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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-86C~~~V September 2, 1986 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held September 2, 1986, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Councilmembers: John A. Johnston, Robert N. Glenn, Andrew L. Graham, James M. Neblett, James R. Neighbors, W. H. Schrader, Ira S. Crawford, Maxy Lou Copenhaver Also present: D. E. McKeever, Town Manager Anne Burgess, Assistant to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Pierre Thomas of the news media Nancy Sexton 61 area. citizens. The invocation was given by Councilman Graham. Mayor Hancock welcomed visitors. REZONING REQUEST Councilman Glenn moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of .August 19, 1986, and the minutes of the public hearing of August 26, 1986, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Schrader and carried. Mayor Hancock advised the first item Council would consider was the rezoning request made by Horne Properties, and proceeded to read Planning Commission's recommendation to Council as follows: Mr. D'Ardenne made the motion as Planning Commission's recommendation to Town Council regarding the Horne Properties rezoning request, which reads as follows: "We recognize that in order to survive as a community we have to reverse the negative growth pattern and economic trend we have been experiencing for the past 20 years, and as the Comprehensive Plan and Implementation Strategy give us direction to make this happen. We also recognize the amount of work that has gone into bringing this project to us and expressed to Mr. Lindop and Horne Properties our appreciation for the professionalis displayed throughout the process. However, it is our view that the land Horne Prope s requests to be rezoned for the shopping center's use has been clearly designated for. residential use in the comprehensive plan and through denial of rezoning applications on two previous occasions. We cannot recommend breaking that precedent particularly when land will be available for the requested use when annexation goes through in the near future. Secondly, we are very much concerned that there is no legal mechanism in place to enforce the conditions that Horne Properties has placed upon themselves. Obviously they are a reputable developer and certainly would stand behind any agreement they make as long as they own the property. However, as we all know time has a way of changing things and without protection we can easily be creating trouble for the future in one of our prime residential areas. Third, an overwhelming majority of our citizens that have expres opinions on the issue, are against the rezoning. For these reasons, Planning Commission recommends that the Town Council deny the Horne Properties rezoning application. We also recommend that if Council chooses to override this recommendation that they make it clear that the decision in no way sets a precedent for any other rezoning applications." The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith and passed by the Planning Commission. Councilman Glenn moved that the Planning Commission's recommendation 'be accepted by the Pulaski Town Council, seconded by Councilman Crawford. Councilman Johnston stated this decision has been the cause of a great deal of thought and study by the Council. It is probably the most difficult decision that has faced them. He understood the thinking and consideration by the citizens in the area and their home We have to look at a broader view that takes into consideration the future of our Town. At this time, we are looking at the history of our Town and concerned with what we have considered to be a New Century - a New Spirit. This thinking does not call for us to pass up opportunities available to us. The Code of Virginia clearly calls for changing the use of land based on existing use, trends of growth or change and the most appropriate use of the land. This piece September 2, 1986 8~~~'J of property is not residential, If Council does not rezone this property, then the Council next year will have to consider this issue again or until it is probably rezoned for a use that may be even less suitable for the residents in that area. Rezoning and a tax structure based on rezoning of this area for a proposed shopping center might not bring in the money that has been published. It might bring anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000. We possibly will have to raise taxes in the Town of Pulaski next year 6-87 to raise the lesser amount of money. Councilman Johnston also felt there would be some new jobs created and these jobs should be considered. He had talked with real estate people and they expressed the opinio that the effect on these homes as to value would not be as great as feared. Over 90~ of residents in this area. would not be able to see the shopping center. Councilman Johnston stated he knew how the residents felt and he hoped that his particular stand on the issue would be understood. Councilman Graham advised this is the third time the rezoning issue had come before him, and this was spot zoning. It would commercialize the area and change the environment of the neighborhood. Councilman Graham further stated there have been a lot of critical comments regarding our Town Manager, Mr. McKeever. Mr. McKeever has just presented facts to Council and he has done this in a professional manner. Mayor Hancock advised that when a rezoning request is made, Council, by law, must have ,,,~ a public hearing.. We must give the same consideration to each application that we have given to this Horne Properties application. Councilman Neblett concurred with Councilman Johnston's statements and felt if we ha 1 to be a viable town in the future, we have to make some efforts to improve the downslide that we are seeing. Motion than carried on the following recorded vote: REZONING John A. Johnston - No James R. Neighbors - Yes REQUEST Robert N. Glenn - Yes W. H. Schrader - Yes DENIED Andrew L. Graham - Yes Ira S. Crawford - Yes James M. Neblett - No Mary Lou Copenhaver -Yes Mayor Hancock thanked citizens for their input to Council and hoped citizens realized~I the difficulty of the decision made by Council, It was not an easy matter as there were many good points raised on both sides. Mr. McKeever to contact Mr. Lindop of Horne Properties advising of Council's decision. He hoped that Horne Properties would want to contineu to work with the Town to try to find another location in the Town that Council might feel more appropriate and that Pulaski is receptive to new businesses that might be interested in coming into Town. In hearing from the public, Mrs. Pauline Mitchell, 600 Prospect Avenue, advised there was no barricade at large hole at 6th and Washington where sidewalk repair is currently underway. Town Manager to contact the Director of Public Works on this matter. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston had no report. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett had no report. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors had no report, however, stated we were proud of the Pulaski Braves in winning the pennant. They have been an asset to our Town. Chairman Neighbors also requested Town Manager to schedule a committee meeting. FINANCE COMMITTEE B~.~U September 2, 1986 DOWNTOWN SOLID WASTE INCINERA- TION/ I LANDFILL TOWN FEATURED ON TV Chairman Crawford had no report, but reminded Council that we are looking into our Recreation program and have been expecting a report back on whether we will receive help or not. He felt this is an issue we need to deal with. ORDINEINCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Copenhaver had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock advised he had been concerned with the appearance of our downtown. He felt to encourage new business to locate in Pulaski and to make a good impression, w eed to do a better job in maintaining the downtown. Councilman Glenn so moved to refer this matter to the Public Operations Committe seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried. Mayor Hancock advised he was in receipt of letter from John Olver requesting that the Town participate in an Ad-Hoc Committee to study solid waste crisis. A meeting has been scheduled for September 5th. As the Town's landfill is involved, a lengthly discussion followed. Mayor Hancock will attend the meeting for informational purposes and bring a report back to Council. He will also convey the concerns of the Town. To be asked also to attend will be one other member of Council that is familiar with the situation, the Town Manager and the Town Attorney.Councilman Graham made a motion that the Utilities Committee review this wit Town Staff and bring in recommendation to Council to ascertain if we need .outside consultant's advice concerning our landfill on Draper Mountain. Also, to make reco- mmendation to Council on how we approach the ad hoc committee on Solid Waste Disposal. Councilman Neblett seconded the motion and motion carried. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. McKeever advised that on Friday, September 5th, the Town will be featured on Bluefield TV station WVVA as Town of the Week. This is normally run toward the end the 6:00 p.m. news. About 40 minutes of tap were shot and this tape is available to the Town. Once this tape is given to us, we might be able to put together our own promotional tape. At.4:36 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. APP VED: May r Attest: ~~ ~ ~ ~~ Clerk of the Council [1