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Stephens City council allows church Commons use, hears sewer-billing concern; financial and safety reports delivered
Summary
At its April 3 meeting Stephens City Council approved use of the Commons for a church youth event, heard a request from Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church about back sewer charges and was told state law limits refunds to three years; the meeting also included treasurer, police and fire reports and routine committee updates.
Stephens City Council on April 3 granted Jesus Christ Deliverance Worship Center permission to use Newtown Commons on May 12 for a youth ministry event and took up a public request from Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church seeking refunds or credits for disputed sewer bills.
Council voted to approve the Commons request on a motion by Councilman Joseph Hollis; the vote record shows Aye votes from Vice Mayor Ronald Bowers and Councilmembers Hollis, Jason Nauman, Regina Swygert-Smith and Kelly Thatcher (Councilman Linden Fravel Jr. absent).
During public comment Darrin McKenzie, financial chairman for Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church, said the church expected a refund after raising concerns at a January meeting. Town Attorney J. David Griffin told the council that under Virginia law the town may only apply credits or refunds for up to three years; the Town can place a credit on an account but cannot refund money from prior fiscal years. Council asked the church to provide Winchester water bills so staff could recalculate sewage usage and determine any credit to be applied.
The council also received routine reports: Treasurer Steve Rickards said March net revenues were stronger than expected, noting a better-than-forecast bank stock tax and steady real estate and personal property collections; Police Chief Charles Bockey reported increased street patrols and ticketing and said officers are working with the Crisis Intervention Team to start a local program; Fire Chief John Jones reported the volunteer department answered 12 calls in town and 205 in Frederick County in March and continues training.
Town Manager Michael Majher updated the council on completed repairs to a waterline on Pittman Court, ongoing public works landscaping and preparation for the Newtown Heritage Festival, including installation of bricks and two benches at the Veterans Memorial. Staff noted that water bills were due April 2 and that cutoff for nonpayment was scheduled for April 10; public works would read meters for the new billing cycle.
Council voted to go into closed session under Section 2.2-3711.A.7 of the Code of Virginia for legal consultation (motion by Councilman Jason Nauman). After the closed session the council certified compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act by recorded roll call and reported no action resulted from the closed meeting. Council adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Sources: Town Council minutes, April 3, 2018; committee and staff reports attached to the minutes.
