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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-08Minutes of the Town Council meeting held February 19, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. There were present: Charles L. Wade, Mayor Council: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Dan Talbert, Jr., Lane R. Penn, Joel B. Burchett, Jr., David L. Clark, Larry G. Clevinger, II Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council David N, Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Bill Webb, Fire Chief John White, Economic Development Director Keri Vass, Engineering Department Gary Roche, Police Chief R. D. Warburton, Town Attorney Others: Pamela Austin Dave Rundgren Ronald Hall Clark Payne Janie Hurd Akers Melinda Williams, Press Mayor Wade called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Following roll call, Councilman Talbert moved to adopt the minutes of the January 22, 2008 Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on voice vote. The next item on the agenda was Public Operations. Mr. Hawley advised that some budget information for the Airport had been included in the packet for Council’s review. Additionally, Bob Adkins, New River Airport Manager, was to provide an update to Council. Mr. Adkins provided information on air traffic through the airport and advised that the ramp area in front of the building had been repaved. He explained that the remainder of the funds was in an interest bearing account awaiting approval to repave the runway and taxi ways. Additionally, he advised that three small corporate hangers had been built with private monies and they hoped to build a few more in the next fiscal year. Mayor Wade moved on to the Planning District Commission Traffic Corridor Study. Mr. Hawley advised that Council had the aerial photography of the area at their desk to refer to for the presentation. He introduced Dave Rundgren, Executive Director of the New River Valley Planning Distric Commission, to address Council. Mr. Rundgren advised that the Steering Committee was developing a Central Pulaski Transportation and Land Use Master Plan. The intent of the plan was to look at the longer term implications of land use and land use changes and their impact on transportation infrastructure. He explained some of the options. The next item on the agenda was Loving Field. Mr. Hawley advised that he had spoken with the County Administrator regarding taking ownership of the playing fields and parking lots at Loving Field. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the terms for the County to take over the property. Councilman Worrell moved to direct staff to continue negotiations with the County to work out the transfer of the property at Loving Field. The motion was seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye Mayor Wade moved on to decal options. Mr. Hawley advised that staff had looked at the potential revenue loss resulting from Council’s decision to eliminate the vehicle decals. He explained that staff was concerned that if citizens were not required to purchase a decal, they would also not pay their personal property taxes. He explained the method used to arrive at the figures on the spread sheet provided to Council. Mayor Wade suggested changing the due date for the vehicle decal to coincide with the real estate tax of December 5. Then he suggested that payments first be credited to the vehicle decal and the remainder to the real estate tax. He felt this would result in better collections. Following discussion, the consensus of Council was to work toward changing the due date for vehicle decals to coincide with the real estate tax due date of December 5 and toward permanent decals. Mayor Wade moved on to VML Legislative Day update. Mr. Hawley advised that the Mayor and he attended VML Legislative Days and spoke with the legislators regarding bills that would have a negative effect on the Town. Additionally, they discussed the Homestead Exemption Act. Mayor Wade asked that at the next Council meeting, the Police Department provide a status on drug use in the Town and on gangs if any, in the Town. He emphasized that he was not suggesting that there was or was not a serious problem, but wished to have a report. At 6:05 p.m., Councilman Burchett moved to enter into Closed Session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711 (A-7), Consult with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice and (A-3), Acquisition of property. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clevinger and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye At 6:52 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted the Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Talbert, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye David L. Clark - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye Larry G. Clevinger, II - Aye There being no further business, Council adjourned on motion by Councilman Penn, seconded by Councilman Talbert and so carried.