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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-878180 March 17, 1987 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held March 17, 1987, at 7:00 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, W. H. Schrader, 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 and Bob Thomas of the news media Charles W. Maus Winsdon N. Pound David Kincaid Jeff Haughney Walter Gravely Ralph Grubb 6 area citizens The invocation was given by Councilperson Copenhaver. Mr. McKeever advised that Jeff Haughney, Building Inspector, had resigned his empl ment with the Town to accept the position as Chief Code Compliance Office, Glouster CountyVirginia. Mayor Hancock presented and read a resolution commending Mr. Haughney for his service to the Town. Councilperson Copenhaver so moved that resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman ', RESOLUTION Neblett and carried. II JEFF H_AUGHNEY Resolution Commending Jeffrey Mark Haughney for his service To the Town of Pulaski WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, now has the services of Jeffrey Mark Haughney as its Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator; and, WHEREAS, during his tenure in office, he has enforced the building and zoning codes of the Town of Pulaski deligently and with professionalism; and, Whereas, Jeffrey Mark Haughney has now resigned his position with the Town to accept a position as Chief Code Compliance Officer, Glouster County, Virginia, and Whereas, it is with regret that the Town Council accepts his resignation. 1 NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Council of the Town of Pulaski; Virginia, sitting in regular session on March 17, 1987, that Jeffrey Mark Haughney be and hereby is commended for his diligent and professional enforcement of the building and zoning codes of .: he Town of Pulaski, Virginia.. It is recognized that during his time in office, substantial progress was made in the elimination of sub-standard housing and in the promotion of the health and safety of the citizens of Pulaski, On behalf of its citizens, the Council thanks Jeffrey Mark Haughney for his efforts and extends its best wishes for his continued success in his career. Mayor Hancock further presented an engraved plaque from Council to Mr. Haughney in appreciation of all his services to the Town. Councilman Graham requested that in the minutes of March 3, 1987, the state- WOSTD meet for a 20 year period be added to Mr. Crawford's motion on the Town committing TO its solid waste stream only to Pulaski County for disposal with the New River COUNTY Resource Authority. This in response to the County's request for dedication for that time period. Councilman Neighbors so moved that minutes of regular meeting of March 3, 1987, approved as amended, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried. Mayor ,Hancock advised that as published, now was the time and place for the PUBLIC public hearing on a request for special use permit from David Kincaid, HE_ARING- SPECIAL 527 N. Randolph Avenue. Mr. McKeever advised this permit had been requested from the USE Town zoning ordinance PERMIT to allow him to display hand blown glass items at his residence. This address is March 17, 1987 8181 presently R-2 which al.laws Mr. Kincaid to operate his business in his home and the use of a sign, but does not permit him to have a showroom. He is permitted to keep his prodnc of view and show it if a customer arrives at his business. The Town Council reserves unto itself the right to issue or grant special use permits (Article XII Section 12-1-3 Town Zoning Ordinance). In granting such a permit, the Council should find that the use would not adversely affect the health and safety of the person or persons who are .residing or working in the area; or would not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood; and would be in accord with the intent and purposes of the Town's zoning ordinance. Mr. Kincaid advised that they only planned to be open on weekends and holidays as '~ a part-time business. The main purpose in asking for the permit is to establish a base for a mail order business and to sell items from their home. They do not anticipate any parking problems as their business will be limited to occasional. Should there ever be a problem, additional parking will be made available in the rear of their home off the alle Mayor Hancock stated a petition dated February 12, 1987, containing nine names opposing the issuance of this permit had been received and requested it be made a part of the minutes. Mr. McKeever advised we have no restrictions on signs. In this zone, home occupatio are permitted as are home occupation signs. Mr. Kincaid stated he had planned on somethi similar to a real estate sign, with permission for lighting if he wanted to add later. Councilman Neighbors made a motion that this matter be referred to the Ordinance Committee for further study with a report back to Council, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. do. Mr. Kincaid was requested to put in writing for Council exactly what he does plan tol E EF Mr. Charles W. Maus, Executive Direction of the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater PR Treatment Authority briefly addressed Council. He advised that the plant is now in opera ER tion and start up went very well. He will be working with us on the pretreatment program RY A tour of the plant is also being planned and an open house. Mr. Maus also answered S questions that Council had regarding flows, cost and dum a e. He further p g gave the proce= dure for removing sludge. The sludge disposal plan is still in development. ALCOHOL & Dr. Winsdon N. Pound,Pulaski County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Task Force, Inc., addres DRUGS Council, advising their main pur ose is to assist school a e children, their P g parents, and other adults about the problem of alcohol and drug abuse. Mr. stated that alcohol is the number one killer of young people and the number two killer is suicide Further, the Task Force is involved in a war on drugs.. He requested Council call a special meeting of Council to discuss ways that can help our young people in Pulaski County in ar drug abuse, pregnancy, suicide, runaways, dropouts, etc. The alcohol and drugs all go to gether. We need to build and promote in young people high self esteen and coping skills to face life. He would like to see conferences planned with parents invited and speakers to speak on suicide, drugs and alcohol. Mayor Hancock advised that Dr. Pound spent many hours in his volunteer work and expressed Council's appreciation for all his fine efforts. There being 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 APPOINTMENT Chairman Neblett made a motion that Betsey Thomas, Frankie Gilbert, Jr, and Mary Sue Pace be appointed to the Beautification Committee for three year term, seconded by 8182 March 17, 19$7 Councilman Graham and carried. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE DANCE HALL Chairman Neighbors had no report, but questioned status of Walter Gravely's request PERMIT for a dance hall permit. Mr. McKeever advised that building would require a change of use from :a restaurant to what the building code defines as a night club. BOCA building code specifies a night club also includes any place that provides music and space for dancing. He suggested that Mr. Gravely and Building Inspector meet and review this situation. Councilman Neblett made a motion that permit be approved on condition that Building Inspector meets with Mr. Gravely and inspects the building, 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 - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye FINANCE COMMITTEE DONATION Chairman Crawford advised the committee had met March 16, 1987. CHESS TOURNAMENT Chairman Crawford stated that Council had previously approved a donation to the Chess Tournament in the amount of $1,000 and so moved that $1,000.00 be appropriated to account 1101-503011 Town Council Promotion and Development from. General Fund Unappro- priated Surplus as a donation for the chess team, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye W. H. Schrader - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye Chairman Crawford stated that Scott and Stringfellow was the only firm respon g BOND ISSUE with proposal as financial advisor for the bond issue. They will work 3.5 million dolls: issue for a total out of pocket of $7,000 or 2/10th of 1~ of the total. Chairman Crawford requested that work sessions be held this week or next week to determine what items are to be funded through a bond issue. Chairman Crawford moved that the proposal from Scott and Stringfellow be accepted, 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 - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira. S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye Appropriation for these services will be postponed until amoun t of bond issue is determined. LEGAL FEES Chairman Crawford advised we were in receipt of bill for legal fees in civil case, Morris vs. Williams and McKeever and so moved that $4,121.50 be appropriated to account 1224-503002 Professional Services from General Fund Unappropriated Surplus and this be approved for expenditure, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the follow recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye W. H. Schrader - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye Chairman Crawford advised that three I & I abatement proposals had been received; SEWER LINES Eastern Utilities $81,000, Dewberry & Davis $34,500 to $36,000 and Olver, Inc. $61,400. The committee in agreement to hire Eastern Utilities to perform phase I, smoke testing and dye testing, and Chairman Crawford so moved that the proposal from Eastern Utilities be accepted, seconded by Councilman Glenn. Councilman Johnston advised this was the most efficient way that we can do this kind of work as Eastern Utilities specializes in I & I problems. Motion then March 17, 1987 8183 carried on the following recorded vote: John_A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary L ou Copenhaver - Aye/ Chairman Crawford made a motion that $27,300 be transferred from 0072-505815 sewer SEWER plant closeout costs to 0072-503002 Professional PLANT Services and this be approved for expend ture. Additional appropriation to be determined. Motion seconded by Councilman Glenn an carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary L ou Copenhaver - Aye Mr. McKeever stated Eastern Utilities was willing to break out each step individuall and we would seek additional approval from the Council before going on to next step and contract will be modified to reflect this. Also, references checked from three counties and all spoke very highly of this firm. Mr. McKeever advised this had previously been declared an emergency purchase and we would abide by procedures. PAVING Chairman Crawford advised that Adams Construction, Roanoke, VA, had submitted the low bid of $93,919.50 q~n the paving bids and so moved that the proposal from Adams Construction be accepted, 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 - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira. S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye ~ - Chairman Crawford advised .that the sewer line to Draper Mountain had been reviewed. This line installed in 1957, serving two homes. One resident was not being charged for sewer which has now been corrected. The Annual Audit was distributed to Council for review. Recreation Program was discussed and we are in the process of determining the cost of the various programs. Lt was determined that the Senior Center and Gatewood would be included. The tax rate for the upcoming year is also under review by the Committee, along with the collection of taxes twice a year. EMPLOYEE Committee had been informed of legislation effective March 1 wherein State employees RETIREMENT and political subdivision employees can retire at age 55 with 30 years service, without any reduced benefits. Mr. McKeever advised as members of Virginia Supplemental Retirement we can offer this same benefit to our employees. Funding will be at the State level. As questions were raised regarding the 100 retirement benefit at age 55 and if they did possibly reduce the benefit; and to determine the intention of the legislation, this matter tabled until additional information is received. Chairman Crawford advised that at present, we have two people authorized to sign our emergency checking account, Gary Cutlip and D. E. McKeever. BANK Chairman Crawford so moved that Mildred Bolen, Assistant Treasurer, be added to SIGNATURE the signature card, 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 - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye WATER & Chairman Crawford advised that the Town has been requested to accept water and SEWER LINES sewer lines in Bainbridge Subdivision into the Town's system by resolution. These ACCEPTED lines pass all tests. Chairman Crawford moved that the water and sewer lines in the Bainbridge Subdivision be accepted into the Town's System, seconded by Councilman Glenn. Motion carJro~n t~n Jto~ins~onowing4yecorded voJtames R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - eye James M. Neblett - Aye. Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye 81$4 March 17, 1987 For the record, Mr. Terwilliger advised that he had-declared in the past that he had a conflict of interest in this matter and had not participated in any discussions. EMPLOYEE Chairman Crawford advised that Town employees had requested that we add a family HEALTH planning package to our health insurance at an additional cost to the Town of 57G per INSUR9NCE employee per month, and so moved that the family planning package be added to the Town's health insurance policy and that the Town contribution to the employee's health insurance be increased from $55.93 to $56.60 effective May 1, 1987, seconded by Council- man Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye W. H. Schrader - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Copenhaver had no report, however, requested that an Ordinance Committee :meetingb~ scheduled. LAND USE Councilman Schrader, reporting from the Planning Commission, advised they had worked PL_SN very hard on the land use plan, and a public forum had been held March 9th. The Planning Commission is requesting a joint public hearing be held with Council on April 13, 1987, 7:00 p.m. Councilman Schrader made a motion that public hearing be held jointly with the Planning Commission on April 13, 1987, at 7:00 p.m., seconded by councilman Neblett and carried. Copies of the report will be made available to Council and further reviewed in the Ordinance Committee meeting to be held. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Terwilliger advised that one the Memorial Drive question that has come up CONFLIOT on the shopping center; apparently a small portion of this land is owned by Mr. OF INTERES~ester Barker and he has represented Mr. Barker on matters unrelated to this land in the past. There were no objections from any members of Council to his participating in any matter. Under existing law, there is no conflict of interest. Mr. Terwilliger wished to disqualify himself if Council so desired. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. McKeever stated that with-.the resignation of our Building Inspector, there HOUSING REHAB is a need to employ a rehabilitation specialist to assist in the housing grant PROJECT project. The specialist will be paid through grant funds. Beca~.use of the nature and time frame of the project, we believe that only one source exists for the needed service. Councilman Neblett made a motion that this was a sole source matter, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council declare the firm of Thomas A Douthat, Jr. Architect, as the sole source provider of this service for this pro- ject, and that he be awarded the project, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Mr. McKeever is to post notice in accordance with the State Code. Mr. McKeever advised a public hearing was needed on the adopted of the final annexation ordinance. PUBLIC HEARING Councilman Crawford made a motion that public hearing be scheduled for March SCHEDULED ANNEXA. 24, 1987, 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Mr. McKeever advised that the Planning Commission had agreed to let the Town PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED Council set the joint public hearing on Horne Properties Rezoning Request. Council- SHOPPING man Neighbors made a motion that a joint public hearing be scheduled for April 28, CENTER 19$7, at 7:00 p.m. at the Pulaski Middle School, seconded by Councilman Glenn and March 17, 1987 $1$5 carried. Mr. McKeever stated that one concern of annexation attorney regarded the mid year taxation and being able to tax property that is in the corporate limits on January lst. Town Attorney and Town Manager to draft a letter for Attorney General's opinion. Drawings, etc. will be requested from Horne Properties prior to the public hearing so Council will be more informed. PETITION Mr. McKeever advised that a petition had been received to improve the water WATERflow on South Madison. When we received the petition, it was forwarded to the Engineering Department for a report and Council will be informed of necessary improvements when Engineering report has been received. At 8:50 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried. APPROVED: ATTEST: Clerk of Council LJ Mayor