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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-02Minutes of the Town Council meeting held July 15, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. There were present: James M. Neblett, Jr., Vice-Mayor Council Members: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Kenneth M. Fleenor, E. G. Black, Jr., Pauline G. Mitchell, Bettye H. Steger, John T. Bolen Absent/Excused: Charles W. Stewart, Jr., Mayor Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Gary Roche, Chief of Police John White, Director Economic Development Trish Cruise, Clerk of Council Others: Thomas D. Underwood Dave Dalton Ralph Grubb Bill Warden Charles Wade Jenn Burleson, Press Karen McConkey, Press Tina Ratliff, Press Vice-Mayor Neblett called the meeting to order. Councilman Bolen led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Black gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Vice Mayor Neblett advised that the Council meeting had been called to hold a Public Hearing to consider the Proposed Capital Improvements Plan FY 2000-2001 to FY 2004-2005 as amended (to include FY 2005-2006 through 2008-2009). Mr. Hawley advised that the formal Capital Improvements Plan was not submitted in time to meet the advertising requirements and present it along with the 2002-2003 budget, so a special meeting had to be called. He advised that acting under the advice and counsel of the Town Attorney, a decision was made to amend the present capital plan for the period of FY 2000-2001 to FY 2004-2005 to add fiscal years FY 2005-2006 through FY 2008-2009. An amended plan was done because of the following factors: compliance with the Town Charter; addition of some new projects to the General Fund; and no changes to the Water or Sewer Fund proposals from the current plan. He added that some items had been deleted as they were already completed or listed for completion in FY 2002-2003 budget; the Fire Department and Police Department submissions were completely redone, and some additions to the Parks and Facilities and Finance submissions were made. He advised that some project submissions ran over the five-year period into the 2008-2009 fiscal year and were included for Council’s consideration as well, so an accurate record of project submissions would be maintained. He reminded Council that this was a planning document only and not a commitment or appropriation to spend or not to spend funds. Its primary purpose was to allow staff and Council to get some idea of the Town’s future needs for replacements, acquisition, or refurbishment of equipment or facilities. He reminded Council that the only capital projects that Council had authorized are those listed in the current budget for FY 2002-2003. Mr. Hawley advised that it is anticipated that during the budget process for FY 2003-2004, a completely new capital plan document will be prepared after careful deliberation by department heads and Town Council. He advised that he welcomed input into this planning document and encouraged the public to submit ideas to the Town Manager’s office for review. Councilwoman Mitchell advised that she noticed that some improvements need to be made in the Police Department holding cells. She inquired why our prisoners are not picked up and transported to the jail by the Regional Jail staff, as our officers lose a lot of time transporting prisoners to the jail? Mr. Hawley advised that he would check with the Police Chief and return to Council with an answer. Councilman Worrell advised that an infield groomer was listed twice at two different prices in the 2003-2004 section. Mr. Quesenberry advised that page 39 should have been deleted. Councilman Worrell inquired why the retaining wall at Calfee was listed in both 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. He asked whether it was the same project spread out over two fiscal years? Mr. Hawley advised that the retaining wall is actually pushing back on the supports of the grandstand. Councilman Worrell inquired whether the Macgill Street/Newbern Road intersection installation, listed on page 58 was already being worked on? Mr. Hawley advised that that work is being done now and the project needs to be removed from the CIP. Councilman Worrell inquired about page 70, relocate the raw water intake? Mr. Hawley advised that that was from a former plan, by a former Director of Public Works. He advised evaluating the project very closely before instituting it. Councilwoman Mitchell inquired why they were considering relocating the raw water intake? Mr. Hawley responded that it was not his recommendation and he was not considering moving it. That was a recommendation of a former Public Works Director. Councilwoman Steger inquired whether any thought had been given to renovating existing available buildings for the use of the Fire Department? Mr. Hawley responded that this was another item that will be reviewed very closely. From the public, Dave Dalton advised that he had read in the newspaper that the police fleet urgently needs to be replaced. He inquired how this had suddenly come up? Mr. Hawley advised that replacing police vehicles is an ongoing process that could not be funded this year. Mr. Dalton said that he read that it would cost $300,000? Mr. Hawley advised that that is spread out over ten years. Next, Ralph Grubb commented that there seems to be an excessive number of police vehicles parked on the lot at the fire department and inquired why it was necessary to keep so many vehicles? Mr. Hawley answered that he would need to ask the Chief of Police for a definitive answer, however he pointed out that the police officers work on 12 hour shifts and the vehicles are rotated to keep them running well. Mr. Dalton advised that he has read that Radford has applied for Homeland Terrorist grants and inquired whether the Town is researching these grants. He wondered if grants might be used to assist in building a new building for the fire department. Mr. Hawley responded that he has not looked into that yet, but would check into it John Owen inquired whether the Town purchases new or used vehicles for the Police Department? He opined that a lot of money could be saved by purchasing good used vehicles. Mr. Hawley advised that he would consider looking at used vehicles, however, his first impression was that the Police Department needs new vehicles for safety. Next, Reverend Tom Underwood advised that he was told that the basement of the Municipal Building could not be used as offices because it was prone to flooding. He inquired why $40,000 was listed in the CIP for work on the basement? Mr. Quesenberry advised that that was an old project. Mr. Hawley advised that he thought that the intent had been to install a ventilation system so that it could be utilized for offices. He did not think that it would be included in the CIP when it is updated this year. Reverend Underwood asked whether there were current plans to build a new fire department? Mr. Hawley advised that there is no actual plan for the fire department at this time. Reverend Underwood inquired about page 5, Industrial Park sign in Engineering? Mr. Hawley advised that was an old project. Once again, he advised that the only set expenditures in the Capital fund is in the 2002-03 budget. There being no further comments, Public Hearing was closed at 5;28 p.m. Councilman Fleenor made a motion to have the Town Attorney draw up a Resolution for adoption of the Capital Improvements Plan at the August 6, 2002 meeting, seconded by Councilman Worrell and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Councilwoman Steger advised that Human Resource Committee will meet on July 23, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Hawley advised that the Finance Committee will meet on July 23, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. There being no further business, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried.