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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-83April 19, 1983 I ~cJ1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held April 19, 1983, 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, Pauline G. Mitchell, Earl D. Cabaniss, C. E. Boyd, Jr., Ira S. Crawford, Alma H. Holston, Glen K. Aus t Absent: Andrew L, Graham, Jr. Also present: Garnett Moore, Town Attorney H. R, Coake, Town Manager Ruth A, Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey andRoanoke Times representative - news media 3 area citizens The invocation was given by Councilman Boyd. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 5, 1983, were approved as recorded. As there were no comments from the public, Mayor Ratcliffe called for the Committee Reports of Councilmembers. NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston moved that Mr. Moore prepare a Resolution reappointing Roger Bell and new appointment Virginia Kelly to the Beautification Committee to fill existing vacancies, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. Chairman Johnston also asked about the amourX budgeted for the Beautification Committee and Mayor Ratcliffe advised that Beautification Committee had been budgeted $500 in the past. POLLUTION AND SANITATION Chairperson Mitchell Had no report. Mr. Coake advised that proposals were in on wells that we are going to attempt to install at the Landfill. Cost will be approximately $2,000 and installation will probably be within the next month. Mr. Coake further stated we have a conditional operating permit, and have received approval from the Water Control Board and the Health Department for the operation and mainter~ nce manual, and construction plans. We need to complete the leachate collection system, install the ground wells, monitor and run tests on wells four times/year. RECREATION COMMITTEE Chairman Cabaniss had no report. BUILDING AND LAND COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd stated that the Building and Lands Committee had met. Mr. Coake advised that we have received correspondence and memorandum of understanding from the Department of Military Affairs concerning the use of the National Guard Armory if and when the National Guard is called into Federal Service. Chairman Boyd moved that the memorandum of understanding be completed and authorize the Mayor to sign same. (''.iit~~~ April 19, 1983 Mr. Moore questioned item III, paragraph 2, regarding paying for the cost of utilities and maintenance of the facility. Chairman Boyd withdrew his motion. Chairman Boyd moved that we refer this to the Town Manager and let him come back a~ the next meeting with his recommendations, seconded by Councilman Cabaniss and so carried. Chairman Boyd, on behalf of the Planning Commission, stated that Mr. C. W. Barker addressed the Commission on water and sewer lines that had been C .W . Barker Sunset installed by the Town and that the Town owed him for the sewer line connections Hills Subdivisionin the sum of $1,800 since 1966. Mr. Barker had stated that the Town had pro- mised to give him this connection fee until such time as he had received the $1800 back. Mr. Coake had checked to see if this was correct, and it looks as if the Town does owe Mr. Barker this sum of money. Chairman Boyd made a motion to refer this to the Finance Committee for their consideration and bring back to Council, seconded by Councilman Crawford, and so carried. Police Escort- Chairman Boyd made a motion that we reinstate the Police escort on funerals funerals denied at no extra cost, just like they were before January 1, 1983, seconded by Councilman Crawford. Councilman Aust advised that this had been discussed with Chief McKeever and he has worked out a system now where the funeral homes let him know where they are going and Police will have a car at an intersection rather than have a lead car. Chief McKeever is to get a letter out on this. Chairman Boyd's motion denied on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - No Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Absent Pauline G.Mitchell - No Ira S. Crawford - aye Earl D. Cabaniss - No Alma H. Holston - No C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - No This subject was discussed at length, with Mayor Ratcliffe stating that it would be in order for our Administration to address the issue and come back with a recommendation. Councilperson Aston moved that this matter be referred to Town Manager and bring back a report at next Council meeting, seconded by Councilman Aust and carried. Councilman Boyd questioned the 53~ hours listed under Equipment Service Time on the Patrol Division Activity Report. Mr. Coake felt. this was service and maintenance, but he will check on this. STREET COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised that Street Committee had met April 12, 1983. April 19, 1983 ~L~~.~~ STREET One item referred to Street Committee was drainage ditch on Burgis Avenue. Bond COMM . ITEMS Cote lras agreed to buy the necessary pipe and the Town will install it. The Ward Lane situation has been reviewed by the Street Committee, Standing on Newbern Road looking up Ward Lane, there are three telephone poles on left hand side. Easement cannot be obtained from property owner to move the first telephone pole and Mr. Crawf ord recommended that Town Manager go back to the area and try to seek permission to move the last two poles, leaving the first pole where it is. This would alleviate the most congested area. Mr. Coake stated that we were proceeding trying to get easements. A drainage problem on Wilson Avenue was reviewed by Street Committee and it is their opinion these are natural sink holes in back yard and there is nothing Council can do as the drainage is a natural drainage channel and is not causing any erosion problems. Chairman Crawford stated that a section of Mathews Court is not being main- tained by the Town and that the Street Committee had reviewed the inf ormation available on this street and other sections of the Fred Jackson Sub-Division. Street Committee recommended that this matter be referred to Mr. Moore for an opinion on the status of this street and the action that should be taken, if any, by the Town. Mr. Moore stated the matter of Mathews Court goes back for a good many years. The last time he had talked with Mr, Jackson, he stated he was willing to go ahead. The Town has built a street across some of Mr. Jackson's property. Mr. Moore has a map developed by Town Engineers that they have colored for the different Sub-Divisions. Work has been done in the past on the streets by Mr. Jackson, and at that time, they just let it go and it was never improved. Mr. Moore further advised that Mr. Jackson felt the Town should bear a portion of the expense. At the time this work was done, the Town accepted whatever portions they put the hard surface on and this has left a gap. He doesn't know how we will resolve this unless all th ree parties sit down at one time and review. He could advise what portion of the streets that had not been approved by the Planning Commission. Chairman Crawford made a motion that Mr. Moore render whatever legal opinion that is necessary and this be ref erred to our Planning Commission to see if they can resolve the problem, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. A Bridge Resolution which would prmvide for the replacement of three bridges in the Town with the bridges being considered for replacement: West Main Street across the North fork of Peak Creek, Altoona Street across the North fork of Peak Creek, and Johnson Street across the North fork of Peak Creek. The Town would agree to be responsible for 5~0 of the cost for the bridges which is estimated to `7~~J4 BRIDGE RESOLUTION TO REPLACE 3 BRIDGES April 19,1983 be $100,000 each. The Highway Department has indicated that they would work with us on scheduling this work over several years. Chairman Crawford made a motion that we adopt the Resolution and forward it to the Highway Department, seconded by Councilman Boyd and so carried. John A. Johnston - Aye 'Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Absent Pauline G. Mitchell- Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C . E . Boyd, Jr . - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Mr. Coake advised that the Highway Department had stated that once they Twin Trailer Trucks opposed on Town Sts. do come in and do the Engineering for one bridge, they will do the engineering for all three bridges. Chairman Crawf ord stated the Federal Government has designated the high- ways to be used for Twin Trailer Trucks and other large trucks in Virginia. The only route in Pulaski County which is presently designated for this pur- pose is Interstate 81. Chairman Crawford moved that Mr. Moore prepare a Res3ution to be forwarded to the Highway Department indicating that we oppose including any streets in the Town of Pulaski and Route 11 across Draper Mountain in the routes permitting Twin Trailer Trucks or other large trucks, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Chairman Crawf ord also advised that it appears we might have a need for a pedestrian cross-over on Route 11, approximately at the entrance of Hidden Valley Apartments. ALUM SPRING RD. Chairman Crawford further stated there was a traffic problem at the ENTRANCE entrance of Alum Spring Road and he understood that several years ago the Town had drawn up some plans to try to alleviate some of this congestion. As State will not do this work for us, Chairman Crawford requested Mr. Coake to get the Engineering Department to take another look at these plans so Council can reconsider. Councilman Crawford advised that the Education Committee had met with the Education Committees of the County and Town of Dublin on April 14. They were to come up with some recommendations as to the best way to try to educate citizens concerning Consolidation Agreement and to bring back suggestions to Council for approval. Members of Committees were of the opinion that with the limited amount of authority that the Education Committees had, that it would probably be best if they worked on their own. Councilman Crawford felt that the Educa- tion Committee would be ineffective with the limited amount of powers given. He did not understand the limited amount of power in view of the fact that other Council members can go into citizens groups and take actions, and leadership roles without the approval of this Council. Councilman Crawford recommended that we disband the Education Committee as appointed and Councilmembers speak 1 April 19, 1983 ~~ ~~ as they so desire on Consolidation Agreement. Councilman Johnston stated that in the meeting, a number of suggestions were made by all parties, and they agreed it was going to be a most difficult task, but they were of the opinion that everybody act more or less independently, but still act, in a way in which we would have public hearings, etc. All members of all jurisdictions are without any restrictions on them in terms of going around and answering invitations to speak at different groups. Councilman Johnston felt we should set a public hearing and have strict guidelines as to how the public hearing was to be conducted in terms of presentation of material, limited times for speakers, etc. Councilman Crawford stated that as a Councilmember, he could say what he prefers to say about Consolidation Agreement without the approval of Council, and as a member of ,the Educational Committee, he would feel obligated to come back to Council for approval like originally set up. He feels it is a very important task to educate the people in the Town of Pulaski, pros and cons, of the Consolidation Agreement. Councilman Johnston stated that the committee appointed at last meeting has already completed its function with this report tonight to Council, and therefore, has no other function unless directed by Council. In answering questions regarding dates, Mr. Moore stated the referendum shall be held not less than 60 days after ordered, or more than 300 days. Councilperson Mitchell made a motion that on educating the public, we do this individually, seconded by Councilperson Holston. Mr. Moore stated that every member of Council, as an individual, not as a member of Council, can have their own philosophy about this, and they can so state but not as an opinion of this Council. The Council does not have an opinion. In answering questions regarding Consolidation, they should be objective, and beyond anything, be factual. Councilman Cabaniss stated the people have the agreement in the papers. If they have questions, he would think they would be calling Councilmembers for answers. Councilperson Mitchell withdrew her motion, and Councilperson Holston withdrew her second. Councilperson Holston made a motion that a date be set for a public hearing for the citizens of the Town for Council to answer their questions on Consolidation. Date for this hearing was set for Wednesday, May 18, 1983, at 7:00 p.m. at Pulaski Middle School. (If Pulask MiddleSchool is not available, hearing will be at Appalachian building), motion seconded by Councilperson Mitchell, and so carried on ~~~~~ the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham,Jr. - Absent Pauline G. Mitchell- Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Earl D. Cabaniss - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E, Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Councilman Crawford presented a memorandum of concerns to Council. He hoped these concerns would be accepted in the light in which they are given, good attitude, and he offered them in the form of constructive criticism, and this was just for Council's benefit. Councilman Boyd asked if these concerns should be addressed to the public. Mayor Ratcliffe answered that he felt we should study them first. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Holston advised that the Ordinance Committee had not met, but they have cleared everything out of the Ordinance Committee, with the exception of the Purchasing Ordinance and work to be done on the Zoning Book. Councilman Boyd asked Mr. Crawford if he intended his memorandum of concerns to be a part of the Minutes of our meeting, with Councilman Crawford replying yes, he had given a copy to the Clerk. Councilman Boyd further stated he wanted the record to show that he totally thinks these are valid concerns and he also supports this as part of the Minutes of this meeting. Memorandum is as follows: April 19, 1983 To: The Honorable Mayor Town Manager Members of Town Council - Town of Pulaski From: Ira S. Crawford, Councilman Subject: Concerns about the Town, Our Management and the Council In order to avoid any misunderstanding about my position as a council member,. the following concerns are presented for the betterment of our Town: A. Council's inability to exert leadership and to demonstrate management ability in dealing with the Town's needs. B. The large expenditure of the taxpayers' money on one block in the downtown section during one of the most economic depressed times our Town has ever faced. Even worse, the failure to exert needed leadership to get the job completed after authorizing the expenditure. C. The lack of concern we have exhibited in dealing with the Management Study which was authorized by us at the taxpayer's expense, 1) Oral review given January, 1982. 2) Written review given to Council March, 1982. 3) Council would not release to the public until newspaper threatened suit in July, 1982. 4) Study was released August 3, 1982, with little or no action taken to date on the recommendations. D. Police Chief and Management changing policy without Council's input. Council is the policy changing group for our Town. 1) Police stopped escorting funerals. 2) Police started charging for accident reports. E. A special police concern in our downtown section that appears to have not received needed corrective action to date. F. The inability of management to maintain a professional and businessslike manner in our Town offices and departments. 1) Soliciting petition signing during work hours by Town employees. 2) Numerous non-business calls to the other local governments during working hours. Enough to cause the other governments to call the problem to my attention. April 19,' 84~41~ / 3) Questionable law suits in def ense of a Town department head and settle- ment of same using tax dollars. 4) The need for a department head to seek outside legal counsel in dealing with another Council member and an employee work problem. 5) Apparant weakness in Town management controlling department heads and some department heads in controlling their employees. G. The inability of management to give some Council members any financial direction concerning our budget even though our new year starts in nine and one-half weeks. Other Council members appear to have inf ormation and make public statements about the budget. H. The Town's representatives on Pepper's Ferry Regional Waste Water Treatment Authority. In particular, the lack of financial astuteness to deal with complex financial arrangements and inability to keep Council fully informed. I. The lack of timely financial reports concerning the Town operations. Our financial reports run as much as three months late. ~'~ The need of some Council members to actively form or participate in citizens groups whose objectives are to oppose actions of Town Council. Respectfully, Pi(BLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE (s) Ira S . Crawford Chairman Aust had no report. REPORT OF TOWN ATTORNEY Mr. Moore advised that he had made contact with all the people on easements for Contract 5. R~PORT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. Coake advised Council that on his Administrative Report, page 3, on first item on Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority, Contact 3A should be 3~-Gravity Main Through Dublin. Twelve bids were submitted on April 12, 1983, with the low bidder Prillaman and Pace, Inc. in the amount of $371,931. Estimated construction cost was $465,000. Contract 3A, Force Main from Wurno to Dublin, the low bidder was Aaron J. Conner in the amount of $733,000. Engineer's estimate was $1,600,000. Contract 5 - Dublin Interceptor, which runs from Dublin to the Fairlawn Lagoon was from Ramey, Inc. in the amount of $2,774,155. The Engineer's estimate on this was $2,842,000. Councilperson Mitchell asked for an update on Commerce Street, with Mr. Carake advising that we wtill do not have anything from the railroad. Mr. Moore further advised that we were going to try to see that whatever we do on Peppers Ferry, if we cannot get them to reconsider. Councilman Boyd asked Mr. Coake when they were to receive the budget. Mr. Coake felt it would be ready to present at next Council Meeting. At 8:45 p.m. Councilman Aust made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Crawford, and carried. APPROVED: ~!, ~o r AT,T~ES~T~: ~.ctc..(~ ~ C Clerk of Council