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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-01Minutes of the Town Council meeting held April 3, 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 David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Mike Jenkins, Public Works Director Gary Roche, Chief of Police Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk Also Present: Judy Flemming Rebecca English Eddie Hale Penny Nash Bobby Nash Vicki Rhett Charles Rhett Tony Macy Matt Phillips Leland King Carol Wade Charles Wade Dee Dee Edwards George A. Edwards, IV J. Larry Rakes Joe Weddle Ferd Harvey Adam King, Scout Troop 249 John Roop, Scout Troop 249 John D. Whitman Pat Gooch Michael Dowell Cindy Craft Corky Craft Mary Ann Mitchell Ron Powers Rev. Tom McCrea Lee Carter, Press Jenn Burleson, Press Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Black led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Neblett gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Mayor Stewart advised that item 7b, opening of United Cities Gas (ATMOS) bid, would be delayed until May at their request. Mayor Stewart then opened the American Electric Power bid for electrical franchise and read it for the record. (Copy included in official minutes). Under Presentations, Michael Dowell addressed Council and gave a projects update on the Maple Shade project. He also made a request that $600,000 be included in the 2001-2002 budget to be used for the project. He stated that this figure represents 10% of the cost of the total $6 million project, which includes $2 million for moving the train lay out and museum exhibits and displaying them properly, tables and chairs for the grand meeting hall and an endowment to be used for repairs as they occur. Next item on agenda was Public Comments. Rev. Tom McCrea presented a list of items that Downtown Pulaski, Inc. compiled and determined needed to be addressed. (A copy is included in the official minutes). Next, Ron Powers, President of Friends of Claytor Lake, addressed Council and requested that a $5,000 donation to the Friends of Claytor Lake be included in the 2001-2002 budget. Next, Mary Ann Mitchell addressed Council regarding the proposal to utilize $575,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance for certain projects in the Town. She opined that the money could better be utilized to install water and sewer going out Route 99 and, with the cooperation of the County, continue on to the Interstate. She felt that this would encourage businesses to settle in the area, which would provide a larger tax base. She stated that the downtown was “pathetic”, with the empty buildings. She advised that Peak Creek needs to be cleaned up; that it’s an eyesore. She asked Council to rethink their spending proposal. Next, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda, consisting of the minutes of April 3, 2001, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on voice vote. Under Finance Committee report, Chairman Fleenor reported that committee met and discussed how best to disperse $575,000 from the General Fund undesignated fund balance. Committee recommends approval of the following dispersements: 1. Sidewalk from Wal Mart to CNB $ 12,000 2. Downtown period lighting $ 12,000 3. NR Trail – Depot to Cool Springs $ 15,000 4. NR Trail - Cool Springs to Xalloy $135,000 5. NR Trail – Cool Springs to Sprouls $ 78,000 5. If possible, sidewalk on Newbern Rd. $ 30,000 Total $282,000 Balance (Reserved) $293,000 The Creek Walk will be deferred until clear title to land has been acquired. Following discussion, motion passed on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - No Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - No Daniel Talbert, Jr. - No Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - No Mayor Stewart - Aye Note: Later in the meeting, Councilman Neblett advised that he had intended to vote Aye for this motion. He wished to have it noted for the record. Chairman Fleenor then called on Finance Director Sherry Boyd for a report. She reported that collections for delinquent taxes total $50,700, with $38,500 of that being due to judicial sale efforts. In addition, she advised that through the debt set off program, approximately $3,000 will be received. Next, Human Resources Chairwoman Steger advised that committee recommends reappointment of H. W. Huff, Jr. and James W. Robertson to the Cemetery Trust Fund. Motion 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 Chairwoman Steger then advised of the reappointment of Gerald Clark to the Board of Zoning Appeals, with an expiration date of 10-13-2005; the appointment of Tim Kuntz to replace Kathleen Kirk for her un-expired term, until 10-13-2001 and of Thomas G. Powers to replace Kenneth M. Fleenor for his un-expired term, until April 1st, 2002. Next, Mayor Stewart advised that Planning Commission met and conducted a work session and public hearing. The public hearing request for a subdivision of an existing lot at 1623 Randolph Ave. into two parcels was turned down because of the size of the variance required to allow the lot to meet the minimum depth requirement. Under Mayor’s Report, Mayor Stewart outlined the ongoing projects under consideration at the present time: 1. Creek Walls project – a project to make the creek walls clean, attractive and useful for recreation, relaxation and rest. 2. Dora Highway Trail extension – a project to connect the Depot and downtown to the New River Trail along Peak Creek. 3. The Downtown Survey Planning project – a project to determine the assets of the downtown, to develop a plan for their overall coordinated use and to help the owners execute the plan to the advantage of all downtown. 4. Downtown Period Lighting – a project to restore turn of the century lighting to downtown. 5. Build a sidewalk from Community National Bank to Wal Mart. Next, Town Attorney Eley gave a projects update including: worked on the timber contract; composed ordinances; research on tax issues; filed several tax cases; negotiated with 3rd parties for appropriate professional services regarding tax cases; worked on the Summers case; completed all the pending dilapidated structures cases and have begun the next round of dilapidated structures, among other matters. Town Manager Elander advised that in conjunction with DPI, an events coordinator has been hired for 3 months to coordinate the June festival and perhaps the Count Pulaski festival in the fall. DPI is also sponsoring a clean up day in May, in conjunction with the Town and the County. In addition, the Town has hired part time personnel to clean up around the Town. He also advised that he has been in contact with several major business and industrial prospects. In addition, he advised that the Caseknife Road water project is well under way; the pump station has been constructed and water tank construction has begun. He also reported that a commitment for $20,000 in grants has been received to be used for income eligible owners, primarily in the County, for connection fees and other needs on Caseknife. Additionally, he advised of debris removal at Maple Shade Plaza, continued progress on the trail, development of a draft Peak Creek master plan, and that an annual report has been issued in newsletter form. He also advised that he will be scheduling a work session of the full Council to discuss the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority and their future expansion plans. Mr. Elander then asked David Quesenberry, Assistant to the Town Manager, to report on the Peak Creek master plan. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the Mayor, Town Manager, Town Engineer, Public Works Director, Parks and Recreation Director and Assistant to the Town Manager have been working to develop some ideas to enhance Peak Creek. After much discussion, the proposal includes building two or three dams to try to keep the water level at or about 2 feet in depth; the creation of decks and deck walks; an in-creek walkway; and lighting, planting and fountains. The proposed project would be done in stages, with one stage being totally completed before the next stage begins. Next item on the agenda was the electric franchise. Mayor Stewart advised that he was in possession of a check for the bid and another check for reimbursement for the cost of the legal notices. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-05, granting to Appalachian Power Company (AEP), a franchise for an electric light, heat and power transmission and distribution system in the Town of Pulaski, seconded by Councilwoman Steger. Councilman Worrell advised that since he was an employee of AEP, he would not participate in discussion or vote for this Ordinance. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Abstain 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 use of fund balance. Town Manager Elander advised that he had drawn up a recommendation for use of the fund balance that differs from that recommended by the Finance Committee. He recommended the following: 1. Downtown period lighting $ 12,000 2. NR Trail Phase I (replace state $50,000 freeze) $ 50,000 3. NR Trail Phase II-III $100,000 4. Memorial Drive sidewalks $ 12,000 5. Peak Creek – Deck/Walks $100,000 6. Maple Shade (To match private fund raising up to same amount). $100,000 Total $374,000 Balance (Reserved) $201,000 Mayor Stewart thanked Mr. Elander for his presentation Next item on the agenda was Health Insurance. Town Manager Elander advised that more than a dozen proposals were received for employee health insurance in response to bids. These proposals have been narrowed down to three. He advised that he would schedule a work session with full Council to discuss the matter. Next, Mr. Elander advised that Mr. Travis has requested to be released from his bond for the subdivision. He advised that the work is not quite complete, but requested that Council allow the Town Manager discretion, based on inspection by personnel, to release the bond when the project is complete. Councilman Fleenor made a motion to allow the Town Manager discretion, based on inspection by personnel, to release the bond for Mr. Travis when the project is complete, 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 Communication, Mayor Stewart advised that the School Board has requested that the Town consider widening the intersection of Bob White Boulevard and Warden Spring Road. Staff was requested to consider this request when preparing the budget. Councilwoman Mitchell advised that she had spoken with School Board member Jeff Bain and that he had mentioned that the School Board had the equipment and the personnel to assist the Town in this endeavor. On a different note, Councilman Penn advised that he had read in the paper that no one seemed to know why the police department stopped enforcing the 2 hour parking limit in the downtown area. He advised that he knows why. He stated that several years ago, the downtown organization requested that the police department stop enforcing the parking time limit as they felt their customers were being harassed. He stated that it seems to have come full circle, with their present request to enforce the parking limit. He suggested that enforcement begin with violators of handicapped spaces, loading zones, and parking in the crosswalks and then see if it is necessary to enforce the 2 hour time limit. After discussion, Councilman Fleenor made a motion to refer study of parking enforcement to the Safety Committee, seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell and carried on voice vote. Councilman Penn then advised that he was in receipt of a letter written by Downtown Pulaski, Inc. regarding Council and the Town. He opined that the letter was unfair and very negative and advised that he wanted an apology. Next, Mayor Stewart introduced the new Police Chief Gary W. Roche and welcomed him to the Town. Mayor Stewart then welcomed two members of Scout Troop 249 – John Roop and Adam King. At 8:40 p.m., Councilman Worrell made a motion to enter into Closed Session on 2.1-344 (A-3), (A-5) and (A-7) – two matters, 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 At 9:06 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted Certification Resolution for Closed Session on motion by Councilman Penn, 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 There being no further business, meeting adjourned on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on voice vote.