Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2008Minutes of the Town Council meeting held January 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. There were present: Charles L. Wade, Mayor Council: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Dan Talbert, Jr., Lane R. Penn, David L. Clark, Larry G. Clevinger, II Absent: Joel B. Burchett, Jr. Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager R. D. Warburton, Town Attorney Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council David Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Dave Hart, Parks and Facilities Director Barbara Tate, Community Relations Director Gary Roche, Police Chief John White, Economic Development Director Others: Bill Warden Jamie Radcliffe Charles R. Bopp Robert Bopp Kathy Bopp Vanessa Martin Sean ONeal Amy Lewis Pamela Austin Jane Amburn Jeffrey Stout Andrew Cocke Glenn Baublitz Tamara Farmer Diane Collins Morgan Welker Bobby Jackson Martha Jackson Betty Quesenberry Carol Wade James Holliday Elizabeth Chitwood Clark Payne Sandy Payne David Jenks Melinda Williams, Press Mayor Wade called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Talbert led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Worrell gave the Invocation. Councilman Penn moved to modify the agenda to add Resolution 2008-03, under item # 13c. Additionally, he noted that the Employee of the Month would be late arriving at the meeting and Council would insert this item into the agenda when he arrived. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clevinger and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye The next item on the agenda was the Architectural Review Board (ARB) Annual Report. Mr. Hawley asked Mr. Quesenberry to present the report. Mr. Quesenberry advised that he would include both item 7a, ARB Annual Report and 7c, Housing Board of Adjustment Appeals (HBAA) Annual Report into the report. He summarized each report that was included in the packet. Councilman Clark moved to accept the Architectural Review Board and Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals Annual Reports. The motion was seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye The next item on the agenda was Mayor’s comments regarding “Where is the List?” Mayor Wade advised that he wished to respond to an article that had appeared in the December 13, 2007 edition of the Southwest Times. He read a response to each comment in the article. (A copy of his comments are included in the official Town Council minutes). The next item on the agenda was a Public Hearing. Mr. Hawley advised that the public hearing was to discuss the public sale of approximately 29 acres of the Loving Field property to the Bopp family. The Loving Field property is adjacent to their farm. The land was acquired from the Bopp family in the 40’s or 50’s for a municipal airport. The parcel is located away from the softball fields and the road frontage. Since the land had been considered for sale, the Bopp family asked to purchase the land back from the Town. Mayor Wade opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m. Mr. Bopp addressed Council on behalf of the Bopp family, thanking them for considering the request. There being no further comments, the Hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m. Since the Employee of the Month had arrived, Mayor Wade introduced him. Alfred K. (Andy) Anderson was presented with an Award by Mayor Wade, who read a Press Release aloud and congratulated Mr. Anderson. The Mayor noted that Mr. Anderson would receive an additional paid day off and be considered for the Employee of the Year award. The next item was the Public Comment Period. Glenn Baublitz addressed Council suggesting that Council move the fencing in front of the Courthouse and make some additional parking. Mayor Wade advised that the suggestion had already been passed on to the County and that no response had been received to date. He added that the land belonged to the County. He suggested that Mr. Baublitz bring his suggestion to the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Baublitz added that he had heard the Mayor mention tearing down the greenhouse. He asked if Council would entertain a suggestion for him to repair the greenhouse and then allow him to dry the sludge for the Town. He added that the greenhouse could then be used to grow flowers for planting in the Town. Mayor Wade suggested that he submit his suggestion in writing to the Town Manager for discussion at the Work Session. Mr. Baublitz then addressed Council regarding his dissatisfaction with Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority. He suggested that the Town stop making payments to the Authority. Mayor Wade thanked Mr. Baublitz for his comments. Next, David Jenks, New River Valley Bikeway/Walkway representative for the Town, provided an update for Council. He advised that the group had been working with landowners and acquiring access for the Trail. Additionally, he advised that VDOT had taken the group under their wing. He advised that the group forsees one day being able to bicycle from Blacksburg to Pulaski. Lastly, he advised that he had attended a workshop regarding bicycle friendly communities. He explained some of the criteria that make an area bicycle friendly. Mayor Wade inquired whether Pulaski could become bicycle friendly? Mr. Jenks answered yes and opined that the Town already had a good start. He added that more education of bicyclists and motorists needed to be done. Mr. Hawley added that staff had been working with a cyclist in the area who had developed some maps with a few designated rides marked. Once completed, the information could be placed on the Town and County web site. Next, Andrew Cocke addressed Council regarding Peppers Ferry Wastewater Treatment Authority. He asked why the Town pays 40% of the bill for Peppers Ferry and does not have 40% representation on the Board? He suggested putting the funds into an escrow account and pursuing the problem through the court system. Additionally, he asked how the Town was preparing for future increases? Mayor Wade confirmed that Mr. Cocke wanted to know where the money is, and was a rate increase planned any time soon? Mr. Hawley responded that if the trend remained the same for the remaining six months of the year, there should be some money left in the fund to partially offset a rate increase. Next, Mayor Wade asked John White, Economic Development Director, to come to the front. He presented an award for five years service to the Town to Mr. White. The next item for consideration was the Consent Agenda. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt the Consent Agenda consisting of the minutes of the December 4, 2007 Council meeting, Ordinance 2008-01 and Ordinance 2008-02. The motion was seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on voice vote. Mayor Wade moved on to Project Updates. Regarding the New River Trail extension, Mr. Hawley advised that a preconstruction conference had been held with all concerned. Additionally, he advised that progress has been made on the construction of the trail. Mr. Hart added that the clearing and grubbing of the first stage is almost complete and stonework has begun in some areas. Mayor Wade read a list of key points that had been identified for Council decisions to determine the status of each point. He inquired whether there were any remaining easement commitments regarding the Trail? Mr. Hawley advised that Council had appropriated funds to complete the construction contract for the Trail, however, staff had been directed to find other sources to purchase the fencing, park benches that were outside the contract and that would cover any remaining easement commitments. Mayor Wade expressed concern that he had seen no projected cost or completion date for the visual barriers, benches, markers and signs, bike racks and lighting that were outside the contract. He asked staff to pull that information together for the next Work Session. Mr. Hawley advised that the cost was approximately $7,000, but staff would bring the information to the next Work Session. Mayor Wade inquired whether staff had spoken with VDOT regarding lighting on the Trail? Mr. Hawley advised that he had a meeting with a VDOT representative that week and he would add that to his list of discussion items. The next item on the agenda was Downtown Revitalization grant. Mr. White provided a summary of the accomplishments of Phase 1 of the grant. He advised that 15 upper floor units had been rehabbed, 8 facades improved, and have been working on cleaning up blight. Regarding Phase II, he advised that at this time, they are committed to completing 2 more upper floor units, 8 adaptive re-use upper floor apartments and 8 façade improvements. Additionally, they had already completed work on streetscape, installed architectural lighting and signage, and installed 70 linear feet of sewer pipe and 6 storm drain outlets. He added that a plan still had to be developed to improve the broadband communications in the project area. Mayor Wade inquired into the status of wireless broadband? Mr. White advised that staff needed to meet with the contractor regarding wireless broadband. Mayor Wade suggested that the Attorney review the contract prior to the next Work Session. The next item on the agenda was Cemetery Maintenance. Mr. Hawley provided a summary of upgrades planned for the Cemeteries. Staff expected to start the work after the Christmas decoration removal. Additionally, he advised that citizens had been placing non-conforming decorations at the cemeteries. Staff encouraged Council to set a date to have them removed by. After that date, all non-conforming decorations would be removed and taken to the Town shops. After one week, if they were not claimed, all decorations would be disposed of. Following extensive discussion, staff was directed to immediately remove all non-conforming decorations. Mayor Wade advised that approximately three years ago, a citizen had offered to donate a fence to the Town for the cemetery. He inquired when the fencing would be installed? Mr. Hawley advised that this project was on the Public Works list of activities to complete. The Mayor suggested that staff contact the citizen and confirm that he is still interested in donating the fence. Councilman Worrell inquired whether the regulations for Oakwood East cemetery differed from the original cemetery? Mr. Hawley advised that the regulations differ from the original Oakwood cemetery. The next item on the agenda was Old Business. The first item was Ordinance 2008-04, Approving the Sales Contract for Property at Loving Field. Town Attorney Warburton interjected that there were several typographical errors on page 2 of 5 in the contract and requested permission to correct those errors prior to submission to the parties to sign if Council adopted the Ordinance. Mr. Warburton was granted that permission. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Ordinance 2008-04, Approving the Sales Contract for Property at Loving Field, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to reallocation of sulfate poundage. Mr. Hawley advised that there were two industries that discharged into the sewer system with permits. One of those industries had recently allowed their permit to expire. Therefore, the entire poundage could be allocated to James Hardie Building Products at this time. Councilman Talbert moved to reallocate the sulfate poundage to James Hardie Building Products. The motion was seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye The next item on the agenda was a definition of screening. Mr. Hawley advised that the Town Attorney had drafted a definition of screening for Council’s review. If the definition was agreeable to Council, it would be sent to the Planning Commission for review. Councilman Worrell moved to send the definition of screening to the Planning Commission for review. The motion was seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye The next item on the agenda was reservoir levels and water conservation. Mr. Hawley advised that the Mayor had requested a report on the water level at Gatewood and Hogan’s and the monitoring procedure to insure adequate reserves are available to maintain a desired flow in Peak Creek. The report, which was provided to Council, showed the reservoirs recovering with precipitation. Staff was continuing to monitor closely. Mayor Wade asked whether the Town should look into a pricing structure for water that would encourage conservation? Secondly, he suggested an Ordinance that forces car washes to recycle their water. Mr. Hawley advised that staff could research. Mayor Wade moved on to New Business. The first item was contract with Pulaski Baseball Inc. Mr. Hawley summarized the points of the proposed new contract and responded to several financial questions from the Mayor. Discussion ensued regarding the location of the seats for the Town. The decision was made to change the wording in the contract item 10, second paragraph, second line to read third base side rather than third base line. The remainder of the wording was to remain the same. Town Attorney Warburton suggested annexing an appendix a showing where the seats are. Mayor Wade responded that he would go and look at the seats to determine specifically which seats would be assigned to the Town and the have the Attorney create an appendix A. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Ordinance 2008-03, with changes, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye The next item on the agenda was to amend Hardie Site Preparation Bond Anticipation Note. Mr. Hawley advised that during the course of the Hardie site project, the costs ran over the estimates. Council directed staff to obtain additional financing for completion of the work. That note was coming due. The Finance Director provided an option for the repayment of the note. Council needed to review and then vote to approve or modify. Resolution 2008-02, authorizes modifications to the bond anticipation note. Ms. Boyd, the Finance Director explained the details of the modifications. She recommended approving the fixed rate of 3.98% Councilman Talbert moved to adopt Resolution 2008-02 with option 2, the 3.98% fixed rate. The motion was seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye The next item on the Agenda was Appointment to the Pulaski Redevelopment and Housing Authority (PR&HA). Mr. Hawley advised that Mike Crabtree had resigned from the Authority and a new member needed to be appointed. Terri Fitzwater-Palmore had agreed to serve. Councilman Clark moved to adopt Resolution 2008-03, Appointment of Teri Fitzwater-Palmore to the Pulaski Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clevinger and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to Pulaski Area Transit report and budget request. Mr. Hawley reviewed the funding request and explained that the request for matching funds had increased, but the Town’s share of the 08/09 budget was about the same at $40,000. He added that the term of the contract had been increased to 15 months. Additionally, he advised that Mr. Heinline had provided some information for Council’s review. Following discussion, staff was directed to invite Mr. Heinline to the next Work Session to speak with Council. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Resolution 2008-01, Authorizing the Application for State Aid to Public Transportation in the Amount of $306,981 be adopted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to referral to Planning Commission. Mr. Hawley advised that a church had requested that they be allowed to construct a columbarium on their property. A columbarium is a structure to preserve and house cremation ashes. The zoning ordinance does not list a columbarium, so it needed to be added as use by right or as a special exception. Council would need to refer the matter to the Planning Commission for discussion. Councilman Penn moved to refer the church’s request for a columbarium to the Planning Commission, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Absent Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye There being no further business, at 8:45 p.m., Councilman Penn moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on voice vote.