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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-82l ~F~F~ Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council, held July 20, 1982 at 7:00 P. M, in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe, presiding. Councilmembers: Glen K. Aust, Alma H. Holston, John A. Johnston, C. E. Boyd, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, Jr., Ira S. Crawf ord, Pauline. G, Mitchell Absent: Councilman Earl D. Cabaniss Also present: H. R. Coake, Town Manager Gladys R, Dalton, Clerk Garnett S. Moore, Town Attorney Roger A. Williams, Finance Director/Treas. Visitors: Dee Lindsey & George Shadroui of the news media Thomas L, Phillips, Attorney for Elizabeth Chapter No. 20, Order of the Eastern Star Approximately 15 citizens The invocation was given by Councilman Johnston. The minutes of the regular meeting of July 1, 1982 were corrected and approved. Mayor Ratcliffe advised this was the time and place for a public hearing on the Petition of Aundray D. Stewart and Elizabeth Chapter No. 20, PUBLIC HEARING Order of the Eastern Star, for granting a Special Use Permit for the property AUNDRAY D. & Eliz. located at 614 Maple Street to permit an assembly hall to occupy the property Chapter ~~20 Eastern as advertised in the local Southwest Times. Mayor Ratcliffe advised a Star letter had been received from the Town Planning Commission containing a recommendation to the Council relative to this petition. Councilman Boyd moved the letter from the Town Planning Commission be received and filed as part of this petition for a special use permit and made a part of the minutes. Motion was seconded by Councilman Crawf ord, and carried.. Mayor Ratcliffe advised this was a public hearing and Council would hear first from Mr. Thomas Phillips, ~ttorney for the Petitioners. Mr, Phillips advised that the Elizabeth Chapter No. 20, Order of the Eastern Star, is a benevolent organization, and they want to purchase the residence at 614 Maple Street to be used primarily as a place to hold its meetings, He advised the residence has been vacant for some time and is in bad condition, and this group of some twenty-one members desire to purchase said parcel of land and improvements thereon for a monthly meeting place, and may from time to time wish to rent said premises to other similar ~~~~ July 20, 1982 organizations for the purpose of holding meetings, and may from tine to time wish to serve or have dinners and other social functions for similar organizations; however, the primary use would be to hold its monthly-meetings. He further stated there is ample space in the back which could be used for parking once the use permit is approved and some work has been done on the lot. Mr. Phillips stated thea the members, and quite a f ew of whom were present, affirmatively state that said use or uses would not adversely affect- the health or safety of the person or persons who are residing or working in the neighbor- hood of the said proposed use or uses; and that said proposed use or uses would not be detrimental to the welfare or injurious to the -~ property or improvements in the neighborhood and would be in accord with the intent and purposes of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Pulaski. He further stated the Use Permit would not affect the character of the area and would not change the neighborhood; and it was felt this would not be "spot zoning" as referred to by the Town Planning Commission. `'The use of the property would be for a good cause and would lead to improvements to the surrounding area, and asked that the petition not be denied on the Mounds of "spot zoning". Gilbert Barker, who operates Valley Market, which is in the area of the proposed Assembly Hall for Eastern Star, spoke on behalf of the ladies who have petritioned for the Use Permit. Mr. Barker stated these are good Christian ladies, and he did not believe the Assembly Hall would present any problems in the area and felt it would be an improvement to the Street. He advised that the neighbors are in agreement with the application, and he hoped the Council would see fit to grant the Use Permit, A lady who lives next door to the proposed site, stated she would be glad for the improvements that are proposed, and felt it would improve the whole neighborhood. Eight (8) of the immediate neighbor stood in support of her statement, and another lady said "there will be no alcoholic beverages or Grousing there, nor any noise, and I hope this Council will see fit to grant the permit". Town Attorney Moore advised that Council in January of 1979 amended Section r2-3, Conditional Use Permits of Article XII - Special Provisions under the Zoning Oedinance of the Town of Pulaski, and re- July 20, 1982 ~~~~ enacted as Section 12.1-3 - Reservation for the Town to issue or Special Exceptions or Use Permits - Establish suitable regulations and conditions for such exceptions and permits, both where uses are permitted and not permitted. Council now has an application for an Assembly Hall in a R-2 Zone, which means that if they can comply with this ordinance the Council can grant a Use Permit., The Ordinance states that "nothwithstand- ing any other;~provisions of this ordinance, the Town Council reserves unto itself the right to issue or grant_ special exceptions or use permits under this ordinance if it should find that the use would not adversely affect the health or safety of the person or persons who are residing or working in the neighborhood of the proposed use; or would not be detrimental to the public welfacre or injurious to property or improvements in the neighbor- hood; and would be in accord with the intent and purposes of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Pulaski. The Council, in granting exceptions or issuing use permits where same is not permitted in a Zone, may impose reasonable conditions". Under the ordinance it does not say that the Council must refer it to the Planning Commission, but Council did so as a matter of courtesy. There was inquiry from some Council members as to whether a fire inspection had been made; or it any investigation had been made relative to off-street parking and noise. Town Manager Coake advised these investigations would be made after the granting of the Use Permit. Councilman Crawf ord moved that Council issue a Special Use Permit under the Town's Zoning Ordinance, and upon the investiga- tion and recommendation of the Town Manager. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried on the f ollowing vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford. - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye As there was no one else from the public who wished to be heard, Mayor Ratcliffe called for Committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston stated there was no report from the Utilities Committee. However, the Personnel Committee had met and on the basis if the Committee's discussion, requested an Executive Session at the conclu- sign of the Council meeting on a personnel matter. ~~(~~ July 20, 1982 POLLUTION & SANITATION COMMITTEE Chairperson Mitchell had no report. LAND AND BUILDING COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd reported the Committee had met; that six drop inlets had been installed on Main Street; that work was going on the night bef ore on the street and as soon as two more drop inlets were installed, work will begin removing sidewalk and street. He advised the Committee will also be looking at new street lighting for the downtown area, with a Committee meeting to be scheduled later and report back to Council. Chairman Boyd advised there is a parking lot at the corner of Jefferson and Main on the old Guynn Furniture lot, and asked that this be ref erred to the Building and Lands Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried. Chairman Boyd moved the following concerns be referred to our Personnel Committee with recommendations back to the Council as early as possible, that: "A merit system of pay increase for ALL Department Heads and certain other employees be considered". Mr. Boyd stated merit increases should be based on individual progress and performance, department head perf ormance and progress, achievements, job performance, motivation and budget performance; that department heads not get a raise just because they are on the payroll, but they must perform to earn it. Also no general increases for all salaried employees - just merit increases. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Mitchell, and carried. Councilman Boyd stated that in looking at the Recreation Director's monthly report under Item B - Softball Tournaments - it doesn't say how much was received; and under IV - Gatewood, Camping, fishing and picnic use of park running ahead of 1981, would like to see has much ahead of 1981. Councilman Boyd also stated he would like to see the miles traveled by the Director FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Craham suggested the proposed increase to Blud Cross- B1ueShield rates be put on the agenda for the next Council meeting and that all members of Council attend a meeting on this for a complete discussion. Councilman Graham moved that the Blue Cross-Blue Shield rate July 20, 1982 ~~J1 increase be put on the agenda for the next Council meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Councilman Graham advised a matter which involves the Peppers Ferry sewer line and User Agreement between the Town of Pulaski and the Town of Dublin needs consideration, and moved that the Utilities Committee Chairman and his Committee contact Mayor McMillan of Dublin concerning a meeting to discuss with them the sewer line and bring back a recommenda- tion to the Council. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Chairman Graham moved that the following accounts and amounts be appropriated from General Fund Unappropriated Balances: Account ~~4102-9340 - Downtown Improvements in the amount of $35,000.00; Account ~~4102-3004 - Street Blacktop in the amount of $45,000.00; and Account ~~4302-3004 - Tree Trimming in the amount of ~~4,298.00 - Total $83,298.00. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell- Aye Ira S.,Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - A~ Chairman Graham moved that $980.00 be appropriated to Account ~p106-3004 Paint Storage Tanks from Revenue Sharing Unappropriated Fund Balance. Motion was seconded by Councilman Crawford, and carried on the f ollowung vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss Y. Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Graham moved that $7,440.00 be appropriated to Account ~~073-3004 Digester Top Repairs, from Sewer Unappropriated Fund balance. Motion was seconded by Councilman Aust, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. ~ Aye Glen K. Aust Chairman Graham advised the above items are projects carried over from 1981-1982 budget that have not yet been completed or paid. i ~ Chairman Graham stated the Committee recommended that $175,00 be approved for the Town's contribution to the Count Pulaski Celebration Day, the same amount having been contributed last year. Councilman ~.~,.;~~ July 20, 1982 Graham moved that $175.00 be appropriated to Account ~k1101-5804 Miscellaneous Other from General Unappropriated Fund balance. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Holston, and carried on the following vote: J olan A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K, Aust - Aye Chairman Graham advised that in view of Councilman Aust's report of a "Leak" in certain fire equipment, that approval of Fire Department Machinery and Equipment and Fire Department Communication Equipment considered by the Finance Committee be referred to Town Manager Coake and Councilman Aust's Committee for a report back to the Council, and so moved. Motion was seconded by Councilman Crawford, and carried. Chairman Graham moved that Account ~k103-7000 Regional Sewer Plant in the amount of $12,844.00 be approved for expenditure from previously budgeted Revenue Sharing Funds. Mr. Graham stated this represented the months of July, August and September, and final pay- ment on this particular phase. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss -Absent Alma; H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Graham advised there was a need for additional dumpsters in the Public Works Department, and moved that Account $105- 7005 - Dumpsters, in the amount of $5,000.00 be approved for ex- penditure from previously budgeted Revenue Sharing Funds. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye "Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Graham moved that Account ~~'182-7001 - Pump for Intake Station, in the amount of $3,800.00 be approved for expenditures from previously budgeted Water Funds. Motion was seconded by Council- woman Mitchell, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G, Mitchell - Aye Ira S, Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss -Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye- Chairman Graham advised that the Finance Committee discussed the purchase of a parking lot by the Parking Authority; Water July 20, 1982 ~~~~ and sewer services for the new Hardee~s Res~aaurant; C odification of the town ordinances up to July 1, 1982 and an estimate will be secured by the Town Manager from Michie. Also discussed was the Fire Call Agreement with the County, and it was the recommendation of the Committee that the Town Attorney prepare the necessary agreement for execution. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Chairman Graham stated the Committee also discussed an Agreement with the State for Convict labor to be used for cemetery and various other areas. Town Attorney Moore advised that more discussion should be given to this contract bef ore signing it. Councilman Boyd moved it be referred to the Personnel committee and Town Attorney Moove, for a report to the Council. Motion was seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried. STREET COMMITTEE Chairman Crawf ord advised that the Street Committee met that day to consider a request from property owners on Mashburn Avenue to allow them to extend their driveways across town property, or street Leading to the Macgill Village Tennis Courts from Newbern Road. Mr. Crawf ord stated the advantage of this would be to relieve some of the traffic problems on Mashburn Avenue, and in view of their request an Agreement was prepared by Town Attorney Moore. Councilman Crawford read to Council that portion of the agreement stating the terms and conditions upon which the town will allow the property owners on Mashburn Avenue to extend their driveways across town property. Chairman Crawf ord stated it was the opinion of the Street Committee, after reviewing the Agreement, and as Chairman would move- that the property owners, if they execute this Agreement, be allowed to extend their driveways and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Holston advised that at the last meeting of Council the ordinance dealing with Townhouses ta[as referred to the Ordinance Committee, and would like for all members of the Committee to have a copy of the recommended changes by the Planning Commission and Zoning Ordinance. A meeting was scheduled for five o'clock P. M. on July 28th. ry~~~ July 20, 1982 ,Chairperson Holston stated also that an ordinance for tax relief for the elderly was in the Committee. She further stated an investigation with County offices indicated there were twelve (12) handicapped citizens for the whole County receiving tax relief for the handicapped, and 135 in the Town who take advantage of the tax relief for the elderly. She advised Mr. Coake will make copies of the ordi- nance available to the Committee on this, a nd would like for the Committee to meet on this and get it out of the way. Chairperson Holston advised that at the last meeting of Council Town Attorney Moore was advised to prepare an ordinance re- flecting the new changes in water connection rates. Town Attorney Moore presented and read the proposed ordinance on new water rates. Paragraph (c), as proposed. "In the event it should be necessary to make a connection to a standard domestic service for connection to the town water system without the installation of a water metex, the connection fee for such installations as would ordinarily require afive-eights inch by three-quarters inch meter shall be three hundred dollars ($300.00) inside and four hundred ($400.00) dollars outside". It was felt the amount of the connection fee for such installations to be too high and after some discussion by Council, Councilwoman Holston moved that paragraph (c) of the proposed ordinance be amended to read as follows: "(c) In the event it should be necessary to make a connection to a standard domestic service for connection to the town water system without the installa- tion of a water meter, the connection fee for such installations as would ordinarily require afive-eights inch by three-quarters inch meter shall be three hundred dollars inside and four hundred dollars outside, less the cost of meters and other materials and service not necessary in a regular five-eights inch connection". Motion was seconded by Councilman Aust, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. C~baniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Councilwoman Holston moved that an Ordinance to amend Section 29-9 of Article II of the Pulaski Town Code to re-enact as amended, Section 29.1-9 to increase the water connection fee for July 20, 1982 both inside and outside of Town, be adopted as amended. Motion was seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 29-9 OF ARTICLE II ORDINANCE OF THE PULASKI TOWN CODE AND TO RE-ENACT, AS AMENDED, Water Connection SECTION 29.1-9 TO INCREASE THE WATER CONNECTION FEE Fee FOR BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF TOWN BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, meeting in regular session on this the 20th day of July, 1982, that: ARTICLE II - Water Section 29.1-9 Connections Qenerally, connection fees. The provisions of this section shall apply to water conn- ections and water connection fees: (a) F or service laterals where meters of the,f ollowing sizes are installed, connection fees, payable in advance, shall be as follows: Meter Size 5/ 8" 3/4~~ 1" Inside T-own $ 300.00 350.00 400.00 C3utside Town $400.00 450.00 500.00 Any meters installed larger than one inch (1") will be billed on the basis of cost plus 15% for overhead. (b) F or service connections wherein three-quarters inch or larger meters would be necessary due to anticipated consumption. the Town shall have the righe to prescribe the proper size meter and to assess a connection fee accordingly. (c) In the event it should be necessary to make a connection to a standard domestic service for connection to the town water system withour the installation of a water meter, the connection fee for such installations as would ordinarily require a five-eights inch by three-quarters inch meter shall be three hundred dollars inside and four hundred dollars outside, less the cost of meters and other materials and service not necessary in a regular five-eights inch connection. (d) F or connections larger than two inches, the entire cost of installation shall be borne by the person requesting the service, with an additional fifteen percent added thereto if connection is made inside the corporate limits; and with an additional sixty-five percent added if the connection is made outside the corporate limits. / ~_~.7~ (e) A connection fee shall not be charged in cases where .laterals of the property line have been installed or a connection fee paid prior to adoption of this section. (f) The collection of connection fees and the provisions of this section shall apply to all connections to the town public water system, both in and out of the corporate limits. This ordinance shall become effective upon passage. Town Attorney Moore advised that an Executive Session would be in order at the conclusion of the business session to discuss a legal matter. ~~~~ July 20, 1982 Councilwoman Holston advised that Council had discussed a change in the Town's Charter of appointing or re-appointing department heads at Council's organizational meeting from July to January of the following year, and she was of the opinion that Council should be considering this in order for the request he made to the General Assembly in the prescribed time. Town Attorney Moore advised any amendment to the Charter should be presented by January 11th of the next year, and if Council would give him the details of the changes, he would take care of this. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Councilman Aust advised that the Safety Committee met with the full committee, Mr. Coake and Building Inspector, at the Firehouse with Fire Chief Hall and Pearce, and a good discussion was had, and they were advised that if any trouble arose the committee should be advised .through Town Manager Coake. A tour of the fire- house and all trucks and communication equipment was made. An electrical storm was in the making and afire truck was called to East Pulaski. The committee then moved on to the Police Department and met with Chief Childress and Joe Williams, but as the electricity had.gone•off due to the storm,. they were using candles and the communication system was not working. Comments were made relative to the use of candles during an emergency and Town Manager Coake advised that portable radios are used in such situations. Councilman Aust moved that yard sale signs be placed on the immediate agenda for discussion. Motion was seconded by_ Councilman Graham, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell -Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Councilman Aust stated his complaint was about the yard sale signs and not the sales. He stated these yars sale signs are posted on poles, etc., but ane not picked up after the sale is over, and it was his feeling that if they are going to put them up then there should be something to force them to take them down after the sale, to keep them from being blown about anal detract from the areas. July 20, 1982 ~~~~ Councilman Aust moved that the matter of yard sale signs be ref erred to the Ordinance Committee for a report to Council on how to deal with this situation. Motion was seconded by Councilman Johnston, and carried. REPORT OF MAYOR Mayor Ratcliffe advised he would be in Richmond at the League Office relative to legislation which will be offered to the General Assembly next January. He also advised that the letter which Council had requested relative to tax on Municipal Bonds had been written and that copies were sent to the local Banks. REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER Town Manager Coake advised that an application had been received from W. M. Corvin to places a mobile home on property located at 316 Birch Street, and recommended. this .application be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of Council for a public hearing. Council- man Johnston moved the normal procedure be followed. and a public hearing be held at the beat Council meeting. Motion was seconded by Council- woman Holston, and carried. .Town Manager Coake also stated an easement for the new Hardee~s had been received, and recommended it be referred to the Utilities Committee. Councilwoman Holston so moved, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. At 8:40 P. M. Council went into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter and legal matter i~^"accordance with Section 2.1-344 of the Code of Virginia. At 9:25 P. M. Council returned to Regular Session. Councilman Johnston moved that the Town Manager ne authorized to extend an employee's sick leave for a period of thirty (30) days, provided that said employee has used all existing sick leave, vacation or other days owed to him and further provided that said additional thirty (30) days will be deducted from earned sick leave after the employee returns to work. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr., - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell- Aye Ira S, Carawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Ai~sent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye ~~~~ July 20, 1982 Councilman Johnston moved that Injury Leave, Policy State- ment, to become effective July 1, 1982 may be added to protect an Iniury Leave employee, as follows: - Injury Leave may be granted to protect an employee when he or she has sustained an injury arising out cf or in the course of the performance of their job, up to a maximum of five (5) work days. In order to use credited injury leave, the employee must be under the care of a licensed physician and furnish to his Superior or Department Head a certificate from such physician stating the time the employee was, or is unable to work and stating the nature of the injury. Motion was seconded by Council- woman Mitchell, and carried on the following vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S, Crawf ord - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Absent Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye On motion of Councilman Johnston, seconded by Councilman Graha~, and carried, Council adjourned at 9:34 P, M.. APPROVED: yor Ratcliffe ATTEST: /~ .L ~ ~ ~ C~-C, i~~' ` _` Clerk of e Council