be paid out of maintenance. Roy Payne made a motion to approve bills as presented. William Thomas seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.

Town manager's report

Town attorney's report

Standing Committee Reports:

Beautification / Anti-Litter Committee: Bernice Wilson-Kube stated that the trash containers in front of the motel are unsightly and wanted to know if there is a possible solution to this matter. It was asked that the Town Manager talk to the property owner about this.

Budget & Finance Committee: It was asked that the Town Manager give the Council a review of the budget at the next Council meeting.

Cemetery Committee: It was commented by Brooks Besley that the cemetery looked nice. Pam Harlowe stated that the rate at the cemetery should be looked at being raised. The Mayor stated that the committee should get with the Town manager and Town Clerk and review the prices of surrounding cemeteries and bring back a recommendation to the next Council meeting.

Economic Development Committee: No report

Personnel Committee: Mr. Lettner is scheduled for surgery on January 16, 2008.

Police & Legal Matters Committee: No report

Streets Committee: No report

Walton Park Committee: It is an agenda item under old business.

Water & Sewer Committee: The Town Manager reported that there are problems with the existing sewer lines and the manager will get together some prices for the Council's information.

New Business:

Forestry Grant- The information was given to Council and was discussed. William Thomas made a motion to present two proposals, for the purposed rain garden and stormwater management project at Walton Park, to the department of forestry for grant funding. Roy Payne seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.

Schedule retreat and topics of interest - It was decided that the retreat would be held on February 9, 2007 or February 23 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Dr. Thomas feels that the projects that have been started since the last retreat should be the beginning of discussion. Possibly including the Walton Park plan and design of new building.

Planning Commissions recommendation on multifamily - It was decided that this would be discussed at the retreat in February.

Comprehensive plan review committee - The Mayor decided that the Planning Commission will handle this again, such as before but would include a council member. Dr. Thomas stated that it may of best interest if two Council members serve on this committee. It was mentioned that maybe two people from the town would like to serve on this committee also. Pam Harlowe stated that Kevin Loudin and Jamie Talley are interested in serving on a committee in Town. The Mayor asked that Pam Harlowe check with Kevin Loudin and Jamie Talley if they would be interested to serve on the committee. Dr. Thomas stated that he would be willing to serve on the committee; Bernice Wilson-Kube also volunteered to serve on the committee. Brooks Besley or the Town Manager will contact the Planning Commission to obtain two members to serve on the comprehensive committee.

Mr. Payne feels that the Council should begin work on the dilapidated houses and junk cars in the Town. There are ordinances on the books pertaining to these matters. Discussion followed. Roy Payne made a motion to begin enforcing the ordinances pertaining to dilapidated houses and junk cars. William Thomas seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative. Dr. Thomas noticed the owner of the Old Elementary School was seen at the site putting more stuff into the building. The Town Manager asked if it was Councils wishes to have the engineer look at the building for the structure safety. Pam Harlowe stated also that other homeowners should be contacted not only the owner of the Elementary School.

Old Business:

Final Walton Park Conceptual Plan - Dr. Thomas does not feel comfortable in voting on this matter without first seeing the plan. It was decided that it would be put on the agenda for next months meeting. Bernice Wilson-Kube stated that any work done or to be done at Walton Park should be approved by Council.

Closed Session:
Motion made by Roy Payne to go into closed session pursuant to discuss acquisition of property pursuant to VA Code 2.2.-37 11 A3 and to discuss personnel pursuant to VA Code 2.2.-37 11 A1, seconded by Brooks Besley. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.

Roy Payne made a motion to go back into open session. Brooks Besley seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.

Certification what announced was discussed only.
Edwin Keller / yes
Pam Harlowe / yes
Brooks Besley / yes
Roy Payne / yes
Bernice Wilson-Kube /yes
William Thomas / yes

Mr. Maus advised Council that if it was their wish he would complete his term until December 2008. His work load has changed to allow it. The Town Attorney has withdrawn his resignation and it is the Town Council wishes to continue his employment. William Thomas made a motion to accept Mr. Maus' withdrawal of resignation. Roy Payne seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative

William Thomas made a motion to proceed with acquiring the property at Sarkis Satian property and this will be the future home of the Town/DMV office. Pam Harlowe seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.

Pam Harlowe had several items that she wished to discuss with Council. Mrs. Harlowe felt that the intent for the Christmas dinner for the employees and Council was not taken into consideration when the arrangements were made. When she asked the Town Clerk about the date the Town Clerk stated that she was doing what she was told to do. Mrs. Harlowe felt that due to the short notice of the decision to have the dinner the date should have been set in January. Mr. Thomas stated that it was his intent for the Christmas dinner to be held before Christmas, not after. Mrs. Harlowe also feels that the Council should be notified of Chamber of Commerce and other functions. The Town Council should also be included in these invitations not just the Town Manager and Town Clerk. In general, Dr. Thomas does not wish to be notified of every single thing and feels that the staff is capable without being micro managed. Mrs. Harlowe also stated that she had never been to another government meeting were the Town Clerk sits between the chairmen and co-chairmen (Mayor & Vice Mayor). Mayor Edwin Keller stated that this would be handled administratively.

Roy Payne made a motion to adjourn. William Thomas seconded the motion. Motion passed 5/0 with None voting in the negative.