The Marion Town Council convened Monday evening for its July 20 meeting, moving quickly through routine business before hearing a series of detailed public comments ranging from summer library programs to concerns about police surveillance and water service transparency.
All council members were present except Todd May. The agenda and minutes from earlier meetings June 30 and July 6 were approved unanimously.
Public Comment:
Rose Likins Director of the Smyth County Public Library delivered an upbeat report on the library system’s summer programming. She noted that 398 children enrolled in the summer reading program, the library supported by 10 programs per week over six weeks. Additional events are scheduled in the coming days, including:
- An indoor petting zoo
- An outdoor petting zoo in Chilhowie
- A traveling dinosaur museum exhibit at the Saltville Wellness Center
- An author talk featuring Martha Copenhaver
- A “Christmas in July” maker‑space session
- Completion of a new recording studio expected by late August
Likins also highlighted a statewide Library of Virginia subscription offering online author talks,
Councilwoman Susie Jennings praised the library’s accomplishments, and Mayor Avery Cornett thanked Likins for her continued service to the community.
Local resident Sarah Taylor addressed council regarding unresolved water billing concerns and inconsistencies with usage as reflected on Eye On Water. Councilman Larry Carter referenced a recent incident at a local church where staff were able to pinpoint a water issue utilizing radio read meters and newly installed technology, allowing for a quick resolution. Vice Mayor Gates suggested the town “check into the case,” and Jennings seconded a motion.
The mayor agreed that staff should review the matter, though Carter reminded council that members do not have access to operational details within the water department. Last year the Mayor made a FOIA request for water billing information which to date, has not been provided. Further transparency and accountability was mentioned during public comment time this evening.
Resident Charles Hayden spoke at length about privacy concerns related to the town’s FLOCK license‑plate‑reading cameras also known as ALPRs (automatic license plate reader). Hayden contended that the cameras amount to unconstitutional tracking of citizens and urged council to require body cameras and dash cameras for officers if surveillance technology is expanding to track the movements of citizens. Hayden added that he had observed officers speeding and making illegal turns or not using turn signals frequently.
Police Chief Kevin Testerman spoke at length about the FLOCK system, citing several recent successes:
- A missing child located through a tag number
- A bank robbery suspect identified and arrested
- Strict policies governing tag searches
- Automatic deletion of records after 21 days unless tied to an investigation
“In public you have no expectation of privacy,” Testerman said, adding that the cameras “make me sleep better at night knowing we are protected.”
Hayden reiterated his desire for cameras on officers. Testerman explained that body cameras are costly, activate only during calls or when a cruiser’s emergency lights are activated, and would require the Commonwealth’s Attorney to hire additional staff to review the footage. The department is presently seeking grants to offset these costs.
Councilman Hunter Atwell asked whether dash cameras could document officer speed and turn‑signal use. Testerman said some systems show brake activation and emergency lights but not turn signals. He agreed to speak with officers about driving habits and encourage best practices.
Council Reports
Council members delivered brief updates:
- Jennings reported attending a community discussion about the historic Carnegie School and encouraged residents to donate books to the Friends of the Library sale.
- Atwell thanked town staff for their work during a recent downtown event and welcomed Councilwoman Debra Hayes back to the council.
- Carter updated council on the ordinance committee’s work to define the role of deputy town manager. A public hearing is scheduled for August 3. Questions remain about whether the position must be advertised.
- Mayor Cornett praised the weekend’s block party and food festival, noting the courthouse‑steps music setup was particularly well received.
Staff Reports and Public Safety Recognition
Council unanimously approved payment of accounts.
Chief Testerman highlighted a recent lifesaving response during a house fire, where Officers Hayes and Wagner applied a tourniquet to an injured firefighter and transported him to the hospital when ambulances were unavailable due to being utilized for other victims of the incident. Jennings requested their names be included in the minutes.
Board and Commission Appointments
Todd Long reported upcoming vacancies on the Board of Zoning Appeals and Tree Commission. Cecil Hicks was mentioned by Long and had expressed interest in serving on the BZA, and Chris Alexander may still be interested in a Planning Commission role. Jennings suggested Diane Hayes for the Tree Commission. Clarification is needed on whether appointees must reside within town limits. These appointments are open for any citizen to express an interest in serving on these appointments. Anyone interested in filling these appointments may contact Todd Long at tlong@marionva.org and express an interest.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Andrew Keen closed the meeting by commending staff for their work during the weekend’s events. The meeting then moved into closed session for real estate acquisition.
