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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-969579 Ngy 21, 1996 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held May 21, 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, E. G. Black, Jr. Also Presert: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Assistant Town Manager Patricia Pendergrast, Acting Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Elton Dickerson E. E. Robinson Marvin Dickerson Ronald G. Vaughan Valencia Johnson Maxine G. Aust Ora Avery Jim Neblett Katy Kirk Sybil Atkinson George E. Berryman Posey Mitchell Wade Bartlett Glen Perdue Billy Martin Jimmy White Jeff Hall Karen Jones Polly Mitchell Janet Ratcliff Joyce M. Blevins Lisa Chrisley Billy Joe Long Clarence Song, Jr. Philemon G. Hinton Frances C. McKinney Bonna Lawrence Mike Holcomb J. Hampton Buckner Shannon Combs Jennifer Pendergrast Don Bowman Mike Holcomb Joyce Blevins The members of the Pulaski Lady Cougar 11/Under AAU Basketball team The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham, Councilman Hale led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Johnston gave the Invocation. Councilman Schrader so moved that Patricia Pendergrast be appointed Acting Clerk of Council, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Steger so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of Apri116, 1996, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. May 21, 1996 Mayor Graham advised that before Council was Resolution 96-14 proclaiming May 19-25, 1996 as Industry Appreciation Week. Councilman Schrader so moved that Resolution 96- 14 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Johnston and carried on the following recorded RESOLUTICXJ ~~4 IlVDtIS'IRY WEE[C 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 Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye ~~ Mayor Graham advised that next on the agenda was Resolution 96-15 honoring the 9fr15 ~~ Lady Cougar 11/LTnder AAU Basketball Team This team won the State AA.~ Championship, and are qualified for the national AAU tournament slated in Ogden, Utah SAM in June. Councilman Schrader so moved that Resolution 96-15 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Hale 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 Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye ~1DC~T Mayor Graham advised that next on agenda was a public hearing on the Town of Pulaski ~~ Proposed Budget for 1996-97. HEARING Sybil Atkinson reviewed for Council, the accomplishments of the Economic Development Department and its Board in the last fiscal year. Polly Mitchell addressed Council regarding her concerns for replacing old curb and gutter and constructing new. Mr. Combiths advised that there is some money budgeted for new curb and guttering, with the property owner sharing half the costs with the Town. Mr. Glenwood Perdue, 528 Hickory Avenue, complained about the street lights near his property. The Town Manager will review this situation and contact Mr. Perdue. Mayor Graham advised that next on the agenda was a public hearing to consider water & sewer rate increases. Several members of the public, including Polly Mitchell, Billy Joe Long, Elton Dickerson, Glenwood Perdue and J. Hampton Buckner, stated their concerns about the water rate increases. Councilman Johnston addressed the issue, explaining that the decision was not made easily. The increases are needed for aging equipment, and lines that are needing replacement. After discussion, Councilman Johnston made a motion that Ordinance 96-18 setting Forth the Charges for Water Service, be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 9Er18 WATER ~~~ 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 Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye Mayor Graham advised that next on the agenda was Ordinance 96-17 Setting Forth the Charges for Sewer Service. ORDINANCE 9C>-17 SEiaER SERVICE 9550 2 9581 May 21, 1996 Polly Mitchell inquired what percent companies are paying versus what private people are paying. She also inquired whether the water pressure that caused the manhole covers to pop up was caused by sewer line water, and if so what was to be done? Mayor Graham referred the question to the Town Manager to handle. After discussion, Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Ordinance 96-17 Setting Forth the Charges for Sewer Service be adopted, seconded by Councilman Johnston and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 96-L7 SEA ~~~ 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 Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye Mayor Graham advised that next on the agenda was a public hearing regarding a request by George E. & Jean C. Berryman, Agent for Richard Mansell and Carole Pratt for a Conditional use to construct a 5 unit Townhouse complex on Elkins Avenue. P[J~.~IC HEARING ~~~' ~Mr. Lyons reported that Mr. Berryman wishes to build a 5 unit apartment building on Elkins Ave. The subject property is zoned R-2 and requires a conditional use for multiple residential housing. The Planning Commission reviewed this request at its May 13, 1996 meeting and recommended approval with the following conditions: 1. A minimum lot width variance be obtained from the Board of Zoning Appeals. 2. The water connection be made from Pico Terrace. 3. The developer is responsible for the sewer extension and that it be constructed to the Town's standards for acceptance into the Town's system. Mr. Lyons stated that the conditional use would not be valid until a variance was received from the Board of Zoning Appeals. A Board of Zoning Appeals meeting would be scheduled as soon as possible in accordance with the legal advertisement requirements. Mr. George Berryman addressed Council and c~~mmar;~ed his plans for the building and fielded questions. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Ordinance 96-16 Approving a Conditional Use to Allow a 5-Unit Apartment Building on Elkins Avenue, be adopted, seconded by Councilman Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 96-16 APPROVIlJG OONDTTIONAii John A. Johnston Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. Aye USE Lane R Penn Aye W. Edgar Hale Aye 5 Unit Aparrn~ent Bettye H. Steger Aye Alma H. Holston Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye As there were no fiu-ther comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE: Chairman Johnston advised that the Utilities Committee viewed a water system presentation by Draper Aden at its May 9 meeting and conducted an Executive session to discuss a contract legal matter with the Town Attorney at its May 16 meeting. FINANCE COMMITTEE: Chairman Schrader advised the Finance Committee had met April 18, April 23, and May 1 to discuss the budget. HUMAN RESOURCES: 3 May 21, 1996 Chairman D'Ardenne reported that Human Resources had met in Executive Session May 9 and May 21. PLANNING COMMISSION: Councilman D'Ardenne advised the Planning Commission held a work session on the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission approved the Transportation element and reviewed the Utilities element for the first time. The Commission reviewed and approved a request by Anderson & Associates to subdivide SUBDIVISION a 22.35 acre parcel on Peppers Ferry Road, to create 381ots. The Commission also reviewed and recommended approval of a request for a conditional use to construct a 5 unit apartment building on Elkins Avenue with conditions. NEW CENTURY COUNCIL COMMITTEE: NEW Councilman D'Ardenne advised that at the meeting held May 8, 1996, 3 strategies were CE1~TI[]RY discussed: 1) To develop a communication plan for regional identity and enhance the O~7NC1I, image of the New Century Council. 2) To conduct an annual meeting with state legislators, business, government, and citizen leaders from the Council prior to the convening of the General Assembly. 3) To create the N.R.V. Council with the top 25 employers and meet once per quarter and jointly with Roanoke Business Council twice per year. The Leadership committee recommended to the Board that strategies 30.6 and 26.3 regarding governance be tabled indefinitely. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE: Chairwoman Holston was absent. The Town Manager advised that representatives from PEAK the Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Emergency Services made a C~ presentation to the Public Operations Committee on the available programs to address flooding problems. The Public Operations Committee recommended that appropriate documents be drafted to request a Corps of Engineer's project to do a first phase study of the floodmg on Peak Creek, including Loftier Street, Kersey Bottom and Dora Highway. Additionally, staffwill meet in early June with the Virginia Department of Emergency Services to discuss their hazard mitigation program. Councilman Schrader requested that staff confirm that the study was at no cost to the Town. Town Manager confirmed the study was at no cost to the Town. Mayor Graham advised that before Council was Resolution 96-18, Requesting a Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study of Peak Creek After discussion, Councilman Schrader made a motion that Resolution 96-18, Requesting ~~~ a Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study of Peak Creek be adopted, seconded by 96-18 Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Fusibility study Pte` ~~ 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 Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye ORDINANCE COMMITTEE: Chairwoman Steger advised that the Ordinance Committee met Apri130 and again May .ORDINANCES 16, 1996 to discuss several nuisance abatement matters. Amendments to the Town's ~~• nuisance abatement ordinances will be considered at the June 4 meeting. Additionally, there was discussion regarding the Zoning Code provision allowing home occupation signs of 2 square feet. The Town Attorney indicated that changing or deleting this provision required public hearings and review by the Planning Commission and Town Council. Following discussion, it was decided that the Ordinance Committee again discuss whether the home occupation sign provision needs to be changed. 9582 4 9583 May 21, 1996 CRIlVIE CONTROL REPORT: ~~~ Councilwoman Steger reported that crime is decreasing in the Town and the Crime Control Committee continues to be active. They are looking at things to help our young people. MAYOR' S REPORT: ~' Mayor Graham distributed a nomination form for the VML Committees. The due date for Council members to submit their preference is June 14, 1996. ~~ ~~ The Mayor also advised that Billie Ann Dalton donated the gatehouse that originally stood N&W on Washington Avenue to the Town in memory of her husband, Robert Dalton and Harry Midkiff. Mr. Midkiff was a yardman for the Norfolk and Western Railway which became Norfolk Southern. The gatehouse used to raise and lower access gates on railway crossings in town. Plans are being made to restore this building and any volunteers will be appreciated. TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT: NATTONAL Mr. Terwilliger advised that the Virginia National Guard needs an agreement signed for a ~~ rifle range construction project and associated license agreement. The rifle range will be constructed adjacent to the existing pistol range. It will be used for training the Police Department and the National Guard. Mr. Terwilliger reported that the agreement was the standard form used by the National Guard and the terms were not subject to negotiation. Mr. Terwilliger requested that the Town Manager be authorized to sign said documents. Councilman Schrader made a motion that the Town Manager be authorized to sign documents regarding a rifle range construction project, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: A ~R ~ 'I~ SIQ~1 John A. Johnston Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. Aye DOCII~NIS Lane R Penn Aye W. Edgar Hale Aye Bettye H. Steger Aye Alma H. Holston Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye Staff also reported that Norfolk Southern requires a Hold Harmless Agreement for the Art Train. Councilmember D'Ardenne made a motion that the Town Manager be N&S authorized to execute the Hold Harmless Agreement on behalf of Council, seconded by ~' `SIN Councilmember Johnston and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston Aye Lane R Penn Aye ~ ~~ Bettye H. Steger Aye AUIHORIZm 'IC) ~~ AGRg1~I' W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT: Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. Aye W. Edgar Hale Aye Alma. H. Holston Absent E. G. Black, Jr. Aye Mr. Combiths reminded Council that the Town office are closed May 27, 1996 in Observance of Memorial Day. Mr. Combiths gave a projects update and stated that the Wurno replacement is complete up to D. Cox property, with a completion date set for May 28th. He also stated that drawings are being prepared for Pierce Ave. pump station. Regarding the I&I repairs, Mr Combiths advised that the Public Works Department is replacing lines on Pierce Avenue. He stated that the Town vehicle decal bids are scheduled to be awarded by the end of May. He informed Council that the Town auction is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 1996 at the Public Works Yard. Mr. Combiths advised that construction on the New River Trail is scheduled to begin the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 1996. OTHER BUSINESS 5 May 21, 1996 OTHER BUSINESS The Town Manager was requested to ensure that the Town's cemeteries were maintained in time for the holidays. Additionally, the Town Manager was requested to ensure that the Town's medians were maintained and mowed promptly. The Town Manager reported that it takes Public Works two weeks to complete one complete mowing of the Town and that we will keep the medians mowed according to this schedule, however, sometimes, rainy weather causes the grass to grow a little faster. At 8:45 p.m,, Council went into Executive Session on motion made by Councilman Penn, under 2.1-344 AS on two Economic Development Matters: UDAG Application from a Downtown Business and Industry Expansion, 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 Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye At 9:28 p.m., Council returned to regular session and adopted Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman Schrader, 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 Absent W. H. Schrader, Jr. Aye E. G. Black, Jr. Aye At 9:30 p.m, Council adjourned on motion made by Councilman Schrader, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. APPROVID: Mayor Attest: e , __ _ ~ ~ `T Acting Clerk of Council 6