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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-95December 5, 1995 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 5, 1995, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were preserrt: Mayor Andrew L. Graham, Jr., presiding Council Members: John A. Johnston, Bettye H. Steger, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr., W. Edgar Hale, Alma H. Holston Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Paul Dellinger and J. R. Schrader, News Media Valencia Johnson -1 J Ronald G. Vaughan H. G. Larger Wendell Bolt Phillip Bevil Louise Fitzgerald Jesse Hopkins Joseph Quesenberry Larry Baker Bobby Safewright Elbert Wright Marion Hopkins Elmer Turner James Murphy Dorothy M. Donithan Sybil Atkins James E. Aust, Sr. Duane pace David Spangler Juanita Manns John Hawley Barry Matherly Joseph Morgan Keith Stafford The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilman D'Ardenne led the Pledge of Allegiance and Vice Mayor Schrader gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 21, 1995, be approved as submitted, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried. Mayor Graham advised that first on agenda was Resolution No. 95-24, Supporting the Bristol Rail Passenger Study. Councilwoman Steger so moved that Resolution No. 95-24 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: SON No. 95-24 SUP~KIZr1G John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye g~~pL RAIL, John W. Stone -Absent W. Edgar Hale -Aye PASSFNTEJZ Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye STUDY W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Absent ~ y~ Next on the agenda was the annual taxi cab public hearing. Mr. Combiths advised that Blue and G=1~_s5 White Cabs, Inc. had requested 12 certificates and Jim Dandy Taxi Service had requested 8 1~11~I'C certificates. Mr. Combiths advised that the Police Department had reported there have not been I any reported accidents or complaints within the last year with either of the businesses or applicants. Also, the Police Department inspected all taxi cabs recently, and that all drivers were licaised and all cabs in good condition. 9536 9537 Decanter 5, 1995 There were no comments for or against the awarding of the certificates. It was suggested that drivers were identifying uniforms or shirts. Ci?DINAI~ Before Council was Ordinance No. 95-38 Awarding Certificates of Public Convenience and 95-38 Necessity for Taxicab Operations for Calendar Year 1996. Councilwoman Holston made a motion T~~g that Ordinance No. 95-38 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the Cl~'ICA'I~S following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Absent W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Absent The second public hearing was a request by Jefferson Mills to Close First Street Between Maple Street and Valley Street. PU1~IC Mr. Combiths reported that Jefferson Mills had requested the closing to facilitate an expansion that HEAR~IG would conned their existing buildings located on both sides of this section of First Street, SW. CUJ6E 1~1ZITON The Town Engineer had made a traffic study, and the evaluation shows no public safety issue. OF FIlZSI' ST. Alternate movement in traffic can be accommodated. The Town would like to retain this business and assist in their growth. An inquiry was made by Councilman Johnston as to the impact the Enterprise Zone would have on Jefferson Mills. Mr. Matherly advisers that it would greatly benefit Jefferson Mills with tax credits. And financial assistance from the State. Housing incentives are also available. Benefits would also be obtained through Jefferson Mills' purchase of foreign machinery. Mr. James Murphy, 311 Valley Street and Mrs. Dorothy Murphy Donithan expressed opposition to the closing of this street, stating it will create a major problem with blocking access to this area. Also, no parking signs should be installed on Valley Street. Messrs. Spangler and Pace, Jefferson Mills, commented that it was critical to Jefferson Mills to maintain this expansion for warehousing. They also reported on the new equipment they are purchasing and that the Enterprise Zone is very important to them. Mr. Morgan, County Administrator, felt the Town was very fortunate to have this industry in Town as 40% of our workforce is in manufacturing. He also reported that Volvo would be increasing their layoff in January and will decrease the number of trucks produced daily. He further stated that Town Council had been very supportive in manufacturing needs. Council Members expressed appreciation to Mr. Morgan and Mr. Pete Huber for their assistance in working with the Town and also appreciation to Jefferson Mills for warrting to be in Pulaski. Councilman Johnston asked if Jefferson Mills had considered alternatives in their plans. Mrs. Spangler stated they had and that the shifts at Jefferson Mills are staggered. Mrs. Juanita Manns, Maple Street, did not have a problem with the street closing, however, Maple Street does need a sidewalk. Using an overhead, Mr. Hawley illustrated the movement of traffic through the area. D~INANCE ~. Before Council was Ordinance 95-39 Closing a Portion of First Street, SW Between Maple Street 9539 and Valley Street. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Ordinance No. 95-39 be adopted ~ppTgp with the inclusion of language "and plant expansion construction has begun" in Item No. 8. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carved on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Absent W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Absent There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. December 5, 1995 UTILITIES CO1I~IlVIlTT'EE 9538 SI~JER Chairman Johnston advised that the Utilities Committee had met November 30, 1995, and SIi1DY continued their review of the sewer rate study. Meetings have been held with the five largest sewer RAC customers. A public hearing and vote will be held at the next meeting of Council. Chairman Johnston stated that they would like to keep the $50,000 in the Sewer Fund that was transferred from the General Fund. This could possibly be repaid at a later date. The Utilities Committee felt we should continue to work to improve I/I. A meeting with Council on UI will be scheduled before the end of the month. Councilman D'Ardenne felt that an UI Abatement Program be developed by the staff to put in place a procedure that will achieve at least 80% utilization of the equipment that we have and put in place an effective program for repair of 5c~+e ~ ~C:,w~ . f. aad. ¢ ~, the TV equipment. Also, he felt that the money from the General Fund would be very well spent on this program as money will be saved in the long run. Councilwoman Steger felt that the public should be informed regarding sewer water in that it has to pay its own way Council Members were requested to call the Clerk if they are unable to attend a meeting, and if a quorum cannot be obtained, the meeting can then be canceled. FINANCE CONIlVIlTTEE Chairman Schrader advised that the Finance Committee had met this morning, entering executive session to discuss legal matters involving an existing CDBG loan and a real estate matter. The Finance Committee also discussed the BPOL ordinance. Consideration of the BPOL ordinance will be scheduled for the December 19, 1995, meeting. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Chairman D'Ardenne advised that the Human Resources Committee had met this morning, entering executive session on personnel matters to discuss appointments to the Board of Economic Development and the Finance Director recruitment. The Human Resources Committee recommended that the following persons be appointed to the Board of Economic Development: 130ARD OF DOONQ~IIC DEVIIJJPME(~FI' Richard Jones -representing Real Estate 3 year term ~5 John McElroy -representing Service Club 3 year term Duane Pace -representing Industrial Sector 3 year term Janet Johnson -representing Human Services 2 year term Jack Nunley -representing Beautification 2 year term Jack Leahy -Citizen at Large 3 year term Reappointed: Jack Gill -representing Bar Association 3 year term Andy Owens -representing Financial 3 year term Barry Long -representing Utilities 3 year term Joe Weddle -representing Planning Commissi on 3 year term John Johnson -representing Town Council 3 year term Motion carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye John W. Stone -Absent Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Absent The Human Resources Committee continued their discussion of personnel policies and five of these policies should be recommended at the next Council Meeting for adoption along with a structure that is being developed by the Town Attorney for administering the policies. 9539 Decgnber 5, 1995 PUBLIC OPERATIONS CONIlVIlTTEE Chairwoman Holston had no report, however, she requested an update on Mr. Wert on Newbem Road on drainage. Mr. Combiths reported that at that time, we did not have a report from Mr. Wert as to his decision to buy the pipe. He has now indicated to the Town Engineer that he would buy the pipe but before proceeding, the Town Attorney needs to be consulted on an issue. Chairwoman Holston inquired about the potholes in Martin Avenue that Mr. Riggle had complained about. Mr. Combiths stated that the Director of Public Works is working on this matter. ORDINANCE CONIlVIITTEE Chairwoman Steger advised that the Town Attorney was changing language in the BPOL ordinance and it would be considered at the next Council Meeting. MAYOR' S REPORT Mayor Graham reported that a meeting with the Town of Dublin and Pulaski County is tentatively scheduled for January 29. TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Combiths reported that a public hearing would be scheduled at the December 19th meeting on TSTFA Q~A~' the ISTEA Grarrt, as the Town is tallang to the County regarding a project, which will be discussed with Council before a public hearing is scheduled. An application must be filed with VDOT by the and of January. In giving a projects update, Mr. Combiths advised that regarding County-wide Emergency Medical ~ Services plan, the Transition Committee will be meeting again this week. For discussion will be further development of the formation of a non-profit corporation to administer this program long- term and an adequate promotional/education campaign on what is happening with third party billing, the transition from a voluntary program to accommodate career/volunteer program, etc. Also, the Peakland water project has begun; the TV has been repaired for the UI program; and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. Farmer's loan closing will take place on the water projects. Mayor Graham reported that grant application to the C. E. Richardson Foundation for the museum had been turned down. At 5:10 p.m. Councilwoman Holston made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried. API~OVF~D: Attest: r Mayor i Clerk of Council