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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-977, Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held October 7, 1997, 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, Asst. to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: J. R. Schrader and Paul Dellinger, News Media Michael Smith Charlotte Mabry Officer Dowdy Arnold Jones Maceo Patterson Clarence Webb The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnston. Councilman Neblett led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Stewart gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilman Penn made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting held September 16, 1997, and the special meeting held September 29, 1997, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. Mayor Johnston read Resolution No. 97-26 Honoring Columbia Pulaski Community Hospital's Accreditation with Commendation from the Joint Commission of Healthcare Organizations. Resolution Councilman Penn so moved that Resolution No. 97-26 be adopted, seconded by Councilman adopted Neblett 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 Mayor Johnston also read a plaque honoring the Columbia Pulaski Community Hospital for the fine work that they have done. Registered speaker Mike Smith, 811 Newbern Road, addressed Council with his concerns regarding the volume of traffic and freight trucks on Newbern Road. He felt Newbern Road was Streets being used as a short cut to Memorial Drive and the shopping center. This road is under 22 feet in width in places, has inadequate sidewalks, many children going to and from Claremont School, and there is parking on the street. Mr. Smith requested that the size and weight of truck be looked at, and restrict traffic flow. He suggested that road be restricted to residents only. Councilman Penn stated this situation should be studied and suggested that the Public Operations Committee review this concern. Councilman Neblett made a motion that this matter be referred to the Public Operations Committee for their review, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Mr. Smith also addressed Council with the concern of loud car radios and "boom boxes". A Ordinance copy of Roanoke's Noise Ordinance was distributed to Council. Mr. Smith suggested that the public have authorization to phone in a complaint so that a Police Officer can give a warning to the offending persons; and that the Town of Pulaski Noise ordinance be strengthened. In the public's interest, noise should be restricted. Mr. Terwilliger stated that the Police Department cannot arrest anyone based on third party information. Also, there is no state law on this subject as such. Officer Dowdy advised that the Police Department had tried to catch these offenders. October 7, 1997 Councihnan Penn made a motion that this concern be referred to the Ordinance Committee for their review and recommendation, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. From the public, Mr. Clarence Webb and Pastor Arnold Jones, Pentecostal United Holy Church, STREET 304 Johnson Street, petitioned to close to public traffic the section of street that passes in front of their church. The grounds closest to the church, which are bordered by Randolph Avenue and Johnson Street, have been a hangout for many loiterers. Trespassing signs and personal requests for improper behavior to cease have gone unheeded. Mr. Terwilliger advised that loitering, drinking and unlawful behavior could have immediate attention by the Police Department and that before any street is closed, a public hearing will be necessary. Councilman Mitchell made a motion that this request be referred to the Public Operations Committee for their review, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Johnston called for Council Committee Reports. Chairman Neblett stated the Utilities Committee met September 18, 1997 and discussed a proposal received for the extension of a sewer line along Rt. 11. This line would be for a length of 600 feet and would be installed on the north side of Rt. 11 in front of the Pulaski Health Care SEWER Center. The developer has offered to pay for all materials with the Town providing the labor for LINE the installation. Staff had recommended that this proposal be accepted. The Utilities Committee recommended that we proceed with this project. 1 Chairman Neblett advised that the Utilities Committee discussed a report from the Finance Director and Director of Public Works outlining both the ordinance requirements and the policies regarding the Town's non-payment cut off procedures. Staff has obtained other local WATER jurisdictions' ordinances and these are available if Council Members would like to review. The ORDIN. Committee recommended that the Town Attorney make two changes to the current ordinance, section 17-4: 1. In section 17-B, change the word "may" the third word of line one, to "will". The reason being that the word may indicate that authority is given to select who will or will not have their water service disconnected and could be construed as an inequality among all of our customers. 2. The addition of the following sentence after the last line of section 17-4B: "Any payments such as night deposits or mail not received in the office by close of the business due date will be considered delinquent and will be posted with the next day's business". Council discussed the collection of water bills with it being suggested that bill collection be turned over to a collection concern. It was also expressed that we should give our new Finance Director a chance to implement improvements. Cross training of employees is being scheduled for this fiscal year. Chairman Neblett advised that the committee discussed the study of Gatewood Watershed area. WATER A report prepared by the Public Works Director examined the overall status of the watershed area and possible issues arising in its management. One issue of concern is the protection of the watershed from rail accident contamination and other possible sources of contamination. Since approximately 25 % of the watershed area lies in Wythe County, which at present has no zoning, concern was expressed that development in the far eastern edge of Wythe could pose contamination problems. The Town Manager will forward a letter to Wythe with our concerns. The Town Engineer has talked with DEQ looking at protection for the future. We will also be coordinating efforts over this concern with the railroad. Chairman Penn had no report. 2 9732 9733 October 7, 1997 Chairwoman Steger had no report, however, she stated she had attended a meeting of the Clean Community Council at which time the Dora Highway site was discussed. Mr. Larry Vest asked if the hours of operation on Saturdays could be extended. The Town Manager will look into this matter and also reported the dump site needs to be supervised. The Public Service Authority is providing hauling of the trash. Vice Mayor Steger reported this committee would meet Wednesday, October 8. Chairman Stewart advised that the Finance Committee held an informational meeting with the NEW RIVER residents of Dora Highway. Chairman Stewart explained that the Town is proposing as the first TRAIL phase of the State Park Trail abicycle/pedestrian route that will run from Xaloy to Cool Springs along the south bank of Peak Creek. Phase two of the future plans will be to continue to trail from Cool Springs to the Depot with a specific route still to be defined. Dave Hart, Recreation Director, gave a history of the development of the Trail. Mr. Mark Hufeisen, State Park Ranger, addressed issues with regard to security and law enforcement activities along the Trail to protect adjacent land owners from trespassing and other illegal activities. Mr. Andy McCready indicated that changes to environmental laws may have an impact on the decision of State Parks and Recreation not to pursue a trail route on the north side of Peak Creek because of environmental "hot zones". Mr. McCready requested that the state reevaluate the environmental impacts on the north side of the creek before proceeding with a trail route on the south side of Peak Creek. It was the consensus of the committee to have the state evaluate this environmental information and bring back their fmdings as soon as possible. Chairman Stewart advised that a Finance Committee meeting would be held October 8, 4:00 p.m. Chairman Hale advised that the Human Resources Committee recommended the following reappointments: APPOINTMENT Mrs. Betty Sadler to the Architectural Review Board for a four year term; ARCH. REVIEW Mrs. Pam Jones to the Parking Authority for a five year term. PARKING AUTH. Mr. Roy D'Ardenne to the Industrial Development Authority for a four year term. IDA 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 Gerald E. Bolen -Aye Councihnan Stewart advised that the Planning Commission would meet on October 14, 7:00 p.m. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Johnston reported that the Intergovernmental Meeting held jointly with the County of Pulaski, Town of Dublin and Town of Pulaski was held September 29. At this meeting, REMSI gave a very good report. The Town of Pulaski will host the next meeting on January 29, 1998. 1 ~J At this meeting it was recommended that the three jurisdictions appoint someone from Council RECREA . to serve on an area Recreation committee, along with another lay person or staff member, with a total of two members from each jurisdiction. October 7, 1997 RECREATION, CONT. Vice Mayor Steger so moved that Councilman Lane Penn be appointed Town Council's representative to this Recreation Committee, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. A meeting will be scheduled for Council to discuss the appointment of the second member. Mayor Johnston advised that the Draper Mountain Overlook project was moving slowly. We have not heard from the ISTEA grant. Mayor Johnston had attended a PEP meeting, discussing train passenger service, New River Trail and foreign trade zone. Mayor Johnston advised that the Chamber of Commerce Banquet is scheduled for November 2nd. Mayor Johnston also touched briefly on prospective users of Commerce Park. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. SANITATION In other business before Council, Councilwoman Mitchell advised that the trash pick up site on Dora Highway has adversely affected the area residents as their property value has decreased and property is now hard to sell. Councilwoman Mitchell felt that it was the responsibility of the County to collect trash in the Town and suggested this site be moved to a less populated area and that the County look for another site. The Town Manager advised that one part time employee spends approximately 12-18 hours per week at the site and he also works with nuisance abatement. In giving a projects update, Mr. Combiths advised that with the installation of the new signal lights installed with the loop, it will help the problem of trucks turning off Madison Avenue onto 5th Street. Mr. Combiths also reminded Town Council of the Fire Parade on Oct. 9th. The property owners of the nuisance at 4th Street and Newbern Road have until the end of the month to clean up this property by court order. At 5:28 p.m., on motion made by Vice Mayor Steger, Council entered executive session under 2.1-344 (A3) four land acquisitions matters for public use and (A1) two personnel matters regarding specifically named individuals. Motion seconded by Councihan Neblett 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 -Aye 9734 At 6:00 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Penn, seconded by Councilman Neblett 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 6:02 p.m. Councilman Bolen made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Attest: APPROVED: I Mayor lerk of Council