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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/949429 May 17, 1994 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held May 17, 1994, 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 Robert J. Lyons, Assistant Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Valencia Johnson Ronald Vaughan Mildred Bolen Mike Jenkins Jake Blevins Mary Lee Duncan Howard Walter Pam Gibbs Chris Woodie Katherine Clark W. S. Clark A. J. Keatley Mrs. A. J. Keatley Larry Taylor, Jr. Bettye Steger John Stone Eddie Hale 1 Student The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Vice Mayor W. H. Schrader led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman D'Ardenne gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of April 19, 1994, and the minutes of the special meeting of May 4, 1994, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. May 17, 1994 9430 WATER Mrs. Katherine Clark addressed Town Council regarding her high water bills for the March time period. She stated she had been trying to get a response from the~`inance Department for the past few months. Mrs. Clark had also made a survey of her neighborhood and they also had a significant increase in their water bills. Mrs. Clark asked what is being done about the problem; that the problem be examined and procedures be put into place to correct. The water bills during this time period were estimated bills due to the inclement weather. The Town Manager and the Finance Department will look into this complaint and report back to the Town Council on Friday. Apology was rendered to Mrs. Clark for the delay in answering her inquiry. STREET In hearing from the public, Mr. Howard Walter, Pizza Hut, P. 0. Box 843, Wytheville, VA, requested that a median strip be removed in front of the Pizza Hut on Route 99. The Engineering Department is to review this request for cost and recommendation. Mr. Ronald Vaughan, on behalf of his sister Valencia Johnson, thanked Town Council for their efforts to get a drain pipe installed. He also advised that storm debris had not yet been picked up. Mr. Combiths reported that the PSA is picking up debris, however, he will bring a report back to Town Council on Friday. STREET Mr. Jake Blevins questioned the opening of Dora Highway that was closed due to the storm in February. He advised that this road needed to be opened up. Mr. Combiths reported that the staff had been meeting with FEMA and they have advised that they want to clear the road only and not clear the hillside. The estimates for debris removal are larger than FEMA is advising. Mr. Lyons stated that removing the debris from the roadway only is not enough to make the road safe. We will be continuing to talk with FEMA. A meeting with the Public Operations Committee will be scheduled to determine what course of action we should take. Mayor Hancock advised that the quote to remove the debris from the bank is $185,000 and it was felt that the Federal Emergency Agency should pay some of this. Mr. Blevins also questioned the brush removal from Peak Creek. Documents had been given to the property owners to execute. Mr. Blevins advised that no one would sign the documents to go across their property. Mr. Terwilliger advised that the contract stated the Town would repair any damage to the property above the 100 year floe mark, ' ~' ~~~>~. ]je responsible for ~~.:?~, ~ ~~.y ~ ~ ~~~~ ~ r t; . 1~4 r . Te ; ~ ' ' 7 ~ c~c~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ' ? stated that the Town is not promising to go in and do this work. W„ ~~.~nnot:. ~~bl. ig:+te the Town to do ~,1iF>:,:_ ' `~ ; ~ g:;, t.: ; t is hoped that the work can be done when funds are available. Mr. Terwilliger stated that the Town had requested the easements, which would stay with the property should it change hands. 9431 May 17, 1994 Mayor Hancock asked that staff review this and possibly talk with the property owners involved to seek a resolution. N&S Mrs. Mary Lee Duncan again addressed Council regarding the blowing WHISTLE of the train whistles, stating they were getting louder. The Ordinance Committee has previously reviewed this situation and the whistles are being blown at the engineer's discretion when safety requires it. After discussion, it was felt that there was no way to police the engineers. The ordinance bans blowing of the whistles from 11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Council Members were concerned with the safety factor. NRCC Mayor Hancock advised that next on agenda was a presentation QUALITY relatin to the New River Communit Colle e FIRST g Y g Quality First Program. Ms. Mildred Bolen, Finance Director and Mr. Mike Jenkins, Director of Public Works, then made presentation advising that the Quality First Program is designed to raise awareness of the relationship of quality to customer satisfaction and to develop team problem solving capabilities. Project Statement - increase and improve the accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness of utility meter reading, billing accountability for water produced and customer service. Overheads were used to illustrate the program. A copy of the NRCC Quality First Program, Spring 1994, is attached to the permanent file copy of the Council Minutes. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Chairman J. R. Schrader reported that the Personnel Committee had Planningmet May 6, 1994 and May 9, 1994, entering into Executive Session to ,Beauty, discuss a personnel matter. Chairman Schrader so moved that William T. ~'CemeterySmith, Jr. and Roy David Warburton be reappointed to the Planning Zoning Commission for a four year term; that Sue Vaughan, Mary Lee Duncan, Ruth Nuckols and Alan Rudisill be appointed to the Beautification Committee for a 3 year term; that James Robertson be reappointed as Trustee to the Cemetery Trust Fund for another 3 year term; and that Katy Kirk be appointed 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 the appointment of Mrs. Kirk to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Harry Foglesong which would expire October 13, 1996. Motion seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne 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. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye 1 May 17, 1994 PMI Chairman Schrader advised that a Council Member needed to be appointed to the PMI Board and recommended this appointment be made after new Council Members take their seat in July. Also, Chairman Schrader recommended that the Parking Authority, PMI, the Pulaski Busines-s Alliance and the Personnel Committee get together as for several years the Parking Authority has not been meeting, but they are active in a couple of the lots in renting out spaces. 9432 POLICE Chairman Schrader also reported that the recruitment process is continuing for the position of Chief of Police, and Councilwoman Holston so moved that presented schedule be accepted as a guideline, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader. Councilman Crispin felt it would be in the best interest of the Town if Council held off on the interviewing process until the new Council came on board. Councilman Glenn also preferred that the three new members of Council to actually have a vote in the selection of the new Chief. 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. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye FINANCE COMMITTEE ~Y Chairman W. H. Schrader reported that the Finance Committee had met April 26, 1994, and directed the Town Manager to discuss the use of Cemetery Trust Funds for the operation and maintenance of Oakwood and Pinehurst Cemeteries. The Committee also entered Executive Session on legal matters involving an economic development matter and a potential land acquisition. 'SIN ~'A. Chairman Schrader advised that the Finance Committee met on May 2. The Finance Committee recommended, and Chairman Schrader so moved approval of a budget not tv exceed $9,000 which includes funds for commerative coins, tent, special events, miscellaneous expenses and advertising for the Train Station dedication. Councilman Crispin stated that just recently, Council put a cap of- $5,000 on the Train Station budget and he felt he could not support this increased cap. - Motion then carried 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. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye 9433 May 17, 1994 Mr. Combiths reported that a meeting would be scheduled with the ~y Cemetery Trustees. Councilman Graham stated that it was impossible for owners of cemetery spaces to get to their plots. This matter will be reviewed with the Trustees. Mayor Hancock stated that he felt the Cemetery Trust Funds should be held in trust for perpetual maintenance. Chairman Schrader stated that Council had started the review of our next fiscal year budget. UTILITIES COMMITTEE P~ Chairman Graham stated that the Utilities Committee had met May 5, IF~Ry 1994. Mr. Terwilliger reported that the Town is required to have a Pre- treatment Ordinance under Peppers Ferry's rules and regulations. This ordinance is to put into place a permitting process, a reporting process and a penalty process for persons who contribute to the waste stream and to require that persons who have certain types of industrial waste, to pre-treat if necessary, but in any case to advise us of what they are putting into our system so that we can make decision and have control over what is going into our plant and into our pipes. PR~TREA'IMINT ~~~ Councilman Graham so moved that reading of Pre-Treatment Ordinance No. 94-6 be waived, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. Councilman Graham made a motion that Ordinance No. 94-6 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. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye pEpp~ Chairman Graham advised that the Utilities Committee discussed the ~y I/I update-. Our I/I ordinance should be reviewed to see if there are I~-j any necessary changes to improve it. Chairman Graham recommended that this review be referred to the Ordinance Committee and the-U~ilities Committee. Sample I/I ordinances have been requested from ICMA and VML. WAS Chairman Graham reported that the committee had reviewed water line extension to Cropland Estates. Mr. Bird is requesting a schedule of the water line that will serve his property. Although the project is scheduled for FY 1994-95, the projects at Draper Mountain Estates, Mashburn Avenue and Pearce Place will be completed first. Chairman Graham advised the committee discussed the sewer corrosion ~gy problem and a-n understanding with the Public Service- Authority is needed and Pulaski County as to their position. Manholes between Dublin and Nhy 17, 1994 9434 Radford have been inspected and thus far one manhole was found with some corrosion. ~T~ Chairman Graham reported that the committee had discussed the meter re-reading policy. Also, study has been made on the Bainbridge water pressure problem. Staff met with Renfro and additional pressure tests will be conducted. Renfro has installed new equipment in an attempt to solve the "hammer" problem. Chairman Graham advised that the committee also discussed the County Water Agreement. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairwoman Holston had no report, however, a meeting is to be scheduled this week. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock reported that the plans for Depot Day are going along well, and a more detailed report will be given at the next Council meeting. J. SQ~tADIIZ Mayor Hancock advised that tonight is the last meeting of J. R. Schrader and on behalf of the Town Council and citizens of Pulaski, sincere appreciation for his years of service was extended. Mayor Hancock advised that J. R. had been an outstanding public servant and it had been a pleasure to work with him. Mr. Schrader is concerned about the average citizen and we will miss him and his leadership. Mr. Schrader stated that he had enjoyed serving on Council and appreciated the confidence shown to him. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Combiths reported that the Allison Estate had requested that SPAS the Town repurchase 12 spaces, Lot 1, Section J in the original section of Oakwood Cemetery. Councilman Glenn so moved that the Town Manager be authorized to repurchase these 12 spaces, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne 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. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye 9435 May 17, 1994 W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn = Aye Mr. Combiths reported that the Town Offices would be closed May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. Mr. Combiths advised that concerts would be held in Jackson Park as there is some money in the budget. -- At 8:40 p.m., Council entered Executive Session on motion made by Councilman D'Ardenne under 2.1-344 A7 to consult with legal counsel regarding cable and also on Al personnel matter involving the upcoming Council vacancy, Al regarding Town Manager's contract, and A7 to consult with Counsel on a potential contractual matter involving sewer lines. Motion seconded by Councilman Glenn 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. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 9:07 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived -reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilwoman Holston, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Certification Resolution -be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. •Sch~rader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mayor Hancock - Aye DR.JOHD1SI~i Councilman Graham made a motion -that Council appoint Dr. John APPT. Johnston to fill the unexpired term of Mr. J. R. Schrader, seconded by TO'IC7WN Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote:- Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Abstain E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 9:10 p.m. Council adjourned on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. D1762 Ruth6 Attest: APPROVED: (/. Mayor ~ti.~c.~lJ .~F w~-c-P-2 Clerk of Council n J