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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-96April 16, 1996 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held April 16, 1996, 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, Lane R. Penn, 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 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 Ronald Vaughan Valencia Johnston C. W. Stewart, Jr. Polly 11~1itchell Kris Douglas Jason Chrisley Roger Asbury Lee Pannell Joe Rogers Syd Kibodeaux Doc Reagan Wade Bartlett Barry Matherly Henderson Randolph The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilman Penn led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Black gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of Apri12, 1996, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Mayor Graham advised that before Council was Resolution No. 96-12 Authorizing Application for RESOLUTION a Community Development Block Grant, a Planning Grant for an Industrial Site Feasibility Study. 90-12 Mr. Matherly advised this resolution was requested by the State if the Town intended to file for a ~ Community Block Grant, Planning Grant. There has been speculation for sometime on appropriate induttrlal vita within the Town boundaries but based on the fact that we do not have topography or environmental phase I studies it is hard to say if the land could support industry or if it could not support industries. The Town is applying fora $25,000 grant with a $4,000 match from the Department of Economic Development budget for $29,000 total. Three engineering firms have been on the site, and all three are very familiar with the site. The 88 acres under consideration are behind the Renfro Plant and is the Boothe property. The Boothe family will sign for us to do preliminary work on their property. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Resolution No. 96-12 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Res.9Er12 dopted '~ °'`IZU ~~ .,1"~. :~ John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -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 Graham advised that next on agenda was a public hearing on a request by Renfro Corporation, agent for the Industrial Development Authority, to rezone 5.2685 acres on Bob White Boulevard from B-1 (Local Business) to M-2 (General Industrial). Mr. Lyons reported that at the Bob White Boulevard Renfro Plant, the first 300 feet of this property is zoned B-1. Renfro has plans to expand into this B-1 district and therefore it would require a rezoning from B-1 to M-2. According to Renfro, it is a 50,000 square foot expansion for their sewing and knitting operations which would be relocated from their Main Street Plant. The 9574 9575 April 16, 1996 ORDINANCE N0. APPROIVING RE7IJNIDiG RFNFR(~ Planning Commission met Apri18, 1996, and recommended approval of Planning Commission Case No. 96-63RZ. Staff also recommended approval of this request. From the public, Mr. Reagan, Renfro Corp., requested that Town Council rezone this property. No other comments were received from the public for or against this rezoning request. Councilwoman Steger made a motion that Ordinance No. 96-6 Approving a Rezoning of 5.2685 acres on Bob White Boulevard from B-1 (Local Business) to M-2 (Gceeral Industrial), be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: 96-6 John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye At 7:10 p.m. public hearing was closed. Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Mayor Graham advised that Mr. William Aden, Aden Associates had intended to make a presentation on Water Model and Report at this meeting, however, as he was unable to attend, this presentation will be given at a later date. Councilman D'Ardenne reported that D'Ardenne Associates and Draper Aden have entered into a reciprocal agreement to provide referrals and therefore he will be doing some work with Draper Aden. This particular activity was awarded a good while back so Councilman D'Ardenne will not have any difficulty discussing this particular presentation, but on any future activities concerning Draper Aden, Councilman D'Ardenne will abstain from any kind of vote or discussion. In receiving comments from the public, Mr. Syd Kibodeaux, Publisher of the Southwest Times, addressed Council regarding litter in Town and knew that the Town had been taking steps to correct this problem. In particular, Mr. Kibodeaux advised of refrigerators set out with doors still attached that he was called about and this concern was taken care o£ He felt this was a grave and dangerous practice and thanked the Town for their fast action. Five Government studerrts from Pulaski High School were introduced and welcomed to the Council Meeting. Mr. Henderson Randolph questioned the directions from Randolph Avenue to Interstate 81. Directional signs go to 4th Street and it would be more feasible to directly down Main Street, to Rt. 99 and on to 81. Correction will be made to these signs. Mayor Graham asked that staff check our speed signs on Rt. 611, Rt. 99, Rt. 11, Memorial Drive g~S and Randolph Avenue. Vice Mayor Schrader reported that Ms. Lindsey had an article in the Southwest Times today on this topic. Mrs. Mitchell questions why the flag was not in the park and also why the lights were not on the flags in front of the municipal building. Mr. Combiths advised that a new flag had been ordered for the park and he would check into the lights in front of the municipal building. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES CONMTTEE: Chairman Johnston had no report, however, a meeting will be scheduled to review the Water Model Survey made by Draper Aden, and then a report will be made to Council. FINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Schrader advised the Finance Committee had met April 9 and again this evering prior to the Council Meeting to discuss the budget. Council has covered the revenue side and all the major departments. A budget session will be held Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 a.m. to look at the Water ~~ Fund, Sewer Fund, and Contributions. , HUMAN RESOURCES: L_J i 2 April 16, 1996 Chairman D'Ardenne requested an executive session to discuss two specifically named individuals. NEW CENTURY COUNCIL CONIl~IlTTEE~ Councilman D'Ardenne reported that the New Century Council Committee met on April 5th. The I~ committee did an overview of the New Century Council and its activities which included a brief C13VIt)RY history, its geographic service area and the current document outlining the organization and ~~~' strategies. Councilman D'Ardenne advised they had noted that the majority of the leadership on ~~ the New Century Council does come from the New River Valley. This includes the officers; Ron Chaffm, chairing the Education Committee; Dr. Carol Pratt, chairing the Health and Safety Committee; and Dr. Ed Bames, chairing the Leadership Committee. It was outlined the Town of Pulaski's invitation from the New Century Council to become a partner. Initially the idea was that the towns would be represented by their counties. It was felt that County does not speak for the Town and at that point, the towns were invited. Because of the meeting the Town's committee held, and the actions they took, some things are starting to happen. Councilman D'Ardenne reported that although the vision statements themselves were very good, the strategies that supported the vision statements were, in fact, not generic enough to cover the region as a whole. Wythe County and the Town of Wytheville have indicated an interest in taking part in the activities and becoming partners if the strategies do cover the whole area. The economic strategies focus on Virginia Tech and Roanoke. The Town's committee recommended that we tie in very closely with the Planning District Commission and we wait for their responses to this activity before we take any action. The Planning District Commission is scheduled to meet Thursday night and it is felt they will review negotiations to some of the strategies and that, of course, will be coming down through Planning District Commission channels. Councilman D'Ardenne will be reporting back to the Committee and to Council as things progress further. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Councilman D'Ardenne reported that the Planning Commission had met April 8th regarding the Renfro Corporation rezoning request. Councilman D'Ardenne advised that Pulaski Properties, Inc. has submitted an application SUBDIVIS. requesting the subdivision of 25 acres on Peppers Ferry Road. The proposed subdivision is requested for the development of a 381ot single family dwelling subdivision, (Planning Commission Case No. 96-64SUB). And, George E. & Jean C. Berryman has submitted an application requesting a conditional use to construct 5 townhouses on Elkins Avenue. The O~ND'L. construction of townhouses is a permitted use in the R-2 District as a conditional use, (Planning USE Commission Case No. 96-65CU). Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Planning Commission Case No. 96-64SUB and Planning Commission Case No. 96-65CU be referred to the REE7~RED ~ Planning Commission for review, seconded by Councilman Penn, and so carried. PLAN. 0~'M. PUBLIC OPERATIONS CONIl~IITTEE• Chairwoman Holston advised she had viewed three different problems last week with the Director of Public Works and also viewed one problem with Mayor Graham. These items will be brought before the Public Operations Committee. Mr. Combiths advised that the Director of Public Works was finalizing a drainage analysis on the Kemp property. Mr. Combiths reported that volunteers will meet on Apri120 and Apri127, 8:30 a.m. in Jackson Park. The PSA is working with the Town in providing a truck. Debris will betaken with the exception of wet paints, batteries or hazardous materials. This will be available until noon. Mayor Graham had expressed that clean up should be a year round program. Chairwoman Holston advised that at one time, the Town had a slogan "Pulaski Counts" on buttons. The Town Manager was requested to look into resurrecting this slogan, and use in our clean up year round. ORDINANCE CONIlVIlTTEE: Chairwoman Steger advised she was distributing to the press the present ordinances as they currently read. Model ordinances have been requested from other localities. ICMA is also forwarding model ordinances. An Ordinance Committee meeting will be held just as quickly as possible. Chairwoman Steger requested that the press print what we have right now. Chairwoman Steger has emphasized the need for the removal of refrigerator doors in past Council Meetings as 9576 3 9577 April 16, 1996 we have a very strict ordinance on refrigerators. Chairwoman Steger did not feel our people were up to date on the litter, garbage, rubbish, and what you dump along the highway. Chairwoman Steger will continue to observe the community for highspots on which we will need to work. Chairwoman Steger questioned the taking of heavy items to the Fire Station as we did last year, and asked if they acct tires. Mr. Combiths understood that the PSA will accept tires also. Chairwoman Steger advised that we had written for the Home Business update and this will also be brought in as quickly as they can. MAYOR' S REPORT: Mayor Graham advised that this week is Volunteer Recognition Week and a Proclamation was signed today. Mayor Graham advised that we have over 100 volunteers on the Grievance Panel, VOLUNTEF~2.S Cemetery Trust, Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Beautification Committee. Mayor Graham advised he had sent letters of appreciation out today advising the Beautification Committee how much we appreciated their service. The Town also has volunteers on the Parking Authority, National Guard Armory, Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority, Architectural Review Board, Board of Economic Development, Train Station, Ratcliffe Memorial Museum Committee, Fire Department, and Senior Center. We depend on volunteers. Mayor Graham advised that we will try to have recognition for these volunteers and let them know how much we appreciate the work that they do for our Town. Mayor Graham stated the Intergovernmental Meeting with the Town of Dublin and Pulaski County will beheld Apri130, 7:00 p.m. at the Law Library in the Courthouse. This meeting is hosted by Pulaski County and items for the agenda are needed by Thursday. Mayor Graham advised that last year the Town held three Town Meetings. It was suggested that we wait to hold these meetings until new Council Members are in office and then start with the first meeting at the T.G. Howard Center. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. Mr. Combiths reminded Council that the May 7th Council Meeting was canceled due to Election Day. Mr. Combiths gave a projects update, and stated that possibly at the May 21st meeting, the U.S. PEAK ~~ Corps of Engineers could make a report on the flood mitigation on Peak Creek. The Town's annual budget hearing is also scheduled for this date. It was suggested that a committee meeting be called with full Council to mew with the Corps and invite citizens to attend. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that a request had been received from the Town Manager to attend a TAN ~~ Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia. Mr. Combiths advised that UVA indicated there is a scholarship program available which he would like to take advantage of if he could and will put an application together. Funding for this training could be found in this year's budget, possibly in Council Contingency fund. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that Council approval be given for this endeavor, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye . 1 LANDFII,L Vice Mayor Schrader advised that a request had been received from Pulaski Community Hospital for fill material for the cancer treatment center addition to the hospital. Mr. Combiths reported that a hold harmless agreement for the hospital to go onto the Town's property to remove fill will be reviewed with the Town Attorney. Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that Pulaski Hospital be authorized to remove 6,000 cubic yards of fill material at a cost of $2.50 per load, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: 4 April 16, 1996 John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Vice Mayor Schrader advised that Councilman Johnston had stated earlier that we should have a plan for future use of the material at the landfill. Councilwoman Holston advised that she had received comments regarding consolidating our two Council Meetings into one meeting. Comments were that the meetings did not last too long and citizens felt we could have one meeting a month and have each committee to meet once a month. The citizens felt this would make things a lot better. Councilwoman Holston requested that the Ordinance Committee research this consolidation of meetings. Mayor Graham felt we should not take any action until the new Council Members take their seats. Councilman D'Ardenne advised that regarding the I & I monthly report, he had requested the Town Manager to add an accumulative total column as well as a monthly column. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that the reason for the 4:00 p.m. meeting and the 7:00 p.m. meeting was so Council could be more accessible to the citizens. Mr. Combiths reported there were two economic development matters, one existing industry expansion and an existing business UDAG loan to be considered in executive session; three personnel matters regarding specifically named individuals; and consultation with legal counsel concerning the possible condemnation for sanitary sewer line. 1 At 7:50 p.m. Council went into Executive Session on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, under 2.1-344 (AS) 2 economic development matters, one existing industry expansion and an existing business UDAG loan; (Al) three personnel matters regarding specifically named individuals and (A7) consultation with legal counsel conceming the possible condemnation for sanitary sewer line. Motion seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -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 At 8:29 p.m. Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -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 Graham -Aye ~. ~1~Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that Resolution No. 96-13 Authorizing Condemnation O~NDII~. Prroceedings for a Sanitary Sewer Line Across the Property of Dallas L. and Betty Cox be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -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 9578 At 8:31 p.m. Council adjourned on motion made by Councilman Johnston, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried. APPROVID: Attest: Ma Cl k of Council