By Randy Arrington
STANLEY, Nov. 8 — The Stanley Council appropriated $40,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds to the Stanley Volunteer Rescue Squad during their regular monthly meeting held last week. The allocation to the non-profit first responders matches the ARPA funds contributed by the Town to the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department.
Both the rescue squad and the fire department have until Dec. 31, 2024 to spend the federal funds. Representatives of the rescue squad gave a presentation to council members last week to outline about a dozen projects that the ARPA funds would be used for, from building maintenance, software and office equipment; to tires and cargo cabinets for vehicles, and 30 pagers and chargers for members.
Council members requested a report from squad leaders on how the money would be used prior to allocating it this month.
According to Town Manager Terry Pettit’s report to council, the Town of Stanley has spent $1,650,234.82 in ARPA funds to date, with $85,431.18 remaining for appropriation.
In other business at its Nov. 8 meeting, the Stanley Council took the following actions:
• Heard a report from Town Manager Pettit that the Well No. 7 project, which is nearing completion after many years of stops and starts, is currently in a “holding game” waiting on parts to complete the well. Suppliers had estimated it could take 14 to 16 weeks to get some parts. Pettit said electrical work is expected to start after the first of the year.
• Unanimously agreed to award a Freightliner dump truck to the highest bidder, Timmy Turner of Elkton, for $5,501, after opening bids during the meeting. Only two bids were submitted, and council members commented that the dump truck would need significant work to pass inspection for CDL.
• Reached a consensus to move forward with a project to light the remainder of the walking trail in Ed Good Park. A $35,000 commitment from the Stanley Homecoming Committee would likely cover most of the materials needed for the project, while the Town is anticipating paying for the installation and electrical work that would be needed (close to the same value). It could take 12-14 weeks for materials to be delivered, and both council and the Homecoming Committee are hoping to have the work done before the 2024 Stanley Homecoming.
• Unanimously agreed to a contract with Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates to conduct the Town’s audits for the last three fiscal years at a rate of $20,000 per year. The Town got behind in audits after issues with its previous auditor. Councilman Doug Purdham made a motion to move forward with the audits and “pay as done,” as council members acknowledged it may take a couple of budget cycles to get caught up.
• Unanimously agreed to donate $250 to the Page Free Clinic as a Silver Sponsor of their upcoming Thanksgiving dinner event at Faithbrooke Barn and Vineyards on Thursday, Nov. 23.
• Heard the monthly police report for October, showing 309 calls for service, 237 self-initiated, and two citations. Applications are being taken for a new officer, and the department is looking to soon utilize a new mobile speeding sign in certain areas of concern.
• Heard the monthly recreation report stating that the Halloween Block Party was a huge success with about 900 kids in attendance and 750 bags of candy handed out, along with four door prizes. A motion was unanimously approved to rent out the Creekside cottage at Hawksbill Park for $800/month, and to accept a quote of $3,000 from Campbell Plumbing to finish the bathroom at the Woodside cottage. Also heard that PCHS industrial arts teacher Chris Reisinger is coordinating a project with the Town to build 10 picnic tables as a student project, with the Town providing the materials.
• Heard that the Stanley Christmas Parade is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. After the parade, “Christmas in Stanley” will be celebrated at Ed Good Memorial Park, with the lighting of luminaries, a Town Christmas tree, holiday music, fire pits, Elephant ears, food, drinks and photos with special guests Santa and Miss Virginia, Katie Rose.
• Unanimously voted to present the Town of Stanley Enhancement Award for the month of November to Ryan and Carrie Baker of 212 Honeyville Avenue.
For more information on the Town of Stanley,
visit www.townofstanley.com
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I feel all these things in Stanley are great. My only thing is I wish the parade could go back being earlier in the day. When you’re trying to see those in the parade, when it’s dark you can’t see them. Maybe something to consider. Thanks