The Marion Town Council convened for its regular meeting this week, covering a wide range of topics including youth involvement in local government, parking challenges on Main Street, law enforcement updates, and preparations for upcoming Christmas events.
At Monday evening’s council meeting, a public hearing was held on the proposed loitering ordinance, which had been covered in greater detail in a previous article. Todd Long read the ordinance aloud and explained that his draft drew on reviews of nearby loitering ordinances, specifically citing Bristol as a reference point. During public input, the general consensus was that the ordinance’s language was overly broad and carried the potential to be applied selectively, raising concerns that it could unfairly target certain groups of people.
Public Comment:
Madison Pitts of the Smyth County Administrator’s Office spoke first, promoting a new initiative developed by Smyth County’s Economic Development department. Modeled after a successful program by Wytheville’s EDA, Smyth County will begin offering college scholarships and other benefits through their program efforts by selecting three high school students—one from each town—to serve as Youth Ambassadors. The goal is to engage young people in civic leadership and encourage increased involvement in local government. Applications for the program close on December 12.
Application here:
Flyer Here:
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/smythcountyva/_news/Student%20Ambassadors%20Flyer%20(3).pdf
Council member Susie Jennings praised the concept, noting the challenge of mobilizing more youth in local government.
Resident David Fulton also revisited a question raised at the previous meeting regarding recent revenue figures, particularly food tax totals from the last several months. Vice Mayor Gates advised that a FOIA request is the standard method for obtaining this information, but Town Attorney Mark Fenyk clarified that the town keeps these records readily available at no cost. “There is a form online on the town webpage,” Fenyk added.
Council Member Reports included the following:
Larry Carter reported that District 3 Transit recently selected a former Bristol mayor as its new chairman and has ordered several new buses. He noted that the current fleet runs continuously and wears out quickly, and while replacement buses are “ultra expensive,” it remains unclear how much federal funding will be available. Carter praised District 3’s commitment to providing a vital service to the region and encouraged residents to express appreciation and thank these drivers when they have the opportunity.
Hunter Atwell provided an update on the ongoing review of downtown parking policies. A proposal to reduce parking limits from three hours to two was sent to committee previously. Atwell stated that current parking rules are not being enforced and questioned whether policy changes make sense without first evaluating current enforcement options.
A recurring issue, he noted, is merchants using customer parking spaces on Main Street. The mayor acknowledged occasionally parking in front of his own store, Cornett’s Jewelry, but said he is always willing to move in support of better practices. “A parking place that a merchant takes is one that a customer can’t,” he said.
Economic Development Director Ken Heath shared that the town has already distributed flyers to businesses encouraging them not to occupy customer parking. However, he said some continue to do so. Council will revisit the topic.
Susie Jennings raised concerns about whether the Marion Police Department has enough personnel to enforce existing parking laws. Police Chief Kevin Testerman responded that enforcement capacity is limited, but other municipalities have adopted technologies such as license plate readers and cameras. These tools would require upfront investment and raise questions—such as how long photographic data is stored—similar to issues previously considered in Abingdon.
Jennings also shared several community announcements, including the Friends of the Library book sale on December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering $5 plastic bags and $10 paper bags filled with books. The Joyful Noise Choir will present a Christmas cantata at Marion Baptist Church on December 13.
Gates reported that the Tree Board has been active, planting new trees in front of the Henderson and along Callan Drive following recent removals.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Cornett said he had a “wonderful Thanksgiving,” attending the Gobbler Gallup and stopping by Marion’s Methodist Church observing significant volunteer efforts preparing community meals. He praised the strong spirit of service shown across the town.
Attorney and Public Safety Reports:
Town Attorney Fenyk informed Council of upcoming court matters involving the town’s revolving loan program. A $24 fee will be on the next agenda related to address changes on two warrant-in-debt cases. He commended the Marion Police Department for “going the extra mile” to locate two individuals who had evaded service. He added that the town may need to hire a private investigator to find two additional borrowers who have moved to Richmond with substantial outstanding loans.
Chief Testerman reported participating in a roundtable discussion on active shooter protocols alongside the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police. He also met with administrators at Smyth County Community Hospital regarding emergency access. Police and partner agencies maintain key card access to critical areas in the event of an incident, and new key cards will soon be issued to support coordinated response at the courthouse, schools, and Emory & Henry campus.
Representing the Marion Fire/EMS Department, Chief Keeling shared that the department’s call volume is approximately 245 runs so far. Crews are preparing for Friday night’s Christmas parade, though the weather forecast is unfavorable. He added that the Grinch will make an appearance in town on December 13.
Economic Development Update:
Ken Heath announced that Marion’s Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Thursday, December 4th at 6 p.m., with country and gospel singer Jimmy Fortune scheduled to flip the switch prior to his highly anticipated concert at the Lincoln Theater! He also noted recent ribbon cuttings, including at a local pawn shop and Blazing Scoops.
In addition to the regular agenda items, the Town Council included personnel matters involving the hiring of a new Town Manager. According to Todd Long, this process would involve a closed session following the Monday meeting to interview 2 candidates and a continued closed session Tuesday to interview 2 more candidates. At the conclusion of the Tuesday closed session, council returned with a decision and voted for a new town manager. Pending their acceptance of the position.
