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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-86February 18, 1986 7~'~ 3 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held February 18, 19$6, 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 Thomas J. McCarthy, Jr. ,William Randles, Cablentertainment, Inc. Barbara Manuel, Cablentertainment, Inc. James M. Sage Garnet Kingrea Charles Dalton James Lawson Pauline Mitchell Ray Marshall Larry Dalton Eddie Carter Mrs. 0. M. Duncan 2 Area. Citizens The invocation was given by Councilman Aust. Councilman Neblett moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of February 4, 1986, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. PUBLIC Mayor Hancock stated the first matter on agenda. was a public hearing to gather HEARING information to renew a cable television franchise. As one of Mayor Hancock's law partners is the attorney for Cablentert moment, Inc., Vice Mayor Neighbors presided over this portion of the meeting. \\ James M. Sage, Garnet Kingrea, Charles Dalton, James Lawson, Pauline Mitchell, ,,~, „•; Ray Marshall, Larry Dalton and Eddie Carter advised Council of problems they have experienced with cable television, felt rates were too high for services offered, and that basic cable should include more channels. Complaints also included billing problems, number of times cable went out, and length of time to get cable repaired. Mr. McKeever advised that to date, this is the only cable company to respond to our advertisements. He further commented on the Cable Policy Act as to what the Town can and cannot do. Mr. Terwilliger advised that the Town has no control over rate increases as this is allowed them by federal law. He further stated the Ordinance Committee was trying to get some type of written complaint procedure. This would enable us to determine how many people are having problems and what was done about it in the future. Mr. William Randles, Senior Vice President of Cablentertainment, Inc. advised they acquired cable television system in 1977. Since that time, they have spent a total of $1,057,000.00 on capital expenditures. He stated complaints voiced were on rate category, number of programs available and service. Mr. Randles stated they have contract crews working as well as their own maintenance crews. He stated that service disruption shouldbe reported immediately as they felt they had 24 hour service. He stated problems would be resolved one way or the other. Each channel has to be paid for in royalty payments. They felt they had done a good job in keeping the basic level of service down to an affordable level. Mr. McCarthy stated that of the 2,000 subscribers they have, Council had heard complaints from .025 of 1~ of subscribers. He further thanked citizens for coming out and voicing complaints and they will address them. He asked Council if they may go forward with the franchising process. Vice Mayor Neighbors advised that the Ordinance Committee would review all information received at this meeting. ~~~~ February 1$, 198b Scheduled registered speaker, Mrs. Pauline Mitchell, addressed Council with the request that the cast iron fountain be moved from the Filter Plant back to Jackson Park. She felt this fountain would be enjoyed by the citizens of Pulaski. Mayor Hancock advised that the Director of Public Works has indicated that fountain can be repaired and Lands and Buildings Committee is reviewing to determine if it can be moved to Jackson Park. Hopefully, this decision can be made by the next meeting of Council. Mrs. O. M. Duncan, member of Trinity Lutheran Church, addressed Council with the request that the alley beside their Church be black topped as it is the only entrance to the Church parking lot. Mayor Hancock advised this request was already in the Lands and Buildings Committee, and an estimate cost has been requested. No work can be done on the alley in the winter months. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston had no report, however, a copy of the 1984/85 Peppers Ferry audit was distributed for Council's information. POLLUTION AND SANITATION COMMITTEE Chairman Glenn had no report. PERSONNEL, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett presented resolution appointing Mr. Norris Spraker as a member of the Pulaski Re-Development and Housing Authority and reappointing Mr. Philip M. Sadler to the same authority. Councilman Neighbors so moved that resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Boyd,and carried. Resolution Appointing Norris Spraker as a Member of RESOLUTION - and Reappointing Philip M. Sadler to APPTS. TO RE-DEV. The Pulaski Re-Development and Housing Authority & HOUSING AUTH. WHEREAS, certain vacancies have occurred by expiration of terms, resignation, or otherwise on the Town of Pulaski Re-Development and Housing Authority; and, WHEREAS, the Council desires to appoint Norris Spraker as a member of the Pulaski Re-Development and Housing Authority; and, WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia., did previously appoint Philip M. Sadler to serve on the Pulaski Re-Development and Housing Authority, and; WHEREAS, said Philip M. Sadler is willing to be reappointed to said Authority;. NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia., sitting in regular session on February 18, 1986, does hereby appoint Norris Spraker to serve on the Pulaski Re-Development and Housing Authority for a term of four years, that is until February 18, 1990, or until his successor is duly appointed and qualified; and does hereby reappoint Philip M. Sadler to serve on the Pulaski Re-Development and Housing Authority fora term of four years, that is until February 18, 1990, or until his successor is duly appointed and qualified. This resolution shall be effective upon its adoption. Adopted this 18th day of February, 1986. Chairman Neblett presented resolution increasing two more positions and appointing Eloise Macgill and Tamara Nash to the Beautification Committee and reappointing Virginia. Kelly to the same committee. Councilman Neighbors so moved that resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. February 18, 1986 ~~~~ RESOLUTION Resolution APPTS. TO Appointing Eloise Macgill and Tamara Nash BEAUTIFICATION and Reappointing Virginia Kelly COMMITTEE to the Town of Pulaski Beautification Committee WHEREAS, certain vacancies have occurred in the Town of Pulaski Beautification Committee by William T. Smith, Jr, resigning from said Committee; and WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, wishes to expand the Committee by adding two more positions; and, WHEREAS, ELOISE MACGILL AND TAM.AR4 N:1SH have indicated their willingness to serve as members of said Committee; and WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, did previously appoint Virginia Kelly to serve on the Town of Pulaski Beautification Committee, to serve until March 1, 1986, or such time as her successor was duly appointed; and, WHEREAS, said VIRGINIA KELLY is willing to be reappointed to said Committee; NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in regular session on February 18, 1986, does hereby appoint Eloise Macgill and Tamara Nash to service for a term of three (3) years on said Committee, that is, until February 18, 1989, or until their successors are duly appointed and qualified; and does hereby reappoint Virginia Kelly to serve on said Committee for a term of three (3) years, that is, until March 1, 1989, or until her successor is duly appointed and qualified. This Resolution is effective upon its adoption. Adopted this 18th day of February, 19$6. Cha.irma.n Neblett presented resolution increasing the Town Planning Commission by one member, and appointing William T. Smith, Jr. and Michael J. Barbour to the Planning Commission to four year terms. Councilman Neighbors so moved that resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. RESOLUTION APPOINTING WILLIAM T. SMITH, JR. AND MICHAEL J. B.ARBOUR TO THE TOWN OF PULASKI PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTI0~1_ APPTS. WW~HEREAS, vacancy has occurred on the Town of Pulaski Planning Commission by the TO expiration of the term of JANET JOHNSON: AND PLANNING COMM. WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 15.1-437 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, The Town Council has the authority to appoint not less than 5, nor more than 15 members, of the local Planning Commission, and it is the desire of the Town Council to add an additional member to said Commission; and, WHEREAS, William T. Smith, Jr., and Michael J. Barbour have indicated their willingness to serve as members of said Commission; NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in regular session on February 18, 1986, does hereby appoint William T. Smith, Jr. and Michael J. Barbour to service on the TOWN OF PULASKI PLANNING COMMISSION for a term of four (4) years, that is until February 18, 1990. This Resolution shall be effective upon its adoption. Adopted this 18th day of February, 1986. LAND, BUILDINGS AND STREETS COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd advised the committee had reviewed the request of West Point- Pepperell to close a portion of East Street, and so moved that a public hearing be scheduled for March 11, 1986, at 4:00 p.m., seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Mr. Terwilliger advised that representatives of the Municipal Code Corp. would be visiting on March 4th. Chairman Boyd advised we had received a request to purchase property adjacent ~~'~6 February 18, 1986 to Loving Field.. 'and so moved that we advertise this property for sale, seconded by Councilman Glenn. PROPERTY Mr. Terwilliger advised that a plat, and it be signed off by County Planner, LOVING was necessary before this lot could be sold. Also, some Councilmembers were not sure FIELD where property was located as a. map was not available. Councilman Neighbors made a substitute motion that Town Manager bring back to Council a detailed plat of the property to be advertised for sale along with general description of metes & bounds, and information requested by Mr. Terwilliger, seconded by Councilman Boydand so carried. Chairman Boyd advised that committee had discussed improvements and repairs to CEMETERY be made at the cemeteries and possibly that Trust Fund monies could be used for these repairs. Miss Burgess advised that the Trust Fund was set up for the purpose of maintenance ,~ and perpetual care at later date but it was understood principle and interest should be allowed to build up so that the cemeteries would be self supporting at some future date. Mr. Terwilliger advised that one of the things the interest from the fund was supposed to be used for was general care and maintenance of the cemeteries. Mr. McKeever recommended that we call the Cemetery Trustees together again in the near future and bring Mr. Terwilliger in to provide some advice for them as to what the Trust allows them to do. A list of priorities will be prepared. RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors had no report. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised the committee had met February 12, 1986. The Route 11 sewer line was discussed and we are presently getting an update of the cost estimate. Guardrails for Mt. Olivet Road and Alum Spring Road were discussed. These guardrails will cost approximately $17,000 each. Chairman Crawford stated we had a request from the Senior Center to contribute $1,600 toward the purchase of a new van. The Finance Committee still has this matter under consideration. The Finance Committee discussed a part-time cleaning crew consisting of students during the summer to clean up the Town.Chairman Crawford stated the committee discussed the possible hiring of a part-time public relations person and the elimination of two positions in the Town. Chairman Crawford advised the committee discussed the N & W easement on Peppers Ferry. Language changes have been requested in this easement. Chairman Crawford stated they had a brief discussion on the real estate taxes on which they are looking at the possibility of splitting up and making payment twice a year in conjunction with the County. This is still being investigated. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Councilman Glenn presented an Ordinance amending Title 16.1 of Town Code dealing with Motor Vehicles and Traffic, and so moved that this ordinance be adopted, and reading of ordinance be waived. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried AMENDMENT MOTOR on the following recorded vote: VEHICLE John A. Johnston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye & Robert N. Glenn - Aye Ira. S. Crawford - Aye TRAFFIC James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver -Aye ORDINANCE C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye ORDIN.~NCE AMENDING TITLE 16.1 OF TOWN CODE DE.~ILING WITH MOTOR VEHICLES AND TR_~,FFIC February 18, 1986 ~~~ BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, that Title 16.1 of the Town Code be, and hereby is, amended as follows: 1. Section 16.1-202 is amended by the addition of an eighth category of vehicle, which is excepted from the Town licensing requirement. The additional paragraph shall read: "(8) Any daily rental passenger vehicle, the rental of which is subject to the tax imposed by Section 58.1-2402A4 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended". 2. Section 16.1-203 is amended by the addition of a new paragraph (h) dealing with the proration of tax for licenses issued on or after December 1 of any current tax year. The additional paragraph shall read: "(h) Whenever an owner is not assessable with a license tax on any vehicle until on or after December 1, and prior to March 1 in any current tax year, then he shall pay three-fourths of the tax required by this article; or whenever an owner is not assessable with a license tax until on or after March 1 and prior to June 1 in any year, then he shall pay one-half of the tax required by this article; or if he is assessable after June 1 he shall pay one-third of the tax required for one year." 3. Section 16.1-204 (c) is amended to read: "(c) Buses. On every motor vehicle operated as a bus for the transportation of passengers for hire, the license tax shall be five dollars, plus fifty cents per hundred pounds of weight or fraction thereof, as determined by manufacturer's shipping weight, and such tax shall not be in lieu of any other license required under the provisions of this article. On every motor vehicle operated as a bus for the transportation of passengers, but not for hire, the license tax shall be twenty dollars when the empty weight of such vehicle is four thousand pounds or less, and twenty-five dollars if the empty weight of such vehicle exceeds four thousand pounds." 4. Section 16.1-204 is amended to add a maximum fee on all vehicles through the addition of a paragraph (f). Said paragraph shall read: "(f) Maximum fee limit. Notwithstanding any other fees set forth in this section, no fee shall be imposed by the Town which exceeds the amount of license tax imposed by the Commonwealth on such motor vehcile, trailer or semi-trailer. If the Town license fee imposed under this section exceeds such amount, then the Town license fee shall be reduced to the same amount imposed by the Commonwealth. 5. Section 16.1-210, which makes it unlawful to display an expired decal or Town license is hereby appealed. 6. The typographical error by which Section 16.1-502 was inadvertently labeled 16.502 is hereby corrected. This Ordinance is effective upon adoption, and is adopted this 18th day of February, 1986, by recorded vote of the Town Council. LOADING Councilman Glenn advised committee also discussed the mall parking lots and the ZONESfire lane situations, and possibly an ordinance to cover the mall situations. Mr. McKeever had distributed maps showing loading zones in the fire lanes at the malls which the Fire Chief felt would not disrupt or cause any concern for fire safety. Councilman Aust made a motion that loading zones be installed at the Town's expense, seconded by Councilman Neblett. The length of zone was discussed, to accommodate two vehicles or large truck. Mr. McKeever suggested expanding to 45 ft., but beyond this it would raise concern of Fire Chief and Fire Safety. Also, the Fire Chief is to send inspector to check for emergency exits. Councilman Glenn made a substitute motion to amend Councilman Aust's motion to expand loading zone to 30-45 ft. depending on area, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. A cost estimate had not been prepared as to the Town doing the work of installing the zones, but it was believed cost would not exceed $500.Motion carried on the following recorded vote: ~~~~ February 18, 1986 - 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 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Chairman Aust had no report. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock gave a brief update on the Centennial Celebration activities for Sunday, February. 23. Council will. attend the First Methodist Church for morning service, and dedication of the Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Museum will be held at 2:00 p.m. Congressman Boucher, Senator Bird, and Delegate Dobyns will be visiting with us. Congressman Boucher will be bringing with him a letter from President Reagan to the Town; Concert Choir from High School will be singing and he felt it would be a very nice event. The exact date to meet with Governor Baliles in R however, Mayor Hancock felt it would be the first week and approved our Charter bill, and it is now ready for resolutions have already been put through the House on representatives would like for us to come to the House when we go down to meet with the Governor. ichmond has not been determined, in March. The Senate voted the Governor's signature. The the Centennial, but State and Senate to be recognized Mr. McKeever advised that some citizens donating articles to the Museum was concerned about insurance coverage. He further stated they were working with our local agent to find out what it will be and the cost to us. When Mr. McKeever receives a quote, he will call Council. Councilman Aust suggested that Chief Hall bring old fire trucks down and park in front of municipal building for this occasion. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Terwilliger had no report. REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. McKeever advised Mr. Milt Lefkoff, representative of the Municipal Code Corp. will be in Pulaski March 4th at 9:00 a.m, to begin the editorial conference on rewriting the-Town Code. Mr. McKeever advised correspondence had been received from David K. McCloud, Chief of Staff to Governor Baliles, advising the $2.8 million appropriation for the Center of Economic Development was not submitted in time, but Senator Bird and Delegate Dobyns have made amendments to the budget, requesting this money be funded. At last Council meeting, questions were raised regarding the Fire Department letter requesting financial assistance from local businesses. A copy of this letter was distributed along with the June 30, 1985, audit. Mr. McKeever suggested fund raiser be identified as the Pulaski Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. McKeever advised the Virginia Municipal League Policy Committee nominations need to be submitted by March 14, 1986. These committees formulate the major policy statements that are forwarded on to the General Assembly. Councilman Johnston stated that most members would be willing to serve on committees again, and Mr. McKeever is to resubmit these names. Two resolutions were presented honoring recently retired employees. Mr. Everett Sutphin retired on disability on May 17, 1985, and Mr. June Ratcliffe will retire on March 1, 1986, as superintendent of Water Plant after 34 years of service. A luncheon for these two retirees will be held on February 27 at the National Guard February 18, 1986 ~~~~] Armory and all Council Members were urged to attend. Councilman Neighbors made a motion that these resolutions be adopted, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. RF.RnT.TTTTf1N WHEREAS, Everett Sutphin became an employee of the Town of Pulaski, in the Public Work's Department, on July 29, 1966, and continued his dedicated service to the Town of Pulaski until his disability retirement on May 17, 1985. Everett Sutphin assumed the duties of Street Superintendent on April 1, 1974, upon the retirement of Frank W. French. Prior to assuming the duties of Street Superintendent, Everett was Street Assistant to the Street Superintendent for three years. WHEREAS, during his eighteen years and ten months of service, Mr. Sutphin provided very loyal and useful service, often over and above his normal duty hours; and, WHEREAS, the unselfish service rendered by Mr. Sutphin has been an inspiration to all that have known and worked with. him, but he found it was in his best interest to retire. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, meeting in regular session on February 18, 1986, wishes to publicically recognize Mr. Sutphin's lasting contribution to the people of the Town and hereby thank him for his many years of service and kindnesses by which so many have known him, and wishes for him much happiness and many leisure hours during his retirement. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be recorded as part of the minutes of this meeting and that the original thereof be delivered to Mr. Sutphin. ADOPTED this 18th day of February, 1986. RESOLUTION WHEREAS, upon the retirement of Robert H. (Junior) Ratcliffe on the 1st day of March, 1986, thirty-four years of dedicated service to the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, comes to an end. WHEREAS, Robert Ratcliffe came to work as a Shift Operator for the Town of Pulaski on November 12, 1951. He held this position for the next sixteen years. In 1967, Mr. Ratcliffe became Chief Operator and worked in this position until 1978 when H. Clayton Gregory retired. At this time, Mr. Ratcliffe was appointed Superintendent of the Water Treatment Plant and the Sewage Treatment Plant. Mr. Ratcliffe has worked tirelessly, ever improving his knowledge of plant operations and at the same time lending his experience in plant operations to other departments of the Town. These services, and his innovation of the plan in re-conditioning and repair of water meters, gave to the citizens of the Town an improved operation and unequaled service. Robert H. (Junior) Ratcliffe not only achieved proficiency in his work, but acquired the respect and affection of his supervisors and fellow employees. WHEREAS, the Town regards the retirement of Robert H. (Junior). Ratcliffe as the loss of a dedicated employee and recognizes his outstanding services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, that the Town records its appreciation for the generous a.nd efficient manner in which Robert H. (Junior) Ratcliffe has fulfilled his duties during all of this thirty-four years of service to the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, and does further extend to him its best wishes upon his retirement. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the Council deliver to him a properly prepared copy of this Resolution as a token of the esteem he is held by Town officials and his fellow employees. ADOPTED this 18th day of February, 1986. ~~~o February 18, 1986 A Quarterly Budget Comparison .was distributed to Council. Also, audit has been received for preliminary review. Our retained earnings have increased again significantly over last year. LOCAL Mr. McKeever distributed a memorandum from Hunton & Williams regarding local GOVERN. government bond financing. The Tax Reform Act of 1985 may impact tax exempt municipal FOND FINANCING bonds, including bonds issued to finance traditional government purposes. He recommended that Council formally adopt a resolution specifically aimed at allowing the tax exempt status for bonds, especially for traditional municipal services and that resolution be forwarded to Senators Warner and Tribble as the House has already passed the Tax Reform Act. Councilman Neblett so moved that Resolution be prepared and forwarded to Senators, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. Mr. McKeever advised the bill requesting a 22 year moratorium on annexation was defeated today the Senate. Mr. McKeever requested an Executive Session under 2.1-344 (A6), Code of Virginia, for a brief legal matter. Councilman Boyd made a motion that the March 4th meeting of Council be changed to March 11, 1986, at 4:00 p.m., seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. At 9:06 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilperson Copenhaver, and carried. At 9:18 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session on motion may be Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. ANNEXATION Councilman Crawford moved that we agree in principle, to the annexation agree- AGREEMENT ment and the collection system agreement that we have with the County a.nd that we continue working on a refuse collection agreement, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. At 9:19 p.m., Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Neighbors, and carried. A~,P ED: C/ ~~ Mayor ATTEST: 1 Clerk of Council