Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 12, 1990 TAG: 9007130492
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETSY BIESENBACH SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
And because he often acted as spokesman for his neighbors on issues affecting them, he was sometimes known as the "mayor of Gladetown," said Town Manager George Nester.
At its regular meeting on July 3, the Vinton Town Council passed a resolution honoring Banks, who died June 29.
Banks had served as vice president of the Vinton Transportation Safety Commission, as a member of the Vintennial Commission, the Gladetown Community Improvement Committee and the League of Older Americans.
Banks, the resolution read, had "served the Town of Vinton and people of Vinton loyally and with a sincere devotion."
He also was "an example of how a citizen can be involved in the constructive betterment of the community."
The resolution passed unanimously, but in extending the council's sympathy to Banks' family, Mayor Charles Hill said: "[I] wish [we] could do more."
In other action council:
Welcomed Crystal Burton to the town's police force. Burton, who holds an associate's degree in law enforcement and is currently working toward a bachelor's degree, spent 8 1/2 years with the Air Force's special security police, earning the rank of staff sergeant. Police Chief Rick Foutz said Burton was the "top finisher" of the 16 candidates who applied for the job. Burton also will be the town's first female police officer.
Formally reorganized the town's government, as is required by law every two years. Council member Robert Altice was elected vice mayor, and council voted to retain Nester as town manager, Sylvia Faw as treasurer, Foutz as police chief, Carolyn Ross as the town clerk, and Frank Selbe as town attorney.
Heard a request from Dave Riddle, a volunteer with the American Lung Association. He appeared on behalf of his organization as well as the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association to ask that the town use the power recently granted to it by the general assembly to enact an ordinance banning smoking in certain public areas.
"It's a health issue," he said. "Over 60,000 people have lung and heart diseases and can be immediately and critically injured by exposure to cigarette smoke."
Council agreed to discuss such an ordinance after reviewing a similar measure that is being considered by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. The two ordinances should be "parallel," Hill said.
Agreed to appoint a board of viewers to make a recommendation concerning a request from the Vinton Wesleyan Church to vacate an alley adjoining the church's property. The church would like to expand its sanctuary into the alley.
Agreed to delay the granting of a request from the adjoining property owners for the vacation of an undeveloped portion of Popular Street from Jefferson Avenue to Crestview Avenue, when several citizens protested. Although it is unlikely that the street will ever be opened, closing it will leave residents with only one possible entrance to the area, the residents said.
Heard a report from Nester concerning a reduction in a $10,500 grant the fire department was to receive from the state. Due to budget cuts, the amount has been reduced to $8,682.
Heard a report from Assistant Town Manager Bob Benninger on the progress of the town's mandatory recycling program. A special truck with separate bins for paper, glass, aluminum and plastic has been delivered and will begin making rounds immediately. Picking up recyclables has been a "night and day task," Nester said. The new truck is expected to help speed the process.
Heard a report from Nester concerning 150 umbrellas that were left over from the recent Progress Day promotion. Council decided to set aside 50 of the red and gold umbrellas to use as gifts to visiting dignitaries, and to sell the rest to the public at $20 apiece. The umbrellas are on sale at the municipal building.
by CNB