HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-19-25 Town Council PacketAgenda Town Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
6:00 p.m. Closed Session Council Chambers
1. Meeting Called to Order- Mayor Collins
2. Roll Call- Clerk of Council
3. Modification to Closed Session- Mayor Collins
4. Enter into Closed Session for the following items:
a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters
i. Appointments to Boards
b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel
i. Public Works
7:00 p.m. Public Session Council Chambers 1. Certification of Closed Session- Mayor Collins
2. Pledge of Allegiance- Councilman Clontz
3. Invocation- Councilman Clark
4. Guests and Visitors - Mayor Collins
5. Modification to Public Session- Mayor Collins
6. Presentations
a. AMVETS Certificate of Appreciation- Chief M. Parmelee
b. DRPT Update- Arron Clark, Transit Programs Manager
7. Organization Contributions Budgeted for FY 25-26
a. NRV Housing Trust Fund- Jennifer Wilsie
b. Literacy Volunteers- Ginny Ayers
c. Emergency Needs Task Force- Vera Carter
8. Voting Items
a. Resolution 2025-29 Resolution for Re-Appropriation, Carry Forward Accounts for FY 2025-2026 Budget
(Public Hearing was held on August 5, 2025)
Reasonable accommodation will be provided for persons with disabilities, if requested.
b. Resolution 2025-30 Appointing Town of Pulaski Town Manager, Todd Day to the New River Valley Agency on Aging Board of Directors
9. Discussion(s) 10. Public Comment Period
(The Town Council welcomes your input. You may address the Council by completing a speaker’s
slip available at the door and giving it to the Clerk of Council prior to the meeting. At this time, you may address Council on items that are not on the agenda. The limit is three (3) minutes for each speaker.)
11. Consent Agenda (Voting)
a. Consideration of August 5, 2025 Town Council Minutes
12. Council Comments & Board Updates
13. Manager’s Report- Manager Day
14. Reminder of Future Council Meeting- Mayor Collins
a. September 2, 2025; Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m.
Presentation(s)
Information
Local Contributions
to Transit
Overall Trends and Impacts on
Pulaski Area Transit
Aaron Clark, Statewide Transit Programs Manager
August 19th, 2025
1
What is DRPT?
2
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
•Manages statewide transit programs
•Provides state funding
•Facilitates distribution of federal
(FTA) funds
•Evaluates project applications and
awards grants
•Provides technical assistance and
expertise
Why Fund Transit?
3
The Statewide Return on Investment (ROI) of Transit Spending was 2.86 –
Every dollar of public investment in transit generated $2.86 in economic activity (GSP).
Service Metrics
4
•Transit service continues to slowly return
to pre-pandemic levels
•Costs state-wide increased while
ridership declined
•Non-urbanized transit providers
experienced operational expense
increases averaging 6% year-on-year
Service Metrics
5
•Transit service continues to slowly return
to pre-pandemic levels
•Costs state-wide increased while
ridership declined
•Non-urbanized transit providers
experienced operational expense
increases averaging 6% year-on-year 200,000
205,000
210,000
215,000
220,000
225,000
230,000
235,000
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
PULASKI AREA TRANSIT
PERFORMANCE
Unlinked Passenger Trips Vehicle Revenue Hours
Vehicle Revenue Miles
Funding Streams
6
PAT
FTA 5311
CMTF
Local Contributions
Funding Streams
7
•Capital and operating dollars for Pulaski Area Transit come from three sources:
•FTA Section 5311
•Formula-Based yearly allocation
•CTB policy and DRPT staff determine specific project awards
•CMTF (Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund)
•State Capital
•State Operating
•Formula-based allocation determined by CTB policy
•State Special Programs
•Local Contributions
•Operating expenses require higher local match rates than capital purchases
•Federal dollars are allocated yearly; DRPT staff combines this money with the CMTF to fund projectsPAT
FTA 5311
CMTF
Local Contributions
Let’s Talk Transit (Funding)
8
State Operating:21%
Federal Operating:48%
Local Operating Contribution31%
SHARE OF OPERATING SINCE 2020
State Operating:$ 1,181,181.00
Federal Operating:$ 2,687,243.00
Local Operating Contribution $ 1,747,786.00
Let’s Talk Transit (Funding)
9
State Operating:21%
Federal Operating:48%
Local Operating Contribution31%
SHARE OF OPERATING SINCE 2020
State Capital
14%
Local Capital
Contribution
3%
Federal Capital:
83%
SHARE OF CAPITAL SINCE 2020
State Operating $ 1,181,181
Federal Operating $ 2,687,243
Local Operating Contribution $ 1,747,786
State Capital $ 161,234
Federal Capital $ 957,991
Local Capital Contribution $ 37,041
Local Match Requirements vs. Commitments
10
Funding Requests
FY26
Requested FY26 Pledged Shortfall
Town of Pulaski $ 101,138 $ 75,000 $ 26,138
Pulaski County $ 101,138 $ 95,000 $ 6,138
Total $ 202,276 $ 170,000 $ 32,276
Request made Prior to Award
Local Match Requirements vs. Commitments
11
FY26 Operating (Actual)
State Operating:$ 182,624 23%
5311 Operating:$ 402,225 50%
Fares $ 25,000 3%
Local Match:$ 219,600 24%
Total $ 829,450 100%
Funding Requests
FY26
Requested FY26 Pledged Shortfall
Town of Pulaski $ 101,138 $ 75,000 $ 26,138
Pulaski County $ 101,138 $ 95,000 $ 6,138
Total $ 202,276 $ 170,000 $ 32,276
Request made Prior to Award
Local Match Requirements vs. Commitments
12
Actual Funding Requirements
FY26
Required FY26 Pledged Shortfall
Town of Pulaski (1/2)$ 111,208 $ 75,000 $ 36,208
Pulaski County (1/2)$ 111,208 $ 95,000 $ 16,208
Total $ 222,417 $ 170,000 $ 52,417
FY26 Operating (Actual)
State Operating:$ 182,624 23%
5311 Operating:$ 402,225 50%
Fares $ 25,000 3%
Local Match:$ 219,600 24%
Total $ 829,450 100%
Funding Requests
FY26
Requested FY26 Pledged Shortfall
Town of Pulaski $ 101,138 $ 75,000 $ 26,138
Pulaski County $ 101,138 $ 95,000 $ 6,138
Total $ 202,276 $ 170,000 $ 32,276
Operating formula awarded
less than last year
Leading to a larger shortfall
Revenue Shortfall
13
•With current local match pledges, Pulaski Area Transit will be operating in a true budget shortfall of nearly $80k, or 9% of total projected expenses
•With a projected local contribution of $170,000 and a State operating grant of $182,624, maximum FTA match will be $374,230
•This would result in estimated revenue of $751,854, rather than the projected $829,450
$829,450
$751,854
Balancing the Budget
14
•Increase efficiencies
•Less deadhead, fewer non-productive stops
•Lower cost-per-revenue mile; cost per passenger trip
•Reduce service
•Remove underutilized stops
•Reduce service hours
•More part-time employees
•Lower salary and benefits obligations
Opportunities
Impacts
15
MERIT (State)
OPERATING
FORMULA
Impacts
16
The foundation of the allocations provided through the MERIT Operating Assistance formula are the sizing metrics for each agency
MERIT (State)
OPERATING
FORMULA
Impacts
17
•Decreased level of service to match expenses to revenues
•Reduced rider satisfaction, less ridership
•Reduced state and federal funds in out years
•Further service reductions
•Cycle repeatsThe foundation of the allocations provided through the MERIT Operating Assistance formula are the sizing metrics for each agency
MERIT (State)
OPERATING
FORMULA
Impacts cont’d
18
Reduced Local Contribution
Impacts cont’d
19
Reduced Local Contribution
Reduced Service
Impacts cont’d
20
Reduced Local Contribution
Reduced Service
Reduced State and Federal Funding
Impacts cont’d
21
Reduced Local Contribution
Reduced Service
Reduced State and Federal Funding
Impacts cont’d
22
Reduced Service
Reduced State and Federal Funding
Conclusion
23
•Rural transit is a critical service available to everyone
•PAT serves Pulaski’s most vulnerable communities
•In Virginia, the required local match is relatively small compared to the outsized impacts of transit on local economies
•Reduced local investment has the potential to start a negative feedback loop
•Less spending less service; less service less funding; less funding less service
Downstream Impacts
ABOUT US
➔45: our age (established by local
libraries)
➔13: members of our volunteer board
➔6: staff members (2 full-time)
➔180: awesome volunteers
➔440+: NRV adults served each year
➔Countless: lives impacted in NRV
Funding Sources for Literacy NRV
Did you know…
8,000
NRV adults do not have a high school diploma or GED
2,750
NRV adults have less than a ninth grade education
24,000
NRV adults read at or below level 1: these adults struggle with very basic reading.
38,000
NRV adults cannot do basic math.
Investing in Pulaski’s Future through Literacy
Spring 2023
7 beginner and intermediate level
ESL learners served
Childcare included
Church/Pulaski resident volunteers
16 total hours of instruction
Investing in Pulaski’s Future through Literacy
Spring 2024
6 beginner and intermediate level
ESL adult learners served
Childcare included
Church/Pulaski resident volunteers
16 total hours of instruction
Investing in Pulaski’s Future through Literacy
2023 and 2024
12 beginner and intermediate level Pulaski
ESL adult learners served
6 Pulaski resident
volunteers
Investing in Pulaski’s Future through Literacy
Investing in Pulaski’s Future through Literacy
Ongoing and Upcoming
One-to-one and small group tutoring
●English
●Basic literacy
●GED preparation
●Citizenship preparation
●Basic computer skills
●Workforce readiness
Fall 2025 English for Life class
enrolling now!
Pulaski Partnerships
Pulaski Public Library
●Classes + tutoring
●Patron outreach (ESOL)
Pulaski Public Schools
First United Methodist Church
The Patriot / Southwest Times / Bills
Investing in Pulaski’s Future through Literacy
Town Funding
●Staff support, instructor stipends, and volunteer training
●Learning materials and technology
●Outreach to engage Pulaski residents
●Supplies for classes held in town
Town dollars stay local — programs are delivered in Pulaski and benefit those
who live and work here.
Funding is multiplied by grants, private donations, and volunteer time.
Investing in Pulaski’s Future through Literacy
Looking Ahead
●Increase awareness & participation through local outreach.
●Maintain consistent ESOL and GED classes in Town.
●Strengthen employer partnerships for workplace literacy.
●Continue one-to-one tutoring in English, GED, citizenship, and computer
skills.
Literacy NRV
195 West Main Street, Christiansburg,
VA 24073
(540) 382-7262 ~ www.literacynrv.org
Ginny Ayers, Executive Director
info@lvnrv.org ~ gayers@lvnrv.org
Presented to:
Pulaski Virginia Town Council
Presented by:
Vera Carter, Board President
Emergency Needs Task Force Pulaski County
veraameliac@gmail.com
Our Mission
To provide and facilitate non-discriminating emergency assistance to
lower income individuals and families of Pulaski who are in crisis.
Key Services
• Food and nutrition assistance
• Rent/mortgage assistance
• Utility assistance
• Heating fuel assistance
About Us
Founded in 1989, The Emergency Needs Task Force Pulaski County (ENTF), is
an incorporated nonprofit charitable organization that shares your mission to serve
the residents of Pulaski.
Our mission is to provide and facilitate emergency assistance to lower income
individuals and families of Pulaski who are experiencing a financial crisis. Eligible
applicants receive assistance for rent/mortgage, utilities, heating fuel and food.
ENTF is funded by our local governments, charitable foundations, churches,
organizations, individual citizens and governed by a Board of Directors.
Our partnership with New River Community Action (NRCA) allows us to operate
with little to no overhead costs. NRCA employs two community service workers to
administer services and provides administrative supplies and equipment.
Program Details
To receive assistance, applicants must be experiencing a crisis beyond their
control. The household must have exhausted their own personal resources and
accessed other forms of assistance, such as the Department of Social Services
Heating Assistance or Crisis Program, etc. when available.
The entire household's income is considered for eligibility and must not total more
than 200% of federal poverty income guidelines.
Required documentation includes:
• Completed application
• Photo identification card
• Social Security numbers for all household members
• Proof of crisis (bills, etc.)
• Proof of income (pay stubs for the last 4-week period, statement from employer,
or income tax statements)
Providing Financial Assistance
-Positive Impacts-
Certainly, having an organization that provides temporary emergency financial
assistance to lower income individuals and families for basic needs can have
several positive impacts in our community.
Impact and Value to our Community: January 2024 -December 2024
Service Provided Clients Households
Food 559 308
Mortqaqe 2 1
Rent 179 97
Utilitv -Electric 466 212
Utilitv -Heatinq Oil 13 8
Utilitv -Water 278 138
Utility-Atmos 13 6
Application
Utilitv -N2N Application 464 199
Total Unduplicated
Numbers 1,440 700
Noteworthy Contributions to our Community:
• Supports Children
• Alleviates Financial Stress
• Improves Health and Nutrition
• Reduces Homelessness
A Vital Community Resource
Organization
Addressing Basic Needs to Reduce Poverty, Promote Stability and
Improve Overall Well-being
The Emergency Needs Task Force is a vital community resource organization.
Your support is crucial to ensuring we can continue to respond promptly and
effectively to the existing needs in our community.
Within our community many lower income individuals and families struggle to
make ends meet. In recent years, the economic challenges including the rising
cost of living have disproportionately impacted our lower income community.
These hardships not only impact their well-being, but also the stability of our entire
community.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's latest data (2023), 14.6°/o of Pulaski
County residents live below the poverty line -higher than the state average. In the
Town of Pulaski, 24% of residents live below the poverty line -higher than the
national average.
Poverty by Age -Pulaski County
• Under 18 years -23.7%
• 18 to 64 years-14.1%
• 65 Years and over -8.8%
Poverty by Age -Town of Pulaski
• Under 18 years -34.9%
• 18 to 64 years -23.1%
• 65 Years and over -15.2%
Voting Items
Resolution 2025-29
Resolution for Re-Appropriation, Carry Forward Accounts for FY 2025-2026 Budget WHEREAS, staff has identified additional funds available for certain expenses and,
WHEREAS, the appropriation was published for informative purposes, as well as to give notice of a
public hearing subsequently held August 5, 2025 NOW, THEREFORE it be RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia siting in regular session this 19th day of August 2025, that the following appropriations are approved
as follows:
RE-APPRORIATONS OF GRANT ACCOUNTS Effective July 1, 2025 Balance to be carried as of July 1, 2025
EPA BROWNSFIELD GRANT – CONSULTANTS $11,255.00
PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT – MAIN ST NORTH $119,427.71 PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT – MAIN ST SOUTH $121,599.30 IRF GRANT – BREWERY $31,465.04 VDH LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT $657,757.42 VDH WATER TREATMENT BACKWASH SYSTEM $1,718,060.40
ARPA CATEGORY #1 $142,285.00
ARPA CATEGORY #4 $265,901.90
COMMERCE STREET BRIDGE PROJECT $1,949,142.90
VIRGINIA OUTDOORS FOUNDATION GRANT $90,500.00 TOTAL AMOUNT $5,107,394.67
CARRY FORWARD OF CHECKING ACCOUNTS CEMETERY ACCOUNT $10,926.96 UDAG ACCOUNT $63,960.39 CDBG KERSEY HOUSING $63,518.16 RBEG ACCOUNT $61,719.61 POLICE CHECKING ACCOUNTS $89,547.45 EDA ACCOUNT $68,926.71
PULASKI HOUSING REVELOPMENT $14,475.30
TOTAL AMOUNT $373,074.58
CARRY FORWARDS NUISANCE ABATEMENTS $43,031.40
TOTAL AMOUNT $5,523,500.65
This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted this 19th day of August 2025 by the duly recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as follows:
Jeremy L. Clark- G. Tyler Clontz- Sunshine N. Cope- Steven W. Erickson- Brooks R. Dawson- Joel B. Burchett-
Mayor Collins-
TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA
______________________________ W. Shannon Collins Mayor
ATTEST: _____________________________ Olivia C. Hale
Clerk of Council
RESOLUTION 2025-30
Resolution Appointing Town of Pulaski Town Manager, Todd Day
to the New River Valley Agency on Aging Board of Directors
WHEREAS, the Town Council has determined that it is in the general interest of the residents to the Town of Pulaski to maintain full representation on the various agencies, authorities, and boards of which the town is a member; and,
WHEREAS, the New River Valley Agency on Aging has a vacancy and a resident desiring to serve, NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski,
Virginia sitting in regular session this 19th day of August 2025 that the following person is
appointed to the New River Valley Agency on Aging for the term indicated below.
This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted on this 19th day of August 2025
by the duly recorded vote of the Town Council of Pulaski, Virginia as follows:
Jeremy L. Clark- G. Tyler Clontz- Sunshine N. Cope- Steven W. Erickson- Brooks R. Dawson- Joel B. Burchett-
Mayor Collins-
TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA
______________________________ W. Shannon Collins Mayor ATTEST
______________________________ Olivia C. Hale Clerk of Council
Appointee Entity Start Term Expiration Date of Term
Todd Day New River Valley Agency on Aging 10/01/2025 09/30/2026
Consent Agenda
Town Council Meeting Minutes August 5, 2025
1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye
Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye
2. Vice-Mayor Dawson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Councilman Clark gave the invocation.
4. The Mayor welcomed all in attendance and those viewing online. 5. Modification to Public Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to remove item #8, a presentation by Pinnacle Treatment Centers, and to remove both items under agenda item
#10, discussions on Over-the-Road Trucking Exemption and PD/Fire License Fee
Exemption. The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark.
Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye
Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 6. Public Hearing
a. Regarding Budget: Carry Forward Accounts The Mayor read the Public Hearing advertisement that ran in the Patriot on July 25, 2025, and August 1, 2025.
Town Manager Day reported the budget amendment primarily involves carrying forward grant funds that were received but not spent during the prior fiscal year, totaling $5,107,394.67, and various checking accounts and nuisance abatements carried forward. The total amount of all three funding categories is $5,523,500.65
Councilman Burchett questioned why $43,000 allocated for nuisance abatement was not used, asking if staffing or time limitations were the issue. Manager Day reported he would report back with that information.
Councilman Erickson questioned what the Commerce Street Bridge Project was.
Manager Day reported that the Town has received VDOT funds for various bridges in the town, and the bridge on Commerce Street was included in that list
for engineering work; those funds just have to be carried forward.
The Mayor opened and closed the Public Hearing, as there were no speakers, and voting will take place on August 19, 2025.
7. Organization Contributions Budgeted for FY 25-26
a. Onward New River Valley- Katie Boswell Ms. Boswell began by thanking the Town for its continued support and
introduced Onward NRV as a regional economic development organization
formed in 1990. The organization represents four counties, one city, and ten towns in the NRV. The nonprofit is public-private funded with 117 investor organizations and a 31-member board, with five staff members. Their work includes close collaboration with state-level entities, like the Virginia Economic
Development Partnership, as well as local economic developers.
Ms. Boswell reported that the goal of Onward NRV is to attract and retain world-class jobs, investment, and talent. Their strategy involves regional marketing and building collaborative partnerships to boost economic vitality. Onward NRV is
supported by public entities, local governments, and universities, and over 100
private businesses. Over the past two years, Onward NRV has added 152 new jobs, had $37 million in capital investment, and was involved in the expansion of Patton Logistics in the
Commerce Park. Their five-year plan includes attracting and retaining talent,
supporting and growing businesses, marketing the NRV as a competitive destination for talent and companies, and strengthening the connectedness of the region.
Ms. Boswell concluded her presentation by highlighting marketing initiatives by
Onward NRV, notably the Metallica concert at Virginia Tech, which targeted Northern Virginia residents, leveraging their visit to promote the region not just as a tourist destination but as a place to live. She noted the award-winning efforts recognized by the International Economic Development Council over the past
seven years.
b. Raymond Ratcliffe Museum- Jeffrey Worrell
Mr. Worrell, president of the Friends of the Raymond F. Ratcliffe Transportation
Museum, discussed the museum’s history and activities, noting the origins to
1988 when it was housed in the basement of the Municipal Building, later moved
to the train station in 1994, and finally to the purpose-built facility in 2013. A
central feature within the museum is the Brockmeyer train set, an intricate model
created over a lifetime by Dr. Brockmeyer, who wanted to share it with the
public.
The museum emphasizes community engagement, hosting tours and lecture
series, and developing relationship with the Norfolk Southern Historical Society,
which recently discovered the museum and was impressed with its exhibits. The
society brought its annual conference to the region, which drew visitors from
Ohio, New York, and Roanoke.
Mr. Worrell reported the museum actively fundraises and doesn’t rely solely on
town funding. Efforts include the brick garden, where donors can honor
individuals with engraved bricks, an annual golf tournament, and hosting many
Pulaski High School reunions.
April Martin reported that the museum welcomed over 3,000 guests in 2024, and
to date, 1,763 in 2025, with expectations to exceed the previous year’s total. Ms.
Martin also highlighted growing partnerships with organizations across the
region, such as Friends of Peak Creek and other county museums, bus tours from
Montgomery County, Blacksburg Parks and Rec, Virginia Tech Lifetime learning,
regional trails and parks, and ties to Virginia Tech’s history department, Radford
University, and the NRCC ACCE program.
Mr. Worrell reported that while working with the Norfolk Southern Historical
Association, the museum rediscovered a set of architectural drawings donated by
Dr. Brockmeyer. Among the documents was a hand-drawn scale plan of Dr.
Brockmeyer’s train set, believed to have been drafted by the doctor himself. The
drawing shows the layout of the model railway but also architectural details from
his basement, including stairs, a furnace, and a water heater. The museum plans to
preserve and display the artifact within the museum using a ‘float frame’ so
visitors can view both sides.
Vice-Mayor Dawson asked if the town’s financial contribution has remained the
same over the last two years, and asked how the museum is doing financially.
Mr. Worrell reported that the town’s contribution has remained the same, and the
museum is in a strong position.
8. Public Comment Period
William Paine reminded the Town Council and listeners of the Rhythm by the Rails event on Saturday, August 9th from 3 p.m. -9 p.m. in Jackson Park. The event will feature performances from the Greater Pulaski Junior Appalachian Musicians, the Draper Lion Band, Noah Spencer, a contestant from The Voice, and Mike Mitchell, a nationally recognized bluegrass artist. Artistic programming will include needle felting, plein air
painting with Roanoke Times photographer Matt Gentry, pottery, loom weaving, and nature-based art. He then thanked the Town Council for their financial support for the
festival.
9. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of July 15, 2025 Town Council Minutes
The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to adopt the minutes as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Abstained Mayor Collins- Aye
Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye
Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 10. Council Comments
Councilwoman Cope reported that National Night Out was great and looked like a good
time for kids. Vice-Mayor Dawson reported that the marketplace was nice as well as National Night Out, and that it was a great evening to be downtown.
Councilman Erickson stated that National Night Out was a great success and that there were over 40 bookbags that were given out to kids, which was more important to him, to see families provided for, and thanked all the sponsors for that event. He also stated that he participated in the summertime point-in-time count, which counts the questioning for
the statistics for the homeless in the town. He reported that he reached out to 18 people
who are living on the streets; others were squatting in homes with families, which doesn’t count towards the statistic. He also thanked the town staff for the business license reports that he received.
Councilman Burchett also thanked the town staff for the school supplies donations that
helped with the bookbag giveaway and for the new business reports that were sent out. Mayor Collins reported that National Night Out was a really good event; there were a lot of kids.
11. Manager’s Report Manager Day reported that several council members recently toured the Pepper’s Ferry facility, and additional town facilities will be toured by the council. He thanked Jackie
Reid and Sonia Ramsey for their participation in the National Night Out and school
supplies drive events. He reported that paving on Main Street would begin on Wednesday, and weather permitting, Main Street will be open on Saturday, and new street lights will be installed within two or three weeks.
Vice-Mayor Dawson commented that there was a school supplies donation from GFL.
Manager Day reported that GFL matched everything that was donated, dollar-wise, and thanked Jared McFarland and the GFL team for that donation, and plans for next year’s drive have already begun.
Mayor Collins announced the Chrome in the Valley Cruise-In on August 16th in Jackson
Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
12. Reminder of Future Council Minutes
a. August 11, 2025; 6:00 p.m.- Joint Planning Commission & Town Council
Meeting
b. August 19, 2025; Closed Session 6:00 p.m.; Open Session 7:00 p.m. Closed Session
13. Modification to Closed Session- No modifications were made. 14. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:42 p.m. to discuss the following items:
a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Appointments to Boards b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel
i. SHAH Development
The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson.
Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye
Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye The following council members and staff entered into Closed Session:
Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Cope, Vice-Mayor Dawson, Councilman
Clontz, Councilman Erickson, Councilman Burchett, Mayor Collins, Town Manager, Todd Day, Town Attorney, Scot Farthing, and Clerk of Council Ms. Hale.
Councilman Clontz exited Closed Session before the discussion regarding SHAH
Development.
Open Session
15. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion that only the following
items were discussed during Closed Session. a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Appointments to Boards
b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. SHAH Development The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark.
Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Abstained Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye
16. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m.