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Lebanon council to consult VDOT on emergency-signal concern, donates housing funds and hears police updates
Summary
A resident told the council drivers are failing to yield to emergency vehicles; the town manager will consult VDOT. The council donated a $5,000 housing budget balance to Isaiah 117 House, heard Cedar Fest logistics, and received a $4,500 Shop with a Cop donation to the police department.
At the June 8 meeting, a resident raised concerns that vehicles coming off Cleveland Road are not yielding to emergency vehicles on Main Street, prompting Town Manager Andrew R. Shortt to say he would consult Jeff Buchanan with the Virginia Department of Transportation about possible options.
Resident Randy Burke told the council he feared someone could be struck because drivers are not yielding. Chief of Police Richard Eric Deskins said first responders have reinforced with crew members that they must obey traffic laws and stop at traffic signals regardless of the light color.
The council unanimously approved donating the remaining housing budget balance of $5,000 for the fiscal year to Isaiah 117 House; the motion was made by DeAnna C. Jackson and seconded by M. Elijah Leonard. The minutes record the vote as unanimous.
Shortt also briefed the council on Cedar Fest logistics, including road closures and vendor readiness, and said there would be food-donation boxes for the food pantry. In other updates, contractors have begun work on the West Main Street wall, guardrail painting is underway, signage has been ordered and the mural is expected to be ready in two to three weeks.
Chief Deskins reported Drug Task Force operations that led to several arrests and said Walmart presented a $4,500 donation to support the Shop with a Cop program. Council asked that the Police Monthly Business Check be changed to year-to-date reporting.
The council later entered a closed session for personnel and legal matters under state code and, upon return, completed the required certification roll call. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M.; the council will reconvene June 15, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
