By Randy Arrington
STANLEY, Feb. 8 — During its meeting last Wednesday, the Stanley Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution requesting that the Virginia Department of Transportation look into safety and parking improvements near the intersection of Honeyville Avenue and East Main Street.
The improvements are being requested by Patrick Burns, who anticipates increased traffic at the intersection when he officially opens the Daughters of the Stars Theater. Burns has already met with VDOT officials about additional safety measures along the side the building on Honeyville Avenue. The theater’s director told the council that his building has already been struck by a vehicle.
First built in 1926, the structure originally served as a “movie cinema showing old Westerns and War films,” according to the organization’s website. Renovations and restoration efforts began in spring of 2021.
“There is a rich history around the theater and the magnificent surrounding countryside that paints the picture of American culture and history,” the website states. “Our primary focus is to explore and bring to a wider audience the rich, diverse, history, music, art, and cultures of the Shenandoah Valley in an entertaining and respectful way.”
The Daughter of the Stars Theater’s YouTube channel features stories about the history, culture and music of the Shenandoah Valley. A second YouTube channel produced by the organization — Shenandoah Stage — features live and edited performances from the theater, which began in 2022. All live performances at the site will be live streamed to this channel.
In other business at its Feb. 8 meeting, the Stanley Council took the following actions:
• Unanimously voted to award the winning bid for the Ed Good Memorial Park stormwater improvement project to Weakley Enterprises in the amount of $57,952.80. The project includes reconstruction of the drainage ditch, installing piping, stone, fiber and final grading. Councilman Joseph Mauck abstained from the vote. The Town received three bids for the project.
• Unanimously approved a letter of support for a grant application being submitted by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission to the EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program. The grant will fund a regional search to see if a single-stream, curbside recycling service can be established for the Shenandoah Valley. Many localities have not restarted curbside recycling programs shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic or due to the cost of providing the service. Support of the grant application in no way obligates the Town to participation in the program.
• Discussed a new section of the state code that prohibits providers from disconnecting water and sewer services until 60 days after delinquent fees and charges were due. In addition, the provider (Town) is also required to provide written notice to customers 10 days before service is being terminated. Council members discussed the potential need in increasing the reconnection fee in order to cover losses. Currently, the reconnection fee is $25. The discussion indicated that could rise to $40 or $45. The Town of Luray charges $50 for reconnection, while Shenandoah charges $35. No decision was made, but the issue should be included in discussion of the FY24 budget.
• Heard a report from the Town Manager that three properties in Town will be sold on March 6 to recover payment for delinquent taxes. Owners may redeem the property any time before the date of sale by paying any accumulated taxes, penalties, fees, interest or other costs due to the Town.
• Heard the monthly police report for January noting 431 calls for service (109 self-initiated) and 12 citations written. Police Chief Ryan Dean also noted the upcoming second anniversary of the shooting of Officer “Nick” Winum on Feb. 26. Chief Dean stated that no formal ceremonies were planned, but residents were encouraged to display “blue lights” in remembrance.
• Unanimously voted to contract Calvin Sours for roof repairs at Hawksbill Recreation Park in the amount of $2,200.
• Heard that the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has approved the Town’s discharge permit for the Hawksbill Recreation Park. There were no major changes, and the permit is valid until 2028.
For more information about events and activities in the Town of Stanley,
visit www.townofstanley.com
•••
RELATED ARTICLES
Winum Memorial Bridge bill passes Virginia Senate, 39-0, and moves over to House of Delegates
Council members approve raise, park projects updated and other news from Stanley
Council swears-in members, hires new clerk, sets holiday schedule and other news from Stanley
Stanley Council pays a visit to Kibler Library
Stanley cuts ribbon on EV charging station at Ed Good Memorial Park
Be the first to comment