On the agenda: Damascus minutes — automated license plate (Oct 7)

DAMASCUS TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes for October 7, 2026
6:00pm Regular Called Council Meeting

Council Members Present: Buddy Albro, Jeff Buckley, Sammy Campbell, Derwin Creech,
Hunter Faust, and Charles Fields

Absent: None
Also Present:

Katie Lamb, Mayor

Chris Bell, Town Manager (departing)

Tuesday Pope, Town Clerk
Shawna Cook, Treasurer

Isaiah Thomas, Town Manager (incoming)
Kermit Turner, Police & Fire Chief

Mayor Lamb called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Isaiah Thomas,
incoming Town Manager, gave the invocation.
Mayor Lamb asked for approval of the September 8, 2026, Regular Council Meeting Minutes, with
typo corrections on pages 1, 3, and 21.
• Mr. Creech made a motion to approve the Minutes, as presented. Mr. Faust 2nd the motion,
which passed (6-0).
Mayor Lamb asked for approval of the September 17, 2026, Special Called Council Meeting
Minutes, as presented.
• Mr. Faust made a motion to approve the Minutes, as presented. Mr. Creech 2nd the motion,
which passed (6-0).
Mayor Lamb asked for approval of the agenda, with the addition of Parks and Recreation
Personnel Matters for Closed Session Discussion under Legal Matters.
•

Mr. Campbell made a motion to approve the agenda with the Closed Session addition, as
requested. Mr. Albro 2nd the motion, which passed (6-0).

Committee Reports
Budget, Finance, and Administration:
Town Treasurer, Shawna Cook, submitted the following report for the previous month:

Real Estate & Personal Property Taxes: The collection rate for 2026 Real Estate is 46.22% (2026
second half charges now added in), and 2025 Personal Property is 77.06%.
1

Meals & Lodging Tax: $28,663.76 in Meals Taxes and $10,155.54 in Lodging Taxes were
collected for September 2026.
Town of Damascus Virginia
Investment Pool (VIP)
RESERVE FUND
EARMARK POLICE VEHICLE
ANTHEM RECOVERY
ADDITIONAL WORKING CAPITAL
TRAIL DAYS RESERVE
Damascus Endowment Fund
FLOOD DISASTER RESERVE
VIP Stable NAV Liquidity Pool

Account
Balance
$65,415.42
$554.49
$53,146.66
$641,510.59
$9,018.25
$196,416.08
$47,606.72
$1,013,668.21

FYTD Income
$621.39
$5.36
$504.82
$6,094.08
$85.68
$1,881.42
$343.99
$9,536.74

Inception
Date
08/11/2017
04/04/2018
12/21/2018
08/08/2019
05/14/2020
11/7/2024
06/06/25

The balances shown below are from online banking:
Bank of Damascus:
General Fund: $278,144.84
CDBG ARC Downtown: $1,501.18
CDBG Program Income: $13,549.53
Damascus Endowment Fund: $2,232.28
Police Asset Forfeiture: $3,461.60
NRCS EWP: $25.00
Total: $298,914.43
Refunds issued to taxpayers in September 2026: $30.00
Announcements:
- 2026 second half Real Estate and Personal Property bills were mailed out September 29,
2026. The due date is November 20, 2026. Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to
contact the Treasurer.
- A vote is needed to approve a taxpayer refund of $6,993.69. I am requesting that this
amount be separate from the up to $2,500 I am allowed to refund in a month previously
approved by Council.
•

Mr. Buckley made a motion to approve a taxpayer refund of $6,993.69, as requested. Mr.
Faust 2nd the motion, which passed (6-0).

-

I am requesting a Council vote to approve the two resolutions regarding fiscal policies
included in the packets.

2

•

Mr. Buckley made a motion to approve resolution adopting a municipal fiscal policy
concerning delinquent local tax revenues and mandatory taxpayer appearances, as
requested. Mr. Albro 2nd the motion, which passed (6-0).

•

Mr. Albro made a motion to approve resolution adopting a municipal fiscal policy
concerning prior-year unpaid business license fees, mandatory pre-issuance full payment,
and waiver of uncollected fees, as requested. Mr. Buckley 2nd the motion, which passed (60).

Streets, Lights and Maintenance:

Mr. Creech reported that Public Works has been busy with the following projects:

Parks and Recreation:
Mr. Faust presented the following information:
1. September Trout Days Recap:
3

4

5

•

Mr. Buckley made a motion to approve reinvesting the 2026 Trout Days proceeds, as
recommended. Mr. Fields 2nd the motion , which passed (5-0-1, with Mr. Faust abstaining).

2. Mr. Bell presented the following info regarding the Town’s website update, phase 2:
VISITDAMASCUS.ORG PROJECT REPORT, PHASE TWO
Phase two of our VisitDamascus.org website development project with Letterpress
Communications has been completed. Last year, we moved our ten-year-old tourism
website from Square to WordPress and gave it a complete overhaul. With this new
website, we’ve laid the groundwork for high rankings in organic SEO (Search Engine
Optimization) and the new GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) to further increase
website traffic.
Our most popular search terms are Damascus Virginia, Virginia Creeper Trail, and Trail
Days (makes sense!). Over the past year, we’ve seen more than 130,000 views, a 21%
increase in website traffic compared to 2023. Website traffic is expected to continue to
grow significantly in the upcoming year as the upper half of the Virginia Creeper Trail
reopens.
This project is funded by our DMO grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, at no
additional cost to the town. Check it out at VisitDamascus.org, and please email Julie
anytime at [email protected] with any questions, comments, and/or
suggestions.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Phase Two Primary Goals
Improve the visitor experience on the website.
Increase qualified website traffic through organic search.
Encourage visitors to explore multiple experiences and stay longer.
Maintain a website that is easy for Town staff to update.

1.
2.
3.
4.

VisitDamascus.org Strategic Priorities
Support local businesses through tourism.
Increase overnight and multi-night visitation.
Grow year-round visitation.
Diversify visitation beyond the Virginia Creeper Trail.
We covered quite a bit in phase two of this project! Letterpress completed the following
tasks:

-

Site Performance
Completed website ownership transfer to the Town of Damascus.
6

-

Cleaned up unused plugins, updated remaining plugins/settings to improve overall site
performance.
Reviewed site speed and confirmed the website is already using WordPress’s caching and
content delivery infrastructure.
Installed FileBird plugin so the WordPress media library can be organized into folders.

Organic Search
- SEO and GEO audit: Reviewed site crawlability, redirects and heading structure to address
the technical SEO items identified at the beginning of the project.
○ Pulled the website’s top 100 organic search keywords and shared recommendations for
incorporating priority keywords throughout the site.
- Reviewed and provided guidance on blog categories and tags.

○
○
○
○
■
■

○
○
○
○
○
○
-

Site Design & Visitor Experience
Updated the 404/Page Not Found page design so it better matches the rest of the website.
Installed and configured the new Jetpack search functionality on desktop.
Reviewed the mobile menu and intentionally removed the search bar from the mobile
version because of how it displays on smaller screens.
Added maps to the website, with the static map on the homepage and interactive Google
map on the Map of Downtown page.
Installed and configured the new Events Calendar to replace the Google Calendar.
Upgraded the Events Calendar subscription to add additional functionality, including event
filters, imports and community event submissions.
Imported 176 existing events from the Google Calendar into the new calendar.
Built and customized the Add Your Event submission form so businesses and
organizations can submit events for review.
Added reCAPTCHA to the event submission form to help prevent spam.
Added the website header and posting disclaimer to the event submission form.
In addition, Julie completed the following tasks independently during the project period to
maximize our budgeted contract time:
Improved the processes for business and events calendar listing submissions to
streamline administrative workflow.
Added keywords and FAQs to top pages, including:
Homepage
Virginia Creeper Trail
Appalachian Trail
Map of Downtown
Bike Outfitters & Shuttles
Appalachian Trail Days Festival Info
Reviewed SEO settings page by page to confirm titles and meta descriptions and add as
needed.
7

-

Reviewed files in the image library so all images will have alt text and titles listed for SEO
and GEO.
Cleaned up 176 existing events from importing the Google Calendar into the new
calendar.
Continue to create new blog posts, have added categories and tags.
Continue to expand Virginia Creeper Trail and Trail Town USA content and strengthen our
top keyword ties on social media.

Planning Commission:

➢ Two applications for short-term rentals in the R-1 residential district will be reviewed and
determined at a BZA public hearing scheduled for Oct 26, 2026, at 6pm. The addresses are
128 N railroad Ave. and 801 Hillcrest Ave. The Planning Commission recommends that a joint
public hearing be convened during the November Council Meeting.
• Mr. Faust made a motion to schedule a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission
and Town Council during the November 2, 2026 Council Meeting. Mr. Albro 2nd the motion,
which passed (5-0-1, with Mr. Creech abstaining).
➢ BZA – seat vacancy (need Council recommendation for appointment)
• Mr. Albro made a motion to recommend the Circuit Court Judge appoint Brian Zier to the
Board of Zoning Appeals for a term ending July 31, 2031. Mr. Buckley 2nd the motion, which
passed (5-1, with Mr. Fields opposed).

Police and Fire Advisory:

Mr. Campbell expressed his appreciation for those in rescue, police, and fire who responded to
and assisted with the tragic school bus accident the prior week.
Chief Turner presented the following reports for the previous month:

Operations:
September 2026, Damascus Officers had 86 calls for service. We’ve taken 10 investigative reports
and made 5 arrests. We had 1 reportable accident.
Arrests are as follows: Simple Assault 2, Indecent Exposure 1, Violation of Protective Order 1, and
Warrant Service 1.
Traffic Enforcement Activities:
We issued 24 citations along with 12 warnings. Violations are as follows: No Licenses 3, Drive
Suspended 1, Fail to Obtain Registration 1, Expired Tags 1, No Insurance 1, Improper Registration
1, Fail to Drive to the Right Side 1, Fail to Stop at Stop Sign 1, Reckless Driving 1, 25 mph zone 12,
and 35 mph zone 1.
Speeding complaint areas include: Douglas Dr (Near Town Limits)
8

Special Report: Damascus PD assisted with the Homecoming Parade, and we had a great turn
out for it.
K9 Report: See Attached Reports.
Police Vehicles:
Nothing New Currently
Auxiliary: Nothing new currently.

9

Damascus Volunteer Fire Department

Here is a list of the call types that the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department received for the
Month of September 2026:
Motor Vehicle Collision w/injuries- 1
Motor Vehicle Collision No Injuries- 3
Fire Alarm- 3
Smoke Smell- 1
Structure Fire- 2
ATV Accident- 1
11 Total calls for Damascus Volunteer Fire Department.

Code Enforcement:

Mayor Lamb presented the following activity report for the previous month from the Town’s Code
Enforcement Officer, Marty Berry:

Visits and Contacts: 57
Lodging: 0
Assist P.D.: 0

Zoning: 6
Meals: 0

Business License: 1
Complaints and Investigations: 3

Special Committees
Nothing at this time.

Citizens Comments
1. David Matlock, Washington County Board of Supervisors Representative for the Taylor
District, spoke about the possibility of merging Holston High School (HHS) and Patrick
Henry High Schools. He asked that people reach out to him and let him know their
thoughts on the matter. He also reported that earlier in the day, the Virginia Dept of
Education released the most recent ranking of our schools and HHS is the number one
scoring school in the county and district. All three of our schools, Rhea Valley Elementary,
Damascus Middle, and Holston High Schools received distinguished recognition, which
is the highest you can get in the state. Damascus Middle School is in the state’s top ten
ranking. When it comes to school performance and support framework out of all 1,802
schools in the state, HHS is ranked number one. We have a lot to be proud of with our
schools.
2. Eleanor Goodrich, Bowlin St, spoke in opposition of the use of automated license plate
readers in Town.
3. Ronald Daniels, Bowlin St, spoke in opposition of the use of automated license plate
readers in Town.

10

4. Lee Borg, Chestnut Mtn Rd, spoke in opposition of the use of automated license plate
readers in Town.
5. Jackson Little, Green Cove Rd, spoke in opposition of the use of automated license plate
readers in Town.

Manager’s Report
Chris Bell presented the following Manager’s Report for the previous month:

Creeper Trail
o Painting and sand blasting of Trestle 16 near complete. Trestle 17 set in place.
o Trail package near complete between Sundog & 58/91 split.
o Lighting and water monitoring camera design meeting Oct. 5th w/ Kiewit.
Emergency Preparedness
o Town emergency responders will participate in an Emergency Operations Procedure
workshop with VT & Appalachian State on October 15th.
FEMA/VDEM
o DR4831 Recovery Transition Meeting completed 9/17/26. VDEM is now principal contact
for public assistance projects.
o Category Z expenses (management cost) project submitted for initial review.
o Awaiting approval from FEMA on 128 S. Railroad Ave. Greenspace Acquisition project.
Grants
o Laurel Gateway Project –Joint Town Council and Board of Supervisor meeting scheduled
for Oct. 13th at Government Center in Abingdon. County requesting Council head count.
o CDBG – 24-16 – Scattered Site Rehab Phase II – Blight demolition removals completed.
Construction has begun on S. Shady for one of the rehab homes.
o VRA CFPF-25-05-13 – Flood Modeling Project – No Change in status
o VRA CFPF-250-5-46 – Flood Resiliency Planning Project – Committee exploring landowner
approval for additional Old Mill dam and Legion Island flood modeling/concepts
o DHCD 24-PG-02 – Stormwater Planning Project – Hurt & Proffit 90% design submittal
package received. Recommend Town Council form a stormwater committee to review
plans with MRPDC, VDOT, WCSA, and H&P.
-

Mr. Faust agreed to head up a stormwater committee consisting of elected officials,
residents, and business owners in Town.

o NRCS EWP-5035- Streambank Restoration Project. NRCS comments on WSSI preliminary

engineering received on 9/28/26.

11

Miscellaneous
o Bayer Property – EPA has approved Stantec field sampling plan. Bayer coordinating
access for field sampling.
o VDOT - Repaving of Shady Ave. & Legion St. completed on 9/24/26. Awaiting update
regarding potential addition of catch basins along Laurel Ave.
o Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy – Recommend Town Council utilize $10,000 from
Damascus Strong Trail fund towards VCTC stewardship fund in same capacity as Kiewit.
•

Mr. Faust made a motion to utilize $10,000 of the Damascus Strong funds designated to
the Virginia Creeper Trail for the VCTC Stewardship Fund, as Kiewit will match the
contribution. Mr. Fields 2nd the motion, which passed (5-1, with Mr. Albro opposed).

o Beaver Dam Creek Ballfields – Mr. Matlock approved the purchase of Exmark 60” Zero turn

lawn mower for $8,499.00 from the Washington County park budget. Recap of quotes
attached.
o Board of Zoning Appeals – Two additional conditional use permit applications for short
term rental in residential district received in September. Public hearing date of October 26,
2026.

Legal Matters
At the appropriate time, motion to Recess into Closed Session for Discussion and
Consideration of Parks & Recreation Personnel Matters, per VA Code Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1).

Unfinished Business
➢ Flock Safety ALPR contract (Council action needed)
•

Mr. Faust made a motion not to renew the Damascus Police Department’s contract for the
Flock ALPR cameras. Mr. Campbell 2nd the motion, which passed (6-0).

New Business
Nothing at this time.

Consent Agenda
• Mr. Buckley made a motion to pay the bills for invoices exceeding $2,500, 2nd by Mr. Fields.
The motion passed (6-0).
• Mr. Fields made a motion to pay the bills presented as well as the standard and/or
recurring bills that will come in before the next Council meeting. Mr. Campbell 2nd the
motion, which passed (6-0).
12

Mayor & Council Members Reports
Mayor Lamb expressed her appreciation for Mr. Matlock providing the great stats on Holston
High. She has attended multiple meetings expressing her opposition to the proposed closing of
HHS. Also, she welcomed Isaiah Thomas, who has been hired to fill the Town Manager position.
Mr. Albro reported that Festival of Miles was a big success and he looks forward to hosting it
again next year. He also congratulated HHS on their stats.
Mr. Buckley said it is shameful of the School Board to even consider closing a top-ranking high
school. He also expressed his gratitude to the rescue and fire departments.
Mr. Campbell welcomed Isaiah Thomas.
Mr. Creech welcomed Isaiah Thomas.
Mr. Faust welcomed Isaiah Thomas. He also thanked Mr. Bell, Julie Kroll, and others for their help
with the Trout Days event. Since the majority of the meeting’s audience members left after the
Flock camera decision, Mr. Faust thanked the remaining audience members for staying.
Mr. Fields welcomed Isaiah Thomas, and thanked Mr. Bell for the good job he has done in the
Town Manager position.

Announcements
-

-

UPCOMING EVENTS & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Damascus Farmers Market – Thursdays from 4-7pm
Festival of miles, Town Park – Oct 2nd & 3rd
Fire by Night, Town Park – Oct 4th
Yeti 100 Mile Run – Oct 9th
Damascus Town Council and Washington County Board of Supervisors will have a joint
meeting on Oct 13th in Abingdon for a presentation of the RKG study on the Laurel Gateway
Project (previously ‘IDA property’ on Mountain City Rd) – Oct 13th * Council members attend
Psychopath 5k & Music, Town Park – Oct 31st
Halloween observed – Oct 31st
For information on upcoming events, go to our website visitdamascus.org. For citizen info
go to damascus.org, and don’t forget our social media presence on Facebook and
Instagram!
•

At the Mayor’s request, Mr. Campbell made a motion to reschedule the November Council
Meeting for Thursday the 5th. Mr. Fields 2nd the motion, which passed (6-0).
13

•

•

A Council Poll was conducted the following day to keep the Council Meeting on the
original date of Monday, Nov. 2nd.

Mr. Albro made a motion to Recess into Closed Session for Discussion and Consideration
of Administration Personnel Matters, per VA Code Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1). Mr. Campbell 2nd
the motion, which passed (6-0).

•

Mr. Faust made a motion to return to Open Session, 2nd by Mr. Fields. The motion passed (6-0).

•

CERTIFY (individually): We Certify that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open
meeting requirements and only such matters identified in the motion by which the closed meeting
was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in the closed meeting.
Buddy Albro – Yea

Jeff Buckley– Yea
Sammy Campbell – Yea
Derwin Creech - Yea
Hunter Faust – Yea
Charlie Fields - Yea
•

Mr. Albro made a motion to terminate the existing photography contract with Julie Kroll,
providing the required 30-day notice, and to then adjust her position’s compensation by
establishing a base hourly rate of $26.27 to continue providing photography services
utilizing her own equipment as part of her regular duties. Mr. Fields 2nd the motion, which
passed (5-1, with Mr. Campbell opposed).

• Mr. Faust made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Mr. Campbell. The motion passed (6-0).
7:25pm

___________________________________
Katie Lamb, Mayor

_________________________________
Tuesday Pope, Clerk

14