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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-84/~ ~~ August 7, 1984 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held August 7, 1984, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe, presiding Councilmembers: John A. Johnston, Robert N. Glenn, James M. Neblett, C. E. Boyd, Jr., James R. Neighbors, Ira D. Crawford, Mary Copenhaver, Glen K. Aust Also present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney D. E. McKeever, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Eric Randall of the news media Vicki Futrell Jake Blevins The invocation was given by Councilman Neblett. The minutes of the regular meeting of July 17, 1984, were approved as published. In hearing from the public, Mr. Jake Blevins, Dora Highway, addressed Council requesting date we were to start work on Peak Creek. Mr. McKeever pg~ stated the creek work will begin September 4, 1984. Mr. Blevins also CREEK complained of traffic problems on Dora Highway and requested traffic signs fie enforced. Mr. McKeever advised we patrol Dora Highway on a regular basis with moving radar. We have to patrol with moving radar because of certain geographic problems in this area. If we park near Mr. Blevins' home and put radar in the direction coming into Town from outside corporate limits, we have been notified by the General Court Judges that they feel the vehicles deserve a breaking distance and they will not convict people who are coming into Town in excess of speed we have posted. Radar is mounted in vehicles. Mr. McKeever is to check with the County if they will change speed .limit and reduced speed ahead sign will be checked into also. Mr. McKeever is also to check into trimming of long grass, brush around poles, signs, etc. UTILITY COMMITTEE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston advised that Mayor Ratcliffe and several others had visited Richmond to discuss financing of Peppers Ferry with State Water Control Board, and making sure that everyone the same set of figures in terms of money that we have received. Plans are to put a plaque on the Pulaski Pump Station, contract 4A, and-there is some question as to names to be on the plaque. Mayor Ratcliffe is to check on who served on Council at the time Council became committed to Peppers Ferry. Chairman Johnston further stated he hoped to have an up to date list of those contracts that affect Pulaski and the amount of progress that has been made and also where we are the various contracts. Chairman Johnston stated that he hoped very soon to be able to present to Council a second draft on the User Agreement dealing with County and,Town of Pulaski, and also hoped to shortly present Council with a proposed bill to be sent to the County for their involvement in Peppers Ferry. Chairman Johnston advised we have a contract that has been drawn up by our Attorney Augus t 7 , 1984 ~~ to cover sewer agreement with the County on existing sewers in the Volve White area whicfi~I25,000 gallons and rate of treating sewage would be $1.00. Mayor Ratcliffe advised we were asked in Richmond to complete the Peppers Ferry project as soon as possible. Changes will be made by Town Attorney to the Supplemental Agreement with the County and brought back to Council. Chairman Johnston advised the Nominating Committee had reviewed Town representatives on various commissions and committees and moved that Mrs. Louise Settle be appointed to the New River Valley Planning District Commission as the Town's citizen representative, and that John Powers be appointed as alternate. That Mr. C. E. Boyd be appointed as Council's representative on the Town Planning Commission; CITIZEN REPRESENTA- That Mr. Ira S. Crawford continue to serve on the Life Saving Committee; tives on various That Mr. John A. Johnston remain on the Retirement Committee; commissions/ That Mayor Ratcliffe be reappointed to the New River Valley Airport Commission committees, with Mr. Nick Glenn to serve as his alternate; That Mr. Joe Williams be reappointed to the Virginia Alcohol Safety Program; That Mrs. Ruth Kirby and Mayor Raymond Ratcliffe be reappointed to the Area Agency on Agening; That Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe be reappointed as Pulaski's representative on the Virginia Municipal League; That Mrs. Mary Lou Copenhaver be appointed as the Town's representative to the New River Valley Health Planning Council; That Mr. Glen Aust and Chief Joe Williams be appointed as the Town's representatives on the New River Regional Criminal Justice Training Center. Motion 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. - Absent Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Johnston made a motion that our Town Attorney be instructed to prepare a resolution appointing Mr. W. H. (Rocky) Schrader and Mrs. Janet P. Johnson to a four .year term on the Town Planning Commission, seconded by Councilman Crawford 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. - Absent Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Johnston .moved that Council instruct Mr. Terwilliger to prepare a resolution appointing Mr. William W. Breedlove to the Parking Authority .for the Town, 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. - Absent Glen K. Aust - Aye -~yc N~ / V A August 7, 1984 Chairman Johnston advised that Mayor Ratcliffe would write letters of appreciation to past members of committees/commissions as follows: Roger Bell, Beautification Committee; Lester E. Dunman, Beautification Committee; Douglas Manuel, Beautification Committee; R. William Propst, Town Planning Commission, Frank Terwilliger, Parking Authority; Gary P. Fox, Parking Authority; Wayne Ondich, Parking Authority. POLLUTION AND SANITATION Chairman Glenn had no report. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett advised the Ordinance Committee had met and the preliminary draft of proposed ordinance for individual mobile homes was presented to Council. Mr. Terwilliger advised this draft only deals with mobile homes, not trailer parks, and he will forward to Town Manager's office a copy of County's ordinance on trailer parks for Council's review. He further explained the contents of this draft ordinance and Council discussed this subject at length. Councilman Boyd arrived at meeting at 4:30 p.m. LAND AND BUILDING COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd had no report, however, advised that Town Manager is using some work release people on weekends cleaning streets and cutting brush. RECREATION COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors advised he had met with the Recreation Commission and Mr. Miller, and Mr. Miller has presented a schedule of goals and objectives for the Recreation Department for a period of two years. The Recreation Commission will review this schedule. Mr. Miller has also made a tentative schedule for programs for the balance of 1984- 85 . Chairman Neighbors advised that Mr. Miller has recommended that we start with present facilities we have, bring them up to date, continue the programs that we now have in process and then start implementing some new programs. After receipt of recommendations from the Recreation Commission, schedule will be ready for presentation to Council. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised the Finance Committee had met and the trailer at ~GATEWOOD Gatewood was discussed, The trailer is in very bad shape. A roof has been repaired and the ceiling has been repainted. We need to replace the stove, refrigerator and a cash register is needed. Chairman Crawford moved that $1,131.00 be appropriated to Account No. 7107- 7001, Machinery and Equipment, from General Fund unappropriated surplus and approve for expenditure for stove, refrigerator, and cash register needed at Gatewood, 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 Augus t 7 , 1984 ~V ,~ 9 Chairman Crawford advised that the Fire Chief's vehicle will be moved to Fire Prevention Inspection and their vehicle is in very poor shape. The Committee discussed buying a new car for the Fire Chief as $10,000 is budgeted. A medium FIRE size, 6 cylinder vehicle will be looked at at a cost of hopefully less than $10,000. CHIEFS VEHICLE Chairman Crawford moved that $10,000 previously appropriated to Revenue Sharing REPLACED Account Number 106-7005.01, Motor Vehicle and Equipment, Fire Department, be approved for expenditure, seconded by Councilman Aust 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 Chairman Crawford advised that Count Pulaski Day has requested a $150.00 COUNT appropriation from the. Town for Count Pulaski Day, and moved that $150.00 be PULASKI DAY appropriated to Account No. 1101-3011, Promotion and Development, from General APPRO. Fund unappropriated surplus approve for expenditure for Count Pulaski Day, seconded by Councilman Glenn 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 Chairman Crawford advised the roof on the Senior Center is in very poor shape SENIOR and work is needed on it. Chairman Crawford moved that $2,000.00 previously CENTER appropriated to Revenue Sharing Account No. 106-7015.02, Roof Repairs - Senior ROOF Center, be approved for expenditure, 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 Chairman Crawford advised the Committee had also discussed appropriating MUSEUM money for the museum in the Municipal Building in the amount of $500 to begin IN MUNC. BUILDING this work. An exhaust fan is also needed for the basement. Councilman Johnston moved that $500 be appropriated from unappropriated surplus for this project and that we instruct our Treasurer to keep us and make an accounting to Councing, using Account No. 4302-3004, General Properties, Repair and Maintenance. Motion 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 Mayor Ratcliffe suggested setting up a committee to work on this project. Chairman Crawford requested an Executive Session to discuss a personnel and contract matter. Mayor Ratcliffe advised that we have the Centennial celebration coming up and we also need a committee to work on getting the Centennial going. STREET COMMITTEE Chairperson Copenhaver had no report, but the Committee will meet within the next week. PUBLIC SAFETY Chairman Aust had no report. TOWN ATTORNEY VANCE CO. Mr. Terwilliger stated the Vance Company wished to renew their lease for a LEASE one year period. No further writings are necessary; the terms for the extension ~~~~ August 7, 1984 are already spelled out in .the agreement. By their letter, they exercise the option and it is automatically extended-for a period of one year. Mr. Terwilliger stated there is a Local Attorneys of Virginia Meeting in TOWN ATTOR- Williamsburg in early September. Registration fee is $100 plus motel accomoda- NEY TO ATTEND MEETING IN tions $67.00/night. Mr. Terwilliger requested payment of these charges for him WILLIAMSB'G• to attend. Councilman Neblett so moved our Attorney attend this meeting with Town paying expenses, seconded by Councilman Glenn 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. Terwilliger advised he had been approached by the news media regarding copies of public documents under the Freedom of Information Act. It was Mr. Terwilliger's opinion that once he hands out a draft to Council on an ordinance, it becomes a public document. Mr. Terwilliger questioned if Council wanted him to make extra copies of documents, whether ordinances, resolutions, or anything else; or did Council want them to make the request through the Town Offices. Council has 14 days from date of request to provide copies. Mayor Ratcliffe advised copies of documents could be available to the news media upon their request on the night of Council meeting when Council receives their copies. Mr. Eric Randall of the Roanoke Times advised having copies would enable public to have more .accurate information. Councilman Glenn made a motion that Council, in the future, the reports at NEWS MEDIA Town Attorney's discretion that are under Freedom of Information Act, be released .~ TO REC. COP- to the press at the time it is released to the Council at no cost to the press. IES OF DOCUMENTS Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. SAME TIME Mr. Terwilliger also requested an Executive Session regarding litigation. COUNCIL ECEIVES TOWN MANAGER Mr. McKeever advised that the final draft of the Town's Comprehensive Plan as prepared by the New River Valley Planning District Commission should be review- ed by each Councilmember, and at a later date we should probably adopt this as ~ the Town's Comprehensive Plan. Mr. McKeever stated we had received a bus service application from Mr. Klopp. BUS He has formally made application to the Town to operate a bus system within the SERVICE APPLIC. Town. In reviewing Mr. Klopp's application, it was found that further specificity was needed in order to determine whether Mr. Klopp was suitable and had the qualifications to successfully operate the system. This application and additional information that we requested from Mr. Klopp was turned over to the Chief of Police for a report as required under Section 26-29 of the Town Code. Once a report is completed, we will make our recommendation to this body. Mr. Terwilliger advised he had been contacted by Samuel Campbell, Attorney for Mr. Klopp, advising Mr. Klopp would furnish the additional information as long as it was clearly understood this investigation would only be limited to the objectives set forth in the Town Charter in the granting of franchises. Mr. Klopp did have some concern the way the release was worded because it was apparent- ly a pretty board release as to Police Investigation, but he was. going to rec- ommend they go ahead and sign the initial release. Chapter 26 of the Town Code does not apply to this although it is excellent guidance. Mr. McKeever reported Landfill was inspected on 7/10/84 and received a satisfactory rating. At last inspection, we received an unsatisfactory rating primarily due to problems with the leachate collection system and 90~ of the repairs have been completed. August 7, 1984 ~6~1 In June, Council authorized the Town Attorney to prepare a resolution formally . ado~iting a policy of paying for an employee's health insurance costs. Mr. McKeever requested Council to review this resolution and adopt in the near future. Mr. McKeever advised the Town was in receipt of an $1808 litter control grant. LITTER The grant will be used to finance "Spring Clean Saturday" and the remaining money CONTROL will be used in conjuction with the Pulaski County Clean Community System to assist GRANT them in promoting an anti-litter campaigh through education. Mr. McKeever stated the Town has received a refund check in the amount of $2,784.18 from our workers compensation carrier. This refund reflects a better than expected performance for the policy year of 7/1/82 to 7/1/83. We recently established an employee accident review committee and we are beginning to establish an employee safety program. Our expectations are of an even better performance. Our Sewage Treatment Plant received an unsatisfactory rating primarily due to deficiencies in the Plant's laboratory. Technically, we felt the errors were housekeeping errors and these have been corrected. Mr. McKeever advised the Town has been working toward widening Ward Lane in WARD LANE order to increase school bus safety. One property owner originally was in agreement to allow Appalachian Power Company to place one pole on his property, however, now the property owner objects to the easement. The pole will remain on the right of way and the road can still be widened. Hopefully, this project will be completed by September 30. The plans and drawings for the traffic light at Bob White Blvd. and Memorial Drive has been received and have been reviewed by Engineering. The Town will have to obtain three small easements in order to place control devices off the right of way. Plans, drawings and our comments have been forwarded to the Department of Highways and Transportation. No date for installation has been set. Mr. McKeever advised that correspondence had been received from the Governor's IND. DEV.office outlining federal and state restrictions on Industrial Development Bonds BONDS and their use. To summarize, PresidentReagan signed into law the Deficit Reduction NEW REGULA- Act of .1984. This act places new restrictions on the use of IDB's. The act .imposes TIONS a ceiling of $.150 per capita on amounts of bonds a state may issue each year. The Act further gives the Governor and legislature of each state the latitude to deter- mine how this limited bond authority is to be distributed within the state. Governor Robb issued an executive order outling a formula to be followed by Virginia. The formula is summarized as follows: 1. Local Allocation - each locality is allocated for calendar year 1984 $75 per capita. Each County having an incorporated town should allocate a portion of its $75 per capita if the town requests such by September 15, 1983. We are eligible for $757,950. (In 1983-84, the Town issued in excess of two million dollars in bonds). 2. Reporting requirements - the Governing Body of each locality shall provide by October 1, 1984: 1) Each issuing Authority in the locality; 2) All bonds issued in 1983 subject to the ceiling if issued in 1984; 3) All 1984 bond projects prior to June, 1984, and those planned until January 1, 1985; 4) Amount of bonds issued from June 19, 1984 to January 1, 1985; 5) Amount of bonds anticipated to be closed in 1985; 6) Amount of bonds for each project prior to October 19, 1983. If the locality does not respond by October 1, 1984, the $75 per capita that we are eligible for returns to the State reserve. Mr. McKeever believed these changes will significantly impact the potential for future development within the Town; and further, he felt it would affect our ability to obtain federal and state grants as the competition for those grants ~6~~ August 7, 1984 will most probably increase. Mr. McKeever requested that Council review the implications of this action and perhaps refer all the comments to the Fiaar.ce Committee as we have to made a decision by September 15 whether we want the money that we are allocated for. By October 1, we have to notify the .state that we are taking our eligible money and what projects we will identify. Councilman Boyd made a motion that Council authorize Town Manager to notify our local industries who use Industrial Development Bonds of this action, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Mr. McKeever stated we had advertised for bids in reference to the Economic PULASKI FURNITURE Stimulus Grant to construct the metal shell building at Pulaski Furniture Corp. SHELL BLDG. Bids were closed today and we have only received one certified bidder, Frith Construction of Martinsville. Mr. McKeever recommended that they be certified as the only qualified bidder and that they be awarded the contract to construct the building. Councilman Boyd so moved to accept Manager's recommendation, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye. Robert N. Glenn - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Abstain James M. Neblett - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Mr. McKeever further advised he had distributed to Council a copy of the County's Peddlers Ordinance for their review. Under the pending projects, Mr. McKeever advised we are doing some final drawings on the Commerce Street Sewer as there are definite slope problems and we hope to correct these. The sidewalk from Municipal Building to Jefferson Ave. has been scheduled and will be completed before County Pulaski Day. Councilman Glenn advised the County planned to have its public hearing this month on the Peddlers Ordinance and possibly the liaison committee might want to discuss with the County a joint public hearing at a future date where we might be able to get some of our facts and figures on this ordinance down pat with. the County so we are talking about the same thing. Mr. Terwilliger stated there were still administrative matters to be consi- dered for ordinance. Councilman Neblett advised the Ordinance Committee will take this matter under advisement and report to Council. Councilman Crawford made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a legal and personnel matter under section 2.1-344 of the Code of Virginia, sub- section E1 and B6, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. At 5:45 p.m. Council went into Executive Session. At 6:55 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session. TOWN MGR. Councilman Crawford made a motion to direct Town Manager to meet with County AUTHORIZED Administrator to discuss repayment of monies expended by the Town of Peppers Ferry TO MEET WITH CTY. on behalf of Pulaski County, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. ADM. At 6:57 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Council- man Boyd and carried. APPROVED: ATTEST: Mayor 75k1`~ ~ ~ ~~L~tiyu~(_ Clerk of Council