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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-93December 7, 1993 9362 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 7, 1993, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: Charles D. Crispin, J. R. Schrader, Jr., Roy H. D'Ardenne, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, E. G. Black, Jr., Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Asst. Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Paul Dellinger, News Media Ronald Vaughan Valencia Johnson Roger L. Dean James E. Aust, Sr. Donald Trail Marvin Eanes H. G. Largen Mildred Bolen Susan Kaiser Mary Lee Duncan The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Vice Mayor W. H. Schrader led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Glenn gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 16, 1993, and the special meeting of November 30, 1993, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. TAXICABS Mayor Hancock advised that two public hearings were scheduled for this meeting, the annual taxi cab public hearing to award certificates and also a taxi cab rate increase request. Mr. Combiths advised that Council would be considering the awarding of certificates for the operation of taxicabs in the~Town of Pulaski for the year 1994 and also to consider a proposed fare increase. Mr. Combiths advised that James Edward Aust, Jim Dandy Taxi Service had requested 12 certificates and Herman Gene Largen, Blue and White Cabs Inc. had also requested 12 certificates. Copies of the applications had been distributed to Town Council. 9363 December 7, 1993 TAXICABS, Cont. Mr. Combiths stated that the Town's Police Department had completed their annual inspection of the operations and the inspections did not find any negative items that would reflect upon the operation of the businesses. Correction was made regarding outdoor storage at one of the businesses. Mr. Combiths stated that Mr. Herman Largen had requested a 25 cent fare increase per zone. Ordinance Committee Chairman Glenn advised that 30 permits would be available, with 24 certificates being requested. Both cab companies have indicated that they may have requests during the year for additional certificates. Chairman Glenn stated that Town Council may still have questions regarding the taxi cab rate increase. The current rate includes a 50 cent per fare service fee and Mr. Largen had requested that this fee be increased, not a general fare increase in this fee, from 50 cents to 75 cents. Administration suggested that Council might want to do away with this fee altogether and go to a flat minimum/maximum rate and give the spread of rate from the current minimum to the new high maximum which would give a spread of $2.15 to 52.80. Mr. Aust, Jim Dandy Cab Co., had not known of the rate change, but would appreciate the additional money. Vice Mayor Schrader had a problem with giving the taxi cab companies a range that would make the taxi fare negotiable, and he felt that Council should set the rate at the beginning of the year. The last rate increase was in 1990. It was the feeling of the Town Council that more information be provided before a vote was taken on the rate increase. Councilman D'Ardenne questioned Mr. Largen's letter regarding permits now held by Deluxe Cabs be transferred to Blue & White Cabs. The letter did not contain a date, nor did it state an effective date of transfer. Mr. Largen stated that the date would be January 1st, and further that the Ordinance Committee had agreed that he could that he could run the two Deluxe Cabs until February 1st. Chairman Glenn stated that Mr. Largen currently has two Deluxe Cabs that are still operating but Mr. Largen plans that these two cabs be off the road by February 1st so permits being granted will be all for Blue & White Cab Co. even though two cabs would run for the next 30 day period (January 1 through February 1} with the Deluxe name on them and will convert over to Blue & White Cabs when these two vehicles are replaced. Town Council felt that the certificates and rate increase for the taxi cabs should be held until next Council meeting. Town Attorney will be requested to make revisions in the ordinance for certificates. From the public, Mary Lee Duncan questioned the monitoring of train December 7, 1993 TRAIN WHISTLES whistles. Ordinance Committee Chairman Glenn stated that November 23, 1993, and recommended that the existin ordinance remain as is for a period of at least the monitoring of the whistles is to be determined, but will come mainly from citizens. No action is to be to change the existing ordinance. 9364 the committee met g train whistle next six months. The it was felt records taken at this time DRAINA~~, Ronald Vaughan, Cliff Street, addressed Town Council with the drainage problem of his sister, Ms. Valencia Johnson, 318 Cliff Street. Water is coming down onto her property which they feel is the result of information furnished by an official of the Town for a neighbor to get rid of the water on his property. But this water was turned over into a Town alley which in turn shoots directly into his sister's property. This pipe was installed 5-6 years ago and since that time, she has had flooding of her basement, replacement of her furnace, cracked basement floor and cracked plaster. He requested the Public Operations Committee to review this situation again. Public Operations Committee Chairwoman Holston advised Mr. Vaughan that the committee was meeting December 8th and they would view the problem. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS ZONINGChairman J. R. Schrader so moved that Warren P. Phillips and John T. Bolen be reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and that the Town Attorney prepare the proper Order to be entered by the Judge of the Pulaski County Court for these appointments with a term of five years. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. RECREAChairman Schrader made a motion that Joseph L. Weddle, Cheryl Beverly and Mason A. Vaughan, Jr. be reappointed to the Town Recreation Commission for a three year term, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. RECR. Chairman Schrader so moved that John R. Phillips be appointed to the County-wide Recreation Commission for a two year term, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. COUNCI~hairman Schrader requested that suggestions and recommendations be made in changing policies for commissions and committees to include attendance requirements. Mayor Hancock also suggested that an annual report be made from each of the committees/commissions. Councilman D'Ardenne suggested the administrative staff prepare a generic set of by-laws that could be used either as general thing for all committees or used as a model for committees. The Planning Commission and ARB have by-laws. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman W. H. Schrader stated that the Finance Committee had met 9365 December 7, 1993 prior to the Council meeting regarding the refinancing of our 1987 General Obligation Bonds. BONDS Mr. Lyons reported that the Town has been examining whether it should refinance its 1987 General Obligation Bond issue. Interest rate at present is very favorable. Municipal Advisors, the Town's financial advisor, recommends that the Town accept a proposal by Nationsbank since they offer the greatest savings to the Town. The cumulative savings are $220,932 which averages $24,300 per fiscal year between now and the year 2003. The savings includes all the fees related to the bonds, including our financial advisor, bond counsel, and rating we will be getting next week hopefully from Standard and Poor's. Mr. Lyons advised that the bonds that were due in 1994 and February 1, 1995, will be paid just like they would if we did not take any action, however, we would never be in a situation where we would have this obligation plus having to pay Nationsbank principal and interest. Using a handout prepared by Municipal Advisors, Mr. Lyons gave a savings report. Mayor Hancock stated that before Council was Resolution No. 93-18 Authorizing the Sale of General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, and the Execution of a Bond Purchase Agreement in Connection Therewith. Chairman Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. 93-18 be waived, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. Chairman Schrader made a motion that Resolution No. 93-18 be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: BOND RESOLUTION Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye UTILITIES COMMITTEE PEPPERS FERRYChairman Graham advised that a memorandum had been distributed to Town Council regarding information obtained at the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority meeting held November 18, 1993. Chairman Graham stated that a copy of the PFRWTA "Rules & Regulations" with proposed changes dated November 2, 1993, is located in the Town Manager's office if Council would like to review. Chairman Graham advised that the Peakland Drive water line has been WATER completed at a cost of $5,565, $10.31/ft. Chairman Graham commended the Public Works Department for their efforts on this project. Chairman Graham reported that the Town is still working on Draper Mountain and Bainbridge water problems. The Town may need to make supplemental appropriations to our water fund for the correction of water problems as they arise. 1 Chairman Graham reported that he had attended a Virginia Department December 7, 1993 9366 of Highways round table meeting in Roanoke with the Town Engineer this date. Chairman Graham stated there is a considerable amount of money in the Urban Construction Fund that could be utilized for traffic lights, curb & gutter and possibly the New River Trail might qualify. WATER Chairman Graham stated that on the new water rate, the Town did not quite comply with the ordinance adopted effective October 1, 1993. He recommended that the Town go back and rebill customers and carry out the ordinance to correct this situation. Mr. Combiths advised that the ordinance stated October 1st but because of our meter reading and billing cycle, we lost about two weeks. Over the course of nine months, we are still going to receive nine month's revenue because we go over two weeks at the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Combiths stated that Council could amend the ordinance to reflect the date of the meter billing or it means pro-rating water bills which would be quite an undertaking. Council discussed this matter at length with suggestions rendered to correct the situation. Councilman Crispin so moved that ordinance be amended to reflect the actual date that billings began at the higher water rate. It will cost us revenue but Councilman Crispin felt it would be compensated by goodwill. Motion seconded by Councilman Black. Councilman Graham felt that we had a communication problem. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that Mr. Graham was correct in saying that meters should be read or estimated and the bill sent out on a 30 day basis. Councilman Graham requested that Mr. Combiths prepare a report on date the meters are to be read on a 12 month basis and the date the bill is to be sent out. Vice Mayor Schrader asked Councilman Graham if the Town was looking to taking over pump stations at Peppers Ferry with Councilman Graham reporting that the Utilities Committee was not involved at this point but there were a lot of possibilities with a savings to the Town. Vice Mayor Schrader suggested that the Town Attorney review this matter prior to the Council taking a vote. Councilman Crispin so moved that this matter be tabled and left open until an opinion is received from the Town Attorney. Motion seconded by Councilman Black and carried. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE SIDEWALKS Chairwoman Holston advised that the Public Operations Committee had met November 18, and reviewed the sidewalk priority list and a request for a sidewalk on the Northwood Drive bridge. The Town Engineer has reported the cost to provide a shoulder is $500 plus stone. The Town Manager is to contact Pulaski County School Board and discuss sharing work on this project. These two topics will be reviewed further. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE 9367 December 7, 1993 Chairman Glenn had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT COUNCIL Mayor Hancock reported that Roscoe Cox had suggested that Council consider applying for All American City designation for Pulaski. A citizen's committee or another group would be needed to assist the Town to spearhead this effort. Councilman Glenn suggested that perhaps PEP organization could assist with this application. Mayor Hancock will explore what we need to do and get back with Council. N&S Mayor Hancock advised that the demolition of the abandoned Instructions have been given to with the demolition with expend Fund. Mr. Lyons clarified that charged to the Fund. the Architectural Review Board approved building at the train station. the Public Works Department to go ahead itures being charged to the Train Station only out of pocket expenditures would be Mr. Lyons reported that the Director of Public Works had indicated that the building should be down in approximately 10 days. Mayor Hancock reported that paving had been done at the Train Station and it is hoped that the Chamber of Commerce will be in by the end of the year. Mayor Hancock also advised that we hope to have a dedication in May. COUNCIL/ Councilman Crispin thanked Mayor Hancock for the letter he had STUDEN`~ritten to the Board of Education regarding recognizing students in the county and town and also recommended that students, parents and teachers be recognized. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger absent. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT AUDIT Ms. Susan Kaiser, McLeod and Company, distributed the 1992-93 Comprehensive Audit for the Town. Ms. Kaiser stated that the Finance Director would apply again this year for the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate which the Town received last year. She further stated there were no problems with state or federal regulations, and no major reportable conditions for internal controls. A management letter has been issued with suggestions to the Town Manager. At 5:21 p.m. Councilman Graham so moved that Council go into Executive Session on a personnel matter on a specifically named individual under 2.1-344 A1; litigation on behalf of the Town and against the Town; and potential contract negotiations A7, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye 1 December 7, 1993 9368 At 5:41 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Crispin, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 5:43 p.m. Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. APPROVED: ~n U Cam' Mayor Attest: Clerk of Council 1 9369 December 21, 1993 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 21, 1993, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: Charles D. Crispin, J. R. Schrader, Jr., Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr., W. H. Schrader, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, E. G. Black, Jr., Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Ronald Vaughan Valencia Johnson Roger L. Dean Webster Day Scott Levy Mildred Bolen The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Councilwoman Holston led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Black gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 7, 1993, be approved as ' submitted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. GEN. OBLIG. Mayor Hancock advised that before Town Council was Resolution No. BONDS 93-19 authorizing the issuance of $2,885,762.05 General Obligation Refunding Bond, Series 1993, of the Town of Pulaski, to be sold to Nationsbank of Virginia, N.A. Mr. Combiths advised that the Finance Committee had reviewed this resolution and Town Council had previously approved Resolution No. 93-18 which authorized both the sale of general obligation refunding bonds and the execution of a bond purchase agreement. Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that reading of Resolution No. 93-19 be waived, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. Councilman Crispin made a motion that Resolution No. 93-19 be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne. Vice Mayor Schrader extended Council's appreciation to Mr. Day for