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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-85~'J ~)) 1 a:~'/iro October 15, 1985 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held October 15, 1985, at 7:00 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, James M. Neblett, C. E. Boyd, Jr., James R. Neighbors, 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: Dee Lindsey and Pierre Thomas of the news media Barney Kemp Betty Quesenberry Jake Blevins 12 area. citizens The invocation was given by Councilman Aust. Mayor Hancock welcomed visitors to meeting. OATH OF OFFICE Councilman Neblett advised that Clerk of Council was in receipt of Oath Mayor Hancockof Office for Mayor Hancock, and so moved that the Oath of Office be received and filed, seconded by Councilman Crawford, and carried. Councilman Neblett made a motion that minutes of the regular meeting of October 1, 1985, and minutes of special meeting of October 7, 1985, be approved after correction, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. In hearing from the public, Mr. Barney Kemp asked if Council intended to bring up the proposed alley closing East of Dillon Street. Councilman Boyd made a motion that subject of alley closing be moved up on agenda, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. ALLEY CLOSING Mr. McKeever distributed Viewer's Report on the proposed alley closing. E. OF DILLON STREET The Viewer's report advised an inconvenience would result as lots at South end of street could not be utilized, however, they recommended the alley be physically barricaded approximately 30' to 40' south of Dillon leaving room for a turn around and erect no parking signs. Viewer's Report Date of Report: 10/15/85 Location/Name of Street or Alley proposed to be closed: East of Dillon Street in the Town of Pulaski, Virginia Name of Applicant(s): - The undersigned viewers were requested to report in writing whether in our opinion any, and if any, what, inconvenience would result from dis- continuing the above street/alley. We have personally visited the above location and are of the opinion that: Little or no inconvenience would result from-the closure: or X We are of the opinion that the following inconvenience would result: Lots at South end of street could not be utilized. Other comments/Recommendations: Physically barricade alley 30' to 40' south of Dillon leaving room for turn around and erect no parking signs. /S/ Dennis R. Turman, Viewer /S/ Daniel C. Bell, Viewer /S/ James Gemmell, Viewer In discussion of this closing, Mr. McKeever advised alley would remain open, leaving room for a turn around and property of the Town. No parking and no trespassing signs would be erected. October 15, 1985 ~~ j~ Mr. Terwilliger advised that viewers felt the land in back of alley. would lose value if it did not have access to it. This could cause a problem in reopening alley at a later date if needed. Councilman Aust advised he did not see any utilization of the lots behind alley, and they have frontage from Macgill that they can use. Councilman Aust made a motion to officially close alley off Dillon Street CLOSED with the exception of 50 ft. from center of street to be left open for a turn around. No parking signs to be erected, but Town will not erect barricade, 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 Jacob Blevins, Dora Highway, addressed Council requesting when something PEAK would be done on cleaning Peak Creek. He advised creek had been cleaned but CREEK not as far as the radio station or corporate limits. There is a bottleneck behind his house and water coming down could back up and flood his property. In talking with Town Manager, he was previously advised that to remove slag (across creek from his property) would require permission of property owner. Mr. McKeever stated there is a small "S" curve in Peak Creek behind and near Mr. Blevins' home. A holding company in New York owns property across the creek and in order to rechannel creek (straighten out the "S"), we would need specific state and federal authority. The engineers have informed us that this particular site is not directly responsible for the Dora. Highway flooding. The flooding is caused by the bottleneck just beyond the corporate limits where it narrows and it is not maintained like it is maintained in the corporate limits. We have had two representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers visiting Town in the last two weeks and while they could not commit to helping us financially, they could help us develop plans to resolve the problem. Part of problem is outside corporate limits. Mr. McKeever further stated cleaning creek and widening creek would probably be the most direct method of reducing flood water on Dora Highway but state and federal approval would have to be obtained as aquatic life could be impacted. It was Mr. McKeever's understanding that we had cleaned the creek to the corporate limits. Council discussed this problem at length. Councilman Neblett so moved to refer this matter administratively to Mr. McKeever with him reporting back to Council at next meeting, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried. Mayor Hancock stated he felt it prudent that we find out what has been done and if it has not been cleaned to the corporate limits, we could do this this year. Also we need what else will be required and the costs. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE PEPPERS Chairman Johnston advised that temporary power or permanent power from Ferry Appalachian on 4A pump station has been reviewed by Town Manager and Engineers and it is their feeling that it would be a savings to the Town if we continue with temporary power until we are closer to plant start-up. Chairman Johnston made a motion that Peppers Ferry Authority be notified that we recommend temporary electrical service for the 4A pump station until the plant is nearer completion, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried i ~~f,,,~ October 15, 1985 CEMETERY TRUSTEES/ Land & Bldg. MEETING 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': Chairman Johnston advised that Peppers Ferry had met and progress report and bar graph distributed. POLLUTION AND SANITATION COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report, however, requested Council to read the report prepared Ms. Burgess and Mr. McKeever on the landfill and refuse collection. Chairman Glenn further requested a Pollution and Sanitation Committee meeting be scheduled in the near future to review this report. PERSONNEL, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett advised we have three vacancies on the Grievance Panel and with the appointment of the Mayor, we need to replace him on the Planning Commission. Mayor Hancock will automatically be a member of the National Guard Armory Board. Chairman Neblett requested Council submit to the committee, listings of prospective Town citizens to fill these vacancies. LAND, BUILDINGS AND STREET COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd advised the Lands and Buildings Committee met Wednesday, October 9, 1985, jointly with the Cemetery Trustees. Ms. Burgess had presented a report, and major concern is the expenditure of $15,000 - $20,000 per year from General Fund to Cemetery Fund. Report was written in light of trying to reduce this funding. Chairman Boyd stated the Town was not getting out of the cemetery business. An audit is to be given to the Cemetery Trustees at their request. Both committees were in agreement to make necessary repairs to the cemetery with cost of this work to be obtained and returned to Council by Mr. McKeever. Chairman Boyd further stated that Town Treasurer had advised the Cemetery Trust has $127,000 invested and Trust will meet and try to invest for higher yield interest. Mr. McKeever stated that Mayor also served as a Cemetery Trustee. Mr. Terwilliger is to prepare a court order requesting this appointment. Chairman Boyd stated that recommendation had been made to place an advertisement in the yellow pages with cost of $11.00/month. Plans are to proceed with this advertisement. Reports will be brought back to Council on cost to bring cemeteries up to standard. Chairman Boyd requested Mr. McKeever to bring Council up to date on the downtown lighting, with Mr. McKeever advising that Appalachian Power had been contacted to see if all of the work had been completed. It was Mr. McKeever's understanding that all lights had been installed. Council recommended that lights also go to the "Y" on Route 99 and Randolph Avenue. Chairman Boyd stated Count Pulaski Day will be celebrated Saturday, October 19th. A lot of festivities are planned and they expect a lot of people to be attending. Chairman Boyd requested Mr. McKeever to look at utilization of Town employees to clean up Town as we are going into our Centennial. If Town employees are not available, Chairman Boyd requested recommendation from Mr. McKeever to have this work performed. RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors had no report. October 15, 1985 .~~s)r~ FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford had no report. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Copenhaver advised committee met Wednesday, October 9, 1985. The committee reviewed the Personnel Policy with changes to be made and brought back to the Ordinance Committee. Council requested to turn in their changes as soon as possible. Chairperson Copenhaver stated that committee had again reviewed the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance, and she requested Council discuss Section 16.1- 308 - Manner of Parking. Councilman Neblett stated he felt this section should be deleted, with Councilman Crawford concurring as he felt we had more important problems to try to deal with. Councilman Aust advised he had checked and if section removed, when parking on wrong side of road, police have to write a summons or a warrant. If this goes to court and person is found guilty, they will have to pay $20.00 plus. If ordinance left as it is, ticket will cost $3.00-$5.00. Chairperson Copenhaver stated she felt the Police Department would use good judgment. Councilman Glenn advised decision might be unpopular with some people, but it was the duty of Council to bring the Ordinances of Pulaski up to statutes of Virginia. Further, we are currently having code rewritten to be in compliance with State laws. Council discussed this ordinance at length ORDINANCE Councilman Neblett made a motion that ordinance be adopted, deleting this ADOPTED portion, effective October 15, 1985, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - No Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - No (Copy of this Ordinance Starts on next page) Chairperson Copenhaver advised that Committee is in receipt of Radford's noise ordinance and this will be studied, and hopefully, in the near future, we will have one for the Town of Pulaski. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Chairman Aust had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock advised that the Town had received an award from the American Automobile Association's Annual Pedestrian Protection Evaluation. He hopes that Joe Williams can attend to accept this award in Richmond. Mr. McKeever advised the award is given to cities and states for continued improvement or record of highway safety. We will receive a special citation for outstanding pedestrian program activities. Scores are compiled through total program and records, pedestrian deaths and injuries and pedestrian program activities. Mayor Hancock stated it was his understanding that Council does not have any rules or procedures that they have ever officially enacted. In review with Town Attorney, they felt it might be appropriate to consider Robert's Rules of Order. Town Attorney and Mayor will review further and bring back to Council. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Terwilliger had no report. REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER of f~r~ ANNUAL LEAVES/ EMPLOYEES October 15, 1985 Mr. McKeever informed Council of a VML/VACO Regional Meeting to be held in Roanoke on November 26, 1985, to discuss upcoming goals and issues for the 1986 General Assembly. Water policy legislation will come before the Assembly this year and this issue is most important. Mr. McKeever needs to know by the 1st meeting in November of members attending as registration forms need to be mailed. Mr. McKeever stated four copies of resolutions drawn up for Bank of Virginia, Charter Federal, Bank of Speedwell and Sovran Bank designating people who will sign checks, etc. had been distributed to Council. After Council reviewed and discussed these resolutions, decision was made to obtain resolutions from banks and brought back to Council before final action. Council was informed by memorandum of accumulated annual leave for department heads. Councilman Crawford moved that $467.20, $1,246.56, and $1,858.71 be appropriated to General Fund Account numbers 3101-1001 Police Department Wages, 3201-1001 Fire Department Wages, and 4102-1001 Highways, Streets and Bridges Wages, respectively, from General Fund Unappropriated Surplus to fund the payment for vacation earned over the allowable limit at June 30, 1985, seconded by Councilman Neighbors 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 DEERFIELD DRIVE Mr. McKeever advised Council had previously discussed taking Deerfield INTO TOWN'S Drive into the Town's Street System. Plat, illustrating exactly what would STREET SYS. be taken into System was reviewed by Council.This plat to be attached to permanent copy of Council minutes. Councilman Johnston so moved that Deerfield Drive be accepted into the Town's Street System, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. Mr. McKeever illustrated a survey of the area. of land that will be exchanged with the U.S. Forest Service. At a later date, information will be finalized OOD and final documents brought back to Council. The U.S. Forest Service is trying EXCH. U.S. to expedite the exchange so the Town will not have to pay the special use fee. T Mr. McKeever advised we are still experiencing problems at Gatewood at the turn-around. We now know exactly where State maintenance ends and it is Mr. McKeever's feeling that this will eventually become a law enforcement problem. EMPLOYEES (MEDICARE) Mr. McKeever distributed literature from the ICMA Newsletter outlining a future requirement that all state and local employees be covered by medicare. The Town and its employees would each be required to contribute 1.45 of salaries. Based on F/Y 1985/86 budgeted payroll, this would mean a $25,110 contribution from the Town. Some of the legislation would be effective October 1, 1986 and others say January, 1986. Mr. McKeever further stated that Council may want to consider whether a resolution would be proper to send to our elected officials. Councilman Boyd made a motion that resolution be prepared and sent to Sena- tors and Congressman opposing this legislation, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. Mr. McKeever advised our regular meeting of November 5 falls on Election Day and recommended that date of meeting be changed to November 4th. Councilman Neblett so moved that the November 5th Council Meeting be changed to November 4th at 4:00 p.m., seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Mr. McKeever requested an Executive Session for a legal matter under 2.1-344 (A6), and a personnel matter under 2.1-344 (A3). October 15, 1985 / t.1/G~ Councilman Crawford made a motion that Council go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. At 8:19 p.m. Council went into Executive Session. At 9:13 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session. At 9:14 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion to ajourn, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. APP ED: L~~ Mayor ATTEST: 1 Cle k of Council