Town Council - Regular Meeting

my first experience. Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to today's council meeting, Thursday, April the 23rd, 2026. Please note there will be opportunity during the meeting for citizens to address the town council when the mayor I declares public comment open. When the request to anyone addressing the council please sign up approach the podium when called state your first and your last name. Cam if you'll please call roll. Mr. Webb here. Miss Quetch here. Miss Pion here. Vice Mayor Austin present. And Mary Anderson

here. I'm now with Miss Donna will lead us in the lead. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Now we'll have approval of the agenda. If I could get someone to make a motion to approve it to the agenda today. So moved. Second. Any further discussion? Kimfield, please call roll. Mr. Webb, I. Miss Qu. I. Miss Pion. I. Vice Mayor Austin. I. And Mary Anderson.

I. Um, we have no one signed up for public comment today. So, we'll move on down to proclamations. Today we have one proclamation. That proclamation is recognized in May 2026 as preservation month of the town of Admin and Amanda Pia will be reading that proclamation. Whereas on May 5th, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation designating one week of May as National Preservation Week. And whereas in 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended this period of celebration to the entire month of May with the purpose of encouraging heritage tourism and showcasing economic and social benefits of historic preservation. And whereas in a continued effort to participate in this tradition, Abington will celebrate its 4th annual historic preservation day on May 1st, 2026. And whereas it is fitting and proper to acknowledge the community's efforts that preserve, restore, and promote our town's unique history. And now therefore, Dwayne Anderson, by the authority vested in him as mayor for the town of Abington, Virginia, does hereby proclaim the month of May 26th, May 2026 as preservation month in Abington, Virginia, and ask our citizens to reaffirm the town's motto, honor for the ancients, faith for the future, and celebrate our preserved built environment and unique cultural heritage that makes Abington and its community uniquely rare, peerless, and a shining example for others to follow.

I see everyone here with the historic preservation. Uh, Miss White, fire, Miss Hartzorn, and Gabe, if you all all please come forward because you all are big part of the historic preservation here in Tib. Should I go down there too since I'm on that committee? Come on. Should serve on that board? Yes, ma'am. You sure can. Amanda actually when you you do it. I'll just command se

Thank you all for all your hard work. I will see you all Friday. I'll be

Thank you.

Thank you all. Appreciate it.

We didn't play. We didn't Wait for a little. Yeah. The agenda. Um, I do apologize. Um, I skipped over approving the agenda. If I could have a motion to to approve the agenda. I move. Second. Any further discussion? Kim, if you'll please call roll. Mr. Webb. I. Miss Quetch. I. Miss Pion. I. Vice Mayor Austin. Hi. And Mayor Anderson.

Hi. Now we'll move on to public hearing. We'll open up public hearing. I don't have anyone signed up for public hearing today. So we'll open public hearing. We'll close public hearing. We have one resolution today. That is a resolution to affirming commitment to the fund of the loyalty shared project under the agreement of the Virginia Department of Transportation providing a signature authority. And we have Mr. Kevin Worley from public works here today to discuss that. Good afternoon, Kevin. How are you?

Good afternoon, Mayor Anderson and members of council and staff. Um, every 3 years we have to renew our commitment letter with the Virginia Department of Transportation. Purpose of this is a resolution, a blanket uh project funding commitment and blanket signature authority. Purpose of this is anytime we apply for uh any of the funding projects whether it's an HSIP project which is 100% funded or a tap or uh transportation alternative program 8020 the resolution is that the council uh once we have agreed upon the project the council will therefore uh the commitment is that whatever funding portion is allocated against the the town's resources that the commitment will be that we will move forward to fund those projects if they are awarded. and that by doing so we'll allow the uh town manager andor attorney and staff to execute any and all documents in relation to uh receiving the funding for those projects.

And we love 100% funded projects by the way. Got another application going right now for all the ADA compliant improvements along the corners of the town. So we will actually submit that in uh 1 of June. Excellent. That's we actually put that project in last cycle.

It scored 100%. Believe it or not, and didn't get funded. The reason for because we had another project that went in which was the rapid flash and brick beacon project and it got funded in 100 and it it scored 100 in the score. So both of those I'd put in there and they were like um we can't give you both cuz we're only allowed to fund one per cycle. And so, um, they took 10 points off my score for, uh, needed that they had to do something to declassify it as 100%. So, they they gave a score 9 said need more narrative though, which just basically meant come back next time, reapply, and you'll get the money. So, we're going to do that. That'll go in June 1st. But, yeah, we do like to get those 100% projects. Kevin, thank you all. Yep. Absolutely.

And I'll let y'all read through your resolution and for approval and acceptance for that. Thank you all again. Thank you. here. Do we have a motion for the resolution to affirming the commit to the fund of the loyalty share project under the agreement of the Virginia Department of Transportation? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Any further discussion? Kim, if you'll please call roll. Mr. Webb. I. Miss Quetch. I. Miss Pion. I. Vice Mayor Austin. I. And Mayor Anderson.

I. Today is going to be a quick day. Today we have no first readings of ordinance, no second readings of ordinance, no consideration of bids, which now moves us to new business and this is a consideration of proposal for the senior citizen senior citizen study and we have our town manager Mike Cochran to discuss that.

Sure. And I also have Kyle's in the back from from uh recreation. uh as you know uh the um we've been working on this the uh train station with the anticipation of using that as a as a place for our seniors to spend time and have community and whatnot. And uh there's also been a discussion about what more we could do for the seniors and ways we could uh better serve them. Uh and if you saw our demographics, we're all almost seniors already. Yeah. Uh so uh except for Derek, he's he's maybe Amanda too, but most of us are most of us have some has some time on. But anyway, so that what the study would do is uh this is being 100% funded through the Wellspring Foundation. It was it would be to look at uh what it would take in order to add a senior designated or purpose purposeful uh addition that would be designed for seniors. And the uh as part of that process um you know we put it out for RFP uh and interviewed uh two different uh companies. One out of Chicago I'm terrible with names and one that is local architect uh who also had a group with them that was out of Chicago or out of Illinois. Um but they're u anyway so we w up uh interviewing them and then uh based on the selection criteria we wanted to go with the the one that has local architect involved. So, you want to add on that, Kyle?

Yeah. And so, basically, the pro Yeah. Anyway, the project will be done uh the goal is to have it done before December. Uh and um we'll have a meeting um but they're coming in in a couple weeks uh assuming this passes. They'll come in in a couple weeks and we'll get them to meet with our recreation advisory board and uh and also our seniors and then see what we can do for the seniors. But, so this is it's 100% funded though, so I just wanted to put on there for consideration. Do I have a motion of the consideration of the proposal for the senior study? I'd make that motion. I'll second.

All right. Thank you, Mike. Any other discussion? I just wanted to say that when when I'm leaving the Center or when I'm at the Center, lots of warnings like today there was when I came in there must have been an activity wrapping up because there was there was a large crowd pouring out and um it it seems to be a very successful program. And for those of you who haven't seen the depot yet and all the work over there, it's it's going to be a change it's going to be a change maker for this town. um both for the seniors and for I guess anybody else who wants to use this space. So, I'm excited that we're looking into doing even more. Yeah. And then the depot opening is the 30th, so a week from today at 3:00 p.m. 3 to 6.

3 to 6. And uh and yeah, by then all the little punch list stuff will be ready and it's it really came out wonderful. It's a great repurposing of a of a beautiful building. Um and so uh yeah, it really is nice. And then on the for those that watching at home, uh pickle ball courts, they're almost done. He's finishing the uh the six and then the other three he's going to take up the poles, fix all that, and make that into four. Then we'll have uh 10 pickle ball courts there. Um and so anyway, that that's happening, but it's actually happening as we speak. So every day is getting closer. Um, and it is taking a while, but when you have cracks like that surface had in it, if you rush the fix, uh, when the weather changes, it won't be a permanent fix. And so, he's doing it very slow and purposefully so that hopefully we'll get a more permanent fix out of it. So, they should be good for, uh, quite a while, and our pickle ballers will be happy for sure. All right.

Um, we have we have one other consideration. I think that we need to vote on that. I think we got sidetracked before anybody discussion. I messed it up. That's okay. Yes. Thank you, Cam. Yeah. No. Hi, Miss Quet. Hi, Miss Pion. Hi, Vice Mayor Austin. Hi. And Mayor Anderson. Hi. Thank you, Cam. Keeping those on points today. Like Dr. Monahan used to say in the summertime, what have you boys done to justify your existence? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Next, we have a Here I am. Yes, sir. Next, we have a consideration to amend the town manager's contract. And I'm going to ask Ham Bell speak on that.

Sure. The town manager's been here shockingly for four years. Uh, now time flies when you're having fun. Um, there's been some consideration as to amendment of his existing agreement. Um and so good as to his uh salary uh that had been increased in the severance period and notice period uh over that time. So it's remain in place. I think there's u general consensus on that. Just some motion to put all that in writing and and move forward. Well, I have a motion here if y'all ready. Yes.

Okay. I' I'd make a motion that the town manager's employment agreement be amended regarding his annual salary notice period and severance period. That the town attorney be empowered to draft the amendment and mayor be empowered to sign the amendment with these terms. All other terms will remain unchanged. I'll second that. Any further discussion?

I'd just like to say that I'm very grateful that we have a town manager who's so receptive to the needs of our town. There is not I cannot think of a time that I have called him with a problem and he has not dealt with the problem immediately. Um I think anybody who's worked in a job for a period of time as long as four years. Um and has done the job that our town manager has done certainly deserves um to be rewarded for that and so I'm very happy to to um amend the contract accordingly. Thank you. I just want to echo what Amanda said, but I also want to add I can remember back um when we interviewed Mike

and Mike made the comment and he's always very polished and I appreciate that in the town manager. You know, he always looks the part and that's fantastic. Um but uh he shows up to the interview and and of course was dressed to the tease and and he made the comment during the interview that that he wanted to find a place to call home and stay there long term. and uh and I think that he has absolutely fulfilled that and we're very very lucky to have him as a member of the community and I think you're doing a great job. Thanks. I appreciate it. Yeah. Thanks.

I'm going to second both what Derek and Amanda said. Um me and Mike Cochran actually came aboard about the same time. You know, my first day of being on town council before I was the vice mayor or the mayor here in the town of Agon. Um, there was a couple of things that I was unsure about and from day one I can honestly say that Mike Cochran, you you have been a great spokesperson for the town of Avenue and I appreciate everything that you've done for the town.

Thank you. I appreciate it. No, I enjoy it. It's a great town. It's a wonderful community and uh great staff. I mean, it's just been a been a wonderful all around. Well, I believe in giving credit where credit's due and I just know that with the infrastructure I serve and I'm part of the infrastructure and he's really been key to move making sure these projects move forward and I also am in the community a lot with him and all these events and and his communication skills is just excellent. um he just uh in all the community engagements, you know, it ain't only at ribbon cutings, but it's at where we have to show up for even the projects and things like that. So, you know, I just want to thank you.

No, I appreciate it. It's a it's a neat place and uh it takes me seven minutes to get to work if I hit the lights, six if I don't. But no, it is uh there's a lot of places in this country, but uh I mean it's it's an incredibly unique uh I mean just starting off with our historical review board. I mean it's a power hitter board. Uh and we have just an amazing community and it's a it's a result of all the little things that come together. So I do appreciate it and I do enjoy working here. So you're not too bad of a boss, too. Yeah. Well, you know, I mean it's what happens when no one else applies, right? Anyway, so

I'd like to also say I I appreciate the attention that you give to issues with I call I have personal experience and I hear other council members say the same thing. That that means a lot certainly and I do appreciate it. Thanks. Yeah. No, I uh the goal is to serve the community and that's what we try to do and you all have your role and I have mine and collectively we make it happen. So, I appreciate that. Anybody to do that? All right. I think we need a vote. So, we had we had a motion by Miss Qu and it was second by Miss Pion. Miss Billion. Any further discussion? Kim, if you'll please call roll. Mr. Web. Hi. Miss Quetch. I.

Miss Pion. I. Vice Mayor Austin. I. And Mary Anderson. I. We have no old business today. We do have uh miscellaneous business and communication from our town manager and that we'll be discussing regarding the proposed the options of the budget for the financial year 2027. Mike Cochran. Yeah, this is just a final going over the uh uh man gave me a funny look. Um but just the we've been it'll be the first read will be next month or uh May the 4th

probably like in two weeks basically but uh so we have gone through after discussing last time and u we had a couple adjustments to the the final numbers uh just based on some ads and some subtractions that went into the budget. So, we just have a slight adjustment on the overall. It's right here. Make sure I got it from you. You make them change. Yeah. Yeah. No. So, uh anyway, did you get that? Did you get the final sheet? Yes. Yeah, I sent it to

Yeah. So, on the final sheet that there are some items that were uh that we had removed as part of the budget process and things that we had to add back in and so we wanted to segregate them. So it shows us there's onetime use money and there's other ones that are that are continuing. Um and so the the red or red's the additions and then the uh the black are the ones that were uh taken away from what was added. Uh but the collective ad was 50,500 uh and on for the reinstated items and the one is uh uh place the um so we can secure the facility for the emergency management stuff. Uh and basically that we doing is renting a bay from the incubator. Um, and basically because that has a a generator on it and it has a roll-up door and it's set to be able to receive stuff. And so in the event that we have another incident, uh, we want to be able to have something that's ready to roll. And, uh, and then obviously if something happens, we're set up to be able to bill and to get reimbursed for those expenses. And then, uh, during the budget process also, the community u tourism had removed, uh, some of the musical events and we were trying to find different ways to make it happen. And after meeting with them, I went ahead and added the that back in so we can help music events happen in town. And that's a total of 12,000. And then the uh the RDHA, the housing authority that had gotten removed inadvertently. And then the last one is um Yeah. So then Gabe got out his uh Kenzu and he was able to remove $1,000 from his AutoCAD expense and then another 500 out of their training training expense for the travel or whatever. So anyway, um, and then the last items down here are the ads, which are VOTE projects.

Yeah. And they're they're like Kevin was talking about the 100% funded HP. So yeah, it's budget, but but we still needed to add it to the budget. Yeah. So it's million 592 with 100% funding. Those are our kind of projects. That's my kind of project. Yes, sir.

Yeah. AB. Absolutely. And uh um so anyway, that's the wind up the total uh change. And so um yeah, so basically the original proposal was 237853 of of potential fund balance usage and then uh adding in the uh the optional the 40495 which were the uh projects we presented as optional use from fund balance. Uh and then you add in the the last minute the last minute ads total of 692 748 theoretical use of fund balance and again this is a budget built on not having any increases in meals lodging and sales which is unlike other years we normally budget a 5% increase on those not budging any increase at all but based on analysis what we did today uh we should certainly exceed uh well we'll certainly exceed that next year but I wanted to make sure that we had a good solid cushion built into the budget as far as that goes. And so, um, while this is a theoretical use of 692, I'm fairly certain that we're going to come in pretty close to u pretty close to even on this budget when it actually happens because when the when the part when trail gets to reopen, I think we're going to see we've already seen increased activity and we're uh our meals right now is at 4.97 increase over last year and that was after a pretty cold winter. Uh so I anticipate based on what we're seeing is that our next couple months before the fiscal year ends will exceed budget which is the 5%. So we should be in uh pretty good shape uh at the end of this budget next year.

Like I said this is the first reading of the ordinance and it will be um heard on No, this this is the this final discussion just to see if there's any last minute uh adjustments and then uh next year and then uh we'll do the first read in May roughly two weeks. Yeah. Yes. And then the second read will be the first uh because we're not doing a midmon in May unless there's an absolute emergency. There's just between graduations and things happening. And then the the the second read will be the first meeting in June. Yes, sir. Yeah. Is that right? So

and um Yeah. And then the flashing beacon project that was a couple years ago. So just so you understand the timeline on stuff, it takes with VOTE. that are great, but sometimes they take a little while to get things through the whole process. But the the flashing beacons, we have a couple of them around town. We've added some on Valley and some on Main Street, and then this is the remainder of them um that were we had put in for I think 11 or so, and this is what they actually were able to fund. There's a couple we hear a lot about um Bradley Street where it comes across, but they won't put a Yeah, they won't put a pedestrian uh crossing there until it has an island. So, we're working on a project for uh for um uh the main road that will add little islands and all, but that's a couple years away, but they won't put a flashing beacons there until there's a pedestrian uh sanctuary or something they call it, and that'll be a couple years down the road, and then we'll get something there. But

I do get a lot of questions about that, Mike. Yeah, that crossing.

Yeah. And then it we're working on it, but until uh until Cummings gets that that work done, uh this is everything that we can do. But this is it just so in case the community wonders when you hear about pedestrian safety um we heard it two years ago but now we're actually getting it the funding to go ahead and implement the project. So sometimes it takes a little while. Some things we can fund right away and when you're talking a couple hundred thousand worth if I can use someone else's money we're going to. So anyway it'll improve the intersections where they're at and they people do actually pay attention to them. You hit the little yellow button and they'll stop as a general rule. So it'll uh it'll be good. Uh, one thing that I'm going to add to that, today I actually seen where public works put the the crossing up at the Virginia Creeper Trail with the button. Oh, excelling there on Green Springs Road.

Very very nice job by public works on that. So cool. I can see the progress. Yeah. And then on that parking lot there cuz I know we have visitors at home but watchers at home but the parking lot as we do the spring paving that first I don't know 75 or 100 of that parking lot area is going to be paved because we're setting it up so that the bike drop offs will be able to pull in and there'll be some signage so they'll know which way to go because you can't pull a trailer full of bikes and do it turn on in once the cars are parked but they'll be able to pull in and then loop around and come back out. So, but the whole idea is that now it has some semblance of uh of organization to it. Um, better than it was for sure. Before it was kind of free-for-all. So, it should be pretty good for everybody going forward. So,

thank you for all the hard work on that. No problem. Was it was her I just kind of help her out a little bit. So, no, we have a great staff. I mean, they've really gone through uh and uh and fine-tuned this thing and I think this will be a good budget for us. Well, I'd like to say Amanda's doing a great job. I mean, Steve always did a great job, but this is your first year in charge, and I think it's been seamless. So, you're doing a great job. I'm glad you think so. I THINK IT'S THE first time she's ever heard that. I think you're doing a wonderful job as well, too. I'm going to second Amanda. You know, we had our budget meeting today and I think that, you know, you fit right in. I didn't even know Steve wasn't here. I hate to say that, Steve, if you're listening.

Yeah. So, And anyway, just for those watching too at home, what this what this would include is the request from the police department for the the night vision equipment, replacement duty pistols, uh a covered area for the back of the police station, and then basketball courts uh with lights for uh a street and then latcher field lighting. And that would be replace the um the old style lighting with LED lighting on Latcher Field. Um, and by reusing the poles and our staff doing it, we're able to save a lot of money because if you recall, the the Musco lighting at the Meadows was $2 million. Now, their stuff is really, really fancy, but that comes pre-amed. We're going to put the lights up and then aim them once they're installed. So, we'll be able to get that done. And, uh, I also believe that the tennis courts on College Street are getting those type of lights real soon, too. Uh, and that'll be out of the current year's budget. And then the uh other part is the paving of the outdoor uh track at the wreck and um because that one if you've been out there um it's got a ton of gravel on it and uh it just went for 200,000 we'll be able to knock that one out. And then staff is finishing up uh building the one on the uh that's circling the uh playground. They just have to finish that. They've got a lot of ongoing projects and uh they did install the arrows. If you go by Everhard Park, they they installed some of the sculptures. One of our residents had bought some of the artwork or sculptures from the uh William King and it's been in limbo. So now they're installed and uh they're they're out there. The whole long-term goal on that is to get people out of the car. So if they're as they're going through the community and rather than just drive from point A to point B, they'll be able to get out of their car and using one of the apps for getting ready to roll out, you'll be able to use the app to, you know, find sculptures or see what it's about. about it because the something keeps people engaged. So, it'll work out pretty good. So,

I get a lot of feedback about how great the town looks. Ma'am, it does. That's due to staff.

Yeah, absolutely. And and we're working uh the the Veterans Park uh hillside. Uh they've done a lot of work trying to bring that soil back. The top seven or eight feet, they've planted wild flowers. We're still going to have an area in the middle that may look like an opportunity zone. Um, but uh it will look better. It will look better. So, we we're coming up with a couple different things that we can do, but it's just a challenge because of what used to be there and what they've done to the soil over the years. But I talked to Laney yesterday and they're working on it. But the wild flowers will at least make it look decent. We have a dream of making it look like a North Carolina exit when you get off the interstate, but we're not there yet. But it will look better than it did last year. So,

thank you all. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Good job.

Now, we'll move on to council members reports. Um, like I said, I just have one thing to report or a couple things to report. And one is those lights at the uh Virginia Creeper Trail. Um, that's a nice addition to the creeper trail over there and to that parking lot as well. So, I commend public works, Kevin. I commend everyone over there at public works for the hard work of of getting those up and seeing those fully operating and functional. So, good job on that. I also let you know that we hopefully by the end of next week we'll have the new crosswalk painted in across the railroad track. Have all the new uh sidewalk tied together so that way it'll have full walkability through the the entire corridor right there.

Thank you, Kevin. Think how much money we'll save with those little things that stand in the center of the road to keep getting Exactly. Exactly right. Yeah. Is that Is that correct? I'd like to remind people of the ribbon cutting on April 30th, the community kitchen. It's beautiful. You need to be there. Check it out. It's beautiful.

And then we also have our historic preservation day coming up May the 1st, 2026. That will start at the Martha Washington in at 9:00. So, um, we hope to have a lot of people that are interested in the history and the preservation of the town of Admin, please attend that meeting. Mike, what's the status of our generator for the Kum Center, the grant that we asked for on that?

We're still in a holding list on that one. We So, we got the the little over million dollar one for the sewer plant and they're going to fund the electrical part or the So, we own the generator. It was donated for town hall, but they're they're going to fund the uh the electrical work on that. And then also we have a tower behind the police station that's a backup communications tower and they're going to fund the generator for that. But we're still in standby mode for there and I believe public works are the two that were in. We didn't get a no. We just got a we ain't got funding for it yet. But if the so as they shake out the funding availability uh haven't heard anymore. You remain optimistic about us.

I'm hoping we we put together a good uh we put together good stuff. So I'm hoping and we also provide the regional services for a lot of stuff. So, I do believe that it's got some real viability there. So, crossing our fingers. If not, we'll we'll reapply. But I Yeah, I hope we can get that. I envision it being a shelter for for the winters. Yeah, absolutely. It'd be a It'd be a neat u Yeah, because there's times where you need it and uh not having power, you can't use it. So, yeah, we're crossing our fingers. So, I wanted to ask a quick question just because I've seen

chatter about it and heard chatter about it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we are just now to the point that we're starting our spring paving, right? We can't fix potholes and we can't pave during the winter because it doesn't work. So, I've seen a lot of chatter on social media about places that the road needs to be fixed and I'm certain public works is working on that and that it's time to start on that, but we can't do that in January. Right.

In the winter time, we do some little coal patch, but right now we we already have crews on site at various location doing patch holes that we know of and we've already noted if newest pop up. Let's double hit those. Spring paving actually will start Monday, May 4th at all the park locations. It'll take about three weeks. So, it should be done before the Memorial weekend, which is a month earlier than we normally get it. and payment parking which I know is another little inconvenience right now but it looks nice for a minute

but right now it's a little bit of disruption uh in striping but that should be done uh about the second week of May unless they have some target areas they're doing and that should have all of that taken care of before we get to Memorial weekend this year. Well, that all looks nice. I I wasn't asking that as a complaint. I just knew that there was some clarification that we could make for the public. That's right. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, the cold patch only lasts till the next time it gets water in it, it freezes up. So,

and they're doing hot patch work right now. So, there's you'll see areas all over town where they're doing that. There's two areas that we're not touching. Well, one area specifically, and that's at the White Mill intersection because we're getting ready to dig all of that up this sewer project in July. M and then the last part too, I know the Atmas has been around town uh and they're making their presence known in a lot of different areas and they do some pretty aggressive cuts and u they're almost done in the town. I think they've got one or two areas left last night. They finished the section across Valley Street. That was the last major section they had to tie together.

So the only thing they'll have left to do will be do some tieins at a few spots around and that say Virginia project will be completed unless they have pop up that whole project should be pushed out for the warm weekend as well. Yeah. And again, that's not us, but we get blamed for it a lot. It's Atmus Energy, but again, they're gas lines and it has to be done. So, I mean, they've been working on it for quite a while, but that um and we try but they're fixing as they do the open cuts now because back fixing as they go.

Well, I always say holes sitting around. I always say when people complain, you know, a few years ago in Richmond, they lost water for what, a week, and um having to fix the sewer and having to fix the gas and having to strike the roads is a temporary inconvenience, but boy, it's a lot better than losing those services. That's exactly exactly right. And thank you for bringing that up, Amanda, because I know there has been a lot of questions about what you just asked, and thank you for bringing that up. Well, I'm thankful that everybody, you know, I always say this, but we have such great um people who work so hard in the town to keep everything looking good and running well and usable for all of us. And I think it's wonderful.

Excellent. Thanks. Yeah. And then one other thing that'll be here shortly. Uh we were able to uh procure a um it's basically a vacuum that go has like a 65gallon container, but it's got a basically a joystick. You operate a little side by side and it goes in the back and then they'll be able to pick up litter off of that. So, we use that on our main entrance corridors and all because if you like you drive up Valley and and you generally won't see litter on Valley, but not Valley, um Street, but then if you walk it, you'll see it. And I when I walk it, I notice it. So, I mean, I know it's other folks see it as well. So, this machine will be able to go around and hit those, but it'll also be able to hit uh the meadows and uh Veterans Park, places where litter uh litter blows into fencing and all that stuff, and they'll be able to go through and get that. And uh the whole goal is to you know have it look amazing and so it'll look really really good. So that's coming real soon.

Any other council members have anything to report. Remember is it Arbor Day tomorrow? Next it is tomorrow. It's tomorrow at Greenale. Right. Be at Greenale. At what time? Um that 1:30 or 1:30. 1:30. Yeah. So anybody that wants to come out to that, please come out to that. We'll try to sneak out there as well. Okay, maybe I will. Thank you for bringing that up, too, Derek. All right. Um, we have no appointments to boards or committees. Um, we have no closed sessions today. And with that being said, we will call this meeting a journal. Thank you. Thank you.