Buchanan Town Council Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Regular Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Council Chambers 19753 Main Street

AGENDA Consideration of:

7:30 p.m. – REGULAR MEETING

A. ROLL CALL AND ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

B. MOMENT OF SILENCE

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. FLAG

D. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Consider approval of minutes for the Council public hearings September 14, 2015

2. Consider approval of minutes for the Council regular meeting September 14, 2015 3. Financial Report September 2015

4. Approval of Unpaid Bills

E. OLD BUSINESS 1. Report from Town Waterline Replacement and Tank Project

F. AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

G. NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS 1. Handicap Parking and Ramp Discussion – Continued from September 14, 2015 2. Appointment of Planning Commission member – effective October 22 3. Appointment of Board of Zoning Appeals member – effective immediately 4. Consideration of Grant Application for Botetourt County Capital Incentive Program – Town

Park signs, picnic tables and playground mulch – Submitted October 1 5. Consideration of Grant Application for Virginia Department of Transportation MAP-21

Program – Town Park Gauge Dock Restoration – Due November 1 – Hearing October 26 6. Consideration of Letter of Support for the Friends of the Rivers of Virginia – Cushaw Dam

H. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND PETITIONS – This time is reserved for comments and questions for issues not listed on agenda.

I. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee – Ed Tolley, Chairman b. Public Safety Committee – Jane Kneisley, Chairman c. Financial Committee – Diane DiPalma, Chairman d. Planning Commission – Della Hylton e. Event Committee – Sarah Boblett, Chairman

J. MAYOR

K. COUNCIL

L. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORTS, REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

M. UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS • Public Input Meeting – Town Rezoning – Monday, October 19 – 7:00 pm – Buchanan

Theatre • Mountain Magic in Fall – Saturday, October 24 – 10am – 5pm • Gauge Dock Plan Public Hearing – Monday, October 26 – 6:30 pm • Work Session – Town Rezoning – Planning Commission and Town Council –

October 26 – 7:00 pm • Planning Commission Discussion of Town Rezoning – November 2 – 3:00pm • Town Clean Up Day – Saturday, November 7 – 8am – 1pm • Next Town Council meeting – Monday, November 9 – Regular Meeting 7:30 pm • Town Council Discussion of Town Rezoning – November 9 – 7:30pm • Annual Community Awards event – Tuesday, November 17

N. ADJOURNMENT

1551 ROBINSON ROAD ● WASHINGTON C.H., OH 43160-9201 ● 740-335-2019 ● FAX 740-335-0584

www.midatlanticstorage.com

September 14, 2015 Michael Lynch Engineering Concepts, Inc. 20 S. Roanoke Street Fincastle, VA 24090 RE: Water Tank Budgets Per your request for budget pricing we offer the following: 100,000 Gallon Option AQUASTORE® Glass Fused to Steel Water Tank Model – 2528SSWT 25.17’ diameter x 28.43’ sidewall height 103,000 gallons maximum capacity with 6" freeboard Installed Price Estimate: $150,000.00 200,000 Gallon Option AQUASTORE® Glass Fused to Steel Water Tank Model – 3138SSWT 30.77’ diameter x 37.59’ sidewall height 206,000 gallons maximum capacity with 6" freeboard Installed Price Estimate: $219,000.00 Included: Excavation of standard design ringwall foundation ( Assuming min PSF soil bearing strength) Reinforced concrete ringwall foundation and floor Inlet & Outlet lines (concrete encased) stubbed out 5'. Sch 80 PVC overflow with stainless steel screened base end Glass-coated, bolted steel sidewall with One (1) 24” manway, ladder/cage/platform Glass-coated, bolted steel knuckle style roof with vent and manway Prevailingwage, open-shop installation labor Not included: Access road and site preparation Yard piping and vault Bonds/permits Level sensing-measuring equipment Rock excavation of foundation (if encountered) Sales tax Please advise of any questions or further needs on this project. Thank you! Greg Mullins Regional Sales Manager 740-895-6028

Materials Hours / # Labor / Cost TotalWelcome Kiosk and Interpretive Signs - 4 Total

Welcome Kiosk, Gauge Dock, Swinging Bridge 4,000.00$ Interpretive Tree, Bird, Wildlife - 32"x36" sign 500.00$ Masonry Material - all signs total 1,300.00$ Informational signs - 4 - Lexan applied 1,600.00$ Cork - 5 changeable content boards in 3 signs 250.00$

MulchPlayground Mulch - 4" deep by 800 square feet 3,400.00$

Picnic TablesTreated pine 4 120 480.00$ Material to Refurbish existing Picnic Tables 10 85 850.00$

LaborSigns

Construction of 4 signs - Carpentry 82 16.50 1,353.00$ Construction of 4 signs - Masonry 32 40 1,280.00$ Design of sign information 50 23 1,150.00$

Mulch Application at Park - Town staff and equipment 6 16.50 99.00$

Picnic TablesLabor to Refurbish existing Picnic Tables 10 16.50 165.00$

Total Project Cost 16,427.00$

Amount of Grant Request - 50% of Total 8,213.50$

In-Kind Match - Town of Buchanan Hours Labor Rate TotalSigns

Construction of 4 signs - Carpentry 82 16.50 1,353.00$ Construction of 4 signs - Masonry 32 40 1,280.00$ Design of sign information 50 23 1,150.00$

Mulch Application at Park - Town staff and equipment 6 16.50 99.00$

Picnic TablesLabor to Refurbish existing Picnic Tables 10 16.50 165.00$

Total In-Kind Match - Town 25% 4,047.00$ Cash Contribution - Town remainder 25% 4,166.50$ Amount of Town Match - 50% 8,213.50$

Botetourt County Capital Improvement Incentive Fund Program 2016Buchanan Riverfront Town Park

Signage, Picnic Tables and Playground Mulch

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Welcome Kioskat Restrooms

Wildlife InterpretiveSign

Gauge DockInterpretive Sign

Swinging BridgeGateway Sign

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Town of BuchananRiverfront Town ParkBotetourt County Virginia

Town Park

Town Park - 5-minute walk

Town Streets

Town Boundary

Sign LocationsSign Locations kj

Playground AreaPlayground Areafor Mulchfor Mulch

0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.10.0125Miles

Proposed Rehabilitation of the James River and Kanawha Canal Gauge Dock at Buchanan Virginia Background McMullan & Associates was asked by Anderson & Associates to provide an approach for the Rehabilitation of the James River and Kanawha Canal Gauge Dock. The gauge dock was used to measure the displacement of boats for determining tolls during canal operations. The dock was reportedly infilled in the 1960’s and the area has been used as a park since that time. The dock was constructed with stone masonry walls and was accessed directly by boats on the river and was located just upstream of the canal terminus. The Town of Buchanan now intends to uncover the dock and rehabilitate the structure. This resource was surveyed as a contributing site to the Buchanan Historic District in 1996. McMullan & Associates has provided engineering services for a number of historical stone masonry canal locks and aqueducts including Lock #2E in Wharton New Jersey, which was filled in during the 1920’s. After an initial archeological study, a grant was used to fund the initial engineering design effort at Lock 2E to partially excavate the lock to its foundation in order to determine the condition of the walls and the foundation. Using information gained from the partial excavation, design plans and specifications were prepared for the complete lock rehabilitation. Construction funding was obtained through a grant administered by the New Jersey DOT and the lock was fully excavated and rehabilitated in 2012. A similar approach could be applied at the gauge dock. A ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the side was conducted in 2013 by ATS International in an attempt to delineate the locations of the stone walls. This study found that it is likely that the backfilling material may contain rocky material that prevented a clear delineation. Three anomalies were located and plotted with one identified as being the most likely stone wall location. In December 2013, an exploratory partial excavation of the dock was performed with archeological monitoring provided by Appalachian Archaeological Resources Consulting, LLC, who provided a report on the effort. This effort resulting in exposing the top few feet of the dock in a 10 foot x 40 foot area at the south, non-river end of the dock. Remnants of architectural debris used to bury the site were encountered. A layer of red clay was found which may have been placed prior to depositing the architectural debris and soil fill. By extrapolation of the walls uncovered, the dock is expected to be about 200 feet in length and 40 feet wide.

Based on the reported 91 foot length of some James River and Kanawha canal boats, the length of the stone masonry dock walls is expected to be nearly 100 feet. It was common for canal structures that were not founded directly on rock, to be laid on wood planks which are in turn supported by timbers. In softer soils, timber piles could also have been used. Since the dock is essentially a set of stone masonry retaining walls, the stability of the excavated walls can depend on the condition of the foundation. In order to rehabilitate the dock walls, information regarding the condition of the mortar, stones, foundation, and the soils retained is needed.

Information about the historic top of the dock wall elevations is not available at this time. Existing grade at the dock varies between 816 and 820 according the master plan layout and the low water elevation of the James River is about 805 feet according to stream data from the USGS.

Proposed Approach For the Rehabilitation of the gauge dock, a two phased approach is recommended, based on the findings of the previous archeological monitoring and GPR studies. The first phase involves excavating a test pit to expose the bottom of the dock walls and the foundation and a performing a number of tests that will be used to inform the design of the second phase. In the second phase, the dock will be fully excavated and rehabilitated using plans and specifications that are prepared using the findings from the previous phase. Phase 1 Construction will include the following:

1. Excavate test pits to expose the existing walls and foundation at the east and west sides of the dock. Each test pit is expected to be up to 16 feet deep, at least 8 feet in length and width, and is to be laid back according to OSHA regulations. Fill on the back side of the wall will be partially excavated to relieve earth pressure on the wall and allow determination of the thicknesses of the walls. The excavation will require the appropriate level of care to not damage the stone masonry. The stone masonry in the test pits will be cleaned by pressure washing prior to investigation by the engineer. The engineer will inspect the walls and take appropriate samples of mortar. After the test pit investigations are complete, they will be partially backfilled leaving some of the masonry exposed.

2. Excavate and expose the top of the stone dock walls along their length. The dock walls are anticipated to be over 200 feet in length along both the East and West sides of the dock. Only the topmost stones will be exposed to allow survey of the walls.

3. Maintain a dry excavation by pumping sufficient hours to allow investigation by engineers. Water is expected to enter the fill from the nearby James River.

4. Obtain and test samples of the original mortar. 5. Obtain samples and test any wood foundations or wood facing of the walls for species

identification. 6. Obtain core samples of any wood to identify the extent of decay. 7. Drill soil borings behind the dock walls and provide a geotechnical report that contains

recommendations for lateral earth pressures. 8. Perform testing of the soil for hazardous substances. 9. Perform a survey of the dock walls and provide a survey drawing of the dock by a

Virginia Licensed Surveyor. The drawing will contain the layout, location, width and elevations of the dock walls and surrounding areas sufficient to define the structure, along with the elevation of the foundations exposed in the test pits.

10. Perform Archeological Monitoring of the site during the test pit excavation and provide a report.

11. Provide an Engineering Report that documents the above, analysis of the walls and foundations, and provides recommendations for Phase 2.

Phase 2 Construction will be designed based on the findings of the first phase. The following is a list of work items that may be included:

1. A cofferdam at the river 2. Full excavation of the dock 3. Pumping as needed to maintain work in the dry 4. Excavation bracing 5. Repair of the foundations 6. Repair of stone masonry walls 7. Final site work at Gauge Dock for public access

An estimate of the cost of the work items for Phase 1 is $210,000. The cost of general conditions is included in the items. The Gauge Dock is a fairly unique structure in canal systems. Exposing this for public interpretation could provide a valuable insight into the operations of the James River and Kanawha Canal at Buchanan.

Resolution R15-1013-01

At a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Buchanan held at the Buchanan Town Hall on the 13th day of October 2015 beginning at 7:30 p.m.: MEMBERS: VOTE: Larry R. Hall, Mayor Sarah Boblett, Vice-Mayor Diane DiPalma Della Hylton Jane Kneisley Ardelia Smith Edward Tolley On motion of Councilmember_______________, which carried by a vote of # - #, the following was adopted:

A Transportation Alternatives Project Endorsement Resolution Whereas, in accordance with Commonwealth Transportation Board construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that a request by resolution be received from the local government or state agency in order that the Virginia Department of Transportation establish a Transportation Alternatives Program (Map-21) project in the Town of Buchanan. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Town of Buchanan requests the Commonwealth Transportation Board to establish a project for the design and construction of the historic Gauge Dock restoration. Be it further resolved, that the Town of Buchanan hereby agrees to pay a minimum 20 percent of the total cost for planning and design, right-of-way and construction of this project, and that, if the Town of Buchanan subsequently elects to cancel this project the Town of Buchanan hereby agrees to reimburse the Virginia Department of Transportation for the total amount of costs expended by the Department through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation.

Resolution R15-1013-01

Adopted this 13th day of October, 2015 in Buchanan, Virginia Signed: _____________________________________

Title: _Mayor________________________________

Attested: _____________________________________

Title: _Town Clerk ____________________________

FORVA DIRECTORS

William Tanger, Chair Friends of the Roanoke River

Rick Roth, Treasurer Friends of the New River

Del. Watkins Abbitt Float Fishermen of Virginia

Juanita Callis Friends of the Roanoke River

Corbin Dixon Trout Unlimited

Karen Firehock Izaak Walton League of America

Patti Jackson FORVA

Howard Kirkland Blue Ridge River Runners

Randi Lemmon National Committee for New River

Tom Miller Float Fishermen of Virginia STEERING COMMITTEE

Bob Born Float Fishermen of Virginia

Bo Calvert Blue Ridge River Runners

Debbie Coffin James River State Park

Greg Garman Fisheries Biologist

Terry Grimes Jackson River Defense Fund

Bob Hicks FORVA

Kim Imhoff FORVA

Jerry Lovelace Rural Planning Caucus of Virginia

Nelson Mackey Float Fishermen of Virginia

Erin Miles Citizens for the Preservation of the River (CPR)

Donnie Mohler Float Fishermen of Virginia

Trace Noel Virginia Paddlesports Association

Cole Poindexter Staunton River Watch

George Santucci National Committee for the New River

Tom Stutts Friends of the Staunton

Steven Tingler Headwaters Watch

John Tippett Friends of the Rappahannock

Charles Vandervoort Friends of the Shenandoah

Jeff Wold Float Fishermen of Virginia

PO BOX 1750 • ROANOKE, VA 24008 HOME: 1-540-366-2228 • OFFICE: 1-540-266-0237

September 28, 2015

To whom it may concern: FORVA represents dozens of groups of river users in Virginia. Many of them are boating organizations or include boaters in their groups. We have for years heard from many of them about the negative impacts of the Cushaw Dam and CSX on boating use of the James River section called Balcony Falls. One of the biggest problems is the lack of an adequate take-out below the whitewater section. Currently there are numerous take-outs that are frequently used. All involve crossing over the railroad tracks and many include crossing Rt. 501, usually carrying a boat. Most include hiking up extremely steep, slippery-when-wet trails that are impossible for some to even attempt. We have been trying to find a solution to this problem for years. With the relicensing of Cushaw Dam by Dominion Power, funds have been set aside to develop and implement a means of crossing the tracks.

Recent research into the matter has turned up a possible crossing at the remains of an old canal lock called Lock 14. This would include construction of a road and parking area nearby on US Forest Service land. The success of this proposal would obviously depend on a number of factors, including cooperation from the US Forest Service, VDOT and CSX. FORVA is looking for support for this endeavor. We ask that you consider a letter of support to CSX similar to those attached. Also attached are maps of the proposed river access site. We would be glad to meet with you or your organization to explain our plan in more detail or to answer questions. Please feel free to call, write or email. Sincerely,

Bill Tanger, Chair bill.tanger@verizon.net Attachments: draft letter of support

Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley

Town of Buchanan Post Office Box 205

Buchanan, Virginia 24066 Mayor, Larry Hall Phone: 540-254-1212 Fax: 540-254-2609 October 14, 2015 Mr. Michael J. Ward, CEO CSX Corporation Speed Code C900 500 Water Street Jacksonville FL 32202 Dear Mr. Ward: On behalf of the Town of Buchanan Town Council, and at the request of Friends of the Rivers of Virginia (FORVA), I write to solicit the support of CSX for a project to facilitate river access on the James River just downstream of a place called Balcony Falls. Similar to Buchanan’s location on the James River, this section of the James River is excellent for boating, tubing, fishing and related activities. As I understand it, a set of problems exists in the Snowden area, which have been created by the Cushaw Dam and the lack of crossing locations along the CSX track along the river. One problem is a 1.2 mile stretch of flat-water to paddle to reach the only official take-out access just above Cushaw Dam, which is a major impediment to recreation. Another problem is the lack of adequate parking at the existing VDGIF takeout. Many canoeists, kayakers and tubers take out below Balcony Falls at numerous unofficial access points, then cross the railroad tracks and Route 501 carrying their canoe, kayak, tube or raft. FORVA has proposed a solution to this problem that can provide a safer crossing of the CSX rail line, reduce liability to CSX and improve public access and use of a wonderful natural resource in Virginia. In addition, an improved river access would be economically beneficial to the towns and counties in the area. As you know, the plan supported by over 45 organizations and jurisdictions in Virginia proposes a single at-grade pedestrian crossing at a location called Lock 14, with a short road up to additional parking and Route 501. Designating a single access point would also help rescue squads respond during emergencies on this portion of the river.

CSX Support Letter – Cushaw Dam

Improvements in this area directly benefit the Town of Buchanan. Many Twin River Outfitter customers (a large local business) and private paddlers do a three-day / 27-mile trip launching from Buchanan and ending at the Snowden landing. The proposed Iron Man take out at Snowden would add much needed parking and eliminate a two-mile flat water paddled at the end of the trip. For this and general safety reasons, the Town of Buchanan supports the FORVA proposal which improves and makes safer access to this outstanding recreational area. CSX is not only able to improve the usability, economic benefits and safety of access to this section of the river but would demonstrate a cooperative effort between CSX and its neighbors for the betterment of the public. Sincerely, Mary A. Zirkle Town Manager Cc: Bill Tanger, FORVA

Mel McNichols, CSX Engineering, Public Projects, 500 Water Street, Jacksonville FL 32202 Jennifer Wampler, DCR