The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About05-06-97May 6, 1997 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held May 6, 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, Gerald E. Bolen Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Assistant to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee A. Lindsey, News Media Alan Cowan Frances Cowan Michael E. Mathena VR1wMiR Johr~on Ronald G. Vaughan David Breedlove Barry Matherly Officer K. Hendricks The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston. Councilman Neblett led the Pledge of Allegiance and Vice Mayor Steger gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Vice Mayor Steger made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting of April 15, 1997, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried. Mayor Johnston read Resolution No. 97-13, whereby the Week of May 18-24, 1997, was designed Industry Appreciation Week in the Town of Pulaski. Councilman Neblett so moved that Resolution No. 97-13 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried on the following recorded vote: `, RESOLUTION 97-13 ADOPTED James M. Neblett -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Lane R. Penn -Abstain Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Charles W. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Registered speaker Mr. Alan Cowan presented Town Council with a petition containing 81 GATEta00D signatures, stating that they felt that Gatewood Park changed their past practices unfairly by cutting out weekly and morrthly rental rates as well as limiting the length of stay in the park campground. They also felt that the new rates were unreasonably high for the amount of recreation in the area. Mr. Combiths reported that Mr. Cowan had discussed with our Parks & Recreation Director the Town policy with regard to maximum stays at the campground at Gatewood. Mr. Combiths advised that probably in the past we had bean a little lax in enforcing a 14 consecutive day maximum stay rule that had been effective since the mid 80's. Mr. Hart advised there are 42 camp sites at Gatewood, and this rule was passed by Town Council in 1985 along with campground rules, as well as the rest of the park. This called fora 14 day limit per site, $10.00/night. At that point, you would have to leave and are free to come back again another night and stay another 14 nights. A previous park manager, in an effort to encourage some .additional revenue and to try to add security to campground, decided to try the monthly policy. Mr. Cowan stated the park was only full over the 4th of July and Labor Day holidays. He further stated that rate was $162.50 monthly and $50.00 weekly. The crime rate at Gatewood has also ~ decreased. t ~r ~1 9692 9693 May 6, 1997 After further discussion by Council, Vice Mayor Steger so moved this matter be referred to the Public Operations Committee for their review, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried. An answer will be provided to Mr.Cowan as soon as possible. Mr. David Breedlove, 1817 Bob White Blvd., registered speaker, advised Town Council that he 71JNIlVG had put up a 4 x 8' sheet of plywood giving instructions to get to Pulaski Motor Co. The Code (SIQV) Compliance Officer had advised Mr. Breedlove that this was against Town's ordinance as Mr. Breedlove's property was zoned residential. It has now been determined that his property is zoned B-1 and Mr. Breedlove felt there were certain instances where signs are allowed. Councilman Weddle stated the ordinance may allow a sign, as a conditional use, in B-1 zone. Mr. Terwilliger also believed that in the B-1 zone it would be a conditional use, which would go through the Planning Commission. However, since he had just reviewed the letter to Mr. Breedlove, he would research the matter and asked that Mr. Breedlove call his office and he could tell him if it was a conditional use. As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Johnston called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Neblett had no report. PUBLIC OPERATIONS CObIlVIITTEE: Chairman Perm had no report. ORDINANCE COMIVIITTEE: Chairwoman Steger advised they were looking at an ordinance for boom boxes and loud music. ORDINANCE They are looking at an ordinance that gives the Police the right to confiscate the boom box. The Police Department already issues tickets on loud noises. Also, it is hoped the Planning Commission will bring in a report regarding the hospital sign. Councilman Hale suggested that the above ordinance regarding boom boxes include that a warning would be issued first. Chairwoman Steger also expressed appreciation for the clean up of the Town. Mr. Quesenberry stated that the employees of the Community National Bank had expressed interest in adopting the area of Washington and the skate center and to adopt the median from Community National Bank down to the hospital. Mr. Quesenberry is communicating with the Director of Public Works to get started on this project. Mayor Johnston suggested that the citizens be thanked for their interest and copy this to the Beautification Committee. Mr. Combiths reported that other businesses wanted to adopt sections of the Town for clean up. The Dora Highway site is working very good now with the assistance of the volunteers. Chairwoman Steger advised that she had attended the Nevv River Alliance meeting in Christiansburg regarding tourism. Barry Matherly was elected Vice President at this meeting. FINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Stewart advised the Finance Committee had met April 17, 1997, in Executive Session under 2.1-344 (A7) to consult with legal counsel regarding back taxes owed by a specific taxpayer. HUMAN RESOURCES COI~IlVIlTTEE: Chairman Hale had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT: ~~ r 2 ~~: 1 0 May 6, 1997 Mayor Johnston advised that the Intergovernmental Meeting with the Town of Dublin and the County of Pulaski has been rescheduled to June 2, 1997, 6:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: ORDINANCE Mr. Terwilliger had no report, however, in regard to the boom boxes, he has doubts that Town Council would have the authority to confiscate an otherwise legal device, as it is not a weapon. He has not done any research on the issue. Mr. Terwilliger's first impression is that we will have to go very cautiously before we talk in terms of confiscation. With the Dillon rule in Virginia, he felt it was very doubtful that we have the authority to confiscate boom boxes. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Combiths stated the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will be having a mixer, sponsored C.AT FF'F by Pulaski Community Hospital, on July 12 at Calfee Park. This mixer is similar to the event that PAP~K took place approximately one year ago at Calfee park. The request is for serving of alcoholic beverages on Town property. The Chief of Police has recommended that an officer be present during the event from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p,m. Mr. Combiths recommended that Council consider this request favorably as long as the hours are kept, an officer is present and the Chamber and/or hospital would be responsible to pick up those costs and insurance is in place. Councilman Neblett made a motion that permission be granted for this event at Calfee Park, seconded by Councilman Stewart and carried. Mr. Combiths reported that mowing operation is going very well. Mr. Combiths will also look into the spraying of weed killer around water meter covers, signs, etc. as requested by Councilman Penn, as it is felt too large an area is being sprayed. Councilman Penn also requested status of drainage repair on State Street. Mr. Combiths will also look into this. At 4:42 p.m. Councilman Stewart made a motion that Council go into executive session under 2.1- 344 (A3) Economic Development Matter, land acquisition, (A7) consultation with legal counsel regarding contract negotiations regarding utility extension and (A7) consultation with legal counsel regarding contrail negotiations with Pulaski County concerning recreation. Motion seconded by Councilman Bolen and 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 Gerald E. Bolen -Aye At 5:50 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on the following recorded vote: 9694 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 Gerald E. Bolen -Aye At 5:51 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried. AI'PRQVID: Attest: Mayor Q re k of Council