HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-04Minutes of the Council Work Session held July 1, 2004 at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
There were present: Charles L. Wade, Mayor
Council: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Daniel Talbert, Jr., Lane R. Penn,
John T. Bolen, Joel B. Burchett, Jr.
Absent: Bettye H. Steger
Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager
Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer
Dave Hart, Parks and Facilities
John White, Economic Development Director
Sherry Boyd, Finance Director
Gary Roche, Police Chief
Bill Webb, Fire Chief
Dave Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
Others: JoBeth Wampler
Mayor Wade called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.
He summarized some observations that he had formed regarding the Town including the following:
Need to prioritize projects
Staff appear to be in constant crisis management mode
Staff direction from Council - not focused
Need vision and strategic plan
Need to improve image of municipal government. Perceived image is that our
government is slow to react, not trustworthy and don’t do anything for existing businesses.
Mayor Wade moved on to administrative items. He advised of the seating plan for Council, asked for nominations for Vice Mayor, and addressed Council Committees.
Councilman Bolen nominated Councilman Penn for Vice Mayor. Councilman Talbert seconded the motion. There being no further nominations, the motion carried on the following recorded
vote:
Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Lane R. Penn - Abstain
Dan Talbert, Jr. - Aye John T. Bolen - Aye
Bettye H. Steger - Absent Joel B. Burchett, Jr. - Aye
Mr. Hawley emphasized that the official vote could not take place until the official Council meeting scheduled for July 6, 2004.
Mayor Wade moved on to Council Committees. He suggested that rather than having individual Committees, that Council hold a Work Session each month as a Committee of the Whole. He
further suggested that the agenda for the Council meeting not include Committee reports, but instead feature Department Head reports.
Mr. Hawley advised that if Council wished to change the agenda, Council would need a motion and vote at the next Council meeting.
Mayor Wade moved on to the agenda for the Work Session. The following action was taken:
Business licenses. The consensus of Council was to exempt up to $50,000. Draft
Ordinance to be reviewed at 7-20-04 Work Session.
Cigarette tax discount to wholesalers. Discussion re: increasing cigarette tax discount to
5% for wholesalers. Sherry to get cost impact and review at 7-20-04 Work Session.
Taxes/Finance Department. – Discussion re: possible collaboration with the County to
eliminate duplication. Sherry said main obstacle would be collection of delinquent taxes. Special program would have to be written to flag delinquent taxes. She doesn’t see savings
for Town. County would have to hire more people and Town would lose apr. $28,000 in revenue from collection of trash payments. Difficulty with auditing.
Software Program. Must decide whether to upgrade Town’s current software program or
purchase the same system that the County has. Great cost to convert files to County’s system. At this time, Finance and Computer staff prefer upgrading current software program. Will
continue to review.
What about Town stickers?
Sherry to look into Town/County sticker. Does law require that stickers say Town or County? Could possibly save money in cost of making decals.
Public Relations – Do Dept. Heads feel that there is a problem with public relations? Yes,
Town is viewed as bad guy. Ideas?
Article in paper once a month what Town working on or why things have not been done.
Training for employees in customer relations.
Employee bend over backwards to deal with public.
Reward employees who are handling things right.
5. Town vision. Need time frame, how we want Town to be different, role of Council
and staff, how to measure success, and goals. Review and be ready to discuss at July 20, 2004 Work Session. After create vision, work on strategic plan to address long term goals and
the coming year action. Dept. Heads get input from staff too.
6. Prioritize projects.
Staff get price on sandblasting and repair of bridge for Trail by July 20, 2004 meeting.
Council thought priority for Parks and Facilities should be:
1. Phase III of NR Trail
Discussion ensued re: Gatewood Park roof and the option of just repairing the roof or doing some remodeling work at the same time. No action taken at this time.
Staff create spreadsheet with the whole list of projects. List items in progress and issues to finish; cost; time. Example:
Calfee Park; cost; by town or outside source; funding – yes or no; subcontracted already; or need to do design, prep work etc.
Then Council can prioritize.
7. Rental Property Inspection. Have Building Inspector and Fire Marshal do them.
State will allow if Town creates jurisdictions… John Hawley to bring back plan
determining districts within 3 months. Aim at multifamily units to begin with.
Planning Commission – Consensus to appoint Linda Hall and David Allen to
Planning Commission for a 1-year term to reestablish staggered terms. Decided not to have a Council representative and to have Resolution prepared making 6 members instead of 7.
NRV Planning District Commission- Appoint Dan Talbert as govt. representative and consider names for the at large position.
10. Virginia First – Appoint Jeff Worrell – 4 year appointment.