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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-83~~~~~ June 21, 1983 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held June 21, 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., Andrew L. Graham, Ira S. Crawf ord, Alma H. Holston, Glen K. Aust Also present: Garnett Moore, Town Attorney H. R. Coake, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Rob Eure of the news media Bill Norris W. H. Macgill, Sr. J. C. Montgomery H. W. Huff, Sr. Nick Saunders 10 area citizens The invocation was given by Councilman Boyd. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 7, 1983, and minutes of the Public Hearing of June 15, 1983, were approved as recorded. Mayor Ratcliffe advised that as published in the Southwest Times on June PUBLIC HEARING 11983-84 BUDGET 9, 1983, a public hearing would be held at this time and any citizen of the Town of Pulaski may attend and will be heard regarding the 1983-84 Budget. The public hearing will provide for individual consideration of the following items; 1) Proposed general fund budget, enterprise funds budget, equipment and stores fund budget, and cemetery trust fund budget. 2) Proposed use of general Revenue Sharing Funds. Mr. Bill Norris made the following comments: ~~Attached is a f our year analysis of Revenues and e~cpenditures, actual and projected as recorded in the 1983/84 budget document, plus an analysis of the 1983/84 budget itself showing the effect of non revenue funds extraction from the budget. The four year analysis shows a cash flow decrease beginning in 1983 and contin- uing into 1984. If averaged over the four year period, it equals a negative cash flow of $200,000 plus per year. The 1983/84 budget analysis shows that by extracting the non revenue items of loan proceed and net cemetery trust funds from the revenue side of the budget, a deficit of $293,488 exists in the budget. A further review of the four year period shows that revenues have increased 176% since 1981, but expenditures have increased by 216. A logical and concise review of this data can bring only one fact to bear, that being, that immediate major expenditure reductions are needed to avoid severe June 21, 1983 ~~ 3"1 cash flow problems prior to the end of fiscal year 1983/84. Based on the attached analysis, a cut of nearly $300,000 is needed now, and a review begun to determine means of reducing an additim al $200,000 in the next fiscal year in order to offset current negative cash flows. Otherwise, tax and service fee increases of estimated 20% to 30% will be mandated in 84/85 to balance the budget. Your supportive action is requested on this matter in the name of the taxpayers of the Town of Pulaski." (Note: Mr. Norris provided the above memo plus attachments to Councilmembers, Mayor Ratcliffe and Mr. Coake on June 22, 1983. Copy attached to minutes of this meeting in file) Mr. W. H. Macgill, Sr. stated that he agreed with Mr. Norris statement except that the statement of going down the road - he hoped we were not going down the road as a Town; he hopes we will be consolidated. Mayor Ratcliffe advised that he had instructed Council this was a public hearing on the budget and we were not going to get into consolidation at this time. Mr. Macgill further stated he had been in business since 1946 and he had gone over a lot of financial statements and this was the most ridiculous budget he has ever seen. Mr. Macgill, who has served as a past councilmember, felt that in the past., budgets were real and authentic and they did not cover up stuff. He advised that there was cover-up in the 1983-84 budget. Mr. Macgill, whose business in on Commerce Street, stated he had an opportunity to see what goes on on Commerce Street and for the past two years he had taken it upon himself to follow Town vehicles carrying two or three people in the cab. They have gone all over this Town just driving, never stopping. Mr. Macgill went into detail of the routes taken by Town vehicles. Mr. Macgill stated the personnel in this Town are not being supervised properly and everytime he hears that we need more policemen, we need more help, it burns him up. The County, the State and the Town should operate their business just like private businesses, and this is not being done. Mr. Macgill further stated he had the highest respect for four metibers of the Council and the others he could not say too much for. He stated he hated to say this, but it was the truth. Ms. Sandy Pounce, Town employee, stated the gentlemen Mr. Macgill was talking about were the meter readers. and they were doing their job; they were doing cut- offs and cut-ons. The employees did realize that Mr. Macgill was following them. Ms. Pounce further stated, if Mr. Macgill would come down to the Treasurer's Office, she would be glad to show them the work they did. Mr. J. C. Montgomery stated at the electric company one man comes and reads the meter, but everytime he has seen the Town truck pass to read the water meter, there are three men in the truck. ~`~~`7 June 21, 1983 Mr. H. W. Huff, Sr. stated the only reason he was-here tonight is for the citizens of Pulaski and also about his industry. Bond Cote is the only industry in Pulaski that is expanding. Mr. Huff wanted to emphasize to Council (all of Council are good business type people or you would not be on Council) that we need a balanced budget. Legs not saddle businesses or industries next year, or the following year, with a big tax increase. If we have a deficit now, let's cut expenses or raise taxes, one of the two. Let's do not let Bond Cote or Pulaski Furniture, or the industry we hope that buys Colemans, be saddled with a tax increase next year, two or three years from now. Let's address the subject today, let us not use personal feelings, personal arguments; that is not the subject here tonight. The subject tonight is the tax payers and the budget, and the future of the Town of Pulaski. Mr. Nick Saunders questioned the estimated income from parking violations. This year we estimated $3500, next year we estimated $6000 which is a 71% increase. Mr. Coake stated the loss on the revenue we had this year was due to the work on Main Street. We based this revenue on what we had in 1981 and 1982. In 1981, amount was $5800 and in 1982 $6362. We have estimated this year at $6000. Mayor Ratcliffe stated that in 1981 and 1982, the revenue from downtown was in excess of what the budget called for this year and the explanation was by the staff that because Main Street was torn up and there was not any parking allowed there, this cut into the budget. Councilman Crawford stated this was another way of saying we are going to pick up $2000 worth of fines on Main Street this coming year. Mr .Saunders further stated that several businesses had closed in this area. Councilman Aust requested notes from Mr. Norris and he will provide Council- members with copy of his statement. Councilman Graham advised that as of April 1983, the Town has a total account- ability of various funds $1,545,629.86. We should end up this fiscal year in a very good financial position. Examples: the revenue from the General Fund is $1,894,762. We have spent $1,848,029, about $46000 less than we have taken in. Water Fund - $421,938 revenue, we spent $366,000, about $65,000-less than we have taken in. Equipment & Stores, we have taken in $100,094 and have spent $95,776, about $5000 less. Sewer Fund -we have taken in $506,545 and spent $294,185, but a lot of this is due to Peppers Ferry. Refuse Disposal to date, we have revenue of $206,000 and spent $182,783, about $27,000 less than we have taken in. Mr. Graham stated he could not follow any of Mr. Norris' figures. Councilman Graham stated that the municipal budgeting has always been done this way, it is the law and it is not like commercial and industrial budgeting. Councilman Grahm further stated we will not know what we will have to pay to Peppers Ferry until we get the bids for the next two projects in. Councilman June 21,' 83 ! `LJ41 Graham also stated he did not concur with the statements made here tonight about the financial stability of the Town and we are in good financial shape. Mr. Norris asked Councilman Graham on the $396,000 borrowed, if our financial condition is apparently as good as indicated, why is there a need to borrow or anticipate in a budget and include in revenues, a borrowing of $396,000. Mayor Ratcliffe stated the $396,000 should not be in the budget because it does not have anything to do with the budget. This is financing for Peppers Ferry, and is a projected figure that we might have to have during the next year. This $396,000 has absolutely nothing to do with the operating budget of the Town of Pulaski. Mr. Norris further asked is the $396,000 shown in the Sewer Fund Revenue on the budget as published, and if subtracting this figure from the budget, it alien- ates the $218,000 anticipated surplus. He further stated we are short on the Sewer Fund so the overall budget, as a result, is short by $296,000. Mayor Ratcliffe stated that Peppers Ferry had been kept separate and should 1 be kept separate now, and has nothing to do with the operating budget. Mayor Ratcliffe further stated the Cemetery Fund is a trust fund and this is not available to the Town. The trust fund is in the amount of $115,000 and should show in back of budget. Mr. Norris asked if the Sewer Fund and Sewer Fund expenditures, and the Cemetery Trust expenditures be minused from the budget as it is stated currently, would the budget balance. Mayor Ratcliffe advised that it would by $103,000. Mr. Moore stated that the three hundred and some thousand dollars that ~e anticipate for a ban has to be in proposed budget in order to borrow it for 12 months because it has to be paid back within the twelve month period. Councilman Johnston stated it was required under the new State Auditing and Accounting law that went into effect last July. Councilman Crawford stated he had given Council a very detailed analysis of the present budget and it has gone to a CPA and he has rendered an opinion on it. He did not feel that he needed to discuss anything further with Council as to where he came from on the budget. Councilman Crawf ord further stated he would like to submit the following statement concerning the 1983-84 operating budget for the Town of Pulaski. Further he would request that statement be made a part of the minutes of this Council Meeting. ~~This budget has a remarkable resemblance to the federal budget in that during the coming fiscal year we will spend more money than we take in from our taxpayers. Unfortunately, unlike the federal government, we do not have sprinting press to turn out money as it is needed. We cannot continue to give this community more government than can be paid for by our taxpayers. Dipping into surplus funds cannot continue forever. The day is not too faraway when we .will be forced to acknowledge this fact before the people to whom we are responsible. This budget can be balanced using only current revenues if we pare luxurious fat from our budget. Two-thirds of every dollar we receive in operating revenues ~~ /~~ June 21 , 1983 will go towards salaries and related employee benefits. This means that with the recommended pay increases of five and one-half percent our budget will contain over $2 million in wage costs alone. Our projections on expected revenues for the coming year can only be likened to a paradise that does not exist. The present and near term economy of our Town simply cannot justify the expectations of these budgeted revenues. Yet in every area of income our budget calls for increased revenues. It is somewhat amusing, but also tragic, that we expect to collect 36% more than we did last year in court fines; and 58 percent more for parking violations. It is as though we were ordering our police department to haul in honest citizens for minor violations. While our citizens are amassing more tickets for parking their cars and paying increased court costs, their local government ignores its wasteful luxuries. Does it really take four men and two trucks to put up a street sign? Does it take three men to adjust a street light? Is it necess- ary that we spend $12,300 on our mayor, town manager and council members for travel, dues, subscriptions and associated memberships? Is it really necessary that we spend over $100,000 for fuel while allowing employees to use Town owned vehicles for their personal use? Do we need to spend $22,7®0 for the Department of Building Inspection when there is little in the way of new construction to inspect? No business can exist by dipping into its savings account to pay current expenses. That practice, if continued, leads to financial disaster. I cannot, in good conscience, vote to approve this budget as it now stands. To do so would violate my responsibilities to the people who elected me to this office." Mayor Ratcliffe stated Mr. Crawf ord referred to us using surplus in order to balance the budget. There is a $10,000 surplus in the General Fund. Whatever is left at the end of the F/Y has to go back into the General Fund. This amount will vary from year to year. He further stated the $69,176 from Revenue Sharing and the Revenue Sharing is an entirely different account. The $69,000 plus $105,000 which is one-half of the Revenue Sharing we get for this coming coming year will be put together and this will give us $174,000 and our expenditures for this coming year has been budgeted for $164,000. If this is not spent, there will be another $10,000 next year. Councilman Crawford stated the amount for revenue sharing was $210,000 for this coming year. Mayor Ratcliffe advised that $105,000 was to be put in Peppers Ferry. On the $121,000 concern, there is a $62,700 advancement out of the Water Fund to go into the Operating Fund to have ready cash. Mayor Ratcliffe cannot see where there is a whole lot of error in the budget. Councilman Crawford stated that the question had to be asked, if there is any doubt at all about the budget, what is our concern for trying to control the operating cost for this coming year. That is really all they are asking for; let's reduce some of operating cost for the coming year. If we are wrong, at least we will be wrong in the right way at the end of the year. Councilman Boyd stated he felt there was a definite need for a cost reduc- tion in this particular budget as presented and the facts are that in this budget, the public must know that Coleman Furniture and Sadler Hosiery Mills are figured in the budget as if they were operating and they are not operating. He also felt the revenues were overestimated, our property tax and our sales tax. June 21 , 1983 ~ j ~~~ If someone takes over Coleman Furniture and Sadler Hosiery, we are alright; if Mt. Olivet water project is approved, and we sell it, we are alright; Our expenses are more than revenue coming in. Councilman Boyd further stated he would like to see the 52% recommended wage increase reduced to a 3% cost of living for those employees who qualify who are not over what their slotted job should be. We are paying $12,000/year just to have the National Guard Armory cleaned. We are paying over $11,000/year just to have our streets cleaned. We are paying $31,000/year just for telephone bills. Councilman Boyd felt that Coun- cil should be charged with responsiblity of a cost reduction across the board to get ourselves in line and to get ourselves straight. Councilman Johnston made the following statement: 'The Council has followed traditional and clearly acceptable methods for developing a budget for 1983-84. We have followed State guidelines and State code in recommend- ed accounting procedure. While it is certainly true that we are not looking at the best economic picture as we might, I do not feel that it is quite as bad as has been presented. I would like to say that part of the background for this situation of several members of the Town Council suddenly seeking to dismantle and take apart the 1983-84 budget should be explained. It might be helpful to under- stand that-these are the members who were very disappointed in their initial exposure to the budget when they found there was not a tax increase or rate increase called for in the Managers recommended budget. These Council members felt that an increase would help prove their constant contention that Pulaski is in bad shape, or, as one councilmember said, "I cannot see how we can get by this year without having a tax increase.~~ Such a tax increases, as I see it, would allow these people to say that it was now time to look at a new form of government since a tax increase was absolutely necessary for the Town of Pulaski for 1983-84. Well, it was not the necessary case. Suggestions are made at this hour, I see them as clearly politically motivated. The concern shown at this time comes at a time when many, both on and off the Council, seem to be forecasting the Town's doom. I feel those that are committed to a project, of~ a new form of government, are only continuing to guess at what could be the worse set of circumstances that could be imagined about the financial picture of the Town of Pulaski. The clear political motivation is that those who have developed this doom and gloom attitude have received direction from thcs a special interest groups outside of the Town government. Those Council persons who are and continue to recommend such changes to chastise and berate the Town because of costs involving employee turnover, who continue to be critical of employee training costs and the lack of long term people in our Town government are'the same peoph who want to keep salaries at a low point. They are the same people who want to fail to offer those wages that would attract good people who want to fail to offer those wages that would attract good people to our ~~~~`~ June 21, 1983 Town and. they are the same people who would fail to offer good salaries to people to allow us to keep long-term and trained people who would be most help- ful.to the Town. Why are we just now receiving all this great financial and fiscal assis- tance and responsibility of Councilmembers who have failed to show enthusiasm for one whole year, since their election. The answer seems clear, that poli- tical motivation and direction from outside Council. chambers is the evident answer. It seems to me both prudent and wise for this gmtp to both seek to keep taxes and rate increases as low as possible while at the same time providing the needed and desired services for our citizens. I am convinced this has been done and I intend to vote for this budget as it has been presented." Mr. Huff stated this was not a consolidation meeting, and a few of .them had taken their time to come ove~x and ask questions and for them to have to sit there and be insulted that part of the Town Council has taken this as a poli- tical football, he thought it was wrong. He stated they came here as citizens of Pulaski, asking questions. Councilman Graham (Vice Mayor, Chairman of the Town's Finance Committee, and Councilman) made the following statement concerning the 1983-84 Town of Pulaski Budget: "We received the budget from the Town Manager at our first meeting in May. The Mayor and Council studied it for approximately two weeks and then we had five lengthly meetings to review each item proposed in the budget. Deletions, additions, and changes to the budget were made with all Councilmen having a voice in the budget. On the last or 5th work session, it appeared to me that Council had prudently cut the budget, everyone was pleased with it and we were ready for the public hearing that we are having here tonight, June 21, 1983. 1 A few days later, one of our Councilmen asked Mayor Ratcliffe for an addi- tional work session. This was held as well as another work session. All of our revenue funds are running thousands of dollars ahead this fiscal year as of April, 1983. It is not true that the Town of Pulaski is in poor financial condition. As stated previously, the Town has $1,545,629.86 in various funds as of April, 1983. The budget for 1983-84 is a good budget. We have surplus money that we will have left over for fiscal year ending June 30, 1983, and this will be transferred to the 1983-84 fiscal year budget. This is a correct procedure; this is the law,. and I believe the ideal position would be that every fund end up as a zero balance because it indicates that Council is not trying to tax people or increase rates and build up a super surplus. This is the way it has been done in the past, and I believe it is the proper method rather than raise taxes or water rates to balance this fund. We have over $300,000 and I don't agree that we should raise taxes. The General Fund will receive $10,000, Water Fund $62,700 and Revenue Sharing $69,176. I do not approve of raising water rates when the water fund is in such good financial condition. I ask why not use some of this for thisaoming fiscal year. This procedure has been used for many years and I approve of it. Let me state again the Town of Pulaski has $1,545,629.86 in various funds as of April, 1983. We have worked hard on this budget and in my opinion it is in accordance with the proper accounting practice in forecasting the 1983-84 budget for municipal governments. All of the extra dialogue and sessions would not have been necessary if it was not politically motivated to help the consolidation issue. I urge all Town of Pulaski citizens to review. this budget and I commend it as it is a good one and I plan to vote for it." June 21 , 1983 ~~ ~~ Councilman Crawford questioned who on the Council had asked for a tax increase or a water rate increase. He had ,heard two councilmembers refer to is and he wanted to know who had asked for it. Councilman Aust felt they were referring to the night of the public hearing at the middle school in which he stated he felt we could have a tax increase, and if we had not worked the budget the way we have so far, then we would have it, Councilman Aust further stated that citizens attending this meeting had seen a circus tonight and he was ashamed to even hear some of the statements made of accusing one and accusing the other, We have a job here to get this budget out and he thought we should quit cutting throats and get it done and over with, and satisfy the people out on the street. That is what we are here for rather than ourselves or consolidation and if you are not here for that, he did not feel they should be up there. Mr, Macgill stated he would like to concur with Mr. Aust~s statement. He also asked Mr, Coake about Mr, Boyd's figure on street cleaning and asked for this cost figure. Mr. Boyd clarified his figure was for the man pushing the cart, not the street sweeper. Mr. Macgill stated the street sweeper did more harm than good, as streets look far worse after sweeping. Also, Mr. Macgill stated the traveling expenses of $17,700 was the most ridiculous thing he has ever seen on an audit. If the people sitting on Town Council, Mayor included, can't pay their expenses to go to Virginia Municipality, they don't have any business being on the Town Council. Councilperson Holston stated that she did not go along with all this doom and gloom about our Town. The Town of Pulaski is alive and well, We have worked hard on this budget and she felt we have a good solid budget. Councilperson Holston further stated she plans to vote for this budget, She also advised if we do not use this surplus water fund that we have in this water account, we would have to raise water bills. She will not vote to increase water bills when we have $345,000 surplus in our budget, This is one thing that Mr, Crawf ord is saying; pull this surplus out of the water fund and not to use this in our operating budget, and she disagrees, We have this money in the water fund and it sh ould be used for the water and the citizens of the Town. Councilman Crawford reemphasized that no one had asked for an increase in anything, and they have named here tonight at least a dozen accounts that could be controlled, that can be reduced and that is all some of them on Council are asking for. They are asking for Council to honestly make an attempt to cut whatever expenses they can cut in the budget, Councilman Boyd stated if we are using all of our surplus, we are gradually going to run out and when we run out, then everything is due and if we don't cut costs, somebody is going to have to pay the bills. You can't take out of the kitty but so long without putting anything in it. We are using surpluses to keep our (4~~`Z June 21, 1983 budget in line. Councilman Graham advised that based on current budget, we are running many thousands of dollars ahead and we are not using what we put in, in F/Y 1982-83. Mr. Norris commended Council on April ending figures, but stated on April 15, 1983, Coleman Furniture shut down and 18 million gallons of water per year ceased. Twelve months from now, there are going to be 18 million gallons less used unless a buyer is found for this plant. If you look at this in terms of budget as far as sewer account, we are talking in essence of 36 million gallon reduction in sewer. This plant and Sadler Hosiery would have an effect on the April 15, 1984, budget, when this 18 million gallons of water has not been sold. Mr. Macgill asked how much of this $375,000 surplus in water fund should be retained to amortize indebtedness. Mr. Moore advised this would be two interest payments and one principal payment. Councilman Graham advised that as of June 30, 1986, we will owe $130,000 on-the water fund. We are paying $26,000 per year and it will be paid off in 1986, at an interest rate of 32% to 3.6%. It would not be prudent that we pay this off; we could get more money in the bank and carry this like we are. Our water fund is in super shape, as well as the sewer fund. He further stated on sewer fund we are paying $44,000 per year at an interest rate of 32-3.8%. Total indebtedness is $44,000 for five years plus interest. Councilman Aust stated that several years ago Council had to borrow quite a bit of money due to running out of surplus money. Councilman Boyd made a motion that we give only a 3% cost of living raise this year to all employees that qualify; those that are above their rate would only receive percentage required to get them to that rate; there would be no merit raise. The budget now presented calls for, 52% raise. I am asking this only be a 3% raise. It is estimated it would save the taxpayers of our Town roughly $10,000 to $15,000. Councilman Boyd also moved that we tell Mr. Coake that we would like the balance of his budget reduced by 5%; this being a cost reduction move and being a savings to the taxpayers of roughly over $50,000. Total savingsto the taxpayers with this motion would be approximately $60,000. Motion seconded by Councilman Crawford. Councilman Aust asked if Councilman Boyd could make two motions; one on wages and one on 5% reduction in budget as he felt Council should talk about the wages quite a bit. Councilman Crawford stated that he did not think anyone would have any qualms if we left the wages the way they were and reduced the other operating June 21, 1983 ~~~~~ expenses. Councilman Aust stated he would go along with this. Councilman Graham made a substitute motion that any official action taken by Council be deferred until the Regular Council Meeting scheduled for June 29, 1983, seconded by Councilman Johnston, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell- Aye Ira S. Crawf ord - No Earl D. Cabaniss` - No Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - No Glen K. Aust - Aye Substiture motion made by Mr. Graham overrode original motion of Councilman Boyd. Councilman Aust made a motion we have at least one or two work sessions again on the budget bef ore June 29, 1983, seconded by Councilman Crawford, and carried. Councilman Aust made a motion to schedule budget work session for Friday, June 24, 1983, at 7:00 a.m., seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried. Councilman Graham corrected statement made on sewer bonds; $44,000 per annum, 3.5 to 3.6% interest and will be paid off in 1988 and as of 6/30/83, we owe $220,000. The water bond is $26,000 per year at 3.5 to 3.6% and we will owe $130,000 instead of $120,000 as of 6/30/83. As there were no further commentsfrom the public, Mayor Ratcliffe called for Council Committee Reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston had no report. Councilman Crawf ord requested an update on Peppers Ferry as soon as possible on what we can anticipate regarding financing this year and next year. POLLUTION AND SANITATION Chairperson Mitchell had no report. RECREATION COMMITTEE Chairman Cabaniss had no report. LAND AND BUILDING COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd stated the Planning Commission met on June 7, 1983, and the date set for Mr. Barker to have street upgraded is November 1, 1984. Mr. Barker i$ to bring the street up, like curbs,' fill up potholes, etc. for this winter. Approximately 12 citizens attending this meeting and they seemed to be in agreement with the above. Messrs. Coake and Moore were authorized to draw up the legal documents to make this a binding date. Chairman Boyd questioned the handicapped parking near the Fine Arts Center and Mr. Coake advised that the Town Engineer was working on this, and plans are to put this space in front of the Fine Arts Center. Chairman Boyd also requested Mr. Coake to "spell out" parking regulations in the newspaper as he is getting citizen complaints on parking tickets on how they ~~ ~~~ June 21, 1983 were parked. Chairman Boyd further stated that Calfee Park looks very nice. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Graham had no report. STREET COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised that he had investigated the complaint of Mr. Linville residing on Macgill Street and Burgis and his report that cars were running through his yard. Councilman Crawford stated a survey would possibly be needed. Mr. Moore. stated he believed we had a deed of easement that covered rounding of this curve several years ago. Mr. Coake is to look into this matter. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Holston had no report. Mr. Coake presented and read a Resolution regarding the Community Develop- RESOLUTION- Community Dev. Block Grant ment Block Grant. Chairperson Holston made a motion we adopt Resolution as read, seconded by Councilman Aust, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye 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 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Virginia Community Development Block Grants Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for one hundred percent (100%) direct grants to local units of government and, WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, is desirous of filing a proposal which will apply for $700,000.00 of Virginia Community Development Block Grant funds for the Cool Springs Water and Sewer System and as a local share the Town of Pulaski will provide the amount of $35,000.00 in local funds to be applied to the Town's Engineering Department Budget for the engineering and administration of the project, WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski has solicited public participation through a properly advertised public hearing and has considered this participation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PULASKI, meeting in regular session on this 21st day of June, 1983, that the Town Manager is hereby authorized to sign and submit all appropriate inf ormation necessary to constitute a proposal for Virginia Community Development Block Grant funds for said project. ADOPTED this 21st day of June, 1983. Mr. Coake advised that the Resolution honoring the Pulaski Middle School Chess Team would be presented at the July 5, 1983, Council Meeting. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Chairman Aust had no report, however, stated a merchant had approached him concerning the new products being sold at the Flea Market on Wednesdays, without being taxed. Council does feel this is a problem and Mr. Coake will review with Mr. Moore. REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. Coake advised that complaint of Ms. Carol Jones regarding Lot that had June 21 , 1983 ~~ iM~ not been mowed adjacent to her property has been reviewed with Mr. Chester Barker, owner, and Mr. Barker has advised that lot will be mowed last of June or first of July. On the ordinance covering this subject, Council has to adopt a resolution LJ requiring all property in the Town to be mowed at some time set by the ordinance. If people do not comply with this, then action can be taken against each individual property owner. The building code refers to removal of weeds and brush if a health or public safety hazard. Mr. Coake further stated we continue to work with people when we get complaints. Mayor Ratcliffe distributed sheets to Council to be evaluated regarding what the Highway Department includes as eligible for road and safety. Mr. Coake stated the Town offices would be closed Monday, July 4th. Councilman Crawford made a motion to cancel public hearing scheduled for Thursday night on consolidation, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and so carried. At 9:05 p.m., Councilman Graham made a motion to adjourn, seconded by ~i Councilman Cabaniss, and carried. APPROVED: ~/~ / ~ ')~ ( ~: ' Mayor ATTEST .GGGK, Ct 1/~G~L'Ll.~~ lerk of Council