Marion council appoints new town manager, OKs home-based business and skilled games, accepts grant and backs aid resolution

Andrew Keen was unanimously appointed Marion’s Town Manager during the Town Council’s Jan. 5 meeting, as the council also approved a pair of special‑use permits, accepted a 50/50 forestry grant and adopted a resolution urging the state to increase aid to localities.

Keen’s appointment passed on a 7–0 vote after a motion by Larry Carter and a second from Hunter Atwell. After the vote, Keen said it was “an honor to accept this opportunity.” The council’s actions followed public hearings and routine business that began at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The council approved a special‑use permit for a home‑based kitchen and bath remodeling business at 140 Lynn Street, following a public hearing in which Todd Long summarized the application and neighbors offered mixed views. Tom Hower urged the council to be cautious about granting zoning variances; Cameron Wolfe, the adjacent property owner at 130 Lynn Street, said there would be no signs, no public access and no employees at the site; Megan Brown described the operation as a “great opportunity” and said it would help address a shortage of contractors.

Council members also approved a special‑use permit allowing two skilled games at a Sonoco location. During the public hearing Charles Wassum (Wassona) opposed the permit, telling the council that gambling “is not a productive business.” Town Attorney Mark Fenyk advised that the ordinance allows certain games and that the code limits two games per location; the council approved the permit 7–0.

Deputy Chief Richard Keesling reported the Fire Department’s application for a 50/50 matching Forestry Grant totaling $9,939; the council accepted the grant and committed a $5,039 town match on a unanimous vote. Keesling also presented a resolution calling for an increase in state aid‑to‑localities funding, noting ATL funds have not increased since about 1995; the council adopted that resolution unanimously.

During public comment, Bill Stamper of Spruce Street said he had submitted a FOIA request at the Police Department and was told all requests must go through the FOIA officer, and he asked the council to consider adding a press table at meetings. David Fulton raised concerns about enforcement of illegal left turns and U‑turns. Town Attorney Mark Fenyk said he had been notified of Stamper’s concern.

Administrative business included a reminder from Town Clerk Cindy Stanley that Statement of Economic Interest forms are due Feb. 1, 2026, and a motion to reschedule the next council meeting to Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 (Jennings/May), which passed 7–0.

The council entered a closed session under Code of Virginia §2.2‑3711 (A‑3 and A‑7) to discuss disposition of publicly held property and to consult with legal counsel, returned to open session and certified compliance with the statutory requirements. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m. following a 7–0 vote.

Votes at a glance: Minutes of Dec. 15, 2025 — approved (Jennings/Atwell) 7–0; Agenda (with added closed session) — approved (Jennings/Gates) 7–0; Special‑use permit, 140 Lynn St. (William Ryan) — approved (Atwell/Carter) 7–0; Special‑use permit, two skilled games (Sonoco) — approved (Carter/Atwell) 7–0; Appointment of Andrew Keen, Town Manager — approved (Carter/Atwell) 7–0; Next meeting rescheduled to Jan. 20, 2026 — approved (Jennings/May) 7–0; Resolution supporting increased aid‑to‑localities funding — approved (Jennings/May) 7–0; Acceptance of 50/50 Forestry Grant $9,939 (town match $5,039) — approved (Gates/Jennings) 7–0; Enter closed session under Va. Code §2.2‑3711 (A‑3, A‑7) — approved (Jennings/Gates) 7–0; Adjournment — approved (Carter/Gates) 7–0.

The council’s decisions included conditions and clarifications raised during public hearings: neighbors emphasized that the home‑business at 140 Lynn Street would have no signs, no public access and no employees, and the town attorney confirmed a two‑game cap per location under local code.