Marion, Va. — The Marion Town Council met on October 20, 2025, to hear public concerns and receive reports from council members and departments.
Public Comment
Vaping and Shooting Range Concerns
Dr. Wassum addressed the council regarding the growing vaping issue across Virginia’s middle schools, citing a recent FDA warning about synthetic opioid-like substances found in some gas station and vape shop products. He urged council to take a closer look at the number of vape shops operating within the town.
Wassum also raised long-standing concerns about the use of the shooting range near Water Mill Road. He noted that the range, originally intended for limited police training, has expanded significantly over the decades to include multiple agencies, including the Department of Corrections and regional SWAT teams.
According to Wassum, a recent training exercise involving tear gas affected nearby residents, including his family, causing eye irritation and breathing issues. He requested that council take action to reduce safety risks and limit the facility’s use.
Council Member Susie Jennings motioned to refer the matter to committee, with the Mayor suggesting that it fall under the Police Committee’s review.
Homeless Encampment on Private Property
Resident Billy Earp spoke to council regarding a growing homeless encampment located on property he owns. Earp stated that he was unaware he owned the parcel when he purchased his home and has faced challenges as the encampment has expanded.
“There are at least fifteen adults living there,” Earp said, explaining that some struggle with addiction or mental illness, while others simply need access to support programs. He added that he has received fines related to the situation but indicated that he is allowing police access to the property to enforce trespassing ordinances and has posted the property.
Earp urged council to take a coordinated approach to homelessness, calling it a “county, state, and federal problem,” and suggested he would be willing to help fund solutions if the town provided land for a local initiative. He mentioned that he already has a nonprofit. *Added by Three County News: Mr. Earp’s Non-profit organization is registered as “Constitutional Christianity Inc.” and lists William and David Earp as officers with no members. The organization was established 5/20/2024.
Council and Committee Reports
Larry Carter reported on the District 3 meeting, where Todd May attended in his absence. Carter noted that additional bus stops are being considered and highlighted discussions from the Virginia Municipal League (VML) Conference. He said the sessions on public safety and data centers were especially informative, noting that Loudoun County leads the state in data center development.
Hunter Atwell raised the need to fill a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals nominating Lora Gilley and Brenda Kelley as choices. (BZA). Council voted to appoint Brenda Kelly of Caring for Our Community to the position quickly on motion by Susie Jennings.
Susie Jennings thanked staff for their work on the annual Chili Cook-Off event.
Debra Hayes praised improvements made at the state hospital and suggested enhancing the appearance of Marion’s lower entrance with landscaping or wildflowers. She also spoke about attending a recent Recovery Court event, commending its success and positive impact on participants.
Mayor Avery Cornett reported completing the Mayor’s Institute during the VML Conference and shared his certificate of completion.
Mark Fenyk, Town Attorney, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend VML sessions, noting discussions with Roanoke officials about local vaping ordinances. He said Marion’s ordinance drew interest from other municipalities facing similar issues.
Department and Staff Reports
• Accounts Paid: Council reviewed payments, with clarification that several large expenditures were related to water line projects.
• Marion Police Department: Lt. Billings reported no new business.
• Marion Fire Department: Chief Rusty Hamm reported a busy October, with fire prevention activities and smoke detector installations underway. The department logged 197 calls in September and reminded residents to use caution with outdoor burning due to dry conditions.
• Economic Development (Ken Heath): Heath thanked participants of the Chili Cook-Off and announced that “Halloween Madness” will take place Saturday, October 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street. Council approved closing Main Street from Church to Commerce Streets for the event.
Heath also reported that Blazing Scoops was approved for a $15,000 small business loan and that several downtown projects are progressing, including the development of 23 apartments and five commercial spaces.
Future parking challenges downtown were discussed, with council agreeing that enforcement and planning will be necessary as development continues.
Flave Davis:
Reported in the absence of Todd Long the progress on trash enclosure compliance, with most properties now meeting requirements. He Identified 20 trash closures from March to July not covered to date they have 16 closures, 2 that were moved not visible from street and 3 still not compliant that are working towards that. Council also set a public hearing for November 17 to consider a new loitering ordinance, pending legal review to ensure constitutional compliance.
Town Manager: Reported progress on several infrastructure projects, including the East Main Street water line replacement, Steele Park playground, and Market Street sewer improvement all of which appear to be on schedule or near completion.
Additional information was provided to Three County News about Marion’s RBEG Small Business Loan program. To date, there are 60 loans that have been approved with number 61 in the pipeline. Funds may not be used for residential construction unless the renovation is part of the overall building renovation such as water, sewer or electrical systems upgrades. The interest rate for loans from this small business program have 2% interest over 60 months. Business owners provide a basic security agreement on the loan with the staff recommendation that equipment, furnishings and inventory serve as “soft collateral” for the loan in addition to the personal guarantee
