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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-89March 7, 1989 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held March 7, 1989, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: James M. Neblett, J. R. Schrader, Jr., Mary Lou Copenhaver, James R. Neighbors, Andrew L. Graham, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Alma H. Holston, Ira S. Crawford Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Daniel E. McKeever, Town Manager Anne Burgess, Assistant Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey, Jessica Clarke and Bob Thomas of the news media J. B. Warner Claud Kirkland Andy McCready Bill Tate Debbie Warren Gary Cutlip 6 Area Citizens The invocation was given by Vice Mayor Neighbors. 8493 On motion made by Vice Mayor Neighbors, seconded by Councilperson Copenhaver, the minutes of the regular meeting of February 21, 1989, and the minutes of the public hearing of February 28, 1989, were approved as recorded. LEE Mayor Hancock shared news that the Lee Plant would be reopened by Sparkle and would be putting some of our unemployed citizens back to work. Due to citizens present being interested in the proposed Historic Zoning Ordinance and rezoning request of Memorial Drive, Mayor Hancock moved these items forward on the agenda. HISTORIC Mr. McKeever reported that memorandum had been distributed from the Architectural Review Board (ARB) regarding the proposed historic zoning. They have devised a plan of action to better inform the residents of the district and to gather their input into the development of a residential historic zoning ordinance. They have suggested that a questionnaire soliciting feelings about the district and any potential regulations be mailed, conducting four "cottage meetings" and the establishment of a combination committee of citizens and Planning Commission members to rewrite the ordinance based on broad based input gathered. Mayor Hancock felt that Council should think about this proposal and Councilperson Holston so moved that this matter go into committee with full Council to review, and then make a decision, seconded by E494 March 7, 1989 Councilman Graham and carried. ZONING Mr. McKeever distributed the proffers that were offered by Corker CORKER Group during the public hearing held February 28th. This now becomes an official part of the package. Corker has agreed to pay 50% of the cost of a traffic light at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Hiqhway 11. The total cost of this installation is unknown at the present time. In hearing from the public, Mr. J. B. Warner distributed a copy of letter written to Forbes Magazine regarding the Wal Mart store and what it did to a Town's economy. Mr. Warner asked that Council give consideration to their request not to rezone Memorial Drive. Mr. Claud Kirkland stated he felt the public hearing was handled very well and he also requested their request not to rezone Memorial Drive be considered. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE FILTER PLT. Chairman Neblett advised that committee had met on February 27. He advised there were three contracts on the water plant expansion. Project is basically completed except for painting, putting fence back up and finish water line from water plant to Bertha St. We are also approximately 40% complete on the plant itself. It is hoped the new plant will operate somewhere in the vicinity of 12 to 14 hours per day instead of 20 to 21 hours per day that we are presently running. When project completed, we will run two shifts. We will need to purchase water from the county for 5-7 days. He reported that manholes are currently being repaired. Letters have been sent to property owners on laterals that need repair. The sump pumps that are located in the downtown will also be looked at by Engineering. Mr. McKeever distributed a graph showing July through February 19 sewage flow versus July through February 1987. Between July and December, we have had pretty even flow 1988 as opposed to 1987. We ha found some of the major sources of the inflow problem, and hope to have less flow going to system when laterals and lines repaired. Chairman Neblett reported that we are awaiting a report from Eastern Utilities on reduction of the manhole repairs. Also, that the committee discussed methods of notifying the public of smoke testing. PEPPERS Councilman Crawford reported that our flow at Peppers Ferry did FERRY peak out at 2.7 mil. gal. which is extremely high, however it receded very quickly. On the 4B vibration problem, the second pump has now been replaced and is running better. The third pump will be replaced next week. Vibration testing will then be done and the Town will have a representative present when tests are conducted. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS NOMINATING COMMITTEE JULY 4th Chairman Neighbors reported that a 4th of July committee had been COMM. established as follows: Dave Hart, Doug Phelps, Marci Church, Rachel DeHaven, Ed Mahler, Katy Kirk, Debbie Douthat, Clair Childress, Cindy Gannaway, Dan Grubb, Mary Barbour, Tina Mitchell, Nancy Newhard, Jerry March 7, 1989 8~~5 Haynes, Joan Meadows, and Karen Hedge. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman W. H. Schrader had no report. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman Graham reported that Engineering would handle the street lighting request at Prospect and Jefferson Ave. He also stated that Public Works would review the traffic problem on Magazine Street. The committee reviewed the request for a sidewalk on Northwood Drive. Engineering will determine cost as it will be very expensive as shoulders must be built before a sidewalk can be built. This cost will be brought back to committee. LOVING FLD. Chairman Graham reported that the Fraternal Order of Police had requested permission to hold a carnival on June 5 through June 10 at Loving Field. Chairman Graham moved that permit be granted provided they provide insurance certificate of not less than one-half million dollars, that all rides are required to be inspected by the State of Virginia by certified inspector and the Town held harmless for any liability arising from the use of our property, Motion seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Chairman Graham reported the Town is working on the Commerce Street Bridge and Pinnacle Street Crossing. Hopefully the bids for these projects will go out in December, with our share to be 5g of the costs. It is expected Town money to be budgeted in the 1990/91 budget or possibly 1991/92. Programmed into next year's budget is work to be done on the two low water bridges on Lottier Street. RAINAGEThe committee reviewed the drainage problem at the Phillip Wade ome on 4th Street. As this is a natural flow area, committee felt this was a private problem and Town Manager is to notify Mr. Wade of committee's findings. Chairman Graham stated that a request had been received to widen Valley Road. Town Manager is having this project costed and will bring back to committee. A report is also to be brought back to committee on the petition to widen Taylor Street. There is not enough right of way to widen this street and it is not eligible for street maintenance. Mr. McKeever was also requested to look into signs on right of way, primarily Church signs, and bring report back to committee. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock had no report. 8496 March 7, 1989 TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT TAXES t ALLEY ~20N.ING Mr. McKeever advised that he and Town Treasurer, Gary Cutlip, had met this date with Maynard Sayers, Commissioner of the Revenue concerning the proposed change in the personal property and machinery and tools assessment rate. In 1988, the personal property was assessed at 25% of fair market value and our machinery and tools tax was assesse at 15°s fair market value. For the 1989 year, the Commissioner of Revenue will adopt 100% assessment of fair market value. Currently for personal property in the Town, it is taxed at $2.75 per $100 based on a 25°s assessment ratio. In order for the Town not to increase their rate, at 100% ratio, our tax rate would decrease from $2.75 per $100 to 69 cents per $100 which would result in a decrease in revenue of approximately $25,000. Mr. McKeever recommended the Finance Committee review this matter as quickly as possible and some rates have to be set as early as May. Mr. McKeever advised that the First Methodist Church had requested to close a portion of two alleys behind their Church. Councilman Neblett moved that viewers be appointed, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried. The Church is also to be notified that they will be charged for fees incurred. Mr. McKeever advised that Magnox Pulaski Inc. requesting the rezoning from R-2 to M-1 the property known as Calfee School, located on West Main Street. Councilman Graham so moved that this matter be referred to the Planning Commission, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. The nomination forms to the Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees were distributed. All nominations should be returned to VML by March 27, 1988. Mr. McKeever advised that bid openings were scheduled as follows: 1} March 10 - 2:00 p.m. Street Paving Bids and 2) March 17 2:00 p.m. Downtown Construction Bids. Debbie Warren, Secretary/Receptionist First Floor, was introduced to Council. Councilman Neblett moved that Council go into Executive Session on a Personnel Matter under 2.1-344 (A1), seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. At 5:00 p.m., Council went into Executive Session. At 5:20 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Councilman Neblett moved that a special meeting be held to vote on the Memorial Drive question, on March 16, 1989, 7:00 p.m. so we will have 100 present. Motion seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. At 5:22 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Council- man Neighbors and .carried. APPROVED: ATTEST: L~t~ Ul Y1N~/~^"` Clerk of Council ~~ _ .Mayor