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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-979709 July 15, 1997 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held July 15, 1997, 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, Charles W. Stewart, W. Edgar Hale, Joseph L. Weddle, Pauline G. Mitchell, Bettye H. Steger Absent: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston. Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Assistant to the Town Manager Patricia Pendergrast, Acting Clerk Visitors: J. R. Schrader and Paul Dellinger, News Media Kathy O. Millirons Becky M. Vires Brenda G. Morris Mr. & Mrs. Robert Henderson Mary Lee Duncan Ellen Oakey Bud Oakey Dave Hart Barry Matherly Resolution 97-1f3 Honoring Charles Don Crispin Resolution No. 97-19 Honoring Barry iKatherly Vice Mayor Steger led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Neblett gave the Invocation. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Patricia Pendergrast be appointed Acting Clerk, seconded by Councilman Penn and so carried. Following the roll call, minutes of the regular meeting held June 17, 1997 were approved as submitted. Mayor Johnston read Resolution No. 97-18 honoring Charles Donald Crispin, former Council Member and expressed sympathy to the Crispin family. Councilman Neblett so moved to adopt resolution 97-18, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Gerald E. Bolen Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absent Mayor Johnston read Resolution No. 97-19 honoring Barry I. Matherly, who is leaving the employment of the Town August 1, 1997. Councilman Neblett so moved that Resolution No. 97- 19 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn 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 -Absent Barry Matherly assisted Mayor Johnston in presenting duplicates of 4 American Economic Development Awards to Robert Henderson. It was noted that Mr. Henderson's graphic work enabled the Town to receive these awards. Mr. Matherly introduced Bud Oakey, of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, who spoke Transportation on Regional Transportation Issues. Mr. Oakey presented an overview of a Study On The Future of Transportation In Southwestern and Southside Virginia completed by the Chamber's Transportation Committee and requested that Town Council officially endorse the study as a guide for addressing the long term transportation needs of our region. [1 July 15, 1997 9710 After discussion, Councilman Neblett made a motion requesting that the Public Operations Committee review the study and if appropriate, compose a letter of support, seconded by Vice Mayor Steger and carried. As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Johnston called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COI~IlVIITTEE: ~t~' Chairman Neblett advised that Utilities Committee met July 1. Utilities Committee recommended & Sewer that the Town accept water and sewer facilities into the Town's system being offered by Mr. Ines Robert Edens in return for the Town picking up the cost of $400 per year of easement rights with Norfolk Southern, and carried on the following vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absent Chairman Neblett advised that Committee discussed issues with regard to new residential, commercial and industrial development and the payment of fees to the Town for water and sewer service. It was the consensus of the committee that the Town Manager further investigate the competitive position of the Town's fees with regard to other communities in our region. It was also the consensus of the committee that the Manager review with the Town Engineer the recognition of privately developed water and sewer facilities and the value these facilities have with regard to Town charges for access fees for new services. The Committee concluded their discussion by saying that a new development should pay their own way, yet at the same time the Town would give recognition where appropriate for private investment that becomes a part of the Town's publicly owned water and sewer system. Mr. Neblett advised that Committee went into executive session to discuss contract negotiations regarding a sewer utility extension. PUBLIC OPERATIONS CO1I~IlVIlTTEE: Chairman Penn had no report. ORDINANCE CONIl~IlTTEE: Chairwoman Steger had no report, however, she wanted to remind citizens that there is a very strict ordinance regarding loud noise and it is being enforced. CRIlVIE CONTROL REPORT: Vice Mayor Steger had no report. FINANCE CONIIVIITTEE: Chairman Stewart advised that Finance Committee had a meeting on July 8, which catered mainly Finance on discussion of control and establishment of a cash flow and matching the cash balances in the cash flow to the cash balance statement. The Finance Director has agreed to research this and come back to Council Seamdly, under discussion was the investment of the Town's surplus monies and the best use of those funds, with the consensus being that any gains would be marginal at best because of the small amount of revenue generated and the administrative expense involved. Also under discussion was the budget process. Committee agreed that Council Members should M submit written statements by November, on each members opinions as to the general direction the budget should take. F1tlaTl~i a1The Committee then discussed the upcoming organizational and financial study to be conducted by Adviser Municipal Advisors Inc. and expressed the desire to talk to Mr. Wales as a group and also individually. ~ 9711 July 15, 1997 Mr. Combiths advised that Mr. Wales wishes to meet with members individually at this time and then come back later for a group discussion. HUMAN RESOURCES CONIlVIITTEE: Personnel Polic- Chairman Hale advised that Human Resources Committee met July 14 and reviewed personnel ies reviewed policies including compensatory time, the Fair Labor Standards Act, modifications to the Town's harassment policy, performance evaluations and resignations. Committee also reviewed a survey Cumber of of surrounding jurisdictions regarding holiday policies. Committee recommanded donating a free Commerce pass to Gatewood and a surplus vehicle to the Chamber of Commerce auction to be held in August. Motion carried on the followed recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Pane -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Appt: Econ. Dev; Agency on a~g Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absant Committee recommanded the appointment of the following individuals: Joe Weddle as the Council member of the Board of Economi~ Development; Mrs. Pauline 1VTitchell to the Agancy on Aging and Mrs. Bettye Steger lie ~'~ wing individuals to 3 year terms on the Board of Economic Developmant: Adrienne Birecree; Wayne Carpanter; Hugh Huff, III; Debbie Jonas; Janet Johnston; James D. Reagan; Betty Sadler; Philip Baker; Wade Lephew. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: Mr. Neblett -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Mrs. Steger -Aye Mr. Stewart -Aye Zoning 1 Subdivision Conditional Use Mr. Hale -Aye Mr. Weddle -Aye Mrs. Mitchell -Aye Mr. Bolen -Absant Chairman Hale advised that Committee met in Executive Session on July 15 on 2 personnel matters. A report on the Volunteer Explorer post through the Police Departmerrt was heard. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Councilman Stewart advised that Planning Commission met July 14 and approved a rezoning for Mrs. Elizabeth Brunk, 97-71RZ from R-2 to RR (Rural Residantial). Town Council will hold a public hearing on this case at 4:00 p.m., August 5, 1997. Also discussed was case No. 97-73 SUB, request to subdivide 2.2366 acres from a large tract totaling approximately 183 acres held by Pulaski Properties L.L.C., F. Earl Frith, agerrt. Commission did approve the request. Case No. 97-74CU, requesting a hearing for a conditional use permit for a low income apartment complex, was withdrawn from the aganda at the applicant's request. MAYOR' S REPORT: Mayor Johnston advised that several Councilmembers attended a Virginia Municipal League meeting in Richmond, receiving information regarding recommendations to be made to the Ganeral Assembly, and the Freedom Of Information Act among other things. Councilman Stewart advised that he and Councilman Weddle received information regarding personal property taxes and will hold further discussions in Finance Committee Meetings. Mayor Johnston noted that the landscaping being done around the Municipal building has improved its appearance. Vice Mayor Steger inquired whether the landscaping is complete for the Welcome To Pulaski signs. Mr. Combiths advised that the planting was not complete and in fact, some plants had been takan and would have to be replaced. 1 J TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT: July 15, 1997 Mr. Terwilliger had no report. `1 TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT: Mr. Combiths gave a projects update and in particular, that an 8 million dollar Rural Development grant for I/I program has been submitted. Bridge showing for potential bidders for Washington Ave. bridge held July 10. Work should begin soon. The Letter of Agreement between VDOT and the Department of Recreation in Richmond regarding the New River Trail Extension Phase I has come out of the Attorney General's office. The demolition of the condemned building on Maple Street is imminent. Councilwoman Mitchell reported that she has had a complaint regarding the noise level at the ball park. A lady advised that her husband has terminal cancer. She requested that the speaker level be turned down if possible. At 8:05 p.m. Council entered executive session on 2 items under 2.1-344 (A3) Economic Development -Land Acquisition; (A7) Consult with Legal Counsel regarding agreement for utility extension; (A7) Consult with Legal Counsel regarding baseball negotiations, on motion made by Councilman Penn, seconded by Vice Mayor Steger 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 Gerald E. Bolen -Absent At 9:40 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Penn, 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 -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Joseph L. Weddle -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Gerald E. Bolen -Absent At 9:42 p.m., Councilman Neblett so moved that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried. Attest: ._.___ Patricia Pendergr t Acting Clerk of Council 9712 4