Clifton Forge, VA (March 28, 2017) - The Clifton Forge Town Council convened in open session just after 7 p.m. tonight and quickly approved a measure granting town manager Darlene Burcham both a $3,000 raise and a year extension on her contract.
That brings Darlene Burcham's yearly salary to $108,171, plus car allowance, generous vacation time, plus VRS contributions, and a soon-to-be purchased new laptop computer and more. (The Journal will update citizens on the full extent of the town manager's compensation package soon in a separate article).
The item never appeared on the agenda, despite the fact that both the mayor and the town manager were aware of the proposed action in advance.
The motion for the raise and extension was approved on a 3-2 vote, with councilmen Jeff Irvine and Bob Umstead voting no. The Journal recorded the vote on video, but since the measure was introduced so suddenly, did not get the motion on record. Watch. Council Votes Contract Extension. $3,000 Town Manager Pay Hike.*
It was a relatively short meeting, however, with Planning Commission Dr. Ronald Goings reading an extensive list of town actions which have occurred over the past year and noting that an update to the comprehensive plan needed to be conducted soon. For Goings' complete report, watch this video: Goings Reports To Town Council.
Other Council Action
• the town approved a measure granting authority to the town manager to act as the Community Development Director on an acting status. That position has been vacant for about six months. The council voted unanimously to approve.
• council accepted and approved its departmental reports, with councilman Irvine noting the nice award recently received by the water treatment plant.
• council voted unanimously to place several worn out items on its surplus items list. They will either be auctioned off on a government related site or sold via sealed bid.
Town Manager's Comments
Town Manager Darlene Burcham told council that the fire lane at the Kroger Shopping Center would soon be enforced (beginning this Saturday) and that work on the demotion of buildings on the former railroad property was beginning. She also noted that tree cutting and road building had started on the Hickory St. extension and indicated that some brush burning might occur soon. She also noted that quite a bit of dirt would have to be removed and that area residents should be aware of increased construction-related traffic. Here is her report: Burcham Reports To Town Council.
Council Comments
The most significant council comments came from those who voted to extend the town manager's contract for a year and vote for her raise. Councilman David Oeltjen noted that good service needed to be rewarded, vice-mayor Gayle Hillert expressed her appreciation for Burcham's service and Mayor Carl Brinkley said much had been accomplished since Burcham came to town and indicated that he'd vote for seven more years if he had the chance. "I've never seen anyone work harder at a job," hre marked. Watch: CF Councilmen Make Regular Public Comments.
Diana Kling-Smith showed up to tell council about the Library's book sale, set for Friday and Saturday this week. Watch. Kling-Smith Talks About Book Sale.
Finally, the Clifton Forge Police Department, along with the Greenbrier Veterinary Hospital, will host a Rabies Clinic on Monday, April 23, 2017 from 1-4 p.m. at the Clifton Forge Fire Department at 701 Church St. Rabies vaccinations for both dogs and cats will be $8.50 each and other services also will be available. For more information, please call the CFPD at 863-2514.
* * * * *
(Editor's note: in most rules systems, adding an item to a formal agenda involves the chairperson indicating that he or she would like a motion to add an item, then requests a second. Then time is allowed for any discussion on the motion. Then a vote is taken. If the vote is positive, i.e. a majority of the group approves, then the agenda item is added to the business of the group. No such motion was made at the town council meeting.
As a further note, last week, the town council abruptly cancelled its work session at which such a contract extension probably would have been discussed. It is clear that one if not at least two of the council persons were not aware that the subject of the 6:40 p.m. meeting involved a contract extension for the town manager. It appears that a majority of council DID know about the subject matter, however. If or how this was communicated it not known by the Journal at this time.)
|  | Dr. Ronald Goings showed up at the Clifton Forge Town Council meeting on March 28, 2017 to give council an update on the town's comprehensive plan. (AlleghanyJournal.com photo by Jerry E. Clark)
|
|
