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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-939344 October 26, 1993 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held October 26, 1993, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Gary C. Hancock, Mayor, 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: Dee Lindsey & Paul Dellinger, News Media Elmer Arnold Frances Delp James Lefler Mary Lee Duncan Henderson Randolph William B. Sanders, Jr. Ronald Vaughan Polly Mitchell The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Vice Mayor W. H. Schrader led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman D'Ardenne gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the October 1, 1993 and October 5, 1993 meeting, and the minutes of the public hearing held September 28, 1993, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. REFINANCE Mayor Hancock stated that first on the agenda was Resolution No. GEN.OBLIG 93-14 relating to the application to refinance our 1987 general BONDS obligation bonds. Mr. Combiths reported that the Resolution No. 93-14 would authorize the filing of an application with the State Council On Local Debt for the issuance and sale of General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia. Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that reading of Resolution No. 93-14 be waived, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Resolution 93-14 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: October 26, 1993 9345 RESOLUTION 93-14 ADOPTED: Bond Issue Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye 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 Finance Committee Chairman Schrader stated that the committee had met and recommended approval of the refinancing of the bonds and the projected savings at this point is 6.99°s which is a considerable savings on the balance of our bonds. ALLEY Mrs. Polly Mitchell, representing Messrs. Hudson and Arnold, addressed Council regarding an alley off Pinnacle Street. Mrs. Mitchell stated that in past years, this alley was maintained but at present it is in very bad repair. She recommended installing a pipe, which would be purchased by Mr. Hudson, if the Town would install it, for drainage. She stated that this alley is the only access to Mr. Arnold's house. The Public Operations Committee will review this alley. Mrs. Mitchell, Messrs. Hudson and Arnold will be notified of date and time of the meeting. TRAIN From the public, Mrs. Mary Lee Duncan addressed Council, protesting WHIST.wordinq of last ordinance adopted regarding the blowing of the train whistle. "No train whistles are to be sounded except when reasonably necessary in the judgment of the train operator". She felt that whistles were being blown unnecessarily. Mr. William B. Sanders also addressed Council regarding the whistles, stating that Roanoke City ordinance states that sounding of locomotive whistles within the corporate limits of the city is prohibited except as may be necessary for the transmission of signals or emergency to prevent accidents. Several other localities' ordinance read the same or similar. Mr. Sanders felt that the engineers were taking advantage of the Town of Pulaski. He suggested making a citizen's arrest. Mrs. Frances Delp stated that the ordinance says "that the operator has to deem it necessary to blow the whistle". Mayor Hancock stated that many letters have been written and perhaps the answer would be for him and the Town Manager to meet with N & S Railroad officials in Roanoke. Mrs. Duncan asked that the sidewalks at Pulaski Furniture be repaired. Mr. Lyons reported that the Public Works Department was preparing a cost estimate for this repair. The Public Operations Committee will review this matter. Mrs. Duncan also asked that sidewalk be repaired at the corner of 5th Street and Monroe Avenue. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee reports. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS 9346 October 26, 1993 Chairman J. R. Schrader stated that Personnel meeting scheduled for October 27 had been cancelled. The meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, November 3 following the 7:00 a.m. Finance Committee meeting. FINANCE COMMITTEE CRITZER Chairman W. H. Schrader reported that the Finance Committee had met PUMP this date. He stated that in April, the Town Council authorized a STATION supplemental appropriation of up to $45,000 to the Sewer Fund for the Critzer Sewage Pump Station. The appropriation was requested because the project cost exceeded the engineering estimates due to design revisions mandated by the Health Departmentt and other engineering revisions. Chairman Schrader stated that the Town experienced a slight increase in cost for the product due to electrical cost overruns. The Town was originally scheduled to perform some of the electrical work, however, the contractor completed them to expedite completion of the project. Total project cost was $130,553.41; $80,000 original budget; $45,000.00 supplemental appropriation and $5,553.41 - balance. The Finance Committee recommended that Town Council approve a final appropriation in the amount of $5,553.41 from the Sewer Fund Balance {$319,773 as of September 30, 1993). Before Council was Ordinance No. 93-27 Approving a Supplemental Appropriation from the Sewer Fund for the Construction of the Critzer Sewage Pump Station in the amount of $5,553.41. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Ordinance No. 93-27 be waived, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. The Finance Committee recommended, and Chairman Schrader so moved, that Ordinance No. 93-27 be adopted. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: ORD. 93-27 ADOPTED Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye CRITZER J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye PUMP Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye STATION W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye 1 Chairman Schrader reported that the Finance Committee reviewed bond refinancing. Chairman Schrader stated that staff updated the Finance Committee with the cash balances for the month of September, 1993, as follows: General Fund $307,404; Water Fund $91,868; and Sewer Fund $319,773. Chairman Schrader stated that an executive Session was held to UDAG discuss two UDAG applications for downtown businesses; a legal matter involving settlement of a small claim; an economic development matter involving downtown and a legal matter involving minor league baseball. RESOLUTION Chairman Schrader stated that before Council was Resolution No. 93- 93- 15 15 authorizing a loan of 529,250 in Urban Development Action Grant October 26, 1993 9347 UDAG LOAN (RESOLUTION) Repayment Funds to Assist Charles G. and Joyce D. Travis in the acquisition and renovation of an existing commercial building in the downtown area for the purpose of establishing an oriental rug and accessories center. Chairman Schrader stated that the building is located at 84 West Main Street. The Town's share of the loan is $29,250 and is secured by a first deed of trust on the building. The term is 15 years and the loan bears an interest rate of 5°s per annum. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution 93-15 be waived, seconded by Chairman W. H. Schrader and carried. Chairman Schrader stated that the Finance Committee recommended, and he so moved, that Resolution No. 93-15 be adopted. The Town Manager and Town Attorney will draft and execute the appropriate loan documents consistent with the resolution. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: 93-15 ADOPT. 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 UDAG LOAN 93-16 Chairman Schrader stated that before Council was Resolution No. 93- 16 authorizing a loan of $34,052 in Urban Development Action Grant repayment funds to assist Deborrah J. Jonas and Gordon D. Jonas in the acquisition and renovation of an existing commercial building in the downtown area for the purpose of establishing an antique and collectibles business and rental office space. Chairman Schrader stated the renovation of 61 West Main Street will house the Colony of Virginia. Additionally, the Jonas' plan to lease 59 West Main Street to an antique store and provide office space to an attorney. The loan will be secured by a first deed of trust on the building. The term is 15 years and the loan bears an interest rate of 5% per annum. Chairman Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. 93-16 be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. The Finance Committee recommended, and Chairman Schrader so moved that Resolution No. 93-16 be adopted, with Town Manager and Town Attorney to execute the appropriate loan documents consistent with the resolution. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION 93-16 ADOPT. Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye 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 - Abstain Councilman Glenn abstained from voting as he is the insurance agent in this endeavor. Chairman Schrader stated that a Finance Committee meeting had been scheduled for November 3, 7:00 a.m. UTILITIES COMMITTEE 9348 October 26, 1993 WATER-PEAKLAND Chairman Graham stated that the Utilities Committee had met twice DRIVE since last Council meetin At the Se tember 28 1993 g• p public hearing, Reverend William Covey, 1978 Peakland Drive, addressed Council with the problems that he had in not having water and sewer service and that he had paid $600 for a water and sewer connection. The total cast of providing water and sewer to Peakland Subdivision is estimated at $40,000 and would serve 13 connections. The Town is required to install water and sewer service by December 31, 1994. The Utilities Committee recommended, and Chairman Graham so moved, that the Public Works Department install the portion of the line to serve Rev. Covey at an estimated cost of $7,000. The Public Works Director indicated the construction may require approximately two weeks Although funds are not budgeted, staff hopes that the Water Fund will have sufficient funds at the end of the fiscal year to absorb the project. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: WATER- Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye PEAKLAND J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye APPROVED Roy H. D'Ardenne - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye WATER Chairman Graham advised that the Town received a petition from DRAPER MT~esidents of Draper Mountain Estates regarding water volume and pressure EST. problems. Chairman Graham stated that Engineering and Public Works Departments were working to identify and correct the pressure problems and locate possible water breaks. The Public Works Department has repaired several breaks and installed a meter to detect the leaks at the O'Dell residence and have checked the pumps that serve Hermosa tank which was replaced this spring. Water has also been checked for chlorine which would indicate where a water break may be present. Chlorine has been found in water in front yard of the O'Dell house. The Engineering Department has scheduled additional chlorine testing to be done, conduct additional water pressure gauge tests and additional leak detection tests. The Utilities Committee will report back to Council a a later date with the findings. WATER- Chairman Graham reported that Mayor Hancock had received a letter BAINBDG.from a resident of Bainbridge subdivision and the Engineering Department and Public Works Department have also been attempting to locate the cause of pressure fluctuations in the Bainbridge subdivision. There is a wide fluctuation in the water pressure. The Rural Water Association indicated that air in the lines may be the cause of the problem. More investigation is to be done on this problem. Staff will update Council as soon as it determines the cause of the pressure fluctuations. Chairman Graham advised that the Utilities Committee also discussed Capital Improvements Plan. The Draper Mountain Estates were not included in this program, but we may have to juggle some of the projects. The Utilities Committee also discussed that the Town Manager will apply for a FmHA loan for the FY 1994-95 projects. Councilman Crispin suggested that in regard to Mr. O'Dell's property, standing water which contained chlorine could be attributed to the watering of Boxwood plants in the yard. He has suggested to Engineering and Public Works to check for chlorine prior to watering the October 26, 1993 9349 plants and test again after watering the plants to see if there is a change in chlorine content. Mayor Hancock felt that a letter should be sent to those persons signing the Draper Mountain petition and also to Mr. Ollis on the results of the testing that is being done. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE ALLEY Chairwoman Holston stated that Public Operations Committee met October 21 to review the alley priority listing prepared by the Town Engineer and Public Works Department utilizing the fallowing criteria to review all complaints and comments received concerning alleys. The criteria is modeled after the State's for their streets and alleys: Priority 1 Paved alleys with the highest traffic use Unpaved alleys with the highest traffic use Priority 2 Alleys used for residential access due to terrain Alleys that provide access to a minimum of three residences Priority 3 Alleys that provide access for less than three residences Limited use alleys Councilwoman Holston stated that the Town divides its street improvement funds into two categories: 1) Street Maintenance (streets that meet state standards and are eligible for state funding) and 2) Highways/Streets and Bridges (non-eligible because they do not meet state standards, such as width). The Town does not receive any state funds for maintenance of non-eligible streets and alleys. All non- eligible expenditures are funding by General Fund revenue. Chairwoman Holston stated that in FY 1993-94 the Town budgeted a total of $20,000 for all non-eligible improvements. The Public Works Director stated that a balance of approximately $13,000 is available for normal operation and maintenance and snow removal for the remainder of the fiscal year. Chairwoman Holston stated that since non-eligible funds are limited and could be impacted by the amount of snow removal necessary this year, the Public Works Director has suggested that a decision regarding alley improvements be delayed until spring. At that time, staff will have a better estimate of the amount of funds available for alley improvements. Listing of priorities 1 and 2 is attached to permanent file copy of minutes of this meeting. Chairwoman Holston stated that the alley request made by Mrs. Mitchell would be under Priority 3. Public Operations will look at this alley again. Staff will also get a list from PSA where trash is picked up in the alley. The Public Operations Committee has requested additional information from the Town Attorney regarding the Town's option on the alley between 15th & 16th Street. Mr. Lane and Mrs. Reed have requested that the Town remove a tree from the undeveloped alley. A meeting will be scheduled to look at sidewalk repair, alley between 15th & 16th Street and alley off Pinnacle St. 9350 October 26, 1993 ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report, however, he asked that the press clarify a point in that a number of telephone calls had been received due to the committee report of last meeting concerning the open air burning of leaves and refuse. He asked that the press point out that this is still in committee and no decision has been made. There will be a public hearing before this ordinance could be passed. Chairman Glenn would not anticipate anything for at least 30 days or longer before we have our next meeting. MAYOR'S REPORT COUNCIL- Mayor Hancock announced that on Saturday, October 30, a planning PLAN.SESSretreat will be held at the education building at Pulaski Community Hospital at 7:30 a.m. The meeting is expected to be over at 1:00 p.m. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Combiths gave a progress report on Town goals: Police Department - renewal going on with Crime Prevention Program. Nightly meetings are being held in the community and work being done on Halloween safety. Also, one police officer has been hired and there are additional candidates that will probably be potential for Police Academy this spring. Fire Department is winterizing their equipment and continuing their inspections in schools and nursing homes. The Finance Department is expecting to finish the Town Comprehensive Audit by November 15. They have started the property tax program for 1993/94 and are continuing with the delinquent tax collection program. The Recreation Department - Soccer, football/cheerleading programs are winding down. We have had approximately 11,000 visitors at Gatewood Dam; renovation has been completed at 6th Street Park, ball fields have been winterized and senior center has lost their Green Thumb worker, however, they are working with volunteers. The Engineering Department is continuing with their building inspection of the expansion at Pulaski Furniture, Wendy's, Edens Distribution is adding 8,000 sq. ft., Rental Towel operation on Dora Highway is adding another 3,000 sq. ft. and the hospital is renovating a wing. Also, the clean up of Altoona St. has been to court and they have been given 30 days for clean up. The Landfill inspection has been completed with Department of Environmental Quality and some re- calibration is being done of the telemetry system. The Public Works Department is continuing with the alley projects, October 26, 1993 9351 meter change out program, water line on Rt. 99 improvements; and rebuilding one of the pumps at the raw water station. Mr. Combiths reported that the senior center wall has been completed and approximately 12 street signals have been repaired. Also, the November/December leaf removal program is still on schedule. The schedule for leaf removal will be publicized. Councilwoman Holston distributed the 1993 Legislative Issues from VML, including study on Business License Tax, State Transportation funding, and mandates coming down. Councilman Crispin asked Mr. Combiths the status of playing field on west side of Town and a way to recognize outstanding scholastic students. Mr. Combiths reported that Dave Hart has had discussions regarding the Jefferson School as a possible location. We are continuing working on this program. We have been trying to get background on student recognition program through the ICMA and we are still trying to get some ideas from other communities on this program. At 8:02 p.m. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. APPROVED: ~' Mayor Attest: Cl rk of Council 9352 ~1