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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-80Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held September 2, 1980 at 4:00 P. M. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. Present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe, presiding. Counc:ilmembers: Blair B. Brockmeyer, Alma H. Holston, J. M. Neblett, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, Jr., John A. Johnston, Robert M. Wallace Absent: Councilmember Pauline G. Mitchell, C. E. Boyd, Jr. (Councilmember Mitchell arrived at 4:15 P.M.) (Councilmember Boyd arrived at 5:45 P.M.) Also present: H. R. Coake, Asst. Town Manager Becky Plott, Acting Clerk of Council Garnett S. Moore, Town Attorney Roger A. Williams, Treasurer Ned B. Bane, Director of Recreation Visitors: Dave Vascek, Dee Lindsey, Doug Waters of the news media, Mike Johnson, and Charles Eversole The invocation was given by Councilmember Neblett. Councilmember Neblett moved Mrs. Becky Plott be appointed Acting PLOTT Clerk of Council in the absence of Mrs. Gladys Dalton. Seconded by APPOINTED ACTING Councilmember Brockmeyer, and so carried. CLERK Minutes of the regular meeting of August 19, 1980 and the special meeting of August 21, 1980 were approved as recorded with Councilmember Graham noting the minutes of the special meeting, August 21, 1980, reflected a correction. This correction is found on page two, paragraph MINUTES APPROVED one, and reads, "the Vice-Mayor on the part of the Town, be authorized WITH CORRECTIONS to sign a contract between the Town of Pulaski and Blue Cross and Blue Shield effective September 1, 1980 for group health and major medical coverage" instead of reading the Town Treasurer be authorized to sign the contract. This correction was a result of the polling of Council members by the Vice-Mayor. Mike Tohnson, Grand Piano, noted Council recommended in their last meeting to relocate the loading zone in front of No. L Restaurant to the location adjacent to the crosswalk on Main Street. Mr. Johnson loading noted when the delivery truck for Grand Piano was parked in the loading ZONE CAUSING PEDESTRIAN zone, pedestrian traffif in the crosswalk could not see or be seen by PROBLEMS on-coming traffic causing a safety hazard for the pedestrian. Mr. Johnston requested a change be made in the location of the loading zone in order to insure pedestrian safety. A, ~~, m September 2, 1980 Councilmember Wallace noted he had investigated the situation and found a definite hinderance to the pedestrians in the crosswalk when a truck was parked in the existing loading zone. He further noted the painted lines denoting the crosswalk area had faded considerably and needed repainting. COAKE & ENGR. Councilmember Wallace moved the crosswalk be moved back 35 ft, to DEPT. TO BRING IN provide for the safety of the pedestrian. RECOMMENDATION ON LOADING ZONE Seconded by Councilmember Brockmeyer. Councilmember Neblett recommended Mr. Coake and the Engineering Department review the situation and bring a recommendation to Town Council as to the most feasible design for the area. Mr. Wallace noted this would be an acceptable solution and with- drew his motion. Seconded by Mr. Neblett, and so carried. Councilmember Johnston, Utilities Committee Chairman, noted his UTILITIES committee will be meeting in the near future to consider the User's COMMITTEE TO MEET & CONSIDER Agreement prepared by the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment USER AGREEMENT Authority. He further noted each Council member had been furnished a copy of the document and urged each member to review the proposed agreement. Should any Councilmember have,any comments regarding this proposed agreement, Councilmember Johnston asked they advise anyone on his committee or a representative from the Town on the Authority with their input. He further added a work session with all the Council members should be held within the next week to review the document. Pauline. G. Mitchell, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, stated a diagram for the proposed four mini-f fields to be located REPORT OF on the old east-west runway of Loving Field have been completed. She MINI-FIELDS AT LOVING FIELD added the Recreation Department had not used $6,000.00 alloted to them in last year's budget and they plan to use these funds for the grading and seeding of the proposed fields. If money is left after this work is completed, the remaining funds will b e used for the construction of backstops, etc. Ned B. Bane, Director of Recreation, showed a diagram of the proposed complex noting the fields will be identical to the existing fields only on a smaller scale, and the fields will be used solely for little league play. The construction of the mini-fields will ~ CF September 2, 1980 be in four stages which are as follows: Stage one - grading and seeding; Stage two - fencing; Stage three - Dressing rooms, rest rooms; Stage four - Parking Facilities. The center quadrangle will be used for concession stands. The Recreation Department is requesting the $6,000 expenditure for the preparation of the fields which would include the seeding and grading of the playsurface. This world must be completed within the next two weeks if the fields are to be ready for use at the start of RECREATION next year's season. COMMITTEE REPORT ON Mr. Bane added the reason for the construction of the mini-fields is the Recreation Department is having problems locating enough areas for MINI-FIELDS practice use by the Little league clubs. There have been several com- AT LOVING FIELD plaints by the little league coaches that the adult league players are not allowing them to practice on the various fields in Town. These four fields will be 100% for use by the little leagues. The proposed section could be enlarged to a standard playing field for adult use at a later date. Should ARC Funds become available for the project at a later date, the monies spent by the Town will apply toward the Town's 25% share of the costs. Councilmember Neblett moved that $6,000 be appropriated for the X6,000 use of constructing four mini-fields at the Loving Field Complex for the use of the Little League players. Seconded by Councilmember Holston, and carried on the following APPROPRIATED recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Wndrew L, Graham, Jr., - No Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye MR. BANE TO Robert M, Wallace - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Absent James M Neblett, Jr. - Aye PRESENT OVERALL Councilmember Graham stated he would like Mr. Bane to compile a PLAN FOR report stating the over-all plan for the recreation complex and bring COMPLEX the report back to Council. He explained the reason he was voting no was he felt like the Council might possibly be committing themselves to a figure higher than expected and felt like he could not vote yes without the over-all plan for consideration. Councilmember Mitchell asked Mr. Bane if arrangements had been completed for the placing of a trailer for an individual at MacGill Village Park. The Trailer is to be placed in the area in order to cut down on vandalism with the Town being responsible for the connection of the lights and water. e- ; , September 2, 1980 Mr. Bane reported the arrangements for the trailer and the employee have been completed except for the electrical, water and sewer connections. Councilmember Wallace, Chairman of the Street Committee, had STREET REPORT no report. Councilmember Graham, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following recommendations from that committee. FINANCE COMM. Councilmember Graham moved that the amount of $150.00 be REPORT donated for County Pulaski Day use and is to be paid out of the $150.00 Publicity and Advertising Account No. 011-201-2. APPROPRIATED FOR COUNT PULASKI Seconded by Councilmember Neblett and carried on the following DAY CELEBRATION recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Absent James M. Neblett, Jr. -Aye Councilmember Graham moved H. R. Coake be authorized to APPROPRIATION purchase laboratory equipment for the Filter Plant in the amount of OF LAB EQUIPMENT AT FILTER PLT.$3,054.16 to be paid from the following repair funds: Account No. 184-219.5 - $500.00; Account No. 183-219.5 - $500.00; and Account No. 183-219.502 $2,054.00. Seconded by Councilmember Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Absent James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Mr. Coake noted the new equipment is to replace the outdated equipment at the filter plant with the equipment including a new fluoride water testing system and the purchase of an new auto-clave dryer to replace the one on hand which does not meet the Health Department's standards. Seconded by Councilmember Holston. QUESTIONED Councilmember Wallace questioned the need for a tire slicer at NEED OF TIRE SLICER this time. Councilmember Holston noted tires could not be permanently buried and with an inspection by the Health Department due this month, REPORT BY HOLSTON ON something needed to be done with the tires. The purchase of a tire slicer TIRE SLICER NEED would alleviate the tire problem. September 2, 1980 Councilmember Wallace requested Roger Williams to bring a report to Council as to how many tires are being received into the landfill each month in order to determine if the cost of a tire slicer would be warranted. Councilmember Johnston asked that this request be tabled until 1 the next meeting. Councilmember Graham withdrew his motion and asked that this re- quest be placed on the agenda for next council meeting. Seconded by Council- MOTION member Holston and so carried. TABLED UNTIL NEXT Councilmember Graham noted two pick-up trucks have been placed in MEETING ON TIRE this year's budget in the amount of $14,000 for the Department of Public SLICER Works. He added Mr. Early had informed the Finance Committee the Public Works Department will be able to function with the purchase of one truck for this year which is to be used by the Street Superintendent and will cost $7,713.00, APPROVAL Councilmember Graham moved the following be approved for expendi- OF TRUCK ture from previously budgeted accounts Revenue Sharing Fund Account No. EXPENDITURE 406.1 Truck Replacement - $7,713.00. Seconded by Councilmember Brockmeyer and carried on the following John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L, Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Absent James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Councilmember ,Brockmeyer stated he had received correspondence LETTER FILED WITH CLERK recorded vote: from Mrs. Linf ord R. Goad, 640 8th Street, NE, Pulaski, regarding the vacant house located at 644 8th Street, NE. The letter advised the house and lot were in very poor condition, presenting afire and health hazard. He further noted Mr. Coake and Mr. Moore were working together trying to develop a plan to aid this lady. Councilmember Holston, Chairman of the Pollution & Sanitation LANDFILL OPEN ON SATURDAYS FOR FEW HOURS ON TRIAL BASIS Committee, had no report. However, she noted the landfill will be open every other Saturday beginning this Saturday, September 6, 1980 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Industrial waste and regular trash will_not be accepted on Saturdays. The landfill will be inspected by the Health Department this month with Mr. Early expecting a satisfactory rating. 5-:, a '~ September 2, 1980 Mrs. Holston questioned Mr. Coake as to the status of the work to be done at the Oakhurst and Peppers Ferry Road intersection. H. R. Coake stated an agreement was signed today, September AGREEMENT 2, 1980, to allow the Town to grade the bank at the Oakhurst and SIGNED TO ALLOW BANK Peppers Ferry Road intersection with the work to be scheduled through GRADING AT OAKHURST AVE the Public Works Department. Councilmember Neblett, Chairman of Personnel Committee, noted the Committee hoped to be able to consider a policy manual POLICY MANUAL TO BE CONSIDERElbefore the next shheduled meeting of Town Council. Councilmember Neblett moved that there be an Executive Session on a personnel matter at the conclusion of this meeting. Seconded by EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilmember Brockmeyer, and so carried. ASKED Mr. Coake, Assistant Town Manager, reported a request had been received from George Galloway to extend water to his property located on Newbern Road. The water line would need to run under the railroad tracks over to Rt. 11. He added some preliminary work has been done GEO. GALLOWAY WATER EXT. on this request. REQ. REF . TO UTILITIES Councilmember Graham moved this request be regerred to the COMM. Utilities Committee. Seconded by Councilmember Neblett, and carried on the following recorded vote: JohnA. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell- Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Absent James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Mayor Ratcliffe advised it would be advantageous to review COMMENTS BY this request as a similar one had been received approximately one year MAYOR ON WATER REQ. OF ago from the developers of the Jessee Kennedy property so water could GEO. GALLOWAY be served to this proposed development. He further added it might be good to consider a line large enough to carry water to both these areas. Assistant Town Manager Coake noted that pre-registration for PRE-REGISTRA- the Virginia Municipal League meeting to be held in Arlington, Virginia, on TION FOR VML MEETING IN September 26th - September 30, 1980, should be completed by September ARLINGTON 12, 1980 and added he would be contacting each Council member to arrange ~i~ II L ~ III 11 ~_ J for this. September 2, 1980 Information on the designation of delegates and alternates for GRAHAM TO serve as alternate to the Virginia Municipal League meeting. Seconded by SERVE AS ALTERNATE Councilmember Neblett, and so carried. AT VML Councilmember Johnston moved that Vice-Mayor Graham be elected to [1 CONVENTION Mr. Coake noted the Planning Commission had submitted a recommenda- PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDS OFF-STREET PARKING Garnett Moore, Town Attorney, noted a public hearing should be 1 AND PUB. HEARING TO BE HELD WITH PLANN. COMMISSION TO AMEND ZONING ORD. $109,400. ST.BOND REFERENDUM PAID the meeting have been received and added an alternate should be elected at this meeting. tion concerning off-street parking requirements of Section 12-6-5 of th e Town's Zoning Ordinance. Their recommendation is Section 12-6-5 should read as follows: "For medical and dental clinics or offices for accountants, architects, lawyers, optometrists, insurance, or other prof essional offices, at least ten parking spaces shall be provided. Three additional parking spaces shall be provided for each such office or clinic having in excess of three professionals in the same office or clinic". held by the Planning Commission and Town Council either separately or jointly to consider this request. Councilmember Graham moved that a joint public hearing be scheduled between the Council and the Planning Commission for the first scheduled meeting in October, 1980 with the Ordinance Committee reviewing this request before the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Neblett, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Absent Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Blair B. Brookmeyer - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Mr. Coake noted this year's payment on the Street Bond Referendum has been paid in the am ount of $109,400. Councilmember Mitchell noted she has received complaints from the residents in the area of Valley Road and Second Street, noting the PARKING ON parking zone on the corner is not being properly observed and asked Mr. VALLEY RD. & SECOND ST.Coake to check into this matter with the proper people. REF . TO COAKE Mayor Ratcliffe noted Mr. Blair B. Brookmeyer will be leaving the Council as a member effective September 3, 1980 and paid tribute to RESOLUTION COUNCILMAN Councilmember Brookmeyer as being a good councilman, a hard worker BROCKMEYER ADOPTED putting all his efforts into being a member of this body. Mayor Ratcliffe, BY COUNCIL September 2, 1980 on behalf of himself and the Council, wished Councilmember Brockmeyer luck in his new journey. Garnett Moore, Town Attorney, read a resolution prepared in honor of Councilmember Brockmeyer recognizing his outstanding con- tributions to Town government and the citizens of Pulaski during his six ye term as a councilman, Councilmember Neblett moved tha adoption of the resolution as read be accepted. Seconded by Councilmember Johnston, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Abstained Robert M. Wallace - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Absent James M. Neblett, Jr. -Aye Raymond F. Ratcliffe - Aye RESOLUTION Councilmember Brockmeyer thabked each member for their support noting it had been a pleasure to serve with each member the past sits years. BLAIR B. BROCKMEYER R ESOLUT IO N On the 5th day of August, 1980, Blair Brockme~zer tendered his resignation to the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, to become effective on the 3rd day of September 1980. Council relunctantly accepted Blair's voluntary retirement submitted only after he had given full and sincere evaluation to it, and more particularly his proposed move from Manager of local Radio Station WPW to a station in Maryland which offered a broad choice of endeavors for unlimited advancement in his chosen field of radio communication and manage- ment. Blair Brockmeyer was elected to Council in 1974, and was seated,on September 1st of that year, as not only Council's joungest member, but the youngest councilman ever elected to a seat on the Pulaski Council. Blair came to Council with little governmental experience, but from a family devoted to public service and government, and with a wealth of understanding of the desires of the citizens of the Town ~- and their needs to have these desires heard by Council through a Councilman. With his understanding, propelled by a tremendous drive to serve well his constituents, and with his youthful abundant energies, :. and aggressiveness, he went about his daily activities of employment contacting numbers of citizens, always taking time from his schedule to listen to their express wishes, suggestions and complaints. Not only did he make contacts daily in a routine manner, but he made himself readily available at meetings of clubs and citizens groups. Wishes, suggestions and complaints were not dismissed and forgotten, but Blair Brockmeyer brought these to the attention of Town Officials and to Council. He did not always get immediately satisfying results, but never failed to keep reminding Council of their existence. Blair Brockmeyer not only dedicated a great part of his time to his duties as a Town Councilman, but actively participated in many other civic and community projects and drives, numbers of which have been mentioned in recent press releases. 1 !~ ;? „ _i September 2, 1980 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, meeting in regular session on this 2nd day of September, 1980, that: 1. Council record as an official act this Resolution establishing its deepest appreciation to Blair Brookmeyer for his six years of unselfish, dedicated service to the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, and for his contribution to the deliberations of Council and its committees. Space does not permit the recording here of all the accomplishments of Blair Brookmeyer in the past six years, but the records of Council during that period speak fully and more eloquently of the untiring efforts of a truly public servant. RESOLUTION 2. Blair Brookmeyer will also be remembered for his courteous and gentlemanly manner throughout his tenure of office and especially CONTINUED during debates and discussions at times when controversial issues were under consideration. His affable manner and ways never left him and were ever present even when he was in disagreement with other members of Council over delicate issues. 3. Council regrets the voluntary retirement of Blair Brookmeyer and the loss of his service in the forthcoming years, but, trusts that his decision to move from Pulaski to broader fields in his chosen profession will bring to him personal satisfaction as well as other rewards and distinction, and that he will be happy in his choice, and that he will not forget-his home port, but will return often to Pulaski where its citizens will always admire and respect him for his public service. 4. It is directed that a copy of this Resolution be recorded in the permanent minutes of this meeting and that the original thereof be properly inscribed, framed and delivered to Blair Brookmeyer. Mayor Ratcliffe presented Councilmember Brookmeyer with an engraved plaque on behalf of the Council. At 5:35 P. M. Councilmember Neblett moved that Council go into EXECUTIVE Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Seconded by Council- SESSION member Johnston, and so carried. (Councilman Boyd arrived at 5:40 P. M.) At 6:00 P. M. Councilmember Graham moved that Council return to REGULAR regular session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Johnston, and so SESSION carried. At 6:01 P. M. Mayor Ratcliffe declared Council to again be in regular session. Councilmember Johnston noted the Town Council had received several requests from residents requesting their appointment to the Council seat ARTHUR L, to be vacated by Blair B. Brookmeyer. After much consideration of those MEADOWS., APPOINTED TO applications, Councilmember Johnston moved that Mr. A. L. "Arthur" Meadows FILL VACANCY ON COUNCIL be appointed to fill the vacated seat of Blair B. Brookmeyer. Seconded _ ~'- - September 2, 1980 by Councilmember Neblett, and carried on the following recorded vote: JOhn A. Johnston - Aye Afndrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye Councilmember Johnston moved that the remaining applications be filed and each applicant expressing the appreciation of the Council for their interest. Seconded by Councilmember Neblett, and so carried. There being no further business, at 6:09 P. M. Councilmember ADJOURNMENT Graham moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Councilmember Wallace, acid carried. APPROVED: ,.---'7 ~~' ,. ~ ., l ~ ~ yor Ratc '.iffe;;~' ATTEST: /S/ BECKY PLOTT. Acting Clerk of the Council 1