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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-94November 15, 1994 1 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held November 15, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were preserrt: 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, Elbert 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 Ronald Vaughan Romona O'Dell Patrick O'Dell Nellie Wamer J. B. Warner Don Crispin Jane Newman Georgia Denning Franklin Waddell J. D. Newman Anita Taylor Suzanne Kirby Sandy Younce Dana Bishop Wade Lephew The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Vice Mayor Schrader led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman D'Ardenne gave the Invocation. Following the roll call and welcome by Mayor Graham, Councilwoman Holston made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 1, 1994, be approved after correction, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried. FINANCE Mayor Graham presented a Certificate of Achievemerrt for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Acting Finance Director Arita Tayor, and Finance Departmerrt employees Dana Bishop, Sandy Younce and Suzanne Kirby. NR IRAII, SPATE In other Council business, Resolution No. 94-31 Endorsing Prompt Developmerrt of the New River PARK Trail State Park Extension Project was before Council. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Resolution No. 94-31 be adopted, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: RESOLUi'ION 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 ~ ~~lso before Council was Resolution No. 94-30 Requesting that Norfolk Southern Reconsider Retiring the N&W 611 Steam Locomotive. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Resolution No. 94-30 be adopted, 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 9~2 November 15, 1994 W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye ~ Before Council was Resolution No. 94-32 Supporting Entry Into the Great American Main Street MAIl~i ~' Award Competition. Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that Resolution No. 94-32 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston 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 RI~NIlJG Mayor Graham stated that next on agenda was a public hearing to consider a request by Ramona T. and Patrick L. O'Dell to rezone approximately 3.6 acres from R-2 (Residential) to B-1 (General DENIED Business) located at 1311 and 1313 Peppers Ferry Road and the lots behind 1313 and 1317 Peppers Ferry Road. Mr. Lyons stated this property was adjacent to Memorial Square Shopping Center. The O'Dells have indicated an interest to market this property as commercial use. Mr. Lyons advised there is a 6" water line and 8" sewer line and also a 30 ft. right of way. This section of the road has two standard width lanes of 10 feet each. There is no sidewalk beyond the shopping c~ter's property. According to the survey submitted by the applicant, there is 110 feet of frorrtage on Peppers Ferry Road. In the B-1 district, there is no minimum lot size. Mr. Lyons stated that the Planning Commission considered this application in October and recommended that the request be denied since the Planning Commission believed the proposed B-1 zoning and its permitted uses as incompatible with the area's residential surroundings. In reviewing the B-1 uses, they felt that some of the uses might not be appropriate given that it is surrounded by residantial property. Councilman D'Ardenne, member of the Planning Commission, advised that the Commission had approved the minutes of their meeting held on October 11 at which time the Planning Commission case was discussed. Councilman D'Ardenne read from the minutes of this meeting, as to the discussion held and also the motion made by Mrs. Kirk to recommend to Town Council that Planning Commission Case No. 94-48RZ, a request by Ramona T. and Patrick L. O'Dell to rezone approximately 3.6 acres from R-2 to B-1 be denied due to the B-1 zone not being compatible with the surrounding R-2 zone. Motion was unanimously approved. Mrs. O'Dell advised that her father had a plat drawn up in 1946 and laid the lots off for houses. However, a street would have to be developed and built to standard before the lots could be marketed. The plat was never recorded, however, the plat was recorded in her father's will. Mrs. O'Dell further advised that Bowers Mechanical, currently occupying building fronting Peppers Ferry Road, intend to move their business back to Wurno. The O'Dells plan to open a work shop and art studio if rezoning is allowed. Mr. J. D. Newman, 1412 Heathwood, expressed opposition to the rezoning as there would be added traffic and not c~,tnpatible to the neighborhood. Mr. Lyons clarified that Mrs. O'Dell was referring to a subdivision that the family had drawn up several years ago and this was never recorded. The Town's official tax map does not show this; only showing lots 49A, 50, SOA and 4 as being owned by the O'Dell family. He suggested that the family might want to look at what they want to do to get their legal documents in accord with the Town's tax map. Mr. Terwilliger stated that under the will there may be a private right between the different property owners but the property cannot be subdivided that way because it no longer complies with the Town's subdivision ordinance as it exists now. He stated he felt the proposed subdivision would not be accttable under our currerrt subdivision ordinance. Should Mrs. O'Dell wish to resubmit, it would have to be a substantially different application. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that Town Council acct the Planning Commission's recommendation on Case No. 94-48RZ to deny the rezoning request for the reasons they indicated in that the uses as permitted under B-1 use are not compatible with the surrounding R-2 areas and also the B-1 conditional areas. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carved on the following recorded vote: November 15, 1994 933 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 - No W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - No It was expressed that the Town Council and Planning Commission would work with Mrs. O'Dell should she decide to resubmit a proposal. At 7:42 p.m. the public hearing was closed. There being no commerrts from the public, Mayor Graham called for Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE: ~~ Chairman Johnston advised that he and Mayor Graham had attended a meeting of the Peppers FIIZRY Ferry Wastewater Treatment Authority and they are still working with the Health Department to upgrade the rating on New River Pump Station to 10.8 million gallons. The Authority saw some of the work being done on relining and sliplining of the Dublin Interceptor. Plans are going well and work is proceeding. Also, Peppers Ferry Authority is pleased with the effort the Town of Pulaski is making in terms of cutting back on our I&I and the efforts that our Town maintenance department is working on. FINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Schrader advised that the Finance Committee had met November 4, 1994, entering executive session to discuss a UDAG application. The Finance Committee will discuss implementation of the Town's economic development plan at a future meeting. The Human Resources Committer will also schedule a meeting to discuss selection of the Board. IJOONCCMIC Chairman Schrader stated that in order to maintain Council's goal of community wide economic ~OPM(~1I' development, advertisements will be designed to encompass the Mire Town. Also, the PMI operating costs would be rolled into Economic Development budget for the rest of this fiscal year. DONATION Chairman Schrader advised that the Jaycees were requesting funding for the Christmas parade, and so moved that up to $500 betaken from Council's budget, or elsewhere, for this effort and for the 1994 effort only. Motion seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne 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 HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE: C DEVChairman D'Ardenne reported that a Human Resources meeting was scheduled with full Council on Monday, November 21 at 7:00 a.m. to come up with a list of positions that we would like to see on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Program. (Representatives from differ~t areas). OOi,1NQl, Councilman Stone recommended that the Human Resources Committee consider 1) to reduce Council from its current membership of eight to four members and 2) to change the Mayor's voting rights. That he, in fact, have a vote on every issue before Council. As this recommendation would require a Charter change, Vice Mayor Schrader suggested that the entire Charter be reviewed for updating. Review would be made by the entire Council. 934 Novanber 15, 1994 PUBLIC OPERATIONS CONIl~IlTTEE: Q Chairwoman Holston advised that Public Operations Committee had met November 10, 1994 and ~ reviewed the Chamber of Commerce lease for a portion of the train station. Amendmerrts to the Cl~(E lease were reviewed. T FASF', APPROVID The Public Operations Committee recommended approval of the Chamber of Commerce lease. FnR Councilman D'Ardenne so moved that Mayor Graham be authorized to sign the Chamber of TRAIN Commerce lease, seconded by Councilwoman Holston. Motion carried on the following recorded STATI~I 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 Councilman D'Ardenne expressed appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce for all their assistance. TSTF'A Councilwoman Holston advised that the Town will apply for ISTEA funds to possibly build an FUND6 annex or other improvemerrts related to the museum and trail. Chairwoman Holston reported that the Town currently has $2.5 million in uncommitted funds and a list of projects committing these funds will be forwarded to VDOT. Staff will prioritize the projects. QJRB & C~TiTEEZ Chairwoman Holston advised that Mr. Pickerel, 215 Bertha Street had requested curb and gutter to address a drainage problem. Staff will corrtact the neighbors to see if they are willing to pay 50 percent of the cost. E[~iCROAC~I' Chairwoman Holston stated that an encroachment request had been received from Charter Federal 'ID to dig a ditch across the alleyway connecting Third Street and Main Street. This ditch will be used to run two 2-inch conduits between their Main Office and the drive-thru currently under construction. The conduits will be used to connect phone lines, data communication lines and alarm system lines. After the conduits are laid, Charter Federal will restore the alley to its prior condition. A public hearing will be scheduled for the December 6 Council Meeting on this encroachment. CHRISIlKAS LIC,TII'ING HANDICAPPID PARIC>~iG SPACE TRAFFIC (MAIN STREET TRUCKS) 1 PARIC:NG Chairwoman Holston advised that the Public Operations Committee discusser) the holiday season lighting and suggested that additional lighting be installed in phases as funds allow for additional lighting for Route 99, Memorial Drive and other areas. Chairwoman Holston stated that a request for a handicapped parking space near 313 North Washington Avenue had been discussed. On the west side (Turman Building) there are only four parking spaces. In the Turman Building, there are four offices and one business. The Engineering Department reported four parking spaces have been fully occupied. The Public Operations Committee requested no changes to the current parking situation. Chairwoman Holston stated that concern had been expressed about the truck traffic using Main Street. If Town Council wishes to consider a ban on tractor trailer traffic in the downtown section of Main Street, it would require the posting of signs and designation of an alternate route, such as Commerce Street to South Washington to First Street. However, according to the Town Engineer, VDOT may withhold mairrtenance funds since this is an arterial street. Therefore, the Public Operations Committee recommended that this item not be pursued. Chairwoman Holston reported that the Town Manager had contacted Virginia Tech to perform the downtown parking study. Ms. Gilboy of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies has indicated an interest in the study through the Community Design Assistance Center. We are currently discussing a schedule and cost. Staff will contact the Planning District Commission to determine if they could perform the study. 1 C Chairwoman Holston reported that a meeting with the Cemetery Trust Fund members is scheduled for November 16. November 15, 1994 I~EA'TICN Chairwoman Holston advised that we have been unsuccessful in finding a site and have not received any requests for a downtown basketball court. Staff will contact community and civic groups to request their assistance in finding a site and funding for a possible youth center that might include a basketball court. ~-~ Chairwoman Holston stated a letter had been received from the School Board regarding their decision not to participate in the Northwood Bridge. Staff will again meet with the adjacent property owners to discuss the necessary slope easement. ORDINANCE CONIlVIITTEE: Chairman Black had no report. MAYOR' S REPORT: Mayor Graham referred to the New River Trail resolution and advised it would have quite an impact on the economic development of the Town. Mayor Graham also expressed that top priority should be given to the urban construction funds and advised that all of Council should attend the meetings of the Public Operation Committee when this topic is discussed. TOWN ATTORNEY' S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT: Mr. Combiths reported that the Town offices would be closed November 24 and 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. AUDIT' Mr. Combiths gave a projects update. Mr. Combiths advised that a meeting would be scheduled with our auditors to go over the Town's comprehensive audit for last year and also to discuss with Council the findings of Mr. Bob Casey who has done the data processing audit in our Finance Department. Councilman D'Ardenne requested staff to investigate the cost of mowing and frequency required of mowing the median on Rt. 11 entrance from Dublin area into Town. Vice Mayor Schrader requested that we also get a cost of lighting through this area. At 8:25 p.m. on motion made by Councilman D'Ardenne, seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader, and carried on the following recorded vote, Council went into Executive Session under 2.1-344 AS Economic Development, UDAG Applications and Al Personnel Matter involving a specifically named individual. 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 9:10 p.m. Council returned to regular ses sion 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 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 9:11 p.m. Councilwoman Holston so moved that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. APPROVID: Attest: Clerk of Council °935 Mayor