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Smithfield council asks for review of recreation-association debt, forms farmers market subcommittee and withdraws Times Building RFP
Summary
Council directed the town manager to produce a historic and financial overview related to requested relief for Smithfield Recreation Association debt, agreed to form a subcommittee on the farmers market and voted to vacate the existing RFP for sale of the Times Building in Times Square.
At its Jan. 7 meeting the Smithfield Town Council took several steps under old business: it asked the town manager to produce a detailed report on the Smithfield Recreation Association’s (SRA) debt and past town support; the mayor announced an ad-hoc subcommittee to vet the farmers market; and the council voted to withdraw (vacate) the existing request-for-proposal for the sale of the town‑owned Times Building at 228 Main St. in Times Square.
Councilmember Jeff Brooks requested a comprehensive overview of the history and financial details related to prior town support for SRA fields and facilities, urging such analysis be included in the upcoming budget discussions so new members could make informed decisions. The council directed Town Manager Michael Stallings and staff to provide an evaluation of past agreements, amounts owed, contract terms (MOUs and leases) and comparative amounts the town has provided to other organizations.
Mayor Smith said he would appoint a subcommittee to vet the farmers market’s needs. During the meeting Mayor Smith proposed Mary Ellen Bieber Meyer, Darren Cutler and Bill Harris as members; he said the committee should study location and funding and report back with recommendations.
On a separate motion, councilmember Bill Harris moved and council approved a motion to vacate the current RFP for the sale of the Times Building in Times Square, directing the town manager to notify interested parties that the property is no longer for sale at this time. The motion passed by unanimous roll call. Councilmembers said they want to reassess the sale, confirm market value and address public-use questions raised at a prior public hearing before reissuing any solicitation.
Council also discussed reviving a previously created committee to develop guidance on public–private partnerships; members said they expect the revived committee to examine incentive programs versus direct town expenditures and possibly seek outside expertise such as training offered at the Virginia Municipal League.
