By Matt de Simone
Buchanan Town Council met last Monday, July 14, for its regular meeting at Town Hall. During the meeting the matter of the empty council seat was discussed. Last month, former council member Rose Jeter publicly resigned from her position. At Monday’s meeting, council member Jamie Manspile made a motion calling for a special meeting of council on July 31 to appoint a person to fill Jeter’s seat.
Council asked for a presentation of names to be considered for the vacant council seat. Manspile named Mark Lindsay as a possible replacement to fill the vacant position who will serve until someone is elected at a special election held November 4.
Berkley Group, a consulting firm specializing in providing services to public agencies, is working with the town again to fill the vacant town manager position. The Berkley Group is heading up the search at a cost of $15,000.
Interim Town Manager Jon Ellestad reported during the meeting that there have been 20 FOIA requests from one individual in “just one month and one day.” When asked about this, Ellested shared that these requests “were about all sorts of things, mostly personnel related.” It was revealed that these requests have absorbed a lot of Town Treasurer Claudine Stump’s time, which resulted in a financial report not being prepared in time for last Monday’s meeting.
The meeting’s official minutes shared that Manspile spoke about one recent FOIA request directed at the town-maintained road next to his property, Southview Street. He stated that, due to sewer and water lines installed in that area, it was necessary to pave the roadway. According to the town, there was also other areas paved at the same time that included the volunteer fire department lot, the alley by the pawn shop, and the sidewalk by Hair Affair. He went on to speak about the false information about the paving which led up to Manspile’s driveway.
In other action items, coming off another successful Buchanan Carnival, an itemized list of food that wasn’t used during the carnival was presented to council. Ellestad suggested to evaluate the unused food and decide whether to dispose of it, save it, or sell the food to a non-profit group at a reduced price. Council approved Ellestad’s suggestion. According to the town, a decision will be made after researching expiration dates and evaluating the food inventory.
Ellestad suggested that the town code needs an update. He noted that “it is very much outdated” and proposed actions that could be taken if it is adopted and ordinances are up to date.
During the department reports, public works has been at work on several issues throughout Buchanan. The pump at the pump station was recently down for repair. C&S “did an outstanding job” pumping sewage at the landing during those repairs.
The Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) recently helped out the town with a sewage back up issue due to the town’s equipment being inadequate to fix the problem. Ellestad thanked Manspile for organizing WVWA to come in for the assist on the matter.
Ellestad went on to share that he met with FEMA about covering the costs of February’s flooding. FEMA agreed to assist with 75% of the cost, the state with 16%, and the remainder will be taken in by the town.
Additionally, Ellestad shared that the town is still in the process of seeking grant funding for town concerts. Mrs. B’s Restaurant has filed for a Special Use Permit to allow a farmers’ market on the lawn in front of the establishment which will be presented to the town planning commission and then returned to council for a final vote.
Tim Heinlein, president of the Buchanan Lions Club, gave a presentation introducing a “Blessing Box” and describing the use of it for the community. The box, built by students at the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC), will be located on the lawn of Trinity Episcopal Church facing the street. Council unanimously approved the authorization.
