The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, VA (VR) – The Clifton Forge Town Council on Tuesday heard a presentation about the Virginia Investment Pool and advanced a slate of public safety and quality-of-life ordinances while tabling action on new rules for inoperable vehicles until police concerns can be clarified.
Council members voted to authorize participation in the Virginia Investment Pool (VIP), a statewide investment program for local governments that offers higher yields than traditional bank accounts while maintaining liquidity and safety. Representatives told the council the pool charges no account fees, allows localities to establish subaccounts for specific projects, and currently provides a yield of about 3.79% on its most stable option, down from approximately 4.5% a year ago in line with Federal Reserve interest rate changes.
The town also heard about a high-quality bond fund within the pool, composed largely of government bonds with an average maturity of 1.8 years and rated for low volatility. Officials noted that while the fund has experienced market fluctuations driven by recent interest rate changes, it has historically outperformed comparable investment options and provides access to funds twice each month.
To join the pool, the council approved a joinder agreement and related registration documents. Town officials emphasized the need for at least two authorized signers for checks and fund transfers. Supporters said moving town funds from existing bank accounts into VIP investment products should allow Clifton Forge to earn better returns while preserving financial flexibility.
In other business, the council continued a series of ordinance updates aimed at curfew enforcement, firearm regulations, and park operations, prompted in part by concerns over vandalism and late-night activity.
A juvenile curfew ordinance was revised to clarify when minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during specified nighttime hours, while outlining exceptions for work, emergencies, school functions, religious events, and other supervised activities. The measure establishes fines and the possibility of community service for juveniles and imposes penalties on parents for repeated violations. Council members and town staff discussed how the ordinance would be enforced and compared unpaid fines to existing traffic ticket procedures. The ordinance passed with all members voting in favor except Councilman Wolfe.
The council also considered an ordinance making the unlawful discharge of firearms within town limits a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a $50 fine, while providing exemptions for law enforcement, certain national forest areas, and agricultural lands used for deer hunting. Police leadership requested the change to give officers clearer authority when responding to reports of gunfire. After extensive discussion, the ordinance was tabled until the August meeting.
Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending park rules to close town parks from dusk to dawn, except during organized, town-sanctioned events. Council members said the change is intended to reduce loitering and vandalism in public parks while giving police a clearer tool to clear the facilities after dark.
Later in the meeting, the council unanimously approved updates to an ordinance addressing the misuse of bicycles, skateboards, and scooters on sidewalks. The amendment adds both motorized and non-motorized scooters to the existing rules and updates penalties for unsafe or nuisance riding on sidewalks and private property. Council members cited ongoing complaints about trespassing and sidewalk conflicts as reasons for strengthening the ordinance.
The evening’s most extensive discussion centered on a proposed ordinance addressing inoperable vehicles. The measure would establish a 72-hour courtesy notice before enforcement actions, define what constitutes an inoperable vehicle, outline abatement procedures, and allow the town to remove and dispose of vehicles that remain in violation. It also proposes an administrative fee of $150.
Council members questioned how the new process would work in practice and how it would align with the needs of the police department and zoning staff. After discussion, they agreed to table the ordinance until a future meeting to allow further consultation with Police Chief Balser and possible revisions to the language.
The meeting concluded with Mayor Jeff Irvine formally adjourning the session following the council’s votes on the Virginia Investment Pool, the ordinance updates, and the decision to delay action on the proposed inoperable vehicle ordinance.
David Hodge photos
