AS the Town of Clarksville starts the annexation process, it seems others have their own ideas as 38 people have signed a petition against annexation. The following was taken from Public Records:
CITIZENS AGAINST ANNEXATION
PO BOX 583
CLARKSVILLE, VA 23927
December 22, 2009
TO: County Administrator Wayne Carter for
THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Citizens AGAINST Annexation
RE: Updated Information on Annexation Proposal
As recommended, please find attached an updated petition from the Citizens of Noblin Farm and Shiney Rock Roads.
We sincerely request that you give consideration to the desires of the residents and/or landowners of our community.
We are aware that our additional tax dollars (if annexed into the Town of Clarksville) will provide our community with sidewalks, street lights, garbage pickup, water and sewer service in no more than five (5) years after the date of annexation approval. Our community is full of great residents, wonderful, considerate neighbors and our desire is to remain COUNTY residents.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or additional information.
copy: Town Manager Melinda Moran for Town Council -
PETITION
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF SHINEY ROCK ROAD AND NOBLIN FARM ROAD, DO HEREBY, FORMALLY PROTEST THE ANNEXATION OF OUR COMMUNITY INTO THE TOWN LIMITS OF THE TOWN OF CLARKSVILLE, VA.
WE ARE STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THIS PLANNED ANNEXATION AS IT DOES NOT OFFER US ANYTHING WE DO NOT ALREADY ENJOY AS A COMMUNITY AND WILL ONLY SERVE TO CREATE UNDUE HARDSHIP ON THOSE OF US LIVING ON FIXED INCOMES.
THE TOWN OF CLARKSVILLE, VA IS OFFERING TOWN WATER, SEWER, STREET LIGHTS AND MORE PROTECTION BY THE TOWN'S POLICE DEPARTMENT AS BENEFITS WE WILL RECEIVE IF WE ALLOW THIS PROPOSED ANNEXATION. WE ALREADY HAVE OUR OWN WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS. THOSE OF US WANTING SECURITY LIGHTS ALREADY HAVE THEM AND AS FOR AS THE AVAILABILITY OF THE INCREASED POLICE PROTECTION, WE HAVE ENJOYED OUR COMMUNITY ALL THESE YEARS WITH THE CURRENT PROTECTION AVAILABLE TO US. THEREFORE, FROM OUR COMMUNITY'S POINT OF VIEW, THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION WILL ONLY SERVE TO INCREASE THE TAXES WE NOW PAY AND SUBJECT US TO CLARKSVILLE'S TOWN ORDINANCES. THUS CREATING BOTH FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS AND AN INVASION OF THE FREEDOM WE NOW ENJOY.
WE ARE AWARE THAT SOME OF THE POPULATION LIVING AND OPERATING
BUSINESSES IN THE PROPOSED AREA DO WANT TO BE ANNEXED INTO THE TOWN Limits OF CLARKSVILLE, VA. WE ARE, THEREFORE, PROPOSING AN ALTERNATE PLAN OF ANNEXATION. BY ANNEXING EVERTHING NORTH OF THE PROPOSED HIGHWAY FIFTY-EIGHT BY-PASS TO HIGHWAY FIFTEEN SOUTH, TURN SOUTH AND TAKE IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK, AIRPORT, BEAUTY SHOP AND DUMP. THIS ALTERNATE PLAN WOULD ALLOW THOSE LIVING AND OPERATING BUSINESSES IN THAT AREA TO HAVE THE ANNEXATION THEY DESIRE, WHILE LEAVING THOSE OF US LIVING ON SHINEY ROCK ROAD AND NOBLIN FARM ROAD OUT OF THE ANNEXATION.
AS CITIZENS, WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENJOY OUR COMMUNITY AS WE HAVE ALL THESE MANY YEARS. TO FORCE ANNEXATION ON US WOULD NOT BE BENEFICIAL TO ANY OF US AND WOULD SERVE ONLY TO PAD THE POCKETS OF THE TOWN OF CLARKSVILLE'S TREASURY.
WE PRAY OUR PROTESTS ARE HEARD AND YIELDED TO.
LET THIS PETITION SERVE AS NOTICE THAT WE THE UNDERSIGNED WILL FIGHT THIS PROPOSED ANNEXATION IN EVERY WAY AVAILABLE TO US.
(Note from the Blog Editor: Please feel free to make comments about the annexation.)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
WHAT IS GOING ON
Council Workshop Minutes
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
7:30 p.m. Town Hall
Council Present: Harold Yuille, Linda Davenport, Connie Torres, Carolyn Hite, Weston Gupton, Kevin Allgood
Staff Present: Melinda Moran
Kevin opened the meeting and thanked everyone for coming out in the cold weather:
1.Budget (Connie Torres, Linda Davenport)
The Budget Committee presented the Annual Report. Council will review and make comment at the February Workshop meeting. Carolyn commented that it appeared to be a good piece of work. Connie commented that the format will be used for Budget preparation and communication with the public.
2.Buildings and Grounds (Linda Davenport, Weston Gupton)
A.Housing Rehab Planning Grant
Melinda reported that the PDC staff is still working with DHCD on securing a planning grant. They still need surveys from a number of residents to demonstrate support for the project.
B.Town Owned Buildings
Melinda stated that the Buildings and Grounds Committee should meet to consider the best use for the building vacated by Dr. Brown building and for the YMCA building which will be vacated once the new facility on Noblin Farm Rd. is completed.
3.Personnel (Carolyn Hite, Connie Torres)
The Police Department would like Council to recognize Sergeant Paul Hawkins for his service to the Town at the Regular Meeting. Paul is retired as of January 1. The newly hired police officer is certified and will start mid-January.
4.Streets & Sidewalks (Weston Gupton, Bill Nunn)
A. Streets and Sidewalks
VDOT is willing to pay for the additional drainage work needed in front of Strum and Co., but we have to comply with the Small Purchase Procurement requirements. The PDC is assisting us in this effort. 5.Utility Committee (Bill Nunn, Harold Yuille)
A. Planning Grants
Melinda reported that Town staff is still working with Dewberry on the Rural Development planning grant to look at town-wide sewer needs and to develop a grant application for construction funds from Rural Development.
Wiley & Wilson staff is working with Town staff on the two Health Department planning grants for storage, hydrology, and water audit issues.
6.Recreation (Harold Yuille, Carolyn Hite) 7. OTHER
A.Boundary Adjustment
Melinda reported that she has compiled owner information for the boundary adjustment area, but that the Town does not yet have distribution copies of the maps available for the public. An electronic copy of the map is available for anyone who wants it. The County has not yet set a meeting date in response to the Town's request last month. Also, a petition from the "Citizens Against Annexation" will be included in the Regular meeting agenda packet.
B.Fire Department Pumper Truck Request
Rural Development has been contacted regarding their financing options but they have not yet replied. Carolyn commented that she felt a request involving a large amount of money should be handled under some type of formal policy. Connie agreed that more time to consider the request would have been preferable, but she felt that the Council made the right decisions under the circumstances.
C.Website
Melinda advised that the website designer who developed the Town's site had closed his business. The Town staff will be able to add notices and post new items to the site, but we will not be able to do any further improvements. Carolyn commented that holiday and closing notices should be posted on the website.
D.Basketball Fence
Linda asked how the cost of the fence around the basketball court was handled in the budget. Carolyn replied that it was paid for with Town and Ruritan funds. Melinda commented that the Ruritan funds would have been placed under the Miscellaneous Revenue line item.
E. Dump Truck
Melinda reported that the engine in the Town's older Dump Truck blew while it was being used to push snow before Christmas. The truck was used primarily in hauling dirt away from utility repairs and to push snow.(reprinted from Public Record)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
7:30 p.m. Town Hall
Council Present: Harold Yuille, Linda Davenport, Connie Torres, Carolyn Hite, Weston Gupton, Kevin Allgood
Staff Present: Melinda Moran
Kevin opened the meeting and thanked everyone for coming out in the cold weather:
1.Budget (Connie Torres, Linda Davenport)
The Budget Committee presented the Annual Report. Council will review and make comment at the February Workshop meeting. Carolyn commented that it appeared to be a good piece of work. Connie commented that the format will be used for Budget preparation and communication with the public.
2.Buildings and Grounds (Linda Davenport, Weston Gupton)
A.Housing Rehab Planning Grant
Melinda reported that the PDC staff is still working with DHCD on securing a planning grant. They still need surveys from a number of residents to demonstrate support for the project.
B.Town Owned Buildings
Melinda stated that the Buildings and Grounds Committee should meet to consider the best use for the building vacated by Dr. Brown building and for the YMCA building which will be vacated once the new facility on Noblin Farm Rd. is completed.
3.Personnel (Carolyn Hite, Connie Torres)
The Police Department would like Council to recognize Sergeant Paul Hawkins for his service to the Town at the Regular Meeting. Paul is retired as of January 1. The newly hired police officer is certified and will start mid-January.
4.Streets & Sidewalks (Weston Gupton, Bill Nunn)
A. Streets and Sidewalks
VDOT is willing to pay for the additional drainage work needed in front of Strum and Co., but we have to comply with the Small Purchase Procurement requirements. The PDC is assisting us in this effort. 5.Utility Committee (Bill Nunn, Harold Yuille)
A. Planning Grants
Melinda reported that Town staff is still working with Dewberry on the Rural Development planning grant to look at town-wide sewer needs and to develop a grant application for construction funds from Rural Development.
Wiley & Wilson staff is working with Town staff on the two Health Department planning grants for storage, hydrology, and water audit issues.
6.Recreation (Harold Yuille, Carolyn Hite) 7. OTHER
A.Boundary Adjustment
Melinda reported that she has compiled owner information for the boundary adjustment area, but that the Town does not yet have distribution copies of the maps available for the public. An electronic copy of the map is available for anyone who wants it. The County has not yet set a meeting date in response to the Town's request last month. Also, a petition from the "Citizens Against Annexation" will be included in the Regular meeting agenda packet.
B.Fire Department Pumper Truck Request
Rural Development has been contacted regarding their financing options but they have not yet replied. Carolyn commented that she felt a request involving a large amount of money should be handled under some type of formal policy. Connie agreed that more time to consider the request would have been preferable, but she felt that the Council made the right decisions under the circumstances.
C.Website
Melinda advised that the website designer who developed the Town's site had closed his business. The Town staff will be able to add notices and post new items to the site, but we will not be able to do any further improvements. Carolyn commented that holiday and closing notices should be posted on the website.
D.Basketball Fence
Linda asked how the cost of the fence around the basketball court was handled in the budget. Carolyn replied that it was paid for with Town and Ruritan funds. Melinda commented that the Ruritan funds would have been placed under the Miscellaneous Revenue line item.
E. Dump Truck
Melinda reported that the engine in the Town's older Dump Truck blew while it was being used to push snow before Christmas. The truck was used primarily in hauling dirt away from utility repairs and to push snow.(reprinted from Public Record)
Town Manager's Information for Council 1/19/10
1. Cove Project
The COE has indicated that no negative comments were received during the comment period that ended last night.
2. Proposed Boundary Adjustment
The meeting with the County will be scheduled in January based on a conversation between our attorney and the County attorney. Enclosure #2 is a copy of an anti-annexation petition from residents along Noblin Farm Road.
3. Public Utilities Planning Grants
Town Staff is still working with Dewberry to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report for needed sewer system improvements. The Town has $9000 cash match for the $25,000 planning grant from Rural Development. There will likely be a combination of grant and loan money to construct the improvements, including new interceptor lines and upgraded pump stations. Staff is also working with Wiley & Wilson on two Health Department Planning Grants for the water treatment and distribution system.
4. Fine Arts Center
The Buildings and Grounds Committee is meeting next week on Tuesday morning to take a look at the leak problem in the basement of the FAC. The Committee is also going to look at the building formerly rented by Dr. Brown.
5. Manhole Rehab
The materials to rehab the manhole on Forest Hill Street that has an unstable cover are still on backorder.
6. Garbage Truck and Dumpsters
Public Works Director Moore has reviewed our options for new dumpsters and utilization of the front loading garbage truck. He can provide an update, but I would also like the opportunity to discuss this in more detail at the February Workshop.
7. Leaf Collection
We will stop leaf collection at the end of January. We are in the process of collecting any accumulated leaves, but after the end of the month, any additional leaves should be bagged and placed with other trash if the resident or business wants the Town to remove them.
8. Dump Truck
As discussed at the Workshop this month, the Town's older dump truck suffered a terminal breakdown while pushing snow before Christmas. This truck was primarily to haul mud, dirt and debris away from utility work sites. It was also used to push snow, and we have no other vehicles equipped to perform that function. The intention was to delay purchase of a replacement until the next budget, but there is an opportunity to purchase a used 1999 VDOT dump truck for less than $8,000 using General Fund Contingency money as discussed in the Treasurer's Report.
Congratulations to Paul upon his retirement after 25 years of service to the Town!(Reprinted from Public Record)
The COE has indicated that no negative comments were received during the comment period that ended last night.
2. Proposed Boundary Adjustment
The meeting with the County will be scheduled in January based on a conversation between our attorney and the County attorney. Enclosure #2 is a copy of an anti-annexation petition from residents along Noblin Farm Road.
3. Public Utilities Planning Grants
Town Staff is still working with Dewberry to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report for needed sewer system improvements. The Town has $9000 cash match for the $25,000 planning grant from Rural Development. There will likely be a combination of grant and loan money to construct the improvements, including new interceptor lines and upgraded pump stations. Staff is also working with Wiley & Wilson on two Health Department Planning Grants for the water treatment and distribution system.
4. Fine Arts Center
The Buildings and Grounds Committee is meeting next week on Tuesday morning to take a look at the leak problem in the basement of the FAC. The Committee is also going to look at the building formerly rented by Dr. Brown.
5. Manhole Rehab
The materials to rehab the manhole on Forest Hill Street that has an unstable cover are still on backorder.
6. Garbage Truck and Dumpsters
Public Works Director Moore has reviewed our options for new dumpsters and utilization of the front loading garbage truck. He can provide an update, but I would also like the opportunity to discuss this in more detail at the February Workshop.
7. Leaf Collection
We will stop leaf collection at the end of January. We are in the process of collecting any accumulated leaves, but after the end of the month, any additional leaves should be bagged and placed with other trash if the resident or business wants the Town to remove them.
8. Dump Truck
As discussed at the Workshop this month, the Town's older dump truck suffered a terminal breakdown while pushing snow before Christmas. This truck was primarily to haul mud, dirt and debris away from utility work sites. It was also used to push snow, and we have no other vehicles equipped to perform that function. The intention was to delay purchase of a replacement until the next budget, but there is an opportunity to purchase a used 1999 VDOT dump truck for less than $8,000 using General Fund Contingency money as discussed in the Treasurer's Report.
Congratulations to Paul upon his retirement after 25 years of service to the Town!(Reprinted from Public Record)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Garbage more or less
It would be hard for me to believe that I’m the only resident confused by the Town of Clarksvilles’ holiday work schedule. The town has many tools to notify the public, if they choose to use them at their disposal in order to inform citizens on what services to expect and when to expect them, such as garbage pick-up. The most logical way is on their own website. When I inquired about my garbage pick-up I was told that the newspaper was incorrect, and that the town asked for a correction. That’s great, except it’s a weekly paper so maybe it will be in next week.
Apparently, the change of garbage pickup occurred due to a holiday change. Since when did the town workers get Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off? I was told that the town follows a state holiday schedule, and when the Governor decides to give state employees extra days off, the town follows suit.
I think it’s fine to do that, if we can afford it as a town and if it is allowed by our own town ordinance. It would be very easy for the town to change this by just adding words in the current ordinance “All State of Virginia holidays are to be observed by the Town of Clarksville.”
Under our current ordinance Title III Administration Chapter 30 section 30.01 (look under town code) the town employees are allowed 7 paid holidays. If the town is going to follow the state, then we would be giving 12 days a year plus and any other days the Governor decides to give, such as Christmas Eve and New Years Eve as he did this year. I’m not a legal person but to me, the town is in violation of their own ordinance. (Until that section is changed by a public hearing and a Council vote.) So Council please change the exiting ordinance, and make it legal as the employees deserve it. (2010 has 12 holidays slated for the state)
I have asked a Council member by email with a copy to the rest of the Council about this ordinance. I have not received an answer yet. When I find out I will let you know the answer to this enigma on this blog. (Below State Law for reference only.)
State Law 2.2-3300 Commonwealth of Va.
Apparently, the change of garbage pickup occurred due to a holiday change. Since when did the town workers get Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off? I was told that the town follows a state holiday schedule, and when the Governor decides to give state employees extra days off, the town follows suit.
I think it’s fine to do that, if we can afford it as a town and if it is allowed by our own town ordinance. It would be very easy for the town to change this by just adding words in the current ordinance “All State of Virginia holidays are to be observed by the Town of Clarksville.”
Under our current ordinance Title III Administration Chapter 30 section 30.01 (look under town code) the town employees are allowed 7 paid holidays. If the town is going to follow the state, then we would be giving 12 days a year plus and any other days the Governor decides to give, such as Christmas Eve and New Years Eve as he did this year. I’m not a legal person but to me, the town is in violation of their own ordinance. (Until that section is changed by a public hearing and a Council vote.) So Council please change the exiting ordinance, and make it legal as the employees deserve it. (2010 has 12 holidays slated for the state)
I have asked a Council member by email with a copy to the rest of the Council about this ordinance. I have not received an answer yet. When I find out I will let you know the answer to this enigma on this blog. (Below State Law for reference only.)
State Law 2.2-3300 Commonwealth of Va.
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