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Home My WebLink About11-18-97Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held November 18, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor John A. Johnston, presiding Council Members: James M. Neblett, Lane R. Penn, Bettye H. Steger, Charles W. Stewart, W. Edgar Hale, Joseph L. Weddle, Pauline G. Mitchell, Gerald E. Bolen Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: J. R. Schrader and Paul Dellinger, News Media John Hawley, Town Engineer Matt Underwood Brent Surber Laurin Richard Miranda Wiley The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston. Councilwoman Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Stewart gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Vice Mayor Steger so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 4, 1997, be approved as submitted, after correction, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Mayor Johnston advised that first on the agenda was a public information hearing regarding an application by the Town for Federal Assistance in the form of a grant and loan for improvements to its sewer collection system through Rural Development. Sewer c o 11 e c t i o n John Hawley advised that this proposed phase I project consists of replacing sanitary sewer lines that have been identified by the I/I program as needing to be replaced. The Engineering System Department has worked on this problem since 1974. It was clarified that this application was a e v e } o p m e n t combination of a loan and grant application; 75 % grant and 25 % loan, for a total of $2.253 App 1 i c a t i o n million to make major interceptor repairs. Several lines in Town have been identified that are Approved adjacentto a stream (i.e. Rt. 11, old Lee Highway a sewer line lays beside the creek). Mr. Hawley advised he felt this work would be contracted. Councilwoman Mitchell questioned repayment over a period of 40 years and the payment each year. At this time these payments have not been defined. She further questioned if time could be shortened. Mr. Hawley reported he would be going to Abingdon on Thursday for an information session, and he will bring further details back to Council. Interest rate will be approximately 4.5%. There is no penalty for early repayment. The Town will have to sign a contract prior to the loan being finalized. After discussion regarding I/I by Council and as there were no comments from the public for or against this proposal, the public hearing was closed at 7:17 p.m. on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell and carried. Councilman Neblett made a motion that the proposal for application by the Town for Federal assistance in the form of a grant and loan for improvements to its sewer collection system through Rural Development be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Mayor Johnston welcomed Government students to the meeting. November 18, 1997 As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Johnston called for Council Committee Reports. Chairman Neblett had no report, however, stated that Peppers Ferry Wastewater Treatment F E R R Y R S Authority had met November 6. Draper Aden had made an evaluation of the pump stations and WASTEWATER recommended that the Board approve the contract with Pulaski's portion being $7,250. Mr. Hawley reported this evaluation would cover pump stations 4A and 4B. The operation of the stations will be looked at for 10 years down the road to see if anything needs to be changed. Additional capacity may be needed. The study will make recommendations as to what the Town needs to do. TREATMENT PUMP STAT . pUBLi(' OPERATION ('OMMI 4A & 4B TOWNS Chairman Penn had no report. PORTION $ 7 , 2 5 0 . ORDINANCR .OMMI Chairwoman Steger had no report. Vice Mayor Steger advised that this committee would meet December 2. Chairman Stewart reported that the Finance Committee met November 12, 1997, to discuss items involving the study by Municipal Advisors, Inc. and the preparation of the upcoming 1998-1999 budget. The committee discussed some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Town's finances as well as the Ten Year Financial Forecast and Capital Improvement Projects. The committee also discussed attempting to get on a "pay-as-you-go" approach as opposed to "debt fmancing" for FINANCIAL capital improvement projects. REPORT WALES Chairman Stewart advised that with respect to the mechanics of the budget's preparation, the committee recommended some accomplishments they would like to have by the preparer of the budget. Better communications with department heads, Council, and Manager and an in depth review of the MIA. Councihnan Stewart reported that the Planning Commission met November 10 in a working RUTH session regarding the rezoning as requested on the Ruth Thompson Smith Subdivision. The T H O M P S O N findin s of the staff were examined in de th in a ver SMITH s U B . g p y good report. Another public meeting on REZONING this request will be held at the December 8th, 7:00 p.m. meeting. At that time, the Planning Commission will be able to take action on this request and send a recommendation to Town Council. R E S U B D I V . Councilman Stewart so moved that Planning Commission Case No. 97-84SUB, a request from REQUEST JSK Construction for a resubdivision of 23 acres in the Pepper's Ferry Meadow development. PEPPERS This resubdivision is sought to create one new lot, eliminate right-of--ways for future extension MEADOW and change street names, be referred to the Planning Commission. Motion seconded by Vice D E v . Mayor Steger and so carried. Councilman Stewart so moved that Planning Commission Case No. 97-85CU, a request from Pulaski Furniture for a conditional use permit to use as a storage facility 18,000 square feet at 85 First Street, SW, (also known as the Jefferson School) be referred to the Planning Commission. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried. Chairman Hale had no report. 9743 2 9744 November 18, 1997 MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Johnston advised the name of our new industrial Park is "Pulaski Business Park". Mayor Johnston stated a Technology Summit Meeting was held at the New River Community College. The Honorable Trumbo, Honorable Baker and Honorable Boucher were in attendance. The forum were well informed on all the information they provided. Vice Mayor Steger stated that Virginia Tech is the leader in fiber optics, wireless, etc. Vice Mayor Steger complimented the Town staff in their attendance. Mayor Johnston advised that a tentative schedule had been provided on the organization/financial plan that will be discussed. After discussion, the decision was made to begin these meetings following the next Council Meeting. N 0 R F 0 L I: Mayor Johnston advised that communication had been received from the Railroad Passenger s o U T tt E R N Service regarding passenger service from the Pulaski Station. A community meeting is planned to discuss the use of the railroad station and a railroad stop on the proposed rail service line. This meeting has been tentatively scheduled following the Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. The railroad wants to have public hearings in January. Mr. Hawley is to keep Council informed on this matter. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger arrived at meeting at 8:28 p.m. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Combiths stated that a draft is ready on the Newbern Road traffic study and the Twin Oaks drainage report is complete, and ready for the Public Operations Committee to review. Mr. Combiths advised that during the December 2nd meeting, Larrowe & Co. will present the Town's 1996-97 audit. The Superintendent of Schools, Bill Asbury, will make a presentation for informational purposes for Council, on their plans for school facilities specifically as it may affect the Town of Pulaski. The New River Valley Alliance will update Council on their future plans as it relates to the Town of Pulaski. A representative from the Virginia Municipal League will also make a special presentation to Council regarding the Municipal League. Mr. Combiths reported that a request had been made by Mr. Schmidt that the Town repurchase 7 CEP'iETERY spaces in Lot 29, Section X. The Town originally sold spaces at $12.50 each. 9 spaces were originally in Lot 29. Vice Mayor Steger so moved that these seven spaces be repurchased by the Town for a total cost of $87.50. Motion seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Mr. Combiths reported on audio equipment and recommended funding this equipment. A screen !~U D I o and equipment could probably be purchased for between $5,000 - $7,000. After discussion, the E qU 1 P r7 E N T Town Manager was authorized to go ahead and do this purchase. At 7:49 p.m. Councilman Stewart so moved that Council enter Executive Session under 2.1-344 Al Personnel Matters on specifically named individuals (3); A3 3 matters regarding acquisition of property for public purpose; and A7 2 items under consult with legal counsel regarding contract negotiations. Motion seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye 3 November 18, 1997 At 8:52 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councihnan Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Mayor John read Ordinance No. 97-22 Ratifying Purchase/Acceptance of the Edmonds Building. Councilman Stewart made a motion that Ordinance No. 97-22 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye At 8:55 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councihnan Hale and carried. APPROVID: Mayor Attest: ~~ ~( . Ruth A. Harrell Clerk of Council 9745 4