Marion Town Council Reviews Storm Response, Moves Forward on Projects at February Meeting
The Marion Town Council met Monday night with all members present except Councilwoman Debra Hayes, who was absent due to an injury she sustained from a fall during inclement weather. Council quickly approved the evening’s agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting.
Real estate matters under A3 and A5 were added to the closed session, and Town Manager Andrew Keen requested the addition of consultation with legal counsel.
Larry Carter opened reports by referencing magazine articles examining the growth of data centers, citing one from April 2024 and another in a more recent issue. (The specific publications were not identified during the meeting however, a recent article was found at:
https://virginiabusiness.com/why-data-center-development-is-moving-to-new-markets/
Todd May reported that carpet replacement at the Recreation Department has been delayed due to weather.
Hunter Atwell, speaking both personally and as chair of the Street Committee, thanked town staff for their work during the recent winter storms, particularly ensuring that salt was available despite difficult conditions.
Susie Jennings echoed those thanks and shared that she had spoken with Debra Hayes, who is awaiting a rehabilitation bed and will require surgery following a fall.
Tricia Spencer also thanked public works and town employees for their efforts.
Dr. Gates reported that a pre bid meeting for the Callan Drive Recreation Park project drew two bidders last week. Since then, seven firms have expressed interest. Bid opening has been rescheduled for February 12, and Addendums 1 and 2 are now posted on the town’s website.
Samantha White also supplemented this information during the meeting.
Mayor Avery Cornett reported attending the organizational and board meetings for Caring for Our Community last Friday. A request for matching funds has been fully met. Service Days will be scheduled soon, and the mayor expects better weather by the time volunteers are working. He also noted upcoming travel to the VML conference, weather permitting, and shared legislative updates from the recent Smyth12 meeting. The mayor thanked public works for their performance during the storm.
Town Attorney Mark Fenyk thanked public works employees for their storm response and noted that Tony Muncy, Junior Taylor, and Town Manager Andrew Keen worked through Sunday to secure additional salt.
He also thanked Todd Long specifically for coming in on his day off to assist with revisions [to the town code of ordinances] the attorney is preparing. (The specific revisions were not detailed publicly.)
Council then approved a slate of appointments for Andrew Keen, Tony Muncy, Cindy Stanley, Mark Fenyk, and Kevin Testerman.
Staff reported that the next council meeting will be moved to February 17 due to the holiday.
Marion Fire & EMS Chief Rusty Hamm reported that the department increased staffing during the storm and responded to approximately 109 calls, including slips and falls, a chimney fire, and an auto fire. One ambulance slid into a ditch on Scratch Gravel Road during icy conditions, sustaining minor damage.
Chief Hamm thanked public works for their support and noted several upcoming events: attendance at the Chiefs Conference, a March trip to Wisconsin for inspection of the new fire engine, and early preparations for the Fourth of July. Two new part time employees have been hired, with another awaiting field training. Full time hiring is underway with 15 applicants. A VA EMS inspection is scheduled for February 12. Budget work is beginning, with the town budget due February 20 and the county budget due February 13.
Police Chief Kevin Testerman announced the implementation of a new domestic violence screening program. After completing a questionnaire, individuals identified as needing assistance will automatically be connected with the Family Resource Center. Testerman described the program as strongly victim oriented. He will attend the Chiefs Conference in Richmond and thanked public works for their cooperation during the storm.
Town Manager Andrew Keen reported that nearly 300 tons of salt and gravel mixture had been applied to town roads during the storms and praised public works for clearing sidewalks in extreme cold.
Council revisited the appointment to the Mount Rogers Planning Commission. Both Mayor Cornett and Councilwoman Jennings expressed interest. After some discussion, Spencer moved to appoint Jennings, with Gates seconding. Jennings requested that the mayor be added as alternate, but the mayor noted that alternates would be addressed later. The motion to appoint Jennings passed unanimously.
Larry Carter asked about the cost of salt, and Keen reported a Roanoke rate of $144 per ton.
Todd May moved to provide a meal for town staff in recognition of their storm response, with Keen and Muncy to coordinate. The motion passed.
Closed Session
Council entered closed session to discuss:
• Real estate (A3)
• Prospective business (A5)
• Consultation with legal counsel for specific legal advice (A8)
