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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/05/949451 July 5, 1994 ORGANIZATION MEETING At a regular Municipal Election held for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, on May 3, 1994, the following officers were elected with terms to begin July 1, 1994. Mayor Andrew L. Graham - two year term; W. Edgar Hale, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Bettye H. Steger and John W. Stone, Councilmembers to serve four years. The Mayor-elect and the Councilmembers-elect have duly qualified before the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Pulaski County, Virginia, as provided by Section IX of the Town of Pulaski Charter of 1948, and the Charter amendment approved by~the 1986 Legislature. A meeting was held this 5th day of July 1994, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were presents Mayor Andrew L. Graham, presiding Councilmembers: John A. Johnston, John W. Stone, Bettye H. Steger, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr., W. Edgar Hale, Alma H. Holston, Elbert G. Black, Jr. Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Rebekah Corso, Acting Clerk of Council Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Reverend Steven Ridenhour Curtis Graham Elrica S. Graham Arthur L. Meadows Gayle Mitchell Lt. Edward Hogston Geri Young Ashley Stone Donna Stone Heather Stone Larry Warden Ronald Vaughan Valencia Johnson Don Crispin Juanita Taylor Herb Cooley J. Warden Virginia Graham Jones July 5, 1994 9452 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING The Organizational Meeting of Town Council was called to order at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Graham led the Pledge of Allegiance with the Invocation being given by Rev. Steven Ridenhour. Councilman Johnston made the motion to appoint Rebekah Corso as Acting Clerk of Council, seconded by Councilman Schrader, and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye The roll call was then taken with all members being present. ABSTRACT OF Mayor Graham asked the Acting Clerk if she had received the VOTES "Abstract of Votes" cast in the Town of Pulaski Municipal Election held on May 3, 1994, and was advised by the Acting Clerk that she had received same, and upon his request, the Acting Clerk read from the Abstract of Votes the following: For Mayor of the Town of Pulaski, Andrew L. Graham, Jr.; For Council - Bettye H. Steger, W. Edgar Hale, John W. Stone, and W. H. Schrader, Jr. As no one requested the Acting Clerk read entire Abstract of Votes, Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Abstract of Votes be received and recorded as part of the minutes of this meeting, seconded by Councilman Black, and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye OATHS OF OFFICE Mayor Graham inquired of the Acting Clerk if she had received copies of the Oaths of Office taken before the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was informed she had received same. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Oaths of Office be received and filed, seconded by Councilman Black, and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye Thereupon, the newly elected officials were seated. Mayor Graham welcomed new Councilmembers Bettye H. Steger, W. Edgar Hale and John W. Stone. 9453 July 5, 1994 Mayor Graham commended outgoing Councilmembers Crispin and Glenn for their service to the Town, and requested that a Resolution Honoring Charles "Don" Crispin be considered for adoption. RESOLUTION Mayor Graham read Resolution No. 94-18 honoring Charles "Don" 94-18 Crispin for his service to the Town. Councilman Schrader made a motion that Resolution No. 94-18 be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: ~° Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye RESOLUTION Mayor Graham read Resolution No. 94-19 honoring Robert "Nick" Glenn 94-19 for his service to the Town. Councilman Schrader made a motion the Resolution No. 94-19 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye RESOLUTION Mayor Graham read Resolution No. 94-20 honoring Gary C. Hancock for N0.94-20his years of service as .Mayor of the Town. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Resolution No. 94-20 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye At this time Mayor Graham presented to the ne w Council Members a copy of "What We Believe", a statement adopted by Council regarding the quality of life of the Town. VICE MAYOg Mayor Graham advised a Vice-Mayor would now be elected for the 1994-96 term. Councilwoman Holston nominated W. H. "Rocky" Schrader, Jr. for Vice-Mayor for the 1994-96 term, seconded by Councilman Black. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Council elect W. H. "Rocky" Schrader, Jr. as Vice-Mayor by acclamation, seconded by Councilman Black, and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - kye July 5, 1994 STANDING COMMITTEES Mayor Graham advised the next item on the agenda was Standing Committee assignments as follows: COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE MEMBERS Finance Schrader D'Ardenne, Black, Johnston, Stone Ordinance Black D'Ardenne, Steger, Holston Personnel D'Ardenne Hale, Schrader, Holston Public Operations Holston Hale, Stone, Steger Utilities Johnston Black, Steger, Stone, Hale There being no discussion on appointments to Committees, Mayor Graham then appointed Committee Chairperson and members as listed. 9454 Mayor Graham stated it had been suggested that a Co-Chairperson be appointed for each committee. Mayor Graham stated that he would leave that decision to each Committee and asked that each Committee report any appointment of Co-Chairperson at the next regular meeting. Mayor Graham adjourned the Organization Meeting at 4:19 p.m. 1 The first order of business in Council's Regular Meeting was the approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 21, 1994. Vice- Mayor Schrader so moved that minutes be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne, and so carried. Next on the agenda was the appointment of Chief of Police. At 4:20 mr~ ~Ma or `spa`- so moved that Council p. y go into Executive Session on a personnel matter on a specifically named individual under 2.1-344 A1, and a legal matter under A7 on W-2 IRS matter. Motion seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye At 4:27 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Vice-Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: 9455 July 5, 1994 Dr. John Johnston - Aye John W. Stone - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion to certify that the Personnel Committee meetings held over the past several weeks were held for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the position of Chief of Police for the Town of Pulaski, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - .Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye CHIEF OF Councilman D'Ardenne made a-motion to appoint Hubert G. Cooley as POLICE Chief of Police, with a base salary of $40,000 and to assume the APPT. position on July 18, 1994, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye At this time Mayor Graham welcomed Mr. Cooley and introduced him to the citizens present. Mr. Cooley stated he was looking forward to coming to Pulaski and he didn't intend to be an outsider for long. From the public, Mr. Larry Warden, manager of Pulaski Market, questioned a letter received from Tom Compton, Code Compliance Officer, with regard to a billiard parlor/game room and apartment located on Valley Road (Pulaski Market). Mr. Warden was requested to contact the Town Manager to address his concerns. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE July 5, 1994 9456 Chairman D'Ardenne advised the Personnel Committee met on June 30, 1994 and entered Executive Session to discuss Police Chief recruitment and the W-2 problem. APPTS. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion to appoint Town Representative assignments as follows: New River Valley Airport Commission Robert N. Glenn Thomas Combiths, Alternate 0 Virginia Alcohol Safety Program Virginia Municipal League New River Regional Criminal Justice Training Center New River Valley Planning District Chief of Police Mayor Andrew Graham Thomas Combiths, Alternate Chief of Police Joe Weddle Motion seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye FINANCE COMMITTEE Vice-Mayor W. H. Schrader referred to the Town Attorney for a report. IRS(TAXE~own Attorney Frank Terwilliger advised that as a result of the ongoing negotiations with the IRS to resolve the situation with the Town employees W-2 forms, the IRS has tendered an offer to the Town. The offer itself is fairly straightfoward, however, the addendum is a list of employees and a breakdown of their taxes by different years, is felt should remain confidential. There are still some points to be worked out which concern the addendum, concerning specific dollar amounts contributory to each employee, however subject to those dollar amounts being worked out then asked that the Town Council move for a motion to authorize the Town Manager and Town Attorney to finalize an agreement. Furthermore, to authorize the Town Manager to sign the agreement, substantially the form submitted by the IRS, with the understanding that there would be some possible changes to the terms of the calculations per individual employee and authorize the expenditure of $30,000 from 9457 July 5, 1994 IRS TAXES (Con't.) unappropriated surplus to be paid to the IRS. Vice-Mayor Schrader so moved that the Town Manager and Town Attorney be authorized to finalize an agreement, and sign said agreement, with the IRS for the settlement of the Town's employees W-2 problem, and furthermore authorize the expenditure of $30,000 from unappropriated surplus to be paid to the IRS, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston had no report. Mayor Graham requested a progress report on the negotiations with Peppers Ferry prior to July 7, 1994. Mayor Graham requested that the Town Manager report to Council on the status of Peppers Ferry at each meeting. PUBLIC OPERATIONS DORA HIGHWY. Chairwoman Holston reported that at the June 30, 1994 meeting there was an update on Dora Highway. Staff will be preparing a list of Dora Highway improvements to be performed by Public Works and the remainder of work will be bid. The proposed schedule for the work to be bid is as follows: July 10, 1994 - advertise for bids; July 22, 1994 - bids received; August 12, 1994 - proposed date for contractor to begin work. In order to expedite the project, Public Works plans to complete their items before August 12th. ALLEY Chairwoman Holston advised the Town had recently reviewed and declined a request to remove trees and brush from the right-of-way between 15th and 16th Street near Prospect Avenue. The request was denied because it did not rank highly on the alley priority criteria established by the Town. Discussion followed with regard to abandoning this and other alleys and right-of- ways and Chairwoman Holston requested a meeting of the Public Operations Committee be scheduled to review a list of alleys and right-of-ways that can be abandoned. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Black had no report, however, requested a meeting of the Ordinance Committee to discuss the Smoking San. July 5, 1994 9458 MAYOR'S REPORT TOWN MGR Mayor Graham requested that a salary adjustment for Town Manager Tom Combiths be considered. Mayo r Graham advised that Mr. Combiths had not received a salary adjustment since he was hired and so moved that a 4% salary adjustment, retroactive to Mr. Combiths' anniversary date of May 10, 1994, be approved, with f uture annual reviews sche duled to coincide with the annual budget, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye MAYOR At this time Mayor Graham read his "Priority Target Goals" for the Fiscal Year 1994-1995 and requested that a copy be included in the permanent Minutes of this meeting. PEPPER$[Mayor Graham requested that the Town Manager report to Council, at FERRYeacnn Council meeting, the progress or status of the sewer line problem to Pepper's Ferry Wastewater ,Treatment facility and infiltration/inflow correction measures. MUSEUM Mayor Graham advised that there was a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 6, 1994, with Beverly Ratcliffe Holtz regarding the Raymond F. Ratcliffe Museum and the need for volunteers to help keep the museum open and the need for a committee to continue to develop the museum. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger expressed gratitude and gave credit to Congressman Boucher's office for their assistance in resolving the W-2 matter. Congressman Boucher arranged for representatives of the IRS to come to Pulaski, which was helpful in getting a resolution to this matter. TAXES Mr. Terwilliger advised that in June certain parcels of real estate were advertised to be sold for delinquent taxes. The Town has since collected approximately $22,000 as a result of the threatened suits. Two suits were filed on July 5, 1994 to sell off other real estate for delinquent taxes. TOWN MANAGER Mr. Combiths updated Council on items brought to the Town's attention by citizens; 1) Ms. Duncan inquired about sidewalk repairs on Madison Avenue. As part of the Public Works ongoing repairs of sidewalks, this sidewalk repair will be addressed by Mid-September. 2) Public Works has completed their water line improvements in Draper Mountain Estates, however there is still some detail work that will need 9459 July 5, 1994 to be done over time with regard to landscaping, in the right-of-way. 3) Public Works plans to move to Mashburn Avenue for those water line improvements the week of July 11th. As ari update on Dora Highway, Public Works is today removing debris from Dora Highway and by July 12th they plan to be finisfie~d with removal of debris from the highway and guard rails. Tentatively the contractor should be on site by August 12th. PEPPERS Magnox has submitted an application for sewer capacity from PFRWTA. FERRY Pepper's Ferry has reviewed that application and has sent comments back (MAGNOX)to Magnox. Magnox is responding to those comments. Mayor Graham requested that the Town Manager report on the status of Magnox and their sewer capacity application at each Council meeting. Mr. Combiths advised that the sewer TV inspection van should be delivered to the Town the week of July 11th. Vice-Mayor Schrader indicated that with the new water bills being sent out and with the addition of some new abbreviations being included on the bills, the Town may want to do some public education to let the citizens know what those abbreviations mean. Councilwoman Steger addressed the citizens present at the meeting and requested that the news media publish the fact that the Council meets twice a month, the times of the meetings and the fact that citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend. Mr. Combiths requested an Executive Session on a specific legal matter. At 5:20 p.m. Vice-Mayor Schrader so moved that Council go into Executive Session on a specific legal matter, contract with auditors, under 2.1-344 A7, and on a legal matter regarding a collection debt with the Town, under 2.1-344 A7, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye At 5:37 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Vice-Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye July 5, 1994 9460 W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye Vice-Mayor Schrader made a motion that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: Dr. John Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye AT 5:37 p.m. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried. APPROVED: `' Mayor Attest: Acting Clerk of Council ~~ n