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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/15/94February 15, 1994 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held February 15, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Vice Mayor W. H. Schrader, Jr., presiding Council Members: Charles D. Crispin, J. R. Schrader, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, E. G. Black, Jr., Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Assistant Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Hiawatha Nicely Conley Hicks Jake Blevins The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Schrader. Councilman Glenn led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman J. R. Schrader gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilman Crispin so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of February 1, 1994, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Vice Mayor Schrader reported that two resolutions were before Council regarding the Magnox Pulaski Inc. bond refinancing. MAGNOX Mr. Terwilliger reported that in 1986, the Town participated in the UDAG loan project for Magnox Pulaski Inc. and at that time the Industrial Development Authority of Pulaski County issued revenue bonds in excess three million dollars with first lien on the plant held by Sovran Bank. The Town and Industrial Development Authority then shared second lien, the Town having a UDAG Grant in the amount of one million dollars. Magnox has indicated that they would like to do a refunding of what was formerly a three million dollar bond which has been paid down to approximately 51.6 million going to First Community Bank in West Virginia. RES. 94-8 Resolution 94-8 was before Town Council approving the issuance of the Refunding Bonds and concurring in the adoption by the Industrial Development Authority of the Resolution. Councilman Glenn so moved that reading of Resolution No. 94-8 be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. 9394 9395 February 15, 1994 MAGNOX, RESOLUTION 94-8 Councilman Glenn made a motion that Resolution No. 94-8 be adopted, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader 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, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye RES. 94-7 Mr. Terwilliger stated that also before Council was Resolution No. MAGNOX 94-7 Authorizing the Execution of a Subordination Agreement and Other Documents in Reference to Magnox Pulaski Incorporated - Refunding Bonds. The Town manager or his designee and the Town Attorney are authorized to execute a subordination agreement and such other documents as are reasonably necessary to assist Magnox Pulaski Incorporated and the Pulaski County Industrial Development Authority in the issuance of a 1994 refunding bond. Councilman Glenn so moved that reading of Resolution No. 94-7 be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Councilman Glenn made a motion that Resolution No. 94-7 be adopted, 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, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mr. Nicely expressed appreciation to the Town Council and to the Town Attorney for assisting Magnox in this endeavor. DORA HGW. In hearing from the public, Mr. Conley Hicks, Dora Highway, requested that a road and bridge be constructed from Dora Highway, across the sewage treatment plant property, to Rt. 99 to replace the current narrow road into Rt. 99 as this road is very dangerous. This matter was referred to Publir_ Operations Committee. Mr. Jake Blevins, Dora Highway, stated that a bridge had been requested 12-14 years ago. Mr. Blevins also asked about cutting the brush on Peak Creek. Mr. Lyons will follow up on this matter. As there were no further comments from the public, Vice Mayor Schrader asked for Council Committee Reports. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE SMOKING Chairman.J. R. Schrader reported that the Personnel Committee met POLICY February 2 and discussed the Smoking Policy draft for the Town smoking/non-smoking. The Committee recommended that the Town Manager distribute a survey to all employees for their input regarding this draft policy and to report the results back to Town Council as soon as possible. The Personnel Committee entered Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter, with no action being taken regarding this item. February 15, 1994 9396 FINANCE COMMITTEE WATER STUDYFinance Committee Chairman Schrader reported that the Finance and Utilities Committees met jointly on February 8 and reviewed the Ernst and Young Water Rate Study. The committees also met jointly on February 10 and recommended that a public hearing be scheduled for the regular Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. March 15, 1994, on the Ernst and Young Water Rate Study. Committee motion 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, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Chairman Schrader reported that the Finance Committee and Utilities Committees will meet again prior to the public hearing. Chairman Schrader advised that the Main Street Financial Report was distributed. BROCHURE Chairman Schrader advised that the Town brochure project will be completed by Robert Henderson of Pulaski at an estimated cost for design, materials and printing 15,000 brochures is approximately $8,500. Mr. Henderson will charge the Town actual cost for materials and hopefully, the Town will also get a logo while preparing the brochure. TRAIN STA. Chairman Schrader reported that the Town Manager had provided cost estimates to complete the renovation of the Train Station. In order to expedite the renovations, the Town Manager recommended that two temporary laborers be hired to complete the interior renovations. The estimated labor cost is $4,800. The remaining renovation costs, including fencing, landscaping and labor is approximately $30,940. The Finance Committee recommended that the Town hire two temporary laborers to complete the Train Station interior carpentry and that UDAG funds be appropriated for the remaining renovation costs, in the approximate amount of $30,940. Committee motion following on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - No Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye UTILITIES COMMITTEE PEPPERS FERChairman Graham had no report from the Utilities Committee, however, he had distributed information regarding the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority meetings held January b and February 10. Chairman Graham noted that the Town of Pulaski exceeded allocated capacity flows for three consecutive months. The Infiltration-Inflow appears to be the problem. Chairman Graham stated that we must continue work toward correcting this problem. Chairman 9397 February 15, 1994 PEPPERS FERRY, Cont. Graham further stated that the proposed budget for 1994-95 was distributed and it was noted that $94,010 for Pulaski Pump Station contract services for 1994-95. Chairman Graham stated that a report on the raw water intake pump WATER station was before Council, and this is a high priority project. Mr. Combiths reported that this project is included in the Farmers Home application. Councilman Graham requested that the Town administration come up with an operation plan, establishing communication of people calling in, emergencies, etc. Mr. Combiths stated that a copy of the County's plan had been requested and that Mr. Lyons was working with the research group of International City Manager's Association. Vice Mayor Schrader suggested that administration put together a plan and bring before full Council. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE DEPT. TRANS.In the absence of Chairwoman Holston, Mr. Lyons reported that the PROJ. public Operations Committee had met February 14. Mr. Lyons reported that the Town receives approximately $500,000 per year in Urban Construction Funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation and these are used for major road and bridge projects. In May, 1992, the Town submitted a five-year list of projects funded by the Town's allocation of urban construction funds. The projects include the replacement of three downtown bridges (Randolph Avenue, Jefferson Avenue and Washington Avenue}. The estimate cost of the bridge replacement is $700,000 per bridge. VDOT began looking at the these bridges and during their review, the Historic Resource people wanted to see if the bridges could be rehabilitated. As a result of this, they have enacted a study of the bridges and this set the project back one year. VDOT have indicated that we have some unallocated funds available. Staff reviewed several projects and recommended traffic signal improvements at Edgehill and Route 99, Peach Street and Route 99 and Madison Avenue and Route 11 at an estimated cost of the three signals at $210,000. The Town is required to fund 2 percent of the cost of the urban construction projects. In FY 1993/94, the Town budgeted $20,000. This will be more than sufficient since only the cost of engineering and design are expected to occur now. RES. 94-5 Before Council was Resolution No. 94-5 requesting the new traffic signals construction from the Department of Transportation. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. 94-5 be waived, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Mr. Lyons stated that recommending these three projects would not block the Town from some of the other projects. Mr. Lottier has requested railroad signal and crossing improvements at a cost of $150,000. Also, Peppers Ferry Road and Route 99 are also projects that are generally a little higher cost. The project recommended is a smaller size project that can be undertaken fairly quickly. The larger projects will be kept under review. Councilman Glenn made a motion that Resolution No. 94-5 be adopted, February 15, 1994 9398 seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: RES. 94-5 TRAFFIC Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye SIGNALS J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye ADOPTED Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Absent c~RMMLL W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye ~~1~ANC;E Mr. Lyons reported that the Public Operations Committee also discussed permit fees necessary due to the ice storm that we had last week. Many residents will need to reconnect power, water or sewer. The Public Operations Committee recommended that the building permit fees for water and sewer reconnection fees be waived for storm related damage only. The waiver applies to the fees only and a building permits and inspection will be required. Deadline would be February 25 to obtain the building permit. Councilman Graham suggested an ordinance be drawn up that the Town Manager has the authority to go ahead and waive these things under emergency conditions. ~' Councilman Glenn so moved that building permit fees be waived according to the committee recommendation, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Mr. Combiths stated that the Town will ask the State for reimbursement on the losses. Mr. Lyons reported that the Town is working with Pulaski County to locate sites for the public to bring tree debris. As soon as the Public Works Department addresses all primary roads and opens all other Town roads to two lanes, it will begin cleanup of other areas in Town. Residents are urged to bring storm debris to the street immediately. Mr. Lyons further reported that Public Works is trying to act as a clearing house for elderly and handicapped residents. Volunteers are being asked to help with the cleanup also for the elderly or handicapped. Councilman Glenn stated that date might want to be extended for this work as contractors doing this type work are limited, and it could take a month before tree debris gets put on the street. Pick up would only include tree debris. Mr. Combiths stated that Town staff would be meeting with County staff on Wednesday to finalize the joint plan. Vice Mayor Schrader and Councilman Crispin advised of the many telephone calls of appreciation to employees for the work that they had done during the storm. Councilman Crispin also requested that letters of commendation be written to all employees that worked beyond the call of duty. Mr. Lyons stated that the Public Works Department will purchase four chain saws at an estimated cost of $2,000. Capital outlay funds for the chain saws were not budgeted, but are necessary for storm cleanup. No supplemental appropriation is necessary at this point, however, staff will monitor the General Fund to determine whether an appropriation will be necessary at the end of the fiscal year. 9399 February 15, 1994 DORA HIGH. Mr. Lyons advised that on Dora Highway, between the sewage treatment plant and Rt. 99 will be closed until further notice. There are trees and rocks that are in danger of falling. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn advised that a public hearing would be scheduled on ORDIN. the open burning ordinance. Mr. Combiths reported that staff and the BURN. Ordinance Committee had been working on the issue of open burning. The Town has adopted the State Fire Code. The State Code does allow, under situations and conditions, open burning for leaves and some brush. The Ordinance Committee felt that we should have a time open one evening where the the public could come in and ask questions or give comments. A public forum will be held Monday, February 28, 7:00 p.m. for this informational session. Staff would be in attendance. Chairman Glenn suggested that the March 1 date be amended to April 1 in the Town Manager's February 8 memorandum. MAYOR'S REPORT Vice Mayor Schrader reported that on two occasions we had tried to have a joint meeting with the County and Town of Dublin. A tentative date of March 1st was suggested for this meeting. Vice Mayor Schrader thanked the Town administration and local businesses and industry for their cooperation with the Town regarding the conservation of water during the storm. STURM Vice Mayor Schrader reported that the County Board of Supervisors passed a declaration of local emergency. Councilman Glenn so moved that Town Council back this declaration of local emergency of the County, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. At 7:47 p.m. Councilman Crispin so moved that Council enter into Executive Session, under 2.1-344 A7, consult with legal counsel regarding sewer corrosion, seconded by Councilman Glenn. Mr. Combiths reported that the Town Offices would be closed on February 21 in observance of Presidents' Day. Councilman Crispin requested that the Town Manager convey Town Council's best wishes to Mike Jenkins on his upcoming medical tests. Councilman Glenn stated there were a number of trees in the area of the raw water intake that we might want to remove. Mr. Combiths reported that Public Works is looking at this. Motion to go into Executive Session then carried on the following recorded vote: [~ 1 Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye February 15, 1994 9400 Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 8:1,0 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the certification resolution on motion made by Councilman Glenn, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Councilman Glenn 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 Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mr. Cambiths reported that Oakwood Cemetery was closed to remove debris. Mr. Combiths also distributed a memorandum written to Mr. Stan Crigger, Pulaski County Emergency Services Coordinator, listing the storm damage assessment forms for the Town. The storm damage assessment is estimated at $90,000. At 8:15 p.m., Councilman Glenn made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. APPROVED: 1 1 ~, / Mayor Attest: C el rk of COUNCIL