Marion Town Council Meeting April 6th; Issues With Silencing the Public
The Marion Town Council met Monday night for a wide‑ranging session that included proclamations, public comment on constitutional issues and meeting procedures, updates on public safety equipment, and a detailed discussion of new pool rates aimed at expanding access for local families.
Council opened by approving the agenda with several changes, including moving the swearing‑in of new police officers to the beginning of the meeting and shifting the order of public presentations. A planned closed session item on real estate acquisition was removed.
Catherine Roark of the Children’s Advocacy Center addressed council, highlighting the organization’s work in Marion since 2014. She emphasized the need for “a safety net to support children and youth,” noting gaps in child‑friendly, legally sound interview processes and the importance of specialized therapies for very young victims. Roark also mentioned McFly, the center’s certified facility therapy dog who supports children during interviews and court proceedings. “April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we can’t do enough to make sure that our children grow up safe, healthy, and happy,” she said. Council issued a formal proclamation recognizing the month.
Bob Watkins of the Lincoln Theatre provided an annual update, reporting 12,062 tickets sold last year. Watkins outlined several 2026 goals, including increasing capital funds, using newly purchased Prism software to streamline settlements with booking agents, strengthening ties with Song of the Mountains—where he serves as a voting board member—and pursuing grants for HVAC repairs after winter ice damage. He said the theatre aims to bring in larger national acts without raising ticket prices. Bar revenue currently adds $700–$1,000 per show, and local ticket sales have increased by about five percent.
Public comment centered heavily on constitutional concerns and the conduct of recent ordinance committee meetings. Charles Wassum spoke on the importance of constitutional adherence, distributing maps and excerpts from the Virginia Constitution. He also paused during his presentation to ask why Mr. Fenyk, the town attorney, is permitted to be disruptive during public comment on a regular basis.
Mike Guy urged council to avoid partisan issues and focus strictly on town operations. Robby Coley asked council to consider a resolution supporting cooperation with ICE, encourage voter participation in the upcoming referendum, and explore designating Marion as a Second Amendment sanctuary.
Roger Bowman criticized restrictions on public input at the recent ordinance committee meeting, saying the meeting would have ended sooner had comments been allowed.
David Fulton echoed concerns about being denied the opportunity to speak and compared county and town procedures for remote participation. Mayor Avery Cornett reiterated that all citizens should exercise their right to vote.
To clarify the discussion of restrictions of public comment, Councilman Larry Carter went on record at a recent ordinance committee meeting stating there would be no public comment at his meeting and then later reiterated that the committee would not accept public comment. This raised concerns during that meeting which spilled over into the current council meeting’s public comment segment. Carter is currently seeking re-election in November for Marion Town Council.
During Council Reports, Gates proposed proclaiming April 27 as Arbor Day and distributed information on redistricting, encouraging council to stay focused on local issues. Spencer encouraged voter turnout and presented a resolution honoring Fire Chief Rusty Hamm, who is leaving for a new position in Richmond. Jennings thanked attendees for their engagement and reported that Councilwoman Debra Hayes is recovering well after a hospital stay. Atwell and May offered thanks to Hamm and noted progress in recreation planning. Carter summarized the ordinance committee’s work on allowing electronic participation for council members with physical incapacity. The proposed ordinance would require two public hearings, with a tentative date of May 4. Estimated equipment cost is $2,000 to $20,000.
The mayor highlighted upcoming community service days at Riverbend Park on June 6 and 13, encouraged team signups, and noted ongoing preparations for Memorial Day flag displays with the VFW.
Chief Rusty Hamm delivered his final Fire/EMS report before departing for his new state position. February saw 211 calls, and the department’s long‑planned new ambulance arrived and was on display across the street from Town Hall. A new fire engine—costing just over $1 million—is nearing final inspection. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve this town,” Hamm said.
Marion Police Chief Testerman introduced Logan Selfe, a third‑generation police officer newly hired by the Marion Police Department.
IT Director Todd Long noted that the cost of equipment for remote participation could be significantly reduced by repurposing an existing laptop capable of running Microsoft Teams.
Town Manager Andrew Keen asked council to approve a resolution finalizing financing for the new fire engine, noting there are no penalties for early payoff. Keen also presented proposed 2026 pool rates, emphasizing affordability and access. Season passes would drop from $250 to $99, household passes from $350 to $99 for two people with an additional $49 per person, and a new two‑hour pool party option would be offered at $149. Pavilion rental would be $50 per day. Councilwoman Spencer suggested exploring free or reduced‑cost passes for underprivileged children. A marketing campaign will accompany the new rates.
Council also discussed local park usage. Soccer has been moved to Steele Park, and Riverbend Park will soon add pickleball courts.
