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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-79s~~o Minutes of the regular. meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held February 6, 1979 at 4:00 P. M. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present:.. Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliff, presiding. Councilmen: C. E. Boyd, Jr., Robert M. Wallace, Arthur L. Meadows, James M. Neblett, Jr., Blair B.,Brockmeyer „John A. Johnston, Andrew L. Graham, Jr., William A. House Also present: H. R. Coake, Acting Town Manager Gladys R. Dalton, Clerk Alan Groseclose, Town Attorney Roger A. Williams, Treasurer Visitors: .Chas. Hite,,Roanoke Times Dave;Vascek, Southwest Times T. J. McCarthy, Jr,, Attorney for Dublin Associates William F. Randles, General Manager, Dublin Assoc. 'Gordon Dixon, Executive Director, New River Valley Planning District. Commission C. William Hickam, Jr. James Lawson - Annie Lou Chandler The invocation was given by Councilman Neblett. The minutes of the regular meeting of January 16, 1979 were approved as recorded. Mayor Ratcliff welcomed the visitors and advised this is the time and place, as advertised, for Council to hold a public PUBLIC HEARING hearing on a request frum Dublin Associates for a rate adjustment RE: DUBLIN ASSOCIATES FOR f or Cable TV. Mayor Ratcliff stated Council would hear anyone who TV RATE INCREASE opposed the proposed rate increases as advertised in the notice of a public hearing by Council. James Lawson of 203 Pine Street complained of the service he had received since the installation of Cable TV in his home for yhe CITIZEN past four months. C. William Hickam, Jr., of 21 - 6th Street, NW, COMPLAINT RE: TV SERVICE stated he felt the service from Dublin Associates had deteriorated, and that he felt Dublin Associates had not given the service as promised when the Franchise was transferred to them. William F. Randles, General Manager of Dublin Associates, re- cognized Mr. Lawson's problems, and stated these had been checked out and completed. Mr. Randles advised that the last request for an increase in rates was in 1976, and this increase was necessary for renovating old cable lines and for capital improvements. Mr. Randles also told Council that with this increase his Company will February 6, 1979 ~~ 6~ 1 be able to install satellite receiving equipment that will allow Station 17 of Atlanta to service the 2300 Dublin Associates' subscribers in this area by July 1, 1979. Councilman Meadows advised that the Ordinance Committee reviewed the request of Dublin Associates and it was the recommendation of the Committee that the Company be allowed to increase the single installation charge from $20.00 to $25.00; that the installation charge for addition- al outlets be increased from $7.50 to $10.00; and that the monthly service DUBLIN ASSOCIATES charge for single TV outlets increase from $7.00 to $8.00 per month under TV RATE INCREASE the Franchise. APPROVED, ORDINANCE Councilman Meadows moved these rate increases be approved and TO BE PR$PARED that the Town Attorney be so instructed for the purpose of preparing the proper Resolution for Council's adoption. Motion was seconded by Council- man Neblett, 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 - P1q~ James M. Neblett, Jr .- Aye Councilman House moved that the rate increase granted Dublin TV RATE Associates become effective March 1, 1979. Motion was seconded by Council- INCREASE 3-1-79 ma,n 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. Johnston - No James M. Neblett, Jr.- Aye Councilman Johnston stated his vote of "no" was because he felt that an adequate "public relations" job had not been carried out with the subscribers. Ed Aust of Jim Dandy Auto Service appeared bef ore Council and JIM DANDY requested that the "no parking"signs recently installed in front of his "NO PARKING" SIGNS Wrecker Business on East Main Street be removed. Mr. Aust stated they TOWN ENGIN ER were short of parking space and these vehicles are never left there for TO ASCERTt~ N OWNERSHIP any length of time. OF STRIP LAND ' Councilman Boyd advised that the Pollution and Sanitation Committee had received complaints about Mr. Aust parking along this A ~ strip next to his Wrecker Business, creating a hazard to the public, and this matter was discussed with the Street Committee and Chief of Police. He further stated the Town has an Ordinance which reads that s'~~2 ~ February 6, 1979 "no wrecked vehicles shall be left on the hard surface", and that the Chief of Police felt this action was necessary. Mr. Aust asked Council to have the signs removed. Mayor Ratcliff asked Town Engineer Coake to ascertain the ownership of this strip which NO PARKING SIGNS, OWNER- has been used for parking and report. STRIP, ETC. JIM DANDY, REF. Councilman Neblett moved the matter be referred to the Street TO STREET COMMITTEE Committee along with the findings of Mr. Coake. Motion was seconded by Councilman Brockmeyer, and carried. Annie Lou Chandler, representative of the Pulaski County American Association of Retired Persons, Chapter 1382, appeared bef ore Council and thanked Council for making the Senior Center a reality. Miss STREET Il~II4RKING Chandler also asked Council to please consider the safety problems SIGNS REF. TO STREET COMM. encountered at the intersection of Washington Avenue and First Street, suggesting that a traffic caution light be installed similar to the one at Fifth Street and Washington Avenue and 3rd Street and Madison Avenue. Councilman House moved that this request be ref erred to the Street Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried. Former Councilman C. William Hickam asked Council to refer - a report on Downtown Beautification to the proper committee. Mr. Hickam stated the report-had been prepared by the New River Valley CBD REPORT REF. TO Planning District Commission and presented to the Town Council in May STREET COMMITTEE of 1977. Mr. Hickam further stated that Council allocated $50,000 in its present budget for downtown improvements, and he was trying to "prod Council into action", Councilman Boyd moved that the CBD improvement report be referred to the Street Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried. Councilman Graham reported that the New River Valley Planning PHASE I SOLID District Commission had finalized Phase I of the Solid Waste Project, WASTE REPORT and Council should appoint two persons to represent the Town on this COMPLETE, APPOINT- MENT OF PERSONS Committee. Council was of the opinion that it be taken under advise- TO COMMITTEE POSTPONED ment until the next meeting of Council, and Councilman Brockmeyer so 1 i moved.- Motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried. 6 3'7 ~, a February 6, 1979 Councilman Brockmeyer stated that at the last meeting of Council he had requested that a discussion be made at this meeting of the possibility of changing the meeting time for the first monthly meeting of Council from 4:00 P. M.- to 7:00 P. M., because he felt that it would give citizens a better chance to attend Council meetings and participate in the town affairs. Councilman Brockmeyer moved that the first Tuesday Council meeting in each month be held at 7:00 P. M. CHANGE IN rather than 4:00 P. M. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and MEETING TIME the following vote was taken: OF COUNCIL Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - No William A. House - No NOT APPROVED Blair B.;Brockmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Robert M. Wallace - No Arthur L. Meadows - No John A. Johnston - No James M.Neblett,Jr. - No Councilman Brockmeyer moved that all public hearings be scheduled for 7:00 P. M. for the benefit of citizens. Motion was seconded by Councilman Boyd, and the following vote was taken: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - No William A. House - No Blair B.,Brockmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Robert- M. Wallace - No Arthur L. Meadows - No John A. Johnston - No James M.Neblett, Jr. - No Councilman Graham reported the Utilities Committee had considered the request from citizens of the Mt. Olivet Road and Robinson Tract that the Town sell them water inasmuch as their cisterns and wells PRESENT POLICY were dry. Mr. Graham stated the Committee had no recommendation other OF TOwN RE: PUR. OF WATER then the present practice be continued - that water can be purchased AT FIRE STA. TO CONTINUE from the Town at $2.00 a load and serviced at the Fire Hydrant at the Fire Department. The Town does not have the equipment for hauling water, but that persons could buy water from the Town at the Fire Hydrant at the F-ire Department. Councilman Graham advised that the Commnittee hoped to REPORT'! BE have a report for Council soon on the matter of extending water lines MADE ON EXT. W R ON PR I E LINEtin private property. PROP . Mr. Coake, Acting Town Manager, advised that the Engineer- WINDSOR ; ing Department is in the process of locating properties in the Windsor CIRCLE SEWER L E Circle or Hall's Hill area for a proposed sewer line extension; and EXTENS71 that no report could be made at this time on the Taylor Street project. REC. C~ Councilman Brockmeyer reported that the Recreation Committee REPORT MTN. Ol' met on January 25th and discussed maintenanc e at Calfee Park, such as CALFEE '1jARK A 63~!~ February 6, 1979 maintenahce of poles, etc., and a report will be made to the Council RECREATION COMM. RETORT - CETA as soon as figures are available. He reported that the possibility of & LOVING FIiGLD LIGHTS installing lights at Loving Field was also discussed. Mr. Brockmeyer advised Council that Gail Murphy's position with CETA Program will CURB & GUTTER terminate September, 1979, and this must be discussed with Council for another year. Councilman Wallace reported. the Street Committee met and considered the request from Claremont Corporation relative to WELL ST. _ curb and gutter 'on Well Street, and the Committee favored the ESTIMATE TO BE PREPARED BY project. He advised that the Engineering Department is working ENGR. DEPT. on estimates. involving the property owner's sharing in the project on the basis of fifty percent. Councilman Johnston had no report. Councilman Boyd reported that the Pollution and Sani- tation Committee" had met and discussed the problem of old tires POLLUTION & SANITATION being brought to the town's landfill. He stated that an average of RETORT - RE; TIRES AT forty-five (45) are received in a day, and it was understood that LANDFILL & DUMPSTER SURVEY other towns have stopped tak;ifug„ them. Councilman Boyd advised that Roger Williams will complete a report on the dumpsters, and a meeting of the Committee will be called with the Finance Committee to discuss this. Councilman House reported that the Personnel Committee recommends to the Council the adoption of a policy con- COUNCIL ADOPTS cerning disabled employee benefits. Mr. House stated the policy POLICY RE: DISABLED will apply to any employee who qualifies for disability retirement EMPLOYEE BENEFITS benefits under the Town's Pension Plan and who has ten (10) years service with the Town. The policy would include, under Medical Insurance Coverage, payment by the Town of premiums for not more than 12 months employee coverage, and not more than 6 months dependent coverage. For life insurance coverage, premiums would be paid by the Town for 9 months employee coverage. Councilman House moved that the Town adopt the policy of paying premiums for any employee who qualifies for disability re- tirement benefits under the current Pension Plan for a period not to exceed 12 months for employee coverage; and 6 months dependent coverage for Medical Insurance. Further, premiums will be paid by the Town not to exceed 9 months for employee coverage for Life Mr. House advised that in order to accomplish this, an Insurance. Motion was seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried February 6, 1979 on the following vote: 6 ~'~ ~ .: . 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 1 appropriation in the amount of $232.00 covering Major Medical, Life and $232.p0 Hospital Insurance premiums for totally disabled employee dependent APPROPRIATED FOR HO$P. coverage through June 30, 1979 was necessary. Councilman House moved INSURANCE that the amount of $232.00 be appropriated from General Fund Surplus to Account ~~190-211.13. Motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried on the following vote: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye William A. House - Aye Blair B. Brookmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Robert.M. Wallace - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye James M. Neblett,Jr. - Aye Councilman House reported that an appropriation of $142.56 1 to pay Virginia Unemployment Compensation Insurance as reimbursement for $142..56 claims paid for the quarter ending December 31, 1978, and due by February APPROPRIATED FOR V~CI 28, 1979, was needed. Councilman House moved that $142.56 be appropriated CLAIMS Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye William A. House - Aye Blair B.;Brockmeyer - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye I Robert;M. Wallace - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye James M. Neblett,Jr. - Aye Councilman House reported that in order to comply with the 1 $15,OOp APPROPRIjA ED FOR VSRSi Plan II from General Funa Surplus to Account No. 190-211.6 for reimbursement of claims paid for the quarter ending December 31, 1978 and due February 28, 1979. Motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried on the following vote: Actuaries' recommended contridubion for the 1978-79 fiscal year, it was necessary for Council to appropriate $15,000.00 to bring the existing Plan more in compliance with the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System. Mr. House explained that $45,000. had been appropriated in the budget, but the actual cost was $60,000. Councilman House moved that $15,000.00 be appropriated from the General Fund Surplus to cover Actuaries' recommended'.contribution for fiscal year 1978-79, to bring the existing Plan more in compliance with the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System, to Account No. 190-211.12. Motion was seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried on the following vote: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Blair B. Brookmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye William A. House - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye James M. Neblett,Jr. Aye 6A `Ut February 6, 1979 Councilman House presented a Resolution. and advised that the State of Virginia, under the Virginia Litter Control Act, provides through the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, TOWN TO JOIN Division of Litter Control, for the allocation of public funds WITH COUNTY & TOWN OF DUBLIN in the form of Grants for the purpose of enhancing local litter RE: LITTER CONTROL PROGRAM control prcg rams. The Fine Arts Center for New River Valley has accepted the responsibility jointly with the Pulaski County and RESOLUTION ADOPTED - the Town of Dublin and the Town of Pulaski in endorsing such a program. Councilman House moved that the Town of Pulaski join with the County of Pulaski and Town of Dublin in such a program. Motion was seconded by Councilman Neblett, and: the following Resolution was adopted, on the recorded vote: Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Blair B.,Brockmeyer - Aye Robert M. Wallace - Aye John A. Johnston - Aye A FC'l1T.iiTT (1N William A. House - Aye C. E.Boyd, Jr. - Aye Arthur L. Meadows - Aye James M.Neblett, Jr. - Aye WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski recognizes the existence of a litter problem within the boundaries of Pulaski County, and WHEREAS, the Virginia Litter Control Act of 1976 provides, through the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, Division of Litter Control, for the allocation of public funds in the form of Grants for the purpose of enhancing local litter control programs, and WHEREAS, .having .reviewed and considered the Regulations and the Application covering administration and use of said funds, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Pulaski, hereby. endorses and supports such a program for the County of Pulaski, and RESOLUTION Hereby expresses the intent to combine with Pulaski County and the Town of Dublin in a mutually agreed upon and Coordinated Program, contingent on approval of the Application by the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, Division of Litter Control, and contingent on receipt of funds, and Hereby authorizes the Fine Arts Center for New River Valley to plan and budget for a coordinated anti-litter program, which shall represent said Program for all localities named in this resolu- tion, and 1 1 Further authorizes the Fine Arts Center for New River Valley to apply on behalf of all of the above named localities for a Grant, and to be responsible for the administration, implementation, and completion of the Program as it is described in the attached Appli- cation Form LC-G-1, and Further accepts responsibility jointly with the Fine Arts Center for New River Valley and Pulaski County and the Town of Dublin for all phases of the Program, and Further accepts liability for its pro rata share of any funds not properly used or accounted for pursuant to the Regulations and the Application, and February 6, 1979 s~~~ ,: That said funds, when received, will be transferred immediateljt to the Fine Arts Center for New River Valley or if coordinated by the Planning District Commission, said funds will b e sent directly to the Planning District Commission by the Department. All funds will be used in .the Coordinated Program to which we give our endorsement and support. Hereby requests the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, Division of Litter Control, to consider and approve the Application and Program, said Program being in accord with Regulations governing use and expenditures of said funds. Councilman Meadows reported that the ordinance Committee had met and discussed the Cable TV rate increase request, as well as the request from Blue & White Cabs for an increase of at least 15~ across TOWN ATTY. TO PREPARE the board for each trip traueled. Mr. Meadows stated it was the RATE INCR. FOR TAXI .recommendation of the Committee that Council allow them to increase the FARE BY L0~ taxicab rates by lOC across the board, Councilman Meadows moved that Town Attorney Moore be authorized to prepare the proper Resolution carrying out this increase of 10~ across the board, to become effective March 1, 1979. Motion was seconded by Councilman House, and carried on the f ollow.ng 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 Neblett reported that at the last meeting of Council REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON POLICING OF TRAFFIC ON SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOTS i jl LETTERS FLOOD PL~, N PROGRAM the matter of policing shopping centers was referred to the Public Saf ety Committee. This was considered by the Committee and it was determined that the Police Department investigates accidents that occur in the shopping centers within the town limits when called upon to do so, but charges are not made on them since it is private property. However, the only time charges are made is when a Police Officer sees a violation himself, such as speeding, etc. The Committee felt that to police private shopping centers, the Town would have to employ more personnel and should the property owners wish to contribute to the cost of such policing, the. Town will certainly take this under consideration. The Committee felt the job the Town is doing is the best that can be done at the present. Mayor Ratcliff reported that letters are being received concern- ing the Flood Plain Program which will tie into a f easibility report made and a report will be forthcoming. 53'7.8 February 6, 1979 Acting Town Manager Coake advised a petition had been received from residents of Bluff Street area for a guardrail. Councilman House moved that Mr. Coake perpare a cost estimate, REQUEST FOR GUARDRAIL and that the request be ref erred to the Street Committee for study BLUFF ST. RESIDENTS and report. Motion was seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried. ADJOURNMENT At 6:15 P. M. Councilman Neblett moved that Council adjourn. Motion was seconded by Councilman House, and carried. APPROVED: Mayor Itatcl ATTEST: J Clerk o Council ~~ 1 1