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Home My WebLink About01-20-98January 20, 1998 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held January 20, 1998, 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 Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk Visitors: Ashley Bowers Chauncey Bell Molly Back Amber Lane Jessi Brookner Jessie Poore Megan Poore Lauren Travis Jessica Talbert Caitlin Redding J. B. Warner Nellie Warner Kylene Lawson Nancy Bowers Rachel Gregory Donna Travis Michael W. Poore Hiawatha Nicely Wayne L. Carpenter Sybil Atkinson Robert L. Dye, III 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, Councilman Neblett made a motion to approve minutes of the regular meeting held 7anuary 6, 1998, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried. Mayor Johnston advised that first on the agenda was the presentation of the Annual Planning Commission Report by R. D. Warburton. 9759 Planning Mr. Warburton recognized the excellent work of Patricia Pendergrast, Freda O'Neal, Planning Coru*~issioiCouncilnan Stewart and Commission member John Sadler. He advised that Mr. Sadler's term is Corrunission expiring and requested a replacement. Mr. Warburton advised that he has been re-elected as Chairman and installed Kathleen Kirk as Vice Chairman. Councilman Neblett made a motion to accept the 1997 Annual Planning Commission Report, seconded by Councilnan Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye Mayor Johnston advised that next on agenda was Resolution 98-2, Supporting Efforts to Resolution Improve the Safety of Route 114 in Montgomery County and Construction of the Proposed New 98-2 River Link Road from Route 100 in Pulaski County to U.S. Route 460 in Montgomery County. 9760 January 20, 1998 Councilman Stewart made a motion to accept Resolution 98-2, Supporting Efforts to Improve the Safety of Route 114 in Montgomery County and Construction of the Proposed New River Link Road from Route 100 in Pulaski County to U.S. Route 460 in Montgomery County, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye Resolution Next on agenda was Resolution 98-3, Supporting American Electric Power's Wyoming- 98-3 Cloverdale 765kV Transmission Line Project. Councilman Weddle advised that he would abstain from discussion or voting on this item. After discussion, Mr. Hale made a motion to table this resolution until more information can be gathered, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried with Mr. Weddle abstaining. Mayor Johnston welcomed Donna Travis and Girl Scout Troop 868, who were present for the meeting. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Johnston called for Council Committee Reports. Chairman Neblett had no report, however he advised that Peppers Ferry Regional Waste Peppers Ferr}~I'reatment Authority had met. The comment was made that this was the lowest recorded flow Regional WW since Pepper's Ferry had been on line, but that this problem has been corrected. He advised that Authority Mr. Pete Crawford was awarded a plaque and recognized for his 13 years of service to the Authority. Chairman Penn had no report. Chairwoman Steger advised that Ordinance 98-1, Rezoning the Area Known as the Ruth Thompson Smith Subdivision From R-2 to R-1 would be addressed by Mr. Terwilliger. Ordinance Councilman Penn advised that at the last meeting, in discussions related to Ordinance 98-1, Mr. 98-1 J. B. Warner implied that Council would be making a political decision and that some members would be up for election this year. Mr. Penn wanted to make it clear that he voted for Ordinance 98-1 because he thought it was the right thing to do, and that his political views have nothing to do with this vote. He added that he believes that if R-1 and R-2 zoning had been available when Mrs. Thompson drew up her paperwork, that's what would have been requested. Councilman Weddle advised that his was the only negative vote on this item and he wanted to explain why he voted no. He stated that 44% of those lots did not meet R-1, and he feels that voting yes jeopardizes the Town Zoning ordinance. Councilman Bolen stated that zoning is an evolutionary event and that you can't apply today's requirements to history. These houses were built according to the rules of that time. Councilwoman Steger made a motion to approve Ordinance 98-1, Rezoning the Area Known as the Ruth Thompson Smith Subdivision From R-2 to R-1, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle - No Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye 1 2 January 20,' 1998 Crime Vice-Mayor Steger advised that Crime Control met January 14, 1998, discussing activities Control available for Pulaski youth. She also advised that the McGruff house program is being reinstated. 9761 Councilman Stewart advised that Committee met January 13, 1998 to continue reviewing the Financial Organizational Study/Audit from Municipal Advisors, Inc., regarding the Police and Fire Report Departments. Fire Chief Hall and Police Chief Cooley gave presentations regarding their Wales departments. Following the presentations, Committee discussed recent problems with the care of abused animals taken into custody by the Police Department and received updates on festival development. During the meeting, Committee conducted executive sessions on land acquisition for a public purpose. personnel matters regarding a specific individual; and a UDAG loan application. On January 19, 1998, Committee met to complete discussions on the Municipal Advisors Report Financial concerning recommendations regarding Parks and Recreation. Committee also received a report Report from the Finance Director, Sherry Neidigh, concerning the status of fmancial reports. Wales Councilman Stewart advised that Planning Commission met on January 12,1998 and heard Planning Commission Case No. 98-86RZ, a request from White L.L. C.; Robert Henegar, Agent Rezone and H. W. Huff, Jr., Owner, for a rezoning of 2.477 acres at the intersection of Route 11 and 98-86RZ Pleasant Hill Drive from R-1 to R-2. Commission voted to recommend to Town Council that the rezoning not be approved. A letter from White L.L.C. was received January 20, 1998 withdrawing the request for rezoning the 2.4 acres on Pleasant Hill Drive. He advised that Commission also heard from Patrick Burton of the New River Planning District Commission concerning the New River Valley Bikeway/Walkway Plan. Public Hearings NR Valley beginning at the Planning Commission level are required by the state for localities in the plan's Planning area. Commission recommends that issue be given full consideration by Council. This case has District Com been designated Planning Commission Case No. 98-88PH. Councilman Stewart moved that Planning Commission conduct a Public Hearing on Planning public Commission Case No. 98-88PH, to conduct a public hearing on the proposals involving the New Hearing River Valley Bikeway/Walkway Plan, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and so carried. 98-88PH Mr. Stewart advised that Mr. R. D. Warburton has been elected Chairman of the Planning Planning Commission; Mrs. Kathleen Kirk, Vice Chairman and Mrs. Freda O'Neal, Secretary. Commission Mr. Stewart advised that Planning Commission has some additional referrals: Planning Rezone Commission Case # 98-87RZ, a request from the Town of Pulaski for a rezoning of 48.119 acres 98-87 from RR (Rural Residential) to M-2 (General Industrial District), in order to expand the Pulaski Business Park on Route 611. Councilman Stewart made motion to refer this matter to Planning Commission, seconded by Councilman Neblett and so carried. Planning Commission Case No. 98-89RZ, a request from Mr. Brian E. Chinault for a rezoning of Rezone .420 acres on Cedar Lane from R-2 to RR for the purpose of placing a single wide mobile home 98-89RZ on the property. Councilman Stewart made motion to refer this matter to Planning Commission for study and recommendation, seconded by Councilman Weddle, and so carried. Councilman Bolen voted No. Mr. Stewart advised that the Town is currently preparing, with the assistance of the New River NR Planning Planning District Commission, an application for a Community Development Block Grant to District upgrade and expand the water lines on Case Knife Road. Two public hearings are required by Commission law. Councilman Stewart made a motion for Administration to schedule public hearings for Community Community Development Block Grant Hearing for the Case Knife Road Area, seconded by Development Councilman Weddle, and carried on the following recorded vote: Block Grant 3 9762 January 20, 1998 Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye Chairman Hale advised that Committee met in Executive Session on Friday, January 9, and Monday, January 12 to discuss matters under Section 2.1-344 (A1), (Interviews, appointments & personnel) of the Code of Virginia. Councilman Hale advised that Committee approved a Employment recommendation that Robert L. Dye, III be appointed Director of Economic Development for the Town of Pulaski. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Abstain Mr. Bolen -Aye Mrs. Sybil Atkinson, Chairperson of Economic Development Board stated that the Board is pleased with Mr. Dye's acceptance and looks forward to continuing the relationship with Council and working for the economic development progress in the Town of Pulaski. Mr. Dye stated that he looks forward to working with the Town. MAYOR'S REPORT: Intergovern- Mayor Johnston reminded Council of the quarterly Intergovernmental Meeting to be held mental Mtng Thursday, January 29, 1998 at 7 p.m. at the Brinkley Eure Building at the hospital. He advised that the Town had received a Certificate of Recognition for SoLthwest Virginia is "Oren For Business" Month from the Governor's office. 'TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Combiths reported that Town is continuing efforts to bring the New River Trail into Town. He also advised Council of the VDOT meeting to be held 1-26-98, from 4-7 p.m. at the Blacksburg Inn, regarding the I-81 Widening. Staff will attend. Mayor Johnston advised that the Town has been meeting with Pulaski Baseball, Inc. for several months regarding baseball in Pulaski. A contract has been drawn up. This contract obligates Town Council to do the required repairs by June 1, 1999, and obligates Pulaski Baseball, Inc. to bring a professional baseball team through the season 2001. Councilman Neblett made a motion to accept the contract with Pulaski Baseball, Inc., seconded Pulaski by Councilman Penn and carried on the following roll call vote: Baseball Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye At 7:55 p.m., Council entered executive session under 2.1-244 (A3) Acquisition of Land for public purpose and 2.1-344 (A1), Personnel Matter Specific Individual, on motion made by Councilman Penn, seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye L 4 January 20, 1998 9763 At 8:37 p.m., Council returned to regular session and adopted certification resolution on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye At 8:38, Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. 1 r 5