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Glasgow Town Council is putting more of its federal rescue dollars toward improvements to the town’s utilities.
After interim town manager Jon Ellestad gave a report to Council this month on the disbursement of the American Rescue Plan Act funds thus far, he asked for approval for a change in previously approved funds, and allocation of the balance of funds.
Council approved $17,900 to be used for repairs and updates for the utility system (water and sewer). Council also approved moving the $100,000 designated for the construction of a permanent restroom facility at the Locher Pavilion to the utility system, which is a more critical need at this time.
Previously, $67,350 in ARPA funds were spent on the water system and $66,275 on the waste water treatment plant.
Also during this month’s meeting, Ellestad noted a member of the Canal Society is willing to transport the batteau from Lexington to Glasgow at no charge. A base will need to be constructed to set it on, and “ultimately some type of shelter to keep it out of the elements.” The Department of Wildlife Resources will need to approve the specific site and the shelter.
Buena Vista Mayor Tyson Cooper spoke briefly at the meeting to introduce himself and show support for the local governments to work together for the good of all.
After reviewing the Planning Commission’s proposed Comprehensive Plan for Glasgow that was presented to Council last month, it was unanimously approved.
John Montoro, director of accounting services for VML/ VACo Finance, will be assisting in performing an initial assessment of the town’s financial operations, and giving a report outlining recommendations for correcting deficiencies in the system. Meanwhile, Ellestad is working to get a handle on the town’s revenues and expenses to see where they are financially. It was noted over $11,000 in cigarette tax stamps were sold, and the new money market account earned over $2,100 during January.
A letter was sent to the town from the Rockbridge Regional Fair and Expo Board indicating they will move the annual event back to the Virginia Horse Center this year. The dates are Sept. 12, 13 and 14. They expressed appreciation to the town for supporting the fair the past three years.
The public works report noted that utilities manager Chris Flint has put in about 20 hours plowing snow for the town and VDOT during the recent snow event. He also helps out in the office as needed. The staff has also been cleaning out ditches and assisting at the waste water treatment plant. Jeff Ranklin is back full time after being on medical leave.
Carolyn Bradley, manager of the farmers’ market, reported the plans were moving forward for the April spring vendor event scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 20-plus vendors thus far. In connection with the market, Marilyn Shaner Buerkens with the Rockbridge Conservation Waste Prevention Committee spoke to Council about locating compost bins at the market. She explained the process and asked for Council’s approval to move forward. Council approved.
Councilman Brandall Branch reminded everyone of the Mt. Lydia Cemetery project, the cemetery on Va. 608 on the Brady property that is being conveyed to Union Baptist Church. Brandall is president of the newly formed Mt. Lydia Cemetery Historic Foundation. A special program is planned for Feb. 24 at the First Baptist Church in Lexington entitled “Bond of Faith.”
It was noted that several town lights were not working and some have been reported to Dominion Power. Councilwoman Lisa Rogers said she would drive around town and make a report on where the outages were.
The meeting was adjourned and Council went into executive session to discuss personnel matters.
