3-24-92 Minutes

A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Bedford, Virginia, was held in the Council Hall of the Municipal Building at 7:30 p.m., March 24, 1992.

Members present: Mayor G. Michael Shelton; Councilwoman Joanne A. Grahame; Councilman Payton M. Otey; Vice Mayor John M. Owen, III; Councilman Ronnie C. Rice; and Councilman James A. Vest.

Members absent: Councilman Larry D. Brookshier.

Staff present: City Manager Jack A. Gross; City Attorney W. W. Berry, IV; and Clerk of the Council Teresa W. Hatcher.

Mayor Shelton opened the meeting and led all present in saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Mayor Shelton declared that the minutes of a regular Council meeting held on March 10, 1992, were approved as mailed.

Vice Mayor Owen reported on Local Government Day activities.

The Mayor spoke regarding the Department of Transportation's Preallocation Hearing on the Six Year Plan that was attended by the City Manager, the Engineering Project Manager, and himself. Mayor Shelton apprised Council of those items that were brought to the attention of the Commonwealth Transportation Board through comments that were made.

The consent agenda consisted of the following item: appointment of Henry H. Carey and Tommy E. Reynolds to serve four-year terms on the City Planning Commission, said terms to expire March 31, 1996.

On motion by Councilman Rice, seconded by Councilman Otey, voted upon and carried, Council approved the consent agenda.

City Manager Gross stated that Council had received a letter from Sue Gilbert, Chairman of Christmas in April, Bedford, requesting that Council authorize the waiving of charges for building permits in connection with the group's projects within the city. Mr. Gross explained that Christmas in April, Bedford, is a volunteer, non-profit organization committed to helping home owners who are either financially or physically unable to repair or refurbish their homes by their own means.

City Manager Gross explained the proposed projects, and stated that the building permits fees would be approximately $20.00. Mr. Gross indicated that the group might incur some tipping fees at the landfill and it would be in order to consider waiving those fees. The City Manager stated that the staff is recommending the waiving of the fees; however, a permit should be required for both zoning and building code purposes.

On motion by Councilwoman Grahame, seconded by Councilman Vest, voted upon and carried, Council waived the building permit fees and the landfill tipping fees relative to the projects being undertaken by the Christmas in April organization.

Ms. Gilbert gave a brief report on the Christmas in April organization and the projects that are planned.

Ms. Renee Fisher, Executive Director of the Sheltered Workshop of Bedford, Inc., made a presentation regarding the Workshop's request for level funding for Fiscal Year 1992-93.

Ms. Hilary Greenberg of Greenberg Development Services made a presentation to Council regarding the marketing study she has completed for the City of Bedford and Bedford Main Street, Inc.

Discussion ensued.

Mayor Shelton adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.