Crime & Safety
City Council Talks Firearms, Elections, Ect. at Tuesday's Meeting
Firearms and Elections some of the major topics at Tuesday's governing body meeting.
City Council members on Tuesday said they plan on discussing the city's needs with whomever Tuesday's elections deem in charge of political offices that affect Manassas Park.
City manager James "Jim" Zumwalt said in his report to council during that body's meeting Tuesday, that city officials were planning to set up a meeting with the newly-elected officials after to discuss issues important to Manassas Park. The Governing Body agreed that they would solidify a date at its next meeting.
“Transportation is definitely an issue for many of our citizens,” Manassas Park Mayor Frank Jones said.
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Council members agreed that among the issues, the Federal Government's Adequate Year Progress standards for schools and Manassas Park City Schools funding were among the most important issues. They agreed that they would sit down and prioritize a list before the meeting.
“We need to make sure we ask for what we need,” Manassas Park Vice Mayor Brian Polk said.
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In other news, council voted unanimously to approve a change to section 26-3 and 26-5 of the city's code to reflect a change in Virginia law. Manassas Park City attorney Dean Crowhurst said that Virginia law makes it OK to fire pneumatic guns in a residence as long as the owner of the residence consents and there is no threat of harm. He changed the city's code to make it applicable to all guns and firearms, Crowhurst added.
City Council also recognized Manassas Park Fire Capt. James Soaper and
Soaper participated in a training exercise and received accolades from Prince William County Chief of Fire and Rescue Kevin McGee.
Jones thanked Lupton, who is leaving his post on Nov. 10, for his 11 years of service with the fire department.
“You did an excellent job,” Jones said of his tenure with the department. Both the crowd and the governing body gave him a standing ovation.
“It's very humbling for me to be in this position,” Lupton said. “Overall I've truly enjoyed my 11 years here in Manassas Park. My staff has been phenomenal.”
His staff were a great support to him and were very, “professional in all their actions," Lupton added.