Clifton council approves budget, greenlights Pink House porch repairs and seeks historic designation for Clifton Elementary

Clifton Town Council unanimously approved the town's budget, authorized repairs to the Pink House porch and voted to begin a process to seek historic designation for Clifton Elementary at a special meeting on June 30, 2010.

Tom Peterson, a Clifton town council member who called the meeting to order, opened the session by thanking council colleagues for recent work on several town projects. Wayne Nickum moved to add discussion of Clifton Elementary to the agenda; Pat Layden seconded the motion and the council approved it unanimously.

The council then approved the proposed budget on a motion by Wayne Nickum, seconded by Pat Layden. Nickum reported the town had applied for additional funding and had received a letter dated June 23, 2010; he said any newly awarded funds would not be available until Oct. 1, 2010.

The council discussed repairs to the Pink House porch. An earlier proposal suggested work could begin by no later than July 26 and take about a week and a half; councilor Pat Layden moved — with Wayne Nickum seconding — to begin work on the Pink House porch after July 1. The motion passed unanimously.

On the historic-preservation item, Tom Peterson moved that the town "start the process of having Clifton Elementary school be designated as a historic property, as well as asking Fairfax County to prepare the application for the town of Clifton with the signature of the mayor." Deborah Dillard seconded the motion and the council approved it unanimously. Peterson said Bill Holloway had been involved in the effort and that a local resident had sent letters arguing the school's proximity to town supported a rapid designation.

Mike Anton moved to adjourn the special meeting; Pat Layden seconded and the council voted to adjourn. The minutes were prepared by Kathleen L. Barton, town clerk, and later approved by the town council on July 6, 2010.