Governing Body Happy With Lupton As Fire Chief

The majority of the Governing Body's recent work session was spent discussing transportation.

The members said that the city is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation to plan the timing of the signal lights on Route 28. They are also waiting on a VDOT traffic study which will study the capacity and flow of the road. Vice Mayor Bryan Polk recommended that they bring up at the next monthly VDOT meeting the idea of creating a public transit/HOV lane on Route 28.

Mayor Frank Jones proposed that the city hold a meeting with several surrounding jurisdictions to discuss ways to alleviate traffic on Route 28. The members agreed to host a meeting in mid-September.

They spoke briefly about Saturday's chemical spill at Signal Bay Water Park. The mayor said that the city is working with Prince William County and Hazardous Materials officials to solve the problem.

They also discussed Todd Lupton's appointment to fire chief. Lupton served as the Deputy Fire Chief under John O'Neal, who resigned at the end of April. Mayor Jones explained that while he did not apply for the position, he was the best person for the job. He will serve as fire chief for a year. At the end of eight months the city will check back on Lupton to see if he still wants the job. The mayor added that this wasn't the first time Lupton has been at the head of the fire department. Before O'Neal joined the department, Lupton was acting fire chief.

“He did a good job,” Jones said.

The members decided that they will hold a public hearing before the Governing Body meeting in August to discuss the adjusted water rates. They will announce the hearing on the city website and local cable five to seven days before the date. The meeting will probably be held at the community center.

Polk suggested that as the economy gets better, the city should be focused on education and restoring employee pay and benefits. He also suggested that the city work on re-establishing the city's budget reserve. Mayor Jones said that the city will require a business plan for the budget in the fall. He explained that while the city has never made a business plan before it should have a positive effect on the city's short- and long-term strategic plans.