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The Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department has recently formed a history and archives committee. We are collecting pictures, news articles and any other memorabilia starting with the formation of the department in 1948 and the Ladies Auxiliary in 1949 and continuing through present day. Any items covering the 57-year span of the department are an important part of our history and growth. These items will be preserved for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Anyone having items to donate or to have copied, please contact Jeanne Kirby at 249-4355 or Grottoes Fire Department at 249-5911.

WORKSHOP MEETING



Mayor Morris called the Workshop Meeting of the Grottoes Town Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2008 and welcomed guests. Town Clerk Tara Morris called the roll. Members present were David Raynes, John Funk, Joe Morris, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk. Also present were Town Clerk Tara Morris, Town Attorney Nathan Miller, Superintendent Ashley Davison, Operations Manager Charlie Stickley, and Police Chief John Painter.


Mayor Morris asked everyone to look over the minutes and be ready to approve them on Monday night.


FINANCE


Councilman John Funk asked if anyone had any questions on the Treasurer’s report or the bills to be paid.


Councilman John Funk stated that everyone has a copy of the trash bids. He asked that everyone look them over and stated that he will be making a motion on this Monday night.


Superintendent Ashley Davison explained to Council that the anti-virus software on the office computers and server has expired and that we need to purchase new software so our computers are protected from viruses. Councilman John Funk made a motion to purchase the anti-virus software with an expected cost of $300.00-$350.00. Councilman Jim Justis seconded the motion. Council members David Raynes, John Funk, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


WATER AND SEWER


Councilman Jim Justis stated that Dollar General is looking to build on Route 256. He stated that they are asking the Town to relieve them of the water and sewer connection fees. Councilman Jim Justis asked how this would benefit the Town. Mayor Morris stated that this would be a new business for the Town and expressed his concerns about waiving the connection fees. Councilman Jim Justis stated that we have worked with new businesses in the past, but have not previously waved connection fees. Councilman Jim Justis stated that he will make a motion Monday night.




ORDINANCE, HEALTH AND PROPERTY


Town Attorney Nathan Miller stated that he reviewed the Adult Business Ordinance and the Procurement Ordinance and stated that the ordinances are fine with some typographical changes.


Superintendent Ashley Davison stated that the zoning map has been updated to reflect the current zonings. She stated that the map has not been changed for several years and that some of the zonings on the previous map had been changed from what the map showed.


STREETS AND STREET LIGHTS


Councilman David Raynes stated that he has received three quotes for tree removal and that everyone should have a copy of the quotes. He stated that he will make a motion Monday night to accept one of the quotes.


Councilman David Raynes made a motion to proceed with the sidewalk inventory map not to exceed $2,000.00. Councilwoman Marjorie Funk seconded the motion. Council Members David Raynes, John Funk, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman David Raynes stated that everyone should have a copy of the quotes for new tires for the maintenance van and that he will make a motion Monday night.


SPECIAL EVENTS


Councilwoman Marjorie Funk stated that the Harvest Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2008. She stated that we have scheduled a rain date for September 20th and that we will make a decision by noon on Friday, September 5, 2008.


Councilwoman Marjorie Funk stated that the community yard sale is set for Saturday, September 27th and the senior’s luncheon will be on October 11th. She stated that she would like to have all Council in attendance and that she would like for them to help serve the meal like they did last year.





PERSONNEL, FIRE AND POLICE PROTECTION


Mayor Morris stated that the police department has a car that needs the engine replaced. Chief Painter stated that he has received quotes from the Ford dealership and private garages and the cost to repair the engine would be as much as it would be to replace the engine, but would carry no warranty. Chief Painter stated that he could purchase a new engine from Rhino Engines with a three-year warranty at a cost slightly greater than $2,500.00 and Hometown Garage in Elkton would install the engine for $1,200.00. Councilman Jim Justis asked Chief Painter to obtain quotes from local garages and bring those to Monday’s meeting.


SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS


Mayor Morris stated that everyone should have a copy of the VRS Resolution and that it will need to be passed on Monday night.


Town Superintendent Ashley Davison stated that she has received complaints from businesses on 6th Street about parking. They stated that the Town has removed a parking space and that there are mailboxes located next to the street that limits their customer’s parking spaces. Operations Manager Charlie Stickley stated that the Town removed a parking space because a van parked there all day making it impossible to see at that intersection. Town Superintendent Ashley Davison stated that she is working on some solutions that she hopes will satisfy everyone. Mayor Morris asked her to keep the Council updated on her progress.


UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING


Councilman Mark Sterling stated that everyone has a copy of the stage quotes. Mayor Morris stated that the Council needs to decide on a location for the stage. Councilman Mark Sterling stated that he would like for the stage to be next to the main power supply. Operations Manager Charlie Stickley stated that he would like to see the stage be placed by the tennis courts. Mayor Morris suggested that the Council go to the park to discuss a location for the stage.


Councilman Jim Justis informed the Council that Superintendent Ashley Davison has provided him with a point of contact for the Planning Commission classes. Jim stated that he wants to discuss the classes with him and he also plans to look into chartering a bus to send a group to the classes.


Councilman Jim Justis stated that he has spoken with Vice Admiral William Dockerty and that he will be our Keynote Speaker at the Veteran’s Memorial Dedication Ceremony.


With no further business to discuss, Mayor Morris adjourned the meeting.



TOWN COUNCIL MEETING




Councilman David Raynes called the Meeting of the Grottoes Town Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2008 and welcomed guests. Town Clerk Tara Morris called the roll. Members present were David Raynes, Berton Austin, John Funk, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk. Also present were Town Clerk Tara Morris, Town Superintendent Ashley Davison, Operations Manager Charlie Stickley, and Police Sergeant Wes Baugher.


Councilwoman Marjorie Funk made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 11, 2008 Town Council meeting. Councilman John Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, Councilman Jim Justis voted present, motion carried.


FINANCE


Councilman John Funk made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for the month of August 2008. Councilman Jim Justis seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman John Funk made a motion to pay the bills as of September 4, 2008 total $24,024.80 and the remaining bills from August 2008 totaling $96,334.80 for a total of $120,359.60. Councilwoman Marjorie Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman John Funk made a motion to accept the trash bid from Long Enterprises covering the periods from October 2008 to September 2009 for a total of $104,794.52 and from October 2009 to September 2010 for a total of $117,334.08 and from October 2010 to September 2011 for a total of $131,441.04. This quote is the one that includes the tipping fees. Councilman Jim Justis seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.





WATER AND SEWER


Councilman Jim Justis made a motion to deny Dollar General’s request to waive their connection fees and require that they would have to pay the connection fees when and if they decide to come into Town. Councilman John Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, Councilman Mark Sterling voted against the motion, motion carried.


ORDINANCE HEALTH AND PROPERTY


Councilman Berton Austin made a motion to accept the Adult Business Ordinance as amended by the Town Attorney and to enact this ordinance into our Code. Councilman John Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman Berton Austin made a motion to accept the Procurement Ordinance as amended by the Town Attorney and to enact this ordinance into our Code. Councilman John Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman Berton Austin made a motion to approve the quote for the zoning maps at a cost of $350.00-$400.00. Councilwoman Marjorie Funk seconded the motion. Councilman Jim Justis wanted to clarify that the changes to the zoning map are for changes that have already been made and not projected changes. Superintendent Ashley Davison stated that the purpose of the updated map is to include changes that were made several years ago. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


STREETS AND STREET LIGHTS


Councilman David Raynes made a motion to accept the quote from Col-Lac in the amount of $800.00 for tree removal. Councilman Berton Austin seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman David Raynes made a motion to accept the quote from Jr’s Tires for six, 10-ply tires for the maintenance utility van in the amount of $675.00. Councilwoman Marjorie Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


SPECIAL EVENTS


Councilwoman Marjorie Funk informed the Council that the Harvest Festival was rescheduled for September 20th. She also stated that the community yard sale will be on September 27, 2008 and the senior citizens’ luncheon will be on October, 11, 2008.


PERSONNEL, FIRE AND POLICE


Sergeant Wes Baugher stated that he has received additional quotes for installation of the engine for the police car. He has a quote from Valley Motor Service in the amount of $802.50. However this quote does not include any hoses, belts, or fluids that need to be replaced. He also has a quote from Knight’s Mobile Services in the amount of $900.00, which includes a one-week turn around after receiving the motor, all new belts, hoses and fluids. Councilman John Funk made a motion to accept the quote from Knight’s Mobile Services in the amount of $900.00. Councilman Mark Sterling seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilwoman Marjorie Funk made a motion to purchase an engine for the police car from Rhino Engines in the amount $2,576.00. Councilman Jim Justis seconded the motion. Councilman Jim Justis asked that we amend the motion to include that we get a signed agreement from Rhino Engines stating that they are aware that this engine is being placed in a police car. Councilwoman Marjorie Funk amended her motion to have a representative from Rhino Engines sign an agreement stating that they are aware that this engine will be placed in a police vehicle. Councilman Jim Justis accepted the amended motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman Jim Justis made a motion to approve the resolution for Affirmation of Authorization to Pick-Up the Employee’s Contribution to VRS for the Town of Grottoes, 55239 Under Section 414(h) of the Internal Revenue Code. Councilwoman Marjorie Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS


Councilman John Funk made a motion to proclaim September 17-21, 2008 as Constitution Week. Councilman Berton Austin seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman Jim Justis informed the Council that he has spoken to Mr. Wimer and given him the specifications for the Planning Commission class. Jim stated that Mr. Wimer was not familiar with the class but will provide information on the certification classes that are now available.


UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF PREVIOUS MEETING


Councilman Mark Sterling asked if anyone went to the park to look at possibilities for the stage location. Councilman John Funk stated that he went to the park and did not like the location next to the main power supply. After discussion Council decided to meet at the park before the next workshop meeting or hold the next workshop meeting at the park.


Councilman John Funk made a motion to purchase the stage material from Virginia Frame Builders. Councilman Mark Sterling seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


Councilman Mark Sterling made a motion not to exceed a cost of $1,500.00 for labor for the construction of the stage. Councilman John Funk seconded the motion. Council members Berton Austin, John Funk, David Raynes, Mark Sterling, Jim Justis, and Marjorie Funk voted in favor of the motion, motion carried.


PRESENTATIONS OF PETITIONS AND CLAIMS


Althea Smallwood addressed the Council stating that she is having trouble with a neighbor riding a four wheeler by her house. She stated that this is very disturbing to them inside their house. She is proposing that the Council look into banning four wheelers and mini bikes in Town. She stated that she has also looked up the nuisance ordinance and feels that the four wheeler noise is a nuisance under the Town’s ordinance. Sergeant Baugher stated that when he arrived the boys were riding in their yard and that he informed them that he could not stop them from riding on private property. Councilman Jim Justis stated that he is not in favor of banning four wheelers and mini bikes in Town but he feels that we should talk with Chief Painter and our Town Attorney to see what needs to be done. Mrs. Smallwood thanked the Council for their time.


With no further business to discuss, Councilman David Raynes adjourned the meeting.

3 days of independent music in the woods
Spaghettifest is one of the great home-grown music festivals of the Shenandoah Valley. Hosted by the funk mob Midnight Spaghetti & The Chocolate G-Strings, the annual charitable event brings together a thriving community of music lovers and outstanding bands of innumerable genres. The monumental rock formations of Natural Chimneys Regional Park provide the perfect setting for a weekend of camping, friends, and great performances.

Spaghettifest boasts three stages with over 40 bands along with artisans, vendors, and art installations. Full music schedule will be posted soon.

Proceeds from this year's Spaghettifest will be donated to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

For details see Spaghettifest Event Website

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