Monterey Town Council Addresses Snow Removal

Snow removal was the main topic addressed at the January Monterey Town Council meeting. Reverend Melissa Harmon, of the Presbyterian Church, addressed the council with concerns about snow removal, both on the sidewalk in front of her house on Spruce Street and across the road, as well as the areas between the sidewalk and pavement where clearing and plowing creates large piles. Mayor Rich Holman clarified that while the town does hire Rexrode’s Masonry to clear the sidewalks in some areas, town policy is that snow removal is up to the landowners. Council member Ronald Wimer provided some information as to why the sidewalk is not cleared in the affected areas on Spruce Street, citing previous fence damage and little usage. Reverend Harmon noted that there were now businesses located in that area. The council thanked her for her commentary, and agreed to re-visit extending the courtesy of removal to that section.

The Council also held a public meeting to address exemption of personal property items from taxation. Hearing no comment, they unanimously voted to exempt, which keeps the town’s policy consistent with the county. In other finance related business, Mayor Holman noted that there will likely be a sewer and water rate increase this year, which will be further addressed in the budget planning period.

The Council removed the need to construct a handrail on the walkway in front of their office from old business. The office building has been sold, and new office space will have to be located.

In other business, the Council agreed to allow the county use of it’s truck and personnel during Maple Festival, as it has in the past, and heard a report that Shenandoah Electric Cooperative plans to install generators at it’s substation above Monterey for back-up during power failures. This station does not fall within town limits, so no action was required, but it was noted that noise could be an issue for some residents.

Town Attorney Melissa Dowd also clarified her billing as related to the sale of delinquent property, and reimbursement of the funds to the the estate of the owner, who is des eased.

The meeting ended with a closed session.