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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-85September 17, 1985 ~~11I Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held September 17, 1985, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building There were present: Vice Mayor James R. Neighbors, presiding Councilmembers: John A. Johnston, Robert N. Glenn, James M. Neblett, C. E. Boyd, Jr., Ira S. Crawford, Mary Lou Copenhaver, Glen K. Aust Also present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney D. E. McKeever, Town Manager Anne Burgess, Assistant to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: J. R. Schrader and Eric Randall of the news media Vicki Futrell Tim Venable Janet Johnson Ron Chaffin Barney Kemp Betty Quesenberry Ewell Quesenberry Vance Farmer Billy Martin Hazel Balarger The invocation was given by Vice Mayor Neighbors. Tribute to Vice Mayor Neighbors paid tribute to Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe who died on Mayor RatcliffdSeptember 14, 1985, stating he was a faithful member to his Church, was very dedicated to the Town of Pulaski, very knowledgeable in local, state and federal governments, and was well respected by all who knew him. He stated the Mayor had fought a good fight against his illness, and continued to work while ill. Mayor Ratcliffe was a member of the Rotary Club and he was given a four way test when ~~ he joined. The test stated, is it fair? is it the truth? will it be good for everyone involved? is it beneficial to all concerned? will it build friendship? Vice Mayor Neighbors stated Raymond lived by this. It was the wish of Beverly Ratcliffe that Council meet and continue with business as usual. Two things Mayor Ratcliffe wished completed were Peppers Ferry project and the Pulaski Museum in the Municipal Building. Vice Mayor Neighbors made a motion that we establish the Raymond F. Ratcliffe Museum Memorial Museum Fund to accept cash donations and also any articles that anyone might want to donate for the museum, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Councilman Aust stated the biggest thing we might say, "well done, Thy good and faithful servant".The minutes of the regular meeting of September 3, 1985, and special meeting of September 4, 1985, were approved as recorded. Centennial Ms. Vicki Futrell, Chairperson, Centennial Committee, advised Council of Committee Report the committee's progress and displayed logo for 1986Centennial, which represents <- Pulaski, its future, its spirit, its existence today. Mayor Ratcliffe, a member of this committee, will be missed. The committee had previously agreed to speed up the development of the museum. Plans are unveiling it, if not before, at least unveiling and ribbon cutting for the Memorial Museum on Centennial weekend, which is February 23, 1986. Members of the Centennial Committee, Janet Johnson, Tim Venable, Roy D'Ardenne and Betty Sadler were also in attendance at Council meeting. Committee will report back to Council of progress they have made. Vice Mayor Neighbors expressed appreciation to the Centennial Committee and Ms. Futrell for all their fine efforts. ~~~y~ September 17, 1985 Vice Mayor Neighbors stated as advertised, now was the time and place to have PUBLIC a public hearing on an alley closing, East of Dillon Street. HEARING Barney Kemp, 893 Dillon Street, spoke against the closing of this alley as ALLEY CLOSING he stated it was used as a turn around place for trucks and it would place a hardship on him. Ms. Betty Quesenberry, Ewell Quesenberry and Vance Farmer addressed Council in favor of closing the alley stating teenagers park in alley, teenagers tear up fence, and they cannot get to house as trucks block entrances for long periods of time. Mr. Terwilliger advised that statute states viewers should be appointed after the public hearing. A report has been received and it will be resubmitted to viewers for resigning and conclusion. Councilman Boyd so moved this be turned back to viewers, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. In hearing from the public, Billy Martin stated a petition had been presented to Council requesting help for Mrs. Lizzie Collins, 602 Hickory Ave. A neighbor, Mrs. Charles Jones, has erected a 8 ft. board fence, and Mrs. Collins, age 85, cannot see out of her windows and also blocks out the air. Mrs. Collins daughter, Mrs. Hazel Balarger, also addressed Council asking if something could not be done as it is very ugly and neighbors cannot see if Mrs. Collins needs help. Mr. McKeever stated there is nothing in Town Code that regulates fences. Councilman Johnston stated he had viewed the fence and had talked with the Town Engineer and Building Inspector. He was informed they were unable to do anything under our present ordinance system as the fence was on the Jones' property. He suggested someone could act as a mediator and talk with Mrs. Jones regarding her fence.Councilman Boyd made a motion that this be referred to the Police Department for administration, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. Councilperson Copenhaver asked Town Attorney if Ordinance Committee could not look at this, with Mr. Terwilliger advising Council could legislate this area on fences. Existing fences are going to be grandfathered in. Mr. Terwilliger further advised he had informed Mrs. Balarger there is a volume on spiked fences and blocking of air and he had suggested that she contact a private attorney and get private advice as he is not in the position to offer her legal advice. There may be private remedies available to this lady. As there were no further comments from the public, Vice Mayor Neighbors called for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston advised that Peppers Ferry had met and would meet again this week. An updated bar graph on the progress made on several contracts, amount of money being spent; copy of effect of plant expansion and also some new formulas that have been devised were distributed to Council. We have been trying to help the Authority move forward on the expansion and to make it as palatable as possible for the County to proceed with its plans for capacity in plant. POLLUTION AND SANITATION COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report. PERSONNEL, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett had no report. LAND, BUILDINGS AND STREETS COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd had no report. RECREATION COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors had no report. but stated the County is studying a County- wide recreation program. Dave Hart, Recreation Director, is serving on this task September 17, 1985 ~~ ~ 9 force. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford had no report. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Copenhaver advised the Ordinance Committee met on September 16, 1985. Committee discussed the Fair Labor Standards Act and a draft is being drawn up and is to be presented at the next committee meeting. The committee discussed at length the traffic and motor vehicle ordinance and a decision on entire ordinance will be forthcoming. Chairperson Copenhaver advised that Councilman Glenn, Chairman of Pollution and Sanitation Committee had advised we should develop a plan on disposing of trash. This subject came up as many of the dumpsters in the Town are being used by unauthorized persons and it is possible we would need an ordinance covering this. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Chairman Aust had no report. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Terwilliger advised that he and Mr, McKeever had been contacted by Dr. Gus Vlahos, an area dentist, and his counsel, Mr. Darby of Roanoke, regarding INDUSTRIALapplication by Dr. Vlahos to the Pulaski County Industrial Development Authority DEV. RUTH. to assist in .financing a new dental office in the Dublin area. The County does -BONDS- not have enough of its allocation of private activity bonds left to finance this. They have asked that we reallocate to them $75,000 of the Town's portion. Council was requested to consider this matter and to also consider the balance, as it is there to be given and should be reallocated at next meeting of Council. A resolution was presented authorizing the Town Manager to execute the necessary documentation to reallocate bonds in the amount of $75,000 to the County. Councilman Glenn so moved adoption of resolution, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye RESOLUTION REALLOC ATING PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, has had allocated to it Private Activity Bonds in accordance with Executive Order Number 54 of Governor Charles S. Robb; and, WHEREAS, under said Executive Order, the Town may reallocate all or a portion of its Private Activity Bonds to Pulaski County, Virginia; and, WHEREAS, Gus C. Vlahos, D.D.S., has requested the Town Council to reallocate $75,000.00 of the Town's allocation to the County of Pulaski, Virginia; and, WHEREAS., it appears that the reallocation will benefit residents of the Town of Pulaski, as well as the County of Pulaski; NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia., sitting in regular session on September 17, 1985, that $75,000 of the Town of Pulaski's Private Activity Bonds be, and hereby are, reallocated to the County of Pulaski, Virginia. The Town Manager is hereby authorized to execute the necessary documentation to reallocate said bonds to the County of Pulaski or to its Industrial Bond Authority, as the County may direct. This Resolution is effective upon adoption. I~~o September 17, 1985 TRAFFIC LIGHT BOB WHT. & MEMORIAL AGREEMENT REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. McKeever advised we have received an agreement from the State between the Town of Pulaski and the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation for the traffic light at intersection of Bob White Blvd. and Memorial Drive. The agreement calls for the Town to share 5~ of the total cost of the project, estimated at $4,917.90. The Town would also be responsible to maintain the project once it is completed. Councilman Boyd so moved that the Town Manager and Town Attorney be authorized to sign the agreement, seconded by Councilman Glenn Total cost of project is $98,357.99 and will have eight lights. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Mr. McKeever stated Council was in receipt of the Planning Commission's ICOMPREHENSIVErecommendation concerning the implementation of Goal 3 of the Comprehensive Plan, PLAN and were requested to review the document and forward any comments to the Planning Commission, perhaps through Councilman Boyd, our representative on the Commission. Councilman Boyd encouraged Council to submit their comments. Mr. McKeever advised there is another public hearing scheduled to solicit WATER public comments and suggestions on the proposed legislation which would govern the source and withdrawal of water. The hearing is scheduled for October 10, 1985, at 7:30 p.m, in Roanoke. Information from the New River Valley Planning District ~ Commissionwhich includes their analysis of the issue was distributed. Mr. McKeever recommended the Utility Committee meet and discuss the issue, as this might be the most significant legislation that appears before the General Assembly this year. Mr. McKeever stated that as an ongoing project to correct the I & I that flows GRANT into the Town's sewage system and because of the requirements of Peppers Ferry 1 that we improve our I & I, the Town is applying for a grant from the State Water Control Board which would allow the Town to correct its infiltration/inflow problem. The grant would pay for 75~ of the costs and the Town would be responsible for 25~ or $9,312.50. Total cost of project is $37,250. This money would be spent on replacing manholes, remove roof drains and replace a 50 ft. sewer line. Councilman Boyd so moved that authorization be given to proceed with the grant application for submission to the State Water Control Board, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Mr. McKeever reminded Council of the Virginia Municipal League Conference in Roanoke beginning September 22 and encouraged members to attend the VML meetings Mr. McKeever reequested Council approve an Executive Session on a legal matter (A6) and a personnel matter (Al) under Section 2.1-344 of the Code of Virginia. Councilman Neblett so moved that Council go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Boyd. Vice Mayor Neighbors stated there were several commissions that Mayor Ratcliffe served on that Council needs to consider sometime in the near future. At present, we have two alternates on Peppers Ferry Authority and one on the New River Valley Airport Commission. Motion carried for Council to go into Executive Session. September 17, 1985 ~~~~ At 8:00 p.m. Council went into Executive Session. At 8:34 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session. Mr. Terwilliger requested an Executive Session on another personnel matter (A1) 2.1-344. Councilman Neblett so moved that Council go back into Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Boyd and Carried. At 8:35 p.m. Council went back into Executive Session. At 8:44 p.m. Council returned to regular session. Councilman Neblett moved that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. APPROVED: Vice Mayor ATTEST: ~.u.~`i. Clerk of Council 1