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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-99Minutes of the regular Town Council meeting held August 17, 1999 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. Council Members Present: James M. Neblett, Lane R. Penn, Jeffrey S. Worrell Bettye H. Steger, W. Edgar Hale, Joseph L. Weddle Pauline G. Mitchell, Charles W. Stewart Absent/Excused: John A. Johnston, Mayor Staff: John Hawley, Acting Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to Town Manager Randolph Eley, Town Attorney Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk Also Present: Todd Tolbert Marlis Ryssel-Flynn Judy Ison Dave Goodman Tom McCrea Terrie Sternburg Sherry Boyd-Neidigh Duane Cox Mike Jenkins Robert Dye Herb Cooley Paul Dellinger, Press Heather Fetrow, Press Rob Eastwood, Press Councilwoman Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Worrell gave the Invocation. Vice Mayor Steger welcomed our new Town Attorney, Randolph D. Eley, Jr. to his first Council meeting. Following roll call, Council added 1 item under Presentations and 1 item to new business. David Goodman, an intern at Claytor Lake State Park, addressed Council regarding the Park’s application for a TEA21 Grant for the Park to create a trail. Part of the process of applying for this grant is gathering letters of support from the community. He requested that Council write a letter of support for this project. After discussion, Councilman Weddle made a motion to authorize staff to send a letter of support for this grant, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Next, John Hawley, Town Engineer, advised Council that the Town has received a plaque from the American Waterworks Association for 50 years of water service. Duane Cox, Superintendent of Water Works, presented the plaque to Council. Next, Mr. Hawley, reported on the Consumer Confidence Report that is required to be presented this year. It discusses the decontamination and purification of area water and regulations. Mr. Jenkins, Public Works Director, advised that there are new guidelines in effect for repairs as well. In response to question from Council, Mr. Cox advised that Gatewood Dam is down 52 inches and Hogan’s Dam is down 6 feet. Next, Mr. Quesenberry updated Council on the Town’s Y2K readiness. He advised that there are only a few areas of the town operations that still have to become Y2K ready and they will be complete on time. He advised that for a community our size, “we’re ahead of the others”. He also advised that the final issue of the Town newsletter will be devoted to Y2K readiness. Councilman Weddle made a motion to approve the Consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the July 20, 1999 meeting, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried on voice vote. Next item on the agenda, was the Finance Committee report. Chairman Weddle advised that it’s time to decide what project Council would like to request funding for from the C. E. Richardson Benevolent Grant Foundation.. Mr. Quesenberry advised that there is a window of opportunity from August 15, 1999 through Sept. 15, 1999 for entities to apply for C. E. Richardson Grant funding. Staff requests direction on which project to apply for funding for. Councilman Weddle inquired whether staff would have enough time to prepare a proposal if Council announced a decision at the September 7, 1999 meeting? After discussion, it was agreed that Finance Committee would schedule a meeting to discuss possible projects before the next Council meeting.. Mr. Weddle advised that before Council was Va. Municipal Group Self Insurance Assoc. dividend payment and requested a report from Mr. Quesenberry. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the dividend payment this year from the Va. Municipal Group Self Insurance Association is $17,918.00. This dividend can be taken in check form or as a credit memo for future billing. Staff recommendation is to follow the policy of past years and request a check in the amount of $17,918.00. After discussion, Councilwoman Mitchell made a motion that staff request a check in the amount of $17,918 as a dividend payment to the Town for it’s participation in the VML Insurance Programs, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Chairman Weddle requested staff report on the Request For Proposals for banking services for the Town. Mrs. Boyd-Neidigh advised that in the interest of good practice and remaining competitive, Council had requested that a RFP for banking services be prepared and distributed to banks in the area. That RFP has been generated and staff recommends that Council direct staff to issue said RFP for a banking services contract for a three year period. After discussion, Councilman Hale made a motion to authorize staff to issue a RFP for banking services pending attorney approval of said RFP, seconded by Councilman Worrell and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Next item on agenda was consideration of funding through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for derelict structures. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the Commonwealth has allocated monies to establish a fund to address serious problems of derelict structures. These funds are to be used to make grants to local governments for acquisition, demolition, removal, rehabilitation or repair of specific targeted derelict structures. A Resolution must be adopted indicating the organization’s responsibility for applying for derelict structures funding. After discussion, Councilman Stewart made a motion to adopt Resolution 99-33, an application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community development for the 1999 derelict structures fund, seconded by Councilman Worrell and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Next item on agenda was Utilities Committee Business Report. Chairman Neblett requested a staff report on proposed Ordinances 99-9 and 99-10. Mrs. Boyd-Neidigh advised Council that Ordinance 99-9 establishes a set time for receipt of payment for delinquent water accounts. She proposed setting the time at 5:00 p.m. on the due date. She advised that this should result in less overtime and stress on both finance department and public works department as well as eliminating confusion on the part of the customers as to the deadline that payments are due. Staff plans for education of the public tentatively include notification of the public via the press, mailing a notice to customers notifying them of this change, as well as including the message on the disconnect notices mailed each month. This will be implemented in the September billing cycle. After discussion, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Ordinance 99-9, establishing time for receipt of payment for delinquent utility accounts, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Next, Mrs. Neidigh advised Council that when fixed charges for water and sewer were adopted, the 1 ¼ inch meter size was inadvertently omitted from the schedule. Ordinance 99-10 sets forth charges for 1 ¼ inch meters. She advised that this would effect one existing customer. Councilman Neblett inquired why this was being discussed if only one customer was affected? Mr. Jenkins advised that they would like to have it included in the rate structure for future small businesses. Mr. Worrell asked if the rate could be set and the one existing account be “grandfathered” at the 5/8 inch rate? After discussion, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Ordinance 99-10, establishing fixed charges for a 1 ¼ inch water meter, grandfathering the existing customer with this meter, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Chairman Neblett advised that an AEP Street Lighting Agreement was next on agenda. Mr. Jenkins advised that the proposed agreement between the Town of Pulaski and Appalachian Power Company provides for public street lighting and maintenance. The current agreement is in effect until October 30, 1999. He also advised he is on a negotiation committee with VML and ADP for renegotiations. Staff recommendation is to table this issue until further research can be completed and return to Council. Councilman Hale made a motion to table this issue, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Abstain Jeffrey S. Worrell - Abstain Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Next, Council requested that staff research other area plans for water conservation and report back to Council at a later date. Next item for discussion by Council was the Public Operations Report. Chairman Penn advised that a discussion of period lighting for downtown Main Street was scheduled. He also advised that Mrs. Marlis Ryssel-Flynn wished to speak from the public regarding this issue. Mrs. Ryssel-Flynn spoke in favor of period lighting for downtown Main Street and presented Council with a proposal from the Main Street committee. Staff fielded questions from Council regarding parking, traffic control and ineligible street funding; period lighting, sidewalks and tree maintenance on Main Street; landscape and maintenance at the Southwest Times Office; use of emergency fire apparatus on private property and a lease request regarding Maple Shade Plaza Shopping Center. After discussion, Council requested that Public Works Director Mike Jenkins, return to the September 7,1999 meeting with more figures on landscaping, sidewalks and lighting of the Main Street area and also bring back a report on street funding. Regarding use of emergency fire apparatus on private property, Council consensus was not to allow use of fire equipment on private property. Regarding a request for no parking sign in the alley between Northwood and Wisler Ave and Elizabeth Street off of Peppers Ferry Road, Council agreed with staff recommendation not to install no-parking signs on the alley between Wisler Avenue and Northwood, nor at Elizabeth Street. Staff will however, put up 25 mph signs where they were removed during construction. and with new information provided by Councilman Worrell, study traffic flow from old Lee Highway onto Northwood Drive. Regarding discussion of ineligible street funding needs, Mr. Jenkins was requested to submit a more detailed report on funding guidelines. Regarding a request for Town to take over landscape planting and upkeep in front of the Fifth Street Shopping Center, the budget has already been expended for this year. It was suggested that perhaps the Southwest Times or another group could adopt this bed. In addition, staff informed Council that the lease request for the Maple Shade Plaza had been withdrawn by the applicant due to the cost to convert the area to meet the fire code requirements. Regarding a request for use of Calfee Ball Park for a political reception granting permission to serve alcoholic beverages: After discussion, Councilman Hale made a motion to allow use of Calfee Ball Park for a political reception granting permission to serve alcoholic beverages as long as all legal requirements and restrictions of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board are complied with, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye As a point of clarification, Councilman Penn advised that at the last Council meeting, there was confusion as to which committee would coordinate discussion of the rental ordinance. He advised that he would like the Public Operations Committee and the Ordinance Committee to work together on this project. At 6:50 p.m., Vice-Mayor Steger adjourned the meeting for a recess. At 7:15 p.m., Council returned from recess. Next item on agenda was Ordinance Committee Report. Chairwoman Steger advised that Council had a report in their packet regarding the creation of a rental property inspection ordinance and requested that Council carefully study this document in preparation for working with the Fire Marshall and Town Attorney to draw up and adopt those elements that will create an effective program. Next item on agenda was Human Resources Business Report. Chairman Hale advised that Committee held a meeting on July 27, 1999. First item on agenda was a closed session matter under 2.1-344 (A1), personnel matter regarding a specific individual. Following closed session, Committee considered appointment of members to Safety Committee, alternates to Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Authority, and appointments to Town Committees. Committee recommends that Councilmen Penn, Worrell, and Neblett, and Councilwoman Mitchell be appointed to a Public Safety Committee and that said Committee be a standing committee of Council to address issues regarding public safety in the community and passed on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Committee also recommends that Councilmen Neblett and Weddle be named alternates to Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Authority and the following be appointed to committees: Name Committee Term 1. Mrs. Virginia Kelly McNeil Architecture Review Board 4 year term 2. Mrs. Pat Gooch Architecture Review Board 4 year term 3. Michael Dowell Grievance Panel Indefinite 4.Charles Wade Planning Commission exp. 9-17-00 And carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Chairman Hale advised that Committee met August 10, 1999 in closed session, with no action taken. Chairman Hale also advised that a letter had been received from New River Valley Agency on Aging requesting that a representative and alternate be assigned to the Board of Directors of the New River Valley Agency on Aging. Councilwoman Steger has requested not to be re-appointed to Committee as alternate. Councilman Weddle made a motion to re-appoint Councilwoman Mitchell as representative and tabled appointment of alternate to NRV Agency on Aging, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Abstain Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Chairman Hale advised that a Town Employee Compensation Salary and Wages Study and Survey has been completed by Armistead Booker, Intern and is included in Council’s packet for review. Staff will bring recommendation regarding salaries back to Council within 30 days. Mr. Hale commented that the survey seemed quite comprehensive and well written and made a motion that staff prepare a Resolution honoring Armistead P. Booker, III, for his outstanding work, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on voice vote. Vice Mayor Steger advised Council that the Joint Intergovernmental meeting is scheduled for August 31, 1999 at the County and that if Council has anything to add to the agenda to call the Clerk. Mrs. Steger also advised that a draft of Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Authority Participation Agreement is attached. Council was asked to take the next two weeks to review and comment on this agreement. Under new business, Councilman Hale advised that the Town of Dublin had donated $200 to the Pulaski County High School Touchdown Club and made a motion for Council to donate from Council’s contingency fund, $200 to the Pulaski County High School Touchdown Club, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Abstain Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - No Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - No Councilman Worrell inquired into the status of the Town’s insurance and participating doctors? Mr. Quesenberry advised that he has no new information for Council. He advised that this may be something to add to Closed Session agenda and discussion with the Town Attorney, under 2.1-344 (A7). Councilman Worrell made a motion to add 2.1-344 (A7), consult with legal counsel, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Mr. Hawley advised Council that there was a picture and an article in the newspaper regarding the work done at the Lottier Street railroad crossing. But the article failed to mention that the Town submitted the safety fund application to get the work done. He wanted Council to see the end result of their efforts. He advised that there was zero Town monies expended for this project. At 7:45, Councilman Weddle made a motion to enter into closed session on 2.1-344 (A7), consult with legal counsel – 2 items; 2.1-344 (A3), discussion of condition, acquisition or use of real property for public purposes or the disposition of publicly held property; 2.1-344 (A5) discussion about prospective business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of its interest in locating to the community; and 2.1-344 (A-1) – 3 items – Personnel matter, specific individual, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye At 9:30 p.m., Council returned from closed session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye Councilman Penn made a motion to allow up to $5000 in tipping fees for OMNI (Rental Towel) to dispose of their existing building on the corner of Dora Highway and Pierce Avenue, with funds to come from the UDAG fund, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye There being no further business, at 9:35 p.m., Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on voice vote.