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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-92October 27, 1992 9175 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held October 27, 1992, 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, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, Elbert G. Black, Jr., Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn Planning Commission: Joe Weddle, John Sadler, Roy D'Ardenne, William T. Smith, Jr. Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Don E. Holycross, Town Manager Robert Lyons, Asst. to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Rebekah Corso, Secretary Visitors: Wayne Quesenberry & Paul Dellinger, News Media Joe Morgan Mike Jenkins Tom Douthat Tina King Alan Groseclose John Powers Rev. Carson Linkous William Gray The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Councilman Graham led the Pledge of Allegiance with the Invocation being given by Councilman Glenn. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting of October 6, 1992, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Mayor Hancock welcomed visitors to the meeting and advised that three public hearings were scheduled to be heard. ZONING Ma or Hancock advised that the first y public hearing, held jointly with the Town Planning Commission, was a conditional use request by the New River Valley Agency on Aging to relocate their offices to 200 Route 99 Shopping Center, which was formerly the Tyler Drug. Councilman J. R. Schrader stated that as he was employed by the New 9176 October 27, 1992 PUBLIC HEARING, ZONIN~iver Valley Agency on Aging, he would abstain from discussing or voting on this issue. Mr. Lyons reported that the Agency on Aging is currently located in the County Administration Building on the third floor and the agency has been looking for a new site that would be more accessible and provide more visibility. The proposed site is currently zoned B-2 and a governmental office requires conditional use approval. Mr. Lyons advised the Agency has one part-time employee and 14 full-time employees. Nutrition services are provided, in-home services, elder abuse prevention program, legal services, and they also publish a newsletter. The Town Staff has reviewed this proposal and does not have any objections to this request. From the public, Ms. Tina King, Program Director at the New River Valley Agency on Aging, addressed the Town Council and Planning Commission with the request that this conditional use be approved as the space was needed and they would be able to comply with the Disability Act with new offices. Mr. John Powers, owner of the building the Agency hoped to utilize, was available to answer any questions regarding the property. Councilwoman Holston, Council's representative on the Agency on Aging, distributed information on the Agency, and called attention to the number of people served in the Town. At 7:08 p.m. Mayor Hancock adjourned the first public hearing. As one of Mayor Hancock's partners is the County Attorney, he excused himself from the next two public hearings, and asked that Vice Mayor W. H. Schrader preside. PUBLIC Vice Mayor Schrader called the second public hearing to order. HEAR. This public hearing was also held before the Town Council and the ZONIN(~lanning Commission on a conditional use request from Pulaski County to temporarily relocate their Court facilities to the Hub Furniture Building on Route 99. Mr. Lyons stated that a bond issue was approved in November, 1991, to renovate the historic Courthouse and expand the Circuit Court facilities. The construction is scheduled to begin very shortly. The County has a need to temporarily relocate the Clerk's Office, Circuit Court, General District Court, Domestic Relations Court, the Law Library and offices for the Judges and other employees. Mr. Lyons reported that the move would affect 19 full time employees and 4 part-time employees. The County will renovate approximately 15,000 sq. ft. which would include constructing interior walls, fire rated corridors, restrooms and creating an additional exterior exit. The proposed site contains 34 marked parking spaces, including two designated for handicapped. Approximately 13 parking spaces are available on the east side of the property raising the site's total number of parking spaces to 47. 27, PUBLIC HEARING, CONT. Mr. Joe Morgan, County Administrator, introduced Alan Groseclose, Chairman of the Courthouse Committee, Tom Douthat, Carson Linkous, Minister of the Brush Arbor Worship Center, and Mike Jenkins who were available to answer questions. Mr. Morgan stated that renovation would cost approximately $100,000, and this week Judge Owens, on behalf of the 27th Circuit, approved an order for the relocation on or after January 1. Mr. Morgan also projected they would utilize the building for approximately 15 months. Councilman D'Ardenne questioned if the $100,000 expense was moving expenses, with Mr. Morgan advising this was renovation expenses. Mr. Joe Weddle questioned the overflow in parking. Mr. Morgan distributed a drawing of planned parking of 66 spaces with 34 spaces being public spaces. There being no further comments, the public hearing was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. PUBLIC hearing Vice Mayor Schrader stated that the third public hearing was a request by Pulaski County to close the east-west alley in Block 22. The alley is located between the historic Courthouse and the new Circuit Court. Mr. Lyons stated that the Circuit Court will be expanding and as a part of the expansion, the Circuit Court building will encroach upon the east-west alley between the two Courthouses by approximately 6 feet. Using an overhead visual, Mr. Lyons illustrated the alley to be considered. Mr. Lyons stated that Appalachian Power Company's access to its parking lot will not be impeded by the alley closing. Mr. Tom Douthat, architect, illustrated the area with a scale model of the planned Courthouse. He advised that there will be 14 ft. between the handicapped ramp and building and this would allow room for emergency vehicles. Mr. Douthat also called attention to the design of the new building, tying the design into the stone building. Public Operations Committee Chairwoman Holston advised that the committee had met and reviewed this request, and recommended approval of the closing of a portion of the east-west alley in Block 22. Mr. Morgan advised that he thought they would like to reserve the right to restrict access in the alley so it is not a throughway. There being no further comments from the public, at 7:27 p.m., Vice Mayor Schrader adjourned the public hearing. ORDINANCE Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Ordinance 92-17, ALLEY Closing a Portion of a Developed East-West Alley in Block 22 in the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, be waived, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Ordinance No. 92-17 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: 9178 October 27, 1992 ORDINANCE N0. 92-17ADOPTED Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 7:30 p.m., the Planning Commission adjourned to another room to discuss their recommendations to Town Council. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS Chairman J. R. Schrader had no report. Mr. Holycross advised that preliminary interviews were being conducted for the position of Director of Public Works, six outside candidates and five candidates from this area. Once the interviews are completed, a final interview will be scheduled with Council. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman W. H. Schrader reported that the Finance Committee met on October 23, 1992, and entered executive session to meet with a prospective industry and to discuss possible financial assistance for a downtown business prospect. After the executive session, the Finance Committee discussed proposed Ordinance No. 92-18, Adding the Waterworks ORD. Operation Fee, assessed by the Virginia Department of Health, to the 92-18 utility billing statement prepared by the Town for each water customer. WATER- WORKS Chairman Schrader stated that the initial fee is 51.50 per customer account per year, but is projected to increase in future years. Chairman Schrader stated that the fee will be deposited into a dedicated fund to enable the Department of Health to assist waterworks operators in complying with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The fee will be identified on the utility bill statement as "State Assessment" or other similar reference. The Finance Committee recommended approval of Ordinance No. 92-18. Mr. Holycross reported there are proposed regulations and that the Department of Health is considering public comment at this point and under the proposed regulations, the fee that is currently $1.50 per customer would increase to $2.40 per customer in the next fiscal year and then $3.61 per customer in fiscal years after that. The impact on the Town currently at $1.50 per customer is $6,183. If it goes to $2.40 next fiscal year, the impact would be 59,892 and if it increases to $3.61 in the third year, then the impact would be $14,880. In answer to inquiry from Councilman Crispin, Mr. Holycross advised that sewer rates are calculated based upon the volume of water, not any multiple of the water rate. This would have no impact as far as a sewer customer is concerned; it is an assessment to us based upon the number of water customers. Initially, this assessment will be billed once a year. October 27, 1992 9179 Councilman W. H. Schrader so moved that reading of Ordinance No. 92-18 Adding the Waterworks Operation Fee, assessed by the Virginia Department of Health to the Utility Billing Statement Prepared by the Town for each Water Customer be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Councilman W. H. Schrader made a motion that Ordinance No. 92-18 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCF~harles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye 91-18 J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr.- Aye ADOPTED Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye WATER- W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye WORKS UTILITIES COMMITTEE PEPPERS Chairman Graham advised that he had attended the Peppers Ferry FERRYRegional Wastewater Treatment Authority meeting and minutes of this meeting had been distributed. Chairman Graham stated the User Agreement is being revised, and that Charlie Maus has advised that he will come and talk with Town Council regarding this agreement. Mr. Holycross advised that another meeting of Peppers Ferry had been held, and a revised proposed User Agreement has been prepared. Peppers Ferry will be meeting with Council within the next couple of weeks to give Council an idea of what is being proposed. Peppers Ferry is conducting a public hearing at their next meeting. Mr. Terwilliger stated that most of the changes are going to be removing obsolete language, and the document will be shorter and easier to read. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock had no report. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT TV CABLE Mr. Terwilliger advised that he had reviewed the existing cable franchise at the request of Councilman Glenn to see if there were any steps that needed to be taken in preparation for the time period down the road when new regulations were received. Mr. Terwilliger stated that at present, there was very little in terms of preparation that we can do as the new regulations will be governing us if they even apply to us. Right now, the governing agencies have been charged with developing regulations not just on basic rate structure but also on such things as what rates can be charged for equipment and what types of equipment can be connected. There are a lot of regulations to put in place; some of Terwilliger did not see any that would automatically apply to us. 9180 October 27, 1992 CABLE TV, CONT. Mr. Terwilliger reported that our current franchise has five years to run and our franchise fee does increase as of next month. It will go up to 2 percent from the existing 1-1/2 percent. There is a reservation of rights in our existing franchise that if we get the authority to regulate rates, then we have reserved the right to do so if we so desire. AGENCY At 7:40 p.m. the Planning Commission returned to Council session. on aging Councilman D'Ardenne stated that regarding the relocation of the New COND. River Valley Agency on Aging conditional use request (Case No. 92-20CU} USE to move to the Rt. 99 ~Sho~ppinc~ Center, the Commission unanimously & COURT k'rcorn.n~•.+~{r.~, ~,nh#,c~ a ew o~•.~ a~nroy~a r-]~-~'_.''P---~'=P-=~~~s---~ ~t-~-d... Also, on Planning Commission Case FACILIT.No. 92-21CU, regarding temporary relocation of the Court facilities to the former Hub Furniture location, at 1055 E. Main Street, the Planning Commission also unanimously recommended that Council approve this ~ request as submitted. Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that reading of Ordinance No. ORDINANCF~,ermitting the Temporary Location of Pulaski County Circuit Court N0.92-16 Facilities for Approximately Twelve Months as Conditional Use at East Main Street be waived, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader carried. 92-16 1055 and Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Ordinance No. 92-16 be adapted, seconded by Counc ilman C rispin and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE Charles C. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye ADOPTED 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 Mayor Hancock expressed appreciation to the Board of Supervisors and the County staff for their efforts in restoring the old Courthouse N0. 92-15 Before Council was Ordinance No. 92-15 Permitting the New River Valley Agency on Aging Office as Conditional Use at 200 Route 99 Shopping Center. Councilman Crispin so moved that reading of this Ordinance be waived, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Ordinance No. 92-15 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried on the following recorded vote: 0_::DINANCE 92-15 ADOPTED 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 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT ~'. 1 RESOLUTION Mr. Holycross requested Council's consideration of Resolution No. 92-27 92-27 which, if approved by Council, would appropriate $38,245 in Urban I~oopes Development Action Grant Repayment Funds to E. Sargent Hoopes, III to October 27, 1992 9181 ~' 1 RESOLUTION, Cont. assist Mr. Hoopes in the acquisition of an existing commercial building in the downtown area for the purpose of establishing an antique/collectibles mall. The existing commercial building is at 80 West Main Street and is the former location of the Tom Cox Home and Office Supply. Mr. Hoopes will also be leasing two other storefronts in the downtown area (70 and 76 West Main) for additional antique/collectibles retail space. Mr. Hoopes also has plans to lease a fourth storefront in the downtown to provide an attractive eating establishment for his customers and the general public. The UDAG funds would be a loan to Mr. Hoopes. The loan would bear an interest rate of 5% and would have a maximum term of fifteen years. The UDAG funds would be leveraged by additional loans from NationsBank and the Western Virginia Revolving Loan Fund. The recruitment of Mr. Hoopes to Pulaski is directly related to the continuing efforts of Pulaski Main Street, Inc. to revitalize the downtown area. Before Council was Resolution No. 92-27 Committing to a Loan of $38,245 in Urban Development Action Grant Repayment Funds to Assist E. Sargent Hoopes, III in the Acquisition of an Existing Commercial Building in the Downtown Area for the Purpose of Establishing an Antique/Collectibles Mall. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. 92-27 be waived, seconded by Councilman Glenn, and carried. Mr. Holycross gave an amendment to the Resolution, Section 2, clarifying that our loan is contingent upon the Town having a shared first lien on the building at 80 West Main Street. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Resolution No. 92-27 be adopted, as amended, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader. Mayor Hancock stated he felt this was an outstanding development for the downtown and wished Mr. Hoopes every success. Mayor Hancock and the Town Council extended thanks to Pulaski Main Street for their efforts. Councilwoman Holston was also thanked by Mayor Hancock and Town Council for all her assistance in this endeavor. Councilwoman Holston stated that Roscoe Cox, Pulaski Main Street Director, deserved a pat on the back for bringing these people together. In answer to inquiry, Mr. Holycross stated that typically when any money is loaned through the Western Virginia Revolving Loan Fund, there is also a local match required for that amount of money. In this case, Western Virginia is being asked to loan $19,980 to Mr. Hoopes and the Town's required match would be 250 of that amount which would be $4,495. The loan request for Western Virginia Revolving Loan has been reviewed by the local development corporation that reviews these applications and October 27, 1992 9181 i RESOLUTION, Con't: assist Mr. Hoopes in the acquisition of an existing commercial building in the downtown area for the purpose of establishing an antique/collectibles mall. The existing commercial building is at 80 West Main Street and is the former location of the Tom Cox Home and Office Supply. Mr. Hoopes will also be leasing two other storefronts in the downtown area (70 and 76 West Main) for additional antique/collectibles retail space. Mr. Hoopes also has plans to lease a fourth storefront in the downtown to provide an attractive eating establishment for his customers and the general public. The UDAG funds would be a loan to Mr. Hoopes. The loan would bear an interest rate of 5o and would have a maximum term of fifteen years. The UDAG funds would be leveraged by additional loans from NationsBank and the Western Virginia Revolving Loan Fund. The recruitment of Mr. Hoopes to Pulaski is directly related to the continuing efforts of Pulaski Main Street, Inc. to revitalize the downtown area. Before Council was Resolution No. 92-27 Committing to a Loan of $38,245 in Urban Development Action Grant Repayment Funds to Assist E. Sargent Hoopes, III in the Acquisition of an Existing Commercial Building in the Downtown Area for the Purpose of Establishing an Antique/Collectibles Mall. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. 92-27 be waived, seconded by Councilman Glenn, and carried. Mr. Holycross gave an amendment to the Resolution, Section 2, clarifying that our loan is contingent upon the Town having a shared first lien on the building at 80 West Main Street. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Resolution No. 92-27 be adopted, as amended, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader. Mayor Hancock stated he felt this was an outstanding development for the downtown and wished Mr. Hoopes every success. Mayor Hancock and the Town Council extended thanks to Pulaski Main Street for their efforts. Councilwoman Holston was also thanked by Mayor Hancock and Town Council for all her assistance in this endeavor. Councilwoman Holston stated that Roscoe Cox, Pulaski Main Street Director, deserved a pat on the back for bringing these people together. In answer to inquiry, Mr. Holycross stated that typically when any money is loaned through the Western Virginia Revolving Loan Fund, there is also a local match required for that amount of money. In this case, Western Virginia is being asked to loan $19,980 to Mr. Hoopes and the Town's required match would be 250 of that amount which would be $4,495. The loan request for Western Virginia Revolving Loan has been reviewed by the local development corporation that reviews these applications and 9182 October 27, 1992 RESOLUTION - HOOPES they have recommended approval of the loan. They have also recommended that the Town's other participation in this project which is for the purchase of the building, be recognized as the match. This would relieve us of the requirement to provide the 54,495. This needs to go to a board in Roanoke for final approval. The Resolution has been prepared to allow us to make this match if we are required to do so. Councilman D'Ardenne added to the information provided in that the Western Virginia Revolving Loan fund is the same as the UDAG monies as when it is repaid, it becomes available for additional loans for economical development. Mr. Holycross recognized the role of NationsBank and Western Virginia Revolving Loan Fund in this project. Councilman J. R. Schrader advised that Mr. Hoopes had estimated 14 additional jobs for his project. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION N0. 92-27 ADOPTED Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Elbert G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye ZONING Mr. Holycross reminded Council and also made a public announcement, COND. that Council would have a special Council Meeting November 4 for the Use purpose of conducting a joint public hearing on a request to establish a light industrial use at the former L.A. Joe Building on Rt. 99. Councilwoman Holston shared information on the Virginia Municipal VML League Conference that was recently held in Hampton. Councilmen Graham, REPOR'IGlenn, and D'Ardenne also felt this was a very worthwhile conference. Councilman D'Ardenne advised that AT&T building in Fairlawn was sold, Virginia Block will reopen and with the activities on Main Street, it appeared we were making real progress. Councilwoman Holston commented upon the current positive attitude of the people. Mayor Hancock advised that the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is scheduled the following week, as well as a reception honoring Julian Hirst, former Town Manager in Pulaski. Mr. Holycross advised that on October 29, 4:00 p.m. a press conference would be held to discuss the three bond issues that will be BOND on the ballot on Tuesday. Representatives from various local ISSUESgovernments, State Delegates and Senators, as well as representatives from the local colleges, Claytor Lake State Park and New River Trail State Park will also be in attendance. At 8:05 p.m. Councilman J. R. Schrader made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader a d carried. APPROVED: ~' ~~C'/lam Gar C. ancock, Ma or Attest: ~,~ ~ ~ .~- Clerk of Council