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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-84I f l!V September 18, 1984 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held September 18, 1984, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of 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 S. Crawford, Mary Lou 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 Vickie Futrell Curtis Graham Richard Delp Jan Akers Ernie Wallace William Scott A. J. Smith Pauline Mitchell James Lear 14 area citizens The invocation was given by Councilman Boyd. The minutes of the regular meeting of September 4, 1984, were approved as published. PUBLIC Mayor Ratcliffe welcomed citizens and advised that as published, now was HEARING- STELLA the time and place to have a public hearing on mobile home application of Stella MURPHY Murphy. MOBILE HOME Mr. McKeever advised Ms. Murphy had made application to place a mobile home on lot at 906 Valley Road. This lot is also known as Lot 1, Section 17 as shown on the tax map and is owned by the applicant. Lot is approximately 1.59 acres and is located in a R-2 Residential zone. Town water and sewer are available. We have contacted 14 property owners in the vicinity and have not received any responses or objections. The trailer would be located on the same lot as a single family dwelling house. The applicant made application for medical reasons to be near her 80 year old Mother. The lot has a flat surface from a past existing trailer. No one spoke for or against this application. Mr. McKeever recommended approval of this application. Councilman Neblett moved that mobile home application of Stella Murphy be approved, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Mayor Ratcliffe advised that as published, now was the time and place to PUBLIC HEARING- have a public hearing on the proposed peddler's ordinance. PROPOSED Mr. Richard Delp and Mrs. Pauline Mitchell appeared in objection to the PEDDLERS ORDINANCE proposed ordinance. Mrs. Vickie Futrell, Mr. William G. Scott, Mrs. Jan Akers, Mr. James Lear, Mr. A. J. Smith, addressed Council with their arguments in favor of the proposed ordinance. ( Synopsis attached to permanent copy of this Council Meeting). Councilman Boyd made a motion to put this proposed ordinance on agenda to vote on at next Council Meeting, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried... 1 September 18, 1984 1 (V Mr. Curtis Graham of Ruritan National addressed Council and shared ideas of revitalizing downtown that he had obtained at a seminar at Cornell. He stated CURTIS all across America there has been a migration of merchants and businesses to GRAHAM ADDRESSES the suburban and rural area in the form of shopping centers. The valuable COUNCIL- buildings in downtowns should be restored and preserved. Through Act of RE: DOWNTOWN Congress and public sector foundations they have established four states for pilot programs with ten communities being selected under population of 50,000 for revitalization. The programs that are successful are the partnerships of public and private sectors. Downtown area should be a happy place and a place people can be proud of. The biggest problem is lack of promotion. Civic leaders, merchants and Council should organize and expand business downtown and work to revitalize and preserve our historic buildings. Mr. Graham advised the first step to take for this program would be to contact Mr. John R. Marlles, Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development, 204 N. 4th Street, Richmond, VA. as he most anxious to work with any community. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Ratcliffe called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITY COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston had no report. POLLUTION AND SANITATION Chairman Glenn had no report. PERSONNEL, PUBLIC RELATIONS & NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Chairman Neblett had no report. LAND, BUILDING AND STREETS COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd had no report, but advised the Planning Commission had met and and reviewed trailer ordinance. Their recommendations have been forwarded to Mr. McKeever. RECREATION AND PARKING COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors had no report, however, reported Council would visit Gatewood Reservoir on September 19, 1984. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised the Finance Committee had met and discussed the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System for Town employees. Town Manager will do further research in area of removing funds from present system. Town employees VSRS RETIRMENT are in agreement to join this system and tentative date to go under VSRS is January SYSTEM 1, 1985. Cost increase of approximately $10,000 is anticipated. Mr. McKeever DISCUSSED stated we had written to Travelers outlining the questions that we have. Chairman Crawford stated we had consulted with Dewberry & Davis on the flood plain situation on Dora Highway for their recommendations. This firm recommended knocking brush down and take sediment up and there was nothing they could do about the annual flood. This is what the Town had originally intended PEAK CREEK to do. Mr. McKeever advised this work was started today by the Town.The committee also discussed the gas tank at the Fire Station that began to leak GAS TANK FOR FIRE and some gas did get into the creek which did not cause any concern as the Water STATION Control Board was notified and leak was under control. Chairman Crawford moved that an additional appropriation of $924.00 be made to Account Number 3201-3004, Repair and Maintenance from General Fund Unappropriated Surplus to cover the cost of installing gas tank at the Fire Station, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: ~~ September 18, 1984 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 a request had been received from Carson EAST Baker at Lee Jeans to improve East Street up to their property line to help STREET IMPROVE- handle traffic on this road. The Engineering Department feels this street does MENTS need improvement at an estimated cost of $3,830. Mr. McKeever advised Engineering and Public Works Director felt a private contractor could probably do this job for the same price that we could do it due to the size of trucks hauling the asphalt and it would take our Public Works longer to do the job. Our dump trucks are being utilized for the creek work. Councilman Boyd moved that Mr. McKeever be given the go ahead to contract repair for East Street, 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 Chairman Crawford stated the committee had discussed the purchase of a computer and the County has advised that we may use their computer at a reasonable cost. The Finance Committee felt we should cease to look into the COMPUTER purchase of our own computer and Town Manager be instructed to check into the DISCUSSED h h' h terminals that would be needed and also to do some researc on a ig speed N MGR. printer. Mr. McKeever is to look into State contracts to see if equipment is RESEARCH available and if so, at what price, and then maybe come back to Council with dollar figures. Councilman Neighbors so moved, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Copenhaver had no report, but requested update on codes on old buildings; grass and weeds. Mr. Terwilliger advised these had not been rewritten but stated he would like to meet with Committee prior to next Council meeting. He hopes to have resolution ready to send Mobile Home Ordinance to Planning Commission and Personnel Ordinance is ready to be reviewed by Committee. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE FUNERAL Chairman Aust advised the Committee had met and it was the decision of Chief ESCORTS Williams and Mr. McKeever to resume the police escorts for funerals.Chairman RE-INSTATEDAust further stated a letter had been written to the funeral homes of this decision and stipulating that 24 hour notice be given. He also stated citizens were well pleased with this decision. Mr. McKeever stated that funeral homes would not be charged with officers time and unless an emergency arose, funeral escorts would be available. REPORT OF MAYOR Mayor Ratcliffe reminded Council of the upcoming VML Conference. Mr. McKeever requested those interested in obtaining cash advances for the convention should contact the Treasurer. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Terwilliger had no report. REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER (PEAK CREEK Mr. McKeever advised that work had begun on Peak Creek removing sediment and cutting brush which will help the annual flood. Dike will not be put on south side of the creek as water will be impounded up close to Cool Springs Park September 18, 1984 ~ f ~1 and water will go in behind the dike and stand longer. Mr. McKeever also advised that sidewalk from Municipal Building to Jefferson VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY CEMETERY SPACE Avenue had been started. Mr. McKeever stated the Town traditionally celebrated Veterans Day on a Monday. A suggestion was made instead of taking Monday, November 12 as a holiday, that employees would like to celebrate that day on Friday, November 23rd, the day after Thanksgiving. They would work Veterans Day. Councilman Neighbors so moved that we do this, seconded by Councilman Glenn. Councilman Aust stated he felt Veterans Day was an important day and should be celebrated on day so designated. Councilman Crawford made a substitute motion that this matter be referred to our Personnel Committee for their study, seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried. Mr. McKeever advised that Roda R. Quesenberry has made application to place a mobile home at 502 First Street and a public hearing should be scheduled. Councilman Boyd moved that public hearing be scheduled October 9, 1984, at 4:00 p.m. on this application, seconded by Councilman Aust and carried. Mr. McKeever advised that Thelma R. Crowell desired to sell one space in Lot 1003, Section P of Oakwood Cemetery. As this space is located in the Crowell family section it would be difficult to sell. Councilman Boyd moved that the Town decline to repurchase this space under 1 COOL SPRINGS PROJECT Section 6.1-26, seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. Mr. McKeever reminded Council of changes in October meeting dates; October 2 to October 9 at 4:00 p.m. and October 16 to October 23 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. McKeever recommended a reduced scope contract of $543,941 be awarded to the low bidder L. W. Engleman on the Cool Springs project. The reduction in scope was necessary since the low bidder was $757,097 and remaining grant funds only total $546,695.16. Memorandum from Engineering Department explained how we were going to reduce the project. A reduced scope has been requested from the Department of Housing and Community Development and verbal approval has been received. The remaining sewer lines that will be eliminated will not be grant eligible under Community Development Block Grant, but we can use other funds that will be available like the UDAG funds. All water lines and the water tank will be installed. Originally 10,000 ft. of sewer lines would be installed and this is now 2,300 ft. Councilman Neblett moved that L. W. Engleman be awarded a reduced scope project contract of $543,911, seconded by Councilman Boyd 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 - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Mr. McKeever advised that Viewer's Reports had been received on the alley closing off Thomas Street and 12th Street closing and a public hearing should be scheduled. Councilman Neblett moved that public hearings be held October 23, 1984, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. Mr. McKeever requested an Executive Session on a contractural and legal matter. Councilman Boyd requested an update on the red light on Bob White Blvd. and also update on Ward Lane. Mr. McKeever advised that APCo was obtaining easement to move pole on Ward ~~~2 September 18, 1984 Lane. The traffic light on Bob White Bldv. has been funded for this year. Mr. Terwilliger advised there were ownership split with Lowe's property and he was ready to obtain easements. Mr. McKeever advised that on subject of cable television, there was an ordinance adopted in 1981 raising the rate 50~ per year, for four years. Councilman Neblett advised that the cable company was about ready to make a proposal to us. Councilman Crawford made a motion that Council go into Executive Session on a legal and contractural matter under section 2.1-344, subsecti,q~,5 of the Code of Virginia, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. At 8:43 p.m. Council went into Executive Session. At 9:42 p.m. Council returned to Regular Session. At 9:43 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Crawford and carried. APPROVED: Mayor ATTEST: ~~ ~~ ~ Clerk of Council [,