It's About Time

Well, it is about time that the town of Clarksville will start the annexation process. If you were not at the last Council meeting on 11/17/09 (as I was not able to attend), it was passed by a vote at that meeting. A resolution was signed that will give the power to Ms. Moran and the law firm of SAMM. to “initiate and pursue all such procedures as may be necessary pursuant to the applicable provision of the Code of Virginia to accomplish the annexation.” The full story was written by Mr Elmes, editor of the South Hill Enterprise were I read and got these quotes on the action taken. Of course, I have a different view point and opinion on how the Town should have proceeded with this long dragged on issue. The one thing I do not have a issue with is that the Town needs to increase its footprint if we are expected to grow and prosper as a community. If you read the current Comprehensive Plan, it is proven and stated though out the 75 or so page document the reasons why this must be done. I have supplied a link to the Town Web Site on the right side of this blog. All you have to do is click on it for access. There you will find the Plan and also other useful tools such as the Town Code for anyone to review.

The law gives Virginia towns two ways to increase their corporate limits. The first way is by what is called a Voluntary Boundary Adjustment. It is just as it sounds, NO ATTORNEYS ARE NEEDED. An agreement is reached between the land owners requesting to be part of the Town, the County and Clarksville then, negociate this to be done. The second and costly way is called Forced Annexation. That is when agreement can not be reached by all parties and to further pursue it, Clarksville would have to file with the court, as stated in the article and also with the Commission on Local Government. A panel of Judges, three to be exact, would be appointed to make the finale decision. A ruling would be made which either could be (1) it will not be permitted or (2) that they agree with the Town plans as it stands now or (3) they could change the areas to what they think is more appropriate. An example is Conifer Cove is not currently included in the new map and request. The Judges could say the Town has to bring in that little pocket. These are some of the chances that you take when you file for a Forced Annexation. I do not know why this Council did not put an elected official on this panel with Ms. Moran, who would be accountable to the Public whom they are suppose to represent. Please do not misunderstand me. I think that Ms. Moran has the capability, but she is also a town employee and not a voting member of this Council.

The other major article that caught my attention was the “Marking of Parking Spaces.” Currently our Town parking is a mess. It is stated in our “Town Code” that spaces will be marked either on the street or on the curb. It is about time that this should be done. All Council members except one voted to proceed (5 to 1 against). The Council person who voted against this is worried that the Clarksville Police Department would then be able to write tickets for people who do not follow the 2 hour parking signs already installed. The real issue is why this ordinance is not being enforced now. The law is supposed to be enforced with or without having the spaces marked. (Please read Sections 71.15 B and 71.17 A&B using the link provided.) How would this hurt business downtown? The biggest violators, as I see it, are currently business owners and Town Hall employees. I agree with Chief Wilkerson that it will not hurt business now and has not in the past.