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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-16-92June 16, 1992 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held June 16, 1992, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. 9113 There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: Charles D. Crispin, J. R. Schrader, Jr., Mary Lou Copenhaver, James M. Neblett, Andrew L. Graham, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Don E. Holycross, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Asst. to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Jerry L. Haynes Michael and Elisabeth Cox Mary Lee Duncan Frances I. Delp Mr. 'and Mrs. James W. Blusher Roy D'Ardenne Mr. and Mrs. Houston Smith Marty Hall Dorothy Stephens E. G. Black, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Warner • William B. Sanders, Jr. Dorothy Roop Julian Vaughn Jenny Smith Ertel Webb The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock and citizens were welcomed to the meeting. Councilwoman Copenhaver led the Pledge of Allegiance with the Invocation being given by Councilman Graham. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting of June 2, 1992, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. PUBLIC HEAR Mayor Hancock advised that two public hearings were scheduled for BUDG.this meeting with the first hearing to gather citizen comments regarding the proposed 1992-1993 Town of Pulaski Budget. 9119 June 16, 1992 PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET: Town Manager Mr. Holycross advised that the advertisement that was in the newspaper summarized the various expenditures for all of the funds. Mr. Holycross stated that insurance bids were opened last week, and we will be able to save approximately $55,000 to $56,000 in the next budget year over what we had spent in the current budget year. When comparing proposed revenues in the General Fund with proposed expenditures in the General Fund, there is a difference of about $2,600 between the two figures. No comments from the public were received, either for or against the proposed budget. Councilman Graham expressed concern about time and money on the Main Street project in that to date, results have been negative and opposed using LTDAG funds to support the program as we have been very successful in using this money for industrial development. Councilman Graham also expressed concern over the Town's water as the fund is out of balance by $65,000. He felt that adequate pressure and quantity is most important. And, that only $40,000 is appropriated for water system improvements. Councilman Graham also advised that he was disappointed that the total budget was not submitted to Council 45 days prior to the start of the next fiscal year. A copy of Councilman Graham's remarks is attached to the permanent file copy of these minutes. Councilman Crispin stated that the Town has made gifts of nearly $300,000 to Pulaski Main Street, Inc. and that they have only raised $16,693.11. He further stated that we have lost more business in the downtown area than we have gained. Councilman Crispin advised that he could not support the budget if it contained any funding for PMI. A copy of Councilman Crispin's statement is attached to the permanent file copy of these minutes. The public hearing was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that a special Council meeting be held June 24, 1992, at 8:00 a.m. to consider adoption of the 1992-1993 budget, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader and carried. Mayor Hancock advised that the second public hearing to be held was PUBLIC to consider a request by Michael D. Cox, Elizabeth M. Cox and Carl A. HEARING Cox for a conditional use to expand the existing Pine Hill Mobile Home COND'L. Park, 211 Bentley Hollow Road. Use Mr. Lyons stated the expansion would occupy 4.1 acres and would add 29 mobile home sites to the existing park. The existing. site contains 13 mobile home sites on 3.5 acres. The existing park was established prior to annexation and it is a permitted nonconforming mobile home park and is not required to meet the mobile home park regulations of the Zoning Code. Mr. Lyons reported the park is served by well water and sewer service is currently under construction as part of the Town's $370,340 Community Development Block Grant. It was reported that the June 16, ]_992 9120 applicant will install a 6-inch water line to serve the existing park and the proposed expansion and also will install a 6-inch PVC sewer line connected to an 8-inch sewer main along Bentley Hollow Road. Using an overhead visual, Mr. Lyons illustrated the location of the mobile home park and also the location of the streets. The Planning Commission conducted its own public hearing on the conditional use request on April 13 and at its meeting on May 12, 1992, the Commission recommended approval of the conditional use subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant shall construct water and sewer lines to the Town's specifications, dedicate the utility lines to public use, grant the Town a maintenance easement, and request Town Council's consideration of the acceptance of the utility Lines into the Town's system and maintenance program. 2) The applicant shall install a barrier to prevent vehicles in the mobile home park from traveling onto the unnamed right-of-way between Bentley Hollow Road and Bentley Lane. Mr. Houston Smith, Dora Highway, expressed concern that there would be unattended trash at the park. Mr. Jerry Haynes, engineering consultant for the Cox's, stated there would be a dumpster available and a second dumpster would be added if needed. Mr. Slasher was concerned about the road coming within 5 feet of his house. Mr. Haynes reported there would be barrier installed, 2 poles with chains and trees planted. Also, house is 15 ft. to 25 ft, from paved portion of the street. Mrs. Roop felt the expansion would degrade property values and also asked who would see that all conditions were enforced. Also, Mrs. Smith, Bentley Lane, requested a stop sign off Bentley Lane be installed. Mr. Haynes gave additional tax figures and revenue from water and sewer that would be generated by the installation of 29 additional homes. Councilman Crispin advised a letter had been received from Mrs. Roop in which she mentions receiving threats if petition signed, Mrs. Roap has reported these threats to the Police Department and Mr. Holycross will investigate this matter. At 7:37 p.m., the public hearing was adjourned. COND. USE APPROVED Councilman Graham made a motion that the Conditional Use be approved to include recommendations made by the Planning Commission, and that Mr. Terwilliger prepare an ordinance approving the Mobile Home expansion, This ordinance is to be brought back to the special meeting of June 24th. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett. Councilman Crispin made a substitute motion that this matter be held in obeyance until we have had a report from the Police Department on the threats received, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader. Substitute motion denied on the following recorded vote: 9121 June 16, 1992 Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - No J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - No Mary Lou Copenhaver - No Alma H. Holston - No James M. Neblett - No Robert N. Glenn - No Councilman Graham's motion to accept Planning Commission's recommendation then carried on the following recorded vote: COND'L USE APPROVED Charles D. Crispin - No Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - No W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Before receiving further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock requested the Ordinance Committee Report from Chairwoman Holston. Chairwoman Holston advised that the Ordinance Committee had met June 15, 1992, and reviewed the Town Council's recent decision to amend TRAIN the railroad whistle ordinance. The amended ordinance resulted in WHISTLE Norfolk Southern trains sounding their whistles at all crossings within the Town limits. Chairwoman Holston reported that approximately ten trains travel through Town each day. Signalized crossings include Washington Avenue, Jefferson Avenue and Randolph Avenue. No signals are present at Lottier Crossing, Nunn Crossing, Pinnacle Street, Magnox and Edens. Since the ordinance was amended, the Town has received complaints concerning the whistle, particularly the night trains. Chairwoman Holston stated that Mr. Holycross had talked with Norfolk Southern and was informed that the Town had three options: 1) Leave the amended ordinance in place and allow 24-hour whistle blowing; 2) Total ban on whistle blowing. Currently, in Norfolk Southern's New River Division (Salem-Bristol), only Buchanan, Roanoke and Salem have a total ban against whistle blowing; and 3) Compromise - the Town could amend its ordinance and require a partial ban on whistle blowing. Chairwoman Holston reported that the Ordinance Committee recommended a ban on whistle blowing from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. except in emergency situations. From the public, William B. Sanders, Jr., 829 Prospect Avenue, stated he felt the blowing of the whistle was being abused and urged Council to go back to the original sounding of the whistle. Mrs. Mary Lee Duncan read a listing of names of people who were concerned with the loud whistle. Mrs. Frances Delp, Mrs. Julian Vaughan, and Mr. Estel Webb spoke in opposition of the blowing of the whistle. Mr. Webb also made the complaint of an unwrapped cable at the Randolph Ave. crossing which Mr. Holycross has already discussed with the Building Inspector, however, he will check further into this matter. Councilwoman Holston stated that at the joint meeting of the June 16, 1992 9122 County, Town of Dublin and Town of Pulaski, Norfolk Southern presented a program "Operation Lifesaver" which stressed the safety factors in blowing the train whistles. Chairwoman Holston so moved that reading of Ordinance No. 92-8 be waived, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried. Chairwoman Holston so moved that Ordinance No. 92-8 Amending Sec. 10-16 of the Town Code Regulating Train Signals be adopted, seconded by Councilman Graham. Council discussed the liability of the Town, after which Councilman Glenn made a substitute motion that Council put the Ordinance back the way it was, seconded by Councilman Crispin. Motion denied on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - No J. R. Schrader, Jr. - No W. H. Schrader, Jr. - No Mary Lou Copenhaver - No Alma H. Holston - No James M. Neblett - No Robert N. Glenn - Aye Councilwoman Holston expressed concern about people and children being in Jackson Park and not hearing a train and we do need some safety regulations. Councilman Graham also felt that park so near the train would be a safety concern. Councilman Glenn made a second substitute motion that the 6:00 a.m. as set forth in the ordinance be changed to 7:00 a.m., and that Ordinance No. 92-8 be adopted with this change, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader. TRAIN WHISTLE ORDINANCE ~ann~rFn _ Charles D. Crispin J. R. Schrader, Jr. Mary Lou Copenhaver James M. Neblett - No Andrew L. Graham - Aye - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Chairman Holston advised that if it is felt the trains are coming through Town too fast, Norfolk Southern have advised they will check into the matter. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman J. R. Schrader had no report. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS DIRECTOR OFC~i~•rwoman Copenhaver advised that the Personnel Committee had met ~S• on June 8, 1992 and reviewed the job announcement for the Director of Public Works. The Town is advertising the position in Public Works Magazine, International City Management Association Newsletter, 9123 June 16, 1992 Southwest Times, Roanoke Times and Virginia Municipal League Letter. The closing date for applications is July 31, 1992. ACTING DIR. Chairwoman Copenhaver advised that Tommy Hodge has been designated T. HODGE as the Acting Director of Public Works. Mr. Hodge is the Superintendent of Maintenance Facilities and has been employed by the Town since 1974. GRANT Chairwoman Copenhaver further reported that the Virginia Department POLICE of Criminal Justice Services awarded the Town a Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Grant in the amount of $33,964. Through the grant, the Town will hire a Juvenile Intervention Specialist to provide assistance far pre-delinquent and violent prone juveniles. Chairwoman Copenhaver stated the position is funded entirely by the grant, and does require some social service and counseling experience and/or exposure. The Police Department is advertising the position. CONF.-TOWN Chairwoman Copenhaver stated the committee had discussed the MGR. International City Management Association Conference as the Town Manager's contract contains a provision requiring that he receive the Personnel Committee's permission to attend any out-of-state conferences. She reported the ICMA is the professional organization for city management and it conducts an annual conference in the United States and occasionally Canada. The ICMA conference offers training sessions addressing all facets of local government management and provides an opportunity for managers to discuss common problems and issues. Chairwoman Copenhaver made a motion that the Town Manager be granted approval to attend future ICMA annual conferences, at his discretion, contingent upon available funding in the Town Manager's budget, seconded by Councilwoman Holston, and carried on the following recorded vote: CONFERENCE-TOWN MANAGER Charles D. Crispin J. R. Schrader, Jr. Mary Lou Copenhaver James M. Neblett - No Andrew L. Graham - Aye - Aye W. H. Schrader, - Aye - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye APPT.NRV PLAN Chairwoman Copenhaver made a motion that Joe Weddle be reappointed DIST. as the Town's non-elected representative to the New River Valley Planning District Commission, for a three year term, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and so carried. Mr. Terwilliger reminded Council that by State law, we can only have one member of Council on the Planning Commission. Chairwoman Copenhaver stated that the Personnel Committee had planned to meet on this matter and requested that if Council Members had names to submit for possible appointment, to advise her. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Graham had no report. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Jr. 1 June 16, 1992 912.3 COND'L. USE YOUNG Councilman Schrader advised that the Planning Commission had met June 8, 1992, and conducted a public hearing to consider Planning Commission Case no. 92-18CU, a request by David W. Young for a conditional use to establish an automobile service station at 508 S. Washington Avenue. The subject location is zoned B-1 (Local Business) and an automobile service station requires the approval of a conditional use. Councilman Schrader reported that the subject property is a two-bay garage that formerly served as a gasoline station. Mr. Young is requesting the conditional use to possibly lease the property to an automobile service station. The leasing business may also include state inspection and the sale of auto parts. As automobile service station may conduct preventative maintenance related repairs (oil changes, tune- ups, computer engine diagnosis, wheel alignment and balancing, repair of air conditioning systems, exhaust and brakes and other similar light service or repair). Major repair work (collision, painting, welding, engine rebuilding and body work) is not permitted in the B-1 (Local Business) zoning district. P.H. SCH.After the public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use, and the Town Council will conduct a public hearing on July 21, 1992, to consider Mr. Young's conditional use application. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Schrader reported that budget work sessions had been held on June 4, June 9, and June 16. Chairman Schrader thanked Council Members for their attendance and hard work at these sessions. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock advised that the next meeting of Council would be our organizational meeting and if Council Members had a preference as to which committees they would like to serve on, to please advise him. TRASH Mayor Hancock expressed concern over situations where trash is allowed to accumulate due to discontinuance of garbage collection. He advised that we need to work with the County and PSA on this matter, and asked that Town Manager prepare a proposal on how we may assist the County in this matter. Mayor Hancock stated that a meeting had been held with the Park Service with the Mayor and Town Manager attending. There will be three bond issues on the ballot this fall; one dealing with education, one with mental health, and the third to do with parks. In the Blue Ridge Region and the Southwest Region, a sizeable investment will be made at Claytor Lake. Also, there was a proposal made to fund connecting the New River Trail to the Train Station. More information on the bond issue will be brought back to Council by Mayor Hancock. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. 9124 June 16, 1992 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT INSURANCE Mr. Holycross stated that bids for property and liability insurance had been received and will result in a substantial savings to the Town. Councilman W. H. Schrader so moved that bid be accepted and contract awarded to Old Dominion Insurance Services, Reliance, in the amount of $114,758 which would include a four million dollar umbrella policy. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett. Mr. Holycross reported that current premium is $171,713 for actually less coverage. Also, in answer to inquiry, this insurance company has an A plus rating. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mr. Holycross reported that the Town Offices would be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day. Mr. Holycross presented a Resolution, No. 92-11, recognizing the desire of the Town to continue to participate in the recertification of the Town and the County as a Certified Community for Business. Councilman Crispin so moved that reading of the resolution be waived, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Resolution No. 92-11 Continued Participation in Virginia Community Certification Program be adopted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION 92-l~harles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye CERTIFIED J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye COMMUNITY Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye 1 Mr. Holycross advised that Resolution No. 92-12 covers a request from the New River Valley Planning District Commission that we support the authorization and designation of the Planning District Commission as an Economic Development District. This would primarily apply to applications to the Economic Development Administration which is a federal agency, and with this designation, it would entitle any recipients within this area to get an extra 10% in Economic Development Funds. RES. 92-12 Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. ECON. 92-12 be waived, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. DEV. Councilman Crispin made a motion that Resolution No. 92-12 Supporting the Authorization and Designation of the New River Valley Planning District as an Economic Development District be adopted, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried on the following June 16, ? ~~92 RESOLUTION 92-12 ADOPTED recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mr. Holycross advised that before Council was Resolution No. 92-13 Honoring the 1992 Pulaski Braves. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of the Resolution be waived, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. 9125 Councilwoman Holston so moved that Resolution No. 92-13 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION N0. 92-13 ADOPTED BRAVES Charles D. Crispin = Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye VML CONF. Mr. Holycross advised that information was distributed from the Virginia Municipal League announcing their conference for newly elected officials to be held July 29, 30 and 31 in Charlottesville. Anyone interested in attending should notify the Town Manager's office. Mr. Holycross reported that bids had been opened to demolish three buildings, and low bid came in at $17,000. Mr. Holycross requested an Executive Session on an Economic Development Matter concerning possible expansion of a local business under 2.1-344 A5 and Councilman Graham requested an Executive Session for legal advice under A7. 1 Mayor Hancock advised that two Council Members would be leaving the Council, and at a later date, an occasion would be held to thank them for all they have done. At 8:48 p.m. Councilman Crispin so moved that Council go into Executive Session under 2.1-344 A5 and A7, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council return to regular session at 9:27 p.m., Seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Councilman J. R. Schrader made a motion that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye 9126 June 16, 1992 J. R. Schrader, Jr. Mary Lou Copenhaver James M. Neblett - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Gary C. Hancock - Aye At 9:30 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council Adjourn, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader and carried. Attest: U lerk of Council APPROVED: Mayor