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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-21-97January 21, 1997 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held January 21, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Andrew L. Graham, Jr., presiding Council Members: John A. Johnston, Lane R. Penn, Bettye H. Steger, Walter H. Schrader, Jr., W. Edgar Hale, James M. Neblett, Pauline G. Mitchell, Charles W. Stewart Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attomey Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Valencia Johnston Ronald Vaughan Cathy and Bill Webb Elizabeth Webb Mary Lee Duncan Ima Wallace Thomas C. Wallace Barry Matherly Wade Bartlett The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilman Stewart led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilwoman Mitchell gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilman Neblett so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting held January 7, 1997, be approved as submitted, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carved. RESOLUTION In expressing Town Council's sympathies to the family of Alma H. Holston, Resolution No. 97-3 ALMA ~~~ was adopted on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Mayor Graham presented the Resolution to Mrs. Holston's daughter, Cathy Webb, her husband Bill Webb and granddaughter Elizabeth. As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Johnston advised that the Utilities Committee met January 20. The committee went irrto Executive Session to discuss with the Town Attorney contract negotiations regarding utility extension project. Chairman Johnston advised that on March 6, Council is invited to Peppers Ferry's 10th PF~PPERS anniversary that will beheld at the Plant. FERRY The Peppers Ferry Board, at their meeting, discussed the flooding we have had December 1 and 2, and the various reporting that had to be made. Some equipmerrt will also have to be replaced. Rates from Peppers Ferry to the Town did not go up materially for this year; they may go up slightly next year. The Peppers Ferry Board is working on the budget and all inforniation will be passed onto Mr. Combiths. Chairman Johnston advised that the Director of Public Works highlighted telemetry system. The Town has 14 water tanks and not all of them have the proper sensors and needed equipment to give adequate readings at the pump station. We will complete 2 tanks this year and put 5 more into the budget. 9659 i~ f January 21, 1997 9660 Chairman Johnston advised that the Director of Public Works outlined the development of a water WATER shed management plan. They are looking at all the land that surrounds Hogan and Gatewood Dam. The water shed boundaries of the two systems were outlined and potential hazards will be identified. PUBLIC OPERATIONS CONIlI~TTEE: In the absence of Chairman Penn, Councilman Stewart advised that the Public Operations Committee had met January 20. Chief Cooley outlined to the Committee state and local laws ORDINANCE concerning bicycle activities on the streets and sidewalks. The committee recommended that the Ordinance Committee structure an ordinance regarding the use of helmets for children under 14 and requirement of proper lighting of bikes during the night. Mr. Terwilliger advised there was a state statute that governs the lighting on bicycles and also there is an enabling legislation that does allow them to have helmets. Councilman Stewart advised that the committee reviewed a design with regard to a mailbox on F~6TAL First Street for mail deposit from the driver's side of the car. Alternative suggestions will be reviewed for a satisfactory solution. Councilman Stewart stated the Town Engineer reviewed with the committee the possible relocation of Dora Highway exiting into the four lane Rt. 99 project. The Town Engineer will forward a ~iREEIS letter to the Virginia Department of Transportation to investigate the feasibility of relocating the intersection so as not to have to go around the bluff. The Committee discussed acc~ting into the Town system, streets within the Governor Floyd ~~ subdivision for the purpose of requesting maintenance funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation. In discussing the Ordinance, it was suggested that the wording "nothing contained in this Ordinance will affect any outstanding letter of credit. The Committee recommended, and Councilman Stewart so moved that Ordinance No. 97-2 Acc~ting Carolee Court and Old Oregon Trail into the Public Road System of the Town of ORDINANCE Pulaski, Virginia, with the amendment suggested by the Town Attorney, be adopted, seconded by 97-2 Councilwoman Mitchell. After discussion of this Ordinance, Councilman Stewart so moved to table this matter, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and so carried. The Committee was also briefed with regard to the temporary closing of the access road to ~~ Gatewood Dam by the National Forest Service because of dumping of trash along the road. The park road will be opened for recreation by March, 1997. ~~~, Councilman Stewart advised that the Town had received an offer of private property just west of the intersection of Randolph Street and Magnox Avenue. The town staff did not have a recommended use for this property, and the Committee recommended not accepting the property. Councilman Stewart stated the Chief of Police had advised that he had appointed an officer to take care of the inoperable vehicle problem. In discussing Pinnacle Street, Councilwoman Mitchell stated it was felt it was not wide enough to ~,~ betaken into the Street System, but felt we could make an exception on some streets that were not wide enough. Town Engineering will check into this and report back to Council. ORDINANCE CONIlVIIT'TEE: Chairwoman Steger advised that the Ordinance Committee had met and discussed the merger of United Cities Gas Company into Atmos Energy Corporation. ORDINANCIJ' Chairwoman Steger read Ordinance No. 97-4 Authorizing the Transfer of the Franchise for a 97~+ Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution System in the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, and Held by Nat. Gas United Cities Gas Company, Successor of Tennessee-Virginia Energy Corporation to Atmos 2 9661 January 21, 1997 ORDINANCE ADOPTED ORDINANCE 97-5 BR~L Adopted ORDINANCE 97-~i Adopted BR~L ORDINANCE 97-2 Adopted Streets into Systan RESOLUTION 97~+ Budget Arn?ndment Energy Corporation, and so moved this Ordinance be adopted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent 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 Chairwoman Steger read Ordinance No. 97-5 Changing License Fee for Business and Professional Occupational License (BPOL) and so moved this Ordinance be adopted, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carved on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Chairwoman Steger read Ordinance No. 97-6 Setting License Fee for Business and Professional Occupational License for 1997 Until Further Action of Council and so moved this Ordinance be adopted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Mr. Terwilliger advised that in talking with Mr. Hawley, the roads mentioned in Ordinance No. 97-2 are completed with the only thing remaining to be done is very minimal; some dressing work on ditching and grassing work. Councilman Stewart's motion that Ordinance No. 97-2 be adopted, carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston Lane R. Penn Bettye H. Steger W. H. Schrader, Jr CRIlI~IE CONTROL REPORT: - Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye - Absent James M. Neblett -Aye - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye - Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Councilwoman Steger reported that the committee had met last week and advised that a building is needed for young people to skate. Also, a grant has been obtained to fund a domestic violence position. Tammy Boyers has filled a part time position in the Office on Youth. The committee felt at this time that juvenile crime was on the increase, but Chief Cooley feels this situation fluctuates. There is also a new program being started by Chief Cooley for the senior citizens. Councilwoman Steger stated she felt this was a very good committee working on a lot of problems in our Town. FINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Schrader reported the Finance Committee had met prior to the Council meeting, reviewing the budget amendment for the 1996-97 budget. The Committee recommended, and Chairman Schrader so moved that Resolution No. 97-4 Amending the Budget for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 1996 and Ending June 30, 1997, be adopted. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent 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 The Finance Committee recommended adoption of Resolution No. 97-2 Authorizing a Loan Not Resolution to Exceed $42,500 in Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Repayment Funds to Assist 97-2 Thomas C. Wallace and Ima C. Wallace of We Copy, LLC in the Expansion of We Copy's UDAG Printing Services and the Establishment of a Full Service Office Supply Center. Chairman i [1 January 21, 1997 Sdu-ader stated that since he is doing some business with this center, he would not take part in this discussion. Mr. Combiths stated Council was in receipt of a commitment letter from Community National Bank who will be sharing 50/50 in the principal amount of the loan with the Town. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: RESOILITION -2 John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye UDAG Lane R. Penn Adopted -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - .Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Abstain Charles W. Stewart -Aye HUMAN RESOURCES CONIl~IITTEE~ Chairman Hale reported the Human Resources Committee had met January 17. The Committee discussed the position of Town Manager's Assistant, and recommended adoption of Ordinance ~~~ No. 97.3 Amending the position Classification Plan to Include the Position of Assistant to the 97-3 Town Manager, and so carried on the following recorded vote: Class. Plan Adopted John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Chairman Hale advised the Human Resources Committee recommended the appointment of John Appt. J. Hawley to the Planning District Commission Regional Transportation Committee; and appointment Hawley of Councilman Jim Neblett as representative of the Town Council to the Pulaski Main Street Board Trans.Conm. of Directors. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: J. Neblett to PMC Boerd John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Chairman Hale reported the Human Resources Committee recommended approval of the Inclement IN~r Weather Policy for the Town of Pulaski. The proposed Travel Policy for all Town employees has WEALTHER been distributed to entire Council for their review for future Human Resources Committee PLAN ~_ Meeting. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: ADOOPTID John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye p~~ Chairman Hale advised the committee discussed compensatory time and overtime. The Town g~ Attomey and Town Manager reviewed a draft policy for the reporting, utilization and auditing of REV~~IID overtime, compensatory time performed by employees of the Town. The Town Attorney discussed the Fair Labor Standards Ad as it applies to the Town and discussed with committee members exempt versus non-exempt employees under the Federal Act. The Town Manager also highlighted issues with regard to the difference between general employees and public safety employees and accrual of compensatory time and holiday time. It was the recommendation of the committee that the Town Attomey finalize a policy and return to the Human Resources Committee in the near future. Mayor Graham requested that the Town Manager go ahead and advise Council the amount of comp time, etc. It was his understanding it was close to $300,000. Council needs to know the impact of this so they can review. ~~~ GRATfr Chairman Hale briefed the Committee with regard to the award of $48,000 including a $10,000 in- kind match by the Town for a department of criminal justice grant to employee a full time officer working on domestic violence cases and to stop violence against women. This will be a temporary position to the Town and will not require an amendment to the Town's Position Classification Plan. Mr. Terwilliger advised this grant was renewable in one year increments and whoever is hired will be advised there is no guarantee of employment with the Town when this grant runs out. 9662 4 9663 January 21, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: PLANNIlVG Councilman Stewart reported the Planning Commission had met January 13, 1997. At this O~T'IISSION meeting Roy David Warburton was appointed Chairman and Joseph L. Weddle was appointed Vice Chairman for 1997. The Planning Commission reviewed case No. 96-64SUB which is the Pepper's Ferry Meadow Subdivision. This subdivision had previously been approved by the Planning Commission and the S[JBD1V • developer is requesting permission to stage the construction on this. The primary purpose being bonding requirements. The Planning Commission approved his request. p~ING Councilman Stewart advised the 1996 Planning Commission Report was approved and was before O~TZISSION Town Council. Councilman Stewart made a motion that the 1996 Planning Commission Report be accepted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Vice Mayor Schrader requested Councilman Stewart to give the Planning Commission our thanks for all the work that they have done. In discussing the Comprehensive Plan, public hearing notice is being published, copy will be located at the library and other public places. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Graham advised the public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan would be held February 4 The Council goal setting workshop is scheduled for February 21 and 22. Cost has not been determined as yet. Mayor Graham advised the joint govemmerrtal meeting would beheld January 30, Pulaski Community Hospital Education Building, at 7:00 p.m. It is very important that all of Council attend. Mayor Graham advised he would be unable to be at the meeting. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Combiths thanked the Southwest Times for the nice news coverage on the project of sliplining that was done under Bob White Blvd. Mr. Combiths further thanked Town Council for their support in funding the technology that is being used in our sewer system, infiltration and inflow abatement program. Mr. Combiths reported that a meeting had been held with a property owner regarding the New River Train extension alternative route. Nl~i RIVFR Under unscheduled business regarding the New River Resource Authority, Councilman Stewart stated that he felt the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors have done an excellent and farsighted ALTIIIORI'IY job in preparing a great landfill and they have spent a great deal of time negotiating bringing in additional members. He urged that the Town Council pass a resolution commending them for that portion of their effort and further urging that they take no action or make no agreement that does not retain, for any single member of the current authority, veto control over the admission of any further members and the acceptance of waste from non-members. Urging them that any new voting structure retains either equal or majority control by the County of Pulaski plus the Town of Dublin. And that they structure strict requirements controlling traffic, traffic safety and littering by transporters. Councilman Johnston stated that part of our concern is the fact that the County takes the Town's waste at this time and the Town is their biggest customer. We also want to look at the length of the current contract that we have now. When it was first set up it was 6 years and then it was i 1 5 January 21, 197 96([~ NIiW RlVEiZ RESOi.IRCE AITIHORTTY, ONT. restructured to be 20 years. Councilman Johnston advised we have a vital interest in wanting to protect our citizens in terms of trash and pick up for as many years as we can. Councilwoman Mitchell advised we can be outvoted by Montgomery County and Radford together against Pulaski County and felt it was our landfill and we are going to have to haul in clay as it is. The Town Attorney was requested to prepare a resolution and review this resolution in a Special Meeting at 6:30 p.m. January 30 prior to the Irrtergovernmental Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the hospital. At 8:20 p.m. Council entered Executive Session on motion made by Councilman Neblett under 2.1- 344 A7 consult with legal counsel, contract negotiations (baseball), A3 Acquisition of property and Al two personnel matters regarding specifically named individuals. Motion seconded by Councilman Johnston and carriers on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Absent James M. Neblett -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye At 8:44 p.m. Councilman Penn arrived at meeting. At 9:09 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted certification resolution on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, 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 At 9:10 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried. APPROVID: i Mayor Attest: ~~ ~ ~~~ Clerk of Council 6