The Marion Town Council convened on September 16, 2025, for their regular session, with Billy Hamm adding a legal matter to the agenda. The meeting covered a variety of topics, from housing authority updates to community safety and new town initiatives.
Charles Harrington, speaking on behalf of the Marion Housing Authority, provided a detailed update on their operations and policies. Harrington explained that the Housing Authority is an independent body, created in 1969 by a vote, and operates under the Commonwealth, not under the town of Marion itself. He clarified that the Housing Authority is not connected to HUD, though they manage a large number of local housing units, including 497 between public housing and housing choice vouchers.
Harrington addressed misconceptions about the eligibility requirements for housing assistance, stating that those who have been convicted of certain crimes, such as manufacturing drugs, are ineligible for housing aid for life. However, not all criminal convictions result in disqualification. He also stressed that the Housing Authority does not consider credit scores but does check whether applicants have paid rent or owed money to other housing authorities.
The waiting list for housing is predominantly made up of local applicants, with waits ranging from six months to a year and a half. Harrington emphasized the Housing Authority’s commitment to maintaining its properties and shared that they have a capital fund for continual updates. However, funding cuts from the Trump administration have reduced their budget by $68,000. Harrington also highlighted the extensive security measures in place, including security cameras that are accessible to the Marion Police Department (MPD).
Chief Testerman and Chief Clair presented awards for lifesaving actions. Senior Patrol Officer Dalton Pennington was recognized for his heroic actions on August 9, while 3 more officers were honored for saving a 12-year-old child who fell into the river during Helene last year. The council congratulated all officers for their bravery.
Sarah Taylor- addressed the council to raise concerns about the Henry Street Abatement. She urged the council to reconsider Attorney Mark Fenyk’s position as the town’s attorney, stating that he has made false or inaccurate statements regarding information requests or, in some cases, failed to provide the requested information altogether.
As an example, Taylor cited sales tickets from Berry’s, where scrap from the abatement had been sold. She noted that the top portions of four of these slips were illegible, despite her having requested clear copies, which Fenyk did not provide. Taylor explained that she personally visited Berry’s and confirmed that clear copies exist, showing the name of the town employee who received payment for the scrap, photographs of the vehicle used to deliver it, the driver’s license and tag number, as well as date and time stamps.
Taylor further called on the council to identify to Mr. Parks—the property owner affected by the abatement and who was present at the meeting—the location of the fence panels removed from his property. She referenced a recent newspaper article stating that the town stored the panels and that Mr. Parks could retrieve them.
Finally, Taylor criticized the town’s handling of theft that occurred during the abatement, pointing out that the town chose not to pursue criminal charges despite the Commonwealth’s Attorney indicating that a crime may have taken place.
Lynn Van Dolcin, a local resident, thanked a council member— Tricia Spencer—for speaking out about the rising issues of prostitution, shootings, and general crime in the area. Van Dolcin voiced frustration with the ongoing methamphetamine problem in the community and expressed appreciation for Officer Brown, who has been proactive in monitoring the area. However, Van Dolcin also pointed out that earlier referrals to the police department had yielded no results, urging the council to take swift action.
Bill Stamper raised concerns about the workers involved in the Henry Street abatement and questioned the accountability of those supervising the project. He urged the council to ensure that this issue does not go unaddressed.
Sandy Bryant shared a positive update on the Crisis Care Center, highlighting that 286 individuals had received assistance in the past three months. She called for continued collaboration with the town council to improve services for those in need.
April Keeling, a resident of Wesley Street, presented a petition to address homelessness on Jones Street, particularly in relation to Billy Earp’s property. She detailed instances of criminal activity in the area, including theft and drug-related problems, and submitted formal complaints for nuisance inspections. Keeling urged the council to take immediate action, noting that the situation was dangerous for local residents.
The mayor responded by noting that Chief Testerman and the police department were actively investigating the situation and that the town is following due process, though progress may be slower than some would like.
Tricia Spencer provided a brief update, stating that much of her recent work had already been covered by others in the meeting. She also proposed drafting a loitering ordinance, which would be reviewed by the ordinance committee before any formal vote. The motion to have Todd Long prepare a draft passed unanimously.
Hunter Atwell followed up on sanitation issues discussed during a recent committee meeting. He suggested changes to the ordinance regarding when trash cans should be put out and retrieved. A motion to revise the wording and review the ordinance again for potential changes before a public hearing passed. Atwell also raised the issue of animal control, proposing that the town consider reintroducing an animal control officer. This idea was also approved for further discussion.
The mayor shared a variety of updates from the past month, including his participation in the Triad program to protect older citizens, his attendance at the Town and Country Dinner, and the growth of the MSHS football team. He also reflected on the moving 9/11 memorial ceremony and a recent visit to the Energizer event on Iron Street. The mayor praised the community spirit and expressed a desire to tackle fear and division within the town. He thanked the public, council, and staff for their contributions to these initiatives.
The town manager reported significant progress on the South Main Sewer Project, which is now in its final phase. The project will soon enter its cleanup phase. Meanwhile, work on the East Main tie-ins and landscaping continues. The town is also addressing the water treatment plant’s intake system, which is expected to be cleaned by mid-October.
Additionally, the state has approved a $50 million assistance fund, administered through Mount Rogers, aimed at supporting local communities. The town has been encouraged to spread the word about this funding opportunity.
• Ken Heath discussed the town’s Comcast TV channel, noting that its technology is outdated and that fewer people rely on it for town information. A poll was taken during the meeting to gauge public interest in keeping the channel active. It was suggested that the town consider alternative methods of communication, such as social media, to reach residents more effectively.
• Todd Long provided updates on the revision of the town code, including a focus on repealing outdated sections and updating references. Long also mentioned that the town is looking into vacancies on the Board of Zoning Appeals and working to resolve ongoing phone issues with the Marion Police Department.
• Chief Testerman updated the council on the police department’s efforts, including the recruitment of new officers and their upcoming academy training. He also noted that MPD is regularly reporting streetlight outages to Comcast and encouraged residents to report any issues directly to the department.
• Chief Hamm shared updates from the fire department, including upcoming events such as Fire Prevention Month, a Chili Cook-Off, and Halloween Madness. The department is also partnering with the Boy Scouts of America for a Badge Day event.
The mayor wrapped up the meeting by recognizing the presence of Shawn Utt and Kendra Hayden and thanked them for their attendance. Three items were discussed in a closed session, and the meeting concluded with a reminder about upcoming community events.
