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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-01Minutes of the regular Town Council meeting held February 6, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Charles W. Stewart, Jr., Mayor Council Members: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Pauline G. Mitchell, Daniel Talbert, Jr., E. G. Black, Jr., Bettye H. Steger, James M. Neblett, Kenneth M. Fleenor, Lane R. Penn Staff: Gary C. Elander, Town Manager Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Sergeant Wes Davis Officer David Miller Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk Also Present: Larry Rakes Joe Weddle James Holliday Linda Buzzell Marvin Covey Charles D. Stafford Charles Wade Flo Stevenson Belinda Worrell Samantha Worrell T. Ray Dunavant Joe Slaughter Anthony Saunders George M. Hoague David Hale Carol Ohalla Danny Underwood Carlos Riveros Jennifer Hamblin Whitney Lindsey Sam Bromley, Press Lee Carter, Press Paul Dellinger, Press Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Talbert led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilwoman Steger gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt the Certification Resolution for closed session held before the Council meeting under 2.1-344 (A-1) Personnel, and (A-7) Contract matter and Consult with legal counsel, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Councilman Worrell requested that item 7d, under Presentations be relocated to 11b, Utilities Committee. First item on agenda was presentation of Recreation Volunteer Awards by Eddie Sutphin. Mr. Sutphin advised that for the fourth year in a row, the Parks and Recreation Department presented LifetimeYouth Service awards to exceptional volunteers in the Recreation Department. These individuals were honored at a dinner in December and each received a plaque. He introduced each person present to Council and presented Resolution 2001-01, Honoring Lifetime Service Award recipients to: David W. Brown, T. Ray Dunavant, Steve Roop, Gary L. Santolla, Mike Tilley, Danny Underwood, Dr. James Wienke, and Allen E. Wiley. Mayor Stewart expressed appreciation to the volunteers for the time they have contributed to our youth and the Town. Councilman Worrell made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-01, Honoring Lifetime Service Award Recipients, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item on agenda was the Town Planning Commission Annual Report. Charles Stafford, Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission, advised that the report covers activities from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000, and inquired whether Council had questions. There being no questions from Council, Councilman Neblett made a motion to accept the Planning Commission report, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Mayor Stewart advised that the next item on the agenda, a presentation by Robert Henderson for Friends of the Theatre, had been postponed until the March Council meeting. The next item on agenda was a Public Hearing. David Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager, advised that the public hearing was scheduled to hear a request for a conditional use permit from Anne S. and David A. Woodyard to operate a truck salvage yard for the selling of parts. The site is located at the end of First Street, N.E. and was the former location of the King Coal Yard. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the request meets the criteria designated by the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Regulations. He advised that Planning Commission held a public hearing and reviewed the request. He advised that Planning Commission recommended approval of the request under three conditions: 1. Trucks will not stay on the site for more than 120 days 2. Only thirty (30) vehicles may be on the lot at any one time 3. The owner must provide a buffer between the proposed trail area and the site. Councilwoman Steger inquired whether the exact route of Phase II of the proposed New River Trail Extension near Cool Springs is known at this time? Mr. Quesenberry advised that we do not know the exact route at this time. Mr. Woodyard, applicant, addressed Council regarding items that had been discussed by the Planning Commission. He advised that he is willing to install a fence or plant trees to act as a screen. Regarding hazardous materials, he advised that he will properly dispose of hazardous materials and follow the DEQ rules and regulations. Councilwoman Mitchell inquired whether the applicant had looked at sites in the County? Mr. Woodyard replied that he had not. Councilwoman Steger inquired who would monitor the site to enforce the conditions suggested by the Planning Commission? Town Manager Elander replied that the Zoning Administrator would monitor the location. At 7:23 p.m. Mayor Stewart opened the Public Hearing. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Stewart closed the Public Hearing. Councilman Talbert inquired whether a traffic study had been done for this request? Mr. Quesenberry advised that a traffic study was not done. Mayor Stewart advised that the location is on a dead end street. There being no further comments, meeting proceeded to the Public Comment Period. Linda Bazzelli addressed Council regarding drugs and the economic conditions in the Town. She expressed concern for the future of the Town of Pulaski. Mayor Stewart advised that Council is concerned with the matters brought forth by Ms. Bazzelli and is working very hard to improve them. Next, Marvin Covey addressed Council. He inquired whether Council had made a decision on his previous request for the one time purchase of antique car tags. Mayor Stewart advised that Councilman Fleenor would address that during his Committee report later in the meeting. Mr. Covey then advised of a potential traffic problem at the intersection of Edgehill Drive and East Main Street. The Town Manager advised that he would notify Engineering Department Next, Mr. Covey advised that recently, the smoke from Pulaski Furniture has been heavier than usual and inquired whether they could be asked to raise their smokestack. He suffers from asthma and felt that this would minimize the air pollution. Mayor Stewart requested that the Town Manager look into the matter. Next item on agenda was the Consent Agenda. Councilwoman Steger made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda, consisting of the minutes of the January 9, 2001 meeting, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item on agenda was Committee reports. Finance Chairman Fleenor advised that committee met and discussed the request regarding antique car decals. It was decided to continue the subject until the next Finance Committee meeting. Chairman Fleenor advised that the Town was in receipt of two checks to date, from Pulaski Baseball, Inc. totaling $16,405. Additionally, the Rangers purchased and installed a new scoreboard and gave it to the Town, and constructed new “corporate” boxes and donated one to the Town. Chairman Fleenor also advised that the UDAG fund was re-invested in the Local Government Investment Pool at a higher rate. This will earn an additional $15,000 on an annualized basis. Chairman Fleenor advised that our present bond anticipation note of $1 million is due to be paid at the end of April. However, the bond can be renewed if desired by the Town. The bank has agreed to renew at the present rate of 4.26%. He advised that it was the consensus of the committee to recommend renewal to Council. Chairman Fleenor requested an update from Sherry Boyd, Finance Director. Ms. Boyd summarized the financial update as of 12/31/2000. Next, Utilities Committee Chairman Worrell advised that committee met and discussed franchise renewals for American Electric Power and United Cities Gas. He advised that Larry Rakes, Community Service Manager for AEP, spoke to the committee. A renewal agreement will grant a franchise into the future to allow AEP to occupy the town streets and right-of-ways with their transmission distribution systems. He introduced Mr. Rakes, who was present to answer any questions that Council might have. Mr. Rakes advised that the current franchise agreement expires April 19, 2001. He summarized the contents of the agreement and advised that he was available for any questions that Council might have. Council had no questions for Mr. Rakes. Utilities Committee Chairman Worrell requested that staff schedule the necessary advertising and schedule a public hearing for this matter. He advised that the committee also met with two members of the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority Board. The Authority wishes to move to a use-based debt service charge rather than an owned capacity charge. Committee will study the request and report back to Council. Chairman Worrell also advised that John Travis of J&D Developers has completed the installation of his sewer and water lines in Peppers Ferry Ridge subdivision and has requested that it be accepted into the Town’s system. Staff advised that the systems are in compliance. Committee recommends that the systems be accepted into the Town’s system and that the developer be released from that portion of their bond and so carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next, Human Resources Chairwoman Steger advised that the committee met in closed session on January 30, 2001. She advised that several appointments to town committees and boards are due to be filled soon. At present, committee wishes to recommend Tim Kuntz be nominated to the Circuit Court Judge for appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Motion passed on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next, Mayor Stewart advised that Planning Commission met and recommends that the conditional use request for the Woodyard Salvage Yard be approved. He also advised that the final draft of the new zoning ordinance is under final review and will then be submitted to Council. Under Mayor’s report, Mayor Stewart advised that approval has been received for the Charter changes regarding the reduction of Council members from eight to six. One member will drop off in 2002 and 1 member in 2004. The Town Attorney will notify the Board of Elections. Town Attorney Eley gave a projects update including progress with the dilapidated structure court cases, contract work, ordinance review, tax delinquency work, franchise agreement review, and bond counsel work. Town Manager Elander gave a projects update including progress on the New River Trail, 3 inquiries regarding a UDAG loan, receipt of Economic Development Specialist applications, receipt of Letter of Conditions and loan documents for the Draper Mountain Water project, work on master plan for Peak Creek area, drop site improvements, a major prospect looking at the Business Park and participation in the Virginia Municipal League Legislative Day in Richmond. Under Old Business was Ordinance 2001-02, approving a Conditional Use for an auto salvage yard at the former site of McCready Lumber. Councilman Penn made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-02 with the conditions specified by the Planning Commission, seconded by Councilman Worrell and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next, Councilman Neblett made a motion authorizing the Town Attorney to prepare an Ordinance for the Woodyard Salvage Yard, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Under New Business was Resolution 2001-02, Rural Development loan, Draper Mountain Water System. Town Manager Elander advised that the first part of the Resolution is the standard form provided by Rural Development. The second part of the resolution authorizes appropriate town officials to execute necessary documents. Councilman Worrell made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-02, Rural Development loan – Draper Mountain Water System, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item under New Business was Resolution 2001-03, authorizing the extension of the maturity of a bond anticipation note of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia. Town Manager Elander advised that the Town took out a bond anticipation note, which is a short term financing, in preparation for longer term financing. The Town initially took out the note for three years, although up to five years is allowed. This resolution authorizes renewing the note and locking in the current low interest of 4.26% until April, 2002. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-03, authorizing the extension of the maturity of a bond anticipation note of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item on agenda was Resolution 2001-04, regarding future U. S. Post Office needs in the Town of Pulaski. Councilman Fleenor made a motion to accept Resolution 2001-04, regarding future U.S. Post Office needs in the Town of Pulaski, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Under Communications, Mayor Stewart advised that he was in receipt of a letter from Terry Sheaffer, who is the Administrative Assistant at the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority. She advised that Pulaski County has requested a tour of the treatment plant for their Administrator and elected officials. She extended an invitation to Pulaski Town Council to attend the tour. At 8:18 p.m., there being no further business, meeting adjourned on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried.