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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-98 June 2, 1998 Minutes of the Town Council meeting held 3une 2, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor John A. Johnston, presiding Council Members: James M. Neblett, Lane R. Penn, Bettye H. Steger Charles W. Stewart, W. Edgar Hale, Joseph L. Weddle, Pauline G. Mitchell Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Ast. to the Town Manager Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk Visitors: Frances P. Viars Barbara McFall Sherry Boyd-Neidigh Jeff Worrell J. R. Schrader, Press Paul Dellinger, Press 1 [] The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Johnston. Councilwoman Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Stewart gave the Invocation. Following roll call, the following additions were made to the agenda: Add item C to the Mayor's report: Resolution 98-19; Add to Executive session, 2.1-344 (A4) Personnel Matter and (A-7) Pending Litigation Councilman Weddle made a motion to approve the minutes of May 12, 1998, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried. At 7:04 p.m., Mayor Johnston opened the Public Hearing on the draft 1998-99 Fiscal Year Municipal Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Thomas Combiths, Town Manager, advised that the proposed 1998-99 budget is balanced at 5.9 million dollars, which is approximately a 1.9% increase in expenditures over last year and 3.3% increase in revenues. Issues addressed with this budget include the zoning code update, computer technology, professional basebalUquality of life investment for the community, fleet maintenance and continuing the Town's pay for performance for its employees. He advised that this budget continues to increase the reserve accounts in the general fund and the water and sewer fund, without a rate increase. 9796 Public Hearing Budget 9797 June 2, 1998 Councilwoman Mitchell advised that she would like to see the merit system changed to 2% across the board, cost of living increase and the other 2% given as merit raise. She opined that everyone deserves a cost of living raise. Councilwoman Steger thanked the stafffor a job well done on the budget. Street Councilman Stewart advised that he had received inquiries regarding capital expenditures for Draper Mountain water tank. Mr. Combiths advised that approximately $100,000 has been designated for Draper Mountain water system. This amount will not be enough to complete the project, but will enable them to begin the improvements. Councilwoman Steger inquired whether any further information had been received regarding the grant application for Case Knife Road water hook up. Mr. Quesenberry advised that Congressman Boucher's office notified staffthat they had been in contact with Department of Housing and Community Development and hope to hear additional information in a few weeks. At 7:10 p.m., Public Hearing closed. Next item was Comments from the Public. Mayor Johnston asked if Mr. Combiths had an update for Mrs. Viers and Mrs. McFall regarding Bertha Street run off problems. Mr. Combiths advised that Public Works had begun improvements to culverts, driveways etc. Several owners indicated an interest in installing curb, gutter and sidewalk versus a ditch. As a result, other property owners are being contacted to see if they also wish curb, gutter and sidewalk to be installed. When they receive the information from the other property owners, the project will be able to proceed. UTILITIES COMMITTEE: Chairman Neblett had no report. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE: Chairman Penn had no report. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE: Chairwoman Steger advised that Ordinance Committee met June 2, 1998 and discussed yard sales, weeds, covered cars, and noise from car radios. No action was taken at this time. 2 June 2, 1998 CRIME CONTROL REPORT: Councilwoman Steger advised that Crime Control met May 13, 1998 and discussed a request from Meadowview Apartments and Washington Square Apartments for the Town to write a letter of support to be used for a grant application for fencing to be put at the end of Meadowview and Bland St. Mrs. Steger reminded Council that the Concerts in the Park begin this Friday night, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. She also advised that Anthony Akers, Pulaski County Office on Youth, has a very strong youth program lined up for the summer. FINANCE COMMITTEE: Chairman Stewart advised that Finance committee continued its review of the proposed fiscal year 1998-99 budget with meetings on May 14 and 19. Departments reviewed on May 14 were Administrative departments- Council, Mayor, Clerk of Council, Contributions and Administrative services. Also discussed was the possible use of a part time or retired planner to assist with planning issues; assistance to employees with dependent hospitalization coverage; and transportation for Senior Center activities. On May 19, 1998, the committee reviewed Cemetery, Train Station, 911, and UDAG, and discussed possible funding using the proceeds from the Crestar note and Rural Development. Also discussed was the possible arrangement with the County for the potential enlargement of the Dora Highway drop site to include the recycling containers currently located on Route 99. Further items reviewed were the possible use of audio/video recorders in Police vehicles, consolidated collection of water, sewer, and PSA garbage fees by the Town, procurement of a vehicle for the Senior Center, and incentives for departmental savings. On June 2, committee met and completed review of the proposed fiscal year 98-99 budget. Said budget will be voted on at the June 16, 1998 Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION: Councilman Stewart had no report. F[I:JMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Chairman Hale had no report. SAFETY COMMITTEE: 9798 Budget Sanitation Councilman Penn advised that Safety committee met May 15, 1998 and discussed Safety guidelines from the Mayor for this committee. Members of this committee are Lane Penn, Jim Neblett, Claude Yelton and Robbie Gardner. Next meeting will be June 8, 1998. 9799 JUne 2, 1998 MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Johnston reminded Council members that if they wished to attend the Newly Elected Municipal Officers Conference on July 8-10, to notify Clerk of Council as soon as possible to facilitate reservations. Mayor Johnston also reminded Council and the Press that the Depot Day Festival is scheduled for June 20, 1998, and encouraged attendance. Resolutions Mayor Johnston advised that before Council was Resolution 98-19, a Resolution to address funding inequities for recreational programs. He added that this Resolution has been adopted by the Finance Committee. Recreation Councilwoman Steger made a motion to adopt Resolution 98-19, a Resolution to address funding inequities for recreational programs, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absent TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT; Mr. Combiths advised that under Town Code, the Town Manager is supposed to inform Parking Council regarding changing parking regulations. The Pulaski County Library requested a handicapped parking space on Third Street and this will be accommodated. He advised that we are still waiting for the Department of Environmental Quality's test results of the New River Trail property. It is hoped that we will receive those results in mid to late July. Mayor Johnston inquired whether a decision has been made on Mimi Anne's request for bicycle racks? Mr. Combiths advised that he would research this item and get back with Council. Mr. Combiths advised that Tom Compton, an employee of the Town, has stepped out of his ownership of the franchise for the Texas Rangers. ~' 1 4 June 2, 1998 9800 He also advised that a citizen has inquired about possibly obtaining the mantel at the Edmonds building. The Town is unable to accommodate this request. Councilman Neblett inquired where we stand with Draper Mountain Overlook. Draper Mtn Overlook Mr. Combiths advised that he would get an update from Public Works Director and report back to Council. Councilwoman Mitchell advised that the iron historical marker for Draper Mountain Overlook has been thrown over the side of the mountain and needs to be retrieved and posted again. Mayor Johnston added that a number of trees block the view of Pulaski and if possible, should be trimmed or cut down. Councilman Weddle inquired whether the deadline had changed for the New River Trail's Completion? New River Trail Mr. Combiths responded that the December deadline has not changed. At 7:30 p.m., Councilwoman Steger made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss 2.1-344 (A3), Land Acquisition; (A4), Personnel matter; and (A7), Possible litigation, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absent At 7:55 p.m., Council returned from Executive Session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Weddle, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absent Councilwoman Steger made a motion that the Town Manager be authorized to finale Human and execute a settlement agreement with Edward Hogston and that the sum of $1000 be Resources appropriated and authorized for expenditure to obtain the release for any and all claims against the Town, its officers, employees, and personnel, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: 5 9801 June 2, 1998 NIr. Neblett -Aye 1VIr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye 1VIr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absent At 8:00 p.m., Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. 6