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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-93June 1, 1993 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held June 1, 1993, at 4:00 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, E. G. Black, Jr., Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Asst. Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Wayne Quesenberry and Paul Dellinger, News Media Pulaski Middle School Students Jesse Hopkins Duane Pace Bill Beeler Ronald Vaughan Valentin Johnson Barbara Eversole Michael D. Yonce The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gary C. Hancock. Councilwoman Holston led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Black gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 18, 1993, were approved as submitted on motion made by Councilwoman Holston, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. STUDENT Mayor Hancock welcomed visitors to the Council Meeting and advised GOV, that today has been a very important day as we had observed Student DAY Government Day. Mayor Hancock introduced the students participating in Student Government day as follows: Mayor Tara Hancock, Town Manager Beth Alley, Treasurer Jin Yeng Chen, Engineer Chris Yonce, Fire Chief Michael Smith, Chief of Police Larry Martin, Director of Recreation Anne Schrader, Director of Public Works Kristen Beeler, Town Council Members Kerry Rupe, Erika White, Jade Bevil, Christie Nester and Crystal Eversole. Mayor Hancock also introduced William F. Atwood, Teacher at Pulaski Middle School and Coordinator of Government Day. RESOLUTION Mayor Hancock advised that before Council was a Resolution No. 93-7 Supporting Pulaski Community Hospital's application for a Cancer Treatment and Radiation Center. 1, 1993 Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that reading of Resolution No. 93-7 be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Resolution No. 93-7 Supporting Pulaski Community Hospital's Application for a Cancer Treatment and Radiation Center be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION ADOPTED Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye E. G. Black - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Councilman Crispin expressed disappointment that the County had not endorsed this application. PUBLIC Mayor Hancock advised that next on agenda was a public hearing on HEAR,an application by Jefferson Mills for an encroachment of approximately 10 feet on the Lagrange Street right-of-way to install a cooling tower and fence. Mayor Hancock commended Messrs. Pace and Hopkins and Jefferson Mills' management on their accomplishments and felt they were doing a tremendous job. Mr. Combiths stated the encroachment request by Jefferson Mills was located on the east side of Lagrange Street between West Commerce and an alley that serves Jefferson Mills' loading dock. The encroachment would be approximately 10 feet leaving a distance of 3-1/2 feet between the cooling tower and the edge of the pavement where traffic would actually move. Mr. Combiths advised that the Town staff had reviewed this request and conditions have been included in the ordinance. Staff had recommended that a drainage pipe be installed under the tower's concrete slab, for purposes of safety, chevrons would be placed on the fence posts and Jefferson Mills should provide a certificate of insurance naming the Town as an additional insured. Also, the Town Attorney has recommended that Jefferson Mills idemnify and hold the Town harmless for any alleged action resulting from Jefferson Mills' use of Town property. Mr. Pace stated they were attempting to restructure Jefferson Mills and new equipment will be installed. The cooling tower will enable them to install two air compressors. Mr. Pace further requested Town Council's support in this request. No comments were received from the public for or against this proposed encroachment. ORDINANCE Councilman D'Ardenne made.a motion that reading of Ordinance No. ADOPTED g3-12 Allowing Encroachment by Jefferson Mills onto Lagrange Street be waived, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Ordinance No. 93-12 be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: June 1, 1993 9265 Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Chairman J. R. Schrader had no report. FINANCE COMMITTEE WATER Chairman W. H. Schrader advised that the Finance Committee had met RATS May 26 with full Council in attendance. Staff had presented three options regarding the Water Fund as follows: Option 1) Immediate Across- the Board Rate Increase, Option 2) No Immediate Rate Increase but a Fast Track Water Rate Study which hopefully would be back to Council within 60-90 days, and Option 3) Immediate Rate Increase Other than Across-the- Board and Perform Water Rate Study in FY 1993-94. Chairman Schrader stated that the Finance Committee would like to recommend Option 2, Fast Tract Water Rate Study, and get an answer back as quickly as possible. This would be included as an expense of the Water Fund budget for FY 1993-94. The Finance Committee recommended and Chairman Schrader so moved that Council authorize Administration to prepare and send out an RFP which would give us some information as to the cost and scope of what Engineering firms could give us for our water study. This does not preclude being able to have a rate increase prior to return of the study or it does not mean that Council has to accept the study. Councilman Graham stated he felt we need a rate increase now to meet our budget this fiscal year. Councilman Glenn stated he supported the motion, but expressed concern about the time that we are going to delay in raising the rates. He felt it was inevitable that there would be some rate increase. It may be less than the anticipated 15-20~ mark but at the same time Mr. Graham is correct in that the longer we wait, the worse it may be on the citizens. He asked that the Council put some time limit on how long they were going to wait before they would implement a new rate. Councilman Glenn felt we may need the monies for the operation of the water plant and requested that Council, during the budget sessions, continue discussions of the water fund. Councilman D'Ardenne felt that Council could not wait 90 days for an RFP and felt the RFP's should be back in within a two week time period. Between now and next Council Meeting, we should have our RP's back in and we should know what our options are at that point. Mr. Lyons advised that we could possible award the contract the first meeting in July if we decide to do so. 9266 June 1, 1993 Councilman Crispin agreed with Councilman Graham in that we should not put this matter off as every day that we delay causes the problem to get worse. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - No Andrew L. Graham - No J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye HEALTH Chairman Schrader advised that the Finance Committee met on May 28 and were informed that the Town had solicited proposals for its health INSUR. care coverage for July 1, 1993 to June 30, 1994. The Town had retained Corporate Benefit Consultants to help write the specifications and to look at the bids that were received. The Town had been under the State's Local Choice Plan but the low bid this year was from Blue Cross/Blue Shield at a cost of $125.81 per employee per month. This is a decrease of 14.4 percent over the Local Choice renewal rate. The Town will pay 100 coverage for employee only. The Finance Committee r that the contract be awarded FY 1993-94. Motion modified State plan, that there would State health insurance plan. and carried on the following ecommended, and Chairman Schrader so moved, to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia for to include that it be verified with the be no problem if we decide to reenter the Motion then seconded by Councilman Crispin recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Chairman Schrader reported that Council was in the process of studying the budget for FY 1993/94 and met on May 24 and 28 and would meet June 2 and June 4. Mr. Terwilliger stated that several years ago, the Town Council designated by Resolution the exact amount that the Town would contribute to each employee toward health insurance and they might want a Resolution designating this amount for 1993/94. UTILITIES COMMITTEE PEPPERS Chairman Graham reported that the Utilities Committee had met May Ferry 28 and reviewed a draft proposed Consent Agreement regarding Renfro Corporation between Peppers Ferry Waste Water Treatment Authority, the Town and Renfro Corp. The purpose of the agreement is to assist Renfro in identifying the necessary steps to achieve compliance into the waste water system. Town Staff, and representatives from Renfro and Peppers Ferry will be meeting to discuss this draft agreement. If the agreement is acceptable by all concerned, it will need to be executed. 1 June 1, 1993 9267 PEPPERS FERRY/RENFRO AGREEMENT Chairman Graham made a motion that the Town Manager be authorized to execute this agreement, substantially the same format as the agreement in packet, on behalf of the Town, 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 - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye WATER, Chairman Graham requested that the Town Manager schedule a Utilities Committee Meeting to discuss a residential pressure system that citizens might be able to install in their homes. This would create more pressure in the homes and would need approval by the Town. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE DRAINAGE Chairwoman Holston advised that the Public Operations Committee had met May 28 and reviewed a drainage problem of Mrs. Johnson on Cliff Street. Mr. Lyons reported that to correct this drainage problem would be expensive. The Town Engineering Department is preparing a priority list of all drainage problems and requests and this list will be delivered to the Public Operations Committee during the first week of July. Chairwoman Holston advised that the Public Operations Committee had also review the Jefferson Mills encroachment request. ALLEY Chairwoman Holston further reported that the Public Operations Committee had discussed the alley off Elm Street. The Director of Public Works estimated that the alley would cost $5,380. Staff will schedule a Public Operations Committee meeting to discuss this estimate and a recommendation. Clean up of this alley will also be scheduled. Mayor Hancock stated that highway funds cannot be used for alleys, therefore, the Town would have to pay for repairs from its own tax base. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT MAIN STREE~tayor Hancock reported that Main Street had had a successful day Saturday in their grand opening activities and also a key to the Town had been presented to Mr. Roscoe Cox based on the work he has done on behalf of Main Street. Mayor Hancock read a letter that he had received from Barbara Whitaker, President of Meadowview Resident Council, as follows: "As the president of the Meadowview Resident Council, I take this opportunity to extend our greetings. We wish to seek your support in acknowledging the concerns and assistance that the Town of Pulaski's 9268 June 1, 1993 WATER the council believe that officers Jim Clay and Barry Buckner have put forth greater efforts beyond their regular duties in helping and educating our community. The residents and the resident council will very much appreciate if you please acknowledge the efforts of the town police force in general and the above officers in particular in helping us meet many of the challenges in our community. their review. We believe that by continuing to work with the police department and others, you could enhance the quality of our lives in the community. Your attention in this regard will be greatly appreciated. Mayor Hancock advised he had also received a letter frgm a resident in the Bainbridge section of the Town regarding a concern about water pressure. This concern was referred to the Utilities Committee for Mayor Hancock stated he had received calls from concerned citizens regarding the state of the restaurant at the foot of the mountain and requested that the Building Inspector view this site. Also, Councilman Graham requested that the two billboard signs be reviewed also. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Terwilliger had no report, however, he requested an Executive Session for 1) consideration of an economic development matter, UDAG application by Mr. Penn, consultation with Town Attorney on this same subject and discussion of financial statements furnished in connection with that subject; and 2} possible litigation regarding a drainage problem. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT WATER Mr. Combiths reported that regarding the Town's water system and water fund, the staff is going to proceed as quickly as possible with the study and in the meantime, we are working with Rural Water Association and they have agreed to come in at no charge to do leak detection, and also the Town Engineer is proceeding with the calibration of meters as it affects the efficiency of the system. ECONOMIC Mayor Hancock reported that a very positive meeting with several DEV. representatives of State government was held. Neal Barber, Economic Development Department of State government, Teresa Lynch, Virginia Main Street Program, Secretary of the Commonwealth, several representatives from other groups within the State government were present and toured Pulaski County and the Town to see some of the positive things that are going on. The Town and County have worked together toward economic development. Also, Pulaski is enjoying success on Main Street. At 4:43 p.m. Councilman Glenn made a motion that executive session under 2.1-344 A5 and A7, seconded by Crispin and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Council go into Councilman - Aye - Aye June 1, 1993 Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye 9269 At 5:37 p.m., Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Crispin, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. ~~ I Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 5:38 p.m., Councilman Glenn made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman. Black and carried. APPR VED: C~ ' ~~L/L~~~ Mayor I~ Attest: ~,~ 4 . Clerk of Council