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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-949517 October 4, 1994 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held October 4, 1994, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Andrew L. Graham, Jr., presiding Council Members: 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 Robert J. Lyons, Assistant Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey, Paul Dellinger, Rebecca Skeens, News Media Robin King Vanessa Hill Ronda Dalton Sandra Wilhoit Mickey Smith Marshall Dowdy Herb Cooley Cmdr. Ernie Taylor Cmdr. Ed Hogston Cmdr. B. D. Buckner Paul Etzel Debbie Jonas Audrey Jackson Virginia C. Kirkland Herman Largen Michael Dowell Mike Fleenor Todd Lytton The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilman Black led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Hale gave the Invocation. Following the roll call and welcome by Mayor Graham, Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that the minutes of the special meeting held September 20, 1994, at 7:00 a.m. and the minutes of the regular meeting October 4, 1994 9518 held September 20, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. and the minutes of the special meeting held September 28, 1994, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. PROCLAMATIONMayor Graham read a Proclamation declaring October Crime Prevention POLICE Month in the Town of Pulaski. The Proclamation was then presented to Chief of Police Herb Cooley. Chief Cooley introduced Police Department Commanders Buckner, Hogston and Taylor, thanking them for their support and also introduced new Police department employees Todd Lytton, full time Dispatcher, who will move to Police Officer on Oct. 17; Robin King, certified Police Officer, Vanessa Hill, Crime Prevention Specialist, Ronda Hill, Dispatcher 3rd shift, Sandra Wilhoit, part time Dispatcher, Mic-key Smith, certified Police Officer, Marshall Dowdy, certified Police Officer, and absent Kirk Hendricks, Dispatcher. ECONOMIC DEV. PLAN Registered speaker, Paul Etzel, addressed Council regarding the Economic Development Plan and urged Council to fund this program as he felt it was vitally important to the Town and its citizens. Mayor Graham stated he felt that Council should look into this funding in depth to see how it would fit into our total picture and then move forward with it due to the fact that the Council had only one 15 minute work session on this matter, the Finance Committee had not had an opportunity to meet and make their recommendations to Council for financing; and the Town Manager had not made his recommendation to Council concerning the Economic Development Plan. Councilwoman Steger made a motion that Council authorize the Town Manager to negotiate with Roscoe Cox for continued part time work for the rest of the fiscal year. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Holston. Mr. Combiths advised he would bring a report back to Town Council at the November 1st Council meeting. Council Members spoke to the issue of the Economic Development Plan, with Mayor Graham expressing concern over expenditure, i.e. $65,000 for new T.V truck, and borrowing funding to replace the sewer line that is corroded to Peppers Ferry. Plus other projects that are in place and require funding. Councilwoman Holston felt the llDAG funds give incentive for industries to come into Town. These UDAG funds are paid back to the Town and the fund continues to grow. Councilwoman Holston also gave information regarding help available from the State to Town Manager. Mr. Combiths advised that Mr. Cox had suggested that we bring someone on board while Mr. Cox is working with the Town, for training, in building and implementation of the Economic Development Plan that Council has adopted. 9519 October 4, 1994 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN Councilman Stone made a substitute motion that Council allocate an MOTION additional $54,203 to the current UDAG funds that have already been approved to fund and to start the Economic Development Plan so that we can get the plan in motion. Motion seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that the door to economic development was not closed; we want the program to live and to grow, but he had a problem funding this program this year and we will continue to take $100,000 the following years. He felt we had to plan for the future, have the tools in place and have an idea of where we are going before we start. Councilman Johnston stated we look at the budget for the Town in early Spring and looking at the budget next Spring, we can have better guidelines than what we have now until the end of this fiscal year with economic development. He felt we should take this step today and it will serve as a guide. Councilman D'Ardenne stated that the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager were in attendance at all meetings. The vote taken tonight would significantly affect the future direction of the Town as far as economic development was concerned. MOTION Substitute motion then CARRIED carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - No W. H. Schrader, Jr. - No E. G. Black, Jr. - No PUBLIC HEARINGMayor Graham advised that next on agenda was a public hearing COND. regarding a Conditional Use Request from Samuel Austin to operate a game USE room and pool hall at 143 Randolph Ave. Mr. Lyons reported that this request is located in the B-3 district and the operation of a game room requires a conditional use permit. The operations would include 4 pool tables and video games. Hours of operation would be Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Mr. Austin has no plans to serve alcohol at this business. None of the Town departments objected to this request. This request has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and they recommended approval of the conditional use application with the following conditions: 1) that no alcohol be served at the game room; and 2) the hours of operations would be 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Monday through Saturday) and 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m on Sundays. There were no comments from the public for or against this proposal. October 4, 1994 Two gentlemen at the Planning Commission public hearing were against the proposal. At 5:07 p.m. the public hearing was closed. 9520 Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion to waive reading of Ordinance No. 94-29 Approving a Conditional Use at 143 Randolph Ave. to Operate a Game Room. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried. Councilman D'Ardenne made adopted, seconded by Councilman recorded vote: ORDINANCE 94-29 ADOPTED John A. Johnston - Aye John W. Stone - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye a motion that Ordinance No. 94-29 be Black and carried on the following Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE WATER Chairman Johnston reported that the Public Works Department had completed water line installation in Pearce Place and on Cardinal Drive. Mr. Combiths gave an update on Dora Highway, advising the highway is now scheduled to open October 21 due to not being able to complete the shoulder work. Chairman Johnston reported that work is continuing with the T.V. on the sewer lines. Mayor Graham introduced Rebecca Skeens, representing WRAD. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Schrader reported that the Finance Committee met on September 29 and discussed the Economic Development Plan with no recommendation being made at the meeting. PERSONNEL & PUBLIC RELATIONS Chairman D'Ardenne stated that a Personnel Committee meeting was scheduled for 7:00 a.m., October 13. ORDINANCE 94-31 Before Council was Ordinance No. 94-31 Amending the Position Classification and Compensation Plan for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia. Chairman D'Ardenne so moved that reading of Ordinance No. 94-31 be waived, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried. 9521 October 4, 1994 Chairman D'Ardenne made a motion that Ordinance No. 94-31 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 94-31 ADOPTED John A. 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 E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE ALLEY Chairwoman Holston advised that a public hearing had been held regarding alley closings. Before Council was Ordinance No. 94-24 Closing of Two Intersecting Alleys, One Connecting Twelfth Street NW and Thirteenth Street, NW and the Other Intersecting the First, Parallel to Said Streets. Chairwoman Holston stated that Mr. Trail, an adjacent property owner, had requested time to prepare an agreement with the other adjoining property owners before the alleys were closed. Chairwoman Holston so moved that reading of Ordinance No. 94-24 be waived, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. Chairwoman Holston made a motion that Ordinance No. 94-24 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE No. 9~~/ A. Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye ADOPTED John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye ALLEY Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye 'CLOSING W, H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Chairwoman Holston advised that the Pizza Hut had requested the removal of the median strip in front of their restaurant on Rt. 99. The Pizza Hut had advised they would assist in paying for the removal. The Public Operations recommended, and Vice Mayor Schrader so moved, that the Town proceed with the removal of this portion of median strip, seconded by Chairwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: STREETS John A. Johnston - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye MEDIAN John W. Stone - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye STRIP Bettye H. Steger - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye MEMORIAL Chairwoman Holston advised that an application had been submitted JACKSON BY Judge R. I. Brown to teh ARB to construct a memorial to World War I PARK Veterans in Jackson Park. Judge Brown will donate the Memorial to the Town and will assume all project costs. Chairwoman Holston advised the Memorial will be located on the October 4, 1994 9522 existing cannon base on the east end of Jackson Park, and so moved acceptance of the Memorial. It will now go to the ARB for them to accept. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. 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 E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Chairwoman Holston requested that the Town Manager write a letter to Judge Brown thanking him for the Memorial. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE BUILDING Chairman Black advised that the Town Attorney has forwarded him INS.information on the Building Code. Mr. Terwilliger advised that the Building Inspector could not issue the summons directly; he has to go through the magistrate, however, he could issue notice of violations. Also, some codes allow pre-payment of civil penalties. The Ordinance Committee might want to look into this.' MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Graham reported that before Council was Resolution No. 94-27 Supporting the Location of Disney's America Theme Park in Southwest Virginia. Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that reading of Resolution No. 94-27 be waived, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Resolution No. 94-27 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: RES. 94-27 ADOPTED John A. 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 E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Councilwoman Holston stated that Council Members should also call our representatives asking for their support. Mayor Graham advised that he had received calls regarding striping stre~t~, streets, particularly Rt. 11 and also asked for an update on the basketball court. Mr. Combiths advised that streets will be prioritized for striping and Dave Hart is going back to the original property owners regarding the basketball court. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT 9523 October 4, 1994 ORDINANCE -94-28 TAXI Mr. Terwilliger reported that before Council was Ordinance No. 94- CAB 28 Amending Chapter 8, Article VII Section 8-257 of the Pulaski Town RATES Code regarding taxi cab rates. Changes, as requested at the last Council meeting, were explained by Mr. Terwilliger. Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that reading of Ordinance 94-28 be waived, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Ordinance No. 94-28 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: 94-28 ADOPTED John A. 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 E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Mr. Terwilliger requested an Executive Session to consult with Legal Counsel concerning 9-1-1 contract and Town Manager would like an Executive Session on property acquisition. Mayor Graham advised that he also would request an Executive Session on a Personnel Matter involving a specifically named individual. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Combiths reported that the Town Offices would be closed on Columbus Day, October 10. Mr. Combiths reported that the museum would be open on October 15. Also a plan has been developed with Beverly Holtz and Betty Lou Kirkner to schedule volunteers for the museum. Mr. Combiths stated that progress has been made on the New River Valley Trail Extension. Survey proposal is in. STREETS Mr. Combiths advised that the fall project for street paving consists of Dora Highway, Cardinal Drive and possibly some alley work. The bulk of the street paving project will take place in the spring of 1995. Mr. Combiths also advised that the staff has asked the County Animal Control to pay more attention to the dog nuisance complaints in the Town. FINANCE In regard to the computerization project in the Finance Department, DEPT. Mr. Combiths stated that we had found someone to advise us in procurement of vendors, with a maximum fee of $3,000. Councilman Stone made a motion that the Town Manager be authorized to negotiate an agreement with Roscoe Cox, at least as Acting, if not ~l I October 4, 1994 9524 ECONOMIC DEV. DIRECTOR fulltime, for the position of Economic Development Director: Motion wars seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. 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 E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye At 5:43 p.m. Council entered Executive Session under 2.1-344 A7 to consult with Counsel concerning a 9-1-1 contract; personnel matter regarding a specifically named individual under Al and property acquisition, A3 on motion made by Councilman D'Ardenne, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. 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 E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye At 6:16 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. 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. 9-1-1 Vice Mayor Schrader Manager be authorized to 9-1-1 system, seconded b recorded vote: - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Mayor Graham - Aye so moved that the Town Attorney and Town execute an agreement with Bell Atlantic on the y Councilman Black and carried on the following John A. 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 E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Mr. Terwilliger is to review Robert's Rules of Order regarding the dispensing of waiving reading of ordinances, resolutions, etc. This item to be brought back to next Council meeting. At 6:20 p.m, Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. APPROVED: r4- Mayor Attest: :6c,4!fikL~ Cler of Council 1 9525 n ~,