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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-02Minutes of the Town Council meeting held December 3, 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 Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Sherry Boyd, Finance Director John White, Economic Development Director Gary Roche, Police Chief Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council Others: John Owen Tim Kirtner Mickey Seagle Oscar Seagle Catherine Humphrey E. L. Belcher Judy Ison Roy F. Buzzelli Linda Buzzelli Roger Sizemore Nancy Strasser Bob Strasser Clarence Gallimore Mark Surber Pam Surber M. W. Brockmeyer Wilmer Ryan Robert Henderson Jennifer White Sybil Atkinson Larry Freeman Bill Warden Doug Meadows Charles Wade Gary Fox Ron Vaughan Nick Glenn Betsy Webb Ryan Sypniewski Don Simmons, Jr., Press B. J. Bowman – Wood, Press Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Bolen led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Worrell gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Mayor Stewart amended the agenda to allow Katie Kirk to address Council before the Public Hearings to allow her to attend another meeting. Planning Commission Chairwoman Kirk, addressed Council regarding Council’s request that the Planning Commission review the Comprehensive Plan within the next 60 days. She advised that Planning Commission would attempt to meet the deadline, but realistically, did not think they would be able to do so. She advised that Commission had asked Mr. Rundgren of the New River Valley Planning Commission to assist with the review and the first scheduled meeting was not until the middle of December. The next item on the agenda was two Public Hearings. Mayor Stewart advised that the first Public Hearing was a request for encroachment by DBT America, Inc. Mr. Quesenberry advised that DBT America, Inc., formerly known as Long-Airdox, requested an encroachment to place a 4’ x 8’ sign on the Town right-of-way approximately 12 feet from the guardrail at the intersection of Wurno Road and Bob White Boulevard. He advised that the sign is needed to enhance the visibility of the present facility to the traveling public since the plant is set back from Bob White Boulevard. He added that the Public Operations Committee had reviewed the request and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the encroachment to Council. Mayor Stewart opened the Public Hearing at 7:11 p.m. DBT’s representative, Roger Sizemore, advised that DBT is now an international company with more out of town visitors who have a difficult time locating the business. He advised that the sign would assist with this problem. There being no further comments from the Public, Mayor Stewart closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 p.m. The second Public Hearing related to the disposition of public properties, specifically Maple Shade. Mr. Hawley reviewed the history of the current interest in the Maple Shade property, including proposals, RFP’s, the present rental income, comments received from the public, and staff input. He advised that staff recommendation is to keep the property and reinvest the monies received from rental income into upgrading the building and the property. Mayor Stewart opened the Public Hearing at 7:22 p.m. John Owen, Linda Buzzelli and Roy Buzzelli spoke against the Town retaining the building and the property, opining that the Town should not be in the real estate business, should not be competing with other businesses in Town, doesn’t need another tax burden, and cannot afford to maintain the property. Ed Belcher, Judy Ison, Nick Glenn, Bill Warden, Charles Wade, and Nancy Riggins spoke for the Town retaining the property, citing that the property was purchased with the intent to use it for the Museum, grants have already been awarded for the property, the potential for development, and income for the Town. They also suggested fulfilling the draft plan to house the museum in the building and reinvesting the rental income back into upgrading the property. Mr. Belcher also reiterated that the Fine Arts Center was willing to exchange management and staffing for space in the Museum. Joel Burchett advocated the Town keeping the property and employing a real estate firm to manage it. He also suggested housing the museum in another building, possibly the Jefferson School Building. Additionally, Mr. Burchett requested that Council accept the grant for Phase 2 & 3 of the New River Trail and volunteered to help with the Trail as needed. He also inquired when the next Town clean up was scheduled and advised that his fifth grade students were interested in volunteering at that time. Mr. Hawley said that tentatively, the next clean up day will be in the spring. Gary Fox inquired why the Town has a clean up day just twice a year. He opined that Town staff should be cleaning the Town every day. Mr. Hawley advised that the Town has a limited number of staff to address the problem, but that it is an ongoing task for staff. There being no further comments, the Public Hearing closed at 7:53 p.m. Next, Charles Wade and Gary Fox addressed Council under the Public Comment Period. They advised that a committee had been formed to hold a spring flower and garden festival May 3rd, 2003. The intent is to create a wall to wall display of color as landscapers, horticultural retailers and garden equipment vendors turn the center of town into a two-block garden, complete with flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, roses and stands filled with herbs and annuals. Additionally, they are planning activities such as making birdhouses and flower arrangements for the children. They also advised that a grant prepared by GPA to assist with the festival was not approved by the Richardson Foundation. Mr. Wade and Mr. Fox requested Council’s individual participation, a resolution embracing the festival, and a monetary contribution of $3,000 to offset advertising costs. Following discussion, Councilwoman Steger moved to refer the request to the Finance Committee, seconded by Councilman Bolen and carried on voice vote. Mr. Wade also advised that the New Memorial Garden at Oakwood Cemetery is in disarray. He asked that action be taken to improve the appearance of the Memorial Garden. Mayor Stewart requested that the Town Manager report to Council at the next Council meeting regarding this matter. Next, Council addressed the Consent Agenda. Councilman Worrell advised of a change to the November 5, 2002 minutes: Page five, at the bottom of the page, second to last paragraph, first line, should read Finance Committee. Councilwoman Steger moved to adopt the Consent Agenda consisting of the minutes of November 5, 12, and 26th , 2002, with the amendment to the November 5th minutes, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on voice vote. Under Committee Reports, Finance Chairman Worrell advised that Committee met and discussed the acceptance of the EDA grant for the purpose of purchasing the AEP building to house the Pulaski Technology Center. He advised that the consensus of the committee was to call a special Council meeting for Tuesday, November 26, 2002 in order to meet the acceptance deadline. He advised that at that special Council meeting, no action was taken for lack of a motion. Chairman Worrell advised that Committee also discussed a SPARCS (Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities) grant. The VHDA has 55 million dollars available state wide to provide loans to low income first-time home buyers. The Town and Habitat for Humanity would work together, at no charge to the Town. The Town would be the sponsoring agent, and Habitat for Humanity would locate qualified first time homebuyers and put them in contact with VHDA, who will disperse the monies. The consensus of the Committee was to recommend participation in the grant to Council and was approved on voice vote. Chairman Worrell also advised that Committee discussed the Pulaski Baseball, Inc. contract. Committee recommendation was to request the Town Attorney to bring to the next meeting, a contract with Pulaski Baseball, Inc. for two years with an option by Pulaski Baseball, Inc. to renew for two additional years when Toronto renews, and secondly, that beer sales be allowed to begin one hour before the game. Councilman Bolen requested a two-year Town budget to go with the contract before it is approved. Mr. Hawley requested clarification regarding which budget Councilman Bolen needed. He advised that Calfee Park is included in the Parks and Facilities Department budget, and that budget extends through June 2003. Councilwoman Mitchell asked if Calfee Park could be pulled out separately? Mr. Hawley advised that staff will be starting the budget process for 2003-2004, and if the Finance Committee and Council desired, staff could set up a line item specifically for Calfee Park. He then advised that he could bring a proposed cost of operation for the next fiscal year if that was Council’s wish. Councilman Bolen responded that that would be helpful. Following further discussion, the motion authorizing the Town Attorney to prepare the Pulaski Baseball, Inc. contract for the next Council meeting 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 Councilman Bolen moved that administration bring back a two year cost projection for Pulaski baseball, seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - No Bettye H. Steger - No Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - No James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Finance Chairman Worrell continued that committee also reviewed a request from Mrs. Virginia Kelly MacNeal for a loan of $2,000 for a 32 page booklet on the Pulaski Railroad Station. Mrs. MacNeal proposed to sell the booklets, and after expenses, donate the profits to the Train Station fund. Committee recommended approval of the request and 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 continued that Committee discussed a Cooperative Procurement Agreement with Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority (PFRWTA). He advised that PFRWTA is handling the upgrading of Pump Stations 4A and 4B, and an agreement between the Town and PFRWTA is needed to meet the procurement requirements. The Committee recommendation was to adopt the Cooperative Procurement Agreement with Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority (PFRWTA) 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 Finance Chairman Worrell also advised that Committee discussed an offer by a business owner in Town to collect Town water bills. He advised that staff was instructed to look into the feasibility and report back to the Committee. And finally, Chairman Worrell advised that Committee addressed the 02/03 Non-State Grant Appropriation for the Museum Expansion. The General Assembly awarded $42,556 for the Museum and staff needed a decision from Council whether to accept the funds. The Finance Committee recommended acceptance of the funds and the motion passed on voice vote. Next, Utilities Committee Chairman Bolen advised that Committee met and reviewed a list of projects for improvement and maintenance of the water and sewer systems, discussed maintenance on water tanks, and reviewed a number of water pressure problems in the Town. Public Operations Chairman Neblett advised that Committee met and discussed the Flood Mitigation Plan. He advised that Mr. Shawn Utt of the NRVPDC reviewed the steps remaining in the application. Chairman Neblett continued that the Committee also discussed the 15th Street parking. He advised that Mr. Hawley had spoken with Mr. Carr and asked him to try to get a consensus from the neighbors regarding their preference for the side of the street to park on. Additionally, Chairman Neblett advised that Committee discussed the encroachment request by Long Airdox, a landfill disposal complaint, and Maple Shade Property Uses. Human Resources Committee Chairwoman Steger advised that Committee met and discussed the possibility of employees sharing sick leave. She advised that staff was asked to draw up a draft policy utilizing a “banking” version and return to the next Committee meeting. Additionally, she advised that Committee discussed and recommended appointing Bill Pedigo as alternate to the New River Valley Planning District Commission Transportation Advisory Committee. 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 Under Town Attorney’s report, Mr. Eley gave a projects update including that he would donate the time required for the first easement for the New River Trail, provided that Town Council passed the Trail, and he invited other legal counsel to do the same. He advised that he had researched the requirements for the vote for the sale of the Maple Shade property and ascertained that it would require a ¾ majority vote of Council to sell the property. Under Town Manager’s report, Mr. Hawley advised that the Thornspring Sanitary Sewer bids have been received, with the winning bid being awarded to Aaron J. Conner of Roanoke. This system will serve the new elementary school at Route 11 and Morehead Lane and the cost to pay for the sewer system will be shared with the County. He also advised that he has learned that the face of Hogan’s Dam will need to be stabilized or improvements made in the spillway. Under Old Business, was Resolution 2002-39, Amending the Route of the New River Trail. Councilman Fleenor moved to adopt Resolution 2002-39, Amending the Route of the New River Trail, seconded by Councilman Black. Councilman Worrell asked Mayor Stewart to explain what the Resolution is for. Mayor Stewart advised that Council has decided not to pursue Phase 1 of the Trail. Instead, Council will pursue Phase 2 and 3 of the Trail, will reallocate the Phase 1 funding sources to Phase III of the route, and will accept a grant offer for Phase II of the Trail. Resolution 2002-39 provides the guidelines for implementation. The motion to adopt Resolution 2002-39 then 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 Next, Council addressed Ordinance 2002-13, amending the Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Ordinance 2002-13, amending the Comprehensive Plan, 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 Old Business was disposition of public properties – Maple Shade. Mayor Stewart reviewed the recent history of the Maple Shade property and asked for a motion from Council. Councilman Fleenor moved to sell the Maple Shade property, seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell. Councilman Worrell commented that he would not be opposed to selling the Maple Shade under the right conditions, however, the conditions were not right. The motion to sell the Maple Shade property then failed on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - No Bettye H. Steger - No Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - No James M. Neblett, Jr. - No Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Mayor Stewart suggested to Council that the Town Manager be asked to review the property and bring back recommendations on what to do with the property. Councilwoman Mitchell asked whether the Town will have to refund the grant money that has been awarded for the Museum if the Town does not complete the museum? Mayor Stewart advised that the money would not have to be returned because the Town used the money for the use specified in the application. Mr. Hawley agreed with the Mayor. Under New Business was Ordinance 2002-14, Granting an encroachment to DBT America, Inc. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Ordinance 2002-14, Granting an encroachment to DBT America, Inc., 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 on voice vote.