by ROD MULLINS
media.rodmullins@gmail.com
CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Clintwood Town Council addressed employee retirement benefits, stormwater resiliency planning and several community matters during its regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Clintwood Town Hall.
Council members Andy Rose, Jim Childress, Mayor Danny Lambert, Vice-Mayor Talbert Bolling and Ron Kendrick attended the meeting. Council member Doris Rife was absent.
The council approved minutes from its Aug. 11 and Aug. 26 meetings and adopted the evening’s agenda without additions.
Council members approved a donation request to purchase an advertisement in the Ridgeview High School yearbook as well as voted to reappoint Stacy Mullins and Catherine Cummins to the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Their current terms are scheduled to expire Oct. 26.
A lengthy discussion centered on the town’s participation in the Virginia Retirement System and whether implementation should begin Oct. 1 or be delayed until Jan. 1.
Council members discussed the time needed to complete paperwork, training and other requirements associated with implementing the retirement program. Under the proposal discussed Tuesday, 5 percent would be withheld from town employees as part of participation in VRS.
Kendrick made a motion to move forward with the Oct. 1 start date, with Childress providing the second. The motion passed, with Bolling casting the lone dissenting vote. Bolling indicated he needed more information as to the VRS offer and other council members indicated additional clarification from VRS would be sought as the town moves through the implementation process.
The council also heard from engineer Chris Mullins concerning the town’s stormwater resiliency plan and the need to schedule a public hearing as the town works to meet an Oct. 30 deadline associated with the planning process. The council approved moving forward with the public hearing process with a date to be announced soon.
Mullins also discussed a grant opportunity of up to $50,000 opening Sept. 14. Town officials are working on a potential application involving infrastructure and improvements connected to the farmers market and park area, including further development of a master plan and possible in-kind matches to assist in the project at Ralph Cummins Park.
During council reports, Rose praised the recent Pioneer Days celebration and the work of town employees and the recovery court in helping with the event. He said the event was well attended and highlighted the activities provided for children.
Bolling also praised Pioneer Days and recognized the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office for its effort during the event. Kendrick offered similar comments.
Childress reported that a slide at the town park remains out of service. Mayor Lambert told council that a replacement part is unavailable. He also raised concerns about an ongoing dog problem in town of dogs running around and some showing aggressiveness to town residents and children, noting that police have responded to the area in recent months.
