The Culpeper Historical Society Issue is on the Court docket for Sept 9 to be set. It is docket day. It is at 1:30 for the Court to set the date for the matter to be heard.

George Bryson, 10103 Rixeyville Road, addressed Town Council noting he had been coming to Council for some years expressing his concerns on how he felt he had been violated. He distributed copies of several documents (filed with Council packet of this date) and discussed how he felt he had been violated in his dealings with the Citizens Cemetery Committee, Historical Society, and Museum. He stated he had told Council that he had served under the flag and taken an oath to defend this country and yet the governing bodies had treated him like less than a citizen. He discussed how he had been turned away by the commonwealth attorney and that he had refused to serve on jury duty, because he could not convict anyone in that court. He stressed how he believed the cemetery trust fund had been violated and the designated 33 foot radius around the confederate monument had been violated by allowing two burials within the area. He stated all he was asking was to be treated fairly.

A meeting was held with notice to life members. The entity does not existing due to the failure to keep current in its filings with the SCC. Meeting was to ask the remaining life members what they thought. Several other showed up and paid dues to Angus. All but two asked for distribution of the funds to Library and Museum. It is the judge who will hear the options and community concerns and make a decision on the funding. Those who have a concern can send letters to the court to be reviewed. It would not surprise me if the Court appointed a Commissioner in Chancery to hear the matter. The Commissioner would hear those concerned and make a recommendation to the Court. It is also possible the Attorney General may have to have notice and may intervene. Recently the AG’s office has urged funds go to the literary fund. Certainly not my first choice. The fund assists with the funding of school construction.

Councilmember Jenkins stated he had witnessed Mr. Bryson coming before Council for over a year and he was having difficulty in understanding exactly what Mr. Bryson’s concerns are. He stated he would like for the Town Manager to sit down with Mr. Bryson to determine his specific concerns and if the Town has done anything wrong that can be addressed. Mayor Rimeikis noted normally he would agree; however, the same issues have come up repeatedly during his tenure on Council, and the town manager and staff have repeatedly tried to resolve the issues. He noted most of the issues were not Town government-related. For example, the Historical Society was a private group and it had been disbanded some years ago. He stated he believed staff has been diligent in trying to resolve anything that has to do with the Town. Further, the Town cannot control the press. He stated he would be happy to hear from other members. Councilmember Jenkins stated he appreciated the Mayor’s comments, and he believed that everyone would like to help Mr. Bryson. He noted prior to his leaving the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Bryson had begun to have concerns. He stated he was only trying to help Mr. Bryson and was just asking Council to give the Manager an opportunity to try to gain some clarity from Mr. Bryson. Mr. Bryson further stressed his feelings that his health and safety have been endangered and his civil rights have been violated.

Bryson is a charter member of the Culpeper Historical Society ( CHS ) and the CHS has violated the Roberts Rules of Order . by failing to notify memebers of the April 19, 2008 meeting. Rose Marie and Willie are life members and were not notified. Mr Bryson feels his civil rights have been violated.
Angus Green's lack of accounting for the CHS) book sales
Butch Davies has filed a suit to distribute funds from the Culpeper Historical Society. to the Museum?
The Burgadine House being transferred to the Museum from the Culpeper Historical Society was a violation of CHS members rights?

UDC,

Dissolving of Culpeper Historical Society , missing artifacts and pictures?
Culpeper Historical Society Board ? Tom O'Halloran, Newt & Angus Green, Zane Minor, Ann Howard,Stolen Artifacts,
SCV,
DAR,
Colonial Dames,
Fairview Cemetery- Cemetery Trust Fund
Gary Close

How can a group of polliticians even consider involving Culpepere County and its citizens in with Angler in a joint project to develope a sewer and water facility in the Brandy Station or any other area as far as that goes.Angler's track record stinks to High Noon considering the projects that they have been involved with lately. It appears to me that they want to use the tax payers of Culpeper County to jumlp start a failing business. When you consider the historical data concerning wells in that area and that during the times that rain fall doesn't meet normal conditions and that the Farmers and citizens wells failed what will sinking shafts do to provide all those homes and business's that they want to place in that area. It appears that those Sulpeervisors are so Hell Bent is helping those persons that want to tar and cement our county that they will throw out good judgement on anything that will release them from the Towns water and sewer. The historical data can be found in a law suit J.A. Bragg, Jr. vs. The Town of Culpeper. This is true and also I am vehemently opposed to doing alot of developement in the Brandy Station Area as you can tell.. .....George W. Bryson.

George Bryson is concerned about a monument in the area and asked the commission to protect it. The United Daughters of the Confederacy has a monument dedicated to Confederate Lt. Col. John Pelham at the corner of the airport, at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Beverly Ford Road.

Mr. George Bryson, Culpeper County resident, addressed Council with similar concerns that he had previously expressed regarding his belief that he has been violated by the Historical Society and Citizens Cemetery Committee and stated nothing has been done about it. He stated he had previously requested an investigation on certain things that had occurred at a Committee II meeting. Mr. Bryson noted he was filing complaints with the Virginia Bar Association against at least two of the Town Attorneys and cited complaints regarding the Town’s handling of the Fairview Cemetery Trust Fund and the violation of the area surrounding the Monument. Further, complaints are being filed with the Attorney General on his concerns regarding issues with the Culpeper Star Exponent, Culpeper News, Fairview Cemetery trust fund, Historical Society/Library, Citizens Cemetery Committee, etc. He had concerns with the siltation at Lake Pelham and the fact that more discharge is being put into Mountain Run, and when the water gets low, it is a health hazard.

Mr. George Bryson addressed council expressing his concerns with what he termed as “spot zoning” that allowed the development of the “strip mall” located on Sperryville Pike and provided several pictures of the area. He noted concern with the commercial businesses being so close to residences and his opposition to the proposed inner loop road. He also questioned why the road around the confederate monument within Fairview had not yet been restored. Mr. Bryson discussed the work he and his wife had coordinated on cleaning and checking the monument some years back. He emphasized at that time there was no indication that the monument was leaning. He suggested businesses are always interested in speeding up development, which is not always in the best interest of the citizens. He hoped the Town of Culpeper would remain a town separate from the County. Mr. Bryson requested Council’s consideration of the pictures he had provided and the history of the area and question whether or not the strip mall should have been allowed especially with a lot of the residences being low-income. He questioned why he could not get answers to his questions when he came before Council.

George Bryson, 10103 Rixeyville Road, addressed Council noting he had been before the body many times and the only feedback he had received from the Town and County had been concerning his hat. He explained he had to wear the cap due to eye problems and stressed he was not being disrespectful. He discussed how he believed his civil rights have been violated by various groups and individuals. He stated various concerns, such as being requested by an individual to help with getting stones, etc. fixed in Fairview Cemetery, and then he was violated by that individual; the Town hired someone to do the research on Fairview Cemetery thereby destroying his opportunity to do a book based on his own research; the Town had gone against historical data by closing the drive around the Confederate Monument; his research was used without permission for the Jameson Hill marker project; and he had not received complete information on the archeological find at the Burgandine House. Mr. Bryson stated he continues to approach Council because he wants the issues resolved and noted it was affecting his personal health

Mr. George Bryson stated he had been before Council previously to address his concerns and was disturbed that he had not received any comments back from the body. He stressed how he believed he had been violated as a citizen. He noted he had served time in the military and took an oath to defend this country. Mr. Bryson stated he believed he had been violated over issues relative to Fairview Cemetery, the Confederate Monument, and the monument located on the former Catalpa Farm. He noted the history articles he had written. Following further brief comments, he noted this would be the last time he came to a council meeting; however, he was not saying it was over.

Mr. George Bryson addressed council with his concerns on how he believed his rights have been violated by the justice system and the Town and County. He requested that council direct the Chief of Police to set a meeting with the FBI to be held at the court house to investigate his issues. He further discussed how he believed the DAR monument (“probably the most historical site in Culpeper”) is being violated, that not all of Fairview Cemetery is included on the National Register, and his concern with the Town allowing burials within the 33 foot radius around the Confederate monument in Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. George Bryson, County of Culpeper resident, addressed council with concerns regarding several issues including the Confederate monument area within Fairview Cemetery and his desire to see the circle re-opened, the nomination application for the Historic Register shading Culpeper as a racist community. He referenced his research and information on “Clayton Field” and the DAR monument (located off of Monument Lane) and his belief he had been violated as a citizen by the Town of Culpeper and others, and that council minutes were incomplete. Mr. Bryson noted he had certain items that would support his position. Ms. Priscilla Harper, County of Culpeper resident, addressed council relative to several issues including: ? Mr. Perry Cabot’s research pertaining to Fairview Cemetery is progressing and should be available soon; ? The new information found during Mr. Cabot’s research will be submitted to the Department of Historic Resources and the original nomination should be amended; ? Her support of Eastern Memorials being selected to perform the restoration plan of the cemetery; ? Restoration work is needed on the cemetery entrance wall as well as the Confederate monument, which is leaning, but the monument repairs should take precedence; and ? Her agreement with Mr. Bryson’s comments on the research on Clayton’s Field and the DAR monument and his comments on the submitted nomination not being positive for the community. Ms. Harper questioned the status of the maintenance building construction at Fairview Cemetery. Town Manager Godfrey responded the project is under contract. Ms. Harper referenced the funds appropriated for the cemetery master plan and restoration guide project. Town Manager Godfrey noted these are two different projects, and bids were solicited on each, which are being recommended for acceptance. Ms. Harper questioned if the grant money received from DHR in April 2004 had been accepted and/or used. Mayor Rimeikis responded this issue and any other questions Ms. Harper had could be discussed at the committee level. Ms. Harper complimented the town on the tourism brochure. She stressed the need to capitalize on the town’s tourist attractions. She briefly discussed how the historic marker planned for installation in the Oaklawn Drive/Blue Ridge Avenue area covers Revolutionary and Confederate history.

Mr. George Bryson, 10103 Rixeyville Road, addressed council expressing his concerns on the following: the Historical Society and circumstances surrounding it ceasing to function, a plaque being removed from the former library building; how the information he provided on the old Spotswood land grant was not being considered in conjunction with the proposal to enlarge the Town; and how his questions and the information he provides are never responded to.

Mr. George Bryson addressed Council expressing concern that the lot located on Monument Avenue had not been deeded to the DAR as proffered over five years ago. He discussed how steps had been installed and easements had been recorded on the lot up to the fencing around the monument located there. He stated he approached the Town several times and could not understand why this had not been done. Town Engineer Stephenson noted the developer of Lakeview had voluntarily agreed to donate the land around the monument, but it was not a proffered condition. He stated during a meeting with the developer on another issue, staff had asked about this issue, and he believed the developer was waiting on something from the DAR group in order to finalize the transfer of property. He reemphasized that the developer had agreed to this, but it was not a requirement of the Town. Mr. Bryson referenced a meeting during which he was assured that it had been proffered and discussed how his wife had called and was told to go ahead and landscape the area, etc.; however, in the meantime, easements, etc. had been granted. Mayor Rimeikis noted the legal transactions were not under the Town’s control.

Mr. George Bryson addressed Council noting he had been before Council a lot of times and questioned why no action had been taken on his previous concerns regarding the Historical Society of which he is a lifetime member, funds to the Museum, issues with the Fairview Cemetery, DAR and Confederate Monuments, items not being recorded in the minutes of certain Town meetings, his research being used for the Jamison Hill Monument without his permission and damaging his ability to do a book, etc. He discussed how he believed he had been violated by certain organizations and made to feel less than a citizen. He stressed how he had served his country and did not like to be at odds with the governing body.

Mr. George Bryson addressed Council noting his interest in the well being of the Town and County and requested Council consider the views of the people who elected them when allowing changes to the community. He noted his concern with the Star Exponent’s reporting on the joint water and sewer discussions and appearance of the paper trying to coerce the Town into making a decision in the way they want. He noted the increased budget amount from the 1934 timeframe to today and noted his concern with the increased property assessments and suggested a flat tax could be implemented.

Mr. George Bryson, county resident, questioned why there were no comments made on the fact that this would be eliminating an existing subdivision which contained a number of lots. He noted the commercial development will create more traffic. Mr. Bryson also noted that Mr. Butch Davies’ grandfather had handled the subdivision did some years ago and he would like to know more about this change.

Mr. George Bryson, Culpeper County resident, addressed Council with similar concerns that he had previously expressed regarding his belief that he has been violated by the Historical Society and Citizens Cemetery Committee and stated nothing has been done about it. He stated he had previously requested an investigation on certain things that had occurred at a Committee II meeting. Mr. Bryson noted he was filing complaints with the Virginia Bar Association against at least two of the Town Attorneys and cited complaints regarding the Town’s handling of the Fairview Cemetery Trust Fund and the violation of the area surrounding the Monument. Further, complaints are being filed with the Attorney General on his concerns regarding issues with the Culpeper Star Exponent, Culpeper News, Fairview Cemetery trust fund, Historical Society/Library, Citizens Cemetery Committee, etc. He had concerns with the siltation at Lake Pelham and the fact that more discharge is being put into Mountain Run, and when the water gets low, it is a health hazard.

George is part of the reason for the decline in the CHS. No one wants to have to address his negative comments. It got to the point no one would attend the meetings. Apparently George was not treated well by some and he continues to raise this. Others disagree with him. This is the same pattern that continued. Tommy OHalloran is the last president and he and George agree that the society should continue. There is a new group started by Mary Jo Browning, Angus and Newt, Ron Bird, Perry Cabot, etc. They are supporting the alternate distribution to the Library and Museum. The Library is getting ready to do an expansion and a major part of it is an expanding local history area for research. They have indicated they would use the funds on this project. It meets the Society’s needs.

Culpeper Historical Society- Portrait Committee

Culpeper Town & County Boundary adjustments - Spotswood line

Freedom of Information Request - Levy Impact fees on developers