Grundy Town Council unanimously approved three ordinances Sept. 8 addressing access to fire hydrants, burials on private property and permitted uses of the Michael D. Young Walking and Bike Trail.
The fire hydrant ordinance prohibits parking too close to or otherwise obstructing a hydrant and establishes a 15-foot clearance requirement. During the discussion, council members raised questions about two hydrants near the post office, including one that officials said is not in service. Town officials said emergency personnel would still have authority to move a vehicle if they needed access to a working hydrant.
A second ordinance requires town approval before someone may bury a person on private property within the town limits. Officials emphasized that the measure does not impose an outright ban. Instead, it creates a permit process. The proposal followed a recent inquiry from someone interested in burying a person in a backyard within town limits.
Council also approved an ordinance designating the Michael D. Young Trail for pedestrian and bicycle use. The measure is intended to keep motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and other motorized traffic off the walking trail.
All three ordinances passed without opposition following roll-call votes.
Council later discussed open burning after a request was made for a possible town ordinance. Officials said state law already restricts what may be burned and that household trash cannot be mixed with brush for burning. The council did not adopt a new burning ordinance during the meeting.
Town Attorney Vern Presley of Street Law Firm also advised council to begin preparing for the possibility of legal retail marijuana sales in Virginia. Presley said state law would allow localities to impose an additional tax of up to 3% on retail sales if and when those sales begin.
Council voted to have a proposed local tax ordinance prepared for a future meeting and set the tax at its highest rate. The vote did not impose the tax. Any new tax would require council to advertise the proposal, hold a public hearing and later vote on the ordinance.
