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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-03Minutes of the Town Council meeting held February 4, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Charles W. Stewart, Jr., Mayor Council: 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 Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer E. T. Montgomery, Police Department Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council Others: Jim Voorhees Michael Warburton Chris Pennington Chris Hubbard Dustin Wilson Roger A. Dunbar Charles Wade Lane Penn R. D. Warburton Robert Henderson Dru Henderson Miles A. Mabry Mark C. Atkins Robert Fewell Kasey Alderman Daniel Metz Jeff McCoy Dennis Bane Chelsea Knisely Jay Brillheart Laura Brillheart G. B. Newman Misty Jones Joel Burchett Holly Ratcliff James Ratcliff Sybil Atkinson Everett Shockley James Holliday Nathan Tatman Dan Talbert, Jr. Eric Sealander Nick Glenn Mickey Seagle Oscar Seagle Carolyn Eddie Wayne Mitchell Marion Mitchell Daniel Warburton Ralph Grubb Don Copenhaver B. J. Bowman-Wood Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Neblett led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Black gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Mayor Stewart added item 16 e, f, and g to the agenda Councilwoman Steger moved to adopt the Certification Resolution for the Closed Session held prior to the Council meeting under Virginia Code 2.2-3711 A-1 and 3 items under A-7, 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 advised that the first item under Presentations was the submission of ARB, BZA and Planning Commission Annual Reports for 2002. He inquired whether Council had any questions regarding the reports for Administration? There being no questions, Councilman Neblett moved to accept the ARB, BZA and Planning Commission Annual Reports for 2002, 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 next presentation was Resolution 2003-03, Recognizing the PCHS Theater Arts Department’s State Championship. Mayor Stewart asked Jennifer White, the Director of The Friends of the Pulaski Theatre, to present the Resolution. Mrs. White read Resolution 2002-03 aloud and presented it to the PCHS Theater Arts Department. Jeff McCoy accepted the Resolution for the group. Next, Council addressed Resolution 2003-04, A Resolution of Appreciation to J. B. Brillheart, Jr. for Thirty Years Service to the Town of Pulaski. Mayor Stewart read the Resolution aloud and presented it to Mr. Brillheart. Councilman Neblett moved to adopt Resolution 2003-03 and 2003-04, 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 item on the agenda was a Public Hearing regarding a potential use for CDBG funds. John White advised that Community Development Block Grants are programs administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and funded by the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. He stated that the Town of Pulaski has received a $25,000 Planning Grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development to pull together a proposal, which if funded, could allow approximately one million dollars of public money into downtown reinvestment. He summarized the criteria for the program and provided an update. Mr. Hawley added that two public hearings are required. He advised that the second public hearing would be held in March of 2003 and would address more detailed information related to the program. Mayor Stewart opened the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. Charles Wade addressed Council suggesting that the Architectural Review Board review the applications before they are turned in to the Department of Housing and Community Development. Don Jones addressed Council stating that he was a consultant in the County and opining that it was very important to utilize this grant in order to revitalize the downtown. There being no further comments, the Public Hearing closed at 7:30 p.m. The next item on the agenda was the Public Comment Period. Wayne Mitchell, Marion Mitchell and Carolyn Eddie addressed Council regarding problems they have had with water pressure. They advised that the Town experienced a problem with the water system and it was shut down. When the system started up again, the pressure blew the pop off valve off the hot water heater, blew the meter out of the ground, blew the top off of a commode and caused substantial damage. They filed claims with the Town’s insurance company and subsequently received a denial stating that the hydrant failed and that the Town was not responsible for the problem. Mr. Mitchell stated that the hydrant failing was an inconvenience, the Town’s process of restoring the service is what caused the problem. Marion Mitchell opined that when the service was restored, the Town spiked the water to eliminate the air in the line and this high pressure caused the damage. Additionally, Mr. Wayne Mitchell complained that he was charged for all the water that ran through the line. Mayor Stewart directed the Town Manager to review the problem, address the issue of compensation and report to the next Council meeting. Joel Burchett addressed Council summarizing his progress in recruiting and organizing a volunteer committee for the New River Trail and requesting donations from citizens. He advised that he would like to focus his first clean up effort on the McFall Hollow area. Mr. Oscar Seagle advised that his previous offer to pay for the fuel for the heavy equipment needed for the project was still valid. Mr. Hawley advised that he had been in contact with the County and they will be picking up some of the large items in that area. There being no further comments, Council moved on to the Consent Agenda. Councilman Black moved to adopt the Consent Agenda consisting of the January 7, 2003 Council minutes, seconded by Councilman Bolen and carried on voice vote. Mayor Stewart moved on to Committee meetings. Finance Committee Chairman Worrell advised that Committee met in a lengthy meeting and discussed the following: 1. A request from Mr. Charles Wade for assistance with the May 3, 2003 Downtown Gardening Day expenses in the amount of $3,000. Committee recommended Council’s approval of the request for $3,000 to assist with the Downtown Gardening Day, using monies in the Economic Development Special Projects account 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 2. A request from the Friends of the Pulaski Theatre to donate the cost of materials, the use of equipment, labor and availability and connection fees associated with the conversion of the Pulaski Theatre’s water meter to meet the necessary requirements of water use in the Theatre. The Committee recommended that Council approve waiving the equipment and labor fees and charge only the actual materials cost 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 3. Maple Shade repairs. The Committee recommended that Council authorize the Town Manager to proceed with roof repairs on the Maple Shade property 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 4. The financing of a dump truck/salter. A Resolution is required by the bank authorizing the loan and specifying who can sign the contract. 5. A request from the Finance Director to close the Town’s CAP account and switch to the Public Funds Money Market Account. The Committee recommended that Council grant permission to close the Town’s CAP account and switch to the Public Funds Money Market Account 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 6. The fire contract with the County. Staff was directed to negotiate further with the County and return to Committee. 7. Reviewed a request by Mr. June Draper for Council to review the way that water bills are calculated so that citizens are charged for actual use and eliminate the fixed charge. Staff was directed to research what the per-gallon rate for water and sewer would be if it were calculated on actual use and eliminated the fixed charge and return to the Finance Committee with the information. 8. Discussed the cost of cemetery lots and upgrading that needed to be done at the cemeteries. Staff was directed to research the prices at other public cemeteries and include the information in the budget discussions. Chairman Worrell advised that Committee also met on February 3, 2003 and discussed some preliminary outlines for the Storefront Improvement program, the Adaptive Reuse program, and the Rehabilitation program as they apply to the Community Development Block Grant. Next, Public Operations Committee Chairman Neblett advised that Committee met and discussed some complaints that were received regarding the cemeteries. Staff was directed to research the costs of corner stones, steps, seeding, fertilizing, standardized vases, repairing the front gate and repairing or replacing a wall. The information is scheduled to be discussed at the next Committee meeting. Committee also learned that there has been no further contact by the 15th Street residents regarding parking on that street. Ordinance Committee Chairman Black advised that Committee met and discussed the amendment of the zoning ordinance. He advised that the Committee recommended that Council adopt a Resolution referring to the Planning Commission the amending of the zoning ordinance to include a definition for cemetery and columbarium, and to include R-2 areas. He advised that the Resolution would be addressed later in the Council meeting. Mayor Stewart advised that the Planning Commission met in a work session and continued to consider the approach that it will use on the Comprehensive Plan. He continued that during its Public Session, the Commission elected Mrs. Katy Kirk as the Chairman and Mr. Charles Stafford as Vice-Chairman for the current year and reviewed and approved the Annual Report for 2002. Councilman Worrell requested that the next Council agenda include a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance adopting the proposed zoning ordinance, proposed amendments and map including all amendments passed by this Council to the existing zoning ordinance. Human Resources Committee Chairwoman Steger advised that Committee met and appointed the following people to the Grievance Committee: Doug Burchett Charles Wade Dennis Bane Doc Holiday Joe Weddle Bob Strauser Chairwoman Steger advised that Committee agreed to appoint Tom Douthat to the Architectural Review Board 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 Additionally, Chairwoman Steger advised that Committee discussed the proposed sick leave sharing policy. Chairwoman Steger also advised that J. B. Brillheart had asked not to be re-appointed to the Architectural Review Board and that Lane Penn must be removed from the Alternate position on the Board of Zoning Appeals so that he can serve as Chair on the Housing Redevelopment Authority. The motion to remove Lane Penn from the Alternate position on the Board of Zoning Appeals and appoint him to serve as Chair on the Redevelopment and Housing Authority 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 Town Attorney, Randolph D. Eley, Jr., gave a projects update to the Council including work on appointing BZA Alternates, consultations on the pending BZA appeal, contact with the attorney for the Airport Commission to attempt to make a deed with a residuary clause to the Town, preparation of several resolutions, and drafting of an ordinance. Town Manager, John Hawley, gave a projects update including staff review of the way that water bills are charged and an explanatory letter to the resident; mailing of business and professional license applications, and auto decal applications; receipt of a copy of the joint dispatch study; and meeting with VHDA representatives in Richmond. Councilman Worrell advised that Finance Committee had recommended that Council authorize the Town Attorney to draw up the papers to proceed with a UDAG loan for Karen Nolen 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 Mayor Stewart moved on to New Business. The first item was Resolution 2003-02. Councilman Black moved to adopt Resolution 2003-02, Concerning the Amendment of Zoning Ordinance to Provide a Definition of Cemetery and Regulation of Location of Cemetery, 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 - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye The next item on the agenda was Ordinance 2003-02. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Ordinance 2003-02, Authorizing Borrowing of Funds For Purchase of Heavy Equipment, 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 3rd item under New Business was Storefront Improvement Program and Downtown Housing Program Design. Mr. Hawley reviewed the information in the Council packets and the requirements for the Storefront Improvement Program and the Downtown Housing Program Design and the Rehabilitation of Existing Units. The Finance Committee recommended approval of the guidelines for the Storefront Improvement Program, the Downtown Housing Program Design and the Rehabilitation of Existing Units 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 a resolution accepting property. Councilman Neblett moved to direct the Town Attorney to prepare a resolution accepting the Roger and Linda Wyatt property donation to the Town and proceed with the necessary closing costs, seconded by Councilman Bolen 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 Councilman Bolen then moved to direct the Town Attorney to proceed with the V&H property, 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 Next, Councilwoman Steger moved to adopt Resolution 2003-05, Authorizing for additional payment to Valley Mechanical Services, seconded by Councilman Fleenor 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 at 8:15 p.m. on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on voice vote.