Monterey Town Council August Meeting

Customers of the Town of Monterey’s water and sewer services will be seeing an increase in their next bill. During the August Town Council meeting, members voted by individual roll call to adopt a resolution to raise rates. The resolution was made retroactive to August 1^st, to cover the current service period. Bills are sent on a bi-monthly basis, so the increased charges will be seen on the October billing. Fees will be an additional $4.50 per month, or $9.00 per bill, reflecting a $3.00 increase in basic water, sewer and surcharge rates. It was noted that this was the first increase in basic rates since 2006. Overage charges remain the same. The council directed town clerk Cindy Kelley to include information on the rate increase along with the bills she was prepared to send for the just concluded service period. Council also determined the need to revise the  water and sewer services rule book.

Mayor Rich Holman reported that installation of the new trash cans in town was complete. He also reported that he had met with VDOT representatives to confirm that it was their responsibility to repair a  storm drain on West Main Street, which is scheduled to occur when the bridge repair crew is in the area. VDOT personnel will also work with the Council to determine proper matching colors to be used for curb painting.

In other action items, the Council:

• Approved a letter of support for a Highland Center application regarding the Community Park Project
• And approved a request by town employee Mike Isles to attend a September 16^th emergency management class in Bath County.

Council also heard a presentation from town attorney Melissa Dowd on the Freedom of Information Act, and its provisions for council actions and communications.

During council comments, member Jack Killgallen asked about the town ordinance which prohibits outdoor wood burning stoves, in relation to the new food establishment on the corner of 220 and 250, The Real Deal. The restaurant uses a smoker to prepare barbecued foods, and Mr. Killgallen wondered if this was an issue. Research into the ordinance showed it specifically mentioned the prohibited furnaces be used for heating purposes, which would not include the smoker.

During approval of the consent agenda, vice-mayor Ronald Wimer expressed his displeasure that the bill from HT Smith for removal of sludge from the sewer plant was not itemized as to labor, number of loads, etc. The council voted to pay the bill, but expressed a desire for more detailed invoices in the future.

The meeting ended with a closed session to discuss personnel.