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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-918912 April 2, 1991 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held April 2, 1991, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were presents Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: Charles D. Crispin, J. R. Schrader, Jr., Mary Lou Copenhaver, James R. Neighbors, Andrew L. Graham, Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn E ~ Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney ! Don E. Holycross, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Warner Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Montgomery Hr. Henderson Randolph Mr. Donald Trail Mr. Alan Groseclose Mr. John Hawley The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Neighbors. The Invocation was given by Councilman J. R. Schrader, Jr. After the roll call and welcome by Mayor Hancock, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of March 19, 1991, be approved as recorded, seconded by Vice Mayor Neighbors and carried. PUBLIC HEAR. The first item on agenda was a public hearing on the proposed SUNSET closing of undeveloped portion of Sunset Drive to the West of Memorial DRIVE Drive. Mr. Holycross reported that at the March 5 meeting of Council, Mr. Alan Groseclose, representing W. D. Development Company, had requested that Council close an undeveloped portion of Sunset Drive to the south/west of Memorial Drive. The undeveloped right-of-way is located in the general vicinity of the new Memorial Square Shopping Center and contains 0.059 acres. Mayor Hancock reported that the Public Operations Committee had viewed the area and had recommended approval of the closing of the undeveloped right-of-way. Using a map, Mr. Holycross illustrated the area that is being considered to be closed. An easement for all utilities would be reserved should we abandon this right-of-way. No comments were received from the public for or against this proposed closing, and public hearing adjourned at 4:06 p.m. Mr. Holycross stated there is a curb cut at this location and staff would be willing, for a reasonable amount of time, to leave the curb cut in case it is used for development of the out-parcel. 0 CLOSE Councilwoman Holston made a motion that we close the undeveloped POR. SUNS~'ght-of-way, leaving the curb cut for a period of 12-24 months, and if April 2, 1991 8913 not developed as an entrance, that curb and gutter be installed by the owner of the property, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mr. Terwilliger is to prepare an Ordinance closing this right-of- way for Council's consideration. - RANDOLPH Mayor Hancock stated Council would receive public comments on AVE proposed 35 mph speed limit on Randolph Avenue. Mr. Holycross reported that in February, the Town Engineering Department conducted a speed study on Randolph Avenue between 6th Street, NW and 14th Street, NW. The survey indicated that the 85th percentile speed of the traffic on Randolph Avenue was 35-36 miles per hour. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the speed limit should generally be set at the 85th percentile speed, which is defined as the speed at or below which 85 percent of the drivers are. traveling. The 85th percentile generally represents what drivers consider to be a safe speed for a given section of roadway. This is based an previous transportation engineering studies which have shown that most drivers drive according to roadway conditions and not according to posted speed limits. Based on the Engineering Department study, the Council is considering a proposal that Randolph Avenue, between 5th•Street, NW and the corporate limits, be increased to 35 mph. The Town Engineer believes that raising the speed limit could reduce traffic volume in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Chief of Police does not object to the 35 mph speed limit. Councilman J. R. Schrader, Councilman Glenn, Councilwoman Holston, Councilwoman Copenhaver and Councilman Graham had received comments from the public prior to the Council meeting objecting to increasing the speed, due to number of wrecks experienced, children in area and dangerous intersections. Mr. Donald Trail spoke in favor of increasing the speed limit. Mr. Henderson Randolph felt that speed was too high in the vicinity of 16th Street and Randolph Avenue. Councilwoman Holston so moved this proposal be tabled until more information is obtained by Mr. Holycross, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Mr. Holyc•ross will publicize this proposal again for the April 16th meeting of Council. Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports as there were no further comments from the public. PUBLIC & PER30NN8L RELATIONS, NOMINATING COMMITTEE GREIJAN~airperson Copenhaver so moved that the following citizens be APPThppointed to the Town of Pulaski Grievance Panel for indefinite terms 8914 April 2, 1991 Marvin (Bud) Webb Ethel Brown A. C. Sumner Mason Vaughan, Jr. C. R. Conner Doris Slaughter Ed Belcher Alex Rygas David Wine Jerry Whitehurst Richard Slaughter Frank H. Kelly, Jr. APPT. And further moved that the following citizens be reappointed to the Town INDiIS, of Pulaski Grievance Panel for indefinite terms DEV. ' H- A- Turner, Jr. John Bolen Terry Coble Marvin P. Long Motion seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Chairperson Copenhaver so moved that E. Ray Lemon be reappointed to the Industrial Development Authority for a 4 year term, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried. FINANCE COMMITTEE WATER Chairman Neighbors stated that the Finance Committee had met on April 1. :.The Town Manager .requested that an additional appropriation of $6,000 in the Water Fund be considered for the repair of the automated water screen located at the raw water pump station on Peak Creek. The screen prevents leaves from entering the wet well and clogging the raw water pumps. The $6,000 would be taken from the fund balance of the Water Fund. .. Chairman Neighbors moved that-the appropriation for the Water Fund be amended to include $6,000 for the repair of the water intake screen, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R.Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent -. Mary-Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Chairman Neighbors stated that the committee had reviewed revenue and expenditure reports related to the General Fund. There is also concern about the slow payment of real estate and personal property tax CO11eCti0I1S. It was also reported that through February, the Town has expended only 57$ of its General Fund appropriation. Expenditures through the end of February were $236,000 or 8.5$ less than through the same period a year ago:. The department heads were commended for holding expenditures down. April 2, 1991 8915 Chairman Neighbors reported that the committee reviewed interest rate for delinquent business licenses. He reported that the Town Code states that the interest rate for delinquent business license taxes will be "set by the Town frog time to time". Presently, there is no established .rate for those delinquent taxes. Resolution No. 91-5, Establishing an interest rate for delinquent business license taxes was presented. Councilman Crispin so moved that reading of the Resolution be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Vice Mayor Neighbors moved that Resolution No. 91-5 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION ADOPT. Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye RESOLUTION No. 91-5 ESTABLISHING AN INTEREST RATE FOR DELINQUENT BUSINESS LICENSE TA%ES WHEREAS, Section 8-39(d) of the Pulaski Town Code provides that the interest rate for delinquent business license taxes shall be "at a rate to be set by the Town from time to time,; and, WHEREAS, the Finance Committee of the Town Council has recommended that the interest rate be established at ten percent per annum to be consistent with the interest rate for delinquent real and personal property taxes and delinquent meals taxes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia that pursuant to Section 8-39(d) of the Pulaski Town Code, the delinquent portion of any business license tax shall accrue interest. at the rate of ten (10) percent per annum. THIS. RE50LUTI'ON is adopted this 2nd day of April, 1991'by recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of. Pulaski, Virginia. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Graham had no report. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman W. H. Schrader was absent. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Co-Chairwoman Holston and Co-Chairman J. R. Schrader had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock reported that Council participated in the ribbon cutting for Wal-Mart Store in Memorial Square. 8916 April 2, 1991 Mayor'Hancock also reported that on July 4th, celebration will be held to Nalcone back the troops from the Persfan Gulf. Progra• is being planned and Council will be advised of the plans. Resolutions were presented Honoring the Pulaski County High School Girl's Basketball Team, Welcoming the C&P Operator Services Center to the Town of Pulaski, Welcoming Wal-Mart to the Town of Pulaski, and Honorir~g~Pulaski Area Ches$ Teams. Vice Mayor Neighbors so moved that reading of resolutions be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Vice Mayor Neighbors made a motion that Resolutions be adopted, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye RESOLUTION No. 91-6 HONORING THE PULASKI COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAR WHEREAS, the Pulaski County High School Girl's Basketball Team completed its 1990-91 season with a 19-1 overall record, capturing the Roanoke Valley District~Championship for the regular season, and, WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars then competed in post-season play, including the Roanoke Va11ey.District Tournament, the Northwest Region Tournament, and the Group AAA State Tournament; and, WHEREAS, after winning the Northwest Region Championship, the Lady Cougars went on to finish as the Group AAA State Girls' Basketball Runners-Up; NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, that the 1990-91 Pulaski County High School Girls' Basketball Team, known as the Lady Cougars, should be and hereby are congratulated upon their stunning success in both regular season and tournament play. The Town Council recognizes that these young women have shown outstanding commitment and dedication to their team and have brought praise and attention not only upon themselves and their school but also upon the entire community. On behalf. of the citizens of the Town, the Council offers its thanks and congratulations for a job well done. RESOLUTION No. 91-7 WELCOMING THE C&P OPERATOR SERVICES CENTER C & P TELEPHONE TO THE TOWN OF PULASKI. WHEREAS, the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company has begun operation of its Operator Services Center in the Town of Pulaski; and, WHEREAS, the Center is one of two in Southwest Virginia and one of only seven in Virginia, and will have a staff of one hundred employees when full operational in May; and, Ap?°il 2, 1991 8917 WHEREAS, the Center w111 provide directory assistance to customers in Virginia in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area; .NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in regular session on April 2, 1991, that the Town Council should and hereby does express its best wishes 'f or the continued success of the Pulaski Operator Services Center of: the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company. The Council thanks the Company for its recognition of the Town as an area with a dedicated work force whose performance will be a credit to the employees, G&P Telephone Co., and the Town. This Resolution is effective upon adoption and is adopted by recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, on this 2nd day of April, 1991. RESOLUTION N0. 91-5 WALL-MART WELCOMING WAL-MART _ TO THE TOWN OF PULASKI WHEREAS, Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated, one of the nation's largest retailers, has officially opened its newest store in the Town of Pulaski; and WHEREAS, this store is now employing numerous local .area residents as managers and associates; and, WHEREAS, the goods and services provided by Wal-Kart will benefit the citizens of Pulaski directly as consumers and indirectly as taxpayers by helping to retain tax dollars in the community. 1 NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by Pulaski, sitting in regular session on Council should and hereby does express Incorporated in the operation of its P thanks Wal-Mart for its recognition of dedicated work force whose performance employees, Wal-Mart and the Town. the Town Council of the ~'fown of April 2, 1991, that the Town its best wishes to Wal-Mart ulaski store. The~Town Council the Town .as an area with a will be a credit to the This Resolution is effective upon adoption and is adopted~by recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia on this 2nd day of April, 1991. RESOLUTION N0. 91-9 HONORING PULASKI AREA CHESS TEAMS CHESS TEAMS WHEREAS, on March 2 and March 3, 1991, the Pulaski County Chess Association hosted the Virginia Chess Federation State Championship Tournament; and, WHEREAS, on the Primary level, the State Champions were the players of Claremont Elementary School, with Draper Elementary School in second place and Dublin Elementary School in third place; ands WHEREAS, on the Elementary level, the State Co-Champions were t'he players of Critter Elementary School and Draper Elementary School; and, WHEREAS, on the Junior High level, the State Champions were the players of Pulaski Middle School, and, 8918 April 2, 1991 WHEREAS, on the High School level, the State Chaspions were the players of Pulaski County High School; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, that the Town Council Should and hereby does congratulate the players of all ages who participated in this tournament and who contributed to the victories of these teams. The hard work and dedication of these players has brought State and National recognition to themselves, their schools, and the entire Pulaski area, and they are to be commended and thanked for their efforts. This Resolution is effective upon adoption by recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, on this 2nd day of April,. 1981. Mayor Hancock advised the 9-1-1 emergency telephone service is now in effect and felt it would be a tremendous asset to our citizens. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Holycross had two legal matters to be discussed in Executive Session. At. 4:44 p.m. Vice Mayor Neighbors so moved that Council go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Crispin, and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles ~D.~ Crispin - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Janes R. Neighbors - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At g: 5'4-p.m. Councilman Crispin lade a motion that Council return to regular session and waive reading of the Certification Resolution, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Councilman Glenn so moved that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Vice Mayor Neighbors and carried on the following recorded vote u; Charles D. Crispin - Rye' Andrew L. Grahae - Aye CERTIFICATION J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent RESOLUTION Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye ADOPTED James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION PULASKI TOWN COUNCIL WHEREAS, the Pulaski Town Council has convened an executive meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmation recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and, .. WHEREAS, 32.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by this Pulaski Town Council that such executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the PULASKI TOWN COUNCIL hereby , April 2, 1991 8919 certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Pulaski Town Council. Councilwoman Holston so moved to schedule a special Council meeting on Friday, April 5, 1991, at 7x30 a.m. on an economic development matter, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried. At 5:55 p.m., Councilman J. R. Schrader made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. APPROVED: Mayor ATTEST: Q~ ~. CJ 1T'of Coun cil ~~