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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-97March 4, 1997 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held March 4, 1997, at 4:00 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 Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: J. R. Schrader and Paul Dellinger, News Media David East Amy Brooks Andrew L. Graham, Jr. Elrica Graham Jerry Sayers Valencia Johnson Ronald G. Vaughan Roy David Warburton Herb Cooley Barry Matherly The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston. Councilman Hale led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Neblett gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Mayor Johnston asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Councilman Penn made a motion that agenda be amended to add lOc, election of a Vice Mayor. Mr. Penn's motion was seconded by Councilman Stewart. Councilman Hale stated he thought this matter was to be discussed in executive session. Councilwoman Mitchell made a substitute motion that we take this matter into executive session, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart - No James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Councilman Penn made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting held February 18, 1997, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried. RESOIJTI'ION Mayor Johnston stated that before Council was Resolution No. 97-6 Honoring Andrew L. Graham, ~~ L• Jr. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Resolution No. 97-6 be adopted, seconded by GRAHAM Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Mayor Johnston read this resolution and presented the resolution to Mr. Graham. A plaque was also presented to Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham was given a standing ovation. ~ ~~Mayor Johnston advised that before Council was Resolution No. 97-10 Honoring Cub Scout Pack PAQ~ # 143 for their 50th Anniversary as a Pack Cub Unit. Mayor Johnston read this resolution. Councilman Weddle so moved that Resolution No. 97-10 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried on the following recorded vote: 9674 9675 March 4, 1997 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 Rli]~ISTERID Mayor Johnston advised that registered speaker, Jerry Sayers was next on agenda. Mr. Sayers Speaker stated his family had lived in this area since 1740, and 32 of his direct ancestors had fought in the Confederate Army. Mr. Sayers advised that he and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans (he is a member of the Jebal Early Camp, Hillsville, VA) were planning a camp here in Pulaski. Mr. Sayers gave a brief history of this organization. A celebration of Confederate Memorial Day as recognized by the State of Virginia/rededication of Confederate Monument/pay homage to our Confederate ancestors will beheld Apri126, 1997 in Jackson Park. Delegate Tommy Baker will be the key note speaker. Next on agenda was a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant. This is the second ®~ public hearing held on this grant. Mr. Barry Matherly advised that no comments had been received as a result of the first public hearing and that this fund would combine a CDBG grant with the Town and local bank funds to create a revolving loan pool for very small businesses (micro enterprises). To be considered a micro enterprise, the business will have no more than five employees with one or more of whom are the owners. Loans will range from $5,000 to $20,000. The CDBG grant is for $100,000 in loan capitalization and an additional $30,000 a year for two years for a contrail staff position. No one from the public spoke for or against this endeavor. I ~~ RFSOLITITON Councilman Neblett so moved that Resolution No. 97-9 be adopted Authorizing Application for a ~~ Community Development Block Grant Community Improvement Grant for Microenterprise Loan Capitalization in the Pulaski Venture Fund, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye i Next on agenda was consideration of Ordinance No. 97-7 Adopting the Comprehensive Plan. S~ Chairman of the Planning Commission, David Warburton, informed Council the land use map PLAN would more accurately portray the land between Rt. 99 and railroad tracks on the eastern end of the Town to manufailuring 2 zone. This is one of the requests made by Samuel Campbell on behalf of Downtown East. Secondly, the Town received a letter from Joseph Morgan, County Administrator, relative to the County's property such as the Courthouse, Schools, etc. These concerns have been attached to the plan as concerns. Mr. Warburton further advised that we are required to have a plan every 5 years. Also, he did not believe that the Planning Commission wanted to recommend particular uses for any particular currently used school building. Councilman Stewart made a motion that the following amendment be added to the recommended Comprehensive Plan before Council: 1. The corrections requested by Samuel D. Campbell, Attorney-At-Law concerning the property bounded by the Norfolk and Western Railway and the existing business zoning from Wilco and Wendy's east to slightly beyond Food Lion in the Pulaski Plaza be corrected on the proposed General Land Use Map and in the text, if there be any, regarding the same land, to show the land M2 as it is currently zoned on the zoning map. Motion seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye J 2 March 4, 1997 Staff has made this correction to the map but the Plan as it came from the Planning Commission did not include these changes. Councilman Stewart made a motion that the following amendment be added to the recommended Compr~ensive Plan before Council: 2. That the zoning addressed in a meeting before Council by the same Samuel D. Campbell, Attorney-at-Law concerning the corridor adjacant to the West Bound lanes between Morehead Lane and Pleasant Hill Drive be retained as B1 as shown on the proposed land use map from Morehead Westward to the property line of June Tennis et al. After discussion, Councilman Stewart withdrew this motion. Councilman Stewart made a motion that the following amendment be added to the recommended Comprehensive Plan before Council: 3. That the zoning on the corridor adjacent to the west bound lanes of Route 11 from the June Tennis, et al property line on Pleasant Hill Drive to the top of Hall's hill near Memorial Drive reflect the current Rl zoning as in the existing zoning map, in order to protect the current residences along this corridor. Motion seconded motion by Councilwoman Mitchell and carried on the following recorded vote James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye ORDINANCE Councilman Weddle made a motion that Ordinance No. 97-7 Adopting the Comprehensive Plan ~.~ with amendments be adopted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following PTID 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 From the public, Mr. Ronald Vaughan expressed appreciation to Mr. Graham for all he has done for the Town over the years and all the long hours he has put in. He felt Andy had done an outstanding job. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Johnston called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMNIlTTEE: Utilities Committee had no report. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COIVIlVIlTTEE: BEAtTI'1)~ICA. Chairman Penn advised the Public Operations Committee met on February 25, 1997. Mr. Doug Steger gave a presentation regarding estimated cost for installation of flower beds and other beautification projects. Cost for Rt. 11, Rt. 99 and Municipal Building $5,445. Mr. Combiths felt we could take funds for the median landscaping which are street eligible. On landscaping around the municipal building, we will watch our capital improvement plan funds until the end of the year; if not, we will put in the budget for the first thing in July. Public Operations Committee recommended approval of $1,874 to do the Rt. 11 and Rt. 99 flower beds. Motion 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 9676 9677 March 4, 1997 ORDINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Chairwoman Steger had no report. FINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Mayor Johnston advised the Finance Committee met February 28 in executive session under 2.1- 344 A3, regarding land acquisition, A7 consultation with legal counsel regarding applicability of State tax statute to specific taxpayer, and A7 consult with legal counsel regarding utility line extension. HUMAN RESOURCES CONIlVIITTEE: ~• Chairman Hale advised that the Human Resources Committee recommends that James W. ~Y Robertson be reappointed to the Cemetery Trust Fund for another three year term. Motion carried TRUST on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Councilman Stewart advised that the Planning Commission did not meet this month. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Johnston advised that Town Council held a goal setting workshop with the Town department heads in Roanoke. It was felt that a deeper sense of understanding of the direction that the Town should go in the future was achieved. Mayor Johnston recognized former Council member Mary Lou Copenhaver and also Charlie Maus from Peppers Ferry. Mr. Maus advised that Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Authority is having a reception Thursday, March 6 at 4 o'clock to celebrate the 10th anniversary of operation of the authority and reminded Council that they are invited. TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Combiths advised that he would be out of Town Wednesday, March 5 and John Hawley would be the Acting Town Manager. DISPOSAL SITE ~~ Combiths gave a projects update. In discussing disposal site on Dora Highway, the P.S.A. is DOS ~• to have this site open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday 8:00 a.m. until noon. To chain fence this area, estimated cost is $9,700. A wooden fence would cost approximately 7,500. A possible part time person to supervise the area was also discussed. Mr. Combiths advised that over 75 applications had been received for the position of Assistant to the Town Manager. Mr. Combiths reported that the new telephone system would go on line March 17. Also, we have a ~ new computer system in the Finance Department. There is an opportunity to link the server (brains of new PC system) into our new telecommunications system. This can be done with copper but we are going to our outlying sites, filter plant, fire department, public works and the senior center with fiber. It would be highly desirable to link the server and the new computer system with the same technology with fiber. Cost to do this is approximately $5,400. Mr. Combiths recommended we do pursue this endeavor. This will also give us additional capability in terms of how many people the outlying areas that can be on line at the same with fiber whereas they can't with copper. There is a line item in the capital improvement plan that we can pick up this cost. Councilman Neblett ----~ i~ 4 March 4, 1997 made a motion that Town Manager be authorized to proceed with this change of the additional cost of $5,400, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Councilman Stewart made a motion that Council go into executive session under 2.1-344 Al Personnel Matter, specifically named individual, A3 two land acquisition matters. Motion seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Biltye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye At 5:03 p.m. Mayor Johnston called for a recess. W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye At 5:37 p.m. Council then entered executive session. At 6:20 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Terwilliger reported that for clarification, with the press' permission, Council had an item of a personnel matter (Al) regarding a specifically individual. API?T. Tn Chairman Hale reported that the Human Resources Committee recommended that Councilman PIaPPERS Neblett be appointed to the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority. Motion FERRY carried on the following vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye VICE Chairman Hale advised that Council had discussed the position of Vice Mayor. Councilman Penn MAYOR nominated Councilperson Bettye Steger as Vice Mayor, seconded by Councilman Stewart. Motion STI~ER carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye LEE Q~OD Chairman Hale advised that to fill the vacancy of Rocky Schrader, Human Resource Committee ~' would like to appoint Lee Chitwood to fill out Mr. Schrader's term. Motion 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 BA. T T ~. Combiths reported that a phone call had been received from Hiawatha Nicely regarding the baseball contrail. Mr. Nicely is ready to sign the contract, but has requested a preamble to the agreement to the effect that the Town and Pulaski Baseball would work together diligently on a plan to secure some type of longterm commitment for baseball in the Town. Mr. Terwilliger will talk with Mr. Nicely to see what kind of language he is interested in doing and bring back a draft to the next committee meeting. 9678 5 9679 March 4, 1997 Mr. Combiths advised that at our goal seating session in Roanoke, a presentation was made by Mr. (~Al, Lawrence Wales, Municipal Advisors, who was the Town's advisor in a refunding of a two and SEfiCIl~tG one-half million dollar outstanding issue with a n~ result with their assistance saved the Town $25,000 for the next 10 years on this refinancing. Mr. Combiths requested pernussion to seek proposals from firms such as Municipal Advisors to see what they can bring to us in terms of what to finance, afford to finance, debt capacity of the Town, how to finance and a strategy to finance some of the improvements that the Council has in their long term plans and thoughts for the community. Councilman Stewart suggested that the Finance Committee review this matter. Mr. Combiths reported that notice had been received from NationsBank that an escrow agreemerrt MAQ~IOX and deposit has been funded with NationsBank for one-half million dollars pursuant to the Magnox SEWER agreement, sewer discharge into the Town's sewer system. At 6:30 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Attest: Clerk of Council APPROVE: MA 1 6