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Home My WebLink About12-20-949440 December 20, .199~s Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 20, 1994, 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, 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: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Brian Vaughan Chris Stevens Catrina Smith Ronald G. Vaughan Pat Kirkland Sam Campbell Samuel N. Hall Steve Jones Joseph Vipperman The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilwoman Steger led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Hale gave the Invocation. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 6, 1994, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. PUBLIC HEAR . Mayor Graham advised that there were three public hearings scheduled before Town Council. The STRAIGHT first hearing was Planning Commission Case No. 94-SOCU, conditional use request by Stephen STREET Jones on behalf of Straight Street for pool tables and arcade games at 85 First Street, SW. COND. USE Mr. Lyons reported that this request was on behalf of Pulaski County and Straight Street Youth Center. The center is open to youths under the age of 18 only and has adult supervision. Their other programming include basketball, volleyball and occasional live music and other errtertainmernt. Mr. Jones addressed Council, stated that no alcohol is permitted nor will anyone be permitted to attend that had been drinking. Mr. Jones is also affiliated with the Lynchburg and Christiansburg 9441 [; December 20, 1994 Dec. 20, 1995 Straight Street programs. Mr. Jones further stated that Straight Street is a youth center run by Christians. Mr. Lyons stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use subject to the following conditions: 1) there shall be no more than two pool tables and ten arcade/video games; and 2) all pool tables and video games must be located in a room in excess of 2,500 square feet. Councilman D'Ardenne commended Mr. Jones for the Straight Street program, and so moved that Ordinance No. 94-39 Approving a Conditional Use at 85 First Street SW to Operate Pool Tables and Arcade Games be adopted, as recommended by the Planning Commission, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 94-39 ADOPTED 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 PUBLIC Mayor Graham stated that the second public hearing was Planning Commission Case No. 94-51, a HEARING request by W. Pat Kirkland, agent for Bill C and Joan P. Raykes, to amend Article 4, Section 8.2.1 ZONING of the zoning code. RaDkes Mr• Lyons stated that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on this request to Y amend the M-1 (Limited Industrial) list of permitted uses to include: Automobiles or truck sales, service, and repair, including body or fender repair, but not auto salvage or junk, and any major repair or storage of equipment or materials or damaged vehicles shall be inside a completely enclosed building; Automobile used car lot, or used truck sales, but not junk and any storage of equipment or materials shall be inside a completely enclosed building. Mr. Lyons stated that the language recommended by the Planning Commission would be as follows: Automobile or li rt truck sales, service and r~air, including body or fender r~air as a conditional use, but not auto salvage or junk and any major repair or storage of equipment or materials or damaged vehicle shall be inside a completed enclosed building. Automobile used car lot, or used truck sales, as a conditional use, but not junk or any storage of equipment or materials shall be inside a completely enclosed building. Mr. Sam Campbell, Attorney, represerrted Mr. and Mrs. Raykes used a map to illustrate the area, stating that they seek this amendment to allow automobile/truck sales-used car/truck lot. Mr. Raykes has a potential buyer for this property and the use of the property would be consistent with 9~,~41. December 20, 19U['_ 9442 the other businesses on Bob White Blvd. He mentioned that 2 of the 3 major car dealers in Town are located on Bob White Boulevard. Mr. Campbell felt that a conditional use would not be appropriate. There were no comments from the public for or against this proposal. Councilman Stone made a motion that Ordinance No. 94-38 Amending Article 4 Section 8.2.1 (M- 1 Limited Industrial District Permitted uses) of the Town of Pulaski, VA Zoning Ordinance, as recommended by the Planning Commission be adopted, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried on the following recorded vote: Ordinance 94-38 John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -No Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Mayor Graham stated the third public hearing was a request by Roger M. Clark and Gordon Public HearingH.Hodges to close an undeveloped right-of--way that extends from Floyd Lane to Allison Lane. close right of way Mr. Combiths advised that Messrs. Clark and Hodges have mowed and cleaned the undeveloped right-of--way for years. According to the Town Engineer, this right-of-way borders on MacGill Village property and as the MacGill Village line goes to the center of the right-of--way, this property owner would be entitled to the 50 percent of the right-of--way, and Messrs. Clark and Hodges the remaining 50 percent of the total right-of--way. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that Ordinance No. 94-40 Closing of an Undeveloped Right-of--Way Between Floyd Lane and Allison Lane be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried on the following recorded vote: Ordinance 94-40 Close Undeveloped right of way 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 -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Mr. Ronald Vaughan expressed appreciation to Town Council for the job they had done this past year. Mayor Graham recognized Government students Brian Vaughan, Chris Stevens, Catrina Smith and Joseph Vipperman visiting Town Council and presented them with a copy of the 1886 original charter of the Town. Mayor Graham called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES CONIl~IITTEE: ~J 9443 December 20, 1~,n4 i~ Purchase dump truck Chairman Johnston had no report. FINANCE CO1~Il~IlTTEE• Chairman Schrader advised that Finance Committee met on December 15 with first item being to enter into executive session to discuss a UDAG application, and also a legal matter relating to loitering. Chairman Schrader advised that staff had advised that it was necessary to purchase a dump truck, salter and blade in FY 1994-95 funded by the FEMA reimbursement. The Finance Committee recommended approved of the purchase of a dump truck, salter and blade in the amount of $43,472.35, and carried on the following recorded vote: PUBLIC WORKS 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 94-95 Chairman Schrader advised that we had a revision in our appropriations for FY 1994-95 budget. BUDGET VDOT has increased our appropriation by $43,259. This is money that we must show in our budget and expend or, we will lose it. Also in addition to the VDOT increase, the Public Works Department recommended using $10,000 of the auction proceeds for the Street Maintenance budget. The total auction proceeds were $20,000. Approve The Finance Committee recommended approval of revised budget, and so carried on the following revised recorded vote: budget 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 The Finance Committee reviewed the need to replace a 1956 model road tractor. The Public Works Department has located a 1982 Ford road tractor for $9,500. The Finance Committee recommended approval of the purchase of a 1982 road tractor at a cost of $9,500, and carried on the following recorded vote: Purchase road John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye tractor John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -Aye PUBLIC WORKS Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye 9443 RESOLUTION ~~ Combiths stated that the Virginia Retirement System in Richmond had authorized the local EP~PLOYEES governments to increase their retirement benefits for retirees by 3%. The revised estimated cost is approximately $18,000 beginning July 1, 1996 (FY 1996-97). 9444 December 20, ,1994 Chairman Schrader so moved that Resolution No. 94-32 to Provide a 3% Benefit Increase for Current and Future Retirees be adopted, 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 Resolution 94-32 Benefit increase current & future retirees Economic Dev. Chairman Schrader advised that the Town Manager presented an update on the Economic Development Program. The Economic Development Director will be located in the former Law Library in the Municipal Building. Chairman Schrader stated that Mr. Cox has a contract and is planning to hire an administrative assistant to aid in the set up of the department and the initiation of the economic development plan. This is a temporary appointment and paid on an hourly wage. The cost of this position will be accomplished within the existing salary budget. Chairman Schrader advised that we are preserrtly seeking bids for lease of land the Town owns TOWN adjacent to Loving Field. As soon as the proposals are received, they will be brought to the PROPERTY Finance Committee for a recommendation. HUMAN RESOURCES: Chairman D'Ardenne made a motion that Inez Duncan be reappointed to the Beautification Beautification Committee Committee and that Eddie Hale be reappointed to the Parking Authority, seconded by Vice Mayor appointee Schrader and carved on the following recorded vote: APPT . TO John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye PARKING AUTH . 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 Staff will schedule a meeting of the Parking Authority. Chairman D'Ardenne requester) a brief Human Resources meeting immediately following the Council meeting to determine direction for procceding with the Director of Finance position. PLANNING COMMISSION: Councilman D'Ardenne advised that the Planning Commission had met December 19 and actions of the Planning Commission were discussed earlier. PUBLIC OPERATIONS CONIlVIITTEE: 1 Chairwoman Holston advised that Public Operations Committee met December 19 and discussed the right-of--way closing from Floyd Lane to Allison Lane which they recommended closing. 9445 December 20, "~ ~'c~t;. Chairwoman Holston stated that the Town and County are currently reviewing proposals for a Emergency study of emergency medical services (EMS) in the Town and County. Pulaski County may request Serdvices that the Town partially fund the study. Prior to a funding commitment, the Public Operations Committee requested that the Town Manager research additional items and bring the information back to the committee. Urban Construction funds ~ PARKING Cost of street lighting Rt. 11 Corporate BPOL (TAX) DONATION RR Chairwoman Holston reported informational items as follows: The Town Manager updated the committee on the Urban Construction funds and in response to the committee's direction, staff has written the County Administrator Joe Morgan and requested the County's position on widening Bob White Boulevard and Route 99. Mr. Morgan indicated that the Board of Supervisors would like to discuss this with Town Council at the joint meeting tentatively scheduled for January 30. Mr. Lyons reported that the New River Planning District Commission had agreed to perform a downtown parking study. In response to a request by Council, staff has requested APCo to provide an estimate on the cost and amount of time to install street lighting to the Rt. 11 corporate limits. A report has also been requested on their responsiveness to requests to repair street lights. limit°~~on will be forwarded to the Public Operations Committee as soon as it is received. Vice Mayor Schrader suggested that the Public Operations Committee review our needs regarding Christmas decorations prior to budget review ORDINANCE COl~Il~lITTEE: Chairman Black requested that Council Members start reviewing the Town Charter for changes they might want in preparation for the upcoming Ordinance Committee meetings. Chairman Black reported that the Police Department had towed in 21 abandoned cars. He felt Chief Cooley should be commended for this work. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Graham advised the Governor had announced his thoughts on eliminating the BPOL tax. Mayor Graham hoped to have a resolution to pass on to our legislators opposing the elimination of the BPOL tax. Mayor Graham stated the New River Planning Commission is planning a meeting presented by the Virginia Municipal League personnel. The meeting is scheduled for the 28th of December and Mayor Graham stated he expected Council would hear more from the Town Manager on this meeting. Mayor Graham stated that the Appalachian Railroad Heritage Foundation had requested support in the amount of $500. This request was referred to the Finance Committee for their recommendation. Mayor Graham commended the Police Officers for apprehending an individual recently and was glad the Officer was not hurt anymore than he was. Mayor Graham stated that he was very proud of the Officers. 9445 9446 December 20, 1994 Councilman D'Ardenne expressed concern with regard to equipment, training, etc. that is available Police for our Officer's safety and asked that the Town Manager and Chief of Police give a report to safety Council by the next Council meeting. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER' S REPORT: Mr. Combiths inquired if Council desired to meet on January 3 as the only item staff would have would be the BPOL tax issue, and stated that we could address this issue with a letter from the Mayor to the Governor. letter Councilwoman Steger so moved that Mayor Graham be authorized to send letter to state against representatives opposing the elimination of the BPOL tax, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne BPOL tax and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye John W. Stone -Aye W. Edgar Hale -No Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Vice Mayor Schrader so moved that the January 3, 1995 Council meeting be canceled unless Council is otherwise notified, seconded by Councilwoman Steger and carried. Mr. Combiths gave a projects update. An all hands meeting was held today with all departments concerned regarding the tank inspection. The inspection could cause low water pressure in our community. Mr. Combiths stated we have experienced a problem with the traffic signal at the intersection of signalc ~~ 99 and Edgehill Drive. Due to the signal's age, it has been difficult to locate parts for this signal. Under VDOT's Urban Construction Project Program, it pays 98 percent of the project cost and the Town pays the remaining two percent. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $150,000 and Town Council designated this signal for replacement in February 1994 under VDOT program. At 8:35 p.m. Council entered into Executive Session on an Economic Development Matter under 2.1-344 AS on motion made by Councilwoman Holston, seconded by Councilman Black and carried on the following recorded vote: Economic D e v e 1 opme n t 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 9447 December 20, 1994 9<<47 At 8:43 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: Adopt Certificati John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -Aye on John W St Resolution . one -Aye . W. Edgar Hale A e Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. -Aye Vice Mayor Schrader advised that Resolution No. 94-33 Authorizing a Loan Not to Exceed UDAG $225,000 in Urban Development Action Grant Repayment Funds to Assist Virginia Church Furniture in the Purchase of Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and a Working Capital Line of Credit to Allow for the Company's Expansion and Increased Employment was before Council Vice Mayor Schrader stated that Council was happy to assist in this endeavor and so moved that Resolution No. 94-33 be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: Adopt Resolution John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -Aye 94-33 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 8:46 p.m. Council adjourned on motion made by Vice Mayor Schrader, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne and carried. APPP.OVED 1 ~, Mayor Attest: ~ • ac~u-~-e. C erk of Council