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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-19-95December 19, 1995 Mmutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 19, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Andrew L. Graham, Jr., presiding Council Members: John A. Johnston, John W. Stone, Bettye H. Steger, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr., W. Edgar Hale, Alma H. Holston, E. G. Black, Jr. Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Assistant Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Jim Talkington Patrick McNamara Barbara Whitaker Mark Fink Shirley Fink Lindsay Sarkis The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilman Hale led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Stone gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 5, 1995, be approved after correction, seconded by Councilman Black and carved. Mayor Graham advised that first on agenda was a public hearing to consider application by the Virginia Gas Pipeline Company for two gas line easements. PUBLIC HEARIlVG ~ Mr. Combiths reported that the proposed natural gas easements are located on Town-owned ~~r property at Gatewood Park and Reservoir and Loving Field. The Gatewood easemert is approximately 2000 feet in length and located 2500 feet southeast of Gatewood Dam. It would be adjacent to an existing easement for the East Tennessee Natural Gas Company. The Loving Field easement is approximately 500 feet in length and located 1500 feet northeast of the intersection of route 639 and Route 738. The proposed easement is also adjacent to an existing easemert for the East Tennessee Natural Gas Company. Mr. Combiths advised that this project is part of a 90 mile natural gas line construction project and will run from Abingdon to Radford, VA. The Town Attorney had prepared an easemert agreement and Ordinance No. 95-41. Mr. Talkington, Land Manager of Virginia Gas Company, answered questions that Town Council had regarding this easement. They hope to have service to Wytheville by the and of 1996 and then have construction completed from Wytheville to Radford by winter of 1997. Virginia Gas Company will pay $2,324.00 for the easemenrts to the Town of Pulaski. There were no comments from the public regarding this matter. ~~ Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that Ordinance No. 95-41 be adopted with the stipulation that the sum of the easemert will be the greater amount of the two appraisals between the gas company and the Town; that on page three, 12 (a) that if pipeline is not made operational within 60 months from the date of the agreement, and with the amendment to reserve right for any compensation for any timber or hardwoods that should betaken out in the installation of the pipeline. And price will be stipulated in the ordinance realizing that the gas company will also be responsible for all other costs associated with the easements. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye 9540 9541 December 19, 1995 Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye The second public hearing regarded consideration of revising the Town sewer rate structure and PCIIII.~IC sewer rates. HEAR~IG SEWER Mr. Combiths stated that last spring, Council asked the staff to look at our sewer rate system and RATE to do a thorough analysis, to look at how we charge our customers for this service that the Town provides and how this system can be self sufficient. Mr. Lyons has spent a lot of time as well as our Engineering Department, Public Works Department and our Finance Department, preparing this analysis. Mr. Lyons advised that Council had directed staffto meet with the largest sewer customers and individual meetings were held with five of these customers. At present there is a minimum bill (3000 gallons) $17.84 and per thousand gallons over 3000 gallons, $2.56. These rates are doubled for customers outside the Town's limits. Mr. Lyons further reported that the basic premise in the establishment of a rate structure is that the rates should reflect the cost of providing service. It proposes a fixed charge and a volume charge for only the number of gallons discharged. There were no comments for or against this proposed ordinance from the public. ORDINANCE N0. 95-40 ADOPTID CHARC~ FnR SEWER SERVICE FIJLICE 17EPAlzIIKQVT Councilwoman Steger stressed that the sewer fund must pay its way. The Council has struggled with the amending of the sewer rates. Councilwoman Holston stated that in July she voted against the sewer rate being effective in July. She felt this ordinance today was more fair for everyone, simplifies billing, assures adequate refunds, stabilizes the revenue, balances the impact on the different customers and 25% of the customers will experience rate decrease. Council Members discussed I&I repairs. Mr. Hawley had previously submitted a plan to Peppers Ferry on I&I abatement and what we would be doing in the future. Dr. Johnston advised that the Utilities Committee will further review I&I after the first of the year and he hopes to have a plan to present to Council. Mr. Lyons reported that ordinance also includes a recommendation to increase new connection fees from $200 to $450, as the actual cost to the Town is $450 to make this new connection. Before Council was Ordinance No. 95-40 Setting Forth the Charges for Sewer Service. Councilman Johnston so moved that Ordinance No. 95-40 be adopted, with one language change, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye John W. Stone -Aye 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. -Aye From the public, Ms. Lindsay Sarkis addressed Town Council regarding Police harassment of her son. Ms. Sarkis listed several incidents with dates where her son had been stopped by the Police with his car being searched, and this has been on-going for two years. Ms. Sarkis presented a fornial, written complaint to Council, and stated she had been able to talk with Chief Cooley regarding this matter. The Town Manager and Town Attorney were requested to make a report to Council on this complaint. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES CONIlVllTTEE Chairman Johnston had no report, however, a meeting will beheld after the first of the year. L [, FINANCE CONIMITTEE December 19, 1995 Chairman Schrader had no report, however, requested a meeting after the first of the year and asked Town Manager to have financial statements, reports, investments, etc. covering the first six months of the year for review. HUMAN RESOURCES CO1I~IlVIITTEE Chairman D'Ardenne advised that the Human Resources Committee had met December 11 and on this date in executive session to discuss a personnel matters related to the Director of Finance recruitment. The Human Resources Committee also met prior to Council meeting to bring up to full slate the membership of the Board of Economic Development. The Human Resources Committee ~' recommended that Walt Shannon be appointed as a representative of the Educational area on the BOARD OF Board of Economic devel ment and Mike Forrest from Diversified ~.~, op Apparel be appointed to represent Industry. Appointments were for 3 year term. And Sybil Atkinson be moved from Education to Citizen at Large. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye ~~ ~. Chairman D'Ardenne reported that before Council were some of the policies discussed in the past ~~, regarding the Human Resources Manual. Chairman D'Ardenne made a motion that Policy ~~ Numbers 1.1, 1.2, 2.12, 2.23 and 3.11 be enacted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger. Motion ~~ carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Mr. Terwilliger reported that for the next Human Resources meeting, he would distribute the 1.3 plus all the others in the two blocks and that way, Council would have all in one block and earlier copies can probably be discarded. Mr. Terwilliger will distribute one block at a time for Council approval. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT S1VE PLAN Councilman D'Ardenne advised that the Planning Commission met December 11 and began their review of the comprehensive plan. Seven different elements: General Land Use, Housing, Transportation, Utilities, Recreation and Open Space, Economic Developmenrt and Community Facilities ara scheduled. The Planning Commission plans to start the General Land Use in January and wind up with Community Facilities in September. Councilman D'Ardenne stated that during the preparation of the comprehensive plan, two other groups will be playing a prominerrt role. A Virginia Tech graduate class will be researching and writing the housing elemerrt under our direction. Also, the Board of Economic Development will be updating its plan this spring and we expect to include some input from them. Katy Kirk is on the Executive Committee of the Board of Economic Development and she is also on the Planning Commission. Councilman D'Ardenne advised the State will be doing a recreation study and this information will be available for the Recreation and Open Space element. Councilman D'Arderme stated that public input on a regular basis is being encouraged. Public meetings, etc. will be held. The Planning Commission will also keep Council informed. Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that rezoning request from WhiteRock L.L.C. to rezone 2.007 acres from M-1 to B-2 be referred to the Planning Commission as their Case No. 96-62RZ, seconded by Councilman Johnston and carried. 9542 PUBLIC OPERATIONS CONIl~IITTEE 9543 December 19, 1995 Chairwoman Holston advised that a brief Public Operations Committee was held prior to the DRAINAGE Council Meeting tonight. Drainage problem of Mr. Wert, 800 block of Newbern Road was ~~ discussed. Chairwoman Holston so moved that the Director of Public Works be advised to proceed with the correction of drainage problem of Mr. Wert of 800 block Newbern Road with the cost not to exceed $1,000. in providing labor only. Mr. Wert is to provide the materials and easements. Vice Mayor Schrader requested that recording fees be paid by owner. Motion seconded by Councilman Johnston and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye A Public Operations Committee Meeting will also be set after the first of the year. ORDINANCE CONIlVITTTEE Chain~voman Steger advised that before Council was Ordinance No. 95-37 Amending the Provisions of the Town Code Pertaining to The Business, Professional and Occupational License ORDINANCE Tax. The Town Attorney had made language changes in this ordinance which has previously been N0. 95-37 reviewed by Council. BPOL ~p~ Chairwoman Steger so moved that Ordinance No. 95-37 with the original language attached be adopted, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye John W. Stone -Aye 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. -Aye MAYOR' S REPORT Mayor Graham reported that arrangements are made with Appalachian Power Company to remove/replace trees. Mayor Graham suggested that many of these trees are in the residential TR1~ areas of our community. It was suggested that in the future, trees to be cut be marked and a letter be sent to the residents at least ten days prior to any cutting so they will have a chance to respond. This letter should also go out under the Town Manager's signature. Then decision can be made as to whether tree should be trimmed or cut. Mayor Graham advised that a few months ago a resolution was approved for Farmers Home Loan DOND ISS[lES Administration to grant the Town a line of credit up to $550,000 and the Town has drawn down $100,000 this past week. This is a 40 year loan, repaid in 15 years. Mayor Graham suggested that Council be given a letter on this, let the Finance Committee review and he would like Council to get a letter on this prior to Farmers Home Loan people showing up with the check. Mayor Graham advised he would like to see the Town Manager give a draft budget to Council by ~~' April 1. This will give Council more time to evaluate if there are any changes in our tax structure or any major changes in the budget. Mayor Graham requested that the Finance Committee discuss this matter at their first meeting in January. Mayor Graham had distributed a letter received from visitors we had from Opola, Poland. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that the 1st meeting in January, 1996, be canceled, seconded by 03iJNL'II, MEE;I'Il~IG Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: CANCIiLID John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT December 19, 1995 Mr. Combiths reported that the Town OfFices would be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 25 and 26, and January 1, 1996, in observance of the holidays. Mr. Combiths advised that progress had been made on removal of debris at Woody's Restaurant. In giving a projects update, Mr. Combiths reported that the Virginia Department of Transportation could enter an agreement with the Virginia Department of Parks & Recreation as opposed to the T~ ~~ Town. As the Town has been awarded $200,000 under the ISTEA Grant Program, it is felt it would be better to pass these monies on to the State Parks & Recreation with excess funds kept in the Community: Council discussed a letter and contrail to this effect. Mr. Terwilliger suggested that a letter be drawn up advising that Council is requesting this arrangement providing that we do not jeopardize the funds themselves, and that we are guaranteed that any surplus funds come back to the Community. If this is acceptable to them, then we can review an agreement. A public hearing was scheduled for January 16, 1996, 7:00 p.m. regarding the ISTEA Grant. At 8:37 p.m. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Council go into Executive Session on a personnel matter under 2.1-344 Al to discuss a specifically named individual in regard to the Director of Finance position. Motion seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye At 9:03 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilman Hale and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye At 9:04 p.m: Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. 9544 ~. Attest: '~' Mayor Cl k of Council G~/v w~