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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-878172 March 3, 1987 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held March 3, 1987, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of 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, Ira S. Crawford, Mary Lou Copenhaver Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney D. E. McKeever, Town Manager Anne Burgess, Assistant to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey, Bob Thomas, Pierre Thomas of the news med Polly Mitchell Fred Mitchell Beverly Ratcliffe Claud Kirkland Dave Warburton Greg Hagee Tom Kurs Walter Gravley 31 area citizens (estimated) The invocation was given by Vice Mayor Neighbors. On motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried, the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 3, 1987, and Special Meeting of February 20, 1987, were approved as submitted. Pierre Thomas, Roanoke Times and World News, who is transferring into another area, was thanked by Mayor Hancock for the professional and courteous coverage of our Council Meetings. REZONING Mayor Hancock advised a second rezoning request had been received from REQUEST- Horne Properties to rezone property on Memorial Drive for a proposed shopping HORNS PROPERTIES center. Councilman Neblett made a motion this request be referred to the Planning Commission for action and to the Public Operations Committee for their consideration, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Mayor Hancock welcomed visitors to meeting and advised that the solid waste issue was also before Council. Councilman Graham made a motion that the decision on the incinerator INCINERATORbe postponed until we get a second opinion, seconded by Councilman Glenn. At this time, Vice Mayor Neighbors presided over meeting as Mayor Hancock abstained from any discussion on this subject. Councilman Glenn felt there was a misunderstanding on this issue as committing our waste stream was not the only issue. The Draper Mountain landfill is also an issue. He agreed with Councilman Graham that a second opinion should be obtained. Councilman Crawford stated we have no authority to tell Radford and Pulaski County not to build an incinerator. 0 Motion denied on the following recorded vote: John H. Johnston - No Robert N. Glenn - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye James M. Neblett - No James R. Neighbors - No W. H. Schrader - Absent Ira S. Crawford - No Mary Lou Copenhaver - No Councilman Crawford made a motion that the Town commit its solid waste stream only. to Pulaski Cou ty for disposal with the New River Resource Authority, seconded by Councilman Neblett. Councilman Glenn made a substitute motion that we have a public hearing on March 17th prior to voting on this issue, seconded by Councilman Graham, and denied on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston. - No Robert N. Glenn - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye James M. Neblett - No James R. Neighbors - No W. H. Schrader - Absent Ira. S. Crawford - No Mary Lou Copenhaver - No March 3, 1987 8173 INC INER.4TOR cont. Councilman Graham read a prepared statement saying we were moving too fast and we do not have technical and cost data to make a decision at this time. He further requested that his statement be included in the minutes of this meeting. Mayor Hancock and Council Members: STATEMENT COUNCILMAN Please allow me to address the issue concerning the question of the GRAN-'~M participation of the Town of Pulaski in the Solid Waste Disposal Incinerator that is being planned by the Authority set up by the City of Radford, the County of Pulaski, and the Town od Dublin. We are considering a very expensive proposal for the disposal of solid waste from the Town of Pulaski. The Z00 ton/day facility in Summer County, Tennessee cost $12 million (in 1981-82 dollars) and has an expense budget (1986-87) of $3,013,000. The City of Harrisonburg, Virginia 100 ton/day facility cost $11,082,000 (in 1982 dollars) not including the land purchased from James Madison University. The City of Galas 50 ton/day facility cost $2.1 Million. All three have long-term contracts to sell steam -- thereby greatly reducing the annual operational and maintenance cost. The proposed incinerator is estimated to cost $7.34 million. Does this cost include bond issue cost, debt service reserve,. site cost, cost of steam pipes to industry, and other hidden cost? This could add a significant amount. Based on information from Summer County and Harrisonburg, it appears to me that the actual cost will be in the $12 to $14 million range. I talked to Mr. Harold Snead, City Manager, Galax, and he advised that the city would not have constructed the incinerator if they had not been successful in negotiating a 15-year contract to sell their steam to the Hanes Company located next to the facility. It would not have been cost effective. This is the same impression I received from the Summer County and Harrisonburg people. Desperation makes for bad decisions. We are witnessing the unseemly haste with which this Council is rushing to burn the town of Pulaski garbage. We are moving too fast to commit the Town of Pulaski refuse to a long- term contract with this Authority. The cost in my opinion will be several times the $4/month our citizens are now paying. Olver, Inc. proposed that the incinerator be located in the County of Pulakki Industrial Parka There is no industry in the park to purchase the steam, and there are no sites for the. incinerator in the Town of Pulaski. We must not let the Town of Pulaski become the garbage town for the New River Valley. I submit that there are many unknowns. I do not think it is right to keep oru town citizens in the dark on cost, location, etc. on such an important and costly proposed project-- committing to burn our citizens' garbage when the Town of Pulaski has a good landfill that will last another 20 years. It is imperative that we obtain all the facts, present them to the public, and have a public hearing. As you know, we .are considering enlarging our water filtration plant, and this will require a large rate increase. We do not know at this time the cost of the town's sewer service in the Pepper's Ferry Project, but we are hearing it may go over 200 of the present rate. When these two services costs are added to the high cost of the incinergtor, we may be requiring our citizens to pay over $50/month for these services. Many of our citizens cannot affort this cost. WE should defeat the motion for the following reasons: 1. This Council, Mayor, and Town Administration do not have sufficient technical and cost data. to make a valid decision. The information we have been given on cost estimates of construction and operation is too general. We need better cost figures, and a second opinion from outside consultants. 2. We need to have a public hearing. 3.. The County has not made clear to Council their plans for taxes or user fees. 4. To my knowledge, there is no industrial prospect to purchase steam. 5. The Town of Pulaski is not a member of the Authority, and we have no voice in its operation. 6. We have a two-year contract with the County to dispose of the Town's garbage. 8174 March 3, 19$7 INCINERATOR 7. We have not been assured that our landfill will not become the back- con't. up for the incinerator--accepting ash from the incinerator, construction debris from the entire area, and raw garbage in case of incinerator breakdown. Until we have all the facts as to monthly cost to our citizens, the location of the incinerator, where nonburnable material, residue, ash, and hazardous material will be disposed, and whether or not the Authority will sell the steam to offset a large portion of the annual operation and maintenance cost, the motion should be voted down. I urge obtaining a second opinion. If this motion. is carried, it will long be remembered. I request the Clerk of Council to include my statment with the minutes of this meeting. /s/ Andrew L. Graham Considerable Council discussion followed Councilman Graham's statement. From the public, Mrs. Polly Mitchell stated Council should consider this very thoroughly before voting and that Councilman Crawford was representing. the County when he was supposed to represent the Town; Mr. Fred Mitchell stated that Council was afraid of a public hearing; Mr. Dave Warburton felt the move to commit our waste to the County was efficient; Mr. Greg Hagee expressed unfavorable environmental impact of an incinerator and felt it strange not to hold a public hearing; and one citizen questioned Councilmember if she was a born again Christian. Mr. Terwilliger stated there was a constitutional separation of Church and State and he did not believe any Councilmember was required or should answer at this point. On the question of a public hearing, the County is required by statute to hold a public hearing and it is scheduled for this week. Councilman Crawford's motion to commit the Town's solid waste stream to Pulaski County then carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors -Aye Robert N. Glenn - No W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - No Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye RECREATION In Hearing from the public, Mr. Dave Warburton, representing the Kiwanis Club, KIWANIS TO HELP addressed Council regarding a joint project with the Kiwanis Club to improve the Dora Highway Park. Last year their project was the 6th Street Park. Mayor Hancock commended the Kiwanis Club for all their efforts on the Town's behalf. Councilman Neblett made a motion that this be referred to the Public Operations Committee, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried.Mr. Claud Kirkland stated he knew Council had a hard job but he was appalled that a governing body turned down .the right of the public to express its opinion in a regular public meeting. SEWER LINE Mr. Tom Kurs, Manager, McDonalds, addressed Council with a problem of a broken sewer line and determining if the line was owned by McDonalds or by the Town. Mr. Terwilliger advised he was to review this matter in executive session as the line is He saw no liability on the part of the Town for bills incurred by McDonalds. If they had facts on which to base their claim, they were to set forth so Mr. Terwilliger could present to Council. Councilman Glenn made a motion this matter be referred to the Finance Committee and Public Operations Committee, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. LICENSE/PERMIT Mr. Walter Graveley requested Council issue him a dance hall permit DANCE HALL so teenagers would have a place to dance. Councilman Graham made a motion that Town Manager and Chief of Police issue a report on this request, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called March 3, 19$7 8175 for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES .COMMITTEE PEPPERS Chairman Johnston distributed correspondence on ownership transfer FERRY of the various contracts with Peppers Ferry to the Town. This transfer took place on February 23. A report on finances and stages of completion on various contracts was also distributed. The Committee also reviewed infiltration inflow problem. The 1974 Wiley & Wilson study has-been reviewed but their study did not cover the entire system in identifying problems. A tremendous amount of work has been done, but it is the feeling that specialized help should now be taken to identify and correct the I & I problems as the cost is very expensive treating water as well as the sewage going through Peppers Ferry. Chairman Johnston made a motion that Town Manager be directed to locate and recommend to Council immediate action to be taken to correct the I & I problems, seconded by Councilman Crawford. Mr. McKeever advised there was major leakage in the lines, and those found have been repaired. We need someone to work on this immediately and specifically. It will take 30 days to put out bids to do this work. Mr. Terwilliger explained the emergency purchasing guidelines to Council. Motion end second that Town. Manager be directed to locate and recommend to Council immediate action to be taken to correct the I & I problems withdrawn, and Councilman Graham made a motion that the I & I problem be declared a purchasing emergency, and Town Manager directed to immediately go ahead and try to identify the firms who specialize in I & I problems and get back to Council as sogn as possible, seconded by Councilman Johnston and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston = :4ye James R. Neighbors- - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira. S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Chairman Johnston advised that for 6 to 8 weeks Peppers Ferry could not accept septage dumpage and there is no place to take residue of septic tanks. Rules covering acceptance are not established as yet. SANITATION/ Committee also discussed Magnox request to dispose of their sludge LANDFI.at the Town's landfill. Councilman Glenn made a motion that the decision on Magnox be postponed until further information is obtained, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. On Councilman Glenn's inquiry regarding the landfill being used for brush and construction debris, Council decision delayed until additional information is furnished. Mr. McKeever gave status of closing sewage .treatment plant. PUBLIC & PERSO~~E~ RELATIONS NOMINATING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Chairman Neblett made a motion that Claud Kirkland, Maria. Penn and Re-dev. Roy T. Rives be reappointed to the Pulaski Re-development and Housing Authority & Housing for a 4 year term, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Beautification Chairman Neblett made a motion that Donia Eley be reappointed to the Beautification Committee for a three year term, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. PUBLIC OPER_4TIONS COMMITTEE 8176 March 3, 1987 Chairman Neighbors had no report, however, a meeting should be scheduled to be held jointly with the Finance Committee. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor. Hancock advised he had received numerous complaints regarding M_ATHEWS COURT the streets in the Mathews Road area. Town Attorney has previous y written letter to residents in this area advising the Town has no responsibility for the streets, however, the Town does make repairs to the sewer lines. Town Attorney requested to send residents a letter. FINANCE COMMITTEE ANNEXATION LEGAL FEES 1 RECREATION I BLDG. INST. & ENG. FILE LEGAL FEES Chairman Crawford advised that committee had met and in agreement to pay annexation legal fees and so moved that $2,145.75 previously appropriated to Revenue Sharing Account No. 5101-50300L.05 be approved for expenditure, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carriedon the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye Mr. McKeever advised the report on annexation will be out before the end of the week. Chairman Crawford advised $2,700 had been budgeted in revenue sharing for Recreation and bids are in on outboard motor, $1,500, and ten batteries, $600, and so moved that $2,100.00 previously appropriated to Revenue Sharing Account No., 5101-507005.14 be approved for expenditure, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors -Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Chairman Crawford stated the committee had reviewed the request from the Building Inspector for a Building Officials Code Administration Book in the. amount of $156.00 and a new file cabinet to file Peppers Ferry plans and documents for Engineering and so moved that $330.00 be appropriated to Account No. 1225-507002 Furniture and Fixtures, Engineering from General Fund Unappropriated Surplus, and, moved that $156.00 be appropriated to Account No. 3401-505411 Books and Subscriptions, Building Inspection, from General Fund Unappropriated Surplus, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors -Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Chairman Crawford stated we were in receipt of a legal bill in the amount of $9,000 for the attorney that handled the Morris suit against our Police Chief and Town Manager, and so moved that $9,000.00 be appropriated to account No. 1224-503002, Professional Services from General Fund Unappropriated Surplus, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors -Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - 9ye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye March 3, 1987 8177 CONTRIBUTIONS Chairman Crawford advised the committee briefly .discussed the continuance of making contributions to various organizations and also the cost of living adjustment for Town employees. Finance Committee would like EMPLOYEES to hold a work session prior to budget preparatory work for full Council's view. Town Manager to obtain contribution requests prior to this work session. Mr. McKeever stated that in the paying of taxes on a twice a year TAXES basis, we are setting our tax rate for the next fiscal year prior to any budget work. We will have to have same collection date as the County. This will also be studied at the work session to be scheduled. Chairman Crawford stated it was the feeling of the Finance Committee BOND ISSUE that the Town Manager should proceed forward with the securing of bids on a bond issue, and Council should decide to what purpose we wanted to expend the issue. This will also be reviewed in the work session to be scheduled. Town Manager to obtain quotes from some financial advisors. DONATION Mayor Hancock advised he had received correspondence advising the CHESS National Chess Championship would be held in Pulaski in April and the Town has been asked for a contribution to help finance this tournament. Mr. McKeever recommended that the Town contribute $1,000. Councilman Glenn moved that we accept the proposal from the Town Manager for contribution of $1,000 to the Chess Tournament and any other assistance that the Town Government can provide to this organization. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors -Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye. Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Chairman Crawford requested an Executive Session on a legal matter under 2.1-344 (A6). Chairman Crawford advised the employee health insurance issue had been resolved. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE t;hairperson Copenhaver had no report, however, requested that a meeting be scheduled. Mayor Hancock advised that the survey of the residential historic district was being made and several questions had been raised as to the effect if application was made to the State to have this designation made and requested that the Ordinance Committee review this item. Mayor .Hancock also had a property matter to be discussed in Executive Session. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger presented a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to petition for the closing of an access road to Gatewood Reservoir. Councilman Glenn moved that the reading of the resolution be waived, seconded by Counc~!lman Neblett and carried. RESOLUTION Councilman Glenn moved that the resolution be adopted, seconded by CLOSING ROAD Councilman Neighbors and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors -Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye 8178 March 3, 1987 RESOLUTION RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO PETITION GATEWOOD ROAD. FOR THE CLOSING OF AN ACCESS ROAD TO GATEWOOD RESERVOIR WHEREAS, there is a certain access road leading from the Wythe County line of a distance of approximately sixty-five one-hundredths (0.65) of a mile through Town of Pulaski property in Pulaski County to the Town-owned Gatewood Reservoir; and, WHEREAS, the unrestricted use of said access road has resulted in illegal activities on or about the reservoir and the lands of the Town surrounding it, including the indiscriminate firing of guns, trespassing, illegal fishing and boating and the like; and, WHEREAS, the Town Council deems the continued operation of the aforesaid section of the road to constitute a threat to the public safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in regular session on March 3, 1987, does hereby authorize the Town Manager to file a petition in the name of the Town as a landowner, in accordance with Section 33.1-151 of the Code of Virginia., with the Board of Supervisors of Pulaski County, ,seeking the closure of such section of road, and to present any supporting documents or evidence said $oard might request in regard to such petition. In the event that the Board or the State Highway and Transportation Commission requests the involvement of Wythe County, said Town Manager is further authorized to seek Wythe County's agreement. This REsolution is effective upon adoption and is adopted by recorded vote of the Council. Mr. Terwilliger also requested an Executive Session on a legal matter and a property matter. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. McKeever advised that he and Town Engineer had met with Mr. C. E. RAILWAY Lacy, N & S Railroad Resident Engineer and reviewed the crossing from Commerce CROSSING St. to Pennacle Street. Mr. Lacy is in agreement that it should be improved. There is a program known as the State Railroad Crossing Fund whereby the Town could receive financial assistance. The State Department of Transportation advised this program is funded under highway construction money into the six year plan. We could send a. resolution down to have this crossing improved and this would make us eligible for urban construction money. The Town would be responsible for 5~ of the cost. At this time, we are programmed for the next three years. This improvement could also be placed in the bond issue. Cost was estimated at $150,000. Mayor Hancock referred this project to the Public Operations Committee for their recommendation. Mr. McKeever advised that Virginia Municipal League is requesting nominations to its policy committees. Councilman Glenn made a motion that Mayor Hancock make appointments to policy committees, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Mr. McKeever advised that public hearing concerning a special use permit for David Kincaid has been rescheduled to March 17, 1987. Mr. McKeever stated that Council is invited to the 90th anniversary of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Pulaski Chapter, on March 28, at 1:30 p.m. at the New Dublin Presbyterian Church. A snow removal evaluation was distributed, and Councilman Neighbors EMPLOYEES made a motion that Council adopt a resolution honoring those Town employees PUBLIC WORKSwho assisted in the snow removal., seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Bob Thomas, WBLB, also added his commendation to the employees in the Public Works Department for their assistance to the news media.. Mr. McKeever advised that the concerns regarding traffic safety at the Northwood School area had been resolved. Mr. McKeever advised that Town Engineer and he had met with James March 3, 1987 8179 Peak Everman, Chief,. Floodplain Management, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers on February Creek Flooding 12. They will provide computer modeling and some engineering to determine alternatives, if any, that are available to reduce flooding in the Town. The Town will provide surveying. According to Mr. Everman, a report will be ready in May. PARKING Mr. McKeever advised a merchant on Main Street had requested a designated parking space. He will be written that Council cannot designate a private parking space on a street. Mr. James Aust has purchased Mr. Rodney Phillips' interest in Jim TAXI Dandy Taxi Service. On the advice of the Town Attorney, it does not require CABS a change in certificate as they are listed as Jim Dandy Cab Service. Mr. McKeever reminded Council of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Magnox Plant on March Sth, followed by reception sponsored by the Sovran Bank. Mr. McKeever also requested an Executive Session on a personnel matter. Councilman Glenn made a motion that Council go into Executive Session under 2.1-.344, A6, Al and A2, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. At 6:L2 p.m. Council went into Executive Session. At $:43 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session, on motion made by Councilman Glenn, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. TRANSFER OF Councilman Neblett made a motion that we transfer three employees and EMPLOYEES one vacancy from the Sewage Treatment Plant to the Water Plant, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. At 6:44 p.m. on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried, Council adjourned. ATTEST: C erk of Council APPROVED: Mayor