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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-16-969545 January 16, 1996 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held January 16, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were preserrt: Mayor Andrew L. Graham, presiding Council Members: John A. Johnston, John W. Stone, Bettye H. Steger, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr., W. Edgar Hale, E. G. Black, Jr. Also Present: Frank Tervvilliger, 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 R. David Warburton Michael Larrowe Paul Pickett Anita Taylor Barry Matherly Ralph Reeves Lynn White Rodger Dudley Rocky Akers Nicole Shank AUDITOR REPORT (PUBLIC IAPCO The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilman Stone led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilwoman Steger gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilman Black so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 19, 1995, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried. Mr. Michael D. Larrowe, Larrowe, Cardwell & Company, LC auditor for the Town, had preserrted the Town of Pulaski Audit for 1994-1995 to the Finance Committee, and this audit was formally presented to Town Council. Mr. Larrowe gave a brief summary of the audit, advising that they had reviewed the Town's compliance with laws and regulations and compliance with grant terms, reporting favorably on these. The auditors also reviewed the Town's internal controls. Councilman D'Ardenne expressed Town Council's appreciation to Larrowe, Cardwell & Company for their assistance in the progress the Town has made in their accounting system. HEARING Mayor Graham advised that three public hearings were scheduled for this meeting; the first being An easement Request by Appalachian Power Company Across Tax Parce1072-076-000, Parcel B, beginning at a point in the Southern Property Line of the Macgill Recreation Complex. (EASEMENT Mr. Combiths reported that the Town had filled this area in and in so doing had lost the minimum clearance for the existing power line. They will simply reroute a portion of the line, almost adjacent to the existing line. Staff and the Public Operations Committee recommended approval of this easement. There were no comments from the public for or against this requested easement. Before Council was Ordinance No. 96-2 Authorizing an Easement Agreement with Appalachian Power Company Across Tax Parcel 072-076-000. Chairwoman Steger so moved that Ordinance No. 96-2 be adopted, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried on the following recorded INANCE N0. vote: 2 AUTHOR. 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 -Absent E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye 1 January 16, 1996 The second public hearing was a request by Lynn J. White & Rocky L. Akers, WhiteRock, L.L.C. PUBLIC to rezone 2.007 acres on Bob White Boulevard from M-1 (Limited Industrial) to B-2 (General HEARING Business). REZONING ~'• Lyons reported the request to rezone this property from M-1 to B-2 will bring the zoning into REQUEST compliance with its current use. The applicants also indicated an interest to construct a building to wash their inventory, which would require an additional conditional use under the curreirt M-1 zoning. Mr. Lyons stated that the Planning Commission reviewed this request at their meeting on January 15, 1996, and recommended approval of Case No. 96-62RZ. There were no comments received for or against this rezoning request. Councilwoman Steger so moved that Ordinance No. 96-1 Approving a Rezoning of 2.007 Acres from M-1 to B-2 on Bob White Boulevard be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE N0. 96-1 John A. Johnston ADOPTED -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye PUBLIC Mayor Graham advised that the third public hearing concerned the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, in HEARING conjunction with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the ISTEA Department's intent to seek ISTEA (Internodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) GRANT enhancement grant fimding for the overlook located on Route 11, at the top of Draper Mountain. Mr. Barry Matherly, Director of Economic Development, has been working closely with Pulaski County, the lead owner of this property, and the County would be implementing and managing the plan. New parking lots, new restroom facilities, restoring the amphitheater and repairing all the trails and adding new trails is planned. All facilities would be handicapped accessible. A bike and jog trail is also planned, which will link back to our Train Station and meet up with the New River Trail. In the ISTEA portion, they are looking for money to restore specifically the two parking lots and doing the safety access. A barrier would also be placed on the Draper overlook side to prevent cars from being able to get up to overlook, it would make it more safe for persons standing at the overlook and also it will prevent dumping. Sidewalks and crossovers will be provided. In phase II of application, facilities would be connected to the larger network, taking the trail and running it back into the Train Station. It is planned that they County will use State prison labor and civic organizations for cleaning and aiding in this project. Mr. Matherly reported that this would be an ideal tourist entrance into Town. Outdoor East has donated a billboard in the amount of $2,000. The grant match would be 50/50 and the Town would be required to put up $10,000 in-kind services. VDOT wants to be assured that if we cancel the project, any money they have on a cancelled project comes back to them. Pulaski County will be responsible for ninning and maintaining this project and complying with all federal regulations. The current agreement is that the Town of Pulaski and the County of Pulaski would have to back out at the same time. Mr. Terwilliger stated that if either the Town or the County back out, that the Town and the County each is to be responsible for the money spent to date. The Town and the County would want to protect itself if one entity wanted to back out, that the one backing out would be the one to bear that cost. Mr. Matherly advised that money for project is supposed to be available in October. There were no comments from the public for or against this proposal. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Resolution No. 96-1 Authorizing the Town's RESOLUTION participation in Renovating the Draper Mountain Overlook and Wayside be adopted, corrtingent 96-1 upon the County adopting an identical or similar Resolution and also that a side agreement be ADOPTED reached with the County concerning reimbursement in the event that either party wanted to 9546 9547 January 16, 1996 withdraw. The Town Manager was authorized to execute the agreement. Motion 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 II&I Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Absent E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye There being no comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMIVIlTTEE: Chairman Johnston advised that the Utilities Committee had met January 10, 1996, and discussed the I and I abatement program, including inflow from roof drains, the television program, manholes, line repairs and financing. Members of the committee came up with topics they wanted management to address and looked forward to putting these items in a plan of action to establish a recommendation to Council for various policies regarding I and I. The committee also asked that administration come up with a plan and Utilities Committee will meet again before the next Council Meeting so this plan can be brought to Council for their approval. All of Council is invited to the meeting. Chairman Johnston advised that Peppers Ferry met on January 11. A preliminary budget was presented for next year. Chairman Johnston informed Council that as far as they can tell at this point, it does not appear that there is going to be an increase in the asking from the Town of Pulaski in the Peppers Ferry budget. It will cost us about the same as this fiscal year. FINANCE CONIlVIlTTEE: Chairman Schrader reported that the Finance Committee along with full Council, met prior to the AUDIT Council Meeting with our auditors and they gave us an in depth review of the audit for fiscal year 1994-95. Chairman Schrader advised he was very pleased with what Town Council and staff have done this year. He felt everyone should be congratulated on the job that was done during that fiscal year. Chairman Schrader also advised that review of our budget at mid year will be scheduled for a future Finance Committee meeting. Chairman Schrader advised that before Town Council was Resolution No. 96-4 Concurring in the Proposed Financing of the Expansion of the Renfro Facility by the Industrial Development RESOLLTITON 96-4 Authority of Pulaski County, and so moved that Resolution No. 96-4 be adopted, seconded by RII~FR(3-IDA Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye John W. Stone -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye HUMAN RESOURCES: Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Absent E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Chairman D' Ardenne stated that the Human Resources Committee had met in executive session to discuss the Director of Finance recnutment, and also asked for an executive session immediately following the Council Meeting on the same subject. ~,. ~ Chairman D'Ardenne so moved that Kathleen Kirk be reappointed to the Planning Commission for -~ ~, a four year term, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader 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 -Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: 1 Councilman D'Ardenne advised that the Town Council had rerluired the Planning Commission to submit an annual report to Council on the activities that they have had the preceding year and January 16, 1996 Councilman D'Ardenne was pleased to recognize David Warburton, Chairman of the Planning Commission. Mayor Graham, on behalf of Town Council, expressed appreciation to Mr. Warburton and Members of the Planning Commission for their important efforts in service to the Town. PL,AI`W]NG Mr. Warburton formally presented the Town of Pulaski Planning Commission Annual Report to OMISSION Town Council. Mr. Warburton stated that the Planning Commission will be working on the Comprehensive Plan and this is a tremendous project, with the Commission working on the first two sections at their meeting on January 15. Mr. Warburton also gave the advantages the Town would have once this program is computerized. Mr. Warburton reported that at the Planning Commission Meeting on January 15, he was re- elected as Chairman and Joseph L. Weddle re-elected as Vice Chairman for 1996. The Commission also reviewed Planning Commission Case No. 96-62RZ, the WhiteRock, L.L.C. rezoning request and recommended approval. The Planning Commission Annual Report is to be marked received and filed this date. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE: Chairwoman Holston was absent. ORDINANCE COMIVIITTEE: Chairwoman Steger had no further report. Councilman Johnston felt that Town employees should be recognized for their efforts during the recent snow storm. He felt a tremendous job had been done and suggested a resolution recognition and appreciation be prepared and so moved adoption of resolution of appreciation to Town employees. Mayor Graham is to prepare a cover letter of appreciation to employees to be forwarded with resolution. Councilman D'Ardenne seconded motion and so carried on the following recorded vote: RESOII.JITON '117 'IOtiJN FMPf Oyu 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 -Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Councilman Johnston also expressed concern with the manner in which Norfolk & Southern has N&S fixed the railroad tracks on Washington Avenue. Mr. Combiths reported that the Town Engineer is ~~ workin with the Su erir-t~dent of the Railroad and this will be bro g p ught to his attention. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Graham reported that the Town Manager was in receipt of a fax from Emergency Services ~,~ regarding the blizzard of 1996. Governor Allen's requested Federal Major Disaster Declaration was approved by President Clinton last Saturday. The Town may be eligible for some assistance from the money we have spent during this blizzard. Maximum would be 75 cats on $1.00. Mr. Combiths will report back to Council on this. TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger advised that before Council was Resolution No. 96-3 Authorizing Condemnation Proceedings for a Sanitary Sewer Line Across the Property of Mark Alan Apartments, Inc. The RF~OL. 9Cr3Town has tried to negotiate with the property owner for this easement. Vice Mayor Schrader made Condem. a motion that Resolution No. 96-3 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the Sewer Line following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye John W. Stone -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye . H. Schrader, Jr. Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Absent -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye 9548 9549 January 16, 1996 TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT: Mr. Combiths reminded Town Council of irrtergovemmental Meeting scheduled for January 29, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Graham encouraged Council to attend this meeting which the Town is hosting. Mr. Combiths reminded Council that VML, VACO 1996 Legislative Day would be held in Richmond on February 15. Members wanting to attend were requested to advise Ms. Harrell. Mr. Combiths gave a projects update, and reported that due to the storm, water bills would need to be estimated. Also, due to the storm, PSA has requested that garbage usually picked up in alleys should be moved to the street. Vice Mayor Schrader requested that Public Works, and possibly the Department of Economic Development, take a look at Christmas lights so that a plan can be in place for next year. And, the condition of property at the comer of Memorial Drive and Peppers Ferry Road should be addressed. Mayor Graham advised he had calls of concern regarding the water pressure on Crestline Drive. At 8:01 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 regarding the Director of Finance position. Motion 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, 7r. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Absent E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye At 8:25 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne 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 -Absent E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye At 8:26 p.m. Council adjourned on motion made by Councilwoman Steger, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. APPROVID: ~ ~2~ Attest: '"~ Mayor Cl rk of Council