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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-05-05Minutes of the Town Council meeting held July 5, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. There were present: Charles Wade, Mayor Council: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Dan Talbert, Jr., Lane R. Penn, John T. Bolen, Joel B. Burchett, Jr. Absent/Excused: Bettye H. Steger Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager Randolph D. Eley, Town Attorney David Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager John White, Economic Development Director Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Gary Roche, Police Chief Dave Hart, Parks and Facilities Bill Webb, Fire Chief Ron Cole, General Properties Crew Leader Others: Kelly Barker, Press Paul Dellinger, Press Michael Barb Mayor Wade called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Penn led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Burchett gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Councilman Bolen moved to modify the agenda by adding 13-G under New Business, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade welcomed the public present. He then presented the Employee of the Month award for June 2005 to Public Works General Properties Crew Leader Ronald R. (Ron) Cole. The Mayor read a press release aloud, and congratulated Mr. Cole. Mayor Wade advised that the first Public Hearing was for the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Hawley reviewed the information included in the packet regarding changes that were made to the plan since the ad was placed and responded to questions from Council. During the discussion, Mayor Wade asked for criteria to be established for replacing Town vehicles. He commented that it was hard to prepare a Capital Improvement Plan without that information. Mr. Hawley advised that staff would work on the criteria. Mayor Wade inquired about the GIS system and whether staff had pursued a grant for the system? Mr. Hawley responded that staff had applied for a grant and not received it, but that he would ask staff to pursue grants again. Councilman Worrell changed the subject to Calfee Park, inquiring why roof repair for the visitors club house at Calfee Park was not included in the CIP? He commented that it was in desperate need of repair. Mr. Hawley advised that he thought that Council’s intent was to appropriate the money and not to include it in the CIP. He added that the Building Inspector had advised that if the repair was done by Town workers, the cost would be approximately $10,000 to $12,000. Mayor Wade asked staff to get an estimate to contract the work out. Mr. Hart advised that he had received an estimate of $10,300 a few months ago. Following discussion, Councilman Worrell moved to direct staff to enter into a contract up to $11,000 to replace the roof, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to the Public Hearing to Increase Building, Zoning and Other Fees. Mayor Wade opened the Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m. There being no comments from the public, the hearing was closed. Mr. Hawley commented that the law requires that ads for changing fees must advertise the highest potential rate, but the rates can be lowered. This ad included changes for the Planning Commission fees and the Zoning Appeals application fees. Staff had discussed not changing these two fees, to allow as much accessibility to the public as possible. He advised that Council could adopt the price increases without including the Zoning Appeal application fees and the Planning Commission fees if they chose. Mayor Wade moved on to the Public Comment period. Michael Barb addressed Council regarding some water problems at his home at 2310 Peppers Ferry Road. He advised that when the power goes off, the Ridge Avenue pumping station has to be reset manually. He wondered why there was no automatic reset or generator on that pump station. If the power goes out at night, there is no staff on hand to notice and the water level drops three to four feet which leaves him with little or no water pressure. He continued that much more housing has developed in the area, with no changes to the tank. He reminded Council that a new line was supposed to have been installed on Peppers Ferry Road. He advised that the materials have been sitting in the grass since before Christmas, but no lines have been installed. He commended staff for the work that they have done around Town, but asked that installing the line be made a priority. On another topic, he advised that water and sewer rates have recently been raised, but the Town is wasting water. He advised of a leak near Hudson Chevrolet that was patched just before school got out. It was still leaking and treated water running down to Food City until it is fully repaired. He suggested applying for a grant to assist in making the upgrades and repairs that are needed in the Town. Mr. Hawley advised that he thought some money could be found in the Capital Improvements Plan for updates at the Filter Plant, and staff would look into the problem and report back to Council at the August meeting. Mayor Wade moved on to the Consent Agenda consisting of the minutes of the May 3 and June 7, 2005 Council minutes. Councilman Burchett advised that in the roll call portion of the minutes, his middle initial was typed incorrectly. It should be a B, not an S. Councilman Bolen moved to adopt the Consent Agenda with the change, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on voice vote. Moving on to Project Updates, Mayor Wade asked for a report on Gatewood. Mr. Hart advised that the campground at Gatewood was opened on July 1, and that rentals of the camp sites and boats were high. Mayor Wade asked Mr. Hart to compare the money taken in this year to preceding years. Mr. Hart advised that he would bring the comparison to the next meeting. Councilman Talbert inquired how many visitors to the campground were from out of Town. Mr. Hart advised that he had not compiled that information yet. Mayor Wade moved on to adopting fees for Gatewood. Mr. Hawley advised that staff suggested that the fees be changed to $30 per night for 50 amp, $25 per night for 30 amp, $20 per night for 20 amp and $15 for a site with electricity. A 20% discount will be given to Town citizens camping at the campground. Additionally, staff suggested reviewing the boat rental fees next year. He requested that the fees be approved and staff would bring back a Resolution adopting the fees. Councilman Penn moved to adopt the new fees at Gatewood and directed the staff to prepare a Resolution for adoption. The motion was seconded Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye The next item was a request to relocate a monument and the purchase of additional rental boats. Mr. Hawley advised that he had received a request to relocate the monument at Gatewood from its present position to the picnic area. The complainant thought that the monument was less visible because of the renovations at Gatewood. Mayor Wade suggested that Council go by and look at the site and discuss it at a later date. Mayor Wade moved on to the request for additional rental boats. Mr. Hawley advised that due to demand, he had authorized the purchase of 5 additional rental fishing boats. His memo was meant as a notification to Council. Mayor Wade moved on to Old Business. The first item was Ordinance 2005-26. Councilman Talbert moved to adopt Ordinance 2005-26, Ratifying a contract with James Hardie Building Products, Inc., seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to Ordinance 2005-28, Amending sewer service rates adopted on August 21, 1990 and provisions regarding sewer credits. Mr. Hawley advised that Council had asked staff to find a way to grandfather in the current sewer credits that had been issued in the past, based on a 1990 Ordinance. Ordinance 2005-28, allows grandfathering of the current sewer credits, while allowing no future expansion. Councilman Penn moved to adopt Ordinance 2005-28, revising sewer credits, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye The next item for consideration was Resolution 2005-28, setting the amount of fees paid to active volunteer members of the Fire Department. Mr. Hawley advised that the Fire Chief requested an increase in pay to volunteer members of the Fire Department. Council funded the amount requested by Chief Webb in the budget. Councilman Bolen moved to adopt Resolution 2005-28, setting the amount of fees paid to active volunteer members of the fire department. The motion was seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to Resolution 2005-30. Mr. Hawley advised that VDOT changed their regulations regarding signing their documents. The Resolution allows the Town Manager to sign the agreement. Councilman Penn moved to adopt Resolution 2005-30, Authorizing the Town Manager to execute an agreement amending the funding of the Ratcliffe Museum. The motion was seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to Ordinance 2005-31. Mr. Hawley advised that this Ordinance also needed to be adopted because of VDOT’s change in regulations. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Ordinance 2005-31, Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute an Agreement Amending the Funding of the Iron Bridge Bike and Walking Trail. The motion was seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade asked Mr. Hawley for an update on the Trail. Mr. Hawley advised of the receipt of the Virginia Marine Resources permit for the low water bridge near the recycling center. Staff hoped to mail all of the required documents to VDOT this week. Approval should come in approximately two to four weeks to go to bid. If that time line works, staff hoped to be able to complete the Trail by the end of fall. Mayor Wade move on to cemetery maintenance/grave opening. Mr. Hawley advised that staff had been researching information on the feasibility of the Town opening and closing graves. He summarized the preliminary information for Council. Mayor Wade moved on to New Business. The first item was the railway quiet zone. Mr. Hawley advised that if the Town wanted to keep the railway quiet zone in place, an application would have to be submitted to the Federal Railway Administration. Following discussion, the consensus of Council was not to apply for the quiet zone at this time. The next item for consideration was Resolution 2005-29, adopting the Five Year CIP. Mr. Hawley advised that the CIP needed to be adopted by Resolution 2005-29. Councilman Penn moved to adopt Resolution 2005-29, Approving the Five Year Capital Improvements Program for the Town of Pulaski. The motion was seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to Ordinance 2005-27, Amending the building, zoning and other fees. Mr. Hawley advised that assuming that Council wished to leave the Zoning fee as it was, Council would amend Ordinance 2005-27, by omitting the Zoning fees and then adopt it. Councilman Worrell moved to adopt Ordinance 2005-27, as amended, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye The next item was Resolution 2005-32, Authorizing the Town Manager to Open and Close Banking and Investment Accounts. Mr. Hawley advised that authorizing the Town Manager to open and close accounts for operations involving the Town budget would make the procedure more efficient. Councilman Bolen moved to adopt Resolution 2005-32, Authorizing the Opening and Closing of Accounts for Operations Involving the Town Budget. The motion was seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to Bed and Breakfasts in the R-1. Mr. Hawley advised that some interest had been expressed in locating a Bed and Breakfast in Town. The areas of interest are zoned R-1, which does not allow this activity. Staff requested that Council refer the request to Planning Commission to review as a Special Exception in a R-1 district. Councilman Talbert moved to refer the request to the Planning Commission for review, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye The next item to be addressed was the authority of the Zoning Administrator to issue modifications. Mr. Hawley advised that the Code of Virginia changed effective July 1, 2005 to allow localities to amend their zoning ordinance to permit the zoning administrator to issue “modifications” in lieu of a full fledged variance. Staff requested that Council refer the matter to the Planning Commission for recommendation. Councilman Penn inquired what that meant? Mr. Quesenberry advised that the zoning administrator would be able to issue “modifications” or essentially an administrative variance when needed. Adjacent property owners would have to be notified by certified letter and decisions are subject to being challenged before the Board of Zoning Appeals. Councilman Penn moved to refer the matter to the Planning Commission, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to a request from Pulaski County High School. Mr. Hawley advised that a request had been received to advertise in the Pulaski County High School football program. Following discussion, the consensus of Council was to allow staff to advertise in the program and the poster. At 8:07 p.m., Councilman Talbert moved to enter into Closed Session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711 (A-7, and A-3), seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Council returned from Closed Session at 9:02 p.m. and adopted the Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Talbert, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye At 9:03 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on motion by Councilman Talbert, seconded by Councilman Worrell and carried voice vote.