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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-776112 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 20, 1977 at 7:00 P. M. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliff, presiding. Councilmen: Andrew L. Graham, Jr ., Blair B. Brockmeyer, William A. House, Bob J. Clark, Arthur L. Meadows.,. John A. Johnston, C. William Hickam, Jr., James M. Neblett, Jr. Also present: Town Manager: J. E. Marshall Clerk: Gladys R. Dalton Town Attorney: Garnett S. Moore Town Treasurer: Rober Williams Visitors: J. R. Schrader, The Southwest Times Jane Graham, WPUV Radio station E. V. Davis Mr. Largen, Blue & White Cabs The invocation was given by Councilman Johnston. The minutes of the regular meeting of December 6, 1977 were approved as corrected. Mayor Ratcliff advised Council would hold its public hearing at that time, as had been advertised in the local newspaper, for the purpose of determining the number of public vehicles, taxicabs PUBLIC HEARING ON TAXI and for hire cars for which Certificates shall be issued for the CERTIFICATES calendar year 1978 as well as to determine to whom such Certifi- 21 CERTIFICA- Cates would be issued. Mayor Ratcliff ad~iised Council would be TES ISSUED glad to hear anyone who wished to speak on the matter. E. V. Davis advised Council he would be starting his fortieth year in the taxicab business if granted a certificate to operate in 1978. Mr. Largen of Blue & White Cabs advised that Blue & White Cabs is operating seventeen (17) cabs at the present time. Town Manager Marshall advised that applications had been received for twenty-one Certificates: 17 from Blue & White Cabs; 3 from Deluxe Cabs, and one from E. V. Davis Cabs. Mr. Marshall further stated that a report from the Chief of Police indicated no complaints had been received by the Police Department concerning the services rendered by the Cab Companies. Mr. Marshall re- commended that twenty-one (2I) Certificates be issued as follows: Seventeen (17) to Blue & White Cabs; Three (3) to Deluxe Cabs, and One (1) to E. V. Davis Cabs. Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Councilman House, that the recommendat on o~ the Town Manager be 6113 December 20, 1977 accepted and that Seventeen (17) certificates be issued to Blue & White Cabs; Three (3) to Deluxe Cabs, and One (1) to E. V. Davis Cabs. The motion carried on the following vote: C. William Hickam, Jr. - aye William A. House - aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - aye Bob J. Clark - aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - aye John A. Johnston - aye James M. Neblett, Jr.-aye As there was no one else from the general public who wished to COMMITTEE REPORTS speak to Council, Mayor Ratcliff called for Committee reports. Councilman Hickam had no report. Councilman Graham reported that during the past week he had been contacted by one of the residents of Newbern Heights regarding the water WATER PRESSURE NEWBERN HGTS pressure in that area. Mr. Graham stated a meeting was scheduled and that REF . TO UTILITIES three residents met with him, the Town Engineer and two staff members, COMMITTEE at which time Town representatives more or less just listened to the complaints. Mr. Graham stated in order that the proper procedure be followed, moved that the matter be referred to the Utilities Commmittee, Town Manager and Staff Members, for a report to Council. The motion 1 was seconded by Councilman Brockmeyer, and carried. Councilman Graham stated that when the Federal Grant in the amount of X202,000 was accepted, Council realized that some means for financing the Town's share of X176,000 would have to be found. Mr. Graham stated TOWN'S SHARE OF I&I this matter has been consiaered by the Finance Committee, and asked GRANT TO BE that Chairman House report at this time on this matter. FINANCES; Councilman House stated this is only part of the overall situation. That in August of 1977, Council was aware of the necessity of borrowing FINANCE $100,000 in order to keep gaming on a cash basis, and that this loan CHAIRMAN GIVES would be paid off on December 21st. Mr. House stated that in August F INS, NCIAL REPORT it was necessaty to borrow the X100,000 in o,.der to pay off the Street Bond issue, and it now appears it will be necessary to borrow $75,000 NECESSARY TO BORROW to meet the payment of water and sewer bonds, with interest, that will ADDL. FUNDS come due in January. Mr. House stated that Council had not faced up to its repsonsiffiilities at budget making time and has been figuring too closely. Mr. House stat~edf^sn order to continue the present services to the town citizens, an increase in income would be necessary, and it was the recommendation of the Finance. Committee to increase the 6114 FINANCE CHRM. FINANCIAL REPORT CONTINUES money on the Dublin water sales, but Dublin would be going to the County system by the middle of 1978 and the Town will lose this income, but will still be unable to cut the cost of producing water in the same amount. Mr. House stated that if Council approves the increase in the water and sewer rates at this time, it was the feeling that by June _1978 other steps would have to be taken to bring in more revenue for the Town; that real estate and personal property taxes would have to be increased. Councilman House moved that Council consider and discuss DISCUSSED INCREASE IN WATER AND SEWER RATES TOWN ATTY. TO PREPARE RESOLUTION FOR INCR EAS E immediately the increase in the water rate of ,3.50 to X4.50 per month, which would automatically increase the sewer rate by X1.00. The motion was seconded by Councilman Neblett, There followed a lengthy discussion relative to the increase in water and sewer monthly rates, as well as to the legal aspects involved. Councilman House withdrew his motion, and moved that Council authorize the Town Attorney to prepare the proper legal aocuments or Resolution carrying aut the increase in water ana sewer rates, for Council's consideration at its first meeting in January of 1978. The motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried on the following vote: C. William Hickam, Jr. - aye Willi~.m A. House - aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - aye Bob J. Clark - aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - aye John A. Johnston - aye James M. Neblett,Jr.-aye Councilman House stated Council would have to look for other REAL ESTATE TAX INCREASE sources of income and the real estate and personal property tax TO BE CON- SIDERED AT will be considered at budget making time. BUDGET MAKING TIME, ALSO Councilman Graham moved that it be put on the agenda, with the TO BE ON AGENDA Finance Committee to bring in a report on an increase"in personal December cu, 1977 basic monthly water rate by fine Dollar (1.04), which would also increase the sewer rate by $1.00. He stated further that it was the recommendation of the Committee that the utility tax rate of 5%-be increased tb 10%. Councilman House also stated the Town ,has :been making some property and real estate taxes. The motion was seconded. by Councilman 1 6115 December 20, 1977 Neblett, and carried on the following vote: C. William t~ickam, Jr. - aye William A. House - aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - aye Bob J. Clark - aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - aye John A. Johnston - aye James M. ,Neblett, Jr.-aye Councilman Hickam moved that the Town Attorney be authorized to bring in a Resolution covering the increase in the Utility TOWN ATTY Tax from 5% to 10%, for Council's consideration at its next AUTHORIZEDmeeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brockmeyer, and TO PREPARE RESOLUTION arried on the following vote: FOR UTILIT~' TAX INCR. C. William Hickam, Jr. - aye William A. House - aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - aye Bob J. Clark - aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - aye John A. Johnston - aye James M. Neblett,Jr.-aye Councilman Brockmeyer had no Committee report. However, Mr. PUBLIC SAFETY Brockmeyer brought to the attention of Council that a cross-walk TO STUDY in front of the Municipal Building might be in order, and moved that FEASIBILITY OF CROSS WALK the Public Safety Committee study the feasibility of such a cross-walk AT MUNICIPAL BUILDING and report to the Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman House, and carried. Councilman Johnston had no report. Council~ean House had no report. Councilman Clark had no report. Councilman Meadows reported that the Retirement Committee, Town Manager. Marshall and Finance Chairman met recently with Mr. Campbell of Meidinger & Associates relative to the Town's Retirement Plan REPORT ON and it appears that the fact that the Town is in arrears in forwarding RETIREMENT PLAN PAYMENTS its share in the amount of $34,000 has not jeopardized the Plan. Mr. & CHANGE IN FUNDING Meadows stated it was discussed how the Town would make this payment, METHOD and also a change in the funding period from twenty to forty years was discussed. Mr. Meadows stated the possibility of going to the Virginia Supplemental System was also discussed at this meeting, and that Town Manager Marshall had just that day furnished to the Retire- ment Committee members a copy of Mr. Campbell's outline of points to be considered in reaching a decision as to whether or not to have its eligible employees covered under the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System. Mr. Meadows stated these advantages and disadvantages, especially the portability advantage, would be discussed later. 611 December 20, 1977 Councilman House stated as Chairman of the Finance Committee, that one of the things he felt should be considered, and asked Mr. ASK FOR Campbell to give us a breakdown on the past years service, was REPORT ON 20 YR. PAY the Town's Plan is now being funded on a twenty year pay plan, PLAN FOR . , RETIREMENT and he understood it is not necessary that it be, paid back that CHANGED TO 30 OR 40 fast. Mr. House stated Mr. Campbell was asked what the Town YEARS would have to pay on a 30 or 40 year service, and Mr. Campbell said why not 40? Mr. House stated that he felt it there is a subs- tantial difference in cash, we should consider this. .Councilman Meadows stated a meeting would be held shortly, but no report could be made at this time. Councilman Neblett stated that at the last meeting of Council the Citizens Committee filed its report which included ten (10) recommendations for Council's consideration. Mr. Neblett stated Town Manager Marshall has commented on several of these recommenda- tions in his Administrative•Report, and he would let Mr. Marshall TOWN MGR . comment on this. REPORTS Town Manager Marshall reported that pursuant to authority ON RECOMMENDA- granted the Town Manager in Section 20-5 of the Town Code, an tions of Amendment to the Town's Grievance procedure has been prepared as C IT IZ ENS it relates to recommendation Number IV of the Citizens Committee. COMMITTEE Town Attorney Moore read Addendum "C" to the Grievance Procedure, ON POLICE which was filed as a part of the minutes, to become effective POLICIES December 21, 1977. Town Manager Marshall reported further - Recommendation 3 of the Citizens Committee` "Elimination of Compensatory Time Policy", has been removed as a part of the personnel procedure in the Police Department; this action having been taken by the Chief of Police. Recommendation 8 "Lack of Communication", Mr. Marshall stated has been done in the past but not in a routine fashion. However, a new policy has been set whereby regular meetings with the Police Chief, Captain and Supervisory personnel, will be held. Councilman Brockmeyer moved that the Mayor participate in the meetings with the Police Chief, Captain, Lieutenant and Town Manager. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hickam. December 20, 1977 611'7 There followed a lengthy discussion in which it was brought out this was an administrative responsibility, and Mayor Ratcliff agreed and stated he had not asked for this authorization. The motion carried on the following vote: C. William Hickam, Jr. - aye William A. House - No Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - aye Bob J. Clark - No Blair B. Brockmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - No John A. Johnston - aye James M. Neblett;Jr. - aye Town Manager Marshall staaed that with reference to Recommendation 2 relative to pay for court tim e, he had requested the Police Chief to develop the dollar figures on meeting this recommendation. Mr. Marshall stated he had asked the Chief to develop the figures two ways: .Off-duty time and going off-duty from a regular shift. REPORT ON Town Manager Marshall stated that he had furnished Council with a vacation plan which he felt would carry out Recommendation 4 of the RECOMMENDATIONS Citizens Committee; however, his proposal would cover all town CONTINUES employees and not just the Police Department which he felt is the only way a revision to a vacation plan should be considered. With regard to Recommendation 5 "Personal Leave Day", Town Manager Marshall stated he felt this to be a good recommendation but in his opinion should the Council set a policy for this, it should be for all town personnel and not just one department. Mr. Marshall stated experience has shown that this can bring about more personnel problems when all employees are not considered as a whole. It was the recommendation of Councilman Clark that this matter remain on the agenda under "Pending Projects". Town Manager Marshall reported that a Petition and Notice of Application to the Council, for vacation of Gemmell Avenue North of PETITION FOR CLOSING Egst Street, had been received from Thos. J. McCarthy, Jr. Mr. GEMMELL AVE. RECD & Marshall stated there are certain legal procedures which must be FILED followed; that a proper resolution be considered at the next meeting of Council naming viewers, etc. Councilman Neblett moved that the petition and notice be filed and the proper resolution be presented at the next meeting of Council naming viewers. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clark, and carried on the following vote: 611 December 20, 1977 C. William Hickam, Jr. - aye William A. House - aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - aye Bob J. Clark - aye Blair B. Brockmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - aye .John A. Johnston - aye James M. Neblett, Jr. - aye Town Manager Marshall again brought to Council's attention the NAMING OF necessity of having an Advisory Board for programs in the Senior Citizen ADVISORY BD. RE:SENIOR Center, and advised that the Recreation Department has been asked to CITIZEN CENTER REF. develop a list of potential members, all citizens of the Town of TO NOMINATING COMMITTEE Pulaski. Mr. Marshall asked that this be referred to the Nominat- ing Committee. Councilman House so moved,_seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried. Town Manager Marshall reported that on December 15th he and Ronnie Coake met .with representatives from the County along with their Consulting Engineer-regarding the location and installation RE: REPORT ON SEWAGE of the sewa~.e flow meter that the County, by contract, has agreed FLOW METER CONTRACT to build. Mr. Marshall stated that with developments that have WITH COUNTY. OF PULASKI occurred recently such as the Twin Oaks water system completion and possible devel~ipment of some vacant land to the east of Twin Oaks subdivision, more study must be given to the location of the meter, and the County's Consultant must develop additional flow data and some line sketches in order that the meter be located in the most advantageous point for the Town as well as for the County. Town Manager Marshall requested an executive session on a TOWN MGR . REQS. EXEC. personnel matter at the close of the regular business meeting. SESSION Town Attorney Moore stated there was a legal matter which Council should consider and that was whether to join in the RE: Staunton suit regarding services to annexed areas. It was STAUNTON SUIT suggested that Town Manager Marshall seek more information as to who will be participating and advise Council at its special meeting on the 28th of December, 1977. Councilman Clark moved that Council go into executive session EXECUTIVE to discuss a personnel matter. The motion was seconded by Council- SESSION man House, and carried. Council went into executive session at 9:15 P. M. December 20, 1977 X119 At 9:40 P. M. Councilman Meadows moved, seconded by Councilman Hickam, that Council return to regular session. Motion was carried. At 9:42 P. M. Mayor Ratcliff declared the Council to again be in regular session and inquired if there was other business to come bef ore the Council. There being none, Councilman Hickam at 9:46 P. M. moved, seconded by Councilman Neblett, that Council adjourn. Motion was carried. APPROVED: ;~ Ratcliff r ~~ ATTEST: ~ ;tl Clerk of Clyduncil 1