Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-929096 May 6. 1992 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held May 6, 1992, 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, Andrew L.. Graham, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Alma H. fiolston Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attor~iey 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 Bill Atwood Tom Hawley Howard Thomas Jerry Thomas E. G. Black Doc Reagan Roy D'Ardenne Elaina Younce Sean Lester Sarah James Amy Blankenship Nicholas Frazier Barbara Corder Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Warner Henderson Randolph Ed Aust 6 area citizens The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Councilwoman Holston led the Pledge of Allegiance with the Invocation being given by Councilman J. R. Schrader. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of April 21, 1992, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. STUDENT Mayor Hancock welcomed visitors to the meeting and advised that GOVERN. Student Government Day had been held and introduced students from the DAY Pulaski Middle School who had participated in the activities throughout the day. A mock Council Meeting had also been held. Students were as follows: Chris Price, Mayor; Anthony Yoder, Town Manager; Elizabeth Johnson, Treasurer; Ginny Morgan, Engineer; Jason Corvin, Fire Chief; May 6, 1992 9097 STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY, cont. Eric Cizl, Chief of Police; Chris Davis, Director of Recreation; Tommy Crigger, Director of Public Works; Sarah Armes, Chris Sumner, Tom Cooper, and Crystal Raymond, Town Council Members. PUBLICY. Mayor Hancock stated that next on agenda was a public hearing on a HEAR, equest by Renfro Corp. to vacate the right-of-way of Lee Street located south of Commerce Street; to vacate an east-west alley right-of-way CLOSE located between Lee Street and Jefferson Avenue, S.W.; and to vacate a RIGHTS north-south alley right-of-way located between said east-west alley and 0 WAY Commerce Street. All of the rights-of-way requested to be closed are located within Block 126 of the Official Town of Pulaski Map. Mayor Hancock excused himself from participating in this issue. Mr. Holycross reported that request had been received from Renfro Corp. to vacate these rights-of-way. This would allow Renfro to expand their existing facility on Jefferson Avenue. Mr. Holycross reported that a letter had been received from Howard R. and Jerry W. Thomas voicing their objection to the vacation of the alleyways, but letter also states it would be acceptable if the property is divided equally between the two adjacent property owners. They refer to the alley-way between their property and that of Renfro Corp. and the alley-way between their property and that of the Andros heirs. Typically, under the law this is how vacations are divided. Mr. Tom Hawley, speaking for the Thomas', stated there is an existing party wall between these two parties and they wanted it understood they are not giving up their legal rights to the party wall that has existed with the Andros family prior to it being purchased by Renfro. It does pass with the land. Mr. Terwilliger reported that as far as the party wall, without examining title to the real estate, he could not give an opinion. Normally, on a vacation of a street or any alleyway, if the ordinance itself is silent, then it is generally accepted that the property reverts down the center line to the adjoining property owners on either side. There is authority that the Town has the right to deviate from this and to either sell or give the vacated property to any party that it wishes to. The Town also has the option of closing the alley if for industrial development purposes and to condition the closure on the completion of the industrial development project. So if the project does not go forward, the closure can be rescinded. Mr. Holycross used an overhead visual to illustrate the rights-of- way involved. Mr. Terwilliger clarified that the Town's closing of an alley would not affect any contractural rights between parties, one way or the other. If lot 22C is the portion that is owned by the Thomas', then the only part we would be talking about reverting would be one half of the portion that lies between lot 22B, and 22C and that would only be for a short distance. The Public Operations Committee had made a site visit to this requested closure and did not find any objection to closing the rights- of-way. 9098 MAY 6, 1992 No further comments were received for or against this requested closing. Before Council was Ordinance No. 92-5 Closing Lee Si:reet, South of Commerce Street; Closing an East-West Alley Right-of-Way from Lee Street to Jefferson Avenue; and Closing a North-South Alley Right-of-Way from Said East-West Alley to Commerce Street; All Within the ^"own of Pulaski, Virginia. Councilwoman Copenhaver so moved that reading of the Ordinance be waived, seconded by Councilwoman Holston anc~ carried. Councilman J. R. Schrader made a motion that Ordinance No. 92-5 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE N0. 92-5 ADOPTED Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. S chrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye Councilman J. R. Schrader and Mayor Hancock commended Mr. Reagan on Renfro's success and expansion plans. As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Ha~zcock asked for Council Committee Reports. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE ZONING Chairman J. R. Schrader advised that the Public Operations Committee had met April 29. Mr. Charles Allison addressed the committee and indicated that the Allison estate is exploring the p~~ssibility of a multi-phased single-family residential development to be located between Memorial Drive, Peppers Ferry Road and Route 11. Site contains 209 acres and is zoned R-1 (Residential). Chairman Schrader reported there is one section alo:nq Memorial Drive that is zoned R-0 that is not involved in this development. Chairman Schrader stated that since the development would be low-density and would not generate a significant amount of traffic, :Mr. Allison had expressed concerned with the 30-foot pavement width requirement for Town streets. Mr. Allison indicated that the 30-foot pavement width increases the developer's cost. Mr. Holycross had responded that the 30-foot pavement width is a requirement for the Town to receive State highway maintenance funds. WATER/SEWER Mr. Holycross also reported that the staff will research the LINES utility costs and bring additional information to the Public Operations Committee regarding Mr. Allison's request for financial assistance to offset a portion of the water and sewer line extensions. DEPT. OF Chairman Schrader also advised that the Virginia Department of TRANS, Transportation is preparing its six-year capital expenditure plan. The Town is allocated a portion of the funding for the plan and must submit a priority list of projects. The Town's previous Urban Construction May 6, 1992 9099 projects include the Pinnacle Street railroad crossing, bridges on Altoona Street, Commerce Street and West Main Street and the downtown traffic signals. BRIDGES The Engineering Department recommended complete replacement of the Jefferson Avenue bridge in 1995, the Washington Avenue bridge in 1996 and the Randolph Avenue bridge in 1997. The estimated cost per bridge replacement is $700,000. Chairman Schrader so moved that the Town submit the three bridge replacement projects to VDOT for the six-year capital improvement plan, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried. Chairman Schrader also reported that the Town Manager had discussed recommending including a fourth project, a turning lane on Route 99 from Duncan Avenue to Bob White Boulevard. The committee will consider submitting a fourth project to VDOT at a later date. STREETS Chairman Schrader stated that $80,000 is available for the spring street resurfacing program. As part of the spring program, staff is recommending the resurfacing of 1) Bob White Boulevard (Rt. 99 to Monte Vista Drive) to include four 11-foot lanes; and 2) Bob White Boulevard (Peakland Drive to Wurno Road). Chairman Schrader reported that the Town Manager will submit a street paving list after the Town opens bids on May 8 for the resurfacing unit prices and May 15 for the East Main Street Bridge redecking. Both projects impact the balance for street resurfacing. Chairman Schrader stated that the committee reviewed a draft joint RECRE.recreation committee agreement. Town Council will consider the agreement after it is finalized by the three administrators and reviewed by the Public Operations Committee. RENFRO Chairman Schrader reported that the contractor for Renfro's downtown expansion requested 3,100 to 4,500 cubic yards of shale from the Town's property at the landfill. The shale would be used as fill for the project. The Town previously provided shale for the Renfro project at Newbern Road and the expansion of the Food Lion Shopping Center. The removal of shale from the property allows the Town to stair-step the sheer face of the mountain. The shale is sold to the contractor at a competitive rate and the contractor is responsible for traffic flagging and restoring the access road to its original condition. Chairman Schrader so moved that the Town make shale available to the contractor, after review by the Town Attorney, seconded by Councilman Crispin. Mayor Hancock also excused himself from this topic. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: 9100 May 6, 1992 Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye It was also reported that the lights at Calfee Park had been discussed and the work is scheduled for this spring. Councilman Graham requested that Council be advised as to how the recreation agreement would be put into effect, as it calls for a proposed budget for all the participating jurisdictions. He asked also that the supervision of the program by the County be revviewed with Council. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Chairwoman Copenhaver had no report. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Graham had no report. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman W. H. Schrader reported that the Finance C~~mmittee had met earlier in the day and reviewed the revenue/expenditure :reports for the General, Water and Sewer Funds through April, 1992. STREET Chairman Schrader LIGHTS for street lighting al Engineer estimated the the residences only at standard distances was stated that the committee had reviewed a request ong Morehead Lane and Canterbury Lane. The Town cost to install the street lights in the area of $3,200. Cost estimate on the street lighting at $7,200. The Finance Committee recommended, and Chairman W. '~I. Schrader so moved, that the Town install street lighting on Morehead Lane and Canterbury Lane at standard distances, at an estimated cost of $7,200, 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 W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye Chairman Schrader also reported that the committee had reviewed a CONTRI- request for financial assistance from Tommy Saunders of ,Draper to fund BUTIONS his trip to Japan for an arm wrestling tournament. The YMCA has DENIED submitted a request for $500 to fund a summer camp for 20 needy youth. The committee felt these requests to be worthy, however, at this time they must decline to provide financial assistance and that the assistance should be privately funded. Committee asked that staff send letters of support to both Mr. Saunders and the YMCA. May 6, 1992 9101 Chairman Schrader stated that probably next week, budget meetings would be scheduled. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE TAXICAB Chairwoman Holston advised that the Ordinance Committee met May 4, CERTIF. 1992, and discussed the distribution of the remaining 12 taxicab certificates for the balance of calendar year 1992. She reported that at the April 21 Town Council meeting, an additional five certificates were issued to Jim Dandy Cabs and twelve temporary certificates to Blue and White Cabs and Deluxe Cabs. At that time, the Town Council requested that the Ordinance Committee review an auditor's report of Blue and White and Deluxe Cabs and to return a recommendation. The Ordinance Committee recommended, and Chairwoman Holston so moved, that Town Council issue 12 taxicab certificates to Blue and White Cabs and Deluxe Cabs for the remainder of calendar year 1992. Motion was seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: 12 AWARDED TO MR. CHRISLEY Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye ZONING Chairwoman Holston reported that Mr. and Mrs. Cook, 3772 Newbern Road, had filed a complaint regarding junked vehicles stored outside of the Modern Automotive garage on Newbern Road. Additionally, the Cooks complained that the garage's sign obstructed their view backing out of the driveway. Chairwoman Holston stated that both the Cook property and the garage are zoned B-1 (Business) and M-1 {Limited Industrial). At the meeting, the Town Manager reported that Modern Automotive was built within the last two years and prior to construction, the Engineering Department physically verified that the building's location was within the M-1 zone. Automobile repair is permitted within the M-1 zone, but not the B-1 zone. Further, the Town Manager is reviewing the Code in relation to storage of junked vehicles in an M-1 district. Chairwoman Holston stated that after visiting the site, the Town Manager reported that, in his opinion, the sign did not obstruct a driver's view backing out of the driveway. Due to the curve in Newbern Road, the Cooks have an unobstructed view of the road. Additionally, Mr. Roger Sowers of Modern Automotive told the Assistant to the Town Manager that he will move any vehicles parked on his property that may obstruct the Cook's vision. ZONING Chairwoman Holston reviewed a request from Bentley Hollow Drive on Department informed Mr. home for the following reported that the Ordinance Committee had Mr. Robert Wright to place a mobile home on 275 the property of his mother. The Engineering Wright that he cannot place a single-wide mobile reasons: 1. Article 3 Section 2 of the Zoning Code permits only one main building on one lot. Since his mother's house is located at 275 9102 May 6, 1992 Bentley Hollow Road, no other building may be placed on the one lot. 2. Single wide mobile homes are not permitted in the R-2 (Residen- tial) district unless located in a mobile home park or subdivision. Chairwoman Holston reported that although the Pine Fiill Trailer Park is immediately adjacent, the Wright's property is not contained within the mobile home park. Under the present code, Mr„ Wright is not permitted to locate a single wide trailer at 275 Bentley Hollow Drive, and asked that the Wrights be informed of this. Further,. Chairwoman Holston stated that Mayor Hancock received a petition si~~ned by Cool Springs residents who do not object to Mr. Wright's trai:Ler. N&W Chairwoman Holston reported that the Ordinance Committee reviewed Town Code Section 10-16, "Sounding of Locomotive Horns" :Ln the Town of Pulaski. Code prohibits the sounding of locomotive horns or warning devices within the corporate limits of the Town by a railroad company except as may be reasonably necessary to signal trains a~zd trainmen. Chairwoman Holston stated that the Ordinance Committee directed the Town Attorney to prepare an amendment for Council's consideration of Section 10-16 to permit the sounding of a locomotive horn for safety reasons. Mr. Holycross reported that this matter came up at 'the joint meeting of the County, Towns of Dublin and Pulaski, for ~~larification of language. Chairwoman Holston stated that we still need to set a meeting regarding new legislation from the General Assembly. MAYOR'S REPORT SISTER CITY Mayor Hancock stated the Town of Pulaski had a Sister City in Ashburton, New Zealand, and also the City of Warka, Poland, had expressed interest in being a Sister City. Mayor Hancock stated he had sent Mayor Stefan Ambroz a letter in December, and in turn, Mayor Ambroz has sent Easter Greetings to the Town. Mayor Hancock reported that the Town of Pulaski had again received recognition through pictures of Jackson Park and Peak Creek being published in Shutter Bug Magazine, which is a national photography magazine. Mayor Hancock stated that correspondence had been received and distributed from Congressman Boucher regarding his bill which would limit dumping of out of state garbage in Virginia and its endorsement and also correspondence regarding cable television rates and Congressman Boucher's proposed legislation that would give local govenments the right to regulate cable television rates. Mayor Hancock thanked citizens who turned out to vote. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. May 6, 1992 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT UDAG Mr. Holycross stated that the Town had received a request from FUNDS Michael E. Boyer, Hanover Investment Properties, for financial assistance from the Town's UDAG loan program for the purchase and renovation of the Johnston Mobile Home Park in Pulaski. In addition to the purchase, the money would be used for new water lines, new sewer lines, new streets, underground electricity, landscaping, and other related improvements to the mobile home park. The financing would be leveraged by an equal commitment from a local lending institution and 10% investment by the prospective buyer. Before Council was Resolution No. 92-6 Committing to a Loan of $160,000 in Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Repayment Funds to Assist Hanover Investment Properties in the Purchase and Renovation of the Johnston Mobile Home Park. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that reading of Resolution No. 92-6 be waived, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Resolution No. 92-6 be adopted, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION N0. 92-6 ADOPTED Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye 1 9103 Councilwoman Copenhaver commented there was a great need for mobile home parks and this company has done a nice job with their park in Dublin. Councilwoman Holston stated this was one of the goals from Council's retreat. FIRF~ Mr. Holycross stated that it had been previously reported to Town DEPT ouncil that a grant from Virginia Fire Services Board to repair the dire training mobile homes had been respectfully declined by the Town. After the Fire Services Board again reviewed this matter, they reconsidered their position and offered to let us use the grant funds for the purchase of a "maze" trailer. Councilman Crispin made a motion that the Town accept the $5,000 grant from the Fire Services Board for the acquisition of a "maze" trailer, 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 W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mr. Holycross reported that in cooperation with the Fine Arts Center, we are pleased to announce that the first concert for this summer's Music-in-the Park Program to be held in Jackson Park will be 9104 May 6, 1992 May 31st. At 4:55 p.m. Councilman Graham made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. APPROVED: Attest: Clerk of Council G~.'~/ Mayor 1