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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-02Minutes of the Town Council meeting held April 2, 2002 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, Jr., Kenneth M. Fleenor, Lane R. Penn Staff: Gary C. Elander, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Assistant to the Town Manager Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council Others Present: Judy King Glenna Jones Charles Wade Terry Fitzwater Palmore Michael Cox Michael Martin Dave Hart Gary Roche John White Karen McConkey, Press Tina Ratliff, 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 the Closed Session held prior to the Council meeting on 2.1-344 (A- 1,3,5,7), 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 Mayor Stewart added items to the agenda - #20, Closed Session under 2.1-344 (A-3,5,7); and #17e – Recommendation from Finance Committee to write off old taxes; and the combination of #16c and #16f. The first item on the agenda was the Public Comment Period. John Owen addressed Council regarding the state of the economy in Pulaski and requested that he be allowed to present his revitalization plan at the next Council meeting. Mayor Stewart thanked Mr. Owen for his comments and advised him that if he had a plan for revitalization of the Town it should be addressed to the Town Manager and the Economic Development department. Next, Judy King addressed Council with her concerns regarding a house on Russell Street that is an eyesore. She advised that people are now using the lot to dump old televisions and junk. In addition, she complained of dogs running loose in the street on trash day and early in the morning and in the late afternoon after the Dog Pound is closed. Mayor Stewart advised Ms. King that the Town has been pursuing legal avenues for the house on Russell Street. He requested that the Town Manager attempt to get a time line for Ms. King, bearing in mind the difficulties in scheduling legal matters. He also explained to Ms. King that the County handles animal control and that she would have to contact the County regarding the dog problem. Next, Ms. Terry Fitzwater Palmore addressed Council on behalf of the children that she coaches, the parents that participate with their children and the other coaches, requesting that Council reconsider the proposed recreation merger. She requested that consideration be given to the fact that there are not a lot of recreation facilities in the area, that the program has many participants and that many children do not have transportation to travel to areas further away in order to participate in activities. She opined that while the County would do a fine job with the program, town residents would not be a top priority. She requested that Council look at other avenues for monies such as grant research or cutting back in other areas to keep the town recreation department in the town of Pulaski. Mr. Michael Martin addressed Council expressing concern for the lack of jobs, opportunities and recreation for the young adults in the community. Mayor Stewart advised Mr. Martin that the Town is actively working to draw businesses and industry into the area. The Town Manager and the Economic Development department will continue this work. Next item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda. Councilman Fleenor advised of a correction to the minutes of the regular meeting. On page 1, it should read Councilman Black led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilman Penn made a motion to adopt the Consent agenda consisting of the minutes of the special meeting held March 5, 2002 and the regular meeting held March 5, 2002 with correction, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on voice vote. Under Committee Reports, Finance Committee Chairman Fleenor advised that committee met and has two recommendations to Council: Write off of old real estate taxes dating back to 1970. That Fred Griffin be retained jointly with the County to perform dispatch services with the County at approximately $26,000. Chairman Fleenor advised that these topics were scheduled for discussion under New Business. He then asked Ms. Boyd, Finance Director, to give a financial update. Ms. Boyd advised that over 100% of vehicle, machinery and tools tax has been collected. Additionally, she advised that expenditures and revenues are in line for the time of year; 88% of auto decals have been collected and business license collections are strong. Next, Mayor Stewart gave a Planning Commission report. He advised that Commission met for a work session and discussed proposed changes in the zoning ordinance. A sub-committee also met and discussed administrative workload, the ordinance language, and working documentation necessary to implement the new ordinance. The Mayor announced that Commission will meet again on April 8 for a work session and public hearing to consider recommending the ordinance to Town Council. Under Human Resources report, Chairwoman Steger advised that committee met and recommends the following appointments: Tom Powers be nominated to the Circuit Court for renewal of his appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Jack White be appointed to the Industrial Development Authority. Motion passed on voice vote. Chairwoman Steger also advised that committee discussed a proposal to approve an additional holiday i.e., personal day per year per eligible employee based on January 1st through December 31, 2002. This day could be taken on birthdays or at the choice of the employee subject to approval by a supervisor. Town Attorney Eley then gave a projects update including progress on the Moye and Summers cases; work on the AEP contract; title searches for Peak Creek; dilapidated structures work and work on easements. Under Town Manager’s report, Mr. Elander advised of receipt of UDAG loan applications, receipt of a request by the Fire Marshall and the Fire Chief to use one or more of the properties that the town has recently purchased on Dora Highway for training exercises. FEMA has been contacted and they have no objections to this use if approved by Council. He also advised that Tommy Hodge has been appointed litter czar for the town and work has already begun. Under Old Business, Mr. Elander advised that staff is waiting for a closing date for the acquisition of the former AEP building and also, waiting for news on an economic development grant that could be used to refurbish the AEP building. The next item under Old Business was the Recreation merger update. Town Manager Elander advised that a longstanding objective of Town Council has been to have a county-wide recreation program. He advised that the Town and County have reached a conceptual understanding where the County and Town will jointly contribute money for recreation, but the employees would work for the County and all youth sports activities would be through the County. He asked that Council conceptually agree with the Memorandum of Understanding. Councilman Worrell expressed concerns regarding the effect this plan will have on Calfee Park, Gatewood, the Senior Center and the remaining Parks and Recreation employees. Mr. Elander explained that there is budget money remaining to do the necessary fieldwork on Calfee Park. The chief maintenance person will continue with that work. He reminded Council that he had provided Council with a proposal to retain Mr. Hart’s services on a contractual basis to continue to oversee Calfee Park and the Pulaski Rangers program. He acknowledged the contract with the Pulaski Rangers and advised that there is every intention of fulfilling that contract. Councilwoman Steger inquired about the status of the Senior Center and Gatewood under the proposed recreation agreement? Mr. Elander advised that the Senior Center, Calfee and Gatewood are excluded from this plan. Following further discussion, Councilwoman Mitchell made a motion directing the Town Manager to proceed with negotiations with the County, based upon this Memorandum of Understanding, seconded by Councilman Fleenor. Councilman Worrell requested clarification, asking if the Council were voting to allow the Town Manager to proceed with negotiations with the County. He stated his understanding that Council was not approving the joint merger with the County on recreation. Following further discussion, Councilman Neblett made a substitute motion to table this topic pending receipt of information from staff regarding the effect the plan will have on Calfee Park, Gatewood, the Senior Center and the recreation employees, 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, the Mayor, with Council’s permission, combined item 16c, authorize the Town Attorney to proceed with necessary measures to secure easements for Phase I trail project and Walnut sewer project and item 16f, Authorization – Whether to offer to purchase certain properties – future Phase III Trail extension. He read a statement, included in the official minutes, requesting that Council continue work on Phase II and Phase III of the trail extension, utilizing the monies that were appropriated on May 6, 2001. Following discussion, Councilwoman Mitchell opined that Council would be spending money that will be needed in the future. Mayor Stewart advised that Council has already appropriated this money, through a reserve account set aside for this purpose. Councilwoman Mitchell replied “That’s true, but things have gotten harder since then.” She advised that she runs it like she runs her home. If things get tighter, she tightens up. Following further discussion, Councilman Penn made a motion to discuss land acquisition further in Closed Session, 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 The next item on the agenda was a report on the initial schedule for the general obligation bond projects. Mr. Elander summarized the tentative schedule for expenditures and planning for the general obligation bond projects during the next 24 months, (included in official minutes). He advised that according to IRS requirements, $100,000 must be obligated within six months. Mayor Stewart asked for a report on the flood mitigation plan. Mr. Elander advised that the flood mitigation planning committee has been working on some factors to reduce insurance rates for flood protected property. It is hoped that this will result in at least a 5% reduction in insurance rates. He asked Mr. Quesenberry to summarize. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the Peak Creek Mitigation Committee has been meeting for several months. They are striving for a minimum 5% reduction in flood insurance rates. The rating is based upon a point system for criteria provided by FEMA that includes items such as having a flood library at the local library to the purchase/removal of structures. He encouraged citizen participation at the meetings. The next item on the agenda was disposition regarding pending prospect request for UDAG loan. Mr. Elander advised that he needed a closed session to discuss this request. Under New Business, the first item was Resolution 2002-12, regarding professional services with Frederick G. Griffin, together with Pulaski County, regarding study of joint and individual dispatching, which was a recommendation from Finance Committee. Councilman Penn inquired as to the number of bids received for these services. Mr. Elander responded that 2 bids were received and this was the lowest bid. Following discussion, motion 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 Next, Council addressed the Human Resources recommendation to provide a personal leave day to eligible employees based on January 1st through December 31, 2002. Following discussion, motion passed on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - No James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Next, Council addressed a recommendation from Finance Committee to write off taxes in the amount of $3,577.00 plus penalties and interest. Following discussion, motion 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 Communications, Mayor Stewart advised of receipt of a letter from Verizon acknowledging receipt of a petition from the Town for Extended Local Service to Blacksburg and Christiansburg. The letter advised that it will take approximately 90 days to complete a cost study, which will be used in developing rates for the proposed area. Once that has been completed, telephone customers in the Pulaski exchange will be polled according to Virginia Code. Further study of the Christiansburg and Blacksburg exchanges is contingent on a favorable result in Pulaski. Additionally, the Mayor read a letter from Virginia Kelly thanking the Town for installing the lights in the downtown area and requesting that they be installed in other areas of town. Next, Council discussed the next Council meeting date, which is also Election day. Following discussion, motion was made by Councilman Penn to move the May Town Council meeting to May 14 at 7:00 p.m., 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 - No E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye There being no further regular business, at 8:30 p.m., Council entered into Closed Session under 2.1-344 (A 3,5,7), on motion by Councilman Neblett, 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 At 8:55 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Talbert, 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, Jr. - 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 at 8:56 p.m. on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on voice vote.