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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-84~~ ~'~ January 3, 1984 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held January 3, 1984, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe, presiding Councilmembers: John A. Johnston, Pauline G. Mitchell, James M. Neblett, C. E. Boyd, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, Jr., Ira S. Crawford, Alma H. Holston, Glen K. Aust Also present: Garnett Moore, Town Attorney D. E. McKeever, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Eric Randall of the news media The invocation was given by Councilman Graham. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 20, 1983, and the Special Meeting of December 27, 1983 were approved as recorded. As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Ratcliffe called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE: Chairman Johnston advised a meeting had been held with the County to review several sewage issues as follows: SEWAGE 1. The County is willing to participate in Peppers Ferry Contracts ISSUES - 4B, 3A, 3B, and 5; and will sign a legal document as soon as the PULASKI COUNTY County and Town Attorney prepare such. 2. The County is requesting 5,000 gallons per day of effluent for the Bond Cote Plant to .locate in the County's Industrial Park under the present 50,000 gallon contract from the Pulaski County High School dated 2/20/73. There is capacity available. 3. The County has offered a figure of $1.00 per thousand gallons for treatment until such time as Peppers Ferry is operational. The Town had originally requested $1.08 per thousand. They also will deed the Town the Critzer Pump Station when Peppers Ferry becomes operational. Mayor Ratcliffe advised anticipated completion date for Peppers Ferry was Early 1985. After a lengthly discussion by Council, Councilman Neblett moved that Council approve the above three issues, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Johnston further advised that the Town had been working with the County on obtaining water for Brookmont Road/Pond Lick Hollow area with the County requesting an exemption from installing a meter to monitor the water flow. As the 6" meter is expensive, it was suggested that a by-pass valve be put on this line. Mr. McKeever stated we had found a 2" metering valve that will allow water to flow through a 2" line and during a heavy demand for water, it will automa- tically be bypassed into a 6" line. It has been recommended to the County that this type meter be installed at a cost of meter, $1,495 and approximately $1,500 for labor to install it. Chairman Johnston moved that we proceed in this direction, on condition of the County accepting it, seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried on the following recorded vote: ~LJ I~ January 3, 1984~~~1 John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye POLLUTION AND SANITATION COMMITTEE Chairperson Mitchell had no report. RECREATION COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett had no report. LAND AND BUILDING COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd requested Mr. McKeever to give update on Gatewood Reservoir/ United States Forest Service land exchange. Mr. McKeever advised the U.S.F.S. had been wanting to eliminate their special GATEWOODuse permits. Originally, the idea was to have an equal amount of land exchanged. USFS The Forestry Service has come up with an alternate proposal primarily because most LAND EXCHG. of our water is impounded in little coves. The Town would pay for the survey cost which would be very high and they felt their people in Washington would not approve of this proposal. The U.S.F.S. would deed to the Town approximately 246 acres surrounding the Town's camping and recreational area on the lake. The Town would deed to the U.S.F.S. the hillsides below the dam, an approximate equal exchange in land. The United States Forest Service may lease this land for mineral explora- tion but the Town would have a significant objection to any exploration. The land does not appear to be feasible for mineral exploration. A representative of the United States Forest Service will be asked to come to next meeting of Council to further explain this land exchange. Mr. Moore suggested that Town Manager have the U.S.F.S. representative give us a list of their requirements and how far they will let us go on putting certain con- ditions and stipulations in ours prior to the next meeting. Chairman Boyd advised the Town has reviewed a request from Chester Barker that the Town accept Camper Avenue into the Town Street System. The Town's Engineering CAMPER and Public Works Departments have examined Camper Avenue and recommend acceptance. AVE. Camper Avenue meets all subdivision specifications and the Town will become eligible INTO TOWN for an additional $600 in highway funds. STREET Chairman Boyd made a motion that Camper Avenue be accepted into the Town Street SYSTEM System, and its name continue to be Camper Avenue, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Graham advised the Police Department had requested that the $700 budgeted for a desk and file cabinet be approved for expenditure. Chairman Graham moved that account No. 106-7002.03 furniture and fixtures in the amount of $700 be approved for expenditure as previously budgeted to purchase a .desk. and file cabinet for the Police Department, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried on the following recorded vote: POLICE John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye DEPT. Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye FURN. James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye APPROVED C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye EMPLOYEE Chairman Graham further advised the Town has experienced problems with the self HEALTH funded health insurance program. After investigation, we find that Blue Cross-Blue INS. Shield of Virginia provided the apparent low bid and will provide better coverage. ~~~~ BLUE CROSS- BLUE SHIELD HEALTH COVERAGE January 3, 1984 The cost to the employee will not increase. Mr. McKeever stated we have had a couple of problems with self-funded health insurance program. These problems have ranged from delays in paying the claims to checks bouncing. Recently the firm that handles our claims consolidated their offices and moved to Norfolk which gave us another feeling of insecurity about their status. Some hospitals do not recognize their services. Chairman Graham moved that we accept the proposal for health coverage for the employees of the Town of Pulaski as presented by Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Virginia through the Burton-Cunningham Agency and that the Town Manager be authorized to sign the necessary contracts for this coverage, to be effective January 1, 1984, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston. - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye (PENSION PLAN TOWN EMPL. Chairman Graham :advised that a different pension plan fqr employees had been discussed and the possibility of changing our pension plan from our present plan to the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System. The VSRS will conduct a study and report all costs that will be incurred by the employee and the Town and the appropriate contributions. This study will cost the Town approximately $1,000. Chairman Graham moved that the Town Manager be authorized to contact the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System in order that a study be conducted concerning the Town of Pulaski joining the Virginia State Retirement System, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye STREET COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford had no report. FLOOD PLAIN ORDINANCE DISCUSSED FINE ARTS CENTER RESOLUTION ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Holston called an Ordinance Committee Meeting for Monday, January 9, 1984, at 4:00 p.m. to review the Flood Plain Ordinance. The Ordinance has been prepared, however, Philadelphia has requested that we add one additional paragraph to include Sproules Run. Council was invited to attend this meeting. Chairperson Holston felt this document was too important to act upon without further study. Councilman Graham made a motion that Special Council Meeting be called for Monday, January 9, 1984, at 4:00 p.m. to act on this ordinance, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Councilperson Hollton voted no to this motion. Mr. Moore stated in January,l983, Council adopted a Resolution in reference to the Fine Arts Center for New River Valley regarding their request that they be granted an exemption from state and local taxation including local taxes upon personel and real property. This resolution was duly adopted with copy to Messrs. J. Robert Dobyns and D. W. Bird, Jr. This was presented along with a bill they introduced. The Committee did not act upon this bill, therefore, another bill will be introduced this year. Mr. Moore felt resolution adopted January 27, 1983, would suffice, however, he presented and read a new resolution re-affirming Council's former action supporting this exemption. Chairperson Holston made a motion to adopt resolution as read, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried on the following recorded vote: J 3 1984 / ~~~ anuary , John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley, Inc., a Virginia corporation, received its certificate of in corporation in February, 1978; and WHEREAS, said purposes of the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley is to foster and furnish activities and educational programs and facilities to increase the understanding and enjoyment of fine arts by the residents of the New River Valley; and WHEREAS, the corporation, since it was granted corporate status, has operated a fine arts center in a building located in the County of Pulaski known as the "Fairview Home" but recently purchased a building on Main Street in downtown Pulaski, Virginia, where it is now .operating the Fine Arts Center; and WHEREAS, the local members of the General Assembly will introduce a bill in the 1984 Session requesting that the Fine Arts Center be granted an exemption from both state and local taxation, including local taxes upon personal and real property; and WHEREAS, the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley,Inc., desires the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, to update its Resolution of January 27, 1983, and declare whether or not it will oppose the granting of exempt status to the Fine Arts Center by the General Assembly of Virginia; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, meeting in Regular Session on this 3rd day of January, 1984, that: (1) The Resolution adopted on January 27, 1983, by the Council of the Town of Pulaski approving the tax exemption therein stated for the Fine Arts Center, was adopted in compliance with State law. (2) The Council of the Town of Pulaski, after having reviewed the former Resolution and the purposes and considered the provisions of Sub-section (b) of Seca 30-19.03 of the Code of Virginia. of 1950, as amended, is of the opinion that the purposes and activities of the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley, Inc., are for the betterment of the citizens of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, and afford to many, both young and old, an opportunity to enjoy the fine arts and culture made available to them by the activities of the Fine Arts Center. WHEREFORE, the Council, by the adoption of this Resolution, re-affirms its former action and supports the exemption and does request the State to grant to the Center exemption from state and local taxes. Be it Resolved that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Honorable J. Robert Dobyns, member of the House of Delegates, and to the Honorable D. W. Bird, Jr., member of the Senate of Virginia, who are hereby authorized to use either the former Resolution, this Resolution or both Resolutions. ADOPTED this 3rd day of January, 1984, by recorded vote of Council. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Chairman Aust had no report, however, stated several departments in Town had gone a second mile in work which they did due to the freezing weather. Chairman Aust moved that a letter be sent directly from Council commending the Police Depart- ment, Fire Department, and Public Works Department for the work they performed, seconded by Councilperson Mitchell, and carried. Letter is to be prepared by Town Manager. REP~tT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. McKeever stated that during the freeze, we had three 4" mains break, one 6" main, one 10" main, one 12" main break. From Christmas Day to December 31, there were 142 calls to the Department of Public Works for frozen water, lines broken, etc. ~~~`3 COMMERCE STREET SEWER PROJECT PURCHASES CONSOLI- DATED January 3, 1984 Mr. McKeever advised the Commerce Street Sewer project is ready to go and we have two alternatives to be reviewed. The first alternative is an occupation of the southern most portion of the existing Norfolk and Southern Railroad from Randolph to Washington Avenue. The construction cost would be $34,709.60. The Norfolk and Southern Railroad will charge us $200 to prepare the appropriate papers to occupy their land and then they will charge us $1,622.50 per. year to occupy this land. The second alternative is constructing it in the street at a cost of $48,936.10. The second alternative in the long run comes out to be the most cost efficient. Mr. McKeever felt we should try to negotiate with the railroad on this dollar amount per year and if they are not receptive to this, he recommended that we accept the second alternative. Mr. Moore advised he had written the railroad but as yet he has not heard from them. Mr. Moore further advised he had requested an easement, not a permit or a license. Councilman Aust stated he felt we should go ahead and put .our. sewer in the street. Mr. McKeever stated we have tried to consolidate some of our purchasing and we are in the process now of accepting bids on office supplies. This should show a significant savings. We recently accepted bids on the purchase of 243 tires for the balance of this fiscal year, saving approximately $2,500 from this purchase. Mr. McKeever further advised there is a recent joint legislative audit and review committee report on highway construction funds to the General Assembly. The JLARC study dealt with the allocation of maintenance funds and the highly classified streets in Virginia. Presently, they are classifying it as primary or other and the report recommended that was inadequate and they offered two alternatives; one being that they be classified as arterial or other, and the second one as arterial, collector, or local. It also concluded that the rates are inappropriate, and under No. 1, our allocation would increase to approximate- ly $616,411 fromthe $448,737 that we are now getting. Under the 2nd alternative, our payment would be approximately $615,277. This is only a recommendation, but if there is any contact with State Legislators, it might be to our benefit to encourage them to pursue the report. Mayor Ratcliffe stated that Council had directed him to contact members of the sub-committee on contractors that have proposed a bill to limit any con- struction by a municipality in excess of $10,000. Mayor Ratcliffe advised this opposition had been done and he has been notified that the bill was rejected in the sub-committee. Strong legislators are backing this bill and it could come to the floor even though it was killed in the sub-committee. Councilman Boyd questioned the peddler's license committee meeting with PEDDLER'S LICENSE COMMITTEE Mayor Ratcliffe advising that the Town's representatives were Councilman Aust and Mr. Victor Bolling; the County representative is Mr. Vaughan, and Town of Dublin's representative is Mrs. Akers. Mr. Moore advised he thought the Town of Dublin's representative was Mr. Don Anderson. Councilman Boyd stated he would like the peddler's license meeting followed up on, and Mrs. Vickie Futrell advised she understood that effort was underway to call a meeting of this committee At 5:50 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Council- man Boyd and carried. A~TT7EST~~ l .~c~ if ~ Clerk of Council APPR VED: Mayor