Marion public meetings in 2025

Town Council

The Marion Town Council meeting will include a public hearing on the Water Line Replacement Phase 13‑14 (WSL‑003‑24E). Council members will also consider two special‑use permit requests: one for a home‑based business and another for a Skills Games operation at 300 North Main Street. Additional agenda items include an attorney’s clarification on the Property Maintenance official position, reports from the mayor, staff, and closed‑session discussions on a real‑estate disposition and the town manager hiring process.

• Public hearing on Water Line Replacement Phase 13‑14 (WSL‑003‑24E)
• Request for Special Use Permit for Home‑Base Business
• Request for Special Use Permit for Skills Games at 300 North Main Street
• Attorney’s report: Property Maintenance Official Position – Clarification
• Closed session: disposition of publicly held property and town manager hiring process

The council authorized a general‑obligation bond of up to $2,450,000 and adopted a related reimbursement resolution. It approved payment of $1,485,697.39 in town accounts and increased the 25% sick‑leave payout to $15,000. Council members reappointed two members and appointed a new member to the Marion Economic Development Authority, set a public hearing for a home‑based business permit, and referred a dumpster variance request to the Sanitation Committee.

• Approved bond issuance up to $2,450,000 (8‑0)
• Adopted reimbursement intent resolution for bond proceeds (8‑0)
• Approved town accounts payment of $1,485,697.39 (8‑0)
• Increased 25% sick‑leave payout from $5,000 to $15,000 (7‑1)
• Reappointed Bob Shultz to Marion EDA (8‑0)
• Appointed Ben Reedy to Marion EDA (8‑0)
• Set public hearing Jan 5 2026 for home‑based business special‑use permit (8‑0)
• Referred dumpster variance issue to Sanitation Committee (8‑0)

Town Council

The Marion Town Council will conduct a public hearing on a proposed loitering ordinance. The council will also approve minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting and receive various staff and committee reports. A closed session will address the town manager hiring process. The meeting will continue on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

• Public hearing on Proposed Loitering Ordinance
• Approval of minutes from November 17, 2025
• Closed session: Town Manager Hiring Process
• Special Project #8 – Callen Drive Rec. Park – contractor working on final grade (no update)
• Phase VIII Sewer and Phases XIII–XIV Water – no updates

The council approved the minutes and agenda from the November 17 meeting unanimously. It directed a revisit of the proposed Loitering Ordinance with an 8‑0 vote and continued the meeting to December 2. The council voted 5‑3 to extend an offer to Andrew Keen for the Town Manager position. The meeting was adjourned by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved November 17 minutes (8-0)
• Approved agenda as distributed (8-0)
• Directed revisit of Loitering Ordinance (8-0)
• Continued meeting to Dec 2, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. (8-0)
• Extended offer to Andrew Keen for Town Manager (5-3)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:39 p.m. (7-0)

Town Council

The Marion Town Council meeting on November 17, 2025 will approve the minutes from November 3, 2025 and adopt the agenda. Council members will receive committee reports, and staff will give updates on special projects, including Special Project #8 – Callen Drive Recreation Park and water and sewer phases. The meeting will include public hearings, presentations, and a closed‑session discussion of the Town Manager hiring process.

• Approval of minutes from November 3, 2025
• Public hearings
• Special Project #8 – Callen Drive Rec. Park (final grading)
• Smyth County Mutual Aid agreement (Police)
• Closed‑session personnel matter: Town Manager hiring process

The council approved the meeting minutes and agenda, referred Main Street parking limits to the Street Committee, set employee Christmas bonuses, approved $1,904,545.39 in accounts, and approved a Mutual Aid Agreement with Smyth County. A closed session was held for personnel hiring and real‑estate matters, then the council returned to open session and adjourned.

• Approved November 3 minutes (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved agenda with extra items (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Referred Main Street parking limit reconsideration to Street Committee (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Set employee Christmas bonuses: $500 full‑time, $250 part‑time (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved accounts for payment of $1,904,545.39 (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved Mutual Aid Agreement with Smyth County (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Entered closed session for personnel hiring and real‑estate disposition (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:19 p.m. (8 AYES, 0 NOES)

Town Council

The Town Council will meet to receive operational reports from town staff and the police and fire chiefs. The Mayor will address resetting a public hearing regarding a loitering ordinance. The meeting includes a closed session for real estate and personnel matters.

• Reset public hearing on Loitering Ordinance
• Personnel Committee update from Mrs. Jennings
• Special Project # 8 Callen Drive Rec. Park status update
• Closed session regarding Real Estate (2.2-3711 A-3) and Personnel (A-1)

The council approved the meeting minutes and agenda unanimously. It accepted two public‑comment clarifications, scheduled the Loitering Ordinance hearing for Dec 1, 2025, and approved closing Main Street for the Christmas Parade on Dec 5, 2025. A motion to change the parade route failed, and the Town Manager was authorized to work on a real‑estate proposal. The council entered closed session, returned to open session, and adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

• Approved October 20 minutes (8‑0)
• Approved agenda (8‑0)
• Accepted public‑comment clarifications (8‑0)
• Set Loitering Ordinance public hearing for Dec 1, 2025 (8‑0)
• Closed Main Street for Christmas Parade Dec 5, 2025 (8‑0)
• Motion to alter parade route failed (3‑5)
• Authorized Town Manager to pursue real‑estate proposal (8‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (8‑0)

Town Council

The Marion Town Council will convene to approve minutes, hear public comments, and receive operational updates from the police chief, fire chief, and economic development director. The manager will report on the status of the Callen Drive Recreation Park and other capital projects.

• Police Chief Testerman to report on general operations
• Fire Chief Hamm to report on general operations
• Economic Development Director Heath to report on general operations
• Zoning & Property Maintenance staff to report on general operations
• Town Manager to report on Special Project #8 – Callen Drive Rec. Park

The council approved the town’s $2,073,707.84 accounts for payment and recommended Brenda Kelly for the vacant seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals. It also approved a $15,000 small‑business loan at 2% interest for 60 months to Larry Sharitz of Blazing Scoops. A public hearing on the draft Loitering Ordinance was scheduled for November 17, 2025, and shooting‑range concerns were referred to the Police Committee. All votes were unanimous except the loitering ordinance hearing, which passed 6‑0 with the mayor not voting.

• Approved minutes of Oct 6, 2025 (7‑0)
• Approved agenda (7‑0)
• Referred shooting‑range concerns to Police Committee (7‑0)
• Recommended Brenda Kelly for Board of Zoning Appeals vacancy (7‑0)
• Approved accounts for payment $2,073,707.84 (7‑0)
• Approved $15,000 small‑business loan to Larry Sharitz/Blazing Scoops (7‑0)
• Set public hearing on Loitering Ordinance draft for Nov 17, 2025 (6‑0, mayor absent)
• Entered and exited closed session as required (7‑0 each)

Town Council

The Marion Town Council will hear reports from the mayor, attorney, police chief, fire/EMS chief, economic development, and zoning staff. Council members will consider a resolution for Extra Mile Day and a resolution honoring Dr. Peter Bruzzo, D.O. The meeting also includes the swearing‑in of two new police officers. Updates on special projects such as Callen Drive Recreation Park will be provided, though no decisions are noted.

• Swearing in of two new police officers
• Resolution for Extra Mile Day (Mayor's Report)
• Resolution honoring Dr. Peter Bruzzo, D.O. (Fire/EMS Report)
• Special Project #8 – Callen Drive Recreation Park – contractor working on final grade (no update)
• General operations reports from Police, Fire/EMS, Economic Development, and Zoning

The Town Council approved the closure of Broad Street for the Halloween event, authorized the mayor to submit a letter of support for a $10 million FY‑26 state budget request for Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging, and adopted a resolution designating November 1, 2025 as “Extra Mile Day.” New police officers were sworn in, and the council entered and exited a closed‑session personnel meeting before adjourning.

• Approved Broad Street closure for Halloween event (6 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Authorized submission of Letter of Support for $10M FY26 State Budget (6 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved Extra Mile Day resolution (6 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Swore in Police Officers Logan Selfe and Joshua Haulsey
• Approved minutes of September 15, 2025 meeting (6 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved agenda with addition of closed session (6 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Entered closed session for personnel matters (6 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Adjourned meeting (6 AYES, 0 NOES)

Town Council

The Marion Town Council will hear a series of reports and updates, including a housing authority briefing, police officer lifesaving awards, a fire/EMS special equipment request, and an economic development TV3 update. A key item is the update on Special Project #8, where the contractor is completing final grading for the Callen Drive Recreation Park. The meeting also includes a closed‑session segment on real estate and personnel matters.

• Marion Housing Authority update (public presentation)
• Police Chief report on Officer Lifesaving Awards
• Fire/EMS Chief request for special equipment
• Economic Development report on TV3
• Special Project #8 – Callen Drive Recreation Park final grading

The council approved the municipal accounts for payment totaling $1,300,133.20. They appointed Amanda Currin to the Marion Housing Authority and directed the drafting of a loitering ordinance and revisions to the sanitation ordinance. The council also referred the possibility of reinstating animal control to the Personnel Committee and authorized Mr. Heath to pursue an ARC Power Grant. All motions passed with votes ranging from 6‑2 to unanimous.

• Approved municipal accounts payment $1,300,133.20 (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Appointed Amanda Currin to Marion Housing Authority (7 AYES, 0 NOES, 1 ABSTENTION)
• Directed Todd Long to draft a Loitering Ordinance (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Directed Todd Long to draft Sanitation Ordinance changes (6 AYES, 2 NOES)
• Referred possibility of adding Animal Control back to Personnel Committee (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Authorized Mr. Heath to work with Smyth County EDA on ARC Power Grant (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved minutes of September 2, 2025 meeting (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved agenda with closed session addition (8 AYES, 0 NOES)

Town Council

The Town Council will meet to review staff reports and project updates. The Town Manager will provide status reports on the Special Projects Program, including the Callen Drive Rec. Park. The meeting includes a closed session for legal matters.

• Update on Special Project # 8: Callen Drive Rec. Park final grade
• Status reports on Radio Read Project installation
• Updates on South Main Sewer Realignment Project
• Closed session regarding legal matters (2.2-3711 A-7)

The Town Council approved the minutes from the August 18 meeting and the agenda, adding a Closed Session for personnel matters. It adopted the state holiday schedule and amended the Personnel Manual to include it. The council referred the review of the new trash pick‑up ordinance guidelines to the Sanitation Committee and conducted a Closed Session before returning to open session and adjourning the meeting.

• Approved minutes of August 18, 2025 meeting (7-0)
• Approved agenda with addition of Closed Session for Personnel (7-0)
• Adopted state holiday schedule and updated Personnel Manual (7-0)
• Referred review of trash pick‑up ordinance guidelines to Sanitation Committee (7-0)
• Entered Closed Session to discuss Personnel & Legal matters (7-0)
• Returned to Open Session after Closed Session (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Town Council

The Town Council approved the town’s accounts for payment totaling $1,900,489.74. It also authorized a $15,000 loan to Erin Thomas of Barrister’s Deli & Sweets at 2% interest. The RiverWalk Extension proposal was sent to the Recreation Committee, and a full review of town ordinances was referred to the Ordinance Committee. A Livestock Ordinance amendment passed with a 5‑2 vote.

• Approved town accounts for $1,900,489.74 (7-0)
• Approved $15,000 small‑business loan to Barrister’s Deli & Sweets (7-0)
• Referred RiverWalk Extension proposal to Recreation Committee (7-0)
• Referred full ordinance review to Ordinance Committee (7-0)
• Adopted resolution honoring Marlyn and Gary Peacock’s 60th wedding anniversary (7-0)
• Rescheduled next council meeting to September 2, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved Livestock Ordinance amendment (5-2)
• Approved agenda with addition of closed session (7-0)

Town Council

The council adopted a resolution authorizing a general‑obligation bond not to exceed $780,293 for water and sewer projects. It approved an amended tree ordinance that removes boxwoods and crepe myrtles from the prohibited‑plant list, and approved $4,900 for the airport snowplow request. The livestock ordinance was referred to staff for further information, and routine items such as minutes, agenda and a closed‑session were approved.

• Approved bond authorizing up to $780,293 for water and sewer projects (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved amended Tree Ordinance removing boxwoods and crepe myrtles (5 AYES, 3 NOES)
• Approved $4,900 airport snowplow funding (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Referred livestock ordinance restrictions to staff for more information (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved July 7 meeting minutes as amended (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved July 21 meeting minutes as written (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved agenda as distributed (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Entered closed session for legal counsel (8 AYES, 0 NOES)

Town Council

The Town Council approved payment of $842,168.09 in accounts and authorized the closure of Groseclose Street from Sayers to Duke to allow sewer line installation. Public hearings were scheduled for the revised Tree Ordinance and the amended Livestock ordinance, both on August 4, 2025. The council also directed staff to clean up property on Henry Street and approved the meeting minutes and agenda.

• Approved accounts payment of $842,168.09 (7 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved closure of Groseclose Street from Sayers to Duke for sewer work (7 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Scheduled public hearing for revised Tree Ordinance on Aug 4, 2025 (7 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Scheduled public hearing for amended Agriculture Uses (Livestock) ordinance on Aug 4, 2025 (7 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Instructed town staff to clean up property on Henry Street (7 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved minutes of July 7, 2025 meeting with amendment (7 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved agenda as distributed with addition for closed session A-1 personnel (7 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Entered closed session for personnel, real estate, and legal counsel matters (7 AYES, 0 NOES)

Town Council

The council adopted the proposed Sanitation Ordinance Chapter 58 amendment with a 6‑aye vote. A motion to publish council members’ cell phone numbers on the website was retracted by a 5‑aye, 1‑no vote. The Resolution of Assurances for new development with Marathon Realty Corporation and the Performance Agreement for Project Harvest were each approved unanimously. The council also voted to continue enforcing camping ordinances at Riverbend Park.

• Retracted motion to publish council members’ cell phone numbers (5 AYES, 1 NO)
• Adopted Sanitation Ordinance Chapter 58 amendment (6 AYES, 0 NO)
• Adopted Resolution of Assurances for new development with Marathon Realty Corp (6 AYES, 0 NO)
• Approved Performance Agreement for Project Harvest (6 AYES, 0 NO)
• Continued enforcement of camping ordinances at Riverbend Park (6 AYES, 0 NO)
• Entered Closed Session for real estate and legal counsel matters (6 AYES, 0 NO)
• Returned to Open Session after Closed Session (6 AYES, 0 NO)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:45 p.m. (6 AYES, 0 NO)

Town Council

The council adopted the proposed 2025-2026 budget with a unanimous 6‑aye vote. It approved four tax levies for real estate, personal property, machinery and tools, and the special tax district, each by a 6‑aye vote. The Town also adopted the Virginia Code as amended on July 1 2025 and approved accounts payable of $931,081.50. Permission was granted for a non‑profit to serve beer at the July 4 Crab Feast event (5‑aye, 1‑no).

• Adopted 2025-2026 budget (6 AYES)
• Approved Real Estate tax levy $0.15 per $100 assessed value (6 AYES)
• Approved Personal Property tax levy $0.40 per $100 assessed value (6 AYES)
• Approved Machinery and Tools tax levy $0.40 per $100 assessed value (6 AYES)
• Approved Special Tax District levy $0.15 per $100 assessed value (6 AYES)
• Adopted Virginia Code as amended July 1, 2025 (6 AYES)
• Approved accounts payment of $931,081.50 (6 AYES)
• Granted beer permission for Crab Feast event July 4, 2025 (5 AYES, 1 NO)

Town Council

The council appointed Kevin Testerman as Chief of Police. It also approved a fence‑height amendment to 4 feet in the zoning ordinance and authorized the sale of a 20‑foot easement at 590 Look Avenue for $9,244.80. Additional actions included accepting a pawn‑broker application, approving $2,223,493.09 in payments, and scheduling a special meeting for June 30, 2025.

• Appointed Kevin Testerman as Chief of Police (8‑0)
• Adopted fence‑height amendment to 4 ft in Zoning Ordinance Section 5‑5 (8‑0)
• Approved vacating Right of Way at 590 Look Avenue, 20‑ft easement, sale for $9,244.80 (8‑0)
• Accepted Pawn Brokers application (7‑0, 1 abstention)
• Approved accounts for payment of $2,223,493.09 (8‑0)
• Sent budget posting and FOIA policy draft to Ordinance Committee (8‑0)
• Scheduled special called meeting for June 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (8‑0)
• Approved resolution and signs to honor girls’ and boys’ tennis teams (8‑0)

Town Council

The council approved the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes and the agenda, then appointed Rusty Hamm as interim police chief effective June 7. It adopted a resolution opposing the proposed closure of the Blue Ridge Job Corps and referred a request to waive a water bill to the Water Committee. The council entered a closed session on real estate and potential litigation, ordered staff to continue investigating nutrient credits, and adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes (7‑0)
• Approved agenda, striking closed session for A‑7 Legal (7‑0)
• Referred water‑bill waiver request to Water Committee (7‑0)
• Appointed Rusty Hamm as Interim Police Chief, effective June 7, 2025 (7‑0)
• Adopted resolution opposing proposed closure of Blue Ridge Job Corps (7‑0)
• Entered closed session for real estate and potential litigation (7‑0)
• Directed staff to continue investigation of nutrient credits (7‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:49 p.m. (7‑0)

Town Council

The council approved the May 5 meeting minutes and the agenda with an added EMS Week resolution, each by an 8‑aye vote. Three honor resolutions—for Sergeant April Morgan, Chief John Clair, and EMS Week—were adopted unanimously. The town’s accounts were approved for payment of $3,149,423.87 by an 8‑aye vote. A joint public hearing was scheduled for June 16, 2025 to consider front‑yard fence heights.

• Approved May 5, 2025 meeting minutes (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved agenda with EMS Week resolution addition (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Adopted Resolution honoring Sergeant April Morgan’s retirement (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Adopted Resolution of appreciation for Police Chief John Clair (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Adopted Resolution recognizing EMS Week May 18‑24, 2025 (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved town accounts for payment of $3,149,423.87 (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Set joint public hearing for June 16, 2025 on front‑yard fence heights (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:45 p.m. (8 AYES, 0 NOES)

Town Council

The council adopted a resolution affirming support of town staff and referred the Gilman Street parking and one‑way issue to the Street Committee. It scheduled public hearings on the proposed solid‑waste ordinance amendment for June 16, 2025, and on the 2025‑2026 budget for June 2, 2025. The council entered and then returned from a closed‑session on personnel and real estate matters and adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

• Adopted Resolution affirming support of town staff (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Referred Gilman Street parking and one‑way issue to Street Committee (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Set public hearing on solid‑waste amendment for June 16, 2025 (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Set public hearing on 2025‑2026 budget for June 2, 2025 (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Entered Closed Session for personnel and real estate matters (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Returned to Open Session (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 p.m. (8 AYES, 0 NOES)
• Approved agenda as distributed (8 AYES, 0 NOES)

Town Council

The council approved payment of $2,686,089.55 for town accounts (6‑0‑1). A motion passed to replace the traffic mirror on South Chestnut Street (7‑0). Larry Carter was appointed to the District III Board (6‑0‑1). The council also authorized drafting a resolution supporting the IT department and its employees (7‑0).

• Approved accounts for payment of $2,686,089.55 (6‑0‑1 abstention)
• Approved replacement of South Chestnut Street traffic mirror (7‑0)
• Appointed Larry Carter to District III Board (6‑0‑1 abstention)
• Authorized drafting a resolution supporting Mr. Long’s department (7‑0)
• Entered closed session for potential litigation (7‑0)
• Returned to open session after closed session (7‑0)
• Approved agenda with addition of closed session (7‑0)
• Approved minutes of April 7, 2025 meeting (7‑0)

Town Council

The council directed the Town Manager to work with VDOT to not proceed with the Park Blvd Phase II project (6-0). It approved a $43,000 contract for Round Hill Cemetery mowing services (6-0). The Tree Commission's planting plan was accepted with a budget limit of $4,000 and no tree at exit 45 (6-0). The council also re‑appointed Brian Reed and Regina Roberts to the Marion Housing Authority and adopted a National Poppy Day resolution (each 6-0).

• Park Blvd Phase II project halted – Town Manager to work with VDOT (6-0)
• Round Hill Cemetery mowing contract awarded to Elite Property Care for $43,000 (6-0)
• Tree Commission planting proposal approved, limit $4,000, no tree at exit 45 (6-0)
• Brian Reed re‑appointed to Marion Housing Authority (6-0)
• Regina Roberts re‑appointed to Marion Housing Authority (6-0)
• National Poppy Day resolution adopted (6-0)