Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-939300 August 17, 1993 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held August 17, 1993, 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, 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: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Mildred Bolen Ronald Vaughan Roscoe Cox Bob Wallace Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Grubb Flo Stevenson Anne Wallace Winnie Wampler Margaret Stark Wes Stark E. S. Hoopes III Jack Jackson Audrey Jackson Jeanette Stephens Marlis R. Flynn E. M. Stephens Mary & Al Trivisonno Virginia Kirkland Gilmer Newman Ruth Crispin Nellie & J. B. Warner Elda Kennedy Eddie Hall Sonny Gibson Debbie Jonas Tommy Jonas Stephen Weston Barry Buckner 8 area citizens The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Councilman Black led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mayor Hancock gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 3, 1993, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. RESOLUTION FAIL Mayor Hancock advised that before Council was Resolution No. 93-12 HOUSING Endorsing the Concept of Fair Housing. Mr. Lyons stated that in 1991 the Town received a Community Block Grant for the Cool Springs Neighborhood Improvements. Each year of the grant we are required to further the concept of fair housing to meet our grant requirement. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. 93-12 be waived, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. August 17, 1993 9301 Resolution, Cont. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Resolution No. 93-12 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Glenn 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. - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Chairman J. R. Schrader had no report. FINANCE COMMITTEE FINANCE In the absence of Chairman W. H. Schrader, Mayor Hancock reported that the Finance Committee had met August 12 in closed session under 2.1-344 A7 to discuss economic development matters, possible litigation A7, and a personnel matter A1. The Finance Committee also met on August 13, 1993, and discussed the year end budget for 1992/93. As of June 30, 1993, the General Fund balance was $591,505. There still could be changes as the Town's accountants and auditors are still working on the year end books. DONATION Mayor Hancock stated that the Chamber of Commerce had asked the Town to donate bicycles which had been found or seized by the Police Department to the Chamber of Commerce annual auction and fund raising event. It was recommended by the Finance Committee that the bikes be donated but in the future, Council would consider donating these bikes for a charitable purpose such as the Salvation Army. Mr. Terwilliger stated that the Finance Committee has asked him to draft a change to the existing ordinance to allow this to be done in the future. In reviewing the existing ordinance, the language is already in the ordinance to allow the Town Manager to give to a charitable organization in lieu of the auction. Mayor Hancock stated that when bikes are auctioned off by the Town in past years, they have brought a minuscule amount of money. Councilman D'Ardenne reported that the Chamber of Commerce is interested in six bikes to be sold at the auction, however, there are an additional six bikes up front and an additional number of bikes being held by the Police Department. We still have bikes to donate to a charitable purpose. Motion of the Finance Committee then 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 ^ 9302 August 17, 1993 W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye PARKING Mayor Hancock reported that the Finance Committee considered a DOWNTOW~rior decision of Town Council in re and to short term g parking on Main Street. It was recommended that the Staff bring to the Merchant's Committee or seek public input before any parking spaces were actually placed on Main Street. Councilwoman Holston stated that one recommendation was to look into the loading zone, to try to get rid of the loading zone to make two parking spaces. Mayor Hancock advised that it was the recommendation of the Finance Committee that Town staff is to receive public input and bring that information back to Council before the spaces are actually placed on Main Street. BOND Mayor Hancock advised that the Finance Committee reviewed the REFIN. potential refinancing of the Town's 1987 General Obligation bonds. The Committee recommended that staff prepare a report to Council regarding the cost and schedule for proposing refinancing. Mayor Hancock explained that the Town undertook a General Obligation Bond in 1987 in the amount of $4 million. Approximately two million went into the water treatment plant and there were also some downtown improvements and a variety of other projects. The interest rates have dropped dramatically since the bonds were released and we feel the Town could save money by refinancing and obtaining a lower interest rate. Mr. Combiths reported that the bond market does look favorable. The staff has reviewed a typical time schedule in terms of the refinancing. Financial Advisor would be part of the team in addition to the underwriters who would sell the bonds and bond counsel who would give legal opinion regarding the bonds. Time Schedule would time the Town would hire until the bond closing w With regard to financial with towns and cities to any kind of refinancing. probably be a fast track schedule and from the a financial advisor regarding the refinancing ould probably be a 3-1/2 to 4 month time period. advisor, it is becoming a frequent practice use a financial advisor as part of the team in Mr. Combiths advised that costs of using a financial advisor will vary and depend upon the size of the issue and the complexity of the issue. Blacksburg recently did a refinancing for one million five hundred thousand dollars, and they paid a financial advisor about $8,700 as part of issue. Typically, the cost for the professional advise is taken out of the bond issue. In 1987, when Town first issued bonds, the financial advisor was paid a fee of $7,700. This matter referred back to the Finance Committee for their review and recommendation. Mayor Hancock stated that the Town could add additional projects to the bond issue but it was the consensus of the Finance Committee that the Town did not wish to incur any additional debt whatsoever by way of bonds at this time. August 17, 1993 9303 UTILITIES COMMITTEE WATER Chairman Graham reported that the Utilities Committee met August 13 and discussed water system operation. Operational policies-meter maintenance policy and testing needed for all size meters. Same municipalities go to outside firms to come in on an annual basis to check all large meters 1" or larger. Committee discussed hand held electronic meters which would save some time in billing. This will be discussed further. The water department is also lacking in personnel. Chairman Graham advised that we need to develop operational manuals for operating our various water system pump stations. We are looking to Town Administration to develop a plan to operate the Town water system for Council's approval. It will take some time for the Manager to develop this fully. Chairman Graham stated that capacity at filter plant is 4 million gallons/day and Renfro is requiring much more water, Pulaski Furniture is also requiring additional water and Magnox may need additional water. We are getting into the zone of 85°s of our capacity. In July, they operated 19-1/2 hours to supply water. We are asking the Town Administration to bring in a report as to our present status and what we should be thinking of doing. At 85o capacity, we should think of expanding or seeking additional water supply, and at 90o it is mandatory. Chairman Graham stated a Utilities Committee meeting was scheduled for Friday, August ZO at 7:00 a.m. regarding water system. Chairman Graham stated that at the Peppers Ferry meeting it was reported that the Town is at 85s flow capacity of their sewer allotment. There is adequate capacity in the plant, however, we should be looking at additional capacity that can be committed to the Town of Pulaski. The increase in water usage and sewer usage is a sign of much growth. Mr. Combiths advised that staff will be preparing a memorandum to Council regarding the capacities at the filter plant and Peppers Ferry. Mayor Hancock stated that Town Council had met earlier Tuesday with representatives from the firm of Ernst and Young who are preparing the water study for the Town. The time frame for the study was outlined. They expect to forward a recommendation to Town Council the week of September 13 regarding rate adjustment for this fiscal year and we will expect to receive the final report in mid November that would recommend adjustments to the rate structure and rates for F/Y 94/95. Mayor Hancock stated that they felt that the strength that their report would have would be that it would be both objective and independent and that they would not only make recommendations to the current fiscal year, they would make recommendations for five year period of time for the Town with regard to water rates and they would be providing the Town with a computerized program which they would leave with the Town which would provide us with a base for all years after the five year period to be able to adequately access our water rate needs in future years. August 17, 1993 WATER, Cont. Councilman Graham advised that the two representatives from Ernst & Young attended the Utilities Committee meeting held this date. Councilman Crispin commented that he had worked with Ernst & Young and they were extremely professional and very highly respected in their field. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairwoman Holston had no report, however, she stated that on the VML committee on Environmental Quality Policy, she had received the first draft of the Environmental Quality Policy statement that they will be voting on October 19. Town Administration is to review to see if we need to make any changes. MAYOR'S REPORT ECONOMIC Mayor Hancock reported that over the past two weeks we have had a DEV. couple of extremely exciting things happen in the Town of Pulaski by way of economic development. We were pleased to have Pulaski Furniture announce that they would be making a ten million dollar expansion of their plant in the Town and this would mean a number of additional employees. Also, Mr. Doc Reagan has indicated that Renfro were in need of expanding their facilities and that they wanted to go into the LA Joe Building and have submitted a conditional use request for the Council and Planning Commission. A special public hearing of both bodies has been called for August 23, 7:00 p.m. These two announcements, coupled with C & P's and Magnox expansion, have been very exciting times for Pulaski by way of economic development. Mayor Hancock stated that we spend a tremendous amount of time in trying to recruit new business to come into Town, but we certainly appreciate the role that existing business plays in our Town as well. Certainly these businesses that have announced that they are expanding have been corner stones of our economic base in Pulaski for many years and we appreciate the contribution that they have made through so many years. Mayor Hancock publicly thanked all the businesses and industries that have announced their intention to expand because it certainly has been good economic news for Pulaski, and we wish them much success in all their endeavors. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT ORDINANCE Mr. Combiths advised that before Town Council was Ordinance No. 93- 22 Amending the Position Classification and Compensation Plan for the August 17, 1993 9305 ORDINANCE, Cont. Town of Pulaski, VA. The purpose of this item is to add back in the Town's Classification the position of Assistant Town Engineer with a pay range of 50. Councilman Crispin so moved that reading of Ordinance No. 93-22 be waived, seconded by Councilman Schrader and carried. Councilman Crispin made a motion that Ordinance No. 93-22 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the fallowing 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. - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye PMT Mr. Combiths advised that Council had requested information regarding the PMI and the July 3rd event. At the direction of the Mayor and Town Council, staff wanted to report the Town's involvement in this event. Pulaski Main Street put on an event on July 3 at the stadium at Pulaski County High School. The amount spent by Pulaski Main Street for this event was $18,658.04. $11,302.26 of this amount was spent on advertising and promoting the event. The remaining $7,355.78 was expended on security, promotions and productions regarding the event on July 3, overnight lodging for some of the performers, insurance and for sky divers which were a part of the July 3 event. Mr. Combiths stated that during the past two years, Pulaski Main Street has also raised money that has been used as part of their budget during the fiscal year. Because we are only into the second month of the fiscal year, obviously those monies that may be raised or may not be raised but the tract record has been that they have been able to raise money and it is not fair to say that $18,000 was just money from the Town, but there will also be made contributions from PMI. Mr. Combiths stated that there is also a disputed amount regarding July 3 event and the staff is still looking into this from one of the promotion companies in Roanoke for $4,500. Mr. Combiths felt it appropriate to say there is absolutely no evidence that there was any misappropriation of funds; again the funds were spent for advertising and promoting the event. Mr. Combiths reported that the staff is working on year end for Pulaski Main Street but without audited figures which we will not have until the end of September, we are looking at the 92-93 year of a deficit of about $8,000. We will be bringing this back to Council at a later time. Councilman Crispin questioned the $18,000 expended, how much was spent for activities that were in place prior to the enactment of the 1993/94 budget. Mr. Combiths stated that all the expenditures for the July 3rd event are applied to the current F/Y 1993/94 budget, not 1992/93. Mr. Crispin asked if Mr. Combiths was saying there was no activity either performed or planned or initiated prior to the enactment of the budget was spent subsequent to the signing of the budget. Mr. Combiths stated there were expenditures prior to July 3 in the months of May and 930b August 17, 1993 Pulaski Main St. June, however, these costs were discussed with our auditors and because the event took place in the next fiscal year, we applied those expenses to the 1993/94 fiscal year. Mayor Hancock advised that Pulaski Main Street and the Town are separate entities. The Town makes an appropriation to Pulaski Main Street and they apply their monies toward promotions and various other activities which was done in this particular case. Mayor Hancock commended Roscoe Cox, the other members of the PMI Board, and members of downtown who have worked with him to put on this event in that they worked very, very hard to put on this project. It was an excellent event and they had outstanding performances and it was hoped it would be a significant drawing card. In addition to the funds that had been mentioned here that Pulaski Main Street expended from their budget, which included both Town monies appropriated and also money that they will raise. They applied them toward this event and hoped it would be a major fund raiser for them. Mayor Hancock was terribly sorry that this did not happen because they put so much work and effort and good intention into this event that it should have been a tremendous fund raiser for them. Mayor Hancock felt that the Town of Pulaski received a lot of positive publicity from the event. We can attribute this positive picture of Pulaski to what Roscoe did and he commended Roscoe for his efforts. There were also other individuals and groups who backed this concert with Pulaski Main Street who spent sums in excess of what we have here, that were expended by Pulaski Main Street, and Mayor Hancock thanked them and commended them as well because they were trying to invest in our community. Mayor Hancock stated that unless you try, nothing will ever happen, and Pulaski Main Street tried and they are to be commended for doing this. We regret that the event did not turn out more favorably. On behalf of Council, Mayor Hancock extended appreciation to Pulaski Main Street as they did the best they could on this event. Councilman Crispin stated that his questions directed to the Town Manager had nothing to do with any kind of criticism of anyone, including Mr. Cox as he commended Mr. Cox for his efforts in regard to Main Street and shared Mayor Hancock's feelings about the lack of success on this event. He held Mr. Cox in high regard and believed he had done a tremendous service to our Town. Also, that Mr. Cox had revitalized the downtawn and had been untiring in his efforts. Mr. Crispin believed that every citizen in the Town owned Mr. Cox a vote of thanks and appreciation. Councilman Graham suggested that the Town Manager prepare a letter for Mayor Hancock's signature to Roscoe expressing Council's approval and backing of the Main Street Program as it was really booming. Councilwoman Holston stated a tremendous amount of work went into the concert to make it a success and it was sad that it did not turn out that way. ^ August 17, 1993 Pulaski Main Street, Cont. 9307 Mayor Hancock commended the downtown business people in getting together to form the merchants group. When Mayor Hancock first came to Council, efforts were being made to revitalize downtown without the results that were hoped for. One of the ways that they felt might help the revitalization was through a Main Street Program. After a trip to Richmond, they worked very hard to be designated a Main Street Community and we were the first community in southwest Virginia to have this designation. The Town put a good bit of money into the Main Street Program and hired a Director. Perhaps it did not have the success that we wanted it to have, but a lot of the efforts that went into that was to lay a foundation for what was to come. The Town made considerable investment in downtown improvements; sidewalks, and trying to improve the appearance of our downtown. Mayor Hancock felt that we need to be of the most important things that business in to start a new business here is to look into Pulaski after being away for 30 years get involved in our Town, taking a job tha of pay with a big challenge. positive about our Town. One people look at when they come at downtown. Roscoe Cox came and he decided he wanted to t involved a very small amount Mayor Hancock stated that he believed that all people who had located in the downtown would say they did so because of Roscoe Cox. Mayor Hancock felt a lot of people had contributed to the success of Main Street. The complaint now received on Main Street is that "I can't find a place to park." He stated that a wonderful thing was happening on Main Street that we all have an investment in and we all need to continue to work together to make it a success. Mayor Hancock stated that Roscoe had announced at a Merchants Meeting that he might be leaving us in six months. Mayor Hancock felt that Roscoe had a lot to do here yet. He is working every day to bring new businesses to Pulaski. We still have vacant buildings and Roscoe has promised him that he will fill them up. Mayor Hancock thanked Roscoe for all that he had done and wished him much continued success. Councilman Crispin gave credit to the citizens of the Town of Pulaski for making him and his wife feel so welcome when they moved to Pulaski. PULASKI Mayor Hancock advised there would be a public hearing Wednesday, HOSP.August 25, at 7:00 p.m. at the Circuit Court in Radford with regard to the application of our local hospital for the Cancer Center. Mayor Hancock felt it would be a wonderful addition to our community. A resolution in support of the Cancer Center has already been adopted by the Town Council and members were urged to lend their support at this hearing. STATEMEN OFCouncilman D'Ardenne advised that Council had not taken any action BELIE~~ the Statement of Beliefs that Mr. Combiths had previously distributed. He requested that this Statement of Beliefs be referred to 9308 August 17, 1993 the Personnel Committee for a recommendation back to Council. Mayor Hancock advised that an executive session was needed on possible litigation under 2.1-344 A7. Councilman Crispin so moved that Council go into executive session, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne 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. - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye Council went into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. At 8:45 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Glenn, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried. Councilman Glenn made a motion that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black 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. - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 8:47 p.m. Councilman Glenn made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. APPROVED: Attest: Clerk of Council ~' Mayor