The Marion Town Council met on Monday, August 18, with a full agenda that included closed-session business, law enforcement recognition, a Riverwalk expansion presentation, and a lengthy public comment period where citizens voiced concerns ranging from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) fees to homelessness, zoning, and town code updates.
The meeting opened with “Personnel (A1)” added to the agenda for closed session. To accommodate officers’ schedules, the agenda was shifted so law enforcement could return to duty following a presentation.
Frank and Debra Farmer led a presentation recognizing local officers through a Thin Blue Line Flag initiative and presentation. Ten officers, along with Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler, were honored after being nominated on social media. Flags were presented to those in attendance, while Marion Police Chief Kevin Testerman accepted remaining flags for distribution. Mayor Avery Cornett thanked them for their presentation.
During public presentations, architect Bill Huber shared plans to extend Marion’s Riverwalk by approximately 900 feet. His detailed presentation highlighted potential community benefits. Council voted to send the proposal to the recreation committee for further review.
Before opening the floor, Mayor Cornett outlined procedures for public comment. Speakers were asked to state their name and address, limit remarks to 3–5 minutes, and maintain civility, respect, and decorum. The mayor emphasized that comment time is not for debate, but for expressing opinions about town operations.
• David Huff criticized the Thin Blue Line Flag presentation, citing U.S. Flag Code Section G and calling the flags equivalent to burning the flag. He demanded all blue line flags be removed from public property. Huff also alleged the town planned to forcibly remove homeless individuals’ belongings on August 24, a claim the mayor denied knowledge of. “You all want to prey on the weak,” Huff said, pledging to record and publicize the issue.
• Sarah Taylor raised concerns about the town’s lack of written FOIA policies and procedures, noting Marion’s absence of published guidelines compared with Smyth County agencies. Taylor questioned inflated fees, citing a recent request for GoPro footage of a property abatement billed at $508.66. She handed Chief Testerman a cashier’s check for the full amount and requested that he pass it to Council with it ending at the town Clerk for verification of the amount. These funds were raised in 48 hours over the weekend. The mayor responded that he hoped the information would be provided promptly.
• J.S. Staley criticized the lack of updates on concerns raised in recent months, including pollution in the Middle Fork of the Holston River, and warned against approving new projects before addressing environmental issues. He also called attention to the approaching cold weather and urged action to assist the homeless. His remarks received audience applause.
• Bill Stamper replayed a recording of a portion of the the August 4 council meeting, which captured unprofessional commentary by council members that had circulated widely on social media. Directing his criticism at multiple council members, Stamper stated several members are lacking integrity and presented balloons to those who laughed during the August 4 meeting. He commended Councilman Todd May, Councilwoman Debra Hayes, and Mayor Cornett for maintaining decorum.
• David Fulton expressed concern that residents can no longer pay Town of Marion water bills at Walmart, despite other bill payment options remaining available. He added that two families who viewed the August 4 meeting recording decided against moving to Marion due to the behavior displayed by council members.
• Charles Hayden echoed FOIA concerns, noting that Marion lacks a written policy that is now required. He accused the council of giving excessive authority to the town attorney and criticized recent farm animal and hunting ordinances. Hayden also cited federal protections for emotional support animals, including livestock, and urged accountability from elected officials.
• Lance Van Dulcin raised safety and quality-of-life issues in the Riverwalk area, citing smoke, litter, suspected drug activity, and concerns. He warned that such problems could hurt property values and the appeal of new housing. The mayor referred him to the Economic Development Authority and suggested he attend its next meeting for information on his inquiries as to where the town is with the BAUD program.
• James Parks objected to a quadplex operated by Mt. Rogers in his neighborhood, noting it had shifted from veteran housing to drug recovery use. He expressed concerns about zoning changes, property values, and inadequate sewer infrastructure.
When the meeting shifted from public comment to council reports, the following was reported:
• Councilwoman Tricia Spencer called for updating Marion’s entire code, which has not been revised since 1997. Town Attorney Mark Fenyk said the process would be lengthy, possibly taking a year or more, but Dr.Gates suggested hiring a company to expedite the work.
• Councilman Hunter Atwell urged council members to improve professional conduct, describing recent behavior as “embarrassing.” He also requested all members attend the next sanitation committee meeting.
• Councilman Todd May reported on playground repairs near Marion Elementary School, totaling $4,060, which he and the mayor agreed to move forward with.
• Councilman Larry Carter shared updates from a recent graduation event and educational program enrollment, while noting competition from ETSU.
• Mayor Cornett highlighted upcoming events, including Town & Country BBQ on September 4, meetings with Hill Studios about “Marion 2.0,” and the approval of a resolution honoring Gary and Marilyn Peacock’s 60th wedding anniversary.
• Town Attorney Fenyk briefed council on ASCAP licensing fees based on population, recommending payment be processed promptly.
• Chief Testerman reported on departmental training and awards.
• Marion Fire/EMS announced the addition of two part-time members, completion of a grant application, and recognized the passing of longtime volunteer Doug Testerman.
• Economic Development Director Ken Heath promoted a ribbon-cutting for Windy City Dogs, discussed small business loan pool activity, and requested council approval for a $15,000 loan application from entrepreneur Erin Thomas.
• Zoning and Property Maintenance Director Todd Long updated council on sanitation enforcement, pending court cases, and livestock ordinance enforcement. He noted most complaints are verbal, though staff investigates each one. He also mentioned that sanitation ordinance fine letters sent out prior had been retracted and ordinance enforcement would pause and resume about the middle of September after the next water billing cycle places a notice on everyone’s water bill about the updates.
The meeting underscored both opportunities and tensions in Marion, as council members balanced infrastructure improvements, policy updates, and community concerns with public criticism over transparency and professionalism.
