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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-95June 6, 1995 9587 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held June 6, 1995, at 4:00 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, E. G. Black, Jr. Also Preserrt: Thomas M. Combiths, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Assistarn Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Ronald Vaughan Valencia Johnson Page Sutherland Mildred Quesenberry Mary Lee Duncan Harold Nelson Lincoln Baugh Shanon Wall Kimberly Burchett Trim. N. Rupe Carolyn Bowman Max Beyer Anita Taylor Sandy Younce Dana Bishop Will Hager Bill Hager G. S. Quesenberry Woody Lookabill Mr. Martin The meeting was called to order by Mayor Graham. Councilman Black led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilwoman Steger gave the Invocation. Mayor Graham welcomed visitors to the meeting. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 16, 1995, be approved as submitted, after correction, minutes of the special meeting of May 25, 1995, and special meeting of June 1, 1995, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Black and carried. FINAIVC~ Mayor Graham presented a Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reported Award to the Town of Pulaski by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report, to Anita Taylor, Assistant Finance Director. Members of the Finance Department were in attendance for this distinguished recognition. Next on agenda was a public hearing regarding the request by Mr. Junior Martin to close the ~~~ undeveloped portion of Appletree Street. Mr. Lyons reported that Appletree Street is parallel to ~. Peppers Ferry Road, between Elizabeth Street and Orchard Avenue. Mr. Lyons stated that staff had recommended not approving this closure as lots would be landlocked. Further, Mr. Martin would not gain a portion of the right of way. From the public, Mrs. Mildred Quesenberry, adjoining property owner, requested that Town Council not close this street as her property would be landlocked. Also, Messrs. Lincoln Baugh and Mr. Harold Nelson did not warn the street closed. ~~ ITT ~uncilwoman Holston so moved that the undeveloped portion of Appletree Street not be closed, ~ seamded by Councilwoman Steger and carved on the following recorded vote: QL6ID 9.588 June 6, 1995 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 TAXES From the public, Mr. Page Sutherland, representing Phillip Morris, Richmond, and the Virginia QGAREI'fE Tobacco industry, addressed Council with the request to not increase cigarette tax. Mr. Sutherland remarked on the cigarette tax charged in other localities, and reported that Virginia is one of only five states that allows any town or city to tax cigarettes, and that tobacco is an important part of the economy in Virginia. Mr. Bill Hager, attending the Council Meeting with his son who was working on a scout merit badge, addressed Council regarding the high water rates in that he had people renting from him that could not pay water bills. He felt increase in cost of water had to stop somewhere. Mrs. Mary Lee Duncan , 503 Peppers Ferry Road, advised that when Peppers Ferry was reconstructed years ago by the Highway Department, they put a temporary water line behind their house. A permanent line has never bean installed and since then, their water pressure is very low. The Utilities Committee, as well as the Director of Public Works, will review this problem. ~~ Mr. Don Breedlove, representing the Pulaski County Jaycees, addressed Council advising they had .PARK bean asked to operate a beer concession during the concert at Calfee Park, as part of the Depot Day celebration June 24. This effort has been coordinated with the Police Department and also with Mr. Hancock with the ABC Board. Mr. Breedlove requested a motion be made to allow the Jaycees operate this concession. Mr. Breedlove advised that they have specific controls that they have to adhere to. They will sell beer with a limit of 4 - 12 oz. cups, only sell to persons 21 years old or older, with a 3 step I.D. process, concession will be away from stand and general public, and the Jaycees will provide insurance. 10% of the proceeds will be going to the Town and any monies that the Jaycees make on the project will be going to support Camp Virginia Jaycee which is a camp sponsored by the Jaycees for mentally handicapped in Blue Ridge, Virginia. A sealed off area will be provided for people to bring their meals and eat. (21 years old and older). Police Commander Barry Buckner advised he did not anticipate any problems and there would be eight officers on duty. Beer sales would be cut off at 8:30 p.m. Councilman D'Ardenne made a motion that the Town Manager be authorized to write later to the Pulaski County Jaycees that they have permission to use Town property. Motion seconded by JAYC~SS `117 Councilman Hale and carried on the following recorded vote: ~~RTY 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 Mr. Ronald Vaughan advised that the sewer rates appear to keep going up and up and at present he is paying approximately $25.00 per month for sewer. Mr. Vaughan stated he uses approximately 6,000 gallons of water per month. He questioned the replacement of the lines due to corrosion as he felt this line should have lasted 20 years and has only lasted 6-8 years. Mr. Vaughan felt that the engineering firm fell down on the job, the pipe that we put in was inferior, or somebody is dumping a corrosive material in the line. The televising of the lines was explained by Mayor Graham and also our high flow to Peppers Ferry. It is hoped that by repairing the leaks/holes in sewer lines will decrease our flow to Peppers Ferry. There was considerable discussion on this matter. Mr. Vaughan stated the Town would have another department with the Economic Development, and the asking for $186,000 in the budget. He was opposed to this money being spent. Mrs. Mary Lee Duncan again complained of the condition of the sidewalk on Madison Avenue. Mr. Combiths reported that $19,000 is in the 1995-96 budget for sidewalk repair. The street sweeping project is currently out to bid. Also, Pulaski Furniture plans to pave this area in the near future. J June 6, 1995 9589 In the matter of the alley closing earlier in meeting, Mr. Martin was informed that this alley would not be closed. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Graham asked for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES CO1I~IlVITTT'EE SF~ Chairman Johnston advised the Utilities Committee had met. The committee discussed the Whitethorn sewer line and the cost and this project could possibly be included in the F/Y 96-97 capital improvements program. If we want this project moved up to a more current status, the persons requesting the sewer line would be asked if they would pay 50% of the cost. (About $8,000 or $9,000). The committee recommended to Council that we leave the project in 96-97 capital improvements program and if people want the project moved forward to FY 95/96, that they would be responsible for 50% of the cost. Included in motion was that the Town Manager notify the property owners. Motion carried. Chairman Johnston reported there are approximately six residential customers being served in WATFR Tovvn and out of Town that have a larger water meter than the standard residential meter of 5/8 ~`'IE'IE~S inch. These people probably do not need more than 5/8 inch meters. Staff has recommended the installation of 5/8 inch meter at no cost to the customer, on a one time basis, however, if the customer wishes to go back to one and one half inch meter, the customer, would assume all costs. The Utilities Committee recommended approval of this policy. Motion then 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. Sc]uader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Town Manager will contact these residents, informing them of this policy. FINANCE CONIlVIITTEE Chairman Schrader advised that the Finance Committee had met several times reviewing the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Sewer Fund in the proposed budget for F/Y 95-96. Chairman Schrader stated that before Council was Ordinance No. 95-16 Setting Forth the Charges WATFR for Water Service, and the committee recommended adoption of this Ordinance increasing rates by ~~ 5% as recommended by the administration of the Town and also in the Ernst & Young recommendations last year. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: ORDINANCE 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 SII~ Chairman Schrader advised the Finance Committee had taken two early morning work sessions and Iai1ND discussed the Sewer Fund and rate increases in this fund. The Town administration, when presenting the budget, presented it with a 10% increase in the sewer fund. Committee felt that this increase could not be borne by the system. Chairman Schrader staters that the cost of operation of our sewer fund, Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater treatment, our I&I projects that are ongoing and in an attempt to keep a balanced budget and be able to do some of the things that we would like to do, the administration came back with a 3 % increase. Finance Committee met this morning and recommended approval of a sewer { rate increase of 3% and that Council conduct an in-house rate study due back to Council within 90 days, and approval of Ordinance No. 95-17 which does increase the sewer rates by 3%. Mayor Graham read a letter from Mrs. Ratcliffe opposing water and sewer rate increase. P?.7lTON MADE Councilman Johnston made a substitute motion that Council not change the sewer rates at this time '~ ~' but adjust the budget to place I&I, which is currently in the Sewer Budget, to the Capital CHANCE Improvemerrts Project section of the General Fund. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Holston. SII~ Motion carried on the following recorded vote: RATFS 9590 June 6, 1995 BiJDGEI' DISQJSSION: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D' Ardenne, Jr. -No John W. Stone -No W. Edgar Hale -No Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -No E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye Mayor Andrew Graham -Aye Chairman Schrader advised the Finance Committee would meet again June 15 to review the General Fund and the Capital Projects. Chairman Schrader asked Council that as they have asked administration to go back and do some reworking, do we cut out $100,000 of our capital projects to offset the expenses in the Sewer Fund? Councilman Johnston moved that we continue with the idea of making a sewer rate study as fast as reasonable and report back to Council, seconded by Councilwoman Holston. 5'FI~I~R ~y Mr. Lyons reported that basically, staff will walk behind the steps that Ernst & Young took when they did the water rate study and that will be a compr~ensive look at expenses over the next three years and determining how those cost should be borne by the customer base. After considerable discussion, motion then carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston -Aye Roy H. D'Ardenne, Jr. -No John W. Stone -No W. Edgar Hale -Aye Bettye H. Steger -Aye Alma H. Holston -Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. -Aye E. G. Black, Jr. -Aye HUMAN RESOURCES Chairman D'Ardenne advised that the committee met on May 25, entering into executive session to discuss a personnel matter on specifically named individual. The committee will also enter executive session on Thursday morning to discuss specifically named individuals in regard to the recruitment of an Executive Director for the Economic Development Board. Chairman D'Ardenne stated that Council will start receiving on a monthly basis the minutes and activities regarding the Safety Committee. I~EAiJ1~ICA,TI~i Chairman D'Ardenne so moved that Roger and Jane Bell be reappointed to the Beautification ~~ Committee, and that Joe Weddle be reappointed to the New River Valley Planning District Commission. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor Schrader and carried on the following recorded NRVPD C~mnission 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 Chairman D'Ardenne advised there are a couple of vacancies on the Board of Economic Development and they are working to fill these vacancies. There are two additional vacancies to fill on the Beautification Committee. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COI\~IlVIITTEE Chairwoman Holston advised that the Public Operations Committee had met May 18 and May 25. ~ A site visit was made to Gatewood and found it overall to be in good shape. There were a few pot holes in the road that need to be addressed. Very little trash was found although there is storm damage found on the way to Gatewood, mostly on County and State road. At the meeting on May 23, the committee discussed the abandonment by the State of Virginia portion of Route 710 near Gatewood Reservoir. The Virginia Department of Transportation plans SIRE01'S to abandon the maintenance of approximately one half mile of Route 710 that is an access route through the National Forest ultimately leading to Gatewood Dam. If closed, the Town would maintain an access easement. Staff will continue to monitor this request. June 6, 1995 ~~ At the May 18 meeting, the Town Manager reported that signs prohibiting skateboarding, sledding and bicycle riding will be posted in the Town's cemeteries. This is in response to an incident where a child riding a skateboard was almost hit by a car. SII~~AI~~ Additionally, staff will be reviewing a request by Pulaski County to install a brick paver walkway AT T RY between the new Courthouse and Library. The alleys along the sides of the new Courthouse will be paved subject to the availability of funds. This is consistent with the Town's alley paving program since the goal was to begin with the downtown alleys. P~L~,I~NG ~~y Chairwoman Holston reported that at the May 23 meeting, Vince Stover from the New River Valley Planning District Commission presented Council with a brief overview of the Central Business District Parking Study. Staff will present this to the Board of Economic Development and Parking Authority so that we can begin a public relations campaign. ST)~ALK Chairwoman Holston reported that a request had been made by Pulaski County to the Architectural ~~ Review Board for crosswalk paving on 3rd Street. The Town Engineer has done an estimate of approximately $5,000 to $15,000 to construct this crosswalk which would be street eligible. Staff will look at the curbing and trees on Third Street also and return more information to the committee, including a revised cost estimate. Chairwoman Holston that future items to be reviewed: a) report by the Public Works Director regarding tank clean out program, b) report by Jeff Hall regarding Junior Firefighter program and c) alleys to be closed. ORDINANCE CO1~Il~IlTTEE Chairman Black had no report. MAYOR' S REPORT GATIaI~l70D Mayor Graham requested that the Utilities Committee, along with the Town Manager, look into Gatewood, from a water supply to our Town standpoint, and within the next 90 days bring back a brief report and maybe a final report by the end of the year so that we might have a five year plan for Gatewood, or see how far we want to go commercial/recreation at Gatewood. Its primary purpose is water supply for the Town citizens. 'IC7W1`d Mayor Graham asked that the Human Resources Committee, along with the Town Manager, PRQPE~iY review the municipal building as it is getting pretty well filled up. Determine how we are utilizing the building and the priorities that we should set in its utilization. It was requested that air conditioning for the basement also be reviewed. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger was absent. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Combiths gave a projects update. He also stated that we are following the ISTEA grant application that Council submitted to the State. ff there is a public meeting, the Town Manager ~~ will. attend. Also, the Irrtergovernmental Meeting is scheduled for June 29th, 7:00 p.m. in Dublin. man ~~ Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that the July 4th Council Meeting be canceled due to the r,~~ holiday and only one meeting be planned for July, July 18th, 7:00 p.m. Motion seconded by ~~~ Councilman Stone and carried. Vice Mayor Schrader stated that on the sewer study to be made by Administration, that we have not given them a lot of good direction. A brief Finance Committee will follow the Council meeting ~ for this purpose. At 5:24 p.m. Vice Mayor Schrader made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman D'Ardenne, and carried. APPROVID: Attest: ~ iKayor ~ `~, C1 k of Council 9591