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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-86~~ ~s February 4, 19$6 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held February 4, 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, 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: Dee Lindsey and Pierre Thomas of the news media Philip M. Sadler Thomas J. McCarthy, Jr. William Randles, Cablentertainment, Inc. Barbara. Manuel - Cablentertainment, Inc. Vicki Futrell Bill Griffith - C & P Telephone Co. The invocation was given by Councilman Neblett. Councilman Neblett moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 14, 1986, and special meetings of January 17, 1986, and January 23, 1986, be approved as published, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Mayor Hancock presented, and Councilman Glenn read a resolution designating this year as the Centennial Year for the Town. Councilperson Copenhaver made a motion that Resolution be adopted as read, seconded by Councilman Glenn, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Absent 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 CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL RESOLUTION RESOLUTION WHEREAS, there came first a railroad watering station, known as Martin's Tank, which already had great promise by virtue of its strategic location and accessible terrain; and, WHEREAS, from that humble beginning, a thriving settlement did grow, which was duly given its charter by the General Assembly of Virginia. on February 24, 1886; this new town, called Pulaski, taking its name in honor of the Polish Count Casimir Pulaski, a victim of the Revolutionary War during the seige of Savannah, to whom tribute is still paid during Count Pulaski days each October; and, WHEREAS, on account of those early industries which grew up in zinc and iron, the Town of Pulaski was often referred to as "the Gem City of the South", a clear signal that its destiny was to be bold and thriving; and, WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski, watched over by scenic Draper Mountain within its borders, and with Peak Creek rippling through its downtown, did prosper with the coming of many industries who chose to locate within or close to its corporate limits including the manufacturing and processing of furniture, yarn, clothing, components for magnetic tape, precision machine parts, and textile processing; and, WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski, still retaining the nuances of a 19th century industrial center has been acclaimed and designated as a Commercial Historical District by the Virginia Historical Landmarks Commission; and, WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski, continuing to endure and prosper, has appro- priately chosen as its centennial motto "A new century, A new spirit," reflecting the energy and enthusiasm that has guided its residents, spurring community growth, pride and progress over the past 100 years. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Pulaski Town Council that the Town of Pulaski be recognized by its 100th anniversary, and be it RESOLVED, FURTHER, that the year 1986 be designated as the Centennial year for the Town of Pulaski. ~r~-~ February 4, 1986 ~~:~' ~' Scheduled registered speaker, Mr. Philip M. Sadler, representing West Point- Pepperell, Inc. is associated with Mayor Hancock's law firm and he requested APPLIC. Councilman Boyd, Chairman of Lands and Buildings Committee to preside over this FOR STREET Portion of Council meeting. CLOSING Mr. Sadler presented an application to close a portion of East Street located between West Point-Pepperell's properties and adjoining the southern side of its Bond-Cote manufacturing plant. Town easement on this property will be preserved. Councilman Neblett so moved that this application be referred to the Lands and Buildings Committee for consideration, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Scheduled register speaker, Mr. Thomas J. McCarthy, Jr, representing Cablentertainment, Inc., was also associated with Mayor Hancock's law firm, and Mayor Hancock requested CABLE Councilperson Copenhaver, Chairperson of the Ordinance Committee, to preside over TV this portion of meeting.Mr. McCarthy addressed Council requesting, under subsection H, of 626 of the Cable Policy Act of 1984, that Council do the informal procedure at this time with regard to the renewal of the cable television franchise for the Town of Pulaski. Cablentertainment, Inc. advised in November, 1985, that they wished to renew its franchise due to reorganization and streamlining the company. He further requested Council to consider public hearing for the next meeting of Council and asked that the proper committee of Council review the proposed ordinance. Mr. Terwilliger advised there are two different Acts involved. One is the Federal statute and one is the State statute. Under federal statute, it only pertains to cable operators and if they make a proposal such as this, basically the Town can either grant or deny this informal proposal and then can have a more formal proceeding as well. The informal hearing basically states, afford the public adequate notice and opportunity to comment on their proposal. More formal is to identify future needs and interest, and then to review the performance of the cable operator and give public a chance to comment on it. These are under the federal Act. State law requires for any franchise that we have to advertise for four weeks and have a written ordinance basically to show the public during that four week period should they want to review. Mr. Terwilliger had suggested to Mr. McCarthy who had originally asked to have both hearings on the same day, to perhaps have the Ordinance Committee going over and drawing up a draft for next meeting and listen to the public to see if there was anything more that Council would want to add to its proposed ordinance. When Ordinance Committee is satisfied with what they have, they can then set the second public hearing which requires four weeks notice. Councilman Glenn moved that we set a public hearing on February 18, 1986, at 7:00 p.m, to afford the public a chance to participate in: 1) Identifying future cable related community needs and interests; and 2) Reviewing PUBLIC the performance of Cablentertainment of Virginia. under the existing franchise; HEARING SCH. and 3) Gathering any other information that might be helpful in drafting a renewal franchise, including: determining if any other cable operators are interested. He further moved that the Ordinance Committee begin a draft ordinance to be put in final form after this public hearing, so that another public hearing can be held. Chairperson Copenhaver advised an Ordinance Committee meeting is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., February 10, 1986. Ms. Vicki Futrell, co-chairman of the Centennial Committee, addressed Council giving calendar of events for the remainder of this year. She stated the committee 1 ~ ~ C7 February 4, 1986 had been working very hard and committee and citizens are very enthused over their plans for these events.Mayor Hancock expressed appreciation to Ms. Futrell for all her efforts and hard work. Mr. Jim Griffith, local manager of C & P Telephone Company visited with Council. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston advised that a Peppers Ferry meeting would be held Thursday, February 6, and Council invited to attend. PEPPERS Mr. McKeever advised that EPA will now approve payment requests up to 95~ FERRY level. Also, C & P reimbursed the Peppers Ferry in the amount of $22,558.15 for change order on Contract 3B. This amount will be applied toward our next payment. POLLUTION AND SANITATION COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report, however, requested Mr. McKeever to schedule a Pollution and Sanitation Committee meeting. PERSONNEL, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett had no report. L.~,IVD, BUILDINGS AND STREETS COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd had no report, but requested Mr. McKeever to schedule a Lands and Buildings Committee meeting. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock advised the Lutheran Church had requested the Town to look into making repairs to the alley that runs up beside their Church. Also, an individual has contacted him with a request to purchase a small piece of property adjacent to Loving Field. Mayor Hancock requested the Lands and Buildings Committee to review this request. RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors absent. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised the Finance Committee met January 28, and reviewed reimbursement to the General Fund for various items already purchased and approved. Chairman Crawford moved that the Town Treasurer be authorized to reimburse the General Fund for actual expenditures through December 31, 1985, appropriated from Revenue Sharing funds as follows: 106-5101-3002 /Professional Services $13,960.06 5417 Street Cleaning-Nuisance Abatement 5,000.00 7001.01 Fire Department M & E 2,200.00 7002.02 Treasurers Dept. Furniture & Fixtures 2,946.95 7002..04 Fire Department Furniture & Fixtures 2,000.00 7005.02 Police Dept. Motor Vehicles 5,798.79 7005.04 Streets - Motor Vehicle 7,894.02 7007.01 ADP Equipment - Treasurer 235.00 7007.02 ADP Equipment - Engineer 5,386.83 7011.01 Improvements Other Than Buildings-Creek Cleanin g 5,423.53 7014.02 Street Improvements 42.50 7015.02 Senior Center Roof Repair 3,412.33 7016 Professional Services 247.27 7020 Construction - Gatewood House 20,000.00 Total $74,547.28 Motion seconded by Cou ncilman Boyd and carried on the following record ed vote: John A. John ston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Absent Robert N. Gl enn - Aye Ira. S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neb lett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye PURCHASES Chairman Crawford advised $5,300.00 had been budgeted for additio nal equipment FOR at Gatewood and they have requested permission to spend $3,500.00 for 10 electric GATEWOOD motors - $900.00; 10 batteries - $500.00, 3 canoes - $1,200.00 and lumber and supplies February 4, 1986 (~~"' ,~~~ ~9 to completethe ampitheatre project - $900.00. Chairman Crawford so moved that $3,500.00 previously budgeted to Revenue Sharing for Gatewood equipment be approved for expenditure, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Absent 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 Crawford advised we had a request for a section of guardrail at the intersection of Macgill Street and Burgis Avenue, and so moved that $449.00 be appropriated to account No. 4102-5407, Highways, Streets and Bridges, Sidewalks, GUARDRAIL from General Fund unappropriated surplus and be approved for expenditure, seconded M.4CGILL & by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: BURGIS John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Absent 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 Crawford stated a request had been received to place 90 ft. of guardrail at Newbern Road and Memorial Drive. This road has been barricaded but cars are driving around barricade, going through private yards. Guardrail would cost $671.50, and committee felt signs should be installed before making this expenditure in attempt to alleviate the problem. POLICE Chairman Crawford advised we have budgeted $23,000 to purchase two new police DEPT. cars. Under State contract, each car would cost $10,777.77 for a total of $21,555.54. CARS At present, the two cars that need replacing are approaching 100,000 miles. One of the two cars replaced would be assigned to the Engineering Department, and one car would be sold. Chairman Crawford moved that $21,555.54 previously budgeted to Revenue Sharing for police vehicles be approved for expenditure to purchase two police cars, seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Absent 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 Crawford advised the committee discussed Revenue Sharing and Mr. McKeever had advised that the April and July payment will have a 5~ reduction REVENUE on it, but felt this could easily be absorbed. In October, final payment will SH_4RING be reduced by 38~. We have $131,000 in paving money allocated to Revenue Sharing and we are working to shift some of this over to the General Fund. The committee also discussed the street projects that need to be completed.It was also felt that the reassessment would create more revenue for the Town. The committee discussed the possibility of going to a two-payment type system for payment of taxes rather than once a year. Councilman Johnston suggested that we talk with the County and possibly work something out with them so half payment could be made twice a year. Councilman Johnston so moved that Mr. McKeever be authorized to talk with the County and bring report back to Council, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried.. Chairman Crawford stated we had previously authorized that Draper-Aden continue with survey of area. to be annexed. Cost will run about 35C per ft. for about 38,000 ft. at a total cost of approximately $11,000-$13,000. It will take 60 days to complete this survey. Committee also discussed employee health insurance and increase in premium. A number of employees have either dropped family coverage or dropped coverage entirely. There is some indication that the employees would prefer to have the "7~-~~ February 4, 1986 higher. deductible.. Mr. McKeever stated employees would be polled as to their preference. Chairman Crawford advised committee had discussed the Centennial Committee and they are in need of some additional funds. $2,000 was budgeted to the committee in 1984/85 that went unspent and $2,000 was budgeted in 1985/86 which has been spent on logo, public relations, etc. Chairman Crawford moved that $2,000.00 be appropriated to General Fund Account CENTENNIAL No. 1201-507018, Town Centennial Celebration from General Fund unappropriated surplus and that it be approved for expenditure, and the Centennial Committee to be accountable for money spent and report back to Council, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Absent Ira. S. Crawford - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye The Finance Committee also discussed the parking problem around the municipal building. Mr. McKeever is to look into the possibilities of alleviating this problem. Councilman Aust questioned the ladderwagon referred to the Finance Committee; the guardrail on Mt. Olivet and also the Rt. 11 sewer line. Mr. McKeever advised the guardrail would cost $17,000 and they are trying to include this in the budget. The Finance Committee will review the ladderwagon and Rt. 11 sewer line at their next meeting. Councilperson Copenhaver requested that Mrs. Palmer be written a letter notifying here that signs are to be installed at Newbern Road and Memorial Drive to prevent traffic crossing her yard, and if this does not stop the traffic, barricade will be installed. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Copenhaver reminded members that committee would meet on February 10th at 4:00 p.m. Committee will also review the Church bus situation as discussed in last meeting. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Chairman Aust had no report. Councilman Johnston questioned the Volunteers of the Fire Department requesting donations and asked how this money was spent. Councilman Aust advised these funds were used for insurance for volunteers, dress uniforms, etc. Mr. McKeever is to provide copy of letter mailed out and also a copy of last year's audit to Council. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Terwilliger requested an Executive Session under 2.1-344 (A6) of the Code of Virginia. 1 REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. McKeever advised that comments on the Norfolk and Western Hearing were included in packets that have been forwarded to the State Corporation Commission. Mr. McKeever stated that Student Government Day would be held March 18. 8th Graders from Pulaski Middle School will be filling various offices of Town officials. Mr. McKeever informed Council that the Gatewood Land exchange had been consummated. GATEWOOD Mayor Hancock has signed the deed granting the land that has been designated to be transferred to the U. S. Forest Service. The U. S. Forest Service has forwarded a deed to us of land that we will be receiving. Once deed is filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court, any fees associated with user fees or special use permit fees will be waived as we no longer have water impounded on the U. S. Forest Service property. February 4, 1986 ~~~ The proposed annexation moratorium bill was distribed to Council. This places a freeze on annexation suits between cities and counties. This does not include Towns. Also excluded are negotiated settlements. Mr. McKeever distributed a copy of the actual bill of the Town Charter that has now been passed by the House and will be heard this week in the Senate. Some language changes were made. A copy of letter to Governor Baliles and Council's resolution supporting the construction of a Regional Center for Economic Development at New River Community College had been distributed. For permanent record, copy of this resolution is in minutes. Resolution adopted at the January 23, 1986, council meeting. RESOLUTION BY THE TOWN OF PUL.~,SKI IN SUPPORT OF RESOLUTION FUNDING OF ANEW RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL CENTER FOR CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOP. WHEREAS, the 1986 General Assembly is now considering a proposal to create a New River Valley Regional Center for Economic Development to be located at New River Community College, Dublin, Virginia.; and, WHEREAS, said Center would serve to integrate regional political and economic interest into a unified effort to promote the economic development of the New River Valley; and WHEREAS, said center would provide needed facilities to aid regional government bodies, industries and businesses in developing the New River Valley Region; NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in Special Session on January 23, 1986, that said Council should and hereby does heartily endorse the concept of a New River Valley Regional Valley Center for Economic Development and strongly supports the funding of this project by the 1986 General Assembly. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager is authorized and directed to forward copies of this Resolution to The Honorable Gerald L. Baliles, Governor; The Honorable Daniel W. Bird, Jr., Senator; The Honorable Madison E. Marye, Senator; The Honorable Hunter B. Andrews, Senator; The Honorable Stanley C. Walker; Senator; The Honorable Edward E. Willey, Senator; The Honorable Robert B. Ball, Sr., Delegate; The Honorable V. Earl Dickinson, Delegate; The Honorable Dorothy S. McDiarmid, Delegate; The Honorable J. Robert Dobyns, Delegate; The Honorable Joan H. Munford, Delegate; The Honorable C. Jefferson Stafford, Delegate, as indication of the support for this proposal. This Resolution is effective upon adoption and is adopted this 23rd day of Jan- uary, 1986, by unanimous vote of all members voting of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia. Mr. McKeever has received letters from Senator Marye, Senator Bird, Delegate Dobyns advising appreciation of Council's resolution, and will make effort to see that bill is adopted by full State Assembly. A copy will also be forwarded to New River Community College. SEWER Mr. McKeever advised a sewer request had been received from a property owner in REQUEST the Cool Springs Area. who was initially excluded from the Cool Springs sewer project because of design problem. Mrs. Hickman requested that we install sewer to her house. There is a ravine that we would need to go under to meet health department and building code restrictionsand this places of 4' below the sewer line that is in the street. The house does not have a septic because of the problem with rock on the property. Nearest sewer line would be about 600 ft. at an approximate cost of $3,000 plus legal fees as three easements would have to be obtained. Councilman Glenn moved that the Town not install the sewer connection as it would not be cost effective, and Mr. McKeever is to write owner advising her. to seek a private contractor to install the line, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried. Mr. McKeever advised that VML Legislative Day will be February 20th beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the John Marshall Hotel. There will be a presentation on the Gramm-Rudman Bill, a budget reduction bill. Councilmembers wishing to attend were requested to let the Town Manager know as quickly as possible. Mr. McKeever advised the Town offices would be closed on February 17 in observance ~~~ February 4, 19$6 of Washington's birthday. Mr. McKeever distributed Legislative Bulletins and called Council's attention to some of the pending legislation before the General Assembly. He mentioned SB 90 which abolishes sovereign immunity for local governments, and suggested Council adopt a resolution that opposes SB 90 and forward to our representatives. Councilman Johnston so moved that Town Attorney be authorized to prepare the resolution, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. Mr. McKeever will continue to distribute these bulletins as received and call Council's attention to specific legislation where there is an interest. Mr. McKeever requested an Executive Session on a personnel matter under 2.1-344 (A1). Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. At 5:13 p.m. Council went into Executive Session. At 5:51 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session on motion made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Mayor Hancock expressed Council's condolences to Mr. McKeever on the death of his Mother. At 5:53 p.m. on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried, Council adjourned. APP VED: Mayor ATTEST: U .V lerk of Council 1