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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-98March ~7, 1998 9773 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held March 17, 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, 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: Paul Dellinger, Press J. R. Schrader, Press Barbara Cain Sherman Cain Ron L. Pruitt C. Wayne Ratcliffe Doris M. Ratcliffe John T. Bolen Gregg Zody M. E Croft Jerry Moore The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Bolen led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Neblett gave the Invocation. Following roll call, Councilman Neblett made a motion to approve minutes of March 3, 1998, seconded by Councilman Bolen and carried. Mayor Johnston advised that first on agenda was a Public Hearing on the New River PUBLIC HEARING Valley Bikeway/Walkway Plan and an accompanying Resolution. BIKEWAY/WALKWAY Mr. Quesenberry advised that the purpose of this public hearing is to endorse the concept of the New River Valley Bikeway/Walkway Plan as it applies to the Town of Pulaski. There are two types of routes, bike lanes and shared routes, and 5 routes within the Town. The bike lane would require the addition of a 4-5 foot lane for bicycles on some roads. Planning Commission recommended that an additional route be included coming from Bob White Blvd., down Route 99 to Town limits to tie into the New River Trail and to any extension that may be coming into the Town from that trail. Resolution 98-9 ~! supports the plan. There is no monetary request. After discussion, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Resolution 98-9, a RESOLUTION Resolution of Support for the New River Valley Bikeway/Walkway Plan, seconded by 98-9 Councilman Bolen 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 Ordinance 98-2, Rezoning 48.119 acres from Rural Residential (RR) to General Industrial District (M-2) for the purpose of adding said tract to the Pulaski Business Park. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the addition of this tract will bring our Industrial Park to REZONING ORD. 98-2 approximately 136 or 137 acres. This item has been properly advertised, and Planning Commission recommended approval. 1 Marchl7, 1998 After discussion, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Ordinance 98-2, Rezoning 48.119 acres from Rural Residential (RR) to General Industrial District (M-2), seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewazt -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye PUBLIC Mayor Johnston advised that next on agenda was a public heazing on the Case Knife HEARING Road Water System CDBG grant application and Resolution. Mr. Quesenberry advised that this is the 2nd heazing required by state law. The only major change to the project is that approximately 5400 feet of water line will be needed instead of the original 6600 feet. The County is supportive of the application. State regulations require that Council pass a resolution expressing the Town's intent to apply for the grant and authorizing the Town Manager to sign and submit appropriate documents for the grant application. Mr. Quesenberry advised that some Town employees and volunteers have donated a lazge pazt of their time and efforts to this project. He recognized, in pazticulaz, Jerry Moore and Larry Freeman. He also recognized Gregg Zody, of the New River Valley Planning District Commission, as doing outstanding work. Councilwoman Steger thanked Mr. Quesenberry for all of his hazd work. RESOLUTION After discussion, Councilman Penn made a motion to approve Resolution 98-10, for 98-10 Application to the Commonwealth of Virginia for Virginia Community Development Block Grant Funds for the Case Knife Road Water Project, seconded by Councilman Weddle, and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewazt -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye Mayor Johnston stated that next on agenda was comments from the public. REZONING Mr. Ron Pruitt addressed Council regarding a lot on Pleasant Hill Drive that is zoned B-1 and requested that it be rezoned to R-1. He presented the Mayor and Council with a map of the azea azound Pleasant Hill Drive. He stated that he had a petition signed by residents of Pleasant Hill Drive requesting that the lot be rezoned R-1.. The only exception being one family that is in the process of moving. All other residents signed the petition. He advised that they had recently discovered that a section around them was zoned B-1 and were trying to protect themselves. After discussion, Mr. Terwilliger advised that the petitioners, under the law, do not have the right to file a petition because it is not their property. They can ask Council to make a motion on Town's behalf, but cannot file a formal application themselves. After discussion, Councilman Weddle made a motion to table this item until the next regulaz Council meeting, at the same time, asking staff to contact the property owner and advise him of the petition, seconded by Councilman Hale and cazried on the following vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart - No Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell - No Mr. Bolen - No 9774 u 2 March~7, 1998 Councilman Stewart made a motion to prepare a resolution referring to Planning Commission the request for rezoning of a portion of lot 063-001-0000-221 on Pleasant Hill Drive from B-1 to R-1, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: J 1 r Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye 9775 Next item for discussion was Resolution 98-11, supporting the Application of Pulaski RESOLUTION County to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for an 98-11 Economic Development Block Grant. After discussion, Councilwoman Steger made a motion to approve Resolution 98-11, Supporting the Application of Pulaski County to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for an Economic Development Block Grant, seconded by Councilman Weddle 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 Councilman Neblett advised that some Council members toured the 4A and 4B Pump Station with Charlie Maus and staff. He advised that it was a learning experience and very mterestmg. Chairman Neblett advised that Utilities Committee met March 6, 1998, hearing a request from JSK Construction for the Town to take over storm drain from the Pepper's Ferry Subdivision. Following discussion, the Committee referred the matter for future study. Chairman Neblett stated that efforts regarding pressure problems on Henry Avenue are continuing, and advised that fire protection for the area is not a problem. Town Engineer updated Committee on progress on Peakland and Whitethorn sewer projects. He informed Committee that no response has been received from Wal Mart on easement for Whitethorn sewer and that Town Attorney has obtained court order to use an easement connected with the Peakland project. P B I OP ATION~ C'nMMTTTF,F.~ ,3~3i~- G9~I,>i ~'~T~N STORI'~ DRAIN I~.WZ~ cz I ~'i nTAci°zrrL >'~E~- WT~I.~£~BRN Sr w ~ {~ Chairman Penn advised that Public Operations Committee met March 6, 1998 and TRAFFIC discussed measures that could be considered to lessen traffic problems on Bob White Bla}3wHITE Boulevard and the area surrounding Hudson Chevrolet. Committee's recommendation is to construct a center lane to be used as a turning lane for traffic, with staff continuing to study reducing the speed limit to 35 miles per hour, and passed on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell - No Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye Chairman Penn advised that in addition, discussion ensued on the costs of widening and straightening Valley Road, drainage problems on Bertha Street, the Town's Fire Prevention Plan, OSHA's "Two-in, Two-out" rule for firefighters, and a lot ownership question in response to a request from a local business for handicapped spaces at the corner of Jefferson and Third Street. 3 9776 March 17, 1998 Chairwoman Steger advised that before them was Ordinance 98-3, Amending Section 10- 38 (Vehicle License due date) of the Pulaski Town Code. Due to computer problems, the decal applications were not mailed out in a timely manner and the due date for vehicle licenses need to be changed accordingly. The due date for this year only, is changed to April 15, 1998, and shall run through the thirty-first of March of 1999. Councilman Penn moved that Ordinance 98-3, Amending Section 10-38 (Vehicle License due date) of the Pulaski Town Code, be adopted, seconder carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen ('RIME CONTROL REPORT: l by Chairman Stewart and - Aye - Aye - Aye - Aye Chairwoman Steger advised that the Triad will be hosting an Older Adult Crime prevention seminar on May 20, 1998 at the Dublin Lions Club. Mrs. Steger presented sign up sheets for participation in the Central Walking Club, with a total of 1,670 participants. She advised that in May, the Central gym will be closed for repairs, and suggested that perhaps a walking trail could be installed at the Dora Highway Park by May 1, 1998. Councilman Stewart made a motion to send this issue to Public Operations committee, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried. In the meantime, staff was asked to research the types of gravel and feasibility of this project. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: Chairman Stewart advised that Finance Committee met March 17, 1998 and recommends to Council to set the tax rate at $.29 per 100. Councilman Neblett stated that he wanted to go on record that he thought a mistake was being made by not keeping the rate at $.34 per 100. He stated that he would rather plan ahead for problems, than react after the fact. Councilman Weddle advised that he though public input should be gathered at $.34, and then make the decision whether to reduce the rate or not. Councilman Hale agreed with Mr. Weddle. He stated that he felt public input was necessary in this decision. After discussion, a substitute motion was made by Councilman Hale to advertise the tax rate at $.34, conduct the public hearing on March 31, 1998 and get public comments, seconded by Councilman 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 - No Mr. Stewart - No Mr. Bolen - No Chairman Stewart advised that Committee recommends acting on Resolution 98-12, Of the Council of the Town of Pulaski Declaring It's Intention to Reimburse Itself From the Proceeds of Bonds for Certain Expenditures To Be Made in Connection With Certain Town Projects, 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 4 Alarch ~ 7 , 1998 9777 PLANNING COMMISSION R ORT• 1 Chairman Stewart had no report. However, he advised that there was a Planning case CONDITIONAL referral from Town Council to the Planning Commission of Case # 98-92CU, a request USE from Retirement Unlimited, Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit to Remodel a Room to Supply Rehabilitative Services to Residents of Pulaski Retirement Community, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Chairman Hale had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Johnston advised that there was a request to sponsor an activity in conjunction DONATIONS with Claytor Lake State Park's 50th anniversary. CLAYTOR LAKE After discussion, Councilman Bolen made a motion to sponsor the Sailboat Regatta, at $250, 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 -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Aye Mayor Johnston advised that a Special Council meeting is needed on March 31, 1998 at 7 MEETINGS p.m., to conduct a Public Hearing regarding the Tax Rate, and a vote, if applicable; the budget amendment and the bond issue. After discussion, motion carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S EPORT• Mr. Hale - Aye Mr. Weddle - Aye Mrs. Mitchell - Aye Mr. Bolen - No Mr. Combiths advised that there was a request for the Town to repurchase cemetery lot 23, Section G of Oakwood Cemetery, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bentley, and represented by their daughter Mrs. Melba Price at the purchase price of $100.00. Councilwoman Steger made a motion to repurchase cemetery lot 23, Section G of CEMETERIES Oakwood Cemetery, for $100, seconded by Councilman Neblett 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 Mr. Combiths reminded Council that the Virginia Department of Transportation Dept. will conduct a community meeting on the Widening of Route 99, at the Fine Arts Center Annex from 4-6 p.m.. In addition, the Virginia Department of Transportation Dept. will Primary Road Funding Projects meeting on March 31, 1998 in Salem. Mr. Combiths advised Council that the draft budget will be provided to Council for review, by April 24, 1998, as presently scheduled. 5 9778 March 17 , 1998 There being no further business, at 8:33 p.m., Councilman Neblett made motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Bolen and carried. I 6