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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-01Minutes of the Town Council meeting held November 6, 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, Jr., 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: John B. White Herman Hollins Nelson Newton Boy Scout Troop # 249: Andrew Farmer Josh Boadwine Daniel Doolittle Jeremy Bishop Marc Bishop, Leader Dan Grubb, Leader Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilwoman Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Worrell gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Councilman Fleenor made a motion to adopt the Certification Resolution for the Closed Session held prior to the meeting on 2.1-344 (A-5, (A-3) 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, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Under Modifications to Agenda, the following changes were made: 1. Add consideration of relocation of flashing school warning sign under New Business 2. Add review and execute lease for temporary DJOTS facility under New Business. 3. Move Resolution regarding the 2020 Transportation Plan from item 17b to item 8a-1. Next, Mayor Stewart welcomed Boy Scout Troop 249 to the meeting. The first item on the agenda was a presentation on DJOTS (Dynamic Job Oriented Technology Solutions) by Town Manager Elander and Alisha Taylor, the Instructional Technology Center Supervisor for New River Community College on DJOTS. Mr. Elander advised that the idea behind the DJOTS plan is to create technology jobs and a new business in the Town of Pulaski to serve the entire region, the New River Valley and the Roanoke Valley. He and Ms. Taylor presented detailed plans for the proposed project. The next item on the agenda was consideration of Resolution 2001-27, Regarding the 2020 Transportation Plan. Town Manager Elander advised that the 2020 Transportation Plan will provide the basis for future projects. It can be amended in the future. The plan envisions using urban funds, which are funds allocated to Town governments for larger projects, to prioritize the sequence of needed projects. At the present time, approximately $575,000 is allocated to the Town each year. Current funds coming in on an annual basis are already committed for the next seven to eight years. Following discussion, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-27, regarding the Pulaski 2020 Transportation 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, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next, Dr. John White, Economic Development Consultant addressed Council regarding facing 21st century realities in post industrial Pulaski. He advocated investing in a technology infrastructure, exploiting the Town’s existing resources and marketing the Town. During the Public Comment Period, Tim Arnold addressed Council expressing his dissatisfaction with communications between the Town and property owners involved in the flood zone property buy out. He questioned the selection process for the properties involved, stating that the property in the lowest section of the area was not included in the buy out. He stated he received conflicting information regarding time lines and specifics for the buy out. Town Manager Elander advised that the selection criteria for the homes to be included in the project was based on elevations provided by the Engineering department and insurance claims from flood insurance. The original list contained 10 homes, which had to be narrowed down due to limited funds. Following further discussion, Mayor Stewart explained that the Town acted in good faith and was surprised when notified that the grant had been awarded. He asked the Town Manager to make a written plan and schedule to completion date of the project, bearing in mind that we are at the mercy of the federal governments schedule, and provide it to the homeowners. He also requested that Mr. Elander look into reprioritizing the selection process for the homes to be included in the project. Next item on agenda was the Consent Agenda consisting of the minutes of October 2, 2001. Councilman Worrell advised of an error on page 3, midway down the page: $330,000 should be $3,300. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda consisting of the minutes of October 2, 2001 with correction, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on voice vote. Under Committee reports, Finance Committee Chairman Fleenor advised that committee met and discussed the decrease in sales tax collection; one UDAG loan in default and judgement is being obtained; general obligation bond issue being reviewed; the possibility of updating fines related to traffic violations; the suggestion to set up an internal service fund. He advised that Committee has no recommendations at this time. Next, Sherry Boyd, Finance Director gave an update including that she has received a rough draft of the fiscal year 2001 year end audit. After she reviews it, it will be presented to Council. She advised that personal property and real estate tax tickets have been mailed out. She also reported that delinquent tax collections for the first quarter were $13,600, and local tax collections are on schedule. Mayor Stewart advised that on page 2 of the Finance Committee meeting, second paragraph, second line, the wording should read fixed charges are not collected when the property is vacant. Public Operations Committee Chairman advised that committee met and discussed two complaints from citizens. The consensus was for the Town Manager to handle the complaints administratively. In addition, the Committee discussed the possibility of another timber harvest. Committee also discussed a request for relocation of a school zone warning light on Northwood Drive. Next, Ordinance Committee Chairwoman Mitchell advised that Committee did not meet, but will discuss several items at the next meeting including a draft Ordinance for false alarms, an amendment for the dog ordinance and an amendment for the code dealing with the fire code. Mayor Stewart advised that Planning Commission did not meet, however they are very close to finishing the rewrite of the zoning ordinance and will forward it to Council as soon as it is complete. Next, Human Resources Chairwoman Steger advised that committee met and has learned that Mr. Koontz has been certified by the Judge to the Board of Zoning Appeals. She also advised that Committee recommends Mr. Charles Wade be appointed as alternate to the Agency on Aging and passed on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Under Mayors Report, Mayor Stewart reported that members of Council attended the VML meeting in Virginia Beach. He advised of receipt of a letter from our Sister City expressing regret for the incident on September 11, 2001 and wishing their best. He also advised of the Town’s attendance at a Terrorism Readiness Seminar. Councilwoman Steger advised that Town Attorney Eley’s sons visited our Sister City of New Zealand and inquired if they could give a report to Council in the near future? Mr. Eley responded that he felt sure that the boys would be happy to give a report to Council. Next, Town Attorney Eley gave a projects update including ongoing work on UDAG matters, work on condemnation cases, contract matters, personnel matters, and drafting ordinances among other things. Under Town Manager’s Report, Mr. Elander advised of: progress on the Kersey/Walnut Sanitary Sewer project; Draper Mountain water project; installation of crabapple trees on Washington Avenue to replace damaged trees; completion of Whitethorn Sewer project; street striping and shoulder work; and vandalism at Calfee Park, among other things. Mayor Stewart advised that the first item under Old Business was Ordinance 2001-15, Restricting the Use and/or Operation of Bicycles, Roller Skates, Roller Blades, Scooters and Skateboards on the Public Sidewalks in Downtown Historic Pulaski Councilman Penn made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-15, Restricting the Use and/or Operation of Bicycles, Roller Skates, Roller Blades, Scooters and Skateboards on the Public Sidewalks in Downtown Historic Pulaski. Councilman Worrell inquired how many accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians have been recorded in the last year? Mr. Elander advised that there were no recorded accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians in the last five years. Motion was seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - No Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item for consideration was Ordinance 2001-17, Permitting a Head Start Center at 14 Sixth Street, NW as a Conditional Use. Councilwoman Steger made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-17, Permitting a Head Start Center at 14 Sixth Street, NW as a Conditional Use, 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, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye The third item under Old Business was Ordinance 2001-18, For the Approval and Execution of Attached Deed. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-18, seconded by Councilman Fleenor. Councilman Worrell made a substitute motion to adopt Ordinance 2001-18, with two changes: on the 2nd page, third paragraph: use the word Ordained rather than Resolved and in the last sentence, use Ordinance rather than Resolution, 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, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item for consideration was Resolution 2001-28, Appropriating Funds to Purchase 10,000 Shares in DJOTS. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-28, Appropriating Funds to Purchase 10,000 Shares in DJOTS, subject to a public hearing, if required, 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, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item was Resolution 2001-26, Regarding Encouragement to Bell Atlantic to Extend Toll Free Phone Service From 980 and 994 Exchanges to 552, 381 and Other Exchanges in Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Councilman Fleenor made a motion to adopt Resolution 2001-26, 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, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next, Mayor Stewart advised that the Town Manager has negotiated a contract with Pulaski Hospital for temporary quarters for DJOTS and needed Council’s authorization for the Town Manager to execute said contract. Councilman Fleenor made a motion authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract with Pulaski Hospital for temporary quarters for DJOTS, 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, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next item under New Business was discussion regarding relocation of a school warning sign. Councilman Worrell advised that a request has been received to relocate a flashing school sign on Northwood Drive. He requested that Council address this issue tonight, rather than calling a committee meeting. He advised that confusion exists as to who would pay for this request – the Town, the property owner or whether it would be split 50/50 between the owner and the Town. He hoped to set a policy regarding payment, so future requests could be handled administratively. Following discussion, Councilwoman Mitchell made a motion to relocate the flashing school sign on Northwood Drive, with the Town paying the costs if the funds are available in the budget, seconded by Councilwoman Steger. Councilman Fleenor made a substitute motion to send the request to the Public Operations Committee for study. Motion failed for lack of a second. Councilman Neblett made a substitute motion to relocate the flashing school sign on Northwood Drive, with the applicant and the Town sharing the cost on a 50/50 basis, seconded by Councilman Worrell and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - No Pauline G. Mitchell - No James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - No Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Abstain There being no further business, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and so carried.