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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-80~._~~ .f r Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held January 22, 1980 at 7:00 P. M, in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliff, presiding. Councilmen: John A. Johnston, Arthur L. Meadows, Robert M. Wallace, Andrew L. Graham, Jr ., Blair B. Brockmeyer., James M. Neblett, Jr ., William A. House, C. E. Boyd, Jr. Also present: J. E. Marshall, Town Manager Gladys R. Dalton, Clerk H. R. Coake, Assistant Town Manager Roger A. Williams, Treasurer Visitors: Rick Kerns, Dave Vascek, Barbara English Morris Burton The invocation was given by Councilman House. APPROVED MINUTES The minutes of the regular meetting of January 8, 1980 were approved. Councilman Boyd stated that had he been present at the meeting BOYD VDTES on January 8, 1980 when Council voted on the trailer application of "NO" ON TRAILER James P. Taylor, Jr., he would have voted "loo". Mayor Ratcliff stated Council would hear the public at this time. HEAR As there was no one who wished to be heard at this time, Mayor Ratcliff PUBLIC called for Committee reports. Councilman Graham reported that additional work will have to be done on the I&L Removal study, and the Town Manager and Assistant Town I&I REMOVAL Manager are in the process of securing more information. It has been COMMITTEE REPORT brought to the attention of the Committee that in order to obtain federal grant monies for this project the Town must have flood insurarnce. Mr.Graham stated such costs have been discussed as well as the cost for joining the Pepper's Ferry group, and it wppears that an increase in sewer rates will have to be made in order to get the money for the sewer line to Dublin. Town Manager Marshall stated work is still being done on the cost figures and it is hoped to have the inf ormation for Council soon. Councilman Brockmeyer had no Recreation Committee report. However, RECREATION COMMITTEE Mr. Brockmeyer asked for a special Council meeting on Wednesday, January TO MEET 23, 1980 at 5:00 P. M. Motion was seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried on the following vote: 'Q~~~1 January 22, 1980 Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye Robert.M. Wallace - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye William A. House - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Arthur L. Meadows -Aye James id.Neblett, Jr. -Aye Councilman Wallace stated he had no report for the Street NO ST . COMM. REPORT Committee, but understood-Town Manager Marshall had a report on the ~-idening of the intersection of Route 11 and Alum Springs Road Bridge. Town Manager Marshall advised that the Engineer and TOWN MGR . REPORTS RE: ALUM SPG. RD BRIDGE MAY SECURE GRANT MONIES RESOLUTION ADOPTED Assistant Town Manager have been working on sketches and have found also there is a possibility of securing grant monies for widening this intersection. Mr. Marshall presented and read a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager or his representative to file an application to obtain such funding. Councilman Wallace moved that the Resolution as presented by the Town Manager be adopted. Motion was seconded by Councilman Johnston, and carried on the following vote: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye William A. House - Aye Blair B.;Brockmeyer - Aye C. E.Boyd, Jr. - Aye. Robert„ M. Wallace - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - Aye RESOLUTION NO LAND & BLDG. REPORT. HOUSE ASKS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, is desirous of obtaining State or Federal aid in the funding of the widening of the intersection of U. S. Route 11, Federal Aid Primary Route 18, and Alum Spring Road, Federal Aid Urban Route 4607. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Tonw of Pulaski, meeting in regular session on this 22nd day of February, 1980, that the Town Manager, or his authorized, representative, is hereby authorized to file an application or any required documents to obtain such funding that may be available to the Town of Pulaski. Councilman Johnston had no report for the Land and Building Committee, but inquired relative to the status of the Library request and Beautification Committee, and was advised there is work to be done on both matters. Councilman House asked that an executive session be had at the conclusion of the regular meeting to discuss a personnel matter. Councilman Boyd advised he understood Morris Burton was present relative to the New River Valley Emergency Squad using a January 22, 1980 , Q~~ portion of Loving Field. Town Manager Marshall advised that he had talked with Morris Burton about this and he did not think there was enough space there and besides Council would be opening up a policy COMMITTEE TO STUDY REQ. FOR .for its use. Councilman Graham moved that it be referred to the USE OF LOVING FIELD BY Recreation and Land and Building Committees for a report to Council. RESCUE SQ. - Motion was seconded by Councilman Wallace, and carried on the following vote: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye William A. House - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye James M,Neblett, Jr. -Aye Councilman Boyd reported to Council regarding the sale of auto licenses, stat3hg it was felt the Town is losing money in this regard, ORDINANCE COMM. TO STUDY SALE and that a study should be made of the present ordinance covering the OF AUTO TAGS sale of auto tags. Councilman Boyd moved that the Ordinance Committee make a study and bring in a report to the Council. Motion was seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried. Councilman Boyd advised that three months ago Councilman Graham, Mayor Ratcliff, Councilman .House and he had investigated problems ex- isting in the Town Treasurer's office. Mr. Boyd stated that after talking with the Treasurer, Mr. Williams, and the employees individually, it appeared that Mr. Williams had gi~Ven raises to some employees of more BOYD REPORT than the 7% approved by Council on July i, 1979; that he had allowed ON PROBLEMS IN TREAS" some employees to be off not only because of their own illness, but OFF ICE , because of illness of family and friends as well as for persona l problems, all with full pay; and it also appeared that Mr. Williams had an excessive amount of days off with ps.y for personal reasons. Mr. Boyd stated it was obvious during these interviews that Mr. Williams was not clear at times as to whom he is directly responsible; that he is resonpnsible to Council and no one else. Mr. Boyd also stated that the investigation disclosed. that water services had been cut off for customers who had paid-their water bills, and these mistakes should not haue occurred. Councilman Wallace stated that perhaps the problems were not all Mr. Williams' fault, that a firm policy should be set for all depart- ments. Mayor Ratcliff stated the leave policy recently adopted by the Council would be of help, but some of this dates back to before the Q~563 January 22, 1980 leave policy was adopted. However, Councilman :Graham stated these were basic problems pertaining to the operation of the job and not entirely "leave" problems. Councilman Boyd stated our Manager and ents must all heed superintend to the et by the Council. guidelines s gg Councilma~il~~ams4~p r~ormance with Mr tt }}, ninlt~~ °a eacon~ ti~a~ aebe~~ rope ~ ~ ~ ~~ormandce fine following vote was taken: icomin Seconde b e ~ort g• y C. Graham Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Wri,lliam A. House - No Blair B.,Brockmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Wallace - No Arthur L. Meadows - No .John A. Johnston. - Aye James M.Neblett,Jr. - No Mayor Ratcliff .cast the tie-breaking vote that def Bated the MAYOR RATCLIFF BREAKS TIE VOTE resolution; he said some of the points taken are true; that quite an extensive investigation was made and errors were found, but he under- stood improvements have been made and that morale is 100% better in that department and he would like to see those improvements continue and for these reasons voted "No". Councilman Meadows. reported that at Council's request, Town Attorney Moore had prepared an ordinance amending the Town's ordinance which would. prohibit dogs from running at large from February 1 to March 1 of each year, to comply with the Coufity ordinance during DOG ORDINANCE this period, and that copies of the ord -i nai~c~e hsd been furnished to ADOPTED FOR MONTH OF each member of Council. The ordinance was read by Town Manager FEB . 1 to MARCH 1 EACH Marshall. Councilman Meadows moved the adoption of the ordinance YEAR TO COMPLY WITH COUNTY to become effective February 1, 1980. Motion was seconded by ORDINANCE Councilman Brockmeyer,;and carried on the following vote: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye William A. House - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye John A. Johnstone - Aye James M.Neblett, Jr. - Aye AN ORDINANCE to amend Chapter 4, Article II, Dogs, by adding thereto Section 4-19, prohibiting' dogs from running at large from February l to March 1 of each year; providing procedure for handling complaints and violations of this section. DOG ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, meeting in regular session on this 22nd day of January, 1980, that: Chapter 4, Article II,"Dogs" be, and the same is hereby amended by adding Section 4-19, prohibiting dogs from running at large from February 1 to March 1 of each year, and providing procedure and penalty for violation. ARTICLE II - Dogs Sec. 4-19. It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog to allow such dog to run at large within the Town of Pulaski from the first day of February until the first day of March of each year, and said dogs shall be confined or restricted by said owner. January 22, 1980 1. Definitions. Words or terms used herein shall mean the following: (a) "Owner" shall include any person having any right of property in a dog and any person who keeps or harbors a dog or who has it in his or her care, ~r who acts as its custodian and any person who permits a dog to remain on or about any premises occupied by him. (b) "Running at Large" for the purpose of this article, a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming, running or self- hunting off the property of its owner or custodian while such dog is not on a leash nor under the control of and accompanied by such owner or custodian. 2. Procedure.. DOG ORDINANCE Complaints or violations shall be handled in the same manner as CONTINUED any other violation of dog laws within the County of Pulaski, Virginia. 3. Penalty. 4b~~4 Violation of this ordinance shall constitute a class 4 misdemeanor. Effective date of this ordinance shall be February 1, 1980. At the request of Council Town Attorney Moore had also prepared 1 a Resolution regarding the proposal to establish a synthetic fuel plant in the New River Valley, and Town Manager Marshall read the Resolution. On motion of Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried on the following vote, the following Resolution was adopted: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Blair B.,Brockmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace. - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye SYNTHETIC FUEL RESOLUTION ADOPTED RESOLLITIDN William A. House - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye James M.Nebiett, Jr.- Aye WHEREAS, a proposal to establish a synthetic fuel plant in the New River Valley has been made and endorsed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, other agencies and municipalities within the New River Valle, and the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, desires by this Resolution to add its support and encouragement for the establishment of the synthetic fuel plant; ~~ NOW, THEREFORE, be it Resolved by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, meeting in regular session on this 22nd day of January, 1980, that it does hereby unanimously endorse and support the establishment of such a synthetic fuel plant in New River Valley, which will be not only of great and lasting benefit to the citizens of the New River Valley and the people of Southwest Virginia, but to the entire Commonwealth of Virginia and the people of the United States as a'whole, and will substantially increase the economy of the agencies of governments in the New River Valley, the populace of Southwest Virginia, and the entire Commonwealth. IT BE;'FUIITHER RESOLVED that the Town of-Pulaski, Virginia, hereby pledges its support of and cooperation with Federal, State and all Local jurisdictional officials to insure the establishment of such a facility in the New River Valley and will further render all reasonable assistance in the attainment of such goal. ~~~~~ January 22, 1980 Councilman Graham advised that John. Powers is the Town's representative on the New River Valley Planning District Commission and that Mr. Powers will be out of town for several months. It had been MRS. L.SETTLE APPOINTED suggested that Mrs. Louise Settle be appointed Alternate during Mr. ALTERNATE TO NRVPCOM. Powers' absence, and so moved. Motion was seconded by Councilman Johnston, There was some discussion whether or not the By-laws of the Commission would allow for an Alternate. The following vote. was taken: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye' William A. House - Aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye James M.Neblett,Jr. - Aye Mayor Ratcliff advised that if Council has a Bill to put bef ore GENERAL the General Assembly there is a deadline and this should be done ASSEMBLY BILLS certainly by the next regular meeting of Council.: Councilman Brockmeyer moved that the Town Manager submit by letter a request to our representatives to sponsor a Bill that would put "towns" back into law whereby towns can levy dog license fees. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Town Manager Marshall reported because of weather conditions the PEAK CR. dredging of Peak Creek channel would not be completed according to the DREDGING REPORT schedule. Mr. Marshall advised he hoped to have a report on the costs at the next meeting of Council on February 5th. Town Manager Marshall advised that the Town had been notified it MT.OLIVET did not rate high enough to receive grants for the Mount Olivet and & COOL Spgs. GRANT NOT Cool Springs Water Distribution Systems, and it was suggested that these RATED HIGH ENOUGH applications be resubmitted in October of this year. Mr. Marshall advised that the Veterans Hill Water Distribution VETERANS System will go to contract in the spring, and hope to have the pump HILL WATER DIST. TO station approved by the Health Department. With inflation what it is, it GO TO CONTRACT was hoped there would be enough grant money to complete the project. Commenting on the monthly report from Chief H. B. Childress, Councilman Wallace stated not enough information is received from the COUNCILMAN WALLACE Department on crime and assaults - he felt something is wrong as there REPORTS ON CRIME & is too much crime going on - maybe better lighting is needed in the POLICE DEPT. downtown. area, or it might take a walking policeman on the street at night. January 22, 1980 ~~56~ At 8:20 F. M. Councilman House moved that Council go into executive EXECUTIVE SESSION session to discuss a personnel matter. Motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, ar+d carried. At 9:23 P. M. Councilman Meadows moved, seconded by Councilman House that Council return. to regular session. Motion was carried. At 9:25 P. M. Mayor Ratcliff declared Council to again be in regular session and inquired if there was other business to be conducted at ADJOURNMENT this time. There being none, Councilman Brockmeyer at 9:26 P. M. moved, seconded by Councilman Meadows, that Council adjourn. Motion was carried. APPRDVID Mayor t ff u ATTEST: ~ , ~ ,; ' ~ Clerk of C ncil