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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-919022 November 19, 1991 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held November 19, 1991, 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., Mary Lou Copenhaver, James M. Neblett, Andrew L. Graham, Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Don E. Holycross, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Asst. to the 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 Mr. Henderson Randolph Mr. Jimmy Dean Mr. Terry Quesenberry Mrs. Evelyn English Ms. Rebecca English Mr. and Mrs. Claud Kirkland Mrs. Polly Mitchell The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Glenn. The Invocation was given by Councilwoman Holston. After the roll call was taken, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes from the regular Council Meeting of October 15, 1991, and the minutes of the special Council Meeting of October 25, 1991, be approved as submitted. Motion was seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Mayor Hancock advised that the first item on agenda was to hear a presentation from Mr. J. B. Warner. Mr. Warner stated that the taxpayers that came before Council had been accused of Council abuse by the media. He felt the people who wrote the open forum letters had never been to a Council meeting, therefore, did not have first-hand information as to what goes on. He further stated that they tried to show respect for the Council. In hearing from the public, Mrs. Polly Mitchell, 600 Prospect Avenue, stated that a traffic light was needed on Peppers Ferry Road coming into Memorial Drive as this was a safety hazard. She requested this light be installed rather than the light at Rt. 11 and Memorial Drive. November 19, 1991 9023 ZONING The Route 11 rezoning was next discussed. Mr. Lyons advised that at the October 15, 1991, meeting, Council delayed a decision on rezoning case #91-14RZ, a request by the Town of Pulaski to rezone Route 11 (Alum Spring Road to a point approximately 650 feet east of Oakhurst Avenue) and the Farmer estate, north of Rt. 11, from R-2 (Residential) to B-2 (General Business), until the affected property owners received notice of the Planning Commission's October 9th recommendation. The Planning Commission recommended that the proposed rezoning, from R-2 (Residential) to B-2 (General Business), be limited to the NRO Station (Lot Nos. 072-103-0000-82, 83, 84, 85, 86A, 87, 88 and 89) and the Pulaski Medical Services' property to a depth of 300 feet from Rt. 11 (Lot No. 072-140-0000-47). Mr. Lyons used an overhead to illustrate recommended property to be rezoned. Councilman Crispin so moved Council accept the Planning Commission's recommendation, rezoning Pulaski Medical Services and NRO property B-2, (General Business) from R-2 (Residential). Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett. Mrs. English objected to the elimination of her property from the rezoning before Council. She asked that Council consider her property for rezoning also. Councilman Glenn made a substitute motion that Council adopt what the Planning Commission has offered, but that we also take the lower parcel, (in the triangle formed by Rt. 11 and Alum Spring Road) and go at least to R-0 on this and also take the remaining two portions, Mrs. English and Mr. Lemon's triangular piece (since these will come up in this issue down the road) and at least bump them up to R-0 since they would be contiguous to the Pulaski Medical Services R-0 property and also the additional R-0 property on the corner of Memorial and Lee Highway. Mr. Terwilliger stated there had been some representations to Mr. Lemon that his property would be considered separately, so he did not think it would be proper to consider this. After considerable discussion by Council, Councilman Glenn withdrew his substitute motion, and made another motion that the Pulaski Medical Services property in its entirety to a depth of 300 feet, and the NRO Station, in its entirety, be rezoned to B-2 in accord with the Planning Commission recommendation. The lower piece below the NRO Station be upgraded to B-1 and that Mrs. English's property be upgraded to R-0. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Holston. At this point, Councilman Crispin withdrew his motion. Councilman Glenn's motion then carried on the following recorded vote: RT. 11 REZONING 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 M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye An ordinance will be brought back to Council for their consideration. 9024 November 19, 1991 Mayor Hancock then called for Council Committee reports. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE STREET LIGHTING Chairman J. R. Schrader reported that the Public Operations Committee had met November 18, 1991. A presentation was made on street lighting update and priorities. The Town has completed $46,238 street light improvements from the 1989 Appalachian Power Company report which included street light upgrades, converting mercury-vapor lights to high pressure sodium (HPS) lights, new street lighting service and replacement of fixtures. The committee recommended to accept the Street Light Priorities; complete installation of lights at Rt. 11 crossover, north of Pulaski Community Hospital - $1,721, and recommendations by Appalachian Power of 1) Replace 497 existing mercury-vapor (3500 lumen) lights with HPS (9500 lumen); 2) Replace 186 existing mercury-vapor lights with HPS (9500) lumen - $8,370; ($45 per light) and $6,056 in unused life fee. Total estimated cost - $14,426; and replace 80 existing mercury-vapor lights (21,000 lumen) with HPS (22,000 lumen). Replacement fee of $4,365 and $726 in unused life fee. Total estimated cost - $5,091. Estimated costs $19,000 with approximately $12,666 due in FY 1991- 92. It is also recommended that we complete installation of new lights on Newbern Road from Peakland Drive to Warden Springs Road at an estimated cost of $2,181. And, complete installation of new lights on English Forest Road at estimated cost of $2,500. The total estimated cost of projects is $19,068 {FY 1991-92), less APCO refund $9,997, $5,884 bond fund balance (budget $53,320, spent $47,436) for a balance of $3,187 due. The committee recommended that this be done with the proceeds of the Bond Fund. Chairman Schrader so moved that funding of the street lighting improvement project balance of $3,187 be funded by proceeds from the Bond Fund, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Rbsent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Appreciation was expressed by Mayor Hancock to staff, APCo and the Council for the great strides that have been made in the street lights around Town. Mr. Holycross was requested to draft a press release regarding what has been accomplished and what will be accomplished. STREETS Chairman Schrader reported that the committee had visited two sites for requested street closings. Magnox has requested abandonment of a closed, developed right-of-way on Altoona Street, south of West Main Street. The subject section of Altoona Street is not open to the public because the old bridge was removed. The Public Works Department recently installed a gate to prevent vehicles from entering the subject section of Altoona Street. Magnox owns the three parcels between the subject section and the north fork of Peak Creek. Magnox wishes to use the subject section as an entrance to the plant for safety reasons and for employee parking. November 19, 1991 9025 STREET Also, Mr. William W. Angle, Jr. has requested either an encroachment or abandonment of First Street, S.W., near Second Bertha Street. According to a recent survey performed for Mr. Angle, a bathroom addition encroaches approximately 1.3 feet on the right-of-way of First Street, SW. Chairman Schrader advised that due to a steep grade, the subject section is unlikely to develop. Although an abandonment may landlock lot 4, it appears that access to lot 4 is not practical from the subject section. Chairman Schrader also reported that the Town Manager will schedule a public hearing for both requests for the Council meeting of December 17, 1991 TRAFFIC Councilman Graham requested that the Public Operations Committee review the potential traffic problem at Long Airdox and Renfro plants on Bob White Blvd. Mr. Holycross reported that the Engineering Department did traffic counts during the past two weeks and a recommendation will be brought back to Council. STREET Councilman Graham also requested that the Public Operations Committee review the street connecting Circle Drive to Rt. 99 to determine hazards. Mr. Holycross reported that this is private property, but he will be happy to look at. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS, NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairwoman Copenhaver had no report. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Graham reported the Utilities Committee had met October 17, 1991, and discussed Council's retreat and several utility related areas. GATEW00D At this meeting, the Town Engineer stated that the water level at Gatewood Reservoir and Hogan's Dam is down approximately 10 feet. At this point, the lower water level is not critical. Chairman Graham stated the committee needed to review the system for inspecting pre-treatment in our industrial and commercial and the permits for Hogan and Gatewood Dam. Mr. Holycross reported that the recent rains had not helped our water level very much. For week ending Nov. 18, a drop of .46 ft. was noted. In Gatewood the previous week, it was .76 ft. The situation is still being monitored and we are trying to cut the flow back as much as possible. Chairman Graham stated that the decision on the water rate adjustment would be discussed at the December 3rd meeting. FINANCE COMMITTEE In the absence of Chairman W. H. Schrader, Councilman Glenn 9026 November 19, 1991 reported that the Finance Committee had met November 4 and discussed a SEWER request by a citizen for a refund of $1,873.30 in sewer fees. It was reported the customer had been charged for sewer when, in fact, the residence had been hooked up to a septic system. Councilman Glenn so moved that the Town refund the entire sewer payment in the amount of $1,873.30, seconded by Councilwoman Holston 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 M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye SEWER Councilman Glenn stated that the committee was informed that the CORROS.sewer corrosion consultant discovered that two taps of the force main are required to televise the line. The consultant planned to access the line through the air relief valves, however, the valves were not large enough for the camera. Since $5,700 was not budgeted for the taps, the project may exceed the approved budget. In addition to allowing camera access, the force main taps will provide inspection and cleaning points to aid future efforts. The committee was also advised that the consultant had requested that an additional 52,000 be allocated for TV inspection, although the consultant believes that the original appropriation of $10,000 may still be adequate. Councilman Glenn made a motion that $5,700 be approved for funding the two taps of the force main to televise the line, from the Sewer Fund, seconded by Councilman Neblett 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 M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Councilman Glenn repor ted that the Finance Committee met Tuesday, November 19, with the Recre ation Dir ector, and so moved that Recreation RECREA.fee for the adult basketbal l program be $275.00 per team for the coming year. This is up from $200 last yea r. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett 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 M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Councilman Glenn requested that a Finance meeting be scheduled to review the budget report provided by the Treasurer's office. LJ Councilman Crispin requested that the Town Manager break this discussion of the budget into two parts; one, September 1st, and from there, up to the present point. November 19, 1991 9027 ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairwoman Holston had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock had no report. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT COUNCIL MEMBERS Mr. Terwilliger reported that a question was raised from the public at the last Council meeting as to whether or not Council Members could vote themselves an increase during their term in office. Basically, there is a state statute on the point and it says that Council Members cannot do so. However, there is an exception in the statute where any Council Members that have staggered terms, such as the Town of Pulaski Council has, that this statute does not apply. It would apply only if they were all elected at the same time. The last increase was granted in 1987. Councilman Neblett so moved that Councilman W. H. Schrader's absences, due to illness, be excused, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader, Jr. and carried. REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. Holycross reported that he was prepared to give a report on Council/Staff Accomplishments, but due to length of meeting, he would postpone giving this report until next meeting. Mr. Holycross requested a brief Executive Session on a personnel matter under 2.1-344 A1. BOND FUND Mr. Holycross updated Council on the status of the Bond Fund. (Copy of this report attached to permanent file copy of minutes). At 5:20 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion to go into Executive Session on a personnel matter under 2.1-344 A1, seconded by Councilman Crispin 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 M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 5:37 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilwoman Holston, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and so carried. Councilwoman Holston moved that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: 9028 November 19, 1991 Charles D. Crispin J. R. Schrader, Jr. Mary Lou Copenhaver James M. Neblett - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Gary C. Hancock - Aye At 5:40 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Attest: J C erk of Council APPROVED: ~~ Mayor 1 ^