HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-02Minutes of the regular Town Council meeting held August 6, 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, Kenneth M. Fleenor, E. G. Black, Jr., Pauline G. Mitchell, Bettye H. Steger, John T. Bolen, James M. Neblett, Jr.
Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager
David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager
Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney
Sherry Boyd, Finance Director
John White, Economic Development Director
Gary Roche, Police Chief
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
Others Present: Mickey Seagle Oscar Seagle
Fred Tilley Gary Hall
Bob Semones Daniel Talbert, Jr.
Bryce & Wilma Surface Lane R. Penn
Mrs. William Rogers Mary Lee Duncan
Catherine P. Humphrey Marylynn Harris
Ruth G. Stewart Roy & Linda Buzzelli
Betty Quesenberry Virginia Donelson
Ruth Foglesong Louise Massie
Earl Frith Charles Holt
Dorothy Donithan Joel Burchett
Sharon Burchett Rebecca English
Judy Flemming Sarah Quillen
Michele Thompson Dr. C. R. Conner
J. R. Schrader Vickie Houk
Terri Fitzwater Palmore Lynn Loftus
Marc Alan LeBlanc Randolph Pickett
Judy Ison Jennifer White
Sybil Atkinson Don Copenhaver
Henry Cook Janet Hanks
Donna Travis Andy Travis
Elizabeth Crumbley Anthony Thomas
Nancy Strasser Mickey Balconi
Carol Wade Charles Wade
Bob McKinney Robert Henderson
Robert Henderson C. E. Gallimore
Randy Queen Muriel Comer
Betty King Ruth Elkins Mozelle Grubb Nellie Warner
Ralph Grubb J. B. Warner
Dennis Bane Paul Dellinger, Press
Karen McConkey, Press Tina Ratliff, Press
Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order and announced that Council needed to enter into Closed Session.
Councilwoman Steger made a motion to enter into Closed Session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711 (A-7), consult with legal counsel, seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell 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
Council returned from Closed Session and adopted the Certification Resolution for the Closed Session on motion by Councilwoman Steger, seconded by Councilman Black 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 Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Worrell gave the Invocation.
Following roll call, Mayor Stewart added a Resolution to the Agenda under item 13c.
The first item on the agenda was a Presentation by Mrs. Balconi of the Sunset Hills Garden Club.
Mrs. Balconi presented a Beautification Award to the Town for the flower beds at the entry ways into Town.
The first Public Hearing was to consider a request for conditional zoning for property located at the intersection of Route 11 and Pleasant Hill Drive.
Dave Quesenberry advised that the request was for a conditional use to construct a planned unit development at the location. He advised that the proposal called for the construction
of ten town-homes of from 1800 to 2500 square feet in area to be sold at an approximate cost of $150,000 to $175,000 each. The units are designed primarily for senior citizens or middle
age couples without children. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the request as submitted, with no more than ten units, in substantial compliance with the site plan with
construction of masonry and siding.
Councilman Bolen inquired into the use of retention ponds with this project?
Mr. Hawley responded that that would be submitted with the erosion and sediment control stormwater detention pond.
Councilwoman Steger inquired what the Planning Commission vote was?
Mr. Quesenberry answered that the vote was six to zero.
Mayor Stewart opened the Public hearing at 7:13 p.m.
Hugh Huff presented an overview of his proposal to Council. He estimated that the overall increase in the additional tax base of the town to be in the range of 1.7 to 2 million dollars.
Additionally, he responded to Councilman Bolen’s question regarding the use of retention ponds. He advised that he is working with Fralin & Waldron and the Engineering Department on
tying into the storm sewer behind the property, which they hoped would avoid any detention ponds.
Councilwoman Mitchell advised that the entrance leading into the subdivision worried her. She inquired whether an acceleration lane had been researched?
Mr. Hawley advised that the VDOT Transportation Plan identified a section of Route 11 from Morehead Lane into Memorial Drive as being a road that needed improvement and modernization.
He advised that he was not sure that ten units would justify an acceleration lane, but the question could be posed to the engineering firm. He advised that speed limit changes are
being looked at.
Councilman Bolen advised that the road problem is not Mr. Huff’s problem, but the Town’s.
Mr. Hawley agreed.
Mr. Huff advised that a short term measure could be lowering the speed limit.
There being no further comment, the Public Hearing closed.
Councilman Neblett made a motion to direct the Town Attorney to draw up a Resolution approving the request for a conditional zoning for property located at the intersection of Route
11 and Pleasant Hill Drive, seconded by Councilwoman Steger 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
The next Public Hearing was to consider the adoption of a new zoning ordinance for the Town.
Mr. Hawley advised that the Planning Commission, in conjunction with the New River Valley Planning Commission, had been reviewing the Town’s Zoning Ordinance for approximately 18 months.
The current Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1987 and needed to be updated. A Public Hearing was held in May of this year and comments received. Subsequently, the Ordinance Committee
met and considered the potential amendments to the proposed zoning ordinances. Mr. Hawley suggested that Council review each one individually.
That churches be a permitted use by right in all residential and business districts.
Mr. Hawley advised that the intent of the Commission was for churches to transfer down by right and it was just omitted from the ordinance.
Councilwoman Steger moved to approve the amendment that churches be a permitted use by right in all residential and business districts, seconded by Councilman Black and passed 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
That the provisions requiring Recreational Vehicles (RV) to be parked within setback lines be removed from the ordinance.
Councilman Worrell moved to approve the amendment that the provisions requiring Recreational Vehicles (RV) to be parked within setback lines be removed from the ordinance, seconded by
Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded votes:
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
Regarding surfaces for parking lots, that the provisions of the current ordinance would remain in effect.
Councilman Steger moved to approve the amendment regarding surfaces for parking lots, that the provisions of the current ordinance would remain in effect and carried on the following
recorded votes:
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
That the sign ordinance be changed to permit one sign per business.
Councilman Worrell moved to approve the amendment that the sign ordinance be changed to permit one sign per business, seconded by Councilman Black.
Mr. Quesenberry advised that he had received a call from a realtor concerned that enforcement of realtor signs would prove cumbersome for staff and time consuming for the realtors.
Mr. Hawley advised that from a staff view point, as the question of right of way comes up staff will just have to check them out. If it becomes too burdensome, staff will inform Council.
Motion passed 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
That all fees charged for zoning applications be set by Council.
Councilman Fleenor moved to approve the amendment that all fees charged for zoning applications be set by Council, seconded by Councilman Black 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
That the front of all structures face the front of the lot.
Councilwoman Steger moved to approve the amendment that the front of all structures face the front of the lot, seconded by Councilman Black 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
That light manufacturing be permitted in the B-3 District as a special exception.
Mr. Hawley advised that this was an oversight in combining the old ordinance with the new ordinance.
Councilman Neblett moved to approve the amendment that light manufacturing be permitted in the B-3 District as a special exception, seconded by Councilman Black 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
Mayor Stewart then opened the Public Hearing for discussion of the amendments to the zoning ordinance.
There being no comments, Public Hearing closed.
Councilwoman Steger moved to have the Town Attorney prepare an Ordinance adopting the zoning map including the corrections adopted by Council at this Council meeting, seconded by Councilwoman
Mitchell 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
The next item on the agenda was consideration of the official zoning map for the Town of Pulaski.
Mr. Hawley advised that Council was considering for adoption, the text that describes each district, the setbacks, and the map. A proposed zoning map was reviewed at a Public Hearing
in May of this year. Comments received that night and subsequently, were reviewed and some changes made. He advised that the recommendation from the Ordinance Committee includes the
changes made in the map at the May Council meeting. He advised that the new zoning map reflects the new ordinance. Several different districts were created by the new zoning ordinance
that caused changes all over Town. He also advised that when the government does zoning that affects large areas of town, an individual notification to the adjacent property owners
is not made. He then summarized the changes that had been made to the map since the May 14 Council meeting, which included recommendations from the June 25 Ordinance Committee meeting
and the July 2 Council meeting:
That Tipton Ridge Veterinary Clinic be zoned B-1, Business from the proposed R-1,
Residential.
That the Rhudy Farm be made Rural Residential with the exception of 2 sections west of the
Railroad Tracks.
That 35 acres of the Allison Farm from Memorial Drive along Peppers Ferry Road to Beth Scott Drive and over to Marshall Ave. be made B-2 per a request from the owners.
Mayor Stewart advised that he wished to comment. “The rezoning of what is commonly known as the Allison Farm to B-2, has previously been before this Council. It was defeated unanimously
by the Planning Commission. It was defeated unanimously by the Council. I have consulted members of the Planning Commission. The four that I have consulted oppose this change in rezoning.
They did not recommend this to Council. They did work on it for a year and a half. Now obviously, Council has the right to do whatever they choose about this, but the Planning Commission
is very upset that we have had a massive change like this on an item that has previously been defeated by both Council and the Planning Commission. My personal feeling is that we should
send this back to Planning Commission and get their remarks and judgements on it, because they have worked a year and a half very diligently on preparing the zoning ordinance and the
zoning map. They considered this matter in their process. Before we move ahead and pass a Resolution rezoning this, because it is going to have a huge impact on the residential neighborhoods
there, I think we should return this to the Planning Commission for their consideration and recommendation”.
Councilwoman Mitchell asked whether the Planning Commission approved this for B-2?
Mayor Stewart responded that they did not.
Mr. Hawley advised that the map that Planning Commission reviewed and presented to Council, maintained the Allison Farm the way it was previously. The first 200 feet was zoned R-O and
the remainder of that was zoned Residential (R-1). Then the property owners came to the Town and requested that Council consider changing it to B-2.
Mayor Stewart opined from a personal standpoint that proper procedure was not followed and that the matter should be referred to the Planning Commission for review and then returned
to Council.
Councilman Bolen advised that he had been involved in the discussion of this land before. He agreed that a way needed to be found to use the property to its maximum benefit, but it
seemed to him that changing the zoning to B-2 was rather harsh, when it is bordered on three sides by some of the best residential property in the Town. He proposed some type of conditional
zoning.
Mr. Hawley advised that he is not sure the Town can propose conditional zoning. The zoning is dictated by uses. He advised that the Town Attorney would have to research the matter.
Mayor Stewart commented that if the property is left as R-1, and an application for rezoning is received, then conditions could be imposed.
Mr. Hawley advised that that was not the way he understood the question from Mr. Bolen.
Mayor Stewart agreed that that was not what Mr. Bolen said. The Mayor suggested that the property be left R-1 and R-0 as it is now, and then if a request for rezoning is received, then
conditions could be imposed.
Mr. Eley, Town Attorney, addressed Mr. Bolen’s question. He advised that if conditions were applied to just one area, you could potentially run into spot zoning and other problems.
Regarding the noise level, some standards could be adopted to apply to an entire zoning section to address the matter.
Mr. Hawley advised that there are two classifications for use in the Business Districts. There are uses by right and uses by special exception. In a use by special exception, the developer
is required to turn in plans on developing the site.
Councilwoman Mitchell inquired if the area was zoned B-1, could there be restrictions on that?
Mr. Hawley replied that B-1 (local business) has some by right and some special exceptions.
Mayor Stewart reiterated that the Planning Commission did not recommend this action, and felt that the matter should come back to them for reconsideration. Secondly, he opined that
if the Town retains the R-0 or R-1 zoning, and receives an application for something else, then conditions could be applied to make it more compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.
There being no further comments from Council, the Mayor opened the Public Hearing.
Mrs. Sybil Atkinson, Economic Development Board Chair, addressed Council and informed them that the Board voted to urge Council’s adoption of the Zoning ordinance that includes the Allison
Farm as B-2.
(Copy of comments with official minutes). On a personal note, Ms. Atkinson encouraged Council’s cooperation with each other and the Town.
Next, Ralph Grubb addressed Council speaking against the zoning change, stating that he didn’t want his neighborhood disturbed any more than it already had been. He complained about
the noise of trucks, parking lot cleaners and the decibel level of gospel music played outdoors. He advocated utilizing the business areas that we already have.
Mr. Don Copenhaver addressed Council next, speaking against the zoning change. He advised that over 2 years ago, this same issue was discussed and over 2000 petitions were presented
against it and the measure failed. He expressed surprise that the issue was being considered again.
Next, Dr. C. R. Conner addressed Council, speaking against the zoning change. He advised that he had just learned that day that the issue was to be addressed. He reminded Council that
this issue had been addressed two years ago and failed. He expressed concern for property values if the zoning is changed.
J. B. Warner inquired why the R-1 zoning for Oakhurst Avenue had been changed and requested that it be changed back.
Mr. Hawley advised that Planning Commission recommended that the area be zoned R-2.
Next, Donna Travis addressed Council advising that she had come to speak about the issue of the New River Trail and expressed shock that the zoning topic was being addressed. She expressed
concern that the topic could be considered without public notification.
Mr. Surface addressed Council advocating using existing buildings for businesses and utilizing the good land for homes.
Mayor Stewart closed the Public hearing at 8:19 p.m.
Mayor Stewart suggested that the matter be referred back to the Planning Commission.
Councilman Worrell advised that “we can send this back and forth to the Planning Commission all we want to, but sooner or later it’s going to come back to us. It’s our decision to make
and we’re going to have to make it.” He advised that Council had just made seven changes on the document that Planning Commission had worked on for a year and a half and no one commented
on that. He advised that as far as he knew, no one went back and asked them what they thought of those changes. He advised that he had listened to the citizens for years regarding
the land on Memorial Drive. He advised that he understood where they were coming from, but, he “campaigned long and hard on this issue in the recent election – on rezoning Memorial
Drive for development. I got strong and widespread support. When I got up at the candidates forum and stated my opinion on this, I received an ovation. There’s strong and widespread
support for this. Not here in this room obviously. They were talking about this issue will not die. No it won’t. It’s been going on for at least fifteen years that I know about.
The reason it won’t die is because it’s not zoned right. It’s never going to die as long as it’s zoned R-1. In my tenure on Council, this is the single greatest opportunity that we’ve
had to make a decision to move this town forward. If we rezone this now, we send a message out to the world that the Town of Pulaski is promoting and encouraging development. And
that’s what we’ve got to do. And if we don’t do it, I fear we’re soon going to be out of feet to shoot ourselves in”.
Councilman Worrell then moved that Council adopt the zoning map before them, seconded by Councilman Neblett.
Mayor Stewart advised that the motion should be to direct the Town Attorney to prepare an Ordinance adopting the zoning map.
Councilman Worrell amended his motion to move that the Town Attorney be directed to prepare an Ordinance adopting the zoning map before them, seconded by Councilman Neblett.
Councilwoman Mitchell verified the size of the Memorial Drive land and that the current zoning map shows the area to be Residential. She inquired how many houses could be built on that
amount of land?
Mr. Hawley advised that the new ordinance calls for one-half acre lots in the R-1 zone. He continued, allowing for roads, detention areas etc, between 35 and 60 homes could be built
on that amount of land.
Councilwoman Mitchell commented that one of the problems that the Town has is a lack of places to build homes.
Mayor Stewart agreed, adding that in his opinion, one of the things the Town needs worse than anything is to bring in an influx of middle class people. He continued that they provide
a tax base, spending money for retailers among other things. He opined that if the Town changes the zoning in the Memorial Drive area, then a prime residential area would be wiped out.
Councilman Worrell advised that four years ago he took one of the top residential developers in this area to the property on Memorial Drive and requested that he consider a housing development
in that area. He said that the developer told him that you couldn’t do it – that the property is too valuable. He advised that he “would love to see it developed residentially, but
it’s not going to happen”.
There being no further comments, the motion passed on the following recorded vote:
Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye
Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye John T. Bolen - Abstain
E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye
Pauline G. Mitchell - No
Under Public Comments, Linda Buzzelli spoke for the completion of the New River Trail. She opined that the decision to terminate the Trail project is an indication of lack of knowledge
of the desires of the citizens of the Town. (Full comments included in official minutes).
Next, Michelle Thompson addressed Council and presented a petition supporting the Trail. She advised that individuals were prepared to take the petition door to door to gather more
signatures if it was needed to change Council’s vote. She also advised that Council’s actions regarding the Trail would determine the fate of another petition that called for a special
election. She read a statement (included in the official minutes) calling for change within Council.
Terri Fitzwater Palmore addressed Council calling for cooperation between Council and the Town citizens. She offered to assist with grant writing. She offered to serve on a Committee
or Board. She opined that there is a lack of communication between what is really going on in the Town and what is being presented to the public. She proposed a Citizens Coalition
for local government participation, asking the community of the Town of Pulaski to become involved, to have monthly meetings, and requested that Council attend the meetings not as Council
members, but as citizens. She advised that she would be presenting a Citizens Coalition plan next month.
Next, Mr. Charles Hoback addressed Council speaking against the Trail. He cited high income tax rates, per a comparison with surrounding Towns.
Mrs. Mickey Seagle addressed Council and commended Councilwoman Steger for outstanding work during the four years that she served as Vice-Mayor of the Town of Pulaski. She commented
that Mrs. Steger was a very conscientious worker, worked with many people one on one and made many fine improvements for the betterment of the Town.
Next, Mr. Lane Penn spoke in support of Mr. Warner’s prior comments, stating that while he was on Council, discussion ensued regarding the zoning of his property and affirmed that the
final decision was that the area should be zoned R-1. Additionally, Mr. Penn asked Council to consider suspending Resolutions 2002-25 and 2002-26 related to the Trail. He advised that
his reasoning was that if the Town should receive grant monies, the Town would not be put in an awkward position.
Mrs. Muriel Comer commented on an article in the paper quoting Councilman Fleenor and expressed her disappointment with his comments. She spoke in favor of completing the New River
Trail into the Town and asked Council to rethink their vote on completing the Trail. (Complete comments included in the official minutes).
Gary Hall addressed Council expressing confusion on the status of the completion of the Trail. He stated that some of the comments indicate that Council did not approve extending the
Trail. He inquired whether he was correct in saying that the Trail will be built from Xaloy into Town?
Councilwoman Mitchell stated that it has been built.
Mr. Hall asked if he was correct in stating that there is a spur coming into Town?
Mr. Hawley advised that an ISTEA grant was approved for $200,000 to build the Trail from the Xaloy terminus to the downtown Depot. The Town also secured a $50,000 appropriation from
the General Assembly to supplement that. Three more easements are required along the Trail and when those are secured VDOT will authorize the Town to go to bid. Phase I of the Trail
has been designed on a route that parallels Main Street to the old Walnut Avenue right-of-way and then across part of the Downtown East property and back up along to the Creek. Phase
II of the Trail is from the Train Station to Cool Springs. That grant is pending.
Mr. Hall inquired whether the sections that Council voted not to approve, actually connect with Xaloy?
Mr. Hawley advised that Phase III would loop back to Xaloy.
Next, Charles Wade addressed Council regarding the Trail. He advised that Phase I sounds nice and it comes from Xaloy down to the parking lot. However, Phase I crosses a brownfield,
which is contaminated land. The Town does not know what it will cost to clean it up. He stated that Phase I was not as good as everyone is making it out to be. He added that he understands
that Phases II and III, which were the original planned path, do not cross contaminated land. He opined that Council should focus on the Phase II and III tracks rather than Phase I.
Janet Hanks addressed Council advising that she is a big recreational biker and is quite active on the Trail. She advised that she does not like the track that Phase I takes. She does
not like the traffic or the contaminated land. She preferred the Dora Highway route (Phase II and III), opining that it is much more pleasant. Regarding comments that she has heard
stating that there is nothing here for the Trail to come to, she opined that the Trail comes first and the development follows. She advised that that was the pattern at other Trail
locations. She said if you develop your assets, the development follows.
Mayor Stewart asked Michelle Thompson to read the petition regarding the New River Trail.
Mrs. Thompson did so. (Included in official minutes).
There being no further comments, Council moved on to the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Stewart advised of some changes to the minutes of July 2, 2002. He advised that on page 9, and page 10, Phase 4 should read Phase 3.
Councilman Neblett moved to accept the minutes of July 2, 2002 with changes and July 15, 2002 as written, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on voice vote.
Under Committee Reports, Finance Committee Chairman Worrell advised that committee met and recommended that an official Request For Proposals be advertised for the Urban Business Park
(Maple Shade property). He advised that two unsolicited proposals have been received, and in the interest of fairness, the RFP’s will be advertised.
Motion passed 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
Chairman Worrell also advised that Committee discussed CIG grant # 8613 in the amount of $249,000 that can be used for activities that meet the Department of Housing and Community Development
Block Grant to rehab buildings in a designated area. Finance Committee sent a proposal for use of the funds that has subsequently been turned down. He advised that Todd Christenson
of the Department of Housing and Community Development will meet with the Town to discuss what the funds can be used for so that an appropriate proposal can be drawn up. He also advised
that a new Executive Director has been hired for the Pulaski Civic Center project and Mrs. Jennifer White was introduced.
Public Operations Committee Chairman Neblett announced that the Committee will meet with the Realtors on August 22 to discuss rental and for sale property in the Town.
Ordinance Committee Chairman Black advised that committee discussed the potential use of both grants and joint enforcement of ordinances for community improvement and nuisance abatement
as well as the possibility of placing time limits on building permits as a nuisance abatement measure.
Mayor Stewart advised that Planning Commission met and considered a conditional zoning request for the construction of a planned housing development of ten town-homes on Pleasant Hill
Drive. Commission recommended to Council approval of the development as submitted.
Human Resources Committee Chairwoman Steger advised that committee met and recommended hiring an additional fireman for the Fire Department. Additionally, Committee recommended the
appointment of Lane Penn and James Webb to the Board of Zoning Appeals as Alternates.
Safety Committee Chairman Fleenor advised that Committee met and discussed and recommended hiring an additional fireman for the Fire Department.
On Recommendation of both the Human Resources Committee and the Safety Committee, Council approved hiring an additional fireman for the Fire Department 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
On recommendation of the Human Resources Committee Lane Penn and James Webb were appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals as Alternates and passed 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
Safety Committee Chairman Fleenor advised that Committee also discussed the possibility of losing 4 policemen to the National Guard activation. They also discussed some of the requirements
for the Town’s application for National Accreditation Program for Police Departments. One of the requirements for accreditation would require amending an item in the Town Personnel policy.
Committee recommendation was for the Police Chief and the Town Attorney to meet and discuss the item.
Councilwoman Steger inquired how much the accreditation would cost?
Chairman Fleenor advised that he did not know.
Mayor Stewart advised that the Town was in receipt of a plaque and a Resolution of Appreciation from the County for its participation in the July 4, 2002 Celebration.
He also advised that he would be convening a Special Council meeting within the next few weeks to discuss the Trails. Announcement would be made to the press of the time and date.
Under Town Attorney’s report, Mr. Eley advised that he had addressed numerous requests regarding procedures and committees, responded to questions regarding zoning and the BZA, discussed
legal priorities with the Town Manager, handled various personnel issues, and addressed contractual issues among other items.
Town Manager Hawley gave a projects update including that a letter had been sent to VDOT regarding the Museum, reminders of several meetings, announcement of a grand opening and the
resolution of a citizens complaint.
Under Old Business was Resolution 2002-31, adoption of the amended Capital Plan.
Mayor Stewart confirmed that the Public Hearing had been held as required by law, and the changes that had been requested were incorporated into the Capital Plan.
Councilman Fleenor moved to adopt Resolution 2002-31, approving the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2002-03, seconded by Councilman Black 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
Under New Business, was a request from Pulaski Baseball.
Mr. Hawley advised that Pulaski Baseball had requested that they be allowed to begin serving beer sixty minutes before game time which would be a half hour earlier than stipulated in
their contract. He advised that some people arrive early at the game to eat their dinner and request beer at that time.
Councilman Worrell moved to allow Pulaski Baseball to begin serving beer one hour before game time, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote:
Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye
Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye John T. Bolen - No
E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye
Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye
The next item under New Business was Resolution 2002-30, Requesting the west-bound Route 114 Bridge be replaced.
Mayor Stewart advised that the Route 114 bridge has been damaged and needs to be replaced. The Resolution requests that VDOT replace the bridge rather than repair it.
Councilwoman Steger moved to adopt Resolution 2002-30, Requesting the west-bound Route 114 Bridge be replaced, seconded by Councilman Black 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
The last item under New Business was Resolution 2002-32, Appointing the Board of the Greater Pulaski Alliance as the festival committee for Pulaskifest.
Councilman Black moved to adopt Resolution 2002-32, Appointing the Board of the Greater Pulaski Alliance as the festival committee for Pulaskifest, seconded by Councilwoman Steger 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
There being no further business, meeting adjourned on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried.