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Home My WebLink About07-02-96July 2, 1996 9600 At the regular Municipal Election held for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, on May 7, 1996, the following officers were elected with terms to begin July 1, 1996. Mayor Andrew L. Graham, Jr., two year term; John A. Johnston, Charles W. Stewart, Jr., Pauline G. Mitchell and James M. Neblett, Council Members to serve four year terms. The Mayor-elect and the Council Members-elect have duly qualified before the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Pulaski County, Virginia, as provided by Section IX of the Town of Pulaski Charter of 1948, and the Charter amendment approved by the 1986 Legislature. A meeting was held this 2nd day of July, 1996, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Vice Mayor Walter H. Schrader, Jr., presiding Council Members: John A. Johnston, Lane R. Penn, Bettye H. Steger, Charles W. Stewart, Jr., W. Edgar Hale, Pauline G. Mitchell, James M. Neblett Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Assistarrt Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk of Council Visitors: J. R. Schrader and Paul Dellinger, News Media 1 Rev. Terrie Sternberg E. G. Black, Jr. Alma H. Holston Roy D' Ardenne, Jr. Ryan Hager Eric Raymond Chris Terwilliger Archie Boothe, Jr. Will Hager Mike Jenkins Barry Matherly E. D. Newsman Violet Newman The Organizational Meeting of Town Council was called to order by Vice Mayor Schrader at 4:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was let by Ryan Hager, Will Hager, Chris Terwilliger and Eric Raymond, from Boy Scout Troop #249 sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church. The Invocation was given by the Reverend Terrie L. Stemberg, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. The roll call was then taken. Vice Mayor Schrader stated he was sorry that Mayor Graham could not be with us today, but he is at home recovering and hopefully feeling much better. Vice Mayor Schrader advised that Mayor Graham has some tough days ahead of him and everyone's' thoughts and prayers are with him. We wish him the best and a speedy recovery. Vice Mayor Schrader expressed that he would rather have Mayor Graham presiding at this meeting. ~~~' Vice Mayor Schrader asked the Clerk if she had received the "Abstract of Votes" cast in the Town OF VOTES of Pulaski Municipal Election held on May 7, 1996, and was advised by the Clerk that she had received same, and upon request, the Clerk read from the Abstract of Votes the following: For Mayor of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, Andrew L. Graham, Jr.; For Council -John A. Johnston, Charles W. Stewart, Jr., Pauline G. Mitchell and James M. Neblett. As no one requested the Clerk to read the entire Abstract of Votes, Councilman Penn so moved that the Abstract of Votes be received and recorded as part of the minutes of this meeting, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger W. Edgar Hale -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye 9601 July 2, 1996 W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Oaths of Vice Mayor Schrader inquired if the Clerk had received copies of the Oaths of Office taken before Office the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was informed she had received same. Received & Filed Councilman Johnston made a motion that Oaths of Office be received and filed, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane ~. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye NE~1 OOUNCII, N>Q~S SEATID Thereupon, the newly elected officials were seated. RE~OII.ITION 96-23 Ii~NORIlQG E. G. BLAQZ 1~SOL~TITON 96-24 HONORING AINIA HOLSION The outgoing Council Members were commended for their service and devotion to the Town by Vice Mayor Schrader. Vice Mayor Schrader read Resolution No. 96-23 Honoring E. G. Black, Jr. Councilwoman Steger so moved that Resolution 96-23 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Vice Mayor Schrader read Resolution No. 96-24 Honoring Alma H. Holston. Councilman Johnston so moved that Resolution No. 96-24 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye RESSOIIJTION 9E~22 11OTi0R~IG ROY D'ARDII~IE Vice Mayor Schrader read Resolution No. 96-22 Honoring Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. Councilwoman Steger made a motion that Resolution No. 96-22 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye I VICE MAYOR FLIED Vice Mayor Schrader advised that Mayor Graham had sent the seating arrangement for the new Council Members. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that a Vice Mayor would now be elected for the 1996-98 term. Councilwoman Steger so moved that Council elect W. H. "Rocky" Schrader, Jr. as Vice Mayor, seconded by Councilman Johnston. Councilman Hale so moved that nominations for Vice Mayor be closed, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Motion to elect W. H. "Rocky" Schrader, Jr. as Vice Mayor carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye ~~~ 2 July 2, 1996 Vice Mayor Schrader advised it was an honor and a privilege to serve as Vice Mayor for the Town of Pulaski. Vice Mayor Schrader advised that Mayor Graham had appointed the Standing Committees for Council as follows: STANDING aQ~MITI~S Committee Chairperson Committee Members Finance Schrader Johnston, Hale, Stewart Ordinance Steger Mitchell, Neblett, Penn Human Resources Hale Schrader, Johnston, Neblett Public Operations Penn Mitchell, Stewart, Neblett, Steger Utilities Johnston Penn, Stewart, Steger, Mitchell Vice Mayor Schrader stated a lot of time is devoted to these committees to bring forth good recommendations to Council. At 5:15 p.m. on motion made by Councilman Hale, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried, the Organizational Meeting was adjourned. A short recess was than taken. At 5:18 p.m. Council continued with the regular session of the meeting. Councilman Penn so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of June 18, 1996, and the minutes of the special meeting of June 28, 1996, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. AT T FY Vice Mayor Schrader advised that next on agenda was a public hearing to consider the closing of ~~ an undeveloped right of way extending south from 6th Street to its end in the Southeast Section of the Town of Pulaski. Mr. Combiths stated this item was part of our June 4 Council Meeting, however, as the notice was in error, we renoticed this portion of the right of way to be closed. There were no commenrts from the public for or against this closure. Councilwoman Mitchell questioned if, when a right of way was closed, adjoining property owner could refuse to acct the footage, who took care of the property as a lot of them are grown up with trees, etc. Mr. Terwilliger advised we had not had this happen thus far, however, the adjoining property owners could work out an arrangement with each other. Also, property owner can disclaim right to use the land but cannot disclaim responsibility. Before Council was Ordinance No. 96-22 Closing an Undeveloped Right-of--Way Extending South From 6th Street, SE to its End (File 3-96a). Councilwoman Mitchell made a motion that Ordinance No. 96-22 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 9Cr22 ADOPTED John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye As there were no further comments from the public, Vice Mayor Schrader called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COI\~IlVIITTEE: Chairman Johnston advised that the committee is working on a number of items with staff, and a Utilities Committee meeting will beheld before the next Council Meeting. FINANCE COMMITTEE: REJOIITIZON 25 Retiretr~ent _C~lrmai' Schrader reported that Council would consider Resolution No. 96-25 regarding the Adopted Virginia Retirement System. 9602 3 9603 July 2, 1996 Resolution -Retirement, continued: ADOPTID APPT. G~ET1~Y TRtbT 1 RF~OLLTIION 9Fr26 Pulaski Furn. Mr. Combiths stated this request had come from the State regarding the funding of cost of living increases to retirees in the future. The Town has an option to either immediately full fund this cost of living increase or phase it in in five years. Staff has analyzed the cost and recommended full funding as over a 30 year period, the cost to the Town is sigrificarrtly greater. Mr. Lyons advised that this option would cost the Town about $15,000 next budget year, but by fully funding it now, the Town would save $172,000 over a 30 year period. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Resolution No. 96-25 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE: Chairman Hale reported that the Human Resource Committee met June 25, 1996, in executive session involving a specifically named individual. Councilwoman Steger made a motion that John Bolen be reappointed to the Cemetery Trust for another three year term, seconded by Councilman Johnston and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE: Chairman Penn advised that the committee had not met, but would bring Council up to date at a later date. ORDINANCE CONIlVIlTTEE: Chairwoman Steger was pleased to report that the Town citizens are excited about cleaning up the Town. Chairwoman Steger will continue to drive over the Town and felt that everyone was working together. A drop place is being discussed for appliances and large items. Hopefully, they can get something done by August 1st that would help citizens. Chairwoman Steger reported that the committee will look at loud music/loud noise ordinance and also she has had numerous complaints regarding cats. Mr. Lyons is requesting information from other localities regarding this matter. Chairwoman Steger advised that the Ordinance Committee welcomes telephone calls from citizens if they feel a need to add anything to the ordinances. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that commerrts had also been requested from the staff regarding ordinances. CRIME CONTROL REPORT: Councilwoman Steger reported that since this committee only meets once monthly, she will have a report at the next meeting. MAYOR' S REPORT: Mayor Graham was absent. TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger reported that before Council was Resolution No. 96-26 authorizing Pulaski Furniture Corporation to Install Wiring in Town Street and Walkway on North Madison Avenue. Mr. Terwilliger advised that the Town Engineer had received a request from Pulaski Furniture Corporation that they want to put in new electronic gates and want the ability to have gates that are 4 July 2, 1996 PCILASKI FLIRNTIURE, ~ONI'IlVCIID: 1 triggered by vehicles for entry and exiting purposes. This will involve cutting the asphalt, laying wire and than sealing it. As this will be a long term installation, any right given to someone that is not given to the general public that is for a period of five years or longer, must be advertised four weeks for public hearing. Pulaski Furniture has asked that they be given temporary permission to make this installation with the understanding that Council is not bound to make this permanent. After discussion, Councilman Johnston so moved Resolution No. 96-26 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT: Mr. Combiths advised that the Town Offices would be closed July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Mr. Combiths gave a projects update. Several I and I projects are ongoing and the Wumo replacement is to be completed by July 15. The hospital I and I project will begin this month also. The Public Works Department will be scheduling some landscaping improvements on Rt. 11, around the Municipal Building and Rt. 99. Council Members were interested in viewing the landscaping plans with Vice Mayor Schrader requesting that the Public Operations Committee look at these plans with all Council Members invited to attend. In discussing unscheduled business, Councilwoman Mitchell expressed concern regarding the alley off Pinnacle Street as there are 3 people now using this alley and she had asked member of her Church (from Cox Paving) who advised her he could put in a base and hard surface this alley just beyond where these people are using it, 10' wide and 145' long at a cost of $2,000. Vice Mayor Schrader referred this concern to the Public Operations Committee. Also staff will need to review. Councilwoman Mitchell also advised that a lot in Bainbridge Subdivison needs to be mowed. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that anytime we have complaints of this nature, to please take it to the Town Manager or the Assistant Town Manager and they will be happy to forward to the proper people to handle the problem, and to get the information she needed. Councilwoman Steger advised that the Jaycees would be cleaning up Dora Highway on Saturday, July 13. She inquired of Town Manager if orange vests were provided to them. Mr. Combiths advised that these vests were available for the volunteers. Councilwoman Steger also asked that the Police Departmerrt police the area to slow traffic down. She further advised that perhaps it could be advertised that people would be along the highway picking up trash. Vice Mayor Schrader also suggested some warning signs at the curves. At 4:40 p.m. Councilwoman Steger made a motion that Council go into Executive Session under 2.1-344 AS Economic Development Matter, UDAG application. Motion seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye At 5:30 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilwoman Steger, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye James M. Neblett -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye At 5:32 p.m. Councilman Neblett so moved that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell and carried. 9604 9605 July 2, 1996 APPROVED: W.H. Schrader, Jr., Vice mayor Attest: . ~-~ R th A. Harrell Clerk of Council