Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-01Minutes of the Town Council meeting held October 2, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Charles W. Stewart, Jr. 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 Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council Others Present: Charles Wade Aleta Lawson William McMillan John Seagle Dan Coltrane Pat Hash Laura Gill Joe Worrell Georgian Pratt Robert Viers Bruce Clark Will Nester Lauren McCroskey Darrin Quesenberry Wayne Carpenter Randolph Pickett Betsy Mabry Nancy Lewis Tom Underwood Tom Compton Gary Roche John White George Paine Tina Ratliff 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 the Closed Session held before the Council meeting on 2.1-344 (A-1, A-3, A-6, and A-7), 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 The first item on the agenda was a Public Hearing regarding a request for a conditional use to operate a Head Start Center at 14 6th Street, NW. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the request was for a conditional use permit to operate a Head Start preschool center. The building will be renovated for preschool use, beginning with the first floor. If and when funding becomes available for renovating the second floor, it will be completed. No changes will be made to the land area of the property except the addition of a privacy fence at the rear of the lot and gravel added to the driveway area. The request meets Zoning regulations. Staff comments dealt with the hours of operation, Town liability for use of play equipment or tennis courts by the Center, and parking specifics. All of the questions were addressed at the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the conditional use be granted with the provision that activities be limited from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Next, Ms. Elita Lawson, Director of the Head Start program for New River Community Action addressed Council advising that Mr. Quesenberry had covered the basic points and that she would address any additional questions. Councilman Penn inquired whether there is any play area scheduled for the property? Ms. Lawson advised that the intent was to use the adjacent park. There being no further questions from Council, Mayor Stewart opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m. John Seagle addressed Council and stated that he lives directly across from the property. He stated that the renovated building would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. However, due to the heavy usage of the alley, he requested that the alley be paved by the Town, and presented a petition to that effect. There being no further public comments, Mayor Stewart closed the Public Hearing at 7:19 p.m. The next item on agenda was the Public Comment period. Betsy Mabry of Mabry and Company Realtors, addressed Council and asked them to reconsider the sign ordinance pertaining to location of real estate signs. She opined that in the current state of the economy, signs are crucial to assist property owners in the sale of their homes. She suggested that restrictions, regulations and fines could be imposed so that real estate directional signs can be used again, and she provided some examples. Mayor Stewart recommended that Council defer action on this topic until the Planning Commission has completed its reworking of the zoning ordinance, which he expected to be in the near future. Next, Reverend Tom Underwood addressed Council regarding the drainage problem at his home. He inquired whether Council had a resolution to his problem? Mayor Stewart advised that this matter was scheduled to be discussed under the Public Operations Committee report. Mayor Stewart advised that since there seemed to be no controversy regarding the request for a conditional use to operate a Head Start Center at 14 Sixth St., NW, that he would like a motion regarding the case. Councilwoman Steger made a motion to direct legal counsel to prepare an ordinance approving the conditional use to operate a Head Start Center at 14 Sixth St., NW, 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 The next item on the agenda was the Consent agenda. Councilman Fleenor made a motion to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes of September 4, 2001, 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 Next, Finance Chairman Fleenor advised that Committee met and had one recommendation to Council. The recommendation is to use UDAG money to purchase and restore the AEP building, not to exceed $200,000 plus reasonable closing costs, seconded by Councilman Talbert and 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 Reverend Underwood inquired whether the Town had anyone interested in going into that building? Mayor Stewart responded in the affirmative. He advised Reverend Underwood that it had been well covered in the newspaper under articles related to JDOTS. Finance Chairman Fleenor continued with his report, advising that Committee also discussed employee vacation time, comp time and over time and had requested an updated report from staff. He then asked for a financial update from the Finance Director, Ms. Boyd. Ms. Boyd advised that the Town can claim a portion of citizens’ refunds for delinquent utility bills and taxes owed and that to date, the Town has collected over $3,334 in this manner. She also advised water and sewer collections have increased over last year, but are within the budget projections for this year. Public Operations Committee Chairman Neblett advised that committee met and conducted a site visit of Reverend Tom Underwood’s residence reviewing his drainage problem. He asked Mr. Elander to summarize. Mr. Elander advised that Committee conducted a site visit and reviewed the corrective storm water drainage work that had been completed by the Public Works department. He advised that Public Works chose to put in a system of pipe and stone in the gutter, working within the Town right-of-way. The corrected system does work and is functional. He stated that the Town has many streets that are hilly with narrow right-of-ways. The Town has a policy in place for installing curb and gutter in which the Town and the property owner share the cost of the work on a 50/50 basis. Chairman Neblett advised that the consensus of the committee is that if Rev. Underwood wishes to have the curb and gutter installed and share the cost of the work on a 50/50 basis, it can be done. Reverend Underwood expressed his dissatisfaction with the repair work. He then asked if he could pave his driveway out to the road without curb and gutter. Mr. Elander answered that the Town will review the request with Reverend Underwood. Next, Ordinance Committee Chairwoman Mitchell advised that committee met and reviewed the ordinance that prohibits riding bicycles on sidewalks. The Consensus of the Committee was that: 1. The revised Ordinance should clarify all directions given in the Ordinance. 2. The section regarding juveniles “in need of services” be removed. 3. The Ordinance specify that bicycles, skateboards, scooters, skates and in-line skates be prohibited from operating in the specified area. Chairwoman Mitchell advised that Committee also asked for a report on the status of the code from the Town Attorney’s office for the October 2, Council meeting. Next, Mayor Stewart advised that Planning Commission met for a work session and a public session. During the public session Commission held the public hearing for a conditional use permit to establish a Head Start center, which Council discussed earlier in the meeting. Human Resources Committee Chairwoman Steger met and discussed nominations for Committee appointments. Committee recommended the following: Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals: Dr. John Knarr - Reappointment for a 5 year term to expire 10/02/06. Mr. Tye Kirkner – Appointment for a 5 year term to expire 10-02-06 Mr. Earl Cabiness – Appointment for a 5 year term to expire 10-02-06 Board of Zoning Appeals: Mr. Timothy Kuntz – Nomination to be presented to the Circuit Court Judge for consideration for appointment to a full 5 year term. Agency on Aging: Council member Mrs. Pauline G. Mitchell – Re-appointment for a 1 year term expiring 9-30-02. There remains a vacancy for an alternate to the Agency on Aging’s Board of Directors Industrial Development Authority: Mr. Gary Hall – Appointment for a 4 year term to expire 10/02/05. Motion was seconded by Councilman Fleenor and 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 Under Mayor’s report, Mayor Stewart reminded Council that the VML conference is October 14 – 16, 2001. Town Attorney Eley gave a projects update including that the Rural Development loan for Kersey Bottom has closed; the Draper Mountain Rural Development loan is progressing; four more suits have been filed on dilapidated structures cases; the Town code is to be published with receipt expected in approximately 2 months; his attendance of the LGA conference; and his recommendation that Council authorize the Town Manager and the Attorney to conduct a legal review or audit of the Town’s planning and preparedness for natural disasters, emergencies, etc. Next, Town Manager Elander gave a projects update including that an effort is being made to obtain titles on the 6 houses that are included in the flood mitigation project and that he has designated a person in the Engineering department to serve as project manager. He advised that the project manager has been in contact with the property owners, and that proposals for appraisal services are due on October 10. Subsequently, appointments will be made with the property owners for appraisals of their property. He also advised that the Golden Corral building is being marketed to several prospects. He advised that staff has been working with the Economic Development Board in putting together some strategic goals and long term plans and hopes to schedule a meeting with Council in the near future. The DJOTS technology center project is progressing. The Virginia First Authority is interested in investing funds in the DJOTS project and temporary housing has been found while the AEP building is being renovated. He also advised that the recreation department has been quite busy and meetings have been held to discuss merging the Town and County’s recreation operations; the Kersey sewer project has been started, with the bid awarded to Prillaman & Pace; the Draper Mountain project is scheduled to go to bid in approximately 3 weeks; and work is due to begin on the Whitethorn Sewer extension project. He advised that the Fire Parade is October 11, street striping is scheduled for October and leaf collection is scheduled to begin November 5. In-house work has begun for the extension of the New River Trail from the First Street parking lot up to Banks. He also advised that downtown street lighting has been ordered and should be installed the week of November 8. The first item under Old Business was Ordinance 2001-16, permitting a thirty-bed expansion to the Pulaski Health Care Center. Councilwoman Steger made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-16, permitting a thirty-bed expansion to the Pulaski Health Care Center at 2401 Lee Highway, 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 was Ordinance 2001-15 restricting the use and/or operation of bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, scooters and skateboards on public sidewalks. Councilman Penn commented that the proposed revised ordinance had wording related to days and times when the ordinance was in effect, that had not been included in the original ordinance. He advised that he did not think the wording made sense, nor did he feel it was necessary. Following discussion, Councilman Black made a motion directing the Town Attorney to rewrite Ordinance 2001-15, removing the days and times, seconded by Councilman Fleenor. Reverend Underwood asked Council if they were going to provide a place for skateboards to be ridden? Mayor Stewart answered in the negative. Councilwoman Mitchell responded that there has been some discussion in converting a playground for this type of activity. Reverend Underwood opined that if Council wants families in the Town, they need to be more open to children’s activities in Town. Councilwoman Mitchell advised that they can be ridden on the sidewalks in the neighborhoods, but not on the sidewalks in the downtown area. Motion then 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 Under New Business, Mayor Stewart advised that the VDOT 2020 Transportation Plan proposals will be considered at the November 6 meeting and asked Council to review the proposals and submit their questions in advance and a VDOT representative will attend the meeting and answer them. The next item for discussion, was the extension of the agreement with Pulaski Baseball, Inc. Town Manager Elander advised that a report was included in the Council packet and a Resolution was available for consideration. He advised that the Town has had an agreement with Pulaski Baseball since 1998 and this contract calls for a one-year extension on the current agreement to coincide with their extension with the Texas Rangers. The Resolution indicates that the terms and conditions would remain as they are at present, with two exceptions: 1. If off-season events or catering activities are contracted, negotiations would ensue providing a fee to the Town for the use of the facilities, utilities etc. 2. Receipt of reports on ticket sales and revenues from advertising on at least a monthly basis and that the Town reserves the right to audit the accounts with notice. Mayor Stewart inquired how “sell-outs” are handled? Wayne Carpenter, Secretary of Pulaski Baseball, Inc., advised that “sell outs”-(lump sum receipt from a business to admit as many people to the ballpark as possible), were discontinued last year. Sell-outs were replaced by promotional nights. On these nights, tickets are sold to a business for $2 a ticket, with $1 of each ticket going to the Town. Councilman Talbert inquired how attendance was this year in comparison to last year? Mr. Carpenter answered that attendance was down a little this year compared to last, because there were a couple of last minute double headers that were not able to be advertised, resulting in a low turnout. However, he advised that there were more paying customers this year in comparison to last year. Mayor Stewart advised that Pulaski Baseball has made improvements, at no charge to the Town. Following further discussion, Councilman Worrell made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-25, regarding extension of agreement with Pulaski Baseball, Inc., 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 on the agenda was Phase II New River Trail, authorizing acquisition of Moore, Farmer and Wyatt lots. Councilman Neblett made a motion authorizing the Town Manager to pursue acquiring the right of ways for the Moore, Farmer and Wyatt lots, 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 Resolution 2001-23 was the next item for consideration. Councilman Penn made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-23, authorizing the Town Manager to enter into an agreement between the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the Town of Pulaski for flood mitigation plan, 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 The next item for consideration was Resolution 2001-24. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-24, authorizing participation in the Virginia Main Street Affiliate program, 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 Under Communications, Mayor Stewart advised that the Town has received a notification of willingness by VDOT to do the Duncan Bridge Improvements. There being no further business, meeting adjourned on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on voice vote.