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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-96June 4, 1996 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held June 4, 1996, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Andrew L. Graham, 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 Terwilliger, Town Attorney Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Assistant Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: J. R. Schrader and Paul Dellinger, News Media Benston M. Cox Juanita Manns Garland Trueheart Thomas Miles Henderson Randolph E. D. Newman Violet Newman Valencia Johnson Ronald G. Vaughan Bill H. Dalton Jeff Worrell Andy McCready Mr. and Mrs. Billy Rorrer for Mrs. H. M. Meredith Polly Mitchell Jim Neblett Rev. W. L. Covey, Jr. Edith Covey Ruth Stewart Charles W. Stewart, Jr. Barry Matherly Terri Fitzwater Judith Lewis Debbie Blevins Ronda Dalton Don Bowman Nancy Bowman Wade Bartlett The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Vice Mayor Schrader led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilwoman Holston gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 21, 1996, and the minutes of the special meeting held May 29, 1996, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried. Mayor Graham welcomed visitors to the meeting. First on the agenda was consideration of the adoption of the annual budget and capital improvements program, and related documents. A BUDGET public hearing on the annual budget was held at the May 21, 1996, meeting of Town Council. Vice Mayor Schrader thanked the Council and staff for their hard work in preparation of this balanced budget. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that Resolution No. 96-16 Approving the Budget and Establishing Appropriations for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, for the Fiscal year Begiiuung July 1, 1996, and Ending June 30, 1997, be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION 96-16 ADOPTING John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye BUDGET 9586 9587 June 4, 1996 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 ®rdinance Before Council was Ordinance 96-20 Amending the Position Classification Plan to include the no . 96-20 Position of Economic Development Specialist. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that Ordinance No. Position & 96-20 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Class. Plan John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye W. EdgarHale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Also before Council was Ordinance No. 96-19 Amending Participation Fees for Youth Sports Programs for the Town of Pulaski. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that Ordinance No. 96-19 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Johnston and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 96--19 RECREATIONG FEES 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 Councilman D'Ardenne stated that indigent families may apply for a waiver of the recreation fees based on criteria. A Fire Department Agreement between the Town of Pulaski, Virginia and the Board of Supervisors of Pulaski County, Virginia, was next on the agenda. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that Mayor Graham be authorized to sign the Fire Department Agreement, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: FIRE DEPARTMENT AGREEMENT WITH John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye COUNTY 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 stated the budget had been brought in early this year and it is hoped that we can increase revenues. Vice Mayor Schrader expressed appreciation to staff and department heads and asked that they try to bring in 5% below budget. Mayor Graham advised that next on agenda was a public hearing regarding the closing of undeveloped right-of--ways and/or alleys. PUBLIC HEARING Public Operations Chairwoman Holston stated that the Public Operations Committee had viewed ALLEY each alley and recommended closing. CLOSINGS File No. 1-96 Cedar Street in the southeast section of Pulaski from Dora Highway to Jackson Avenue; between Birch and Elm Streets would be considered first. Mr. Jenkins reported that he had not received any calls opposing this closure. Mr. Lyons stated that Mr. Flowers had opposed the closing, but felt there was a misunderstanding regarding this closure. He had tried to reach Mr. Flowers by telephone but had been unsuccessful. Mr. Terwilliger explained that when alley is closed, it is divided from the centerline to adjacent property owners on each side. The Town does not make a conveyance as such by the terms of the Ordinance but we quitclaim it to people on either side. ORDINANCE Councilwoman Holston so moved that Ordinance No. 96-7 Closing of Cedar Street in the 96-7 Southeast Section of Town from Dora Highway to Jackson Avenue; between Birch and Elm Street File 1-96 be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn 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 2 June 4, 1996 9588 File No. 2-96 Bayhurst Street in the North East Section of Pulaski from Greenbriar Avenue Westerly to End. Mr. Worrell advised he requested this closure between his house and Oakwood Cemetery and it is badly overgrown. As Oakwood Cemetery is the adjoining property owner, closure will be quitclaimed to adjacent property owner. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that Ordinance No. 96-8 Closing Bayhurst Street in the Northeast Section of Pulaski from Greenbriar Avenue Westerly to End be adopted, seconded by Councilman ORDIN . Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: 96-8 File 2-96 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 File No. 3-96 In the South East Section of Pulaski Close Miller Street from Fourth Street to Fifth Street; Close 6th Street from Baskerville Street to Miller Street; and Close Alley from 5th Street to 6th Street. (Ordinance No. 96-9) Mr. Jenkins advised that the original request from the property owner was to close the entire alley length from 5th Street to the end. When the advertisement went out, he missed this and closed it off at 6th Street. This one portion will have to be brought back to Council. Mr. Terwilliger recommended that closure be made all at once. Councilwoman Steger advised that George Adams had made an objection to this closure. Vice Mayor suggested this closure be readvertised. ORD . Councilwoman Holston so moved that Ordinance No. 96-9 be adopted, as amended, seconded by 96-9 Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: File 3-96 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 File No. 4-96 Unnamed alley in the Southwest Section of Town from First Street to Second Street Between Valley Road and Maple Street. Mr. Garland Trueheart stated he would like to see this alley closed. No other comments from the public were received. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Ordinance No. 96-10, as amended, be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 96-10 File 4-96 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 File No. 5-96 Unnamed Alley Running East to West Parallel with Crescent Street in the Southwest Section of Town. Mr. Jenkins advised he had received one telephone call on this closure requesting clarification and they had no objection. Mr. and Mrs. Billy Rorrer, representing Mrs. H. M. Meredith, advised they were not opposed to this alley being closed. Mr. Terwilliger stated a copy of the recorded ordinance would be sent to the property owners adjoining the alley. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Ordinance No. 96-11 Closing Unnamed East-West Alley Parallel With Crescent Street, SW be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 96-11 File X96 John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye 3 9589 June 4, 1996 Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye File No. 7-96 Oak Alley From Maple Street South to Its End in the Southeast Section of Town. Terri Fitzwater, Habitat for Humanity, stated they would not want additional land to pay taxes on. Another lady expressed desire to close the alley as well. as two other gentlemen. It was felt the slope could not be maintained very well. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Ordinance No. 96-13 Closing Oak Alley from Maple Street, SE South to its End be adopted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following r rded vote: ORDINANCE~6-13 File 7-96 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 File No. 8-96 An Unnamed alley Running East to West From Valley Street to Maple Street and Ash Alley Running North to South from Prospect to an Unnamed Alley. No comments were received from the public for or against this closure. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Ordinance No. 96-14 Closing Unnamed East-West Alley From Valley Street to Maple Street; and, Ash Alley Running North to South from Prospect Street to an Unnamed Alley be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE No. 96-14 File 8-96 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 File No. 9-96 Undeveloped Section of Prospect Street from Lot 9B West to Valley Street. Mr. Cox advised he would go along with the closure except the sewer from his house to Valley St. He did not want to be caught having to maintain this sewer from his house to Valley St. Mr. Jenkins advised this would be covered by the reservation of utility easement. Language change to be made that Town will maintain the sewer line. Councilwoman Holston made a motion Ordinance 96-15 Closing Undeveloped Section of Prospect Street from Lot 9B West to Valley Street, as amended, be adopted, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 96-15 File 9-96 John A. Johnston -Aye Lane R. Penn -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye At 4:43 p.m. public hearing closed. Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye From the public, Rev. Covey, Peakland Drive, asked when they would get road improvemenrts. The Town has provided water and they were waiting to get the sewer line in. Complained of dust, riding through clay dirt, and it was a shame what they have to put up with. Mr. Jenkins advised that road improvements were scheduled in the Spring, 1997, but they would try to make repairs. It was recommended that the Public Operations Committee review this street and bring back to the next Council Meeting. MR . MCCREADY Mr. Andy McCready stated that when Council adopted the budget, they failed to fund ANNEXATI01`lnprovements that were agreed to in the annexation agreement which took effect on December 31, AGREE . 1987. In the agreemenrt it spelled out that in phase III, year 8 or year 9, that the Town could construct, at the Town's expense, a water line and a sewer line on Rt. 99 from the stop light to the Town limits. ~] n 4 June 4, 1996 MR. MCCREADY, CON"T. Mr. McCready advised he wanted to develop his property. Mayor Graham asked that Mr. McCready make a proposal through Barry Matherly, the Director of Economic Development and the Town Manager and a report be brought back to Council. Mayor Graham stated he would not advocate the town build a sewer and a water line to something that may never be served. There is no development from the bridge all the way to the corporate limits. Mr. McCready stated that when we have the New River Trail State Park program, this area is going to need commercial services to help service those people. No one will build because the services aren't there. The trail borders Mr. McCready's property. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that the Town would be willing and ready to supply this service upon notice of development that Mr. McCready had ready to go. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTII.ITIES COMNIlTTEE: Chairman Johnston had no report. FINANCE COMNIlTTEE: Chairman Schrader advised that the Finance Committee had met prior to the Council Meeting and DONATIONdiscussed the donation request from the AAU Girls Basketball Team for their trip on June 24. Councilman Johnston stated that Council had reviewed this request and felt this was of such a nature that they would have to support it as individuals, rather than a governmental entity. Council does support the effort that has been made and the fact that a lat of people have put a lot of effort into this endeavor. Councilman D'Ardenne felt we should support groups of people, even from a minimal point of view, when they represent the Town. He felt that whatever Council wanted to do, he would support. Contributions to this cause can be made to Don Bowman. Mr. Bowman gave the money raising endeavors that would be held in their effort to raise funds. Chairman Schrader advised that before Council was the 1995 Fire Programs Fund Disbursement Agreement (funds distributed June 1996), and so moved that Mr. Combiths, Town Manager, be authorized to sign this agreement, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: 1995 FIRE PROGRAMS FUND DI SB . John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye AGREEMENT 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 HUMAN RESOURCES COMNIITTEE: Chairman D'Ardenne requested a Human Resources Committee meeting, with Council as a whole, immediately following the Council meeting on two personnel matters. NEW CENTURY COUNCIL CONIlVIlTTEE: Councilman D'Ardenne advised this committee would meet Thursday, June 6, 7:00 a.m. to discuss a draft letter that the Planning District Commission will be acting on in the near future. PUBLIC OPERATIONS CONIlVIITTEE: Chairwoman Holston advised the committee had met May 30 and reviewed the alley closings. The committee received an update on widening Valley Road. Mr. Jenkins reported that American Electric Power has indicated they are willing to relocate the existing electric pole located at the curve in Valley Road where the proposed widening is to take place. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he hoped to schedule this widening in late summer or early fall. 9590 9591 June 4, 1996 DRAINAGE Chairvvoman Holston stated the committee received an update on Clay and Kemp drainage projects. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he is currently working with the owners involved to correct these drainage problems and hoped they will be completed in late June. ORDINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Chairwoman Steger stated that staff was unable to get the ordinances for presentation tonight so we will once again table and see if we can bring ordinances back at next meeting. Chairwoman Steger stated that we need to move on these ordinances. Chairwoman Steger advised that within the last 12 days she had had nine telephone calls regarding cats roaming the neighborhoods. Chairwoman Steger reported that Wytheville and Giles County have ordinances according to the County Administrator, and are facing this same problem. Chairwoman Steger asked if administration had found a drop place for refrigerators, etc. Mr. Combiths stated that they had talked with the Public Service Authority and they will look at some sites both in the County and the Town which could be used. Drop off site would need to be secured to preverrt illegal dumping. Mr. Combiths stated that they would be working on finding a good site and a report brought back to Council. Vice Mayor Schrader asked if Public Works would have space available. Mr. Combiths to investigate this suggestion. Pulaski County might need more than two sites according to Chairwoman Steger. She would like for us to be able to help our citizens in this endeavor. CRIlVIE CONTROL CONIlVIITTEE REPORT: Councilwoman Steger reported this committee would meet June 11 and they only meet once a month. She will bring a report back to Council. She felt it was a very important committee and we should give it our support to help our young people. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Graham advised that the Renfro groundbreaking would be held June 6, 10:00 a.m. at their expansion on Bob White Boulevard. APPOINTMENT Mayor Graham stated that two Council Members were appointed, Dr. Johnston and Mr. ELECTRONIC D'Ardenne, to the ad hoc committee to represent the Town on the Electronic Village. This VILLAGE committee will probably be in session several times, and as Mr. D'Ardenne is leaving Council at the end of the month, Mayor Graham recommended that Mr. Charles Stewart be appointed to this committee. Mayor Graham advised that the Smithsonian monthly magazine's cover featured "Celebrate TRAIN Pulaski, Virginia's Depot Days -Visit the Art Train at the Pulaski Railroad Station Museum, June STATION 21-22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.," organized in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution. The 1996-97 Art Train Tour is sponsored by the Chrysler Corp. Mr. Matherly was commended for this coverage. Mayor Graham expressed appreciation to the Southwest Times and Roanoke Times & World- News for their coverage of the small building we have in the Dora Highway Park that we hope to renovate and install in the Park. This building was a gatehouse that was used years ago for lowering or raising the gate when trains were passing. Mayor Graham asked Council Members to turn in their names to the Clerk if they are interested in serving on the Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees. TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger requested an executive session to discuss a specific legal matter, the Wumo Sewer Line Condemnation. Mayor Graham stated that on Friday evening, the first concert of the Series in the Park would be held at 6:00 p.m. 6 June 4, 1996 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT• ASST . Mr. Combiths gave a brief projects update. Mr. Combiths stated that a letter had been received T06dN from the Virginia Local Government Management Association expressing appreciation to Robert MGR . Lyons in the success of the Associations efforts during this past year. Rob served as a member of the "Young Professionals" Task Force. Mr. Combiths requested executive session on two economic development matters -regarding UDAG's. At 5:25 p.m. Council went into Executive Session under 2.1-344 AS two economic development matters regard UDAG's, and one legal matter (A7), consult with legal counsel regarding the Wurno sewer line condemnation, on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carved 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 At 5:50 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 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 9592 Mayor Graham advised that our official reporter from the Southwest Times is now Mr. J. R. Schrader. n Vice Mayor Schrader advised that Council had discussed a UDAG request and before Council was Resolution No. 96-17 Authorizing a Loan Not to Exceed $54,000 in Urban Development Action Grant Repayment Funds to Assist Ernest D. and Teresa J. Lee of All Country Restaurant in the Purchase of Real Estate at 220 N. Washington Avenue, Pulaski, Virginia, to allow for the company's Continued Operation and Expansion and so moved adoption of Resolution No. 96-17, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carved on the following recorded vote: RESOLUTION 96-17 UDAG 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 At 5:52 p.m. Council adjourned on motion made by Councilwoman Holston, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried. APPROVED: I~ 1~ ATTEST C1 rk of Council Mayor 7